KINETIC CHAIN TRAINING APPARATUS

Abstract

A training apparatus includes a panel depicting a human form image. The human form image defines an area in which a plurality of anchors are disposed. The anchors are adapted to connect to the proximal end of a resistance line, the distal end each resistance line is attached to a user training a specific movement. Each anchor is located on the human form image at a predetermined location and depicts a body position to be assumed by the user when beginning training. An alternative embodiment apparatus includes a panel with a patterned distribution of anchors. The apparatus includes a sheet adapted to overlay and be held by the panel. The anchors are accessible through the sheet. The sheet contains indication for a user of a particular height dimension of groupings of anchors to which to attach resistance lines to train a particular sport-specific movement.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE OR COMPUTER PROGRAM ON COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to athletic training devices designed to impart resistance to sport-specific movements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Athletic movements like throwing and kicking, though ostensibly involving only a major extremity, actually involve a complex interaction of a multitude of muscular and skeletal components across the entirety of the body. These muscular and skeletal components work simultaneously and serially to produce a given body movement. For example, during the action of throwing a baseball, the body will go through a large number of movements that typically begins with the thrower moving the throwing arm backwards relative to the target while simultaneously pulling the opposite leg up and back. From this position, the raised opposite leg is thrust toward the target so as to pull the body toward the target. At the same time, the grounded leg drives the body in the same direction. As the body is pulled and driven toward the target, it pulls the throwing arm along with it. The throwing arm is moved at high velocity so that the hand on the arm is, in turn, pulled and snapped like a whip by the throwing arm. The velocity imparted to the hand is transferred to the ball and the ball released while the hand is in motion. The interaction of the muscular and skeletal components during such a process is called the kinetic chain.

Over the past few decades, exercise devices have appeared that are designed to train and strengthen the components of the body used during the sport-specific, complicated movements like throwing or kicking. These devices use oppositional resistance against the body itself or the separate body parts to train the body at speeds akin to those involved in the particular sport-specific movement. For example, several such devices appear in United States Published Patent Application No. 5080300118 (“Wehrell”). These prior art devices, apply one or more lateral resistive loads to participants performing complex motions at low or high speeds. The intent is to condition the body to eventually perform these complex movements at competition speed by applying low-level resistance.

With the prior art device, resistive bands or cables are spooled in mechanical assemblies. The bands or cables emanate from the mechanical assemblies and are fed through pulley assemblies that can be located at various vertical or horizontal positions. The ends of the bands or cables include attachment means to allow attachment of the bands or cables to body parts or a harness. For example, as shown in Wehrell FIG. 36, for a person engaged in training a throwing motion, the device will provide for resistive loads to be applied to the wrist, waist and ankles.

Though the prior art devices are highly useful in training the components of the kinetic chain, one deficit of the prior art devices is their complexity. Of note, the devices tend to be complicated devices having the bands or cables (“resistance lines”) emanating from mechanical assemblies and fed through independently positionable pulley assemblies. The resistance lines project from these pulley assemblies on the main structure of the device and attach either directly to a body part on the user or to a garment worn by the user. To properly employ the device, the person setting up the device (which could be the athlete user or a trainer training the athlete) must select resistance lines of the proper length and resistance to attach to the several body parts or the garment.

In addition to selecting the proper lengths and resistances for the resistance lines, the person adjusting the device will need to select the proper origin point for the resistance lines. For example, in the Wehrell device the positioned pulley assemblies can be slidably moved along rails or positioned on a peg board surface and locked into place. Once locked, the positioned pulley assemblies represent an effective origin point for the cable or band leading to the body part of the user.

One deficit with the prior art device is that it offers the user a daunting number of options of where to position the origin points. However, it has been shown that to properly train the body parts involved in a kinetic chain movement, the resistive forces applied to the select body parts should be located at a specific range of locations so that involved muscles receive optimal loading and involved ligaments and tendons are not dangerously torqued or stressed by application of misdirected loading. For example, in the case of a pitching movement, if the load applied to the forearm on the throwing arm emanates from too high or low of an origin point, the elbow and wrist joints can be improperly leveraged, which can result in counter-productive injury to the user. Similarly, another deficit of the prior art device is that it does not cue the user on how to perform a particular exercise. Of particular usefulness to the user is an indication of the body position to assume when initiating resistance training for a sport-specific movement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention addresses the deficits of the prior art device by providing for a kinetic chain training apparatus and system that provide for the application of resistive loads to a plurality of body parts of a user involved in a particular sports movement, such as throwing a ball, hitting a baseball or kicking a ball, based upon the user's individual body dimensions. In contrast to the prior art, the apparatus and system provides indication to the user of the optimal anchor points for the bands providing the resistive loading based upon the user's height dimensions. The present invention provides this indication through a variety of embodiments. By virtue of this user instruction the present invention apparatus and system provides optimally positioned resistance loading to the anatomy of a user engaged in a sport-specific bodily movement.

Each embodiment of the present invention apparatus or system has in common certain features. In this respect, a present invention apparatus includes a panel. The panel has a front surface. A plurality of anchors are disposed across the front surface of the panel. The apparatus further includes a plurality of elastic resistance lines. Each elastic resistance line has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of each elastic resistance line includes a distal end connector that allows the resistance line to removably connect to one or more locations (body parts) on the user's body. Preferably the body-part connector at the distal end of each elastic resistance line is a sizeable cinching mechanism (i.e., a loop, belt or cuff) that may be cinched to the limbs or trunk of user body. Alternatively, the resistance line may include a mechanical fastener, such as a carabiner or clip, that can removably attach to a wearable cuff, bracelet, belt or harness worn by the user.

The proximal end of each elastic resistance line includes an anchor connector that can removably connect to one or more of the plurality of anchors. Each anchor is adapted (mechanically shaped) to receive (connect to) the proximal end of an elastic resistance line. Thus, the shape and mechanical function of each anchor will depend upon the type of anchor connector desired for the proximal end of the resistance line which will attach to it. A variety of differing end treatments for a resistance line may be used.

In a first simple embodiment of the invention, a kinetic chain training apparatus includes a panel as described above and the plurality of elastic resistance lines. The panel includes one or more mechanical fastener elements that allow the panel to be removably secured, directly or indirectly to a wall. In this embodiment, the front surface of the panel depicts the image, silhouette or outline of a human figure (“human form image”). The human form image depicts a body position to be assumed by the user when beginning to train the sport-specific movement. Each anchor on the front surface of the panel is located at a predetermined location within the human form image on the panel. The panel is intended for use by a user within a particular height range for training a particular sport-specific movement. For each resistance line that may be connected to the user's body, the human form image on the front surface provides graphic indication as to which anchor should receive that resistance line. The predetermined location of each anchor represents an optimal attachment point for a resistance line being used by a user of a certain height range that is training the sport-specific body movement. Hence, each anchor on the panel indicates an attachment point on the panel at which the proximal end of a resistance line should connect while the user is engaged in the sport-specific movement. Further, each anchor on the human form image indicates to the user a location on the user's body at which the distal end of the same resistance line should connect.

The first embodiment apparatus may be part of a first embodiment system that includes a set of panels. Each panel in the set has anchors located on the panel to train a particular sport-specific movement and is intended for use by a user having a height that falls in a different height range. Each panel includes a plurality of anchors located at predetermined locations. However, the locations of all of the anchors on one panel do not match the locations of all of the anchors of another panel in the set. More preferably, because each panel is designed for use by a user having a height falling within a certain height range, each panel of the plurality of panels has depicted upon it a different sized human form.

An alternative embodiment of the inventive apparatus includes a panel as described above and the elastic resistance lines. In addition, the apparatus includes a movable frame. The frame includes mechanical fasteners that removably secure the panel so that when the panel is attached to the frame and employed during exercise it does not move. This alternative embodiment apparatus can also be part of a system that includes a plurality of panels as is described above. Each panel is intended to be used by a user training a sport-specific movement and who is of a height falling within a specific height range. Each set of panels will include panels depicting human form images of different sizes, with each size image intended for use by users of a specific height range.

In a another embodiment of the invention, a kinetic chain training apparatus comprises a plurality of elastic resistance lines as described above. The apparatus also includes a panel. The panel can be secured to a wall or frame. The panel has a front surface. A plurality of anchors are disposed in a pattern across the front surface of the panel. The apparatus further includes a sheet adapted to overlay the front surface of the panel. The sheet removably secures to the panel while the sheet is in the overlaid position. While the sheet is in the overlaid position it allows access to predetermined groupings of anchors among the plurality of anchors on the panel through the sheet. Thus, users can access each of the groupings of anchors to connect the anchors in a grouping to a resistance line. When the sheet is in the overlaid position it provides indication for each of the resistance lines attached to the user of the grouping of anchors to which the resistance line should connect while the user is engaged in the particularized body movement. The indication can be textual or graphic. This alternative embodiment can be part of a system that includes a plurality of the described sheets. Each sheet is intended to be used by a user training a sport-specific movement and who is of a height falling within a specific height range. In a preferred embodiment, the system can include sets of sheets, with each set depicting a position identifiable with a different sport-specific movement. Each set of sheets will include sheets depicting human form images of different sizes, with each size image intended for use by users of a specific height range.

As noted, the panel or sheet of the present invention training device is adapted to display indication of the respective resistance line anchors that should receive the resistance lines that apply resistive force to the user's body engaged in the particularized training movement. In this way the user of the device can safely and optimally apply resistive loads to the body parts involved in the sports specific movement.

In the various embodiments, the resistance lines may be applied to the user via a harness that receives one or more resistance lines, by attaching the resistance lines separately to each involved body part or using a combination of a harness and separate resistance lines. The harness includes at least one resistance line receiver to which the distal end connector at the distal end of a resistance line may attach. These and many other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains from a review of the claims, the drawings and the detailed description.

The present invention is particularly useful for training sport-specific punching and kicking movements such as are used in boxing, karate, thai boxing, tae kwan do and mixed martial arts. It is also particularly useful for training throwing movements such as pitching or football throwing movements. The apparatus is also useful for training the bat-swinging movement of baseball and the ball-kicking motions as are employed in soccer and American football.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of an exemplary panel of an embodiment of a kinetic chain training apparatus and system of the present invention useful for training a throwing movement. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an embodiment apparatus that includes the apparatus of FIG. 1A being employed by a user.

FIGS. 2A to 2C illustrate a variety of end treatments for the proximal end of elastic resistance lines along with complementary embodiment anchors on the panel of the present invention apparatus.

FIG. 3A illustrates the distal end of an embodiment resistance line with a permanently attached cinching mechanism that is secured to a lower limb. The detail image shows the cinching mechanism in an open state. FIG. 3B illustrates embodiment resistance lines attached to a user, the detail images depicting a variety of end treatments for embodiment resistance lines in which the distal end includes a connector that may removably connect to a cinching mechanism worn by the user.

FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment mounting method for removably mounting the panel to a wall or frame.

FIG. 5 shows an inventive system comprising a plurality of panels such as the one shown in FIG. 1 for use in providing resistance training for a sport-specific movement to users of differing height dimensions.

FIG. 6A shows an alternate embodiment apparatus that includes a panel, a frame adapted to secure the panel and a plurality of elastic resistance lines. FIGS. 6B and 6C show additional views of the exemplary embodiment frame for use with the alternate embodiment apparatus shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 shows an inventive system comprising a frame, a plurality of resistance lines and plurality of panels such as the one shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment apparatus that includes a panel with a patterned distribution of female anchors, overlying sheet and a plurality of elastic resistance lines.

FIG. 9 shows a more preferable embodiment sheet depicting a human form image for overlaying the panel of the apparatus of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows an inventive system comprising a panel, a plurality of resistance lines and plurality of sheets such as are discussed with reference to FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11A-11D shows panel or sheet images that depict human form images in body positions for striking, throwing, bat-swinging and ball-kicking.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary harness wearable by the user and which the discussed apparatuses or systems may comprise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to a kinetic chain training apparatus and system for providing resistive force to a user. The training apparatus and system is designed to provide indication to the user or the trainer training the user of the location of optimal resistive loading to the anatomy of the user engaged in a sport-specific bodily movement.

Each embodiment of the present invention apparatus or system has in common certain features. Embodiments of these common features are depicted FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A to 2C and 3A to 3B. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a present invention apparatus 1 includes panel 2. Panel 2 has front surface 3. Panel 2 includes a plurality of anchors 4 disposed across front surface 3 at predetermined positions. Panel 2 may be constructed of thick plywood or other robust material sufficient to accept tension from resistance lines 5 that can attach to anchors 4 on panel 2. Apparatus 1 further includes a plurality of elastic resistance lines 5.

The number of resistance lines 5 used with the apparatus or system will depend upon the sport-specific movement being trained. For example, when configured to train a pitching motion, the apparatus might employ four resistance lines: one for securing to the forearm of the throwing arm of the user; one for securing to the upper portion of the throwing arm; one for securing to the leg opposite that of the throwing arm; and one for securing to the thigh of the planted leg. A user training a soccer or field goal kicking motion might train with resistance lines secured to both lower extremities and the trunk or upper part of the user's body. A martial artist might train with resistance lines secured to the upper trunk, lower trunk and each limb. In other embodiments the resistance lines may be more advantageously connected to the user by way of a harness. Each of the plurality of resistance lines could have the same length or elastic resistance as the other resistance lines. Likely, however, for any given movement being trained, the lengths and resistances of the resistance lines will vary among the plurality of lines. Particularly when included as part of a system, the plurality of resistance lines will include a sub-grouping of resistance lines all having different lengths and a sub-grouping of resistance lines all having different resistances. The sub-groups may overlap in their constituency or may comprise distinct resistance lines.

Each elastic resistance line 5 has a proximal end 6 and a distal end 7. Preferred embodiments of end treatments for resistance lines 5 are shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C and FIGS. 3A to 3B. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A and 3B, distal end 7 of each elastic resistance line 5 is adapted to removably connect to one or more locations on the user's body. In a particular embodiment of this adaptation shown in FIG. 3A, distal end 7 includes a permanently attached cinching mechanism (ankle cuff) 8 that removably connects to one or more locations 9 on the user's body 10. As is discussed below and shown in FIG. 3B, distal end 7 of resistance line 5 may employ a mechanical connector that can removably attach to a cinching mechanism 8 worn by the user. An exemplary cinching mechanism 8 could be a hook and loop (Velcro) closable cuff as is shown in FIG. 3a. Other types of cinching mechanisms such as a belt or sizeable loop could be used. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, cinching mechanism 8 can be permanently affixed to resistance line 5 and can directly embrace the trunk 12 or limbs 13 of the user. Alternatively in other embodiments, as are shown in FIG. 3B, distal end 7 is adapted to indirectly connect to one or more locations of the user's body. In this embodiment, distal end 7 includes a distal end connector 14 that can removably connect to a resistance line receiver 20 (for example, a ring or loop) on stand-alone cinching mechanism 8 or on harness 60. Detail images D, E and F in FIG. 3B show close-up images of how a connector 14 could indirectly connect to a cinching mechanism. An embodiment harness 60 is shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 3B, distal end connector 14 can be any type of known removable mechanical connector, including but not limited to such known connectors as a carabiner 14a (detail image D) or snap hook 14b (detail images E and F) that can attach to receiver 20.

Proximal end 6 of each elastic resistance line 5 is adapted for complementary attachment to one or more anchors 4 on panel 2. Hence, proximal end 6 is adapted to removably connect in mechanical fashion to one or more of the plurality of anchors 4. Likewise, each anchor 4 is shaped to receive (connect to) proximal end 6 of an elastic resistance line 5. Thus, the shape and mechanical function of each anchor 4 will depend upon the type of anchor connector 8 desired for proximal end 6 of the resistance line 5 which will attach to it. As shown in the figures, a variety of differing end treatments for a resistance line 5 may be used.

For example, in a simple arrangement in which ribbon-like elastic bands are used, proximal end 6 of resistance line 5 can be left untreated so that it may be tied to anchor 4 via a knot 16. In such case, as is shown in FIG. 2A, a preferred anchor 4 could be an eye screw (a/k/a eye hook) 34. Instead of an eye screw, a mountable D-ring hanger may be used. Preferably, as is shown in FIG. 2B, when projecting anchors like eye screws or D-rings are used, the proximal end 6 of a resistance line 5 may include a mechanical anchor connector 19 such as, but not limited to the types of devices used for distal end connector 14 described above. Anchors 4 may be inset in panel 2 such that panel 2 has a more planar finish. This more preferred embodiment anchor 4 is shown in FIG. 2C. As shown in FIG. 2C, anchor 4 may be a female receptacle (“hole”) that receives complementary male anchor connector 19 on the proximal end 6 of the resistance line 5. As shown in FIG. 2C, a preferred complementary embodiment male anchor connector 19 is a Kwik-Lok® lifting pin manufactured by Jergens, Inc. that is frictionally received by a female anchor 4 that comprises Kwik-Lok® pin receptacle that screws into panel 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, these figures depict a simplistic embodiment of kinetic chain training apparatus 1 for providing resistive force to a user's body while the user is engaged in a sport-specific movement. Apparatus 1 comprises panel 2 that has front surface 3 and a plurality of resistance lines 5 as is discussed above. Panel 2 is adapted to be removably secured to wall 26. In this respect, apparatus 1 includes one or more complementary mechanical fastener elements 25, 27, 28 and 29 that work together to allow panel 2 to be removably secured, directly or indirectly, to a wall 26. As used herein the phrase “removably secured” means to securely fix in a manner that allows for non-destructive detachment. Any type of known mechanical attachment mechanism may be used to adapt panel 2 to be removably secured to a wall 26. In the depicted embodiment, the complementary mechanical attachment mechanisms include: including holes 27 on panel 2, which holes 27 would be received by wall-mounted threaded posts 28 and fixed into place with washers 28 and nuts 29. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, back surface 30 of panel 2 could include square bend screw hooks 31 with downward depending elements 32. In this arrangement, panel 2 would be hung onto wall 26, simply by dropping downward depending elements 32 into the “eyes” 33 of eye hooks 34. These examples are not meant to be limiting as to the type of wall-mounting adaptations or mechanical fastener elements 25 that apparatus 1 may include.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, front surface 3 of panel 2 depicts a human form image 35. Human form image 35 may be depicted by way of any known surface imaging technique such as painting, etching, carving or adhesive image (i.e., “sticker”). Human form image 35 defines an area 36 on panel 2 in which a plurality of anchors 4 are disposed. Each anchor 4 is located within human form image 35, and hence on panel 2, at a predetermined location. As used herein in this application, the word “predetermined” means determining the locations (relative to the “x” or “y” coordinates of a panel or sheet) of an anchor (or groupings of anchor) without reference to the height dimensions of a specific individual user that may eventually use the apparatus and in advance of the decision being made by the user or person training the user to utilize the apparatus to train that user. The predetermined location represents an optimal attachment for a particular resistance line being used by a user having a height that falls within a certain range and that is training a sport-specific movement.

By employing a graphic human image, the predetermined location of each anchor 4 within human form image 35 graphically identifies not only a location on panel 2 at which the proximal end 6 of a resistance line 5 should connect while the user is engaged in the sport-specific movement, but also a location on the user's body at which distal end 7 of the same resistance line 5 should connect.

Additionally, human form image 35 on panel 2 also depicts a body position to be assumed by the user to begin using the apparatus to train the sport-specific movement. By virtue of this graphic instruction, the user knows for each resistance line: a) where on his or her body to secure the resistance line; b) where on the panel to secure that same resistance line; and c) the position from which to begin the sport-specific resistance training. In the example apparatus of FIGS. 1A and 1B the sheet displays a human form image 35 of a pitcher in a “wind-up” position and denotes which anchors 4 should receive resistance lines 5 to properly train the sport-specific movement.

As shown in FIG. 5, apparatus 1 of the described first embodiment may be part of a system 40 that includes a set (plurality) 41 of panels 2 designed to train a particular sport-specific movement. Each panel 2 of the set 41 of panels has depicted upon it a different sized human form image 35 and is designed for use by a user having a height falling within a certain height range. In this respect, each panel will have one or more anchors that differ in position from the position of the corresponding anchors on any other panel 2 in set 41.

The inventive apparatus described above may be modified as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C. This modified apparatus 101 includes panel 102, frame 45 and a plurality of resistance lines 5. The panel and frame are adapted to complementarily engage each other such that the panel may be removably secured to the frame. Hence, in this embodiment, apparatus 101 includes one or more fastener elements that allows panel 102 to be removably secured, directly or indirectly to a frame 45. Frame 45 is preferably portable such that it can be moved and deployed one or two persons. The same mechanical fastener adaptations (e.g., threaded post 25, hole 27, washer 28 and nut 29 or the fastener elements shown in FIG. 4) such as are described above with respect to the first embodiment being secured to a wall may be used to removably secure panel 102 to frame 45. In the depicted embodiment, frame 45 includes gated sides 48 and swing-down wheels 47 for portability. Such portability, allows the athlete to utilize resistance training in “field situations.” For example, a pitcher wishing to engage in resistance training may desire to train using a regulation pitching mound. In such case, movable frame 45 can be rolled and placed behind a regulation pitching mound.

As shown in FIG. 7, apparatus 101 of the described second embodiment apparatus described in reference to FIGS. 6A-6C may be part of a system 140 that includes the set 41 of panels 102 shown in FIG. 5. As in the case of the first embodiment system shown in FIG. 5, each panel 102 of the plurality of panels has depicted upon it a different sized human form image 35 and is designed for use by a user having a height falling within a certain height range. In this respect, each panel 102 will have one or more anchors that differ in position from the position of the anchors on any other panel in the plurality.

A third embodiment kinetic chain training apparatus 201 and its components are shown in FIGS. 8-10. As shown in these figures, this third embodiment apparatus 201 comprises a panel 202 similar to the one discussed in reference to FIG. 1 along with the plurality of elastic resistance lines discussed above. In contrast to panel 2, panel 202 need not have any human form image depicted upon it. Additionally, panel 202 has a patterned distribution of anchors 4 across its front surface 3. As used herein the word “pattern” or “patterned” means that the anchors are arranged in recognizable geometric formations, including but not limited to such patterns as horizontal, vertical or diagonal rows or columns or in concentric circles. Panel 202 is preferably adapted as is described above for mounting on a wall, a frame or a wall and frame. As shown in FIG. 8, the third embodiment apparatus 201 includes sheet 50 adapted to overlay and removably attach to front surface 3 of panel 202. In a simple arrangement, sheet 50 includes grommetted mounting holes 57 that can be received by square bend screw hook 31 with upwardly depending element 58. Sheet 50 includes anchor access holes 56. Anchor access holes 56 allow access to each anchor in groupings 51 anchors 4 through sheet 50, when sheet 50 is in the overlaid position on panel 202. Through this access, each anchor 4 in a grouping 51 can connect to a resistance line 5 through sheet 50. For the embodiment apparatus that includes sheet 50 it is preferable to use the complementary female anchor 4 and male connector 19 complementary connectors of FIG. 2C to reduce the number of needed holes 56 in sheet 50 to access anchor groupings 51. If projecting anchors 4 are used such as are shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, then for sheet 50 to properly overlay panel 202 in a flat arrangement, then sheet 50 will need to include a pattern of holes 56 to match the pattern of anchors 4 on panel 202. If female anchors are used, then sheet 50 need only include a sufficient number of holes 56 to access the anchors in the predetermined groupings 51 of anchors 4 needed by a user of a particular height range to perform a particular sports movement.

As shown in FIG. 8, sheet 50 includes one or more demarcated areas 52. Each demarcated area 52 is located on sheet 50 at a predetermined location and demarcates a grouping 51 of anchors 4 among the plurality anchors on panel 202 when sheet 50 is in the overlaid position on the panel. While in the overlaid position sheet 50 also identifies a location on the user's body at which distal end 7 of a resistance line 5 should connect. A rudimentary embodiment sheet 50 is depicted in FIG. 8. Sheet 50 is adapted to overlay and removably attach to front surface 3 of panel 202. Sheet 50 while in the overlaid position on the panel allows access to predetermined groupings 51 of anchors among the plurality anchors through sheet 50 so as to allow each anchor in each grouping of anchors 51 to connect to a resistance line. As disclosed in this figure, sheet 50 contains indication (e.g., such as through printing on the sheet) of the optimal locations for connecting resistance lines to user and the panel for the particular sport-specific movement being trained based by that particular user. In FIG. 8 the indication is textual.

As is shown in FIG. 9, a more preferable third embodiment apparatus includes the feature that sheet 50 depicts a human form image 35. Human form image 35 defines an area that contains the one or more demarcated areas 52. Each demarcated area 52 is located on the sheet at a predetermined location and defines a grouping 51 of anchors among the plurality anchors on panel 202 when sheet 50 is in the overlaid position on the panel. Sheet 50 is adapted to overlay and removably attach to front surface 203 of panel 202. Sheet 50 while in the overlaid position on the panel allows access to predetermined groupings 51 of anchors among the plurality anchors through sheet 50 so as to allow each anchor in each grouping of anchors 51 to connect to a resistance line. As noted, human form image 35 has one or more demarcated areas 52. When overlaid on panel 202, each demarcated area 52 defines a predetermined area on panel 202 in which one or more anchors 4 are located for optimally training a user of a certain height dimension, are located. In this respect, each sheet 50 when overlaid on panel 202 demarcates one or more groupings 51 of anchors on the panel. Each grouping 51 may include one or more anchors 4. Each demarcated area 52 also graphically identifies a location 9 on the user's body 10 at which distal end 7 of a resistance line 5 should connect and a location on panel 202 at which proximal end 6 of the same resistance line 5 should connect while the user 10 is engaged in the sport-specific movement. The user can connect the resistance line to any of the anchors defined by the demarcated area. Typically, shorter users within the height range for the sheet will use the lower defined anchors, while taller users within the height range will use the higher anchors in the demarcated area.

As shown in FIG. 10, apparatus 201 of the described third embodiment may be part of a system 240 that includes a set 55 of sheets 50. Each set 55 includes a plurality of sheets 50. As in the case of the panels 2 of the first embodiment system and shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and 5, each sheet 50 of the set 55 of sheets has depicted upon it a different sized human form image and is designed for use by a user having a height falling within a certain height range. Thus, a user of exemplary height 6′5″ would use a different sheet than a user having an exemplary height of 5′4″. Each sheet 50 of the set of sheets corresponds to a different dimensioned user for a particular sport-specific movement.

In this respect, each sheet 50 when overlaid on panel 202 demarcates one or more groupings 51 of anchors 4 on panel 202. Each grouping 51 may include one or more anchors 4. The sheets in a set of sheets will differ in one or more of the following respects: a) the anchors demarcated by at least one grouping on a sheet will differ from the anchors demarcated in a corresponding grouping 51 on any other sheet in the set of sheets; or b) the location of at least one grouping 51 on a sheet in set 55 will differ in position from the position of a corresponding grouping 51 on any other sheet in set 55.

Enhancements to all of the foregoing embodiments include the applied or projected human form image 35 depicting a body position to be assumed by the user to begin using the apparatus to train the sport-specific movement. The present invention is particularly useful for training sport-specific punching and kicking movements such as are used in boxing, karate, thai boxing, tae kwan do and mixed martial arts. It is also particularly useful for training throwing movements such as pitching or football throwing movements. The apparatus is also useful for training the bat-swinging movement of baseball and the ball-kicking motions as are employed in soccer and American football. Exemplary human form images that may be included on panel 2 and that depict body positions for striking, throwing, bat-swinging and ball-kicking are shown in FIGS. 11A-11D.

Any of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention apparatus 1 or system 40, 140, 240 may further include a harness 60, such as is shown in FIG. 12, that is wearable by the user. Harness 60 includes at least one resistance line receiver 20 to which the distal end 7 of a resistance line 5 may attach.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is to be understood that the embodiments described are illustrative only and that the scope of the invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A kinetic chain training apparatus for providing resistive force to a user's body while the user is engaged in a sport-specific movement, the apparatus comprising:

a panel having a front surface;

one or more fastener elements that allow the panel to be removably secured to a wall;

the front surface of the panel depicting a human form image, the human form image: defining an area on the panel in which a plurality of anchors are disposed, each anchor being located within the human form image at a predetermined location; and depicting a body position to be assumed by the user to begin using the apparatus to train the sport-specific movement;

a plurality of elastic resistance lines, each elastic resistance line having a proximal end and a distal end;

the distal end of each elastic resistance line being adapted to removably connect to one or more locations on the user's body;

the proximal end of each elastic resistance line being adapted to removably connect to one or more of the plurality of anchors; and

each anchor located at a predetermined location within the human form image identifying a location on the user's body at which the distal end of a resistance line should connect and a location on the panel at which the proximal end of the same resistance line should connect while the user is engaged in the sport-specific movement.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the human form image depicts a human form in an act of kicking, throwing, holding a baseball bat or striking.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a harness wearable by the user, the harness including at least one receiver to which the distal end of a resistance line may attach.

4. A kinetic chain training system for providing resistive force to a user's body while the user is engaged in a sport-specific movement, the system comprising:

a plurality of panels, each of the plurality of panels having a front surface;

one or more fastener elements that allow each of the plurality of panels to be removably secured directly or indirectly to a wall;

the front surface of each of the plurality of panels depicting a human form image, the human form image on each panel: defining an area on the panel in which a plurality of anchors are disposed, each anchor being located within the human form image at a predetermined location; and depicting a body position to be assumed by the user to begin using the apparatus to train the sport-specific movement;

each panel having one or more anchors that differ in position from the position of the corresponding anchors on any other panel in the plurality of panels;

a plurality of elastic resistance lines, each elastic resistance line having a proximal end and a distal end;

the distal end of each elastic resistance line being adapted to removably connect to one or more locations on the user's body;

the proximal end of each elastic resistance line being adapted to removably connect to one or more of the plurality of anchors on a panel; and

each anchor located at a predetermined location within the human form image on each panel identifying a location on the user's body at which the distal end of a resistance line should connect and a location on the panel at which the proximal end of the same resistance line should connect while the user is engaged in the sport-specific movement.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the human form image depicts a human form in an act of kicking, throwing, holding a baseball bat or striking.

6. The system of claim 4 further including a harness wearable by the user, the harness including at least one receiver to which the distal end of a resistance line may attach.

7. A kinetic chain training apparatus for providing resistive force to a user's body while the user is engaged in a sport-specific movement, the apparatus comprising:

a panel and a frame,

one or more fastener elements that allow the panel to be removably secured to the frame;

the panel having a front surface depicting a human form image, the human form image: defining an area on the panel in which a plurality of anchors are disposed, each anchor being located within the human form image at a predetermined location; and depicting a body position to be assumed by the user to begin using the apparatus to train the sport-specific movement;

a plurality of elastic resistance lines, each elastic resistance line having a proximal end and a distal end;

the distal end of each elastic resistance line being adapted to removably connect to one or more locations on the user's body;

the proximal end of each elastic resistance line being adapted to removably connect to one or more of the plurality of anchors; and

each anchor located at a predetermined location within the human form image identifying a location on the user's body at which the distal end of a resistance line should connect and a location on the panel at which the proximal end of the same resistance line should connect while the user is engaged in the sport-specific movement.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the human form image depicts a human form in an act of kicking, throwing, holding a baseball bat or striking.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 further including a harness wearable by the user, the harness including at least one receiver to which the distal end of a resistance line may attach.

10. A kinetic chain training system for providing resistive force to a user's body while the user is engaged in a sport-specific movement, the system comprising:

a plurality of panels and a frame;

one or more fastener elements that allow each panel of the plurality of panels to be removably secured directly or indirectly to the frame;

each of the plurality of panels having a front surface, the front surface of each panel depicting a different sized human form image;

the human form image: defining an area on the panel in which a plurality of anchors are disposed, each anchor being located within the human form image at a predetermined location; and depicting a body position to be assumed by the user to begin using the apparatus to train the sport-specific movement;

each panel having one or more anchors that differ in position from the position of the corresponding anchors on any other panel in the plurality of panels;

a plurality of elastic resistance lines, each elastic resistance line having a proximal end and a distal end;

the distal end of each elastic resistance line being adapted to removably connect to one or more locations on the user's body;

the proximal end of each elastic resistance line being adapted to removably connect to one or more of the plurality of anchors;

each anchor located at a predetermined location within the human form image on each panel identifying a location on the user's body at which the distal end of a resistance line should connect and a location on the panel at which the proximal end of the same resistance line should connect while the user is engaged in the sport-specific movement.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the human form image depicts a human form in an act of kicking, throwing, holding a baseball bat or striking.

12. The system of claim 10 further including a harness wearable by the user, the harness including at least one receiver to which the distal end of a resistance line may attach.

13. A kinetic chain training apparatus for providing resistive force to a user's body while the user is engaged in a sport-specific movement, the apparatus comprising:

a panel;

the panel having a front surface and a plurality of anchors disposed in a pattern across the front surface of the panel;

a plurality of elastic resistance lines, each elastic resistance line having a proximal end and a distal end;

the distal end of each elastic resistance line being adapted to removably connect to one or more locations on the user's body;

the proximal end of each elastic resistance line being adapted to removably connect to one or more of the plurality of anchors; and

a sheet, the sheet adapted to overlay and removably attach to the front surface of the panel, the sheet including one or more demarcated areas, each demarcated area being located on the sheet at a predetermined location and defining a grouping of anchors among the plurality anchors on the panel when the sheet is in the overlaid position on the panel;

each demarcated area on the sheet including holes that allow access through the sheet so as to allow each anchor in the defined grouping of anchors to connect to a resistance line when the sheet is in the overlaid position; and

the sheet identifying a location on the user at which the distal end of a resistance line should connect while the user is engaged in the sport specific movement and the anchors in a grouping of anchors to which the proximal end of the same resistance line may connect while the user is engaged in the sport-specific movement.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the sheet depicts a human form image, the human form image defining an area containing the one or more demarcated areas; and

each demarcated area identifying the location on the user's body at which the distal end of a resistance line should connect and the location on the panel at which the proximal end of the same resistance line should connect while the user is engaged in the sport-specific movement.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the human form image depicts a body position to be assumed by the user to begin using the apparatus to train the sport-specific movement.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the human form image depicts a human form in an act of kicking, throwing, holding a baseball bat or striking.

17. The apparatus of claim 14 further including a harness wearable by the user, the harness including at least one receiver to which the distal end of a resistance line may attach.

18. A kinetic chain training system for providing resistive force to a user's body while the user is engaged in a sport-specific movement, the apparatus comprising:

a panel;

the panel having a front surface and a plurality of anchors disposed in a pattern across the front surface of the panel;

a plurality of elastic resistance lines, each elastic resistance line having a proximal end and a distal end;

the distal end of each elastic resistance line being adapted to removably connect to one or more locations on the user's body;

the proximal end of each elastic resistance line being adapted to removably connect to one or more of the plurality of anchors; and

a plurality of sheets;

each sheet being adapted to overlay and removably attach to the front surface of the panel,

each sheet including one or more demarcated areas, each demarcated area being located on the sheet at a predetermined location and defining a grouping of anchors among the plurality anchors on the panel when the sheet is in the overlaid position on the panel;

each sheet in the plurality of sheets differing in one or more of the following respects from each other sheet in the plurality: a) the anchors defined by at least one grouping on a sheet differ from the anchors defined in a corresponding grouping on any other sheet; or b) the location of at least one demarcated area on a sheet of the plurality differs in position relative to the position of a corresponding demarcated area on any other sheet;

each demarcated area on the sheet including holes that allow access through the sheet so as to allow each anchor in the defined grouping of anchors to connect to a resistance line when the sheet is in the overlaid position; and

each sheet identifying a location on the user at which the distal end of a resistance line should connect while the user is engaged in the sport specific movement and the anchors in a grouping of anchors to which the proximal end of the same resistance line may connect while the user is engaged in the sport-specific movement.

19. The system of claim 19 wherein each sheet depicts a human form image, the human form image defining an area containing the one or more demarcated areas; and

each demarcated area identifying the location on the user's body at which the distal end of a resistance line should connect and the location on the panel at which the proximal end of the same resistance line should connect while the user is engaged in the sport-specific movement.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein the human form image depicts a body position to be assumed by the user to begin using the apparatus to train the sport-specific movement.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein the human form image depicts a human form in an act of kicking, throwing, holding a baseball bat or striking.

22. The system of claim 19 further including a harness wearable by the user, the harness including at least one receiver to which the distal end of a resistance line may attach.