Training device for training a body part of a user

Abstract

A training device for training a body part of a user is configured to advantageously limit the resonance movement of the flexible coupling member generated by the vibration of the vibrating device. The training device comprises a vibrating device for generating a vibration and a pretensioning device for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part. The pretensioning device comprises a handling member configured to be held by the user, a reeling means for reeling a flexible coupling member, and a tensioning means for driving the reeling means such that the flexible coupling member is tensioned to allow the vibration generated by the vibrating device to be transferred to the handling member. The tensioning means comprises a fluid resistance means configured to provide a variable resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member but to provide substantially no resistance against the reeling of the flexible coupling member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of International (PCT) Application No. PCT / NL2008 / 000280, filed on Dec. 17, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to a training device for training a body part of a user, and more particularly to a vibrating device for generating a vibration and an associated pretensioning device for generating a pre-tension in a muscle of the body part.[0003]In training devices known in the prior art, vibrating training devices may include tensioning devices. Such tension devices generally comprise a reeling means, a flexible coupling member operably connected to the reeling means and a handling member connected to the flexible coupling member. In use, a user grasps and pulls the handling member, thereby pulling the flexible coupling member from the reeling means and creating a tension.[0004]Prior art tensioning devices t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a training device for training a body part of a user. The training device includes a vibrating device for generating vibration and a pretensioning device for pre-tensioning a muscle of the body part. The pretensioning device includes a handling member and a reeling means for reeling a flexible coupling member. The reeling means includes a reel and a fluid resistance means for providing resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member but not against the reeling of the flexible coupling member. The training device helps to transfer the vibration generated by the vibrating device to the handling member for training purposes."

Problems solved by technology

In the known prior training device this leads to a large reeling force, which has several undesirable disadvantages.

For example, a large reeling force may create a situation that causes the user, for one reason or another, to unintentionally release the handling member of an unreeled flexible coupling member.

This may cause an uncontrolled sweeping movement of the flexible coupling member and the attached handling member.

Such an uncontrolled movement of the flexible coupling member and the handling member is undesirable.

Since the reeling force in prior art training devices is equal to the resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member, these specific exercises can not be performed with prior art training devices.

A further disadvantage of prior art training device is that the resistance against the unreeling of the flexible coupling member is the same for different speeds by which the flexible coupling member is unreeled.

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