Training equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a training device that ensures the freedom of movement of the user's elbow and features a structure that displaces three-dimensionally in accordance with the movement of the elbow, thereby improving the reproducibility of complex movements including abduction, adduction, and upward rotation of the scapula, and providing a stable guide for repetitive movements of the scapula. The training device of this disclosure is a training device for overhead movements of the user and comprises a slider rail section provided on a support, a slider section that is movable along the longitudinal direction of the slider rail section, an elbow support section supported by the slider section and in contact with the user's elbow, the elbow support section being rotatable in the elevation direction relative to the slider rail section and capable of rotating or swinging horizontally relative to the slider rail section, and a load-applying section that applies load to the movement of the elbow support section along the slider rail section.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a training apparatus, and particularly to a training apparatus for shoulders and scapulae. [Background Art]

[0002] The scapula moves three-dimensionally in coordination with the movement of the humerus by combining rotation, adduction / abduction, and anterior / posterior tilting. In overhead motions such as pitching and serving, the scapula functions in conjunction with external rotation and horizontal abduction of the upper arm. For this reason, in the fields of sports and rehabilitation, repetitive training while reproducing coordinated movement of the shoulder joint and scapula is emphasized. Conventionally, efforts have been made to use apparatus to guide upper limb movement along a fixed trajectory and assist in acquiring form while applying load. For example, linear guidance using rails and guide members, load application using wires, pulleys, rubber tubes, etc., and repetition of upper limb movement in a seated posture are known.

[0003] As a prior art, an apparatus for training muscle groups of the shoulder and back by having a seated user move the arm along a guided trajectory is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, as a commercially available apparatus, an apparatus for training the shoulder joint and the periphery of the scapula using a plurality of wires and pulleys is available (see Non-Patent Document 1). Many of these conventional apparatuses are based on the premise that the user's arm moves along a specific guided trajectory, and have a structure that causes the user's body to move monotonously along a linear trajectory. They are not designed to naturally induce the complex three-dimensional movement of the scapula that accompanies movement of the humerus (abduction / adduction of the scapula, upward rotation, etc.) so that the movement is mainly centered on the elbow, nor to stabilize repetitive movement of such motion.

[0004] Therefore, conventional technology had the problem of insufficient mechanisms to three-dimensionally guide scapular abduction / adduction, posterior tilt, and upward rotation associated with elbow-dominant movements. In particular, for overhead movements, dynamically stabilizing the scapula in conjunction with external rotation and horizontal abduction of the upper arm is important for both injury prevention and performance improvement, but conventional technology lacked the freedom of elbow movement and three-dimensional tracking ability, resulting in the problem of not being able to adequately reproduce and train the functional movement of the scapula. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-55011 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] https: / / nushoulder.com / the-system / [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a training device that ensures the freedom of movement of the user's elbow and has a structure that displaces three-dimensionally in accordance with the movement of the elbow, thereby improving the reproducibility of complex movements including abduction and adduction of the scapula accompanying horizontal abduction of the shoulder, posterior tilting of the scapula accompanying external rotation of the shoulder joint, and upward rotation, and that can stably guide repetitive movements of the scapula. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The training device according to the first embodiment is a training device for overhead movements of the user, comprising: a slider rail portion provided on a support; a slider portion movable along the longitudinal direction of the slider rail portion; an elbow support portion supported by the slider portion and in contact with the user's elbow, the elbow support portion being rotatable in an elevation direction relative to the slider rail portion and capable of rotating or swinging horizontally relative to the slider rail portion; and a load-applying portion that applies a load to the movement of the elbow support portion along the slider rail portion.

[0009] A second embodiment is a training device according to the first embodiment, wherein the load-applying unit applies tension to the elbow support, applies resistance to the movement of the elbow support when the elbow is moving backward, and applies thrust to the movement of the elbow support when the elbow is moving forward.

[0010] A third embodiment is a training device according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the load-applying unit generates a load by the weight of the weights themselves, and the magnitude of the load can be adjusted by the number of weights.

[0011] A fourth embodiment is a training device according to the first to third embodiments, wherein the slider rail portion is adjustable in elevation angle, rotatable horizontally, and can be positioned at a predetermined angle.

[0012] A fifth embodiment may be a training device according to the first to fourth embodiments, characterized in that the elbow support portion is equipped with an interlocking structure that transmits the pressing force of the elbow in contact with the elbow support portion to the slider portion as a force that moves the slider portion in the longitudinal direction of the slider rail portion against the load applied by the load application portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The training device according to the present invention is a training device for overhead movements of the user, comprising: a slider rail portion provided on a support; a slider portion movable along the longitudinal direction of the slider rail portion; an elbow support portion supported by the slider portion and in contact with the user's elbow, the elbow support portion being rotatable in the elevation direction relative to the slider rail portion and capable of rotating or swinging horizontally relative to the slider rail portion; and a load-applying portion that applies load to the movement of the elbow support portion along the slider rail portion. Thus, the device ensures the degree of freedom of movement of the user's elbow and, by having a structure that displaces three-dimensionally in accordance with the movement of the elbow, it enhances the reproducibility of complex movements including abduction, adduction, external rotation, internal rotation, and upward rotation of the scapula, and can stably guide repetitive movements of the scapula. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a training device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a training device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a training device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a top view of a training device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view of a training device according to one embodiment, where (a) is a side view showing the initial position of the elbow rest, and (b) is a side view showing the position where the elbow rest of the training device is pulled backward. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view showing a user using a training device according to one embodiment; (a) is a side view showing the initial position of the elbow support and the user's elbow, and (b) is a side view showing the position of the elbow support and the user's elbow when the user has pulled their elbow backward. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side view showing a user using a training device according to one embodiment, where (a) is a side view showing the initial position of the elbow support and the user's elbow, and (b) is a side view showing the user's elbow tilted upward relative to the slider rail. [Figure 8] Fig. 8 is a top view showing a user using the training device according to an embodiment, wherein (a) is a top view showing the elbow rest and the initial position of the user's elbow, (b) is a top view showing the positions of the user's elbow and the elbow rest in an intermediate state where the user starts pulling the elbow, and (c) is a top view showing the positions of the user's elbow and the elbow rest in a state where the user finishes pulling the elbow. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, a training device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the structure of the training device 1 will be described using FIGS. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the training device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the training device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the training device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a top view of the training device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0016] Hereinafter, in all the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted. In addition, in all the drawings, components for explaining the present disclosure are extracted and illustrated, and illustration of other components may be omitted in some cases. Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0017] In addition, the arrows 110 marked with "front direction", "rear direction", "right direction" and "left direction" in FIGS. 1 to 8 indicate directions in a reference posture where a user 90 is seated on a chair 100 installed on the right side of the training device 1, with the front orientation of the body oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the slider rail portion 40. The "front direction" indicates the direction in which the user 90 pushes the elbow 91 out toward the front of the body on the slider rail portion 40, and the "rear direction" indicates the direction in which the elbow 91 is pulled toward the back side of the body on the slider rail portion 40. "Right direction" and "left direction" indicate the right side and the left side when the training device 1 is viewed from the front direction.

[0018] A training apparatus 1 is a training apparatus 1 for a user 90 to perform overhead movements, comprising: a slider rail section provided on a support body; a slider section movable along the longitudinal direction of the slider rail section; an elbow receiving section supported by the slider section for allowing an elbow 91 of the user 90 to abut against, wherein the elbow receiving section is rotatable in an elevation angle direction relative to the slider rail section, and is capable of rotating or swinging in a horizontal direction relative to the slider rail section; and a load applying section configured to apply a load to the movement of the elbow receiving section along the slider rail section.

[0019] As an example, the support body on which the slider rail section is provided is constituted by a base and a support column. Note that the support body may be of a wall-mounted type, a ceiling-suspended type, or the like. The support body is not limited as long as it can support the slider rail section.

[0020] The load applying section applies tension to the elbow receiving section, applies a resistance force against the movement of the elbow receiving section when the elbow performs a retracting movement, and applies a thrust force against the movement of the elbow receiving section when the elbow performs an advancing movement.

[0021] The load applying section generates a load by the self-weight of weights, and the magnitude of the load can be adjusted according to the number of the weights.

[0022] The slider rail section is capable of adjusting an elevation angle, rotating in a horizontal direction, and being positioned at a predetermined angle.

[0023] The training apparatus 1 of one embodiment comprises: a base stably installed on a floor surface; a support column erected on the base; a slider rail section installed at an upper portion of the support column; a slider section (see FIG. 2) provided movably along the slider rail section; and an elbow receiving section installed on the slider section.

[0024] The elbow support portion 20 is installed on the slider portion 30 and is a member that the user's 90 elbow 91 contacts. The elbow support portion 20 is provided with a contact portion 27 that the user's 90 elbow 91 contacts. The elbow support portion 20 is supported on the slider portion 30 and moves together with the slider portion 30. A load-applying portion 70 that applies a load to the movement of the slider portion 30 is also positioned between the support columns 60. The load-applying portion 70 and the slider portion 30 are connected by a tensioning member 50.

[0025] The elbow support section 20 provides stable support for the user's 90 elbow 91 and is equipped with multiple movable mechanisms to follow the natural movement of the elbow 91. The elbow support section 20 includes a contact section 27 against which the user's 90 elbow 91 abuts, a guide plate section 21 positioned on the bottom surface 25 (hereinafter referred to as the bottom surface 25) of the elbow support section 20 and supporting the elbow 91, a hinge section 22 (see Figure 3) for rotating the elbow support section 20 in an elevation direction relative to the slider rail section 40, a connecting section 23 (see Figure 3) connecting the slider section 30 and the elbow support section 20, and a connecting rod 24 (see Figure 2) that slidably supports the guide plate section 21 relative to the partition plate 26. The contact section 27 refers to the surface against which the user's 90 elbow 91 directly abuts. The guide plate section 21 refers to the entire plate including the contact section 27.

[0026] The guide plate portion 21 is a plate-shaped support that the user's 90 elbow 91 contacts, and plays a role in stably supporting the elbow 91. The guide plate portion 21 is located on the bottom surface 25. The guide plate portion 21 is slidably supported via two connecting rods 24 (see Figure 2) located inside the elbow rest side of the partition plate 26. The guide plate portion 21 may be covered with a cushioning material that has a three-layer structure in which the surface and back surface are covered with an outer material such as synthetic leather, and an elastically deformable urethane layer is interposed inside.

[0027] The guide plate section 21 is slidably supported on the partition plate 26 via a connecting rod 24, allowing it to move left and right in the direction of the arrow 110. This movement function, in conjunction with the horizontal rotation mechanism of the slider rail section 40 described later, allows the elbow 91 to be placed in a natural position regardless of whether the right or left arm is used. This movement function is necessary for the training device 1 to enable training of both arms.

[0028] The hinge portion 22 connects the bottom surface 25 and the partition plate 26 so that they can be opened and closed. The hinge portion 22 consists of a rotating shaft and a pair of bearing portions that support the shaft, thereby supporting the bottom surface 25 and the partition plate 26 so that they can rotate relative to each other. When the user's 90 elbow 91 is pressed against the contact portion 27, the force is transmitted to the hinge portion 22 via the contact portion 27, the guide plate portion 21, the connecting rod 24, and the partition plate 26, causing the entire elbow support portion 20 to rotate in the elevation direction relative to the slider rail portion 40.

[0029] The connecting portion 23 connects the elbow support portion 20 and the slider portion 30. The connecting portion 23 is located on the hinge portion 22 side and is composed of a cylindrical pin erected from the upper surface of the slider portion 30. By inserting this pin into a corresponding hole (not shown) provided on the bottom surface 25 side of the elbow support portion 20, the elbow support portion 20 is securely held on the slider portion 30. The connecting portion 23 plays a role in supporting the entire elbow support portion 20, including the bottom surface 25, so that it can rotate freely.

[0030] The connecting rods 24 are two cylindrical members positioned approximately parallel to the bottom surface 25 inside the armrest side of the partition plate 26. The connecting rods 24 are fixed to the partition plate 26 and pass through corresponding through holes (not shown) provided in the guide plate portion 21. With this configuration, the guide plate portion 21 is supported so as to be slidable in the left-right direction of arrow 110 along the connecting rods 24.

[0031] The base surface 25 is a plate-shaped member that forms the base of the elbow support portion 20. A guide plate portion 21 is positioned on the upper surface of the base surface 25 to support the user's 90 elbow 91. A hinge portion 22 is provided on one end of the base surface 25. This allows the base surface 25 and the partition plate 26 to be opened and closed. In addition, the base surface 25 is provided with corresponding holes for the connection portion 23, and a cylindrical pin erected from the slider portion 30 is inserted into these holes, so that the entire elbow support portion 20 is rotatably supported on the slider portion 30.

[0032] The elbow support portion 20 is configured to change its tilt angle in the elevation direction relative to the slider rail portion 40. The elbow support portion 20 rotates relative to the slider portion 30 with the hinge portion 22 as a pivot point, so that the elbow support portion 20 itself rotates relative to the slider rail portion 40 in accordance with the movement of the user's 90 elbow 91. By tilting the user's 90 elbow 91, which is in contact with the guide plate portion 21 on the elbow support portion 20, in the direction of arrow 110, the partition plate 26 tilts from the hinge portion 22 toward the direction of the connecting portion 23. As a result, when the user 90 performs an overhead movement, the elbow support portion 20 tilts along the natural trajectory of the elbow joint, and can smoothly respond to the external rotation movement of the upper arm. The elevation direction refers to the direction in which the elbow support portion 20 tilts backward relative to the slider rail portion 40, and refers to the direction of arrow 113 shown in Figure 7, which will be described later. Furthermore, external rotation of the upper arm refers to the movement of the humerus rotating outward relative to the trunk, and the movement of the forearm rotating in a direction that opens outward.

[0033] Overhead movements refer to upper body movements that involve moving the arms above shoulder height or swinging the arms down from above the head. Specifically, these are movements that involve swinging the arms down from above the head or raising and holding / manipulating the arms above shoulder height, and involve external rotation of the shoulder joint and upward rotation of the scapula. Examples include throwing in ball sports, overhead serves in tennis, and spikes in volleyball.

[0034] The elbow support portion 20 is capable of rotating or swinging horizontally relative to the slider rail portion 40. The horizontal direction refers to the left-right direction in a plane horizontal to the slider rail portion 40. That is, the elbow support portion 20 is capable of rotating or swinging horizontally relative to the slider rail portion 40 with the connecting portion 23 as a pivot point. The direction of rotation refers to the direction in which the elbow support portion 20 rotates with the connecting portion 23 as a pivot point in the direction of arrow 111 shown in Figure 3. This corresponds to the movement of the user's 90 elbow 91 towards the body and outward. Furthermore, the training device 1 can respond to the abduction and adduction movements of the user's 90 shoulder joint and scapula area through this movement of the elbow support portion 20, enabling stabilization of scapular movement. Note that swinging refers to rotation that repeatedly reciprocates within a small angle range around the pivot point.

[0035] The motion of pulling a human elbow 91 from front to back follows an arc-shaped trajectory rather than a straight line. Because the elbow support 20 can rotate around the connecting part 23 as a pivot point, this arc-shaped trajectory can be faithfully reproduced, enabling training in a natural form.

[0036] Abduction of the scapula refers to the movement of the scapula as it spreads outwards from the back. Adduction refers to the movement of the scapula as it moves towards the center of the back. In other words, abduction is when both scapulae spread apart, and adduction is when both scapulae move towards the spine.

[0037] The slider section 30 is configured to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the slider rail section 40, and its linear motion is guided via a linear guide (not shown). The slider section 30 is supported by the slider rail section 40 by the linear guide, and the elbow support section 20 is located on its upper surface. The slider section 30 integrally holds the elbow support section 20 and moves in the forward and backward directions in accordance with the movement of the user's 90 elbow 91. In addition, a tension member connection section 31 (see Figure 2) for connecting a tension member 50 is provided on the side of the slider section 30 on the front side of Figure 2. A linear guide is a linear guidance mechanism comprising a guide rail extending in the longitudinal direction and a slider block that runs on it. In the case of the training device 1 of this embodiment, the rail 43 corresponds to the guide rail.

[0038] In this embodiment, the elbow support portion 20 and the slider portion 30 cooperate with each other via the connecting portion 23 to form an "interlocking structure". Specifically, this interlocking structure receives the movement of the elbow 91 that is in contact with the elbow support portion 20. The pressing force associated with this movement is then transmitted to the slider portion 30 via the connecting portion 23. As a result, this pressing force functions as a thrust to move the slider portion 30 along the rail 43 against the load applied by the load-applying portion 70. With this configuration, the user 90 does not need to rely on the action of gripping the gripping portion (muscle strength of the forearm and wrist). As a result, the training device 1 can activate the user 90's shoulder joint and the muscles around the scapula, promoting the stability of the scapula necessary for overhead movements.

[0039] The slider rail section 40 is provided on the support. The slider rail section 40 serves as a guide structure for moving the slider section 30 in a straight line, and the slider section 30 is smoothly guided in a straight line along its longitudinal direction by a linear guide. The slider rail section 40 comprises a pair of rails 43 extending in the longitudinal direction. The slider section 30 moves in a straight line along these rails 43. A passage path 44 for the tension member 50 is provided in the center of the rails 43. The tension member 50 passes along the passage path 44 and is connected to the tension member connection section 31. A pulley 41a (see Figure 2) is positioned at the center of the end of the passage path 44, and the tension member 50 is configured to operate smoothly while changing direction via the pulley 41a. In addition, stopper sections 42 (see Figure 4) are provided at both ends of the rails 43. The stopper sections 42 limit the range of movement of the slider section 30 and prevent movement beyond a predetermined range. The longitudinal direction of the slider rail section 40 is the direction in which the pair of rails 43 extend, and the direction in which the slider section 30 is guided in a straight line. In the case of arrow 110, this is the front-to-back direction.

[0040] Below the slider rail section 40, in the space between the base 48 and the slider rail section 40, are provided an angle adjustment device 45 (see Figure 2) for setting the inclination angle, an inclination fixing device 46 (see Figure 2), and a horizontal fixing device 47 (see Figure 2). The angle set by the angle adjustment device 45 is held by the inclination fixing device 46 (see Figure 2). The slider rail section 40 is equipped with a horizontal fixing device 47 (see Figure 2). The horizontal fixing device 47 is configured to switch and fix the entire slider rail section 40 at the 0° position or the 180° position. The slider rail section 40 may also be able to be fixed in an intermediate state other than 0° or 180° when rotating horizontally. In addition, a pulley 41b (see Figure 2) is provided below the center of the slider rail section 40.

[0041] The angle adjuster 45, the tilt fixing device 46, and the horizontal fixing device 47 are all lever-type fixing devices of a common shape. Each fixing device comprises a pressing part attached to a base and a long, slender operating lever for moving the pressing part (not shown). When the operating lever is lowered, the pressing part firmly presses down on and fixes the target member. When the operating lever is raised, the pressure is released, allowing movement and rotation.

[0042] The slider rail section 40 can be positioned at a predetermined angle by changing the tilt angle by operating the angle adjustment device 45 and the tilt fixing device 46. That is, the entire slider rail section 40 moves vertically starting from the angle adjustment device 45 and is positioned at a predetermined tilt angle. Then, the tilt fixing device 46 holds that position, so the slider rail section 40 maintains a stable tilted posture. The tilt angle can be set in the range of 0° to 20° and can be adjusted by tilting sequentially from a horizontal state (0°). This allows each user 90 to train in horizontal abduction exercises at an appropriate tilt angle. The tilt direction refers to the direction in which the slider rail section 40 tilts backward from the horizontal state.

[0043] The slider rail section 40 can be rotated horizontally and positioned by operating the horizontal fixing device 47. Specifically, by loosening the horizontal fixing device 47, the entire slider rail section 40 can rotate around the base 48 (see Figure 2) as the pivot point, and can be fixed again in a position reversed by 180°. This allows the direction of the rail 43 of the slider rail section 40 to be switched, making it possible to accommodate both the use of the right arm and the left arm. Therefore, the training device 1 can be used by both right-handed and left-handed users 90. When performing reverse-grip training, it is necessary to move the guide plate section 21 via the connecting rod 24 to secure space for the user's elbow 91 to contact. The horizontal direction in which the slider rail section 40 rotates is the direction in which the slider rail section 40 rotates horizontally around the base 48 as the pivot point. The horizontal direction in which the slider rail section 40 rotates points in the direction of arrow 112 shown in Figure 4.

[0044] In this embodiment, the training device 1 ensures three degrees of freedom for the user 90's elbow support portion 20: forward and backward linear movement, rotation in the upward direction, and rotation / swing in the horizontal direction. This enhances the reproducibility of complex three-dimensional movements such as abduction / adduction and upward rotation of the user 90's scapula, making it possible to naturally guide the functional movement of the scapula in actual overhead movements.

[0045] The training equipment 1 is constructed with metal materials for its main components to ensure strength and corrosion resistance. Suitable metal materials include steel, stainless steel, and aluminum alloys. It is preferable to apply paint or other coatings to the surface of the training equipment 1 to maintain wear resistance and aesthetic appeal. Flexible materials such as rubber or resin can be used appropriately for the parts that come into contact with the user 90 and the floor surface 120. Furthermore, pulleys 41a and 41b can be made of resin in addition to metal.

[0046] The tensioning member 50 connects the load-applying section 70 and the slider section 30. The tensioning member 50 passes through the center of the slider rail section 40 and connects to the slider section 30 while changing direction via a pulley 41a provided at the center of its tip. The tensioning member 50 may be made of steel wire or coated wire, which have excellent wear resistance and durability.

[0047] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, one end of the tension member 50 is connected to the upper end of the weight 72 of the load-applying section 70. The tension member 50 passes through the hole 49 (see Figure 2) and is hooked onto the pulley 41b (see Figure 2), where its tension direction is changed. The tension member 50 is then changed direction again via the pulley 41a. After that, the tension member 50 is connected to the tension member connection section 31. As a result, the vertical movement of the weight 72 is linked to the linear movement of the slider section 30 via the pulleys 41a and 41b, and the load corresponding to the movement of the user's 90 elbow support section 20 is smoothly transmitted. The pulleys 41a and 41b are made of metal or resin, and bearings can be provided as needed to achieve low friction and stable operation.

[0048] The support columns 60 are columns erected on the base 80. The support columns 60 consist of four columns and stably hold the slider rail section 40. The support columns 60 may be configured to allow for height adjustment.

[0049] The load-applying section 70 applies tension to the elbow support section 20, provides resistance to the straight-line movement of the elbow support section 20 when the elbow 91 moves backward, and provides thrust to the straight-line movement of the elbow support section 20 when the elbow 91 moves forward. The load-applying section 70 is composed of weights 72. Each weight 72 of the load-applying section 70 may have a mass of 500 or 1000 grams.

[0050] The load-applying section 70 generates a load by the weight of the weights 72, and the magnitude of the load may be adjustable by changing the number of weights 72. In the illustrated example, the weights 72 of the load-applying section 70 are shown stacked in a configuration of two weights 72, but the number of weights 72 is not limited and can be arbitrarily increased or decreased according to the physical strength and purpose of the user 90. The weights 72 of the load-applying section 70 are housed in a frame provided between the support columns 60 so as to be able to move up and down. A weight support section 71 is provided at the lower end of the training equipment 1, and plays a role in supporting and stabilizing the weights 72 from below when the weights 72 are in their lowest position.

[0051] The load-applying section 70 is not limited to loads from weights 72. For example, elastic force from springs, viscous resistance from dampers, magnetic resistance, fluid resistance from pneumatic or hydraulic systems, or inertial resistance from a flywheel can also be used. These means may be used individually, or in combination with weights 72, allowing the training device 1 to achieve diverse load characteristics according to the training objectives.

[0052] The backward movement of the elbow 91 is the action of pulling the elbow 91 backward in the direction of the arrow 110 on the slider rail 40. The forward movement of the elbow 91 is the action of pushing the elbow 91 forward in the direction of the arrow 110 on the slider rail 40. The load-applying unit 70 of this embodiment is configured to apply resistance when moving backward and thrust when moving forward, so that a load can be applied to the reciprocating motion at all times. With this configuration, the user 90 of the training device 1 receives consistent resistance throughout the entire exercise, and a stable training effect on the shoulder joint and the muscles around the scapula can be obtained.

[0053] The base 80 stably supports the entire training equipment 1 against the floor surface 120. The base 80 may also be provided with reinforcing members in the width direction to prevent shaking and tilting during use. In addition, rubber pads or anti-slip members may be attached to the underside of the base 80 to prevent scratching the floor surface 120 and to prevent slipping.

[0054] Figure 5 is a side view of a training device 1 according to one embodiment, where (a) is a side view showing the initial position of the elbow support portion 20, and (b) is a side view showing the position of the elbow support portion 20 of the training device 1 when it has been pulled backward. As the slider portion 30 moves, the elbow support portion 20 is pulled backward in the direction of arrow 110, and the tension member 50 connected to it is pulled backward. As shown in Figure 5, the tension member 50 changes direction via a pulley 41a located at the center of the tip of the slider rail portion 40, and changes direction again via a pulley 41b located below the slider rail portion 40. After changing direction, the other end of the tension member 50 is connected to a load-applying portion 70 provided between the support columns 60. The other end of the tension member 50 is connected to the slider portion 30 (see Figure 5). In Figure 5, a part of the tension member 50 and the pulley 41a that are hidden inside the slider rail portion 40 and cannot be seen are shown with dashed lines.

[0055] As a result, the weight 72 of the load-applying section 70 located between the support columns 60 is lifted upward, and the movement of the elbow support section 20 and the vertical movement of the weight 72 are linked. This creates resistance based on the weight of the weight 72 when the user 90 moves their elbow 91 back and forth, applying an appropriate load to the movement of the elbow 91.

[0056] Figures 6 to 8 are diagrams showing a user 90 using the training device 1 of this embodiment. These diagrams are schematic in part for ease of understanding, and some of the overall shape of the training device 1 and the details of its components are omitted.

[0057] Figure 6 is a side view showing a user 90 using the training device 1 according to one embodiment. (a) is a side view showing the initial position of the elbow support 20 and the user 90's elbow 91, and (b) is a side view showing the position of the elbow support 20 and the user 90's elbow 91 after the user 90 has pulled their elbow 91 backward. In Figure 6(a), the elbow support 20 is in a position in front of the slider rail 40, and in Figure 6(b), the elbow support 20 is shown moving backward along the slider rail 40.

[0058] The user 90 places the training device 1 on the side of the arm to be trained (if the user wants to train their right arm, they place the training device 1 on the right side from the user's perspective). The user 90 sits on the chair 100 with their torso upright and their body facing parallel to the longitudinal direction of the slider rail section 40. The chair 100 should be positioned near the center of the longitudinal direction of the slider rail section 40. The elbow 91 of the arm being used is in contact with the elbow support section 20. In the initial position shown in Figure 6(a), the forearm extends forward approximately parallel to the extending direction of the slider rail section 40. The user 90's upper arm is in the position before external rotation begins. At this time, the training device 1 does not require a specific gripping part and can be used with bare hands or with sports equipment such as a ball or racket being held. The elbow 91 of the arm being used is in contact with the contact section 27 (not shown). In the initial position shown in Figure 6(a), the upper arm extends forward approximately parallel to the extension direction of the slider rail section 40.

[0059] As the user 90 pulls their elbow 91 backward in the direction of arrow 110 from the initial position shown in Figure 6(a), the elbow support 20 moves backward as shown in Figure 6(b), and the slider 30 moves straight along the slider rail 40. In conjunction with the movement of the elbow support 20, the pulling member 50 is activated, and the weight 72 of the load-applying part 70 rises, causing the user 90 to experience resistance corresponding to the movement of pulling in their forearm.

[0060] In this exercise, the muscles primarily trained are those involved in external rotation of the shoulder joint. In particular, only the lower fibers of the trapezius muscle create posterior tilt of the scapula, and the rotator cuff muscles of the teres minor muscle are effectively activated during the throwing motion. The middle trapezius muscle and rhomboid muscles around the scapula are also recruited, promoting scapular stabilization. As a result, training device 1 can intensively train the shoulder external rotator muscles necessary for throwing and overhead movements of racket swings, as well as the movements necessary for dynamic stabilization of the scapula. Although the example shown in Figure 6 is for a left-handed user 90, as mentioned above, the same training can be performed by a right-handed user 90 by loosening the horizontal fixing device 47 of the slider rail 40 and rotating it 180°.

[0061] In Figure 6, θ1 is the angle formed by a virtual straight line connecting the initial position of the user 90's elbow 91 in (a) and the position of the user 90's elbow 91 in (b), and a horizontal line. During the pitching motion, the elbow 91 lowers slightly in the initial stage of holding the ball and rises upward during the release motion. Due to this vertical movement, θ1 has a range of approximately 20°. This angular range varies slightly depending on the pitcher's form. In this embodiment, the elbow support portion 20 can follow the changes in this range of θ1, making it possible to reproduce natural shoulder joint and scapular movements that are in line with actual pitching motions.

[0062] Figure 7 is a side view showing a user 90 using the training device 1 according to one embodiment, where (a) is a side view showing the initial position of the elbow support 20 and the user 90's elbow 91, and (b) is a side view showing the user 90's elbow 91 tilted upward relative to the slider rail 40.

[0063] The user 90 sits in the chair 100, and with their torso stable, places one elbow 91 against the elbow support 20. In the initial position (Figure 7(a)), the user 90's elbow 91 maintains the reference posture before entering the external rotation movement.

[0064] When the user 90 moves their elbow 91 to externally rotate it backward from the initial position (Figure 7(a)), the elbow support 20 rotates upward relative to the slider rail 40 with the hinge 22 as the pivot point, and assumes an inclined position as shown in Figure 7(b). At this time, the user 90 can push up the elbow support 20 while externally rotating their shoulder joint. Due to the upward rotation of the elbow support 20 relative to the slider rail 40, the external rotation movement of the elbow 91 and the external rotation movement of the upper arm are linked. The user 90 can stabilize the movement around the scapula.

[0065] This movement primarily strengthens the shoulder external rotator muscles, including the lower fibers of the trapezius, posterior fibers of the deltoid, and the teres minor, while also engaging the middle trapezius and infraspinatus muscles, which stabilize the scapula. Furthermore, resistance is applied to the combination of upward lifting of the elbow (91) and external rotation, allowing for efficient muscle training while increasing the range of motion of the shoulder joint.

[0066] In Figure 7(b), θ2 is the angle formed by the elbow support 20 and the slider rail 40 when the elbow support 20 is tilted. θ2 is a maximum of 45°. In this embodiment, the slider rail 40 itself can be tilted up to a maximum of 20° by the angle adjustment device 45 and the tilt fixing device 46. As a result, the training device 1 can achieve a total tilting motion of approximately 65° by combining the tilting angle of the elbow support 20 (45°) with the tilting of the slider rail 40. Here, θ2 represents the tilting range of the elbow support 20 alone and is geometrically addable with the rail tilting angle (0-20°).

[0067] Figure 8 is a top view showing a user 90 using the training device 1 according to one embodiment, where (a) is a top view showing the initial position of the elbow support 20 and the user 90's elbow 91, (b) is a top view showing the position of the user 90's elbow 91 and the elbow support 20 in an intermediate state when the user 90 has started to pull the elbow 91, and (c) is a top view showing the position of the user 90's elbow 91 and the elbow support 20 when the user 90 has finished pulling the elbow 91.

[0068] The user 90 sits in the chair 100, and with their torso stable, places one elbow 91 against the elbow support 20. In the initial position (Figure 8(a)), the elbow 91 is located near the side of the body. At this time, the elbow support 20 is tilted in a direction between the rightward and forward direction of arrow 110 (slightly forward to the right), with the connecting part 23 as the pivot point. When the user 90 pulls their elbow 91 backward from this position, it reaches the intermediate state shown in Figure 8(b). The elbow support 20 moves straight (backward) along the slider rail 40. Along with moving straight, the elbow support 20 rotates (or swings) with the connecting part 23 as the pivot point. The orientation of the elbow support 20 changes from facing inward to being approximately parallel to the user's body. When the elbow 91 is further extended backward, the elbow support 20 combines straight-line movement, horizontal movement, and rotation, as shown in Figure 8(c). The orientation of the elbow support portion 20 is between the left and forward directions indicated by arrow 110 (slightly forward towards the left) (see Figure 8(c)). This trajectory from (a) to (c) reproduces the trajectory of the elbow 91 during actual external rotation of the upper arm.

[0069] Straight-line movement refers to the movement of the slider section 30 along the longitudinal direction of the slider rail section 40 in the forward and backward direction indicated by arrow 110. Horizontal movement refers to the rotation or swinging of the elbow support section 20 around the connecting section 23 as a pivot point in the left and right directions indicated by arrow 110.

[0070] In other words, the training device 1, by combining the linear movement of the slider section 30 with the rotation of the elbow support section 20, can naturally reproduce the complex trajectory of the elbow 91 in overhead movements. Furthermore, since the training device 1 can guide the movement of the elbow 91 from inward to outward as the upper arm externally rotates, the lower fibers of the trapezius muscle cause posterior tilting of the scapula, and the external rotator muscles such as the teres minor are efficiently trained, thereby stabilizing the movement around the scapula.

[0071] Next, one aspect of this embodiment and the effects achieved by each aspect will be described. Note that this embodiment is not limited to the aspects described below, and may be realized by appropriately combining the parts described above. Furthermore, the effects described below are examples, and the effects achieved by each aspect are not limited to those described below.

[0072] The overhead movement training device 1 for user 90 comprises a slider rail section 40 provided on a support, a slider section 30 movable along the longitudinal direction of the slider rail section 40, an elbow support section 20 supported by the slider section 30 and in contact with the user 90's elbow 91, the elbow support section 20 being rotatable in the elevation direction relative to the slider rail section 40 and capable of rotating or swinging horizontally relative to the slider rail section 40, and a load applying section 70 that applies load to the movement of the elbow support section 20 along the slider rail section 40. As a result, the elbow support section 20 follows both linear movement and swinging, allowing for the natural reproduction of the complex movement trajectories of the shoulder joint and scapula, thereby enabling stabilization of movement around the scapula and coordinated strengthening of muscle groups.

[0073] In a training device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the load-applying unit 70 may be characterized by applying tension to the elbow support unit 20, applying a counterforce to the movement of the elbow support unit 20 when the elbow 91 moves backward, and applying a thrust to the movement of the elbow support unit 20 when the elbow 91 moves forward. As a result, an appropriate load is always applied to movements that move the shoulder and scapula back and forth, and the muscle groups involved in horizontal abduction (extension) of the shoulder can be efficiently trained.

[0074] In a training device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the load-applying unit 70 may be characterized in that it generates a load by the weight of the weight 72 and the magnitude of the load can be adjusted by the number of weights 72. This allows the load to be changed in stages according to the physical strength and purpose of the user 90, making it possible to safely and effectively train the shoulder joint and muscles around the scapula for a wide range of applications, from rehabilitation to muscle strengthening.

[0075] In a training device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the slider rail portion 40 is characterized in that its elevation angle is adjustable, it is rotatable in the horizontal direction, and it can be positioned at a predetermined angle. This allows the training posture to be adjusted according to the user's physique and the difference between their left and right arms, guiding the movement of the shoulder joint and scapula smoothly and enabling more natural and effective training.

[0076] (List of definitions of terms) "Overhead movement" refers to upper body movements that involve manipulating the upper limbs above shoulder height or swinging them down from above the head, and includes a series of movements involving external rotation of the shoulder joint and upward rotation of the scapula. "Elevation angle direction" refers to the direction in which the elbow support part 20 tilts backward relative to the slider rail part 40, and refers to the inclination direction when the elbow support part 20 tilts and rotates in accordance with the external rotation of the upper arm, with the hinge part 22 as the pivot point. "Horizontal direction" refers to the left-right direction within the horizontal plane of the slider rail part 40, and refers to the direction of movement when the elbow support part 20 rotates or swings back and forth within a small angle range within that plane, with the connecting part 23 as the pivot point. "Linear movement" refers to the movement of the slider part 30 back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the slider rail part 40.

[0077] "Support structure" refers to the entire structure that holds the slider rail section 40 in a predetermined position (for example, the base 80 and support column 60, or wall-mounted / ceiling-suspended structure). "Slider rail section 40" refers to the rail 43 that guides the slider section 30 in a straight line and the accompanying passage path 44, pulleys, etc., and the guide mechanism. "Slider section 30" refers to the moving body that moves along the rail and supports the elbow support section 20. "Elbow support section 20" is a general term for the group of members that contact and support the elbow 91 of the user 90, and includes the contact section 27, guide plate section 21, hinge section 22, connecting section 23, etc., and allows rotation in the elevation direction and rotation or swing in the horizontal direction.

[0078] "Angle adjustment device 45" refers to a mechanism for setting the inclination angle of the slider rail section 40, "inclination fixing device 46" refers to a mechanism for maintaining the set inclination angle, and "horizontal fixing device 47" refers to a mechanism for selecting and fixing the horizontal rotation position (for example, 0° or 180°) of the slider rail section 40. In this specification, angle "θ1" refers to the angle formed by a virtual straight line connecting the initial position and the retracted position of the elbow 91 and the horizontal line, and varies within a predetermined range depending on the pitching form, etc. Also, angle "θ2" refers to the angle between the elbow support section 20 and the slider rail section 40 when inclined, and defines the tilting range of the elbow support section 20. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1. Training equipment 20 Elbow support 21 Guide plate section 22 Hinge section 23 Connection part 24 connecting rods 25 Bottom 26 partition plates 27 Contact part 30 Slider section 31. Connection part for tension member 40 Slider rail section 41a Pulley 41b Pulley 42 Stopper section 43 rails 44 Route 45 Angle adjuster 46 Tilt fixture 47 Horizontal fixture 48 base 49 holes 50 Tension member 60 pillars 70 Load application section 71 Weight support section 72 weights 80 base 90 User 91 Elbow 100 chairs 110 Arrow 111 Arrow 112 Arrow 113 Arrow 120 floor surface

Claims

1. A training device for the user's overhead movements, A slider rail portion is provided on the support so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the orientation of the user's body facing forward, A slider portion that is movable along the longitudinal direction of the slider rail portion, An elbow support portion supported by a connecting portion erected from the upper surface of the slider portion, which contacts the user's elbow, wherein the elbow support portion is rotatable in an upward angle direction, tilting backward, with a hinge portion provided on the bottom surface of the elbow support portion as a pivot point relative to the slider rail portion, and is rotatable or swingable in a horizontal direction with the connecting portion as a pivot point relative to the slider rail portion, A load-applying unit that applies a load to the movement of the elbow support along the slider rail, Training equipment equipped with [specific features / features].

2. The load-applying unit is characterized by applying tension to the elbow support, applying resistance to the movement of the elbow support during the backward movement of the elbow, and applying thrust to the movement of the elbow support during the forward movement of the elbow. The training device according to claim 1.

3. The load-applying unit generates the load by the weight of the weights themselves, and the magnitude of the load can be adjusted by the number of weights. The training device according to claim 1.

4. The slider rail section is characterized by being adjustable in elevation angle, rotatable horizontally, and positionable at a predetermined angle. The training device according to claim 1.

5. The elbow support portion is characterized by having an interlocking structure that transmits the pressing force of the elbow in contact with the elbow support portion to the slider portion as a force that moves the slider portion in the longitudinal direction of the slider rail portion against the load applied by the load application portion. The training device according to claim 1.

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