# US 4,214,382 A · Training bar

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- Number: US 4,214,382 A
- Document ID: US4214382A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 05/930,923
- Filed: 1978-08-04
- Granted: 1980-07-29
- Earliest claimed: 1978-08-04
- Inventors: Shin Matsutani
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US4214382A

## CPC

- A63B 69/0028: {for running, jogging or speed-walking (movable endless bands A63B22/02)}
- A63B 71/0009: {for handicapped persons}
- A63B 2071/0027: {visually handicapped}
- Y10S 273/19: Waist mounted
- Y10S 273/27: Blind and color blind
- A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H)
- Y10S: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS

## Abstract

A training bar to be worn simultaneously by a sighted and a non-sighted runner. The bar comprises a central rod approximately four and one half feet in length having a shock absorber disposed at either end. A belt or harness to be worn around the waist of the runners is attached to each shock absorber with the sighted runner wearing the belt with one end of the bar attached at the rear. The non-sighted runner wears the other belt with the remaining end of the bar attached at the front, so that when the pair are running in tandem they are separated by the length of the training bar. The separation permits both runners to run freely without interfering with one another. A change in the lead runner's speed or direction will be transmitted through the bar to the rear runner. Any shock created by a sudden stop or change in direction will be absorbed by the two shock absorbers.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A training bar for use with first and second runners, said training bar comprising:
a substantially rigid elongated member having first and second ends;
a first belt to be worn by said first runner, said first belt being coupled to said first end of said member;
a second belt to be worn by said second runner, said second belt being coupled to said second end of said member;
a first shock absorber disposed between said first end of said member and said first belt;
said elongated member being of sufficient length that when said bar is worn by the runners, neither runner interferes with the running of the other when the two runners are running in tandem.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The training bar of claim 1 wherein the bar further includes a second shock absorber disposed between said second end of said member and said second belt.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The training bar of claim 1 wherein said elongated member comprises first and second tubes, said first tube being slideably mounted within said second tube, said bar further including a retaining means coupled to said tubes for selectively securing said tubes in a stowed position wherein said first tube is substantially telescoped within said second tube and in an unstowed position wherein said first tube is substantially withdrawn from said second tube.