Patent Application
20230381593
The present invention relates to a suspension arrangement for suspending at least one standing device on a frame device of a training device according to claim 1, a training device comprising such a suspension arrangement according to claim 11, the use of such a suspension arrangement for suspending at least one standing device on a frame device of a training device according to claim 13, a method of suspending at least one standing device on a frame device of a training device according to claim 14, as well as to a method of producing such a suspension arrangement according to claim 15.
Various suspension arrangements for training devices such as rebound and balance training devices or trampolines are known in the art. For example, US 2016/0096056 A1 discloses a trampoline including a frame, a jumping sheet and a plurality of suspension members. The suspension members extend horizontally between the frame and the jumping sheet. U.S. Pat. No. 10,183,194 B1 discloses a rebound and balance training device that includes a frame, a footboard, a carrier for the footboard and a plurality of resilient spring elements extending essentially vertically between and being attached to the frame and the carrier to support the footboard.
Disadvantages associated with the suspension arrangements of the prior art are a heavy wear and correspondingly high maintenance work, for example.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, it is an object to provide a suspension arrangement that has a low maintenance and which is cost-optimized.
This object is achieved with a suspension arrangement according to claim 1. In particular, a suspension arrangement for suspending at least one standing device on a frame device of a training device is provided, wherein the suspension arrangement comprises at least one fixation device for fixation to the frame device, at least one connection device for connection with the standing device, and at least one resilient device for resiliently connecting the fixation device with the connection device. At least in an unused state of the suspension arrangement, the resilient device extends inclined between the fixation device and the connection device so as to form at least one first inclination running along a first inclination direction and at least one second inclination running along a second inclination direction. The first inclination direction differs from the second inclination direction.
That is to say, the suspension arrangement comprises at least one fixation device that can be fixed to, i.e. that can be connected to or brought into connection with a frame device of a training device. The suspension arrangement furthermore comprises at least one connection device that can be connected to or brought into connection with a standing device. The connection device and the fixation device are in connection with one another via at least one resilient device, whereby the standing device can be resiliently suspended on the frame device of the training device. At least in the unused state of the suspension arrangement, the resilient device is arranged between the connection device and the fixation device with inclinations extending along different inclination directions. The unused state of the suspension arrangement is understood as a state wherein no user uses the suspension arrangement, i.e. a state where no external forces such as a weight force or a pressure force exerted by a user act on the resilient device. Hence, at least in this unused state of the suspension arrangement the resilient device extends inclined. This inclined extension of the resilient device results in less wear of the components of the suspension arrangement, which results in a suspension arrangement that has a low maintenance. At the same time, the suspension arrangement is inexpensive to produce and operate, which leads to low manufacturing and maintenance costs.
In the unused state of the suspension arrangement an angle of inclination being formed between the first inclination and the second inclination, in particular between a central axis running centrally through the resilient device forming the first inclination and a central axis running centrally through the resilient device forming the second inclination, is preferably at least 1 degree or more, preferably at least 5 degree or more, particularly preferably at least degree or more. Additionally or alternatively said angle of inclination, in the unused state of the suspension arrangement, preferably is in the range of about 1 degree to 90 degree, preferably in the range of about 5 degree to 70 degree, particularly preferably in the range of about 10 degree to 30 degree. It is particularly preferred that the angle of inclination in the unused state of the suspension arrangement is about 10 degree.
It is particularly preferred that the resilient device extends inclined between the fixation device and the connection device so as to form at least one first inclination and at least one second inclination also in a used state of the suspension arrangement, i.e. in a state wherein a user uses the suspension arrangement and wherein external forces such as a weight force or a pressure force exerted by a user act on the resilient device. In this used state, an angle of inclination between the first inclination and the second inclination, in particular between the central axis running centrally through the resilient device forming the first inclination and the central axis running centrally through the resilient device forming the second inclination, is preferably at least 1 degree or more, preferably at least 5 degree or more, particularly preferably at least 10 degree or more. Additionally or alternatively said angle of inclination, in the used state of the suspension arrangement, preferably is in the range of about 1 degree to 90 degree, preferably in the range of about 5 degree to 70 degree, particularly preferably in the range of about 10 degree to 30 degree.
Furthermore, the angle of inclination being formed between the first inclination and the second inclination in the used state of the suspension arrangement preferably essentially equals the angle of inclination being formed between the first inclination and the second inclination in the unused state of the suspension arrangement. For example, it is conceivable that the suspension arrangement is configured such, that the angle of inclination in the used state of the suspension arrangement and the angle of inclination in the unused state of the suspension arrangement are about 10 degree. However, it is likewise conceivable that the angle of inclination in the used state of the suspension arrangement differs from the angle of inclination in the unused state of the suspension arrangement. Such a deviation in the angle of inclination can be at least 1 degree or more, such as at least 3 degree or more, or such as at least 9 degree or more. For example, if the angle of inclination in the unused state of the training device is 10 degree, it is preferred that the angle of inclination in the used state of the training device is 9 degree or less, such as 7 degree or less, or such as 1 degree or less. However, other deviations in the angle of inclination are likewise conceivable. For example, a deviation in the angle of inclination could be at least 30 degree or more, such as at least 65 degree or more, or at least 75 degree or more. For example, if the angle of inclination in the unused state of the suspension arrangement is 90 degree, the angle of inclination in the used state of the suspension arrangement is preferably 60 degree or less, such as 25 degree or less, or such as 15 degree or less.
Again in other words, it is conceivable that the angle of inclination in the used state of the suspension arrangement is at least 10% or more of the angle of inclination in the unused state of the training device, such as at least 15% or more or 30% or more or 50% or more or 70% or more or even 90% or more.
If the angles of inclination in the unused state and the used state differ from one another it is preferred that the angle of inclination when the suspension arrangement is in the unused state is larger than the angle of inclination when the suspension arrangement is in its used state.
Moreover, it should be noted that the suspension arrangement can adapt two or more used states as a result of different external forces being exerted by the user on the resilient device. Consequently, it is conceivable that two or more angles of inclination are formed when the suspension arrangement is in its used state, wherein said two or more angles of inclination differ from one another.
At least in the unused state of the suspension arrangement the first inclination preferably runs upward between the connection device and the fixation device with respect to a horizontal plane of the suspension arrangement. That is, the first inclination can be seen as an upward inclination running along an upward direction. Hereinafter the first inclination is therefore referred to as upward inclination, irrespective of the state of the suspension arrangement, i.e. whether the suspension arrangement is in its used state or unused state. Additionally or alternatively, at least in the unused state of the suspension arrangement, the second inclination preferably runs downward between the connection device and the fixation device with respect to said horizontal plane of the suspension arrangement. Consequently, the second inclination can be seen as a downward inclination running along a downward direction, which is why said second inclination is hereinafter referred to as downward inclination irrespective of the state of the suspension arrangement, i.e. whether the suspension arrangement is in its used state or unused state.
Said horizontal plane of the suspension arrangement is a plane being spanned by two horizontal direction of the suspension arrangement that run perpendicular to one another as well as perpendicular with respect to a vertical direction of the suspension arrangement. The vertical direction is understood as a direction that extends from a ground the training device is arranged on vertically upwardly.
The suspension arrangement preferably comprises two or more, in particular a plurality of upward inclinations and downward inclinations. It is furthermore preferred that the upward inclinations and downward inclinations are provided in an alternating manner, i.e. it is preferred that one or more upward inclinations are followed by one or more downward inclinations. Moreover, and as will be explained in greater detail below, one particular upward inclination or downward inclination can be provided by means of one particular resilient device. In other words it is preferred that the suspension arrangement comprises at least one resilient device that runs upward between the connection device and the fixation device and at least one further resilient device that runs downward between the connection device and the fixation device. That is to say, the suspension arrangement can comprise two or more resilient devices. However, it is likewise conceivable that one resilient device is arranged such, that it runs upward as well as downward.
The resilient device preferably has a tensile force of at least 100 N at a strain of 100%, more preferably of at least 140 N at a strain of 100%, and particularly preferably of at least 160 N at a strain of 100%. Additionally or alternatively a maximal strain of the resilient device is preferably at least 100% or more, more preferably at least 130% or more, and particularly preferably 170% or more.
The resilient device and/or the further resilient device preferably are an elastic rope. A particularly preferred elastic rope has a tensile force of 160 N at a strain of 100% and a maximal strain of about 170%. Further preferred properties of the elastic rope are a diameter of about 10 mm to 15 mm, preferably 14 mm and/or a braiding of PES 1100x1. Furthermore, it is preferred that the elastic rope is provided by rubber threads, particularly preferably by so-called High Performance rubber (synthetic). An advantage of resilient devices in the form of elastic ropes are an improved vibration behaviour as compared to springs, for example. The elastic ropes therefore enable a user a joint-friendly training.
However, other resilient devices such as springs, in particular steel springs, are likewise conceivable and are well-known to the skilled person.
The fixation device preferably comprises at least one first fixation element and at least one second fixation element, wherein the fixation device and the connection device are in connection with one another via the first and second fixation elements of the fixation device. The first fixation element and the second fixation element can be arranged staggered from one another with respect to a vertical direction of the fixation device.
That is to say, the inclined arrangement of the resilient device can be achieved by the provision of a fixation device comprising fixation elements that are arranged staggered with respect to one another and which respect to a vertical direction of the fixation device. The vertical direction of the fixation device runs vertically with respect to a ground the training device stands on. In other words, the vertical direction of the fixation device runs parallel to the vertical direction of the suspension arrangement.
Hence, the object of providing a suspension arrangement that has a low maintenance and which is cost-optimized could likewise be achieved by the provision of a suspension arrangement comprising at least one fixation device for fixation to the frame device, at least one connection device for connection with the standing device, and at least one resilient device for resiliently connecting the fixation device with the connection device, wherein the fixation device comprises at least one first fixation element and at least one second fixation element, wherein the fixation device and the connection device are in connection with one another via the first and second fixation elements of the fixation device, and wherein the first fixation element and the second fixation element are arranged staggered from one another with respect to a vertical direction of the fixation device.
Alternatively, it is however likewise conceivable that the first fixation element and the second fixation element are arranged in a non-staggered manner from one another with respect to the vertical direction of the fixation device.
The first fixation element and the second fixation element are preferably arranged staggered from one another with respect to a horizontal direction of the fixation device running perpendicularly to the vertical direction of the fixation device.
At least in the unused state of the suspension arrangement, the horizontal direction of the fixation device runs parallel to a horizontal direction of the suspension arrangement.
A vertical distance between the first fixation element and the second fixation element when seen along the vertical direction of the fixation device preferably is in the range of about 1 cm to 10 cm, more preferably in the range of about 2 cm to 6 cm, and particularly preferably about 3.5 cm.
A horizontal distance between the first fixation element and the second fixation element when seen along the horizontal direction of the fixation device preferably is in the range of about 1 cm to 10 cm, more preferably in the range of about 2 cm to 6 cm, and particularly preferably about 4 cm.
The fixation device preferably comprises at least one further first fixation element. The first fixation element and the further first fixation element are preferably arranged staggered from one another with respect to the horizontal direction of the fixation device. Additionally or alternatively the first fixation element and the further first fixation element are preferably arranged in a non-staggered manner from one another with respect to the vertical direction of the fixation device.
A vertical distance between the first fixation element and the further first fixation element when seen along the horizontal direction of the fixation device preferably is in the range of about 1 cm to 10 cm, more preferably in the range of about 2 cm to 6 cm, and particularly preferably about 3 cm.
The first fixation element and the further first fixation element are preferably arranged in pairs, wherein hereinafter said pairs are called first pairs. The suspension arrangement preferably comprises a plurality of such first pairs. Said plurality of first pairs are preferably arranged staggered from one another with respect to the horizontal direction of the fixation device. A horizontal distance between successive first pairs when seen along the horizontal direction of the fixation device preferably is about 1 cm or more, more preferably about 2 cm or more. Said plurality of first pairs are preferably arranged in a non-staggered manner from one another with respect to the vertical direction of the fixation device, i.e. said plurality of first pairs are preferably arranged on a same vertical height.
The fixation device preferably comprises at least one further second fixation element. The second fixation element and the further second fixation element are preferably arranged staggered from one another with respect to the horizontal direction of the fixation device. Additionally or alternatively the second fixation element and the further second fixation element are preferably arranged in a non-staggered manner from one another with respect to the vertical direction of the fixation device.
A horizontal distance between the second fixation element and the further second fixation element when seen along the horizontal direction of the fixation preferably is in the range of about 1 cm to 10 cm, more preferably in the range of about 2 cm to 6 cm, and particularly preferably about 3 cm.
The second fixation element and the further second fixation element are preferably arranged in pairs, wherein hereinafter said pairs are called second pairs. The suspension arrangement preferably comprises a plurality of such second pairs. Said plurality of second pairs are preferably arranged staggered from one another with respect to the horizontal direction of the fixation device. Said plurality of second pairs are preferably arranged in a non-staggered manner from one another with respect to the vertical direction of the fixation device, i.e. said plurality of second pairs are preferably arranged on a same vertical height. A vertical distance between the plurality of first pairs and the plurality of second pairs is preferably the same. The vertical distance between a first pair and a second pair with respect to the vertical direction of the fixation device preferably is 2 cm or more, more preferably 4 cm or more.
The connection device preferably comprises at least one first connection element and at least one second connection element. The fixation device and the connection device are preferably in connection with one another via the first and second connection elements of the connection device. The first connection element and the second connection element are preferably arranged in a staggered manner from one another with respect to a horizontal direction of the connection device. Additionally or alternatively the first connection element and the second connection element can be arranged in a staggered manner from one another with respect to a vertical direction of the connection device running perpendicularly to the horizontal direction of the connection device.
That is to say, the inclined arrangement of the resilient device can also be achieved by the provision of a connection device comprising connection elements that are arranged staggered with respect to one another and which respect to a vertical direction of the connection device.
Hence, the object of providing a suspension arrangement that has a low maintenance and which is cost-optimized could likewise be achieved by the provision of a suspension arrangement comprising at least one fixation device for fixation to the frame device, at least one connection device for connection with the standing device, and at least one resilient device for resiliently connecting the fixation device with the connection device, wherein the connection device comprises at least one first connection element and at least one second connection element, wherein the fixation device and the connection device are in connection with one another via the first and second connection elements of the connection device, and wherein the first connection element and the second connection element are arranged staggered from one another with respect to a vertical direction of the connection device.
However, it is of course likewise conceivable that the first connection element and the second connection element are arranged in non-staggered manner from one another with respect to the vertical direction of the connection device.
The vertical direction of the connection device runs vertically with respect to a ground the training device stands on. In other words, the vertical direction of the connection device runs parallel to the vertical direction of the fixation device and/or to the vertical direction of the suspension arrangement. At least in the unused state of the suspension arrangement, the horizontal direction of the connection device runs parallel to the horizontal direction of the fixation device and/or to a horizontal direction of the suspension arrangement.
A horizontal distance between the first connection element and the second connection element when seen along the horizontal direction of the connection device preferably is about 0.1 cm or more, preferably about 1 cm or more. Additionally or alternatively conceivable horizontal distance between the first connection element and the second connection element when seen along the horizontal direction of the connection device is preferably in the range of about 1 cm to 25 cm, more preferably in the range of about 2 cm to 15 cm. Additionally or alternatively a preferred horizontal distance is about 1 cm, more preferably about 4 cm or more.
If applicable, a vertical distance between the first connection element and the second connection element when seen along the vertical direction of the connection device preferably is in the range of about 1 cm to 10 cm, more preferably in the range of about 2 cm to 6 cm, and particularly preferably about 3.5 cm.
The suspension arrangement preferably comprises a plurality of connection elements, wherein said plurality of connection elements are particularly preferably arranged at a uniform distance from one another with respect to the horizontal distance of the connection device.
A number of connection elements preferably equals to or is smaller than or larger than a number of fixation elements. It is particularly preferred that a number of connection elements is smaller than, in particular half the number of fixation elements. In other words, it is preferred that one connection element is in each case provided for two fixation elements. Said two fixation elements particularly preferably correspond to fixation elements constituting a first pair or a second pair, see above.
It should furthermore be noted that connection elements being arranged staggered from one another with respect to the vertical direction of the connection device can likewise be provided in the form of first pairs and second pairs as described above in the context of the staggered fixation elements. Hence, explanations provided in this regard likewise apply to vertically staggered connection elements.
The resilient device preferably is in connection with the first fixation element and/or with the further first fixation element. Additionally, said resilient device could also be in connection with the first connection element.
As mentioned initially, the suspension arrangement preferably comprises at least one further resilient device. Said at least one further resilient device preferably is in connection with the second fixation element and/or with the further second fixation element. Additionally, said further resilient device could also be in connection with the second connection element.
One resilient device preferably connects one pair of fixation elements with one connection element. That is, in the event of one first pair and one second pair a first resilient device could connect the first connection element with the first pair and a second resilient device could connect the second connection element with the second pair. In the event of a plurality of first pairs and second pairs, a first resilient device could connect the first connection element with the first pair, a second resilient device could connect the second connection element with the second pair, a third resilient device could connect a third connection element with a further first pair, a fourth resilient device could connect a fourth connection element with a further second pair, etc. However, it is likewise preferred that one individual fixation element is connected with one individual resilient device. In this case, the fixation elements constituting a pair are individually connected with a common connection element via a corresponding resilient device. For example, a first connection element could be connected with a first fixation element via a first resilient device, and said same first connection element could be connected with a further first fixation element via a second resilient device. Furthermore, it is conceivable that in each case one connection element is connected with one fixation element via one resilient device.
Other connections of the connection elements and the fixation elements via one or more resilient devices are however likewise conceivable.
The first fixation element and/or the further first fixation element and/or the second fixation element and/or the further second fixation element preferably has the shape of a hook. In this case, the resilient device and/or the further resilient device is preferably hooked in one or more of the hooks.
The first connection element and/or the second connection element preferably has the shape of a bar. In this case, the resilient device and/or the further resilient device is preferably looped around one or more of the bars.
The resilient device preferably is provided in the form of a loop, particularly preferably in the form of a closed loop. For example, if the resilient device corresponds to an elastic rope, it is preferred that said rope is arranged as a loop, for example by connecting the free ends of the elastic rope to one another.
It is particularly preferred that a resilient device is looped around a connection element in the form of a bar as well as hooked in a first fixation element and/or further first fixation element and/or second fixation element and/or further second fixation element in the form of a hook. Thus, it is preferred that a number of connection elements equals a number of resilient devices which in turn equals a number of total fixation elements, i.e. the total number of first and further first fixation elements as well as second and further second fixation elements. It is likewise preferred that a resilient device is looped around a connection element in the form of a bar and hooked in two fixation elements. In this case it is thus likewise conceivable that there are as many resilient devices as connection elements as fixation elements, wherein however one or more resilient devices are not in connection with one or more connection elements or one or more fixation elements. Alternatively, it is conceivable that less resilient devices are provided than connection elements and/or than fixation elements, and wherein one or more resilient devices are in each case in connection with two or more fixation elements and/or two or more connection elements. If one resilient device is in connection with two fixation elements, said two fixation elements particularly preferably constitute a first pair or a second pair as described above. It is furthermore preferred that the hooks constituting a first pair or a second pair are oriented differently from one another. In particular, it is preferred that the hook constituting the first fixation element (second fixation element) and the hook constituting the further first fixation element (further second fixation element) extend in opposite directions and/or are arranged in a mirror-inverted manner with respect to one another and with respect to a plane extending along the vertical direction of the fixation device and between the first fixation element (second fixation element) and the further first fixation element (further second fixation element). In this way the resilient device can be laterally hooked in the fixation elements.
The fixation device furthermore preferably comprises an elongate element such as a plate or the like, and wherein the fixation elements are arranged on said plate, particularly preferably on a surface of said plate. The plate and/or the fixation elements can be made of the same or different materials. To this end it is preferred that the plate and the fixation elements are made of metal. The plate and the fixation elements can constitute a single-piece element or a multi-piece element. In the later case it is conceivable that the plate is provided with bores or the like, and wherein the fixation elements are screwed into said bores. Other fastenings such as an adhesive fastening or a welded connection are of course likewise conceivable.
The connection elements in the form of the bar can be provided by means of a single bar. In other words, the connection elements can be provided in the form of a single-piece element. Alternatively, it is likewise conceivable that the connection elements are configured separately from one another such as several individual bars. The connection device furthermore preferably comprises an elongate element that can be connected to the bar. For example, it is conceivable that said elongate member comprises two or more through holes, through which the bar can be slid and thereby fastened to the elongate member. A further connection of the elongate member and the bar is preferably achieved by mechanical and/or chemical fastening means, for example by means of a screw, in particular a hub screw, or an adhesive. These and any further conceivable fastening means are well-known to the skilled person. To this end it is particularly preferred that the elongate member comprises an elongate base body with two or more protrusions, and wherein the through holes are provided in said protrusions. In other words, it is preferred that the connection device has the shape of a rake. The protrusions preferably protrude laterally from the base body and are facing towards the fixation device. The base body is preferably facing away from the fixation device and facing towards the standing device instead.
The resilient device and/or the at least one further resilient device are preferably releasably fastenable to the first fixation element and/or the further first fixation element and/or the second fixation element and/or the further second fixation element and/or to the first connection element and/or the second connection element. That is, it is preferred that the one or more resilient devices can be looped around one or more bars and/or hooked in one or more hooks in a non-permanent manner. Such a design allows a user of the training device to adjust the suspension of the standing device(s) and to consequently adjust a training mode of the training device. In fact, the more resilient devise are used for suspending the suspension arrangement the more force is needed from a user to overcome the resilient force exerted by the resilient devices.
In another aspect a training device comprising at least one standing device, a frame device and at least one suspension arrangement as described above is provided. Any of the above and below explanations regarding the suspension arrangement therefore likewise apply to the training device comprising such a suspension arrangement and vice versa.
At least in an unused state of the training device, the standing device and the suspension arrangement are preferably arranged in a common plane. The unused state of the training device is understood as a state wherein no user uses the training device, i.e. a state where no external forces such as a weight force or a pressure force exerted by a user act on the training device. Thus, when the training device is in its unused state the suspension arrangement is in its unused state as well. Consequently, a used state of the training device is understood as a state wherein a user of the training device uses the training device and wherein external forces act on the training device. When the training device is in its used state the suspension arrangement is in its used state as well.
Thus, at least in the unused state of the training device, the resilient device preferably extends inclined between the connection device and the fixation device so as to form at least one first inclination and at least one second inclination. The first inclination preferably runs upward between the connection device and the fixation device with respect to a horizontal plane of the training device, and/or wherein the second inclination preferably runs downward between the connection device and the fixation device with respect to the horizontal plane of the training device. Said horizontal plane of the training device preferably corresponds to the common plane the standing device and the suspension arrangement are arranged in.
At least in the unused state of the training device, the horizontal plane of the training device preferably runs parallel to the horizontal plane of the suspension arrangement.
The suspension arrangement is preferably arranged within a base element of the frame element that extends along the horizontal plane of the training device.
The horizontal plane of the training device is spanned by a first horizontal direction of the training device and a second horizontal direction of the training device running perpendicularly to the first horizontal direction of the training device. Said first and second horizontal directions of the training device running perpendicularly to a vertical direction of the training device. The vertical direction of the training device extends vertically upwardly from a ground the training device is arranged on. The vertical direction of the training device runs parallel to the vertical direction of the fixation device and the vertical direction of the connection device. At least in the unused state of the training device the first horizontal direction of the training device runs parallel to the horizontal direction of the connection device and the horizontal direction of the fixation device. Said first horizontal direction of the training device preferably extends along a transverse direction of the training device. The transverse direction of the training device in turn runs preferably runs perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the training device. Said longitudinal direction of the training device preferably runs parallel to the second horizontal direction of the training device.
At least in the unused state of the training device, the connection device, in particular its one or more connection elements, are arranged on a vertical height that lies between a vertical height of the first fixation element and a vertical height of the second fixation element with respect to the vertical direction of the training device. This arrangement is preferred in the event of vertically staggered fixation elements and non-staggered connection elements.
However, it is likewise conceivable that, at least in the unused state of the training device, the fixation device, in particular the first fixation element and/or the second fixation element, is arranged on a vertical height that lies between a vertical height of the first connection element and a vertical height of the second connection element. This arrangement is preferred in the event of vertically staggered connection elements and non-staggered fixation elements.
The standing device is preferably configured inelastic and/or bendable and/or not stretchable and/or load-bearing and/or torsion-proof and/or having a medium strength, i.e. being stable but not hard. The standing device is furthermore preferably configured such that a user can stand on it. That is, it preferably corresponds to an elongated element comprising a surface the user can stand on.
The standing device can be directly connected to the connection device. It is however likewise conceivable that the standing device and the connection device are indirectly connected with one another, for example via one or more ribbons or the like. To this end it is preferred that the connection device on the side facing the standing device comprises connection elements, and wherein a connection between the connection device and the standing device takes place via said connection elements. Likewise, the fixation device can be connected directly or indirectly to the frame device. The fixation device is particularly preferably welded or screwed to the frame device.
It is particularly preferred that the training device comprises two suspension arrangements per standing device. The standing device preferably is of an elongate shape that extends, in the unused state of the training device, along the second horizontal direction of the training device. The standing device furthermore preferably comprises two opposed ends, wherein a first end of the standing device is connected to or in connection with a first suspension arrangement and a second end of the standing device is connected to or in connection with a second suspension arrangement. It is particularly preferred that the training device comprises two standing devices and consequently four suspension arrangements. To this end it is conceivable that one or more components of two suspension arrangements that are arranged on a same side of the training device are configured separately from one another or can be joined together so as a single-piece element. For example, it is conceivable that the two fixation devices of the two suspension arrangements in the shape of elongated plates are provided as two separate plates or in the form of a common plate. The same applies to the connection devices.
The training device is preferably configured such that it can adopt one or more used states. As mentioned earlier, the used state is understood as a state wherein a user of the training device stands on the one or more standing devices and presses or pushes the standing devices against the resilient force of the resilient device. As a consequence, during the action of a pressing force or pushing force the standing devices are moved with respect to the frame device along the vertical direction of the training device towards a ground. In other words, the standing devices are lowered. Said position of the standing devices can be referred to as use position. In the absence of such a pressing or pushing force, the resilient force of the resilient device returns the standing devices into an initial position. A user can be said to perform a training if he or she transfers the standing device(s) into their used position and initial position several times. However, it is likewise conceivable that the training device is used for balance exercises, wherein the user merely stands on the one or more standing devices. The balance exercise is enabled by the resilient suspension of the standing device(s) by the suspension arrangement.
In another aspect at least one suspension arrangement as described above is used for suspending at least one standing device on a frame device of a training device.
In another aspect a method of suspending at least one standing device on a frame device of a training device is provided, wherein the method comprises the steps of: i) providing at least one suspension arrangement as described above, ii) fixing the at least one fixation device to the frame device, iii) connecting the at least one connection device with the at least one standing device, and iv) connecting the at least one fixation device and the at least one connection device via the at least one resilient device. It should be noted that the steps ii) to iv) can be carried out in any order.
In another aspect a method of producing a suspension arrangement for suspending at least one standing device on a frame device of a training device is provided, wherein the method comprises the steps of: i) providing at least one fixation device for fixation to the frame device, ii) providing at least one connection device for connection with the standing device, and iii) providing at least one resilient device for resiliently connecting the fixation device with the connection device. The resilient device extends inclined between the fixation device and the connection device so as to format least one first inclination running along a first inclination direction and at least one second inclination running along a second inclination direction being different from the first inclination direction. The first inclination preferably runs upward between the connection device and the fixation device with respect to a horizontal plane of the suspension arrangement, and/or wherein the second inclination direction preferably runs downward between the connection device and the fixation device with respect to the horizontal plane of the suspension arrangement. Here again it should be noted that the steps i) to iii) can be carried out in any order.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to the drawings, which are for the purpose of illustrating the present preferred embodiments of the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the same. In the drawings,
Different aspects of a suspension arrangement 1 for suspending one or more standing devices 8 on a frame device 9 of a training device 10 as well as of a training device 10 comprising such a suspension arrangement 1 and standing device(s) 8 are discussed with reference to the figures.
As best seen in
As will be explained in greater detail below, the suspension arrangement 1 according to the invention comprises one or more fixation devices 2, one or more connection devices 3, and one or more resilient devices 4, 4a that are configured for resiliently connecting the fixation device 2 with the connection device 3. In other words, the suspension arrangement 1 serves the purpose of resiliently suspending one or more standing devices 8 on the frame device 9 of the training device 10.
In the present case, four suspension arrangements 1 are arranged within the recess 13 of the base element 11 of the frame device 9, and wherein two suspension arrangements 1 are used for suspending one standing device 8, 8′. Thus, the training device 10 depicted in the figures comprises two standing devices 8, 8′ that are arranged next to one another. Here, said standing devices 8, 8′ have in each case the shape of a rectangular element that extends within the recess 13 of the base element 11 and, at least in an unused state of the training device 10, along the horizontal directions Ht1, Ht2 of the training device 10. The standing devices 8, 8′ are thus vertically spaced apart from the ground as well. In order to facilitate access of the standing devices 8, 8′ to a user the frame device 9 comprises here a step element 14 the user can step on when he or she wants to use the training device 10. Said step element 14 can of course also serve the purpose of assisting the descending from the training device 10. Furthermore, more than one step element 14 is conceivable.
The standing devices 8, 8′ are made of an inelastic and bendable, however not stretchable material. The standing devices 8, 8′ are furthermore arranged and configured such that a user of the training device 10 can stand on a surface 15 of the standing devices 8, 8′. The training device 10 is configured such that it can adopt one or more used states. A used state is understood as a state wherein a user of the training device 10 stands on the one or more standing devices 8, 8′, in particular on their surfaces 15, 15′, and presses or pushes the standing devices 8, 8′ against a resilient force of the suspension arrangement 1, in particular of its resilient devices 4, 4a. As a consequence, during the action of a pressing force or pushing force the standing devices 8, 8′ are moved with respect to the base element 11 of the frame device 9 along the vertical direction Vt of the training device 10 towards the ground. In other words, the standing devices 8, 8′ are lowered. Said position of the standing devices 8, 8′ can be referred to as use position. In the absence of such a pressing or pushing force, the resilient force of the suspension arrangement 1, in particular of the resilient devices 4, 4a, returns the standing devices 8, 8′ into their initial position, wherein the standing devices 8, 8′ essentially extend along the horizontal plane PHt of the training device 10. A user can be said to perform a training if he or she transfers the standing device(s) 8, 8′ into their used position and initial position several times. However, the training device 10 can also be used for other exercises such as balance exercises, wherein the user stands and balances with one of his legs on one or more of the standing devices 8, 8′. This balance exercise is likewise enabled by the resilient suspension of the standing device(s) 8, 8′ by the suspension arrangement 1.
Each standing device 8, 8′ comprises two opposed ends 16, 16′; 17, 17′, wherein a first end of a first standing device 8 is connected to a first suspension arrangement 1, a second end 17 of the first standing device 8 is connected to a second suspension arrangement 1′, a first end 16′ of a second standing device 8′ is connected to a third suspension arrangement 1″, and a second end 17′ of the second standing device 8′ is connected to a fourth suspension arrangement 1′″, respectively.
As best seen in
Each fixation device 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″ comprises an elongate element 20 such as a plate or the like that defines a front surface 21 and an opposing back surface 22. The back surface 22 is connected to the frame device 9, in particular screwed to the side wall 18 of the base element 11. The front surface 21 comprises a plurality of fixation elements 5, 5a, 6, 6a that are used for the resilient connection of the fixation device 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″ with the connection device 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, see also explanations provided further below with reference to
Each connection device 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″ defines a front region 23 and an opposing back region 24. The back region 24 is in connection with the standing device 8, 8′ and the front region 23 comprises a plurality of connection elements 7, 7a, that are used for the resilient connection of the connection device 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″ with the fixation device 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″, see also explanations provided further below with reference to
As follows from
As best seen in
As is readily evident from
Similarly, the downward inclination 4d runs downward between the connection device 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″ and the fixation device 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″ with respect to the horizontal plane PHs of the suspension arrangement 1, 1′, 1″, 1′″ and the horizontal plane PHt of the training device 10 when the training device 10 is in its unused state. In other words, the downward inclination 4d and the upward inclination 4u are inclined in opposite directions. The horizontal plane PHs of the suspension arrangement 1, 1′, 1″, 1′″ is defined here by the first horizontal direction Hs1 of the suspension arrangement 1, 1′, 1″, 1′″ and a second horizontal direction Hs2 of the suspension arrangement 1, 1′, 1″, 1′″ running perpendicularly to the first horizontal direction Hs1 of the suspension arrangement 1, 1′, 1″, 1′″. Said second horizontal direction Hs2 of the suspension arrangement 1, 1′, 1″, 1′″ furthermore runs perpendicularly to the vertical direction Vf of the fixation device 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″, the vertical direction Vc of the connection device 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, to the vertical direction Vt of the training device 10, as well as to the vertical direction Vs of the suspension arrangement 1, 1′, 1″, 1′″.
As mentioned earlier, when the training device 10 is transferred in its used state the standing devices 8, 8′ are moved along the vertical direction Vt of the training device 10 towards the ground. Because the connection devices are in connection with the standing devices 8, 8′ the connection devices are consequently moved along the vertical direction Vt of the training device 10 towards the ground as well. In this used state of the training device 10 both the upward inclination 4u and the downward inclination 4d formed by the resilient devices 4, . . . extend vertically upward between the connection devices and the fixation devices and with respect to a horizontal plane running horizontally through the standing devices 8, 8′. Said horizontal plane runs parallel to the horizontal plane PHs of the suspension arrangement and the horizontal plane PHt of the training device 10 when the training device is in its unused state. However, and as is illustrated with respect to
In the depicted embodiment the suspension arrangement 1, 1′, 1″, 1′″ comprises a plurality of upward inclinations 4u and downward inclinations 4d, wherein said plurality of upward inclinations 4u and downward inclinations 4d are provided in an alternating manner, i.e. upward inclinations 4u are followed by downward inclinations 4d which in turn are followed by upward inclinations 4u etc., when seen along the horizontal directions Hf, Hc, Ht1, Hs1. Here, each inclination 4u, 4d is provided by a particular resilient device 4, 4a, . . . . That is, a first resilient device 4 is arranged so as to form an upward inclination 4u, its neighbouring second resilient device 4a is arranged so as to form an upward inclination 4u, the neighbouring third resilient device 4b is arranged so as to form a downward inclination 4d etc. It should be noted that it is likewise conceivable that one resilient device is arranged such, that it runs upward as well as downward. Other arrangements of the inclinations are of course likewise conceivable.
The angle of inclination a that is formed between the central axis Cu running centrally through the upward inclination 4u and the central axis Cd running centrally through the downward inclination 4d in the unused state of the training device 10 is here about 10°, see
The inclination of the resilient devices 4, 4a, . . . is achieved here by the provision of staggered fixation elements 5, 5a, 6, 6a, . . . of the fixation devices 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″. For the sake of simplicity the following explanations are made with regard to two of such staggered fixation elements 5, 6 of the plurality of fixation elements. Namely, and as follows from
As mentioned earlier, the connection device 3 comprises a plurality of connection elements 7, 7a, . . . . For the sake of simplicity reference is again made to two connection elements 7, 7a of said plurality of connection elements. Hence, and as follows from
Thus, by providing a first resilient device 4 that connects the first connection element 7 with the first fixation element 5 and a further resilient device 4b that connects the second connection element 7a with the second fixation element 6, the first resilient device 4 and the further resilient device 4b extend between the connection device 3 and the fixation device 2 at different inclinations, namely an upward inclination 4u and a downward inclination 4d.
Furthermore, and as also best seen in
It is essential to note that said inclinations 4u, 4d of the resilient devices 4, 4a, . . . can likewise be obtained if the connection elements 7, 7a, . . . of the connection device 3, 3′, 3″, 3″ are arranged staggered from one another with respect to the vertical direction Vc of the connection device 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″ and if the fixation elements 5, 5a, 6, 6a, . . . of the fixation device are arranged in a non-staggered manner from one another with respect to the vertical direction Vf of the fixation device 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″. Finally, it should be noted that said inclinations 4u, 4d of the resilient devices 4, 4a, . . . could also be obtained if both, the connection elements 7, 7a, . . . as well as the fixation elements 5, 5a, 6, 6a, . . . are arranged in a staggered manner from one another with respect to the vertical direction Vc of the connection device 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″ and the vertical direction Vf of the fixation device 2, 2′, 2″, 2″, respectively. Hence, any explanations that are provided herein with regard to fixation elements 5, 5a, 6, 6a, . . . being staggered with respect to the vertical direction Vf of the fixation device 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″ likewise apply to connection elements 7, 7a, . . . being arranged in a staggered manner with respect to the vertical direction Vc of the connection device 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″.
Regarding the plurality of fixation elements 5, 5a, 6, 6a, . . . and the plurality of connection elements 7, 7a, . . . the following should be noted as well. In fact, and as follows from
The fixation device 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″ likewise comprises at least one further second fixation element 6a, wherein the second fixation element 6 and the further second fixation element 6a are arranged staggered from one another with respect to the horizontal direction Hf of the fixation device 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″. Moreover, the second fixation element 6 and the further second fixation element 6a are arranged in a non-staggered manner from one another with respect to the vertical direction Vf of the fixation device 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″. Hence, here again it is noted that the second fixation element 6 and the further second fixation element 6a are arranged in pairs, wherein hereinafter said pairs are called second pairs Pf2. Since the fixation device 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″ comprises a plurality of second and further second fixation elements 6, 6a, . . . it can be said to comprise a plurality of such second pairs Pf2, wherein said plurality of second pairs Pf2 are arranged staggered from one another with respect to the horizontal direction Hf of the fixation device 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″. However, said plurality of second pairs Pf2 are arranged in a non-staggered manner from one another with respect to the vertical direction Vf of the fixation device 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″, i.e. said plurality of second pairs Pf2 are arranged on a same vertical height with respect to the vertical direction Vf of the fixation device 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″. As is readily evident from
As becomes readily apparent from a comparison of
As also follows from
With reference to
The second embodiment of the connection device depicted in
Hence, in any case a fixation device 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″ comprising fixation elements 5, 5a, 6, 6a, . . . in the form of hooks and a connection device 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″ comprising connection elements 7, 7a, . . . in the form of a bar are provided. These designs allow a connection of the resilient device 4, 4a, . . . by means of hooking the resilient device 4, 4a, . . . in a hook 5, 5a, 6, 6a, . . . and by looping the resilient device 4, 4a, . . . around the bar 7, 7a, . . . .
In the disclosed figures one individual fixation element 5, 5a, 6, 6a, . . . is connected with one individual resilient device 4, 4a, . . . , wherein the fixation elements 5, 5a, 6, 6a, . . . constituting a pair Pf1, Pf2 are individually connected with a common connection element 7, 7a, . . . via a corresponding resilient device 4, 4a, . . . , see
It has been found out that the characteristics of the resilient devices 4, 4a, . . . have an essential impact on the training possibilities offered by the training device 10. In fact, resilient devices exhibiting elastic properties as disclosed in the diagram of
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20204824.5 | Oct 2020 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2021/077397 | 10/5/2021 | WO |
