Patent Application
20130079200
The invention relates to a training apparatus, in particular for the training of the back muscles of a user.
A large number of massage and training devices are known to relax and to train the spinal column region of a user. A training apparatus is known, for example, from DE 10 2007 032 148 B and U.S. Pat. No. 7,704,200 B which has a reclining area to support a user in a prone position, comprising a plurality of transverse elements arranged sequentially on a longitudinal axis of the training apparatus. The transverse elements are mounted about the longitudinal axis to execute a see-saw movement. Two knee parts are provided to support the knees of the user and are arranged below the reclining area and configured so that they are separately movable for each individual knee.
This training apparatus described above enables training of the lower back region, in particular the pelvic region of a user, and enables movement of the lower back region through the transverse elements which can tilt relative to the longitudinal direction, so that tension and stiffening of the lower back region can be alleviated. However, with the aid of the known training apparatus it is not possible to loosen the upper back region, in particular the neck and the shoulder region and to achieve targeted movement of the corresponding back areas.
it is desirable to create a multi-faceted and simple to operate training apparatus through which the user can efficiently train and move the upper back and shoulder regions, so that not just the lower back region, but rather the entire back can be kept mobile, reducing tension and alleviating pain.
The invention relates to a training apparatus, in particular for training the back musculature of a user, with a knee part to support one or both knees of the user and an arm part or hand part that is arranged relative to the knee part in such a way that the back region of the user, upon bracing of the knees against the knee part and bracing of the arms/hands against the arm part or hand part, is aligned in a substantially horizontal position along a longitudinal axis of the training apparatus. The knee part and arm part or hand part are arranged below the back region of the user. It is proposed that the arm or hand part for both arms/hands is arranged to be movable separately.
The training apparatus thereby substantially embraces a knee part and an arm part or hand part so that a user when kneeling on the knee part and resting the arms on the arm part or gripping the hand part with the hands is aligned in such a way that his back extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the training apparatus. The arm part or hand part is separately movable for both arms or hands so that through movements of the arm part the upper region of the back/shoulder and neck region are moved through the arm movement so that tension is reduced, pain is alleviated and the back musculature can be strengthened. The user can substantially only be braced against the knee and arm or hand part and thus train a “stretched back” without bracing.
In accordance with an advantageous further development of the invention the training apparatus can encompass a support surface to accommodate the trunk of the user preferably in a prone position, wherein in particular a reclining area of the support surface is formed through a plurality of transverse elements arranged along a longitudinal axis of the training apparatus, wherein the transverse elements are pivot-mounted or tilt-mounted to execute a see-saw movement about the longitudinal axis. In this further development it is proposed that tiltable or pivotable transverse elements that can be tilted about a longitudinal elongation of the training apparatus can support the stomach and/or lap and/or chest region of the user, wherein the tiltability of the transverse elements in the course of the arm movement supports a flexible guidance and rotation of the back. The transverse elements enable a comfortable support of the user, wherein the transverse elements can, for example, be cushioned.
In accordance with an advantageous further development of the invention the training apparatus encompasses a head part to support the head of the user, said head part being preferably capable of undergoing swivel movement relative to the support surface of the training apparatus in height and/or laterally. A longer training phase, in which there is movement of the arms and stretching and movement of the upper back region, may result in tiredness of the neck musculature of the user so that there is the danger of the head dropping. The support of the head through a support surface which is preferably able to undergo swivel motion in a comfortable resting position relative to a support surface enables improved comfort to be achieved so that exercises can be carried out using the training apparatus over a longer period of time, thereby enabling a therapeutic and sporting practice of the training movement over a longer period.
In accordance with an advantageous further development of the invention each separate arm part or hand part is movable in a circular, arcuate and/or linear manner, wherein a circular or arcuate movement can be executed substantially perpendicular to and/or along the longitudinal axis of the training apparatus and a linear or arcuate movement can be executed substantially along the longitudinal axis of the training apparatus. Preferably both arm or hand parts can be coupled mechanically such that a synchronized movement of the arm or hand parts with preferably adjustable phase shifting can be achieved. In this further development it is proposed that the separately movable arm or hand parts undergo a circular, arcuate or linear movement. In particular it is conceivable to make the different movement processes adjustable, i.e., according to the wishes of the user, either a circular, arcuate or a linear movement of the arm can be set. Not only is a one-dimensional movement in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the training apparatus conceivable, a three-dimensional movement, i.e., along the longitudinal extension of the training apparatus and transversely to the longitudinal extension, for instance a rudder-like movement of the aims, is also conceivable. Furthermore, it is preferably conceivable for the two separately movable arm or hand parts to be mechanically coupled such that a synchronized movement of both arm or hand parts with preferably adjustable phase shifting is achievable. Thus a uniform movement is conceivable through coupling so that both arms move forwards and backwards synchronously, or a counter-phase movement in which the second arm moves backwards whilst the first arm moves forwards. In addition, upon movement of one arm outwards the second arm can also be moved outwards or can be moved inwards to bring about targeted movements of the back musculature and the spinal column. The phase shifting can preferably be freely adjustable, for instance through variation of a clamping position of mechanical connecting parts or be activatable and detachable through mechanical coupling. This makes a high variability of different movements possible and allows targeted movement programs to be implemented to loosen the upper region of the back.
In an advantageous further development of the invention and based on the known training apparatus its advantages can be combined such that it is proposed that the knee parts for both knees are also disposed so that they are separately movable and in particular are movable in a circular, arcuate or linear manner, wherein a circular or arcuate movement of the knee parts can be executed substantially perpendicular to and/or about the longitudinal axis of the training apparatus and a linear or arcuate movement can be executed substantially along the longitudinal axis of the training apparatus. In terms of the knee parts it is also preferably conceivable for these to be mechanically coupled such that a synchronized movement of the knee parts with preferably adjustable phase shifting is achievable. This further development proposes in addition to the free movability of the arm/hand parts a free movability of the knee parts such that the upper and lower back regions are moved separately or also synchronously and so that the entire back region is moved and thus can be loosened. It is thereby conceivable that both separately movable knee parts are similarly mechanically coupled such that an adjustable phase shifting enables a counter-phase or same-phase movement of the knee and thus a corresponding movement of the lower back region. The advantages of the training apparatus known from the prior art are thus combined with the advantages of the invention to bring about a complete and effective training of the back.
Building on the two aforementioned embodiment examples it is further advantageously conceivable that at least one separate arm or hand part can be mechanically coupled with a separate knee part so that a preferred phase-adjustable synchronized movement of an arm or hand part with a knee part is possible. It is thus proposed for at least one arm or hand part to be mechanically coupled to a separately-movable knee part in such a way that a phase-adjustable movement sequence between the arm and knee part is possible, for instance a synchronous forward movement of arm and knee, or an asynchronous or counter-phase movement of arm and knee so that in particular the central region of the back can be subjected to strain through this synchronized movement. This yields the greatest possible variability of very different movement sequences in which the extremities knee and hands can be moved in a coupled manner so that through the movement forces are introduced into the back to influence its overall consistency, to loosen hardened back regions and to alleviate pain.
Building on the aforementioned embodiment example a mechanical coupling of knee and arm parts is possible through a drive belt, a drive chain or a mechanical rod, whereby preferably one arm or hand part is coupled to one knee part through a drive rod and a coupling wheel that is mounted perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and wherein in particular the arm and knee parts are coupled cross-wise. In this advantageous further development it is proposed to couple a separately-movable arm or hand part with a separately movable knee part via a drive belt, a drive chain or a mechanical rod such that an adjustable synchronous movement is enabled. In particular, the left arm can be coupled with the right knee, or the right arm can be coupled with the left knee cross-wise, however it is also conceivable to couple the left arm to the left knee and the right arm to the right knee. This enables a synchronous or asynchronous movement of the left or right part of the back in the upper and lower region be carried out, so that in particular the central region of the back can be trained. A coupling through a coupling wheel enables, through a high inertia, a harmonic and continuous movement, wherein through a change in the point of engagement of the drive rod with the coupling wheel a phase shifting and amplitude variation of hand and knee parts are adjustable.
Building on the above-described further developments of a mechanical coupling of arm or hand part/knee part it is advantageously conceivable for the coupling to be actively driven via a drive device, in particular an electric motor and in addition for it preferably to be drivable via a coupling wheel. Thus an electric motor with a coupled arm part, hand part or knee part can be moved by means of a motor and a movement sequence be actively carried out to influence the corresponding back regions of a user. Advantageously, no movement of the user himself is necessary, in particular for persons who are paralyzed or weak so that passive back therapy can be carried out.
As an alternative to the above-mentioned embodiment, or in addition thereto, it is advantageously conceivable for a mechanical resistance device, in particular a brake or the like, to be used to introduce a preferably adjustable mechanical resistance to the movement of the arm part, hand part and/or knee part. Thus in particular for an active actuation of the arm part, hand part and/or knee part by the user through adjustment of a variable mechanical resistance, in particular a resistance pneumatic cylinder, a counter spring, an additional weight etc., to achieve a greater training effect to strengthen the muscles in the back, arm and leg regions to provide a sporting use of the training apparatus.
In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment of the invention at least one transverse element can be coupled to one or both arm or hand parts and/or one or both knee parts mechanically such that a preferably adjustable synchronized see-saw movement of the transverse element with the arm or hand part/knee part is achievable. In this case it is proposed that transverse elements that can undergo tilting or swivel motion transversely to the longitudinal axis of the training apparatus be coupled mechanically to a separately movable arm or hand part/knee part such that movement of the arm part or hand part brings about tilting of the transverse element, so that synchronously or adjustably to movement of the extremities a transverse inclination of the trunk region and thus the back is achieved, to achieve a close linkage of the movement sequences of the individual parts of the body and thus enable a finely-tuned adjustable movement for training of the back.
In a further advantageous development of the invention a device may be arranged above the reclining surface to apply a preferably adjustable pressure and/or heat to the back. Thus the back region can be influenced in a targeted manner at adjustable points or over its entire surface through application of pressure and/or heat for a mechanical fixing or for heat influence to improve the back therapy. The user may be fixed in position, for example between the reclining surface and the pressure/heat application device through positioning of a preferably cushioned and in particular heatable punch. It is conceivable for the heat-applying device to radiate heat without contact to certain individual points or over the entire back through the use of infra-red radiating devices. It is further conceivable for the pressure application device to carry out a massage movement through individual massage actuators so that the training effect is supported through movement of the extremities.
In accordance with an advantageous further development of the invention the longitudinal axis of the training apparatus can be mounted so that it tilts relative to the horizontal, i.e., the surface of the ground. This enables the alignment of the back/the user on the training apparatus to be varied adjustably and to be changed from an almost horizontal alignment of the back to an almost vertical alignment. For handicapped persons or persons with a disability, for example in their arm or leg functions, an alignment in a vertical direction can be advantageous for improvement of back therapy compared to a horizontal alignment.
In accordance with a further advantageous embodiment of the training apparatus a securing device, in particular a belt for the user, can be arranged on at least one transverse element to secure the user to the transverse element of the reclining area. The use of a securing means can prevent the user from slipping accidentally off the training apparatus or from being injured. For handicapped persons or those persons with poor movement ability a securing means can promote increased safety and effective therapy.
Further advantages are conferred by the following drawing description. The drawings show examples of embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually as well as group them into judicious further combinations.
The following figures are shown by way of example:
Components that are the same or similar in the Figures have the same reference numbers. The Figures show merely examples and are not to be understood as restrictive.
To illustrate the prior art
At least three transverse elements 120 are provided in the reclining area 112 which can execute counter-running see-saw movements. The transverse elements 112 are secured to a supporting part 102 which is braced against the floor through supports 104, 106. Whilst the upper body of the user 10 lies substantially flat on the reclining area 112, his knees 12, 14 and feet 16, 18 are angled downwards, wherein the pelvic region is supported by a pelvic transverse element 140 with which two pedal-like knee supports 142, 144 engage, which form a knee part 160. A joint 146 enables a movement of the knee part 160/the pedal-like knee supports 142, 144. The user 10 can alternately move his knees 12, 14 downwards and so bring about a see-saw movement of the pelvic transverse element 140. The joint 146 can, however, also be disposed such that the user 10 executes a movement similar to that on a bicycle and can perform circular movements with the knees 12, 14. The user 10 can activate individual transverse elements 120 and initiate a see-saw movement through a targeted displacement of weight, for example of the shoulders. For example, one shoulder can be moved downwards whilst the other shoulder is moved upwards in accordance with the see-saw movement. Where necessary, one or a plurality of transverse elements 120 can be brought into motion through a machine drive, for instance an electric motor, or through a further person, for instance a masseur or therapist. The transverse elements 120 are preferably so wide that they can reliably accommodate the user in terms of width, but are relatively narrow to enable a local effect of the see-saw movement. The height of individual transverse elements 120 and the distance between the transverse elements 120 can be separately adjusted to enable a good adaptation to the dimensions of the user 10. Similarly, an inclination of the reclining area 112 can be changed so that the head 22 with straight back 20 of the user 10 can be moved lower or higher than a horizontal. Naturally all transverse elements 120, 140 can have a shape that is adapted to the body and are correspondingly cushioned to enable comfortable lying.
Advantageous embodiments of a training apparatus according to the invention are described below with reference to
In contrast to the training apparatus 100 shown in
Two different movement variations of the training apparatus shown in
Finally,
The training apparatus enables the user to distribute his body weight over a plurality of transverse elements, with the back and pelvic region being largely freed from bearing the body weight. It enables the treatment of intervertebral disk prolapse cases and provides a symmetrical posture of the spinal column for massage, for training and for active and passive movements. The back can be locally moved, trained, stretched and relaxed. The user preferably knees down on the training apparatus and supports his forearms/hands on the arm/hand part 220. The upper shoulder region, neck region and hip region can be effectively trained. It is further conceivable to activate the movement of the transverse elements 120 by a motor, in particular to couple it mechanically to the arm, leg or knee parts and thus achieve a synchronized holistic movement. A rolling movement or stroking movement along the back comparable to acupressure can be brought about by the pressure-applying device. Furthermore, the back or individual regions of the back can be treated with heat or cold.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 2011 051 471.4 | Sep 2011 | DE | national |
