KR20240131366A - Training device for simultaneous training of shoulder, pelvic and trunk muscles - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention (modification) relates to the fields of sports and medicine, and relates to a training device used to simultaneously train the scapular girdle, pelvic girdle and trunk muscles of a human being, namely a rotary training apparatus.
The claimed invention is based on the task of creating a rotary multifunctional training device for simultaneously training the scapular, pelvic and trunk muscles of a person while involving all muscle groups in a balanced manner, thereby maintaining the synchronization of the rotation of the shaft of the load module of the training device by adjusting the relationship between the rotational speed of the shaft of the load module of the training device and the effort put into it, thereby providing high quality and efficiency of training in different modes of use of the training device.

Description

Training device for simultaneous training of shoulder, pelvic and trunk muscles

The present invention relates to the fields of sports and medicine, and relates to a training device used to simultaneously train the scapular girdle, pelvic girdle and trunk muscles of a human being, namely a rotary training apparatus.

Nowadays, multifunctional rotary training machines, which combine the characteristics of treadmills, bicycle paths and steppers, which allow rotational movements performed by the upper limbs and reciprocating and/or rotational movements performed by the lower limbs, and which allow training different muscle groups, occupy a leading position among all exercise machines due to their versatility and functionality. The specific characteristics of these training machines are that during lower limb training, the feet do not separate from the pedal surface during any movement phase, which avoids shock loads, and that the pedals move around a circle and along an elliptical path, which is characteristic of elliptical training machines, which allows training comfortably and safely for the knee and ankle joints. The decisive advantage of training with these rotary training machines is that they strengthen the heart muscle, improve cardiovascular function, train the respiratory system, increase endurance, reduce weight, and, in addition, they do not have negative effects on the joints and spine, and there are no restrictions on the user's fitness level, so both beginners and experienced athletes can train.

In addition, an important feature of any modern training device is that it allows the load level to be adjusted, thus allowing users with different fitness levels to individually select the load, thus achieving better results without causing any harm to their health. In addition, training devices that have the function of coordinating movements so that the movements performed by the upper and lower limbs can be trained as a whole body have great advantages. Training devices that can provide synchronized movements of the upper and lower limbs are quite simple to use and can significantly improve the quality of training, since the user's assessment of the quality of the training performed tends to be subjective, and in most cases, the upper limbs actually perform a very small amount of work compared to the lower limbs, resulting in an uneven load distribution, which in turn leads to imbalances during the training of different muscle groups and insufficient training of the scapular muscles, which are overestimated.

The prior art teaches a number of rotary training devices capable of adjusting the load level and/or synchronizing the movements performed by the upper and lower limbs, and the applicant has selected several technical solutions which are closest to the proposed invention in terms of a set of essential functions.

In this way, US Patent No. 10549144B2 of February 4, 2020 teaches a training device combining movements of the upper and lower limbs, the machine comprising a support frame; a transmission unit including a wheel rotatably mounted on the support frame and a generator driven by the wheel; a crank device including a right part, a left part and an offset bar symmetrically arranged between them and coupled between the inner surfaces of the right part and the left part; a pair of connecting assemblies each including a first adjusting link, a second adjusting link, a front link, a rear link, a lower curved link and a pivot block. According to the proposed technical solution, the travel path of the pedals and the amount of effort required to press these pedals are adjusted by adjusting the length of the first and/or second adjusting links of each of the connecting assemblies. That is, the user can change the configuration of the connecting assemblies by himself in order to obtain a desired movement or training mode by using the lifting/lowering device provided on the second adjusting link and the offset device provided on the first adjusting link, each pedal moving along a closed elliptical path. In this way, for example, when the relative point (B) of the lifting/lowering device is moved to the uppermost position, the user will have to take a large step along the path followed by each pedal, which will result in the greatest pressing effort, whereas when the relative point (B) of the lifting/lowering device is moved to the lowermost position, the user will take a small step along the path followed by each pedal, similar to walking up stairs. A disadvantage of the proposed technical solution is that training with this training device loads only the lower and upper limbs due to the elliptical movement of the feet and the reciprocating movement of the wrists, so that full rotation, flexion and extension of the spine and adjustable tension loading of the corresponding muscles are not performed, and there is no possibility of bending over compared to the horizontal position. Moreover, the proposed technical solution does not offer the possibility of adjusting the load applied to the lower limbs, but rather the adjustment of the movement path and thus the effort value applied only to the pedals by the user, which is performed manually by the user before the start of the training, and if an incorrect load value is set that does not correspond to the user's level of fitness, the user has to change the load value after the training device is completely stopped, which is not only inconvenient, requires additional effort and time costs, but also generally has a negative impact on the efficiency and quality of the training.

US Patent No. 6,672,994B1, issued January 6, 2004, teaches an elliptical training apparatus comprising: a frame designed to be placed on a floor surface; a leg support member; a hand support member, at least one of the hand support member and the leg support member being pivotally mounted on the frame; an elastic member connecting the hand support member to the leg support member to provide synchronization of the hand support member by biasing the hand support member to a specific position relative to the leg support member; a sensor connected to the hand support member for measuring a user force applied to the hand support member, the sensor being a strain gauge in one exemplary embodiment; and a resistance device connected to the leg support member and in communication with the sensor, the resistance device providing an adjustable resistance as a function of the user force applied to the hand support member. At the same time, according to the proposed technical solution, the elastic member is a torsion spring made of rubber or a tension spring, and the training apparatus may further comprise a display mounted on the frame and coupled to the sensor to visually display the user force applied to the hand support member or to visually display the relative work performed on the upper and lower parts of the user's body. The proposed invention proposes a mode of automatic adjustment of the resistance device as a function of the force exerted by the user on the hand support element by means of a corresponding button on the display, i.e. a special controller periodically determines the force exerted by the user's hand, displays the amount of work performed by the upper body part or separately compares it with the work of the lower body part and/or the target work level, and adjusts the resistance device for the legs, for example, based on the work performed by the user's hand and/or the total work performed. A disadvantage of the proposed technical solution is that the synchronization between the hand support element and the leg support element is provided by elastic elements in the form of torsion rubber springs or tension springs, which do not provide sufficient reliability and precision of the synchronization between the individual elements, and also that tension springs swell over time and lose their elasticity, which requires tension adjustment during use. In addition, the training performed on this training device, as in the previous case, loads only the lower and upper limbs, since it performs an elliptical movement of the foot and a reciprocating movement of the wrist, and therefore a full flexion and extension of the spine is not performed.

A similar solution is also taught in U.S. Patent No. 8,025,611B2, issued September 27, 2011, which describes an elliptical training apparatus comprising: a frame positioned on a horizontal surface; a pair of hand and leg support members; a lever mechanism assembly for engaging the hand and leg support members along a closed path relative to the frame in response to user effort applied to the hand and leg support members, the lever mechanism assembly including an actuator for adjusting a dimension of the closed path in response to incoming control signals; a sensor mounted on the lever assembly for generating a signal in response to the effort applied by the user; and a user interface for receiving and processing the signal and transmitting it to the actuator of the lever mechanism assembly, wherein at least one dimension of the closed path is a function of at least one effort applied to the hand and/or leg support members. As before, individual elastic members interconnect the hand support members and corresponding leg support members, respectively, to offset the hand support members and to move the hand support members along the determined path in response to movement of the corresponding leg support members, thereby providing synchronization thereof. The disadvantages of the proposed technical solution are that it cannot provide sufficient synchronization precision because it uses elastic members to join the hand and leg support members, and the tension springs are relatively poorly durable and tend to swell and lose elasticity over time. In addition, since the user makes an elliptical motion with his feet and a reciprocating motion with his wrist, it is impossible to fully flex or extend the spine.

As the closest analogue of the present invention, a training device for simultaneously training the muscles of the shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle and trunk of a human being according to US Pat. No. 10857419B2 of February 18, 2020 comprises a support frame mounted on an adjustable and height-adjustable support, a hand load module and a leg load module are arranged on the support frame, the hand load module and the leg load module are each composed of a main body, the main body has load units arranged on both sides of the main body and kinematically coupled to shafts of foot and hand pedals configured to perform synchronous or asynchronous rotational movements with a defined speed and load along an elliptical path parallel to the longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the housing, and means for changing the load value are provided on both the leg load unit and the hand load unit depending on the physical capabilities of each specific person. The disadvantages of the proposed technical solution are that the adjustment of the load level must be manually corrected by the user immediately before the start of training, which requires additional effort and time; it is not sufficiently precise due to the influence of the human factor; and if a load value that does not match the user's fitness level is incorrectly set, the training device must be completely stopped and then the user must change the load value, which is inconvenient and has a negative impact on the overall efficiency and quality of training. Moreover, the important advantage of this training device in comparison with other training devices, namely the synchronous or asynchronous rotational movement of the feet and hand pedals along an elliptical path is regulated solely by the movements of the user during the exercise, since the structure of the training device does not provide any means of measuring the rotational speed of the feet and hand pedals, and therefore it is impossible to automatically adjust the level of load depending on the difference in the rotational speed of the said pedals, and not only is it impossible to provide effective synchronization of the movements of the user's upper and lower limbs, but in most cases the user's assessment of the quality of training is subjective and rather overestimated, which in fact leads to an uneven load distribution, since the upper limbs usually perform a very small amount of work compared to the lower limbs, and as a result to an uneven training of the different muscle groups and to insufficient training of the muscles of the shoulder girdle.

The claimed invention is based on the task of creating a rotary multifunctional training device for simultaneously training the scapular, pelvic and trunk muscles of a person, while engaging all muscle groups in a balanced manner, in order to provide high quality and efficiency of training in different modes of use of the training device. The technical effect of the claimed invention consists in maintaining the synchronization of the rotation of the shaft of the load module of the training device by adjusting the relationship between the rotational speed of the shaft of the load module of the training device and the effort applied thereto.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a training device comprises a support frame in which hand load modules and leg load modules are arranged. Each load module comprises a housing in which load units are arranged, and the load units are kinematically coupled to rotational shafts of hand pedals and leg pedals, respectively, which are arranged on both sides of the housing and configured to perform rotational movements parallel to the longitudinal vertical symmetry plane of the housing, depending on the module. In addition, the shafts of the pedals of the load modules are configured to perform synchronous or asynchronous rotations with respect to each other. This configuration allows the selection of a training mode when the rotational movements performed by the wrist and the foot are performed synchronously, for example, when the movement performed by the right hand is performed simultaneously with the movement performed by the right leg and vice versa, or when the movements of the upper and lower limbs are performed at the same speed, or when they are performed asynchronously, i.e., when the movement performed by the right hand is performed simultaneously with the movement performed by the left leg and vice versa.

According to the claimed embodiment of the present invention, the training device comprises means for measuring the rotational speeds of the shafts of the hand pedal and the leg pedal, arranged in each load module, and a control unit coupled to the means for measuring the rotational speeds, the control unit being configured to determine the difference between the rotational speeds of the shafts of the hand pedal and the leg pedal, and to generate an additional load from the load unit, the load being proportional to the value of the difference between the rotational speeds of the pedals in one of the load modules, if the rotational speed of the shafts of the pedals is offset to a greater extent, and to reduce the additional load if the difference between the rotational speeds of the shafts is reduced. Due to this configuration, a redistribution of the load is provided in order to synchronize the rotation of the shafts with a given angular offset, depending on the rotation mode and on the load parameters preliminarily set by the user. Thus, due to the presence of the means for measuring the rotational speeds of the shafts of the hand pedal and the leg pedal and the possibility of adjusting the load level, the relationship between the effort required to rotate the shafts of the pedals and the rotational speed of the shafts facilitates the acquisition of the correct technique of using the training device, which is very important in all training modes, to achieve a balanced movement of the user's upper and lower limbs, and to provide effective training. Depending on the chosen training mode related to the individual's fitness level and following the recommendations of a rehabilitation therapist or coach, training efficiency can be significantly increased and the individual's risk of premature fatigue or injury can be minimized if they deviate from the correct training mode.

According to one exemplary embodiment, an optical sensor is used as a rotational speed measuring means, for example an absolute optical encoder, which has an operating principle of converting a mechanical displacement into an electrical signal and consists of a scanning optical disc, a light-emitting diode and a photodetector. A number of opaque and transparent sectors on the disc, the so-called number of marks per revolution, define the resolution of the optical encoder, and the disc with an optical scale applied thereto is rigidly fixed on the shaft. When the shaft rotates, the photodetector reads the information and converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, which is then converted into a binary code by the electronics of the encoder and transmitted to the control unit. The rotational speed measuring means are mounted on the shafts of the hand pedal and the leg pedal. When the difference in the deviation between the rotational speeds of the shafts decreases, the given angular offset is updated, which is performed at a speed of 10 degrees per second at a rotational frequency of no more than 30 rpm. The advantages of absolute optical encoders are their precision, high resolution, wide availability, no need for any additional electronics, the original signal can be used directly in the main control system, and a long operating life of at least 50,000 hours, provided correct mounting, assembly and use.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rotational speeds of the hand pedal and the leg pedal are changed by changing the rotational torque of the shaft by an external influence by the user. While the rotational speeds of the hand pedal and the leg pedal are aligned by the user's effort, a given angular offset corresponding to the synchronous or asynchronous movement mode of the pedal is updated and then the generation of the additional load is terminated. This rotation synchronization algorithm for the shaft of the pedal facilitates the user himself to maintain the set usage mode of the training device in terms of obtaining a tactile sensation due to the change in the effort exerted by the person during the rotation of the pedal, and allows him to react accordingly to follow the correct training mode.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the load unit is electromagnetic, and the load adjustment is performed by changing the current size of the corresponding load unit. The main advantage of the electromagnetic load unit is the high precision with which the load can be selected as accurately as possible according to the user's fitness level and the training subject. The electromagnetic system is very quiet and can control the given load in small intervals (usually 5 Wt).

In another exemplary embodiment, the training device may be provided with a visual display device coupled to the control unit and configured to display or visualize exercise parameters of the pedals. The visual display device may be configured to perform various functions, including displaying information for the user, such as available parameters and/or training programs, elapsed time from the start of the training, current and/or average training speed, amount of work performed during the training, simulated distance walked by the user during the current training or during several training sessions, individual work performed by the user's hands and/or legs, calories burned by the user, pulse display, etc. In addition, the visual display device may be programmed to store data regarding several training sessions. The presence of the visual display device significantly increases training efficiency, as the user's desire to achieve the best possible results is enhanced when progress is visualized during the training, such as distance walked, calories burned, training time performed, etc. In addition, the visual display device allows the user to interact with the control unit and select a training mode based on their fitness level, health status, and given task.

In addition, the hand pedal and the leg pedal are configured to perform a rotational movement along an elliptical or circular path, which can be provided by manufacturing the pedal as a multi-link adjustable lever system. The selection of the rotational movement path of the pedal depends on the task assigned to the user of the training device, the user's health condition, and the level of physical fitness. In this way, the movement of the leg pedal along the elliptical path can provide a smooth elliptical movement of the leg that simulates the natural movement during running while the main physical load is applied to the human pelvic girdle and the negative impact on the joints and bands is excluded, and the rotational movement of the foot along the circular path mainly brings training and strength to the ankle, calf, and gluteal muscles. In addition, the present invention can perform the rotational movement along the elliptical or circular path not only by the lower extremities but also by the upper extremities at the same time, so that it can provide a balanced work of the whole body including different muscle groups such as the thigh muscles or quadriceps femoris, gluteal muscles, oblique abdominal muscles, lumbar, back muscles, and hand muscles. In addition, it is also important that the human torso muscles and heart, which play an extension role in the process of performing the rotational movement simultaneously with the lower extremities and the upper extremities, are additionally trained.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the support frame of the training device is adjustable, which allows to set the optimal geometrical parameters of the training device depending on the physical parameters of the individual, such as height, weight, etc., the state of health and the level of physical fitness of the individual, which provides an individual approach to the selection of the optimal training mode depending on the listed parameters. The adjustment function is provided by the fact that the structure of the training device includes a lever for adjusting the mounting level of the support platform, which is preferably arranged at the level of the chest of the human torso, a lever for adjusting the travel path of the legs and hand pedals along a circle or an ellipse, a lever for adjusting the height of the training device depending on the height of the individual, a lever for adjusting the mounting height of the hand load module depending on the height of the individual, a lever for adjusting the angle of inclination of the training device, an adjustable support for mounting the training device on the floor, etc. It should be understood that the means described in the above-described exemplary embodiments of the training device are used as examples of possible exemplary embodiments of the invention and may be replaced by other potentially possible modifications without departing from the principles of the invention.

According to a second embodiment of the claimed invention, a training device for simultaneously training a human shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle and trunk muscles includes a support frame having hand load modules and leg load modules arranged therein. Each load module comprises a housing in which load units are arranged, and the load units are kinematically coupled to rotational shafts of hand pedals and leg pedals, respectively, which are arranged on both sides of the housing, depending on the module, and are configured to perform rotational movements parallel to a longitudinal vertical symmetrical plane of the housing. In addition, the shafts of the pedals of the load modules are configured to perform synchronous or asynchronous rotations with respect to each other.

According to the claimed embodiment of the present invention, the training device further comprises means for measuring rotational speeds for shafts of hand pedals and leg pedals, arranged in each load module, a control unit and an electric motor, arranged in each load module and kinematically coupled to the shafts of the hand pedals and leg pedals, the problem posed is solved by the fact that the control unit is connected to the means for measuring rotational speeds of the shafts of the hand pedals and leg pedals, and is configured to determine the rotational speeds of the shafts of the hand pedals and leg pedals, and to drive the electric motors simultaneously to generate rotational torques directed against the rotational resistance on the shafts of the hand pedals and leg pedals. In this case, the shafts of the hand pedals and leg pedals can rotate synchronously or asynchronously with respect to each other. This configuration of the present invention makes it possible to adjust the relationship between the rotational speeds of the shafts of the pedals of the load module and the effort exerted on the shafts of the pedals of the load module by controlling the rotation of the shafts by the electric motors according to the indicators of the speed measuring means. This allows the rotation synchronization of the shaft to be performed both in the case where the user performs the training program by himself or herself and in the test or learning training mode where the user's movement is set by the movement of the pedal which is operated at a speed given by the electric motor with a predefined synchronization angle of the shaft. Furthermore, this configuration of the present invention allows the shaft of the pedal to be returned to the speed set by the training mode via the electric motor if the user exerts effort on the pedal which does not correspond to the set mode and the rotation synchronization of the shaft may be lost.

Using an electric motor, training modes can be set to less than the minimum preset load, such as a warm-up mode for the user's upper and lower limbs before the main training, a light training mode for individuals during rehabilitation, or a zero-load training for performing a learning mode where the pedals rotate without the user making any effort.

When the pedals of the training device are moved by the electric motor according to the data received from the speed measuring means of the shaft and not by external influence of the user, a light training mode with zero or minimum load can be selected, so that the movement of the pedals is synchronized, providing effective and safe training, without the possibility of negative effects due to overload on the body.

Thus, the rotational movements made by the wrist and foot can be performed synchronously, i.e. the movement made by the right hand is performed simultaneously with the movement made by the right leg and vice versa, depending on the selected training mode and the presence of rotational speed measuring means for the shafts of the upper and lower pedals, or asynchronously, i.e. the movement made by the right hand is performed simultaneously with the movement made by the left leg and vice versa, the generation of a corresponding rotational torque by the operation of the electric motor making it possible to provide an even distribution of the load on the upper and lower limbs and synchronized movements at the same speed, which is very important for the effective and balanced participation of all muscle groups in the training.

In addition, optical sensors, preferably absolute optical encoders, are used as a means of measuring rotational speed, which are characterized by high precision, appropriate resolution, availability, no need to install additional electronics, immediate availability of the original signal in the main control system and a long operating life.

In addition, the training device is configured to turn off the electric motor if there is no external contact on at least one pedal, which is very important from a user safety perspective and prevents injury to the user in case of an accidental situation during training or if the individual is not in good condition.

In addition, a gear motor is used as the electric motor, and the gear motor is coupled to the load unit via a clutch, and all components of the motor are effectively combined within a single housing, so that it is characterized by small size, light weight, and easy mounting, while the coupling clutch is characterized by operational reliability, ease of mounting, and ease of replacement.

In addition, the kinematic coupling of the elements of the load module consists of a belt drive characterized by smoothness and noiselessness of operation due to elasticity, simplicity of structure, maintenance and management during use, and a relatively high coefficient of performance.

In addition, the training device comprises a visual display device coupled to the control unit and configured to display the exercise parameters of the pedals. The presence of the visual display device significantly increases the training efficiency, since the user's desire to achieve the best possible results is enhanced when the progress is visualized, such as the distance walked during the training, the calories burned, the training time performed, etc. In addition, the visual display device allows the user to interact with the control unit and select a training mode depending on the fitness level, the state of health and the work performed.

In addition, the hand pedal and leg pedal are configured to perform a rotational movement along an elliptical or circular path. The choice of the rotational movement path of the pedal depends on the task assigned to the user of the training device, the user's health status and level of fitness. In the process of performing the rotational movement simultaneously by the lower and upper limbs, it is important that various muscle groups of the person are involved, including the trunk muscles of the person working to extend, and additionally the heart is trained.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support frame of the training device is adjustable so as to set the optimal geometric parameters of the training device depending on the individual's physical parameters such as height, weight, etc., the individual's health status and fitness level, thereby providing an individual approach to the selection of the optimal training mode depending on the listed parameters.

Therefore, the claimed invention according to both the first and second embodiments allows to create a multifunctional and effective training device for training the trunk muscles, shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle of a human, wherein the possibility of maintaining the synchronization of the rotation of the shaft of the load module of the training device is realized by adjusting the relationship between the rotational speed of the shaft and the effort applied to the shaft. Due to the load adjustment, according to the first embodiment of the invention, it is possible to achieve a balance of movements made by the upper and lower limbs of the user depending on the effort applied to the pedals, and according to the second embodiment of the invention, it is possible to perform training with a slight or zero load without any effort by the user due to the electric motor. The claimed invention provides a balanced participation of all muscle groups and allows to select the optimal training mode depending on the user's fitness level and health condition, thereby significantly improving the quality and efficiency of the training.

The feasibility of implementing the present invention is illustrated by the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic 3/4 left side view of a training apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, depicting a state in which a protective decorative element is removed.
FIG. 2 is a roughly 3/4 right side view of a training device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, depicting a state in which a protective decorative element is removed.
FIG. 3 is a schematic 3/4 left side view of a training device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, depicting a state in which a protective decorative element is removed.
FIG. 4 is a roughly 3/4 right side view of a training device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, depicting a state in which a protective decorative element is removed.
FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a training device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, depicting a state in which a protective decorative element is removed.
Figure 6 is a rough 3/4 right side view of the training apparatus, depicting it with the protective decorative elements fitted.
Figure 7 depicts a rear view of the hand load module with the protective decorative elements mounted and the module coupled to the control unit.
Figure 8 depicts a schematic side view of the training device with protective decorative elements and means for adjusting training device geometric parameters.
The illustrative drawings illustrating the claimed invention and specific exemplary embodiments of the rotary training apparatus mentioned are not intended to limit the scope of the rights attached hereto but rather to illustrate the essence of the invention (alternatives).
The drawing symbols used in the above drawing are as follows.
1. Support frame
2. Hand load module
3. Bridge load module
4. Housing of the hand load unit
5. Housing of the bridge load unit
6. Hand load unit
7. Bridge load unit
8. Shaft of hand pedal
9. Shaft of the leg pedal
10. Hand Pedal
11. Leg Pedal
12. Rotational speed measuring means for shaft of hand pedal
13. Rotational speed measuring means for the shaft of the leg pedal
14. Control Unit
15. Electric motor of the bridge load module
16. Electric motor of hand load module
17. Clutch of gear motor of hand load module
18. Clutch of gear motor of bridge load module
19. Visual display devices
20. Horizontal support
21. Console Bar
22. Folding support lever
23. Training apparatus transport wheels
24. Screw pair
25. Torso Support
26. Pivot for securing the vertical lever of the hand pedal.
27. Vertical lever of the hand pedal
28. Pivot for securing the vertical lever of the leg pedal.
29. Vertical lever of the leg pedal
30. Flywheel of the shaft of the leg pedal
31. Belt drive of the housing of the bridge load unit
32. Bearing assembly of the flywheel of the leg pedal shaft
33. Opening disk of rotational speed measuring means for shaft of leg pedal
34. Optical pair of bridge load module
35. Circular rotary drive lever of the leg pedal
36. Horizontal folding lever of the leg pedal
37. Footrest
38. Guide rail for fixing hand load module
39. Flywheel of hand pedal
40. Belt drive of hand load unit housing
41. Bearing assembly of the flywheel of the hand pedal shaft
42. Opening disc of rotational speed measuring means for shaft of hand pedal
43. Optical pair of hand load module
44. Circular rotary drive lever of hand pedal
45. Horizontal folding lever of hand pedal
46. Handle of hand pedal
47. Power supply unit
48. Knob for adjusting the mounting height of the body support.
49. Knob for adjusting the elliptical nature of the hand pedal's travel path.
50. Knob for securing the hand load module to the console bar.
51. Knob for adjusting the mounting height of the hand load module on the console bar.
52. Knob for adjusting the angle of the folding support lever
53. Knob for adjusting the elliptical nature of the leg pedal travel path.

A training device for simultaneously training a human shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a support frame (1) in which a hand load module (2) and a leg load module (3) are arranged, each of the hand load module (2) and the leg load module (3) comprising a housing (4, 5) in which a load unit (6, 7) is arranged, and the load units are kinematically coupled to rotational shafts (8, 9) of hand pedals (10) and leg pedals (11) which are arranged on both sides of the housing (4, 5) and configured to perform synchronous or asynchronous rotational movements parallel to a longitudinal vertical symmetrical plane of the housing (4, 5). The training device further comprises rotational speed measuring means (12, 13) for shafts (8, 9) of pedals (10, 11) arranged in each load module (2, 3) and a control unit (14) coupled to the rotational speed measuring means (12, 13), the control unit (14) determining the difference between the rotational speeds of the shafts (8, 9) of the hand pedal (10) and the leg pedal (11) thereby generating an additional load on the shaft from the load unit (6), the load being proportional to the value of the difference between the rotational speeds of the pedals (10, 11) in one of the load modules (2, 3), if the rotational speed of the shaft of the pedal is greater, and reducing the additional load if the difference between the rotational speeds of the shafts (8, 9) is reduced.

A training device for simultaneously training a human shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle according to a second embodiment of the present invention comprises a support frame (1) in which a hand load module (2) and a leg load module (3) are arranged, each of the hand load module (2) and the leg load module (3) comprises a housing (4, 5) in which a load unit (6, 7) is arranged, the load units being kinematically coupled to rotational shafts (8, 9) of hand pedals (10) and leg pedals (11) which are arranged on both sides of the housings (4, 5) and configured to perform synchronous or asynchronous rotational movements parallel to a longitudinal vertical symmetrical plane of the housings (4, 5), and the training device further comprises electric motors (15, 16) arranged in each load module (2, 3) and kinematically coupled to the shafts (8, 9) of the pedals (10, 11) and rotational speed measuring means (12, 13) for the shafts (8, 9) of the pedals (10, 11). The training device further comprises a control unit (14) connected to a shaft rotational speed measuring means (12, 13) and to an electric motor (15, 16), the control unit being configured to determine the rotational speeds of the shafts (8, 9) of the hand pedal (10) and the leg pedal (11) and to simultaneously drive the electric motors (15, 16) to generate a rotational torque directed against the rotational resistance of the shafts (8, 9), the shafts (8, 9) of the pedals being rotatable synchronously or asynchronously. In addition, a gear motor can be used as the electric motor, the gear motor being coupled to the load unit (6, 7) via a clutch (17, 18).

The training device according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention may further include a visual display device (19) coupled to the control unit (14) and configured to display exercise parameters of the pedals (10, 11).

In addition, the support frame (1) of the training apparatus according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention includes a horizontal support (20), a console bar (21) arranged at an acute angle with respect to the horizontal, and a foldable support lever (22). One end of the console bar (21) is connected to the horizontal support (20), and the middle portion is connected to the horizontal support (20) by a foldable support lever (22) arranged at an acute angle with respect to both the horizontal line and the bar (21).

The horizontal support (20) is equipped with a support that is manufactured as a training apparatus transport means in the form of a wheel (23) on its lower plane and a screw pair (24) and is configured to adjust the height of the horizontal support (20) with respect to the floor.

The leg load module (3) connected to the leg pedal (11) is mounted on a horizontal support (20).

A hand load module (2), a control unit (14), a user torso support (25), and a visual display device (19) connected to a hand pedal (10) are mounted on a console bar (21).

Left and right pivots (26) for fixing the vertically movable lever (27) of the hand pedal (10) are symmetrically fixed to the upper part of the console bar (21).

The left and right pivots (28) for fixing the vertically movable lever (29) of the leg pedal (11) are symmetrically fixed to the middle part of the console bar (21).

The leg load module (3) comprises a frame-shaped housing (5) on which is mounted a leg load unit (7), a shaft (9) of a leg pedal having a flywheel (30) kinematically interconnected via a belt drive (31).

The rotational speed measuring means (13) for the shaft (9) of the pedal is in the form of an aperture disk (33) fixed on the shaft (9), the reflector-sensitive element (34) being an optical pair fixed to the housing (5) is arranged on the bearing assembly (32) of the flywheel (30) of the shaft (9) of the leg pedal instead of the circular rotary drive lever (35) fixed to the shaft (9).

The housing (5) equipped with the assembly can be equipped with a protective decorative envelope to form a visually integrated module.

A leg pedal (11) is configured as a system of levers interconnected by pivots and comprises a circular rotating drive lever (35), a horizontally folding lever (36) configured to adjust the movement of one part of the lever relative to the other, and a vertical lever (29), which is fixed to the right and left sides on a shaft (9) of the leg pedal having a flywheel (30). A footrest (37) is mounted on the horizontally folding lever (36).

The hand load module (2) is arranged at the top portion of the console bar (21) and is secured to the top portion of the console bar (21) using a guide rail (38) configured to move and secure the hand load module (2) with respect to the console bar (21) and to adjust the distance between the hand load module (2) and the leg load module (3).

The hand load module (2) comprises a frame-shaped housing (4) on which is mounted a shaft (8) of a hand pedal having a flywheel (39) kinematically interconnected by a belt drive (40), a hand load unit (4).

The rotational speed measuring means (13) for the shaft (9) of the pedal is in the form of an aperture disk (33) fixed on the shaft (9), the reflector-sensitive element (34) being an optical pair fixed to the housing (5) is arranged on the bearing assembly (41) of the shaft (8) of the leg pedal provided with the flywheel (30) instead of fixing the circular rotational drive lever (44) of the hand pedal (10) to the shaft (8).

A hand pedal (10) comprising a circular rotary drive lever (44) fixed on a shaft (8) and configured as a system of levers interconnected by a pivot, a horizontal folding lever (45) configured to adjust the movement of one part of the lever relative to the other, and a vertical lever (27) is fixed to the right and left on the shaft (8) of a leg pedal provided with a flywheel (39). A handle (46) of the hand pedal (10) is arranged on the horizontal lever (45).

The housing (4) in which the assembly is mounted can be equipped with a protective decorative envelope to form a visually integrated module.

The power supply unit (47) can be arranged on the rear of the uppermost part of the console bar (21).

The support frame (1) of the training apparatus according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention may be equipped with adjustment means, namely a knob (48) for adjusting the mounting height of the torso support (25), a knob (49) for adjusting the ellipsoidal characteristic of the movement path of the hand pedal (10) due to the mutual movement of the foldable elements of the horizontal lever (45), a knob (50) for fixing the hand load module (2) to the console bar (21), a knob (51) for adjusting the mounting height of the hand load module (2) on the console bar (21) according to the height of the user, a knob (52) for adjusting the inclination angle of the foldable support lever (22), and a knob (53) for adjusting the ellipsoidal characteristic of the movement path of the leg pedal (11) due to the mutual movement of the foldable elements of the horizontal lever (36).

The training device according to the first embodiment of the present invention operates as follows.

The user stands on the footrest (37) of the leg pedal (11), holds the handle (46) of the hand pedal (10) with his hand, and rests his chest against the support (25) according to the incline of the torso if necessary.

The load units (6 and 7) are set to specific load levels.

The user starts to rotate the hand pedal (10) and the leg pedal (11) simultaneously. As the shafts (8 and 9) of the load modules (2 and 3) start to rotate, signals from the optical pairs (34 and 43) are continuously transmitted to the control unit (14).

Since the hand load module (2) and the leg load module (3) are not mechanically coupled, the user finds it difficult to achieve and maintain synchronous rotation of the hand pedal (10) and the leg pedal (11) or to maintain the training mode by predefining asynchronous rotation of the pedals.

In case of a difference in the rotational speed, the control unit (14) determines the difference in the rotational speed using a comparator device known from the prior art and generates a signal, whereby a signal for increasing the load will be transmitted to the load unit of the load module having the higher speed. The increase is performed by increasing the current supplied to the corresponding load unit, compared to a predefined load.

The above load increase is sensed by the user as a tactile sensation and begins to equalize the speeds, achieving synchronization of the hand pedal (10) and the leg pedal (11) or a difference in the rotation speeds at a given level (asynchrony).

At the same time, the control unit (14) generates signals related to training parameters, such as the size of the training time, load level and speed, on a visual display device (19) configured as a monitor (touch screen).

The control unit (14) can also be configured using a microprocessor, thus providing wide opportunities for selecting, fixing, changing and remembering training modes and for changing the size of the additional load due to differences in the rotation speed of the pedals.

A training device for simultaneously training the shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle and trunk muscles of a human being according to a second embodiment of the present invention further comprises, in comparison with the training device according to the first embodiment, for each of the load modules (2, 3), an electric motor (15, 16) which is kinematically coupled to the shafts (8 and 9) of the load units (6, 7) and the corresponding pedals and which is connected to a control unit (14). In addition, the kinematic coupling can be configured using mechanical or electromagnetic clutches (17 and 18).

In addition, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (14) is configured to receive and process information about the rotation speed of the shafts (8 and 9) of the pedals (10 and 11), and to turn on and off the switch of the electric motor (15, 16), adjust the rotation torque, and adjust the rotation speed.

The presence of this feature provides the possibility of compensating the load momentum objectively present in the load module without the load unit due to friction. That is, when the pedal itself moves the user's hand and leg at a given speed in synchronous or asynchronous mode, zero load or even negative load can be provided to the pedal movement.

This mode can be used as a warm-up mode or a rehabilitation training mode for users with very weak muscles.

In addition, the training device is configured to switch off the electric motor (15, 16) if there is no external contact with at least one pedal (10 and/or 11), which is very important from the user's safety point of view and prevents injury to the user, for example in case of an accidental situation during training or if the individual is unwell. Information about this absence of contact is transmitted to the control unit (14) by means of an arrangement of sensors of the prior art on the footrest (37) of the leg pedal (11) and on the handle (45) of the hand pedal (10), which are capable of generating a signal when there is or is not a contact of a human hand or leg or when there is a certain pressure. These sensors can represent capacitive sensors, strain gauges or a combination thereof.

Accordingly, the claimed invention (modification) provides a multifunctional and effective training device for training the trunk muscles, shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle of a human, thereby enabling all muscle groups of the user to be balancedly involved, and selecting an optimal training mode according to the user's physical strength level and health condition, thereby greatly improving the quality and efficiency of the training, and enabling the synchronization of movements made by the upper and lower limbs by adjusting the level of load applied to the pedals according to the effort exerted by the user, as well as including a warm-up mode or a learning mode of training with a minimum, zero or negative load when the pedals rotate without the effort exerted by the user in both synchronous and asynchronous rotation.

In addition, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above should be used only as an example and should not limit the scope of the present invention. Obvious modifications of the embodiments of the present invention can be easily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present invention.

Claims (15)

A training device for simultaneously training a human shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle and trunk muscles, said training device comprising a support frame (1) in which a hand load module (2) and a leg load module (3) are arranged, each of said hand load module (2) and said leg load module (3) comprising a housing (4, 5) in which a load unit (6, 7) is arranged, said load unit being kinematically coupled to shafts (8, 9) of hand pedals (10) and leg pedals (11) arranged on both sides of said housing (4, 5) and configured to perform synchronous or asynchronous rotational movements parallel to a longitudinal vertical symmetrical plane of said housing (4, 5),
A training device further comprising a rotational speed measuring means (12, 13) for the shafts (8, 9) of the pedals (10, 11) arranged in each of the load modules (2, 3) and a control unit (14) coupled to the rotational speed measuring means (12, 13), characterized in that the control unit (14) determines the difference between the rotational speeds of the shafts (8, 9) of the hand pedals (10) and the leg pedals (11) and generates an additional load from the load unit (6) on the shaft, the load being proportional to the value of the difference between the rotational speeds of the pedals (10, 11) in one of the load modules (2, 3) if the rotational speed of the shaft of the pedal is greater, and reduces the additional load if the difference between the rotational speeds of the shafts (8, 9) decreases.
In the first paragraph,
A training device characterized in that an optical sensor, preferably an absolute optical encoder, is used as said rotational speed measuring means (12, 13). In the first paragraph,
A training device characterized in that the rotational speed of the pedal (10, 11) is changed by changing the rotational torque of the shaft (8, 9) due to an external influence.
In the first paragraph,
A training device characterized in that the additional load is generated by changing the size of the current in a corresponding load unit (6, 7) configured as an electromagnetic type.
In the first paragraph,
A training device characterized by comprising a visual display device (19) coupled to the control unit (14) and configured to display movement parameters of the pedals (10, 11).
In the first paragraph,
A training device characterized in that the pedals (10, 11) are configured to perform a rotational movement along an elliptical or circular path.
In the first paragraph,
A training device characterized in that the above support frame (1) is height-adjustable.
A training device for simultaneously training a human shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle and trunk muscles, said training device comprising a support frame (1) in which a hand load module (2) and a leg load module (3) are arranged, each of said hand load module (2) and said leg load module (3) comprising a housing (4, 5) in which a load unit (6, 7) is arranged, said load unit being kinematically coupled to shafts (8, 9) of hand pedals (10) and leg pedals (11) arranged on both sides of said housing (4, 5) and configured to perform synchronous or asynchronous rotational movements parallel to a longitudinal vertical symmetrical plane of said housing (4, 5),
A training device further comprising: a rotational speed measuring means (12, 13) for the shafts (8, 9) of the pedals (10, 11) and an electric motor (15, 16) arranged on each load module (2, 3) and kinematically coupled to the shafts (8, 9) of the pedals (10, 11); and a control unit (14) connected to the rotational speed measuring means (12, 13) for the shafts and to the electric motors (15, 16), wherein the control unit is configured to determine the rotational speeds of the shafts (8, 9) of the hand pedals (10) and the leg pedals (11) and to simultaneously drive the electric motors (15, 16) to generate a rotational torque directed against a rotational resistance on the shafts (8, 9) of the pedals, characterized in that the shafts (8, 9) of the pedals (10, 11) are rotatable synchronously or asynchronously.
In Article 8,
A training device characterized in that an optical sensor, preferably an absolute optical encoder, is used as said rotational speed measuring means (12, 13).
In Article 8,
A training device characterized in that it is configured to turn off the electric motor (15, 16) when there is no external contact with at least one pedal (10, 11).
In Article 8,
A training device characterized in that a gear motor is used as the electric motor, and the gear motor is coupled to the load unit (6, 7) via a clutch (17, 18).
In Article 8,
A training device characterized in that the kinematic coupling of the elements of the above load module (2, 3) is configured as a belt drive.
In Article 8,
A training device characterized by comprising a visual display device (19) coupled to the control unit (14) and configured to display movement parameters of the pedals (10, 11).
In Article 8,
A training device characterized in that the pedals (10, 11) are configured to perform a rotational movement along an elliptical or circular path.
In Article 8,
A training device characterized in that the above support frame (1) is height-adjustable.