WO2018178487A1 - Apparatus for endurance, strength and power training or rehabilitation - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for endurance, strength and power training or rehabilitation, comprising: a central body (1) with two handles (3), one on each side of the body (1), between which at least one load cell (2) or similar is disposed, a power source, a transmitter and a receiver which are wireless (e.g. a transceiver (5)), a clock (8) or timer, at least one gyroscope (7), and one or more accelerometers (6). The handles (3) can have a trapezoidal shape, with the smaller end connected to the body (1) and with a load cell (2) on each arm.

Description

 DESCRIPTION

Apparatus for rehabilitation or training of strength, endurance and power. SECTOR OF THE TECHNIQUE

The present invention relates to a training apparatus comprising load cells for the measurement of effort and a series of complements that enhance its function. It is applicable in the field of sports, health, medical measurement and muscle rehabilitation.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

From US5904639 a training apparatus is known to rehabilitate the muscles of a hand by squeezing only with the hand unilaterally and unidirectionally. This device comprises a communication system with a remote computer, for monitoring by the rehabilitator.

This device is useful, but it can be improved. For example, it is necessary to have an apparatus that allows symmetrical bodybuilding, in addition to ensuring that the position and execution of the exercise is correct.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The invention consists of a training apparatus according to the claims, and especially according to the first claim.

This device allows bi-directional and bilateral exercise, in addition to exercising and measuring the strength of all muscle groups and their symmetry using complementary accessories, you can estimate the percentage of muscle mass, through this reading you can estimate life expectancy and user health aspect. It allows the measurement and development of bodybuilding, in addition to monitoring that the position, speed and execution of the exercise is correct. In addition, it can be complemented through software, creating exercises or games, or through hardware implementing meters of other physical parameters. The training or rehabilitation apparatus of the invention comprises a central body with two handles, on both sides of the body, between which at least one load cell or the like is arranged. In the whole of the memory one will speak of "a" load cell, but the possibility that the number is higher is implied. For example, one may be placed at the top of the handles and another at the bottom. In this way it detects if the effort is well directed or if it is diverted upwards or downwards. Likewise, the load cells can be arranged connected between the handle and the body or connected between both handles.

The apparatus also comprises a power supply, a wireless transmitter and receiver, a clock or stopwatch, at least one gyroscope and one or more accelerometers. Between the gyroscope and accelerometers it will be possible to know the linear or turning movement, as well as orientation, in the desired directions. In this way it will be appreciated if the user's position is correct, and if he performs the exercise properly.

Preferably, the sender and the receiver correspond to a transceiver. It can be complemented with a physical communications port (USB or other protocol).

If the handles have an approximately trapezoidal shape, with the smaller base attached to the body, a load cell can be arranged in each arm (upper and lower). Preferably, the apparatus comprises its own internal screen, although preferably it will use external screens through its transmitter and its receiver. Likewise, it can comprise an internal sound warning system or use an external one, so that it can be used by any user, including those with visual, hearing or physical disabilities.

In order to increase the exercises that can be performed, the handles may have elastic coupling straps, and preferably the body will have a fixation to immobilize it against an immovable external element.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention, the following figures are included. Figure 1: front view of an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus of the invention. Figure 2: example of a simplified electronic scheme. EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Next, an embodiment of the invention will be briefly described as an illustrative and non-limiting example thereof.

The apparatus of the invention comprises a central body (1), where at least one load cell (2) is installed that measures the effort made between two handles (3) on both sides of the body (1).

The handles (3) will normally have a trapezoidal shape, with the smaller base attached to the body (1), but may have another shape without greatly varying the functionality. For example, the handles (3) may have an "L" shape, either attached to the body (1) by its top, bottom, or one in each part.

The handles (3) may have hooks (4) for elastic or rigid belts (for example, four, one in each corner of each handle, not shown) topped on their own handles, so as to allow elongation exercises of said belts , even working all limbs in parallel. Optionally, the body (1) will have a fixation (not noticeable in the figures) to be able to immobilize the apparatus against the wall or other immovable element while stretching the straps.

Inside the device, measuring elements of the position, angle and movements made, as well as a wireless transmitter and receiver, which can be integrated into a single transceiver (5) will be provided. As measuring elements it is preferred to install an accelerometer (6) to measure the displacements, the speed and the power of execution of the exercise and a gyroscope (7) to control the position. You will also understand a stopwatch or clock (8) to control the time and frequency of the exercises. Ideally, the device will be connected to an external display to show instructions, or to a warning system to repeat them by voice. Where appropriate, the display or warning system may correspond to a computer, telephone {Smartphone), external tablet or any external portable or fixed device connected to the device by means of the transceiver (5). For this, the computer, Smartphone or tablet will have its corresponding computer application. It can also correspond to an internal display (9) or an internal warning system (10).

The person responsible for monitoring the exercises, be it a coach, a physical trainer, a doctor, a physiotherapist, etc. You can receive the exercises performed by the user through the transceiver (5) and on your own computer, tablet or Smartphone. Thanks to the accelerometers (6) and the measurements of the load cell (2) you can control if you have performed the exercises with the intensity and the number of repetitions appropriate, in addition to being able to analyze a history. But also, with the gyroscope (7) you can control whether the position is correct. For example, if you have to squeeze the handles (3) for 3 seconds, with the arms in a horizontal position, you can check if the position of the device is the right one, in addition to checking the repetitions, the strength and the duration.

The device can be programmed to indicate to the user, by an external display or by other means, the exercises to be performed. The device itself can check, based on the readings of its sensors, if they are being carried out properly. If not, it will indicate to the user how to correct them.

An application of this device is to create a rewards system, either through a game on the external screen or another similar system, to achieve specific objectives and reward it through a series of prizes or by any other means. For example, you can create a series of levels of exercises that give experience. Each level would allow more complex and higher scoring exercises. It is recommended that the device allows you to define several users, to associate the exercises and their performance with the right person. Ultimately, this definition of the user can be made in the team of the person in charge before delivering the device, but it is less practical. The apparatus will comprise a power supply (usually rechargeable batteries and their elements for recharging), switches and mode selectors, memory, and a microcontroller (1 1) or similar. It is considered that an expert in the field knows how to install all these elements, so no further mention is required. You can also have a physical port for communication with the tablet or computer that facilitates the installation or update of the drivers, memory backups, etc.

Claims

1 - Apparatus for rehabilitation or training of strength, resistance, and power characterized in that it comprises a central body (1) with two handles (3) on both sides of the body (1), among which at least one load cell is arranged (2) or similar, a power supply, a wireless transmitter and receiver, a clock (8) or stopwatch, at least one gyroscope (7) and one or more accelerometers (6). 2- Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter and receiver correspond to a transceiver (5). 3- Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the handles (3) have a trapezoidal shape, with the smaller base attached to the body (1). 4- Apparatus according to claim 3, which has a load cell (2) in the upper arm of each handle (3) and another load cell (2) in the lower arm. 5- Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising an internal screen (9). 6- Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising an internal sound warning system (10). 7- Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a physical communication port. 8- Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the handles (3) have hooks (4) for joining elastic straps. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, whose body (1) has a fixation to immobilize it against an immovable external element.