Wearable device for guiding a line of a fitness apparatus

Abstract

Ankle band 1 for guiding a line of a fitness apparatus. The ankle band comprises a fastener 2, a base element 3 and a guidance element for guiding the line of the fitness apparatus. The guidance element 4 is connected by a linkage member 5 to obtain a movable connection from an initial position to a working position in case that a force is exerted via the line. A resilient member 51 is provided to generate a spring force when the linkage member 5 is moved away from its initial position. The resilient member 51 returns the guidance element 4 back from the working position to the initial position in case that an exerted force reduces. The predetermined initial position is advantageous when attaching the line of the fitness apparatus to the device. The line can be connected to the device by using just a single hand.

Claims

1. A wearable device (1), in particular a body band (1), for carrying out a fitness exercise, wherein the device comprises a fastener (2) for attaching the device (1) to a body part of a person, a base element (3) which is connected to an outer surface of the fastener (2), and a guidance element (4) for guiding a line of a fitness apparatus, wherein the guidance element (4) is movably connected to the base element (3) by a linkage member (5), such that the guidance element (4) is movable with respect to the base element (3) from an initial position to a working position when a force is exerted via the line by carrying out the fitness exercise, wherein the linkage member (5) comprises a resilient member (51) which is configured to return the guidance element (4) from the working position to the initial position when the force is omitted, wherein the resilient member (51) comprises a stopper (52) for limiting an axial extension of the resilient member (51).

2. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the linkage member (5) and the resilient member (51) are integrated into a one-piece item.

3. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the resilient member (51) is an elongated sleeve.

4. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the resilient member (51) comprises a spiral body.

5. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the resilient member (51) comprises a diabolo shaped body.

6. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the fastener (2) of the wearable device (1) defines a longitudinal axis which corresponds in use with a longitudinal axis of a body part to which the fastener (2) is attached, wherein the linkage member (5) is positioned in the initial position substantially in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the fastener and wherein the linkage member (5) is positioned in the working position at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastener.

7. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a locking element (38) including a first and a second locking member, wherein the first locking member is positioned at the base element (3) opposite the second locking member when the guidance element (4) is positioned in its initial position, wherein the second locking member is positioned at a subassembly of the movable guidance element (4) and wherein the linkage member (5) is configured to lock the subassembly during an engagement of the first and second locking member in the initial position.

8. The wearable device according to claim 7, wherein the locking element (38) is a magnetic locking element.

9. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the guidance element (4) comprises a guidance wheel (40) for guiding a line of a fitness apparatus, wherein the guidance wheel (40) has a single-sided connection to the linkage member (5).

10. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the fastener (2) is selected from the group consisting of a wraparound pad, an elastic band, a cloth, and a clip.

11. The wearable device according to claim 10, wherein the fastener (2) is releasably connected to the base element (3), such that the fastener (2) can be worn as a separate item.

12. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the base element (3) has a predetermined height for spacing a line with respect to a body part by at least 20 mm.

13. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the wearable device is an ankle band.

14. A fitness apparatus comprising the wearable device according to claim 1.

15. The fitness apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the fitness apparatus comprises a winding device which is arranged to wind up the line.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the appended drawings. The drawings show a practical embodiment according to the invention, which may not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Specific features may also be considered apart from the shown embodiment and may be taken into account in a broader context as a delimiting feature, not only for the shown embodiment but as a common feature for all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, in which:

(2) FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the wearable device according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 1B shows the wearable device of FIG. 1A in a front view;

(4) FIG. 1C shows the wearable device of FIG. 1A in a side view;

(5) FIG. 1D shows the wearable device of FIG. 1A in a top view;

(6) FIG. 1E shows the wearable device of FIG. 1A in a cross-sectional view;

(7) FIG. 1F shows an embodiment of the wearable device in a perspective view, wherein the linkage member has a diabolo shape;

(8) FIG. 1G shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the wearable device according to the invention;

(9) FIG. 1H shows the wearable device of FIG. 1G in a cross-sectional view;

(10) FIG. 1I shows a perspective view of the wearable device attached to a foot of a person;

(11) FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of the wearable device including a sock for attaching the device to an ankle;

(12) FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the sock being worn as a separate item; and

(13) FIG. 2C shows the sock of FIG. 2A as an integrated item of the wearable device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(14) FIG. 1A shows in a perspective view an embodiment of a wearable device, in particular a body band 1, according to the invention. The body band 1 is further illustrated in a front, side, top and cross-sectional view in respectively FIG. 1B-1E. Identical reference numbers indicate corresponding components of the body band. To facilitate comprehension of the description and of the claims the words vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, cross-sectional—with reference to the gravity and to the ordinate system P,Q,R shown in the drawings—are used in a non-limiting way.

(15) The body band is configured to be worn at a body part of a person. The body band can be positioned at a lower or upper extremity of a person, in particular at a wrist, elbow, knee or ankle. The body band has a pad 2 including an inner surface, which softens the attachment of the body band to a body part. The pad may be a closed elastic band or shaped as a sock as shown in FIG. 2. The illustrated pad 2 is a wraparound pad which is closable by at least one closure belt 21. The closure belt 21 is connected to the pad 2. The closure belt 21 is stitched to the pad 2. The closure belt 21 is attached to an outer surface of the belt. A pair of belts 21 is provided to wrap and close the pad around a body part.

(16) The illustrated body band is configured as an ankle band. The ankle band further has a foot belt 22. The foot belt 22 is configured to be attached to a heel of a person. The foot belt 22 extends at a downside of the pad 2 of the ankle band. The foot belt 22 extends in a direction traverse to the closure belt 21. The foot belt 22 is a loop shaped belt which can be attached to a heel of a person. A person may put his heel into the foot belt of the ankle belt. The wearable device defines a longitudinal axis L-L. The longitudinal axis L-L of the wearable device extends in use in a direction in parallel with a central axis of an extremity, in particular a lower leg, of a person. The foot belt 22 prevents the ankle band from shifting upwards along the longitudinal axis L-L in case that a longitudinal force is exerted onto the ankle band. Additionally, the foot belt 22 allows a less tight connection of the closure belt 21 in use which increases the comfort of the ankle band.

(17) The ankle band 1 further comprises a base element 3. The base element 3 is a rigid component. The base element has a back side which is connected to the pad 2. The base element 3 is connected to an outer surface of the pad 2. The base element 3 is an injection moulded item. The base element 3 has a base body 30 which is substantially block shaped. The base element 3 comprises at a front side a support 31 for connecting a guidance element 4. The support 31 protrudes from the base body 30. The support 31 is positioned at a lower region of the base body 30. The support 31 has a cylindrical protrusion 311 for positioning a linkage member 5.

(18) The ankle band further comprises a guidance element 4. The guidance element 4 includes a guidance wheel 40 for guiding a line of a fitness apparatus. The guidance wheel has a circumferential running surface for guiding the line. The line can be placed around the running surface from an accessible side of the guidance wheel 40. At only one side, the guidance wheel is connected to a holder 42 of the guidance element. The holder 42 is L-shaped and includes an upstanding and a base leg. The holder 42 has at the upstanding leg a cylindrical protrusion 44 for journaling the guidance wheel 40. The guidance wheel 40 has a single sided connection to the upstanding leg of the holder 42. The single sided connection allows an access from the front side of the wearable device to the guidance wheel for frequently and quickly placing the line of the fitness apparatus. Opposite the single sided connection, the guidance wheel 40 comprises a cap 41. The cap 41 covers a side face of the guidance wheel 40. The cap 41 has a protruding finger 410 which extends in particular downwards in the longitudinal direction L-L of the ankle band. The protruding finger 410 extends in a radial direction with respect to the guidance wheel 40. The protruding finger 410 is provided to help placing the line and to limit a space in between the guidance wheel 40 and the base leg of the holder 42 after a line is placed to prevent the line from escaping from the guidance wheel.

(19) The guidance element 4 is connected to the base element 3 by a linkage member 5. The linkage member 5 enables the guidance element 4 to move away from an initial position. The linkage member 5 allows the guidance element 4 to move in at least two rotational degrees of freedom. The linkage member 5 allows the guidance element 4 to move from the initial position to a working position in case that a force is exerted by the line of the fitness apparatus on the guidance element 4. The initial position is substantially in parallel with the longitudinal axis L-L. The working position is a deflected position with respect to the longitudinal axis L-L. The linkage member 5 comprises a resilient member to return the linkage member 5 back to the initial position.

(20) The linkage member 5 may include a rigid body as a stopper for connecting the guidance element 4 at a distance from the base element 3, wherein the linkage member further comprises a separate spring as a resilient member 51. The rigid body may be arranged as a bar which is pivotally connected to the base element 3, wherein the separate spring exerts a spring force to bring the rigid body in an initial position.

(21) In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1E, the linkage member 5 is flexible and has an incorporated a resilient member 51. The linkage member 5 and the resilient member 51 are integrated into a one piece item. The resilient member 51 is sleeve shaped. The resilient member 51 has an elongated body. In particular, the elongated body is hollow. The elongated body has an axial axis. The axial axis of the resilient member 51 is in the initial position positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L-L of the wearable device. In FIG. 1E, the resilient member 51 has a resilient spiral body. The spiral body comprises a plurality of windings which are compressible towards each other. In comparison with a solid body, the spiral body makes the resilient member more bendable. In FIG. 1F, the linkage member 5 comprises an integrated resilient member 51 and an integrated stopper 52. The linkage member comprises a diabolo shaped body. The diabolo shaped body is elongated. The diabolo shaped body has a first end which is connected to the support 31 of the base element 3 and a second end which is connected to the holder 42 of the guidance element 4. The diabolo shaped body has a relatively slim middle region with respect to the end portions which provides flexibility in a sidewards radial direction. Herewith, the resilient member 51 is incorporated in the linkage member 5. The diabolo shaped body provides rigidity in a longitudinal direction to prevent an inadmissible movement of the guidance element 4 in the axial direction. Herewith, the stopper 52 is incorporated in the diabolo shaped body. Hence, the linkage member 5 incorporates both the resilient member 51 and the stopper 52 and a one piece item.

(22) In the embodiment of the wearable device as shown in FIG. 1E, the linkage member 5 comprises a stopper (further shown in FIG. 1H) as a separate item. The stopper compensates an axial force exerted onto the linkage member. The stopper may prevent a damage to the resilient member 51 caused by an inadmissible large axial force. The stopper is a flexible element, in particular a wire element, such as a cord. Here, the stopper is mountable about a central axis of the linkage member 5. The resilient member 51 has a central through hole as a passageway for the stopper. A first end of the stopper is connected via the support 31 to the base element 3 by a clamp connection 37 and a second end of the stopper is connected to the holder 42 of the guidance element 4. The second end of the stopper is connected by a form closure to the base leg of the holder 42. The clamp connection 37 is positioned in a middle region of the base element 3. As shown in FIG. 1E, the clamp connection may alternatively positioned at the support 31 of the base element.

(23) FIG. 1E shows a cross-sectional view of the ankle band about a section line A-A as shown in FIG. 1D. As illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1E, base body 30 comprises a locking element 38 for locking the guidance element 4 at a predetermined initial position. The locking element 38 is positioned opposite the guidance element 4. Particularly, the locking element 38 is aligned with a rotational axis of the guidance element 4. The locking element 38 has a first and second locking member. In particular, the locking element 38 has a first and second magnetic locking member. In the initial position, the first magnetic member is positioned opposite the second magnetic member which second magnetic member is connected to the guidance element 4 to position and maintain the guidance element with respect to the base element 3. In the initial position, the first magnetic member is aligned with the second magnetic member. The first magnetic member is a magnet piece which is mounted to the base element 3. The second magnetic member 43 is here a screw 423. The screw 423 is positioned at a central axis of the guidance wheel. The screw 423 is connected to the cap 41 to mount the guidance wheel 40 in axial direction. FIG. 1G shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the wearable device according to the invention which is adapted in some aspects. FIG. 1H shows the wearable device of FIG. 1G in a cross-sectional view.

(24) The wearable device has a fastener 2 which comprises a pad. The pad is arranged as illustrated in FIG. 1A and includes a foot belt 22. The pad further comprises at least one through hole 23. The at least one through hole 23 is positioned adjacent an outer edge of the pad. The at least one through hole is positioned at a lower region of the pad. The at least one through hole serves to connect the pad to another wearable piece. The at least one through hole may be used to connect the pad to a shoe of a user. A shoelace may be laced through the at least one through hole to connect the pad to the shoe. This may further prevent a shifting of the pad along a leg of a user. The at least one through hole 23 may substitute the foot belt 22.

(25) The wearable device has a base element 3 which is connected to the pad 2. The base element 3 has a base body 30. The base body 30 is block shaped. A back side of the base body is connected to the pad 2. The base body 30 has a left and right side which defines a predetermined height of the base element 3. Herewith, the base element 3 spaces a guidance element 4 at a predetermined distance of at least 20 mm from the inner surface of the pad 2 to prevent contact of a guided line with a body part of a user. Additionally, the left and right side include a sufficient large area to provide an exposure side. The exposure side is suitable to expose information. In this case the exposure sides are labelled with a trademark name ‘DISQ’.

(26) At a front side, the base body 30 is provided with a support 31. The support is arranged to support a linkage member 5 and a guidance element 4. The guidance element 4 is connected to the support 31 by the linkage member 5. The linkage member 5 is elastically bendable and incorporates a resilient member 51. The linkage member 5 is connected to the support 31 by a pin-hole connection. A protrusion of the linkage member 5 forms a pin which is received into a hole of the support 31. The linkage member 5 comprises a stopper 52 to prevent a disconnection of the linkage member 5 from the base element 3. The stopper 52 permits a bending deflection of the linkage member 5, but prohibits a displacement of the linkage member 5 about its longitudinal axis with respect to the base element 3.

(27) The stopper 52 is a wire element. Here, the stopper is a piece of cord. The stopper 52 is connected at one end by a clamp connection and at a second end by a form closure which allows a simple and reliable one end assembly. Here, the stopper 52 has a first end which is connected to the base element 3. The first end of the stopper 52 is clamped to the base element 3 by a clamp connection 37. The clamp connection 37 is positioned inside an inner space of the base body 30. The stopper 52 extends from the base element 3 through a guidance channel 511 of the linkage member 5. Here, the stopper 52 additionally connects the guidance element 4 to the linkage member 5. The stopper 52 is at a second end connected to the holder 42 of the guidance element 4. The linkage member 5 is captured in between the guidance element 4 and the base element 3 by the stopper 52. The holder 42 has a passageway 421 for guiding the stopper 52. The passageway is in a subassembly of the guidance element 4 and the linkage member 5 in alignment with the guidance channel 511 of the linkage member 5. The second end of the stopper 52 is connected to the guidance element 4 by a form closure. The form closure is established in that the second end includes a thickened portion 521 which is in abutting engagement with a narrowing portion in the passageway of the holder 42. The narrowing portion blocks the thickened portion in the passageway. Herewith, the guidance element 4, the linkage member 5 and the base element 3 are connected by the stopper 52 to each other in a simple manner.

(28) FIG. 1I shows in a perspective view the wearable device 1 which is attached to an ankle of a person. The wearable device 1 comprises a pad shaped fastener 2 to fasten the wearable device 1. To closure belts 21 can be wrapped around the ankle to fasten the wearable device 1. The wearable device 1 has a foot belt 22 which extends underneath the foot of the person. The foot belt 22 is strip shaped. When wearing shoes, the wearable device 1 can be connected to the shoes by fastening the laces to the through holes 23 provided in the fastener 2.

(29) FIG. 2A shows in a perspective view a sock 28 for use in combination with the wearable device according to the invention. The sock is configured to provide a comfortable attachment of the wearable device 1 to an ankle of a person. The wearable device 1 has an ankle band configuration including a wraparound pad 2 which is connected to the base element 3. An assembly of the fastener 2 comprises the sock 28 and the wraparound pad 2 of the wearable device. The sock 28 is releasable from the base element 3 and can be worn as a separate item as shown in FIG. 2B. The wraparound pad 2 may have a Velcro or a snap-on connection to the sock 28.

(30) The sock 28 has a thickened pad shaped portion 29 which is positioned at an outer side of the sock at ankle height to engage the pad of the wearable device. The pad shaped portion 29 protrudes from the remaining portion of the sock 28. The pad shaped portion 29 of the sock 28 is arranged to engage with the wearable device. The pad shaped portion contributes to more comfort. In particular, the pad shaped portion 29 has a size including a height dimension (seen in a longitudinal direction L-L of the sock) which substantially corresponds with a height dimension of the wearable device 1. Substantially means that the height dimension of the pad shaped portion 29 is at most 1 cm, in particular 0.5 cm larger than the height dimension of a wraparound pad 2 of the wearable device 1.

(31) In an embodiment of a pair of socks the pair of socks comprises a left sock to be worn to a left foot and a right sock to be worn at a right foot. In a preferred embodiment of a pair of socks, the left and right socks have the same configuration in that both socks comprises a first and second pad shaped portion at ankle height at an inner and an outer side of the sock. In an alternative embodiment, the pad shaped portion 29 has a band configuration. The band extends around a whole ankle area of a sock. In FIG. 2A, the foot belt 22 which is connected to the wraparound pad 2 extends across the sock. The foot belt 22 extends across a foot portion of the sock 28.

(32) FIG. 2C shows in a perspective view an embodiment of the fastener 2, wherein the foot belt 22 is incorporated in a lower region of the sock 28. The incorporated foot belt 22 is a strengthened area of the sock to compensate for occurring forces during a fitness exercise. The sock 28 including the strengthened area is arranged to compensate for occurring forces in a longitudinal direction L-L of the body part. The wearable device 1 is fixedly connected to the sock 28. The wearable device 1 is sewed to the sock 29. The wearable device 1 comprises a wraparound pad 2 to strengthen a fixture of the wearable device 1 to a person's foot. As illustrated in FIG. 2C, the sock 28 has an open toes zone and an open heel zone.

(33) Numerous variants are possible in addition to the illustrated embodiment. The pad of the body band is illustrated as a strip shaped wraparound pad. However, it is explicitly expressed that also a pad in form of a cloth like a sock or a shoe, a shoe clip or a closed circumferential band falls within the scope of the appended claims. Said body band and in particular said pad has to be interpreted in a broad sense as an attachment means for wearing a device to a body part.

(34) Although the invention has been disclosed with reference to particular embodiments, from reading this description those of skilled in the art may appreciate a change or modification that may be possible from a technical point of view but which do not depart from the scope of the invention as described above and claimed hereafter. Modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. It will be understood by those of skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

(35) Thus, the invention provides a wearable device for guiding a line of a fitness apparatus for carrying out a fitness exercise, wherein the device comprises a resilient member to return a guidance element from a working position to an initial position. This is advantageous, because it allows a quick single hand release of the line of the fitness apparatus from the wearable device. Further, it is advantageous that the guidance element remains in a stable position during activities. Disturbances caused by a freely swinging guidance element are minimised.