A Device For Hip Extension Assessment Or Exercises

Abstract

A device for hip extension assessment or exercises, comprising a base, an upper body or back rest, a bar spaced horizontally from the upper body rest by a distance equivalent to a user's torso, the bar comprising a resistance mechanism, wherein the mechanism provides and measures resistance acting vertically at the bar.

Claims

1-11. (canceled)

12. A device for hip extension assessment and training, comprising a base, an upper body rest, a bar spaced horizontally from the upper body rest by a distance equivalent to a user's torso, the bar being connected to a resistance mechanism, wherein the resistance mechanism provides and measures a force acting vertically on the bar.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the bar is arranged to be spaced horizontally at one of a variety of spacings from the upper body rest.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein the bar is arranged to be spaced vertically at one of a variety of heights.

15. The device of claim 12, wherein the base comprises a basal section supporting a rest.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the rest is arranged to be spaced on a basal section at one of a variety of heights.

17. The device of claim 12, wherein the base comprises one or more load cells.

18. The device of claim 12, wherein the base comprises a control means which is operable to control the resistance mechanism.

19. The device of claim 18, further comprising wireless connectivity which is operable to relay signals to and from the control means.

20. The device of claim 12, wherein the base comprises a hinge so as to allow the device to be folded from a first, in use, configuration to a second, storage and transport, configuration.

21. The device of claim 12, wherein the base is fitted with lockable wheels.

22. The device of claim 12, further comprising a case.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device of the present invention in a usage configuration;

[0032] FIG. 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in FIG. 1;

[0033] FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1 in a second usage configuration;

[0034] FIG. 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in FIG. 3;

[0035] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1 in a third usage configuration;

[0036] FIG. 6 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in FIG. 3;

[0037] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1 in a storage configuration;

[0038] FIG. 8 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in FIG. 7;

[0039] FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1 in a fourth usage configuration;

[0040] FIG. 10 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in FIG. 9;

[0041] FIG. 11 show isometric views of the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1 in a storage configuration;

[0042] FIG. 12 show isometric views of the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1 in a storage configuration with a case;

[0043] FIG. 13 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1;

[0044] FIG. 14 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1; and

[0045] FIG. 15 shows a sketch view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the device for assessing the action of hip extension generally comprising a base, a upper body or back rest, a bar spaced horizontally from the back rest by a distance equivalent to a user's torso, the bar comprising a resistance mechanism, wherein the mechanism provides and measures resistance acting vertically at the bar.

[0047] In particular reference to the pictured embodiment the embodiment comprises base comprised of a rectangular platform portion 10, which has a distal handle 9. The platform portion 10 is hinged at hinges 4 with wheels 11 to a basal section 21 providing a height-adjustable support 2 for an upper body rest 1 which is elongate and extends laterally. The upper body rest may be envisaged to be padded.

[0048] The platform portion 10 is colinear with a support frame 8,5 supporting the bar. The support frame comprises a frame base comprising two parallel box members 8 extending between the platform portion 10 and wheels 11, and two upright stands 5, perpendicular the box members.

[0049] The stands 5 move horizontally on the box members 8, utilising pin and hole sliding adjustment. The bar 7 moves vertically on the stands 5 utilising pin and hole sliding and catches 6, which allow pivoting to engage them.

[0050] The platform portion is enabled to extend in and out of the box members 8.

[0051] Resistance is assessed, recorded and displayed at a display and control panel 27, which is provided to the distal face of the basal section 21, using two 5 kn load cells which may be connected to exterior electronic equipment using a wire, or wireless network connectivity.

[0052] The embodiment may be folded at the hinges 4, so as to allow easy transport on the wheels 11, and a cover 100 is provided as shown in FIGS. 12, to prevent damage during storage.

[0053] Each end of the bar is connected to a robust strap 3 that runs back into the basal section 21. Load cells (not shown) are connected and attach to the straps to measure force exerted on the bar. Auto-retracting ratcheting mechanisms ensure strap tautness at all bar heights.

[0054] Pulleys at the base of the vertical bars (not shown) allow straps 3 to run smoothly from the horizontal bar to the load cells.

[0055] The power and data ports are located at the back of the base. The product also has an internal battery and can transmit data via Bluetooth.

[0056] The bar is able to move upwards due to flexure in the load cell, where the load cell converts this flexure into a voltage figure, which can be read by a processing means, such that force that the user can apply upwards may be measured.

[0057] The embodiment thereby enables coaches to assess and train hip extension strength at different knee and hip joint angles, which is useful to see how the hip extensor muscles function at different lengths when stretched or shortened under flexion of extension of the knees and hips.

[0058] The embodiment advantageously provides a valid and reliable measure of hip extension strength, with an adjustable setup to accommodate a wide range of user types.

[0059] In use the embodiment requires users to adopt a position reminiscent of a barbell hip thrust exercise.

[0060] The height of the bar 7 can be set by rotating the bar ends 6 and locking them into place.

[0061] The position of the bar 7 can be adjusted to accommodate different sized users.

[0062] The vertical stands 5 can be extended to give a maximum height of 650 mm and a minimum height of 100 mm.

[0063] The platform portion 10 slides back towards the bench basal section 21.

[0064] The embodiment is primarily made from extruded bar sections of aluminium that are bolted together as opposed to a welded frame made of steel, to reduce weight.

[0065] In order to use the user will release ratchet, extend straps 3, fasten the bar at correct height, retract the slack in the strap 3.

[0066] The second embodiment comprises a known hip thruster bench 41, a bar 47 with free weights, two 5 kn load cells (not shown) and straps 43 attachable to the bar at snap hook carabiners 45 control and display means 27, and pulleys 54 that are arranged to slide on box members from which the platform portion extends.

[0067] The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.