DEVICE FOR TRAINING THE PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES

Abstract

The training device (9), which is provided for training body parts of a user, in particular the hip muscles, gluteal muscles or pelvic muscles or the arm muscles, comprises a compressive-force receiver (1), which is deformable under the impact of muscular force and which comprises a pressure chamber (10) in which a gel-like, liquid or gaseous medium is provided, a base (2) which, on the one hand, is supportable on a supporting surface and, on the other hand, serves for holding the compressive-force receiver (1), and at least one sensor (51), such as a pressure sensor or a force sensor, with which the medium is in contact and with which the pressure of the medium in the pressure chamber (10) is measurable. According to the invention the compressive-force receiver (1) comprises an elastically deformable first receiver part (11) and a second receiver part (12) which are connected form-fittingly, force-fittingly, or integrally to one another; the first receiver part (11) comprises a wall system (15) which serves to receive the muscular force and which delimits the pressure chamber (10) at the top and at least partially laterally; the second receiver part (12) comprises a bottom unit (16) which delimits the underside of the pressure chamber (10) and which adjoins the wall system (15); the second receiver part (12) has a lower elasticity than the first receiver part (11), preferably in parallel to the direction in which the muscular force acts; and the second receiver part (12) is connected releasably, form-fittingly or force-fittingly, or integrally to the base (2).

Claims

1. Training device for training the pelvic floor muscles and optionally other body parts of a user, comprising a compressive-force receiver, which is deformable under the impact of muscular force, and which comprises a pressure chamber in which a gel-like, liquid, or gaseous medium is provided, a base which, on the one hand, is supportable on a supporting surface and, on the other hand, serves for holding the compressive-force receiver, and at least one sensor with which the medium is in contact and with which the pressure of the medium in the pressure chamber is measurable, wherein, that the compressive-force receiver comprises an elastically deformable first receiver part and a second receiver part, which are connected form-fittingly, force-fittingly or integrally to one another; that the first receiver part comprises a wall system which serves to receive the muscular force and which delimits the pressure chamber at the top and at least partially laterally; that the second receiver part comprises a bottom unit which delimits the underside of the pressure chamber and which adjoins the wall system; that the second receiver part has a lower elasticity than the first receiver part; and that the second receiver part is connected releasably, form-fittingly, or force-fittingly, or integrally to the base.

2. Training device according to claim 1, wherein the wall system comprises two side walls serving to receive the muscle force, which side walls extend upwardly towards each other and are integrally connected to each other at the upper end.

3. Training device according to claim 2, wherein, a) that the two side walls, at the front side and/or at the rear side, extend towards each other and are connected to each other; or b) that the two side walls are connected at the front to a front wall and/or are connected at the rear to a rear wall.

4. Training device according to claim 1, wherein the two side walls have a uniform or a non-uniform thickness over the entire area and/or that the wall system is custom-made according to the requirements of the user.

5. Training device according to claim 1, wherein the wall system or the bottom unit has at least one transfer opening through which the medium is introducible into the pressure chamber, wherein the transfer opening also serves as a connection opening for the sensor.

6. Training device according to claim 1, wherein, a) that the sensor, or b) that the sensor with the associated electronic circuit and a communication module for wireless or wired communication, or c) that the sensor with the associated electronic circuit and a communication module for wireless or wired communication and with an accumulator, or d) that the sensor with the associated electronic circuit and a communication module for wireless or wired communication, with a rechargeable battery and with a charging coil, is arranged outside or inside the pressure chamber.

7. Training device according to claim 1, wherein that the sensor, and possibly device parts associated therewith, is arranged inside the pressure chamber and is in direct or indirect contact with the medium inside the pressure chamber; or that the sensor, and possibly device parts associated therewith, is arranged outside the pressure chamber and is outside the pressure chamber in direct or indirect contact with the medium, which is conveyed through a connecting channel or through a connecting hose or a connecting tube to the sensor outside the pressure chamber, wherein the wall system or the bottom unit has at least one connection opening or a connecting channel through which connection wires are led to the sensor or to the associated electronic circuit inside the pressure chamber.

8. Training device according to claim 1, wherein that the wall system comprises at least one intermediate wall by which the pressure chamber is divided into sub chambers which are interconnected by an opening through which the medium can pass and which are jointly fillable with the medium through a transfer opening; or that the wall system has at least one intermediate wall by means of which the pressure chamber is divided into sub chambers which are separated from one another and are fillable with the medium separately each through a transfer opening.

9. Training device according to claim 1, wherein the first receiver part has at least one receptacle opening which is closed towards the outside, or a receptacle opening which is open towards the outside into which at least one structuring element is insertable, by means of which the wall system is modifiable with regard to dimensioning and/or strength.

10. Training device according to claim 1, wherein the second receiver part has at least one receptacle opening which is closed towards the outside or a receptacle opening, which is open towards the outside into which at least one reinforcing element is insertable, in order to reinforce the second receiver part or in order to adjust the height of the compressive-force receiver.

11. Training device according to claim 1, wherein at least two compressive-force receivers, which have the same compressibility or different compressibilities, are arranged coaxially one behind the other and are connected to one another.

12. Training device according to claim 1, wherein the base is designed as a seat or that the base is connected in one piece or form-fittingly detachable to a seat element.

13. Training device according to claim 12, wherein the seat element has a receiver channel along its central axis, which extends straight or inclined, and into which the base with the compressive-force receiver is insertable, and in that the base is held form-fittingly, displaceably and lockably in the receiver channel.

14. Training device according to claim 1, wherein the first receiver part and the second receiver part are made of the same materials or of different materials and/or that the second receiver part and the base are made of the same material or of different materials.

15. Training device according to claim 1, wherein, that the first receiver part is made of a first elastomer and/or that the second receiver part is made of a second elastomer, and/or that the base is made of a third elastomer.

Description

[0066] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Thereby shows:

[0067] FIG. 1a a training device 9 with a compressive-force receiver 1, which is manufactured in one piece or is composed of a first device part 111 and a second device part 121 and which comprises a first receiver part 11 and a second receiver part 12, which enclose a pressure chamber, and with a base 2, the underside of which rests on a supporting surface and the upper side of which is connected to the second receiver part 12;

[0068] FIG. 1b the training device 9 of FIG. 1a in a further preferred embodiment;

[0069] FIG. 1c the training device 9 of FIG. 1a in exploded view with a section through the second device part 121, which comprises the second receiver part 12 and a part of the first receiver part 11;

[0070] FIG. 1d the training device 9 of FIG. 1a in a vertical section along its longitudinal axis;

[0071] FIG. 2 the training device 9 of FIG. 1d with a reinforcing element 4 inserted into a longitudinal opening 120 of the second receiver part 12;

[0072] FIG. 3a the training device of FIG. 1a in a further preferred embodiment with a base 2 that has been extended to form a seat;

[0073] FIG. 3b the training device 9 of FIG. 3a in an exploded view;

[0074] FIG. 4 the training device 9 of FIG. 1a with a quarter section with a view to a connection opening 102 in the second receiver part 12, which is connected by a connection tube 50 to sensors 51, 52;

[0075] FIG. 5a a cross-section through the training device 9 of FIG. 1a, which in this preferred embodiment has a pressure chamber, which is divided into two sub chambers 10A, 10B by an intermediate wall 154;

[0076] FIG. 5b the compressive-force receiver 1 of the training device 9 of FIG. 5a with a longitudinal section of the front side and a cross-section on the rear side of the first device part 111 with connection lines 50A, 50B, which are connected on the one hand to the associated sub chamber 10A, 10B and on the other hand to an associated sensor 51A, 51B;

[0077] FIG. 6a a training device 9 with two compressive-force receivers 1X, 1Y, e.g., according to FIG. 2, which are coaxially aligned with each other;

[0078] FIG. 6b the training device of FIG. 5a in a vertical longitudinal section;

[0079] FIG. 7a an inventive training device 9 according to FIG. 1a with a preferably designed base 2 which can form-fittingly be anchored in a seat element 3;

[0080] FIG. 7b the seat element 3 of FIG. 7a in a vertical longitudinal section; and

[0081] FIG. 7c the inventive training device 9 inserted in the seat element 3 of FIG. 7a.

[0082] FIG. 1a shows a training device 9 according to the invention, which is suitable for training body parts of a user, in particular the hip muscles, gluteal muscles or pelvic muscles or arm muscles.

[0083] The training device 9 comprises a compressive-force receiver 1 that is deformable under the influence of muscular force and is manufactured in one piece or is composed of a first device part 111 and a second device part 121. The compressive-force receiver 1 comprises a first receiver part 11 and a second receiver part 12, the underside of which is connected to a base 2.

[0084] In FIG. 1a, a first dotted line s1 is drawn along the compressive-force receiver 1 separating the first receiver part 11 and the second receiver part 12 of the compressive-force receiver 1. The second dotted line s2 shows the connecting line between the first device part 111 and the second device part 121, which form the compressive-force receiver 1 if it is not made in one piece. The first dotted line s1 thus relates to the separation of parts of the compressive-force receiver 1 that have different functions and characteristics. The second dotted line s2, on the other hand, concerns the assembly or manufacture of the compressive-force receiver 1, which is optionally in one piece or composed of several device parts. In a preferred embodiment, the dash-dotted lines s1, s2 can also be congruent. In this case, the receiver parts 11, 12 correspond exactly to the device parts 111, 121.

[0085] As shown for example in FIG. 4, the first receiver part 11 and the second receiver part 12, possibly the first device part 111 and the second device part 112, enclose a pressure chamber 10 into which a gel-like, liquid or gaseous medium is filled. It is shown that the first receiver part 11 and the second receiver part 12 are integrally connected to each other in the region of the first dotted line s1. The second line s2 shows the connecting line between the first and second device parts 111, 121, which are form-fittingly and by an adhesive force-fittingly connected to each other.

[0086] For measuring the media pressure, a measuring sensor 51 is provided, which is arranged on the underside of the pressure chamber 10 and is connected wirelessly or wired, optionally by a measuring line 99, to a computer system 90, such as a tablet computer or a cell phone. On the computer system 90, the measurement data is recorded and analysed so that feedback can be provided to the user. The measuring sensor 51 is arranged on an electronic circuit board 55, on which a temperature sensor 52 can also be provided, by means of which the temperature of the medium is measured.

[0087] The first receiver part 11 of the compressive-force receiver 1, which is elastically deformable under the impact of the user's muscles, comprises a wall system 15 for absorbing the muscular force, which delimits the pressure chamber 10 on the top and laterally.

[0088] The second receiver part 12, which is form-fittingly and/or force-fittingly connected to the base 2, comprises a bottom unit 16, which delimits the underside of the pressure chamber 10 and connects upwards to the wall system 15. The second receiver part 12 has a lower elasticity preferably in parallel to the direction in which the muscular force acts than the first receiver part 11.

[0089] FIG. 1a shows that the training device 9 is compact and has a surface without furrows and crevices. The compressive-force receiver 1 cannot be identified as such from the outside. The training device 9 can therefore be manufactured in an advantageous design and a shape optimally adapted to the user's anatomy. In addition, the training device 9 can be thoroughly cleaned within seconds, so that hygiene is guaranteed even in the case of intensive use by several users.

[0090] FIG. 1a shows that the force (arrow F) is applied in particular to the longer opposing side walls 152 of the wall system 15. The first device part 111 is preferably made of a particularly elastic material and/or has a thin wall so that the upper side of the first receiver part 11 or of the wall system 15 adapts optimally to the user's anatomy and an optimal contact with all muscle groups is always guaranteed.

[0091] FIG. 1b shows the training device 9 of FIG. 1a in a further preferred embodiment in which the compressive-force receiver 1 extends along a curve at the front up to the base 2. The compressive-force receiver 1 can therefore be shaped as desired to achieve a desired aesthetic or functional effect or a desired adaptation to the user's anatomy.

[0092] FIG. 1c shows the training device 9 of FIG. 1a in exploded view with a section through the second device part 121, which comprises the second receiver part 12 and a part of the first receiver part 11, which is covered by the first device part 111, which forms the remaining part of the first receiver part 11. The interconnected first and second device parts 111, 121 enclose a pressure chamber 10 which is accessible only through a transfer opening 101.

[0093] It is shown that the second device part 121 has a circumferential groove 1210 on the upper side, which serves to receive a circumferential tongue provided on the underside of the first device part 111. Hence, a form-fittingly connection results, which is preferably sealed and secured by an adhesive. Of course, other types of connection, preferably with advantageously moulded parts, can also be used.

[0094] A valve 6 is inserted into the transfer opening 101 through which the gaseous, liquid or gel-like medium is introduced into the pressure chamber 10. Preferably, a valve 6 is used in which a sensor or pressure sensor 51 is integrated, which is suitable for measuring the medium pressure. A pressure sensor 51 is further shown symbolically, which is provided inside the pressure chamber 10 in direct contact with the medium, connected by a medium line outside the pressure chamber 10 or integrated in the valve 6.

[0095] In preferred embodiments, the pressure sensor 51 with the associated electronics, preferably including at least one processor and a communication module, such as a Bluetooth module, is integrated into the pressure chamber 10. The medium provided in the pressure chamber 10, for example an oil or gas, is thereby well compatible with the corresponding module. If, however, an interaction with the medium is to be avoided, the electronic module may be encapsulated.

[0096] The second device part 121 comprises a stable bottom unit 16 of the pressure chamber 10 and thus forms the second receiver part 12, which is hardly deformed under the effect of muscular force during exercise. The second receiver part 12 or the bottom unit 16 of the second device part 121 is provided with shaped elements 128 on the underside, which can form-fittingly be connected to shaped elements 28 on the upper side of the base 2. The form elements 128, which are exemplarily formed as a dovetail, can be inserted into the complementary form elements 28 of the base 2.

[0097] The first receiver part 11 or the wall system 15 of the compressive-force receiver 1 is mounted on the bottom unit 16 of the second receiver part 12. The wall system 15 comprises the first device part 111 and parts of the second device part 121, in particular the side walls 152 of the wall system 15 provided for absorbing the muscular force, which are integrally formed on the bottom unit 16.

[0098] Due to the nature of the material and in particular the relatively small wall thickness of the side walls 152 compared to the thickness of the bottom unit 16, the wall system 15 is relatively easy to deform, at least when muscular force is applied perpendicular to the side walls 152, so that it is essentially held in shape by the counterpressure of the medium, which is preferably measured continuously.

[0099] FIG. 1c further shows that the side walls 152 are provided with one or more receptacle openings 110 into which structuring elements 41 can be inserted for reinforcing, shaping or dimensioning the wall system 15. The schematically shown structuring element 41 can be used to stabilise and/or widen the corresponding side wall 152.

[0100] The user can therefore adapt the training device 9 to her current needs with little effort. For example, at the beginning of a training period, a high flexibility of the side walls 152 may be desired. After strengthening the muscle system due to intensive training, the user may want a wall system 15 with reduced flexibility, which can be achieved by inserting the structuring elements 41.

[0101] If the wall system 15 is too narrow at the start of the training, structuring elements 41 can be used to increase the thickness or strength of the side walls 152. The structuring elements 41 can therefore advantageously be used to dimension the compressive-force receiver 1.

[0102] In preferred embodiments, lockable receptacle openings 110 are provided into which a medium, for example the medium of the pressure chamber 10, can be introduced. The receptacle openings 110 are provided as auxiliary chambers into which air can be injected, for example by means of an air pump. The user can therefore pump air into the auxiliary chambers 110 and then allow it to escape through a valve 6 until the wall system 15 reaches desired dimensions. Even with one auxiliary chamber 110 or two symmetrically arranged auxiliary chambers 110, the dimensions of the wall system 15 can be substantially changed. Particularly advantageously, an auxiliary chamber 110 can be provided in the first device part 111. A gaseous, liquid or gel-like medium can be introduced into the auxiliary chamber 110 through a transfer opening 1110, preferably provided with a valve 6, in order to change the dimensions of the first device part 111 and to adapt the upper area of the compressive-force receiver 1 to the anatomy of the user.

[0103] In preferred embodiments, the pressure in at least one of the auxiliary chambers 110 can also be measured. On the one hand, this allows the selected dimensioning of the wall system 15 to be checked. On the other hand, it is possible to individually measure different impacts on the wall system 15. In the auxiliary chamber 110, which is optionally provided in the first device part 111, particularly forces acting vertically from above on the wall system 15 can be measured. The measurement of these vertically acting forces makes it possible to determine whether the user has assumed the usual position. In addition, the measurement and evaluation of the forces acting laterally on the side walls 152 can be corrected considering the forces acting vertically. If a higher force is exerted on the pressure receiver from above, the pressure in the pressure chamber 10 can increase without any muscular force being exerted on the side walls 152.

[0104] The described options for varying the design of the compressive-force receiver 1 further confirms the essential advantages of the invention.

[0105] FIG. 1d shows the training device 9 of FIG. 1a in a vertical section along its longitudinal axis with the valve 6 removed from the transfer opening 101.

[0106] FIG. 2 shows the training device 9 of FIG. 1d with the wall system 15 having a front wall 151 and a rear wall 153 connected to the side walls 152. It is shown that the front wall is thicker than the side walls 152, which are slightly thinner than the rear wall 153. Together, the front wall 151, the rear wall 153 and the side walls 152 form the wall system 15 in the manner of a dome, which is closed at the lower side by the bottom unit 16 of the second receiver part 12 or the second device part 121.

[0107] In the bottom unit 16, a reinforcing element 4 is inserted into a longitudinal opening 120 of the second receiver part 12. By inserting the rod-shaped reinforcing element 4, the stability of the second receiver part 12 or the bottom unit 16 can be substantially increased. Further, by inserting one or more reinforcing elements 4 into the second receiver part 12 or the bottom unit 16, the compressive-force receiver 1 can be raised accordingly. On the rear side, the reinforcing element 4 is provided with a head piece 41, which stabilises the rear wall 153 and covers it optionally. The head piece is shown with dotted lines as a plate 41, which optionally connects to the rear wall 153.

[0108] After the reinforcing element 4 has been removed, the bottom unit 16 and the rear wall 153 are contracted by the amount of the reinforcing element 4.

[0109] FIG. 2 further shows that the wall system 15 may include a transfer slot 1510 through which a mould element 100 (shown dotted), optionally used to form the pressure chamber 10, may be removed after the compressive-force receiver 1 has been manufactured. For example, an inflated form element 100 is used, which can be cut open and removed through the transfer slot 1510.

[0110] FIG. 3a shows the training device 9 of FIG. 1a in a further preferred design with a base 2 that has been extended to form a seat. The second receiver part 12 provides a stable connection between the compressive-force receiver 1 and the base 2, which has wings 25 projecting far outwards on both sides to form an elastic seat base. A base plate 20 is provided underneath the base 2 to ensure a non-slip connection between the base 2 and the supporting surface. The base plate 20 is, for example, a rubber or plastic plate that is firmly or detachably connected to the base 2.

[0111] FIG. 3b shows an exploded view of the training device 9 of FIG. 3a.

[0112] FIG. 4, already referred to above, shows the training device 9 of FIG. 1a with a quarter section with a view to a connection opening 102 in the second receiver part 12, which is connected to sensors 51, 52 by a connection tube 50. Instead of a connecting tube 50, a connecting channel can also be provided, which is moulded into the compressive-force receiver 1, e.g., into the bottom unit 16.

[0113] The sensors 51, 52 can be arranged on a circuit board 55 on which further electronic components and possibly an accumulator or battery are provided. For example, a transmitter module is provided, by means of which measured values are transmitted wirelessly to the computer system 90. For example, a Bluetooth connection is automatically established between the training device 9 and the computer system 90.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 4, the base 2 can be flush with the underside of the compressive-force receiver 1 or partially overlap it. In an optional embodiment, the base 2 covers the bottom unit 16 and part of the wall system 15 with a lip 21. Alternatively, or additionally, the bottom unit 16 can also cover the front side and/or the rear side of the compressive-force receiver 1 with a wall element 22. By means of these optional elements, the compressive-force receiver 1 can form-fittingly be held and/or stabilised. The compressive-force receiver 1 can therefore only form-fittingly be connected to the base 2 in this way.

[0115] The base 2 shown in sectional view and the optionally added parts 21, 22 are shown with the same hatching.

[0116] FIG. 5a shows a cross-section through the training device 9 of FIG. 1a, which in this preferred embodiment has a pressure chamber divided into two sub chambers 10A, 10B by an intermediate wall 154. The two sub chambers 10A, 10B can be connected to each other via an opening in the intermediate wall 154 or can be completely separated from each other. The intermediate wall 154 stabilises the compressive-force receiver 1 regarding forces acting vertically from above without reducing the elasticity of the compressive-force receiver 1 regarding forces acting laterally.

[0117] FIG. 5b shows the compressive-force receiver 1 of the training device 9 of FIG. 5a with a longitudinal section in the rear section and with a cross-section in the front section of the first device part 111. It is shown that connection lines 50A, 50B are connected on the one hand to the associated sub chamber 10A or 10B and on the other hand to an associated sensor 51A, 51B. By means of the sensor 51A, 51B, asymmetric impacts on the compressive-force receiver 1 can be measured and corresponding corrective measures can be initiated. The user can be advised to correct the sitting posture and to activate the muscles evenly.

[0118] FIG. 6a shows a training device 9 with two compressive-force receivers 1X, 1Y, e.g., according to FIG. 2, which are coaxially aligned with each other. The compressive-force receivers 1X, 1Y preferably have different properties, so that training can be carried out with the first or with the second compressive-force receiver 1X, 1Y as required. For example, the first compressive-force receiver 1X is more elastic than the second compressive-force receiver 1Y. The two compressive-force receivers 1X, by can also have different dimensions or be adapted to work specific muscle groups.

[0119] FIG. 6b shows the training device of FIG. 5a in a vertical longitudinal section with the separate pressure chambers 10X, 10Y, which are provided each with a valve 6 and a sensor 51X, 51Y.

[0120] FIG. 7a shows an inventive training device 9 as shown in FIG. 1a with a preferably designed base 2 that can form-fittingly be anchored in a seat element 3. The seat element 3 has the shape of a saddle and is provided along its longitudinal axis with a receiver channel 30 into which the training device 9 is inserted and suitably positioned. The base 2 of the compressive-force receiver 1 is provided on both sides with grooves 27 in which oppositely directed wing elements 37, which are provided in the receiver channel 30, can engage. An optional grating 38 is provided at the underside of the receiver channel 30, which corresponds to a detent on the underside of the base 2. As soon as the user sits down on the compressive-force receiver 9, the latching elements 28, 38 engage with each other and lock the compressive-force receiver in the respective position. By reducing the applied weight, the compressive-force receiver 1 can be released from the latch 38, moved and fixed again. Preferably, the receiver channel 30 is inclined so that the height of the training device 9 is also changed by the displacement of the training device 9.

[0121] FIG. 7b shows the seat element 3 of FIG. 7a in a vertical longitudinal section with the grating 38 and a wing element 37.

[0122] FIG. 7c shows the inventive training device 9 inserted into the seat element 3 of FIG. 7a.

[0123] FIG. 7a further illustrates that the training device 9 is also suitable for training the hand muscles or the arm muscles. The compressive-force receiver 1 can be compressed with one hand or between both hands to strengthen the hand or arm muscles.