FITNESS AND REHABILITATION AID

Abstract

A fitness and rehabilitation aid is provided, using mostly centrifugal forces that are taking the body centre of mass from its natural position where the mutual configuration of the individual components, that create the aid, optimally stimulate the desired muscle parts. The aid consists of a loading head for achieving the desired centrifugal force and a handle for grasping by the user. The loading head and handle are interconnected by a flexible connecting component. A length of the flexible connecting component from the point where the flexible connecting component leaves the handle to the point where the connection of flexible connecting component and loading head occurs, i.e. the hole for entering of the connecting component to the loading head, equals at least 600 mm.

Claims

1. A fitness and rehabilitation aid, using mostly centrifugal forces that are taking the body centre of mass from its natural position while the mutual configuration of the individual components, of which the aid is consisted of, optimally stimulates the desired muscle parts, while the aid consists of the weight load head (2) for achieving the desired centrifugal force and handle (3) for grasping by the user, while weight load head (2) and handle (3) are interconnected by the flexible connecting element (1), characterized by that the length of the flexible connecting element (1) from point where the flexible connecting element (1) leaves the handle (3), i.e. from the orifice (31) of the handle, to the point where it enters the weight load head (2), i.e. the hole (24) for inserting the connecting element (1) to the weight load head (2) is at least 600 mm, preferably from 620 to 750 mm, more preferably from 640 to 660 mm, most preferably 650 mm, wherein the weight of the weight load head (2) is at least 250 g and does not exceed 600 g, preferably the weight load head (2) weight equals 450 g maximum, and wherein the length of the weight load head (2) is from 120 to 200 mm and its diameter is from 50 to 65 mm.

2. The fitness and rehabilitation aid according to claim 1, characterized by that it is equipped with shiftable locking for adjustment of the flexible connecting element (1) length in the weight load head (2) and/or the handle (3).

3. The fitness and rehabilitation aid according to claim 2, characterized by that the locking element is a shiftable locking element (7) that consists of hollow body (70) of cylindrical shape, through which the flexible connecting element (1) passes, and which is equipped with a recess (73) in the longitudinal axis of the locking element (7) on the opposite walls, to which the braking part (71) is fixated by a pin (72) set perpendicularly to the recess (73) axis and also to the axis of the flexible connecting element (1), while one locking element contains at least one pair of opposing braking parts (71).

4. The fitness and rehabilitation aid according to claim 2, characterized by that the braking part (71) is equipped with braking surface (711), preferably equipped with rough surface, which is further from the hole (712) creating the centre of rotation of the braking part (71), through which the pin (72) goes, than its opposite surface enabling free movement of the flexible connecting element (1).

5. The fitness and rehabilitation aid according to claim 2, characterized by that the locking of the flexible connecting element (1) in the handle (3) is implemented with use of two or more cuts (11) in the flexible connecting element (1) in predefined distance, preferably approximately 2 to 7 cm, more preferably 5 cm, to which the locking pad (6) with outer dimensions preventing passing through the hole (31) is inserted, through which the flexible connecting element (1) leaves the handle (3) in the direction towards the weight load head (2).

6. The fitness and rehabilitation aid according to claim 5, characterized by that the locking pad (6) contains a recess (61) that fits into the cut (11) on the flexible connecting element (1).

7. The fitness and rehabilitation aid according to claim 1, characterized by that the flexible connecting element (1) is fixated to the weight load head by the locking element of the weight load head (2), while the locking element (5) is preferably equipped with a guiding groove (52) which prevents rotation of the locking element (5) in the weight load head (2) in the axis of flexible connecting element (1) and/or the locking element (5) is preferably equipped with a recess (51) in half-arc shape for the locking element (5) to be easily flown around by the flexible connecting element (1).

8. Fitness and rehabilitation aid according to claim 1, characterized by that the weight load head (2) contains at least one hole (25) and/or recesses for weights placement (26).

9. Fitness and rehabilitation aid according to claim 8, characterized by that the weight load head (2) contains holes (23) on the edges for pulling the flexible connecting element (1) through, while the flexible connecting element (1) enters the weight load head (2) in the middle of the side wall of the weight load head (2) by the hole (24) in the longitudinal axis of the weight load head (2), copies the half-arc recess (51) of the locking element (5), while it surrounds the weight holes (25) and ends in the locking element (5).

10. Fitness and rehabilitation aid according to claim 8, characterized by that the hole (25) for weight (26) is pass-through the body (22) of the weight load head, while the flexible connecting element surrounds the hole (25) from both sides and the flexible connecting element (1) contracts around the weights (26) due to the centrifugal force.

11. Fitness and rehabilitation aid according to claim 8, characterized by that the flexible connecting element (1) is embedded into lengthwise grooves that go through holes (25) or recesses for weights (26) placement.

12. The fitness and rehabilitation aid according to claim 1, characterized by that the body (22) of the weight load head (2) is created from hard core, that contains holes (23, 24), while soft slip-on cover (21) is attached to the body, that minimizes possible injuries or damages caused by weight load head hit.

13. The fitness and rehabilitation aid according to claim 1, characterized by that the weight load head (2) consists of at least two repeatedly detachable parts (81), where at least one of these parts (81) can be replaced by part of same shape with different weight.

14. Method of operation of the fitness and rehabilitation aid according to claim 1, characterized by that it contains following steps: set the body in a wide stance, shoulder breadth, face facing forward, chin slightly up; grasp the handle with palms facing you in the waist level; perform the rotation with the aid so that the weight load head moves in the shape of an eight, while your arms are stretched, hips and wrists are static and the exercise is done by the torso movement with no movement of wrists and/or arms; variation for rehabilitation workout consists in limitation of the torso movement to the limit of 10 degrees each side with use of lower weight load head weight and longer flexible connecting element.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized by that it contains the following steps: set the body in a wide stance, shoulder breadth, face facing forward, chin slightly up; grasp the handle with palms facing you in the waist level; perform the rotation with the aid so that the weight load head moves in the shape of eight; gradually raise the arms up to position above head, while in the position of arms above head only torso lean is performed to the sides, in the direction of the weight load head passing-through; variation step to be used in case of problems with lumbar spine is to choose flexible connecting element longer than 700 mm and only in reverse movement direction.

16. Method according to claim 14, characterized by that it contains the following steps: set the body in a wide stance, shoulder breadth, face facing forward, chin slightly up; grasp the handle with palms facing you in the chest level; circle the aid in front of the body while stretched arms are moving in a circle of approximately 50 cm in diameter, while hips, wrists and shoulders are static; due to balanced load on the muscles the direction of the rotation is changed and when the direction of the rotation is changed, also the hands grasp on the handle is changed, while torso muscles are flexed and are coordinating the movement; in variation for rehabilitation workout weight load head with the lowest weight is used.

17. Method according to claim 14, characterized by that it contains the following steps: set the body in a wide stance, shoulder breadth, face facing forward, chin slightly up; grasp the handle with one hand, palm facing down with stretched arm, while the free hand is on your chest; rotate the aid in the shoulder join so that the arm moves in a circle with approximate diameter of 50 cm, while arms are stretched, hips and wrists are static and shoulder blades are contracting towards each other; variation step consists of rotating the body to 45 degrees against the arm to stretch the chest; another variation step consists of moving the arms to both sides; another variation step consists of flexing the torso muscles more intensively on the opposite side from the weight.

Description

OVERVIEW OF THE FIGURES

[0118] FIG. 1 shows side view of the aid as per this invention;

[0119] FIG. 2 shows details of the cross-section of the loading head, which contains the weights and rope fixated to the head by the locking component.

[0120] FIG. 3 shows cross-section of the handle that contains fixed locking;

[0121] FIG. 4 shows cross-section of the handle that contains the shiftable locking for smooth adjustment of the rope length;

[0122] FIG. 5 shows cross-section of the handle that contains locking pad in combination with rope cuts, which enables tiered adjustment of the rope length;

[0123] FIG. 6a shows axonometric view of the locking component for smooth rope length adjustment;

[0124] FIG. 6b shows dismantled view of the set of components that are contained in the locking component as per FIG. 6a;

[0125] FIG. 6c shows cross-section of the locking component as per FIG. 6a in open position, when the braking parts enable free movement of the rope;

[0126] FIG. 6d shows cross-section of the locking component as per FIG. 6c.

[0127] FIG. 6e shows cross-section of the locking component as per FIG. 6a in locked position, when the braking parts are fixating the rope;

[0128] FIG. 6f shows cross-section of the locking component as per FIG. 6e.

[0129] FIG. 7 shows cross-section and A-A section of convenient variation of implementation of the handle with ergonomic shape in aspect ratio of the real product;

[0130] FIG. 8a shows variation of implementation of the loading head in cross-section, consisting of two interconnected parts, complementary in shape;

[0131] FIG. 8b shows variation of implementation of the loading head as per FIG. 8a in cross-section consisting of two disconnected parts, complementary in shape;

[0132] FIG. 9 shows variation of implementation of the loading head consisting of one part and equipped with shiftable locking component;

[0133] FIG. 10a shows operation scheme of the aid as per variation 1;

[0134] FIG. 10b shows operation scheme of the aid as per variation 2;

[0135] FIG. 10c shows operation scheme of the aid as per variation 3;

[0136] FIG. 10d shows operation scheme of the aid as per variation 4;

[0137] FIG. 10e shows operation scheme of the aid as per variation 5;

[0138] FIG. 10f shows operation scheme of the aid as per variation 6;

[0139] FIG. 10g shows operation scheme of the aid as per variation 7;

[0140] FIG. 10h shows operation scheme of the aid as per variation 8;

EXAMPLES OF INVENTION IMPLEMENTATION

Example 1

[0141] Fitness and rehabilitation aid as per FIG. 1, using mostly centrifugal forces that are taking the body centre of mass from its natural position while the mutual configuration of the individual components, of which the aid is consisted of, optimally stimulates the desired muscle parts, while the aid consists of the loading head 2 for achieving the desired centrifugal force and handle 3 for grasping by the user, while loading head 2 and handle 3 are interconnected by the flexible connecting component 1, generally rope, while the length of the flexible connecting component 1 from point where the flexible connecting component 1 leaves the handle 2, i. e. from the orifice 31 of the handle, to the point where it enters the loading head 2, i. e. the hole 24 for inserting the connecting component 1 to the loading head 2, equals at least 600 mm, preferably 620 to 750 mm, more preferably 640 to 660 mm, most preferably 650 mm.

[0142] In the given example the flexible connecting component 1 length equals the most beneficial 650 mm. Length of the loading head 2 equals 120 to 200 mm and diameter is 50 to 65 mm, in the given example it equals the most convenient 130 mm and the diameter of the head 2 is approximately 58 mm. The weight of the loading head 2 equals at least 250 g and does not exceed 600 g, preferably the weight of the loading head 2 equals 450 g maximum and in the given example the weight of the loading head 2 equals 350 g.

Example 2

[0143] Aid as per example 1, that is, in order to prevent accidental release of the flexible connecting component 1, generally rope, equipped with fixed locking 4 of the flexible connecting component 1 in the handle 3, while the implementation of the fixed locking 4 is shown on FIG. 3.

Example 3

[0144] Aid as per example 1 or 2, in which as per convenient implementation the handle 3 in the orifice 31 of the flexible connecting component and/or the locking 4 itself is preferably equipped with a bearing 33, which significantly reduces the friction between the flexible connecting component 1 and the handle 3 and therefore promotes the free rotation of the flexible connecting component 1 in handle 3. Example of implementation of the bearing 33 is in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

Example 4

[0145] Aid as per any of examples 1 to 3 with the difference that for more comfortable and, in case of rehabilitation, more thorough workout the loading head 2 and/or handle 3 is equipped with shiftable locking for adjustment of the flexible connecting component 1 length from the point, where the flexible connecting component leaves the handle, i. e. from the handle orifice, to the point, where it enters the loading head 2. The optimal range in which it is possible to adjust the flexible connecting component length is approximately 120 mm, while the flexible connecting component cannot be shorter than 600 mm in the above-defined section. Examples of implementation of shiftable locking in the handle are in FIGS. 4 and 5. Example of implementation of shiftable locking in the loading head is in FIGS. 8a, 8b and 9. Example of variation of implementation of shiftable locking is in FIGS. 6a to 6f.

Example 5

[0146] Aid as per example 4 where locking is the shiftable locking component 7, which is described in detail in FIGS. 6a to 6f. This locking component enables to fixate the flexible connecting component, generally rope, in any position and can be used also for the loading head locking 2, as can be seen for example from FIG. 8a, 8b and FIG. 9. The locking component 7 as per this implementation consists of hollow body 70 of cylindrical shape, through which the flexible connecting component 1 passes, and which is equipped with a recess 73 in the longitudinal axis of the locking component 7 on the opposite walls, to which the braking part 71 is fixated by pin 72 set perpendicularly to the recess 73 axis and also to the axis of the flexible connecting component 1. One locking component contains at least one pair of opposing braking parts 71.

[0147] The braking part 71 is equipped with braking surface 711, preferably equipped with rough surface, which is further from the hole 712 creating the centre of mass of the rotation of the braking part 71, through which the pin 72 goes, than its opposite surface enabling free movement of the flexible connecting component 1. By rotating, the braking part 71 for the braking surface 711 to face the flexible connecting component 1 the flexible connecting component 1 is compressed in the place of locking component 7 and thus the locking component 7 is fixated on the flexible connecting component 1. The shape of the braking surface 711 is rounded, while the braking part 71 has its braking surface 711 elongated from the rotation axis so that if the locking component 7 is in locked position of the braking part 71, by pulling the flexible connecting component 1 this elongated part of the braking surface 711 will affect the braking part 71 in the direction of the flexible connecting component 1 movement and stronger compression of the flexible connecting component 1 occurs. By pulling the flexible connecting component 1 in the opposite direction, release of the locking component 71 can occur for the purpose of adjustment of the flexible connecting component 1 length.

Example 6

[0148] Aid as per any of the examples 1 to 5 where the flexible connecting component 1 is rope or cord.

Example 7

[0149] Aid as per example 6 where rope or cord contain flexible scale for adjustment of the length of the flexible connecting component 1 and the scale is preferably inserted into a longitudinal cut in the rope or cord.

Example 8

[0150] Aid as per examples 4, 6 or 7, where locking of the flexible connecting component 1 in the handle 3 is in case of using rope or cord preferably implemented with use of two and more cuts 11 in the flexible connecting component 1 in predefined distance, preferably approximately 2 to 7 cm, preferably 5 cm, to which the locking pad 6 with outer dimensions preventing passing through the hole 31 is inserted, by which the flexible connecting component 1 leaves the handle 3 in the direction towards the loading head 2. The locking pad 6 contains a recess (61) that fits into the cut 11 on the flexible connecting component 1. Example of the implementation is shown on FIG. 5. The cuts are created by ultrasound that prevents fray. As per this example the adjustment of the length of the flexible connecting component 1 is achieved by use of three cuts 11 in the above defined section created by hole 24 and hole 31 on 65, 70 and 75 cm.

Example 9

[0151] Aid as per any of the examples 1 to 8, where the handle is equipped with safety strip or strap on its free end, as shown for example on FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5. Its purpose is to catch the aid in case it slips from the user's hand.

Example 10

[0152] Aid as per any of the examples 1 to 9, where the handle is equipped with a cap 35 for attachment of the strip or strap and/or for access to the flexible connecting component 1 in the handle 3, which is per this example fastened by bolt assembly. Implementation can be seen on FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. July

Example 11

[0153] Aid as per any of the examples 1 to 10 where the flexible connecting component 1 is static or with low elasticity, as the case may be its elasticity is close to zero and equals 5% maximum.

Example 12

[0154] Aid as per any of the examples 1 to 11, where the flexible connecting component 1 is fixated to the loading head 2 with use of locking component of the loading head 5. As per this example where rope is used as the flexible connecting component 1, the locking component 5 is preferably fastened by the method of thermoplastics injection. Locking component 5 is preferably equipped with guiding groove 52, which prevents rotation of the locking component 5 in the loading head 2 in the axis of flexible connecting component 1. The locking component 5 is also preferably equipped with half-arc shaped recess 51 for the locking component 5 to be easily flown around by the flexible connecting component 1. See FIG. 2.

[0155] The loading head 2 preferably contains at least one hole 25 or recess for weight 26 placement. As per example in FIG. 2 the loading head 2 contains three holes 25 and on the edges the loading head 2 contains holes 23 for pulling the flexible connecting component 1 through. The flexible connecting component 1 enters the loading head 2 in the middle of the side wall of the loading head 2 by the hole 24 in the longitudinal axis of the loading head 2, copies the half-arc recess 51 while it surrounds the weight holes 25 and ends in the locking component 5, to which it is fixated, for example the above mentioned way.

The holes 25 for weights can be pass-through so that the flexible connecting component 1 surrounds the holes 25 from both sides. The process of fixation of the flexible connecting component 1 to the loading head 2 is first to pull the flexible connecting component 1 through the side hole 23, pull the flexible connecting component 1 to the other end of the loading head 2, pull the flexible connecting component 1 through the other side hole 23, pull the flexible connecting component 1 back to the first end of the loading head 2, pull the flexible connecting component through the first side hole 23 longitudinally to the locking component 5 and pull the flexible connecting component 1 out through the side hole 24 of the loading head 2. This way a loop is created, which fixates the weights 26 during workout with the aid, because the flexible connecting component 1 contracts around the weights 26 due to the centrifugal force.

Example 13

[0156] Aid as per example 12, where the flexible connecting component 1 is embedded into longitudinal grooves that go through holes 25 or recesses for weight placement 26 (not shown).

Example 14

[0157] Aid as per any of the examples 1 to 13 where loading head is preferably created from hard core, that contains the above mentioned holes (23, 24) and then is equipped with soft slip-on cover 21, that minimizes possible injuries or damages caused by loading head hit.

Example 15

[0158] Aid as per any of the examples 1 to 11 where in alternate implementation, e.g. as per FIGS. 8a and 8b, the loading head 2 consists of at least two repeatably detachable parts 81 where at least one of these parts 81 can be replaced by part of same shape with different weight, by which the total weight of the loading head can be adjusted.

Example 16

[0159] Aid as per example 15 where two or more parts 81 of the loading head 2 are fixated by connecting components 82, 83, for example in the form of projections and recesses. Preferably the contacting walls of the parts 81 are created so that they prevent unwanted rotation in all axes, which is achieved by for example corrugation of the contacting walls, as can be seen for example from FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b.

Example 17

[0160] Aid as per any of the examples 1 to 11 where loading head 2 is temporarily connected with the flexible connecting component 1 for replacement of one loading head of particular weight by other loading head of different weight.

Example 18

[0161] The method of operation as per variation 1 shown on FIG. 10a consists of the following steps: [0162] set the body in a wide stance, shoulder breadth, face facing forward, chin slightly up; [0163] grasp the handle with palms facing you in the waist level; [0164] perform the rotation with the aid so that the loading head moves in the shape of an eight, while your arms are stretched, hips and wrists are static and the exercise is done by the torso movement with no movement of wrists and/or arms; [0165] variation for rehabilitation workout consists of limitation of the torso movement to the limit of 10 degrees each side with use of lower loading head weight and longer flexible connecting component.

Example 19

[0166] The method of operation as per variation 2 shown on FIG. 10b, which is suitable for people with sedentary jobs and those who experience pain and pressure in the lumbar area, consists of the following steps: [0167] set the body in a wide stance, shoulder breadth, face facing forward, chin slightly up; [0168] grasp the handle with palms facing you in the waist level; [0169] perform the rotation with the aid so that the loading head moves in the shape of eight [0170] gradually raise the arms up to position above head, while in the position of arms above head only torso lean is performed to the sides, in the direction of the loading head passing-through. [0171] variation step to be used in case of problems with lumbar spine is to choose flexible connecting component longer than 700 mm and only in reverse movement direction.

Example 20

[0172] The method of operation as per variation 3 shown on FIG. 10c consists of the following steps: [0173] set the body in a wide stance, shoulder breadth, face facing forward, chin slightly up; [0174] grasp the handle with palms facing you in the chest level; [0175] circle the aid in front of the body while stretched arms are moving in a circle of approximately 50 cm in diameter, while hips, wrists and shoulders are static; [0176] due to balanced load on the muscles the direction of the rotation is changed and when the direction of the rotation is changed, also the hands grasp on the handle is changed, while torso muscles are flexed and are coordinating the movement; [0177] in variation for rehabilitation workout loading head with the lowest weight is used.

Example 21

[0178] The method of operation as per variation 4 shown on FIG. 10d consists of the following steps: [0179] set the body in a wide stance, shoulder breadth, face facing forward, chin slightly up; [0180] grasp the handle with one hand, palm facing down with stretched arm, while the free hand is on your chest; [0181] rotate the aid in the shoulder join so that the arm moves in a circle with approximate diameter of 50 cm, while arms are stretched, hips and wrists are static and shoulder blades are contracting towards each other. [0182] variation step consists of rotating the body to 45 degrees against the arm to stretch the chest; [0183] another variation step consists of moving the arms to both sides. [0184] another variation step consists of flexing the torso muscles more intensively on the opposite side from the weight.

Example 22

[0185] The method of operation as per variation 5 shown on FIG. 10e consists of the following steps: [0186] set the body in a wide stance, shoulder breadth, face facing forward, chin slightly up; [0187] grasp the handle with palms facing you in the chest level; [0188] rotate the aid so that the loading head moves in the shape of an eight, while in the left and right edge position the loading head spins a whole revolution, while on the side, where the revolution occurs, knee is slightly bent and the opposite leg slightly raises the heel with consequent using of the hip joints while arms are stretched, hips and wrists are static and the exercise is performed by the torso movement with exclusion of wrist and/or arm movement; [0189] variation step for rehabilitation workout is to limit the torso movement to the limit of 10 degrees on each side.

Example 23

[0190] The method of operation as per variation 6 shown on FIG. 10f consists of the following steps: [0191] set the body in a wide stance, shoulder breadth, face facing forward, chin slightly up; [0192] choose the shortest possible length of the flexible connecting component; [0193] grasp the handle with palms facing you in the chest level; [0194] rotate the aid so that the loading head moves in the shape of an eight, while wrist is static and the exercise is performed with no torso movement, while on the side where the head passes through the elbow is pushed as far to the back as possible and an imaginary circle is performed by the elbow. [0195] variation step is to perform the movement only in the basic direction.

Example 24

[0196] The method of operation as per variation 7 shown on FIG. 10g consists of the following steps: [0197] set the body in a wide stance, shoulder breadth, face facing forward, chin slightly up; [0198] grasp the handle with palms facing you; [0199] rotate the aid above the head so that torso rotates in an imaginary funnel shape while wrist moves in a circle of diameter approximately 50 cm, while wrist is static and the exercise is performed by the torso without any arm movement; [0200] variation step for balanced load on the muscles is to perform the exercise in both directions, while you change the hand on the handle during change of rotation direction; [0201] another variation step designed for rehabilitation purposes is to deflect the torso from the body axis in maximal angle of degrees and use the lowest loading head weight.

Example 25

[0202] The method of operation as per variation 8 shown on FIG. 10h consists of the following steps: [0203] set the body in a wide stance, shoulder breadth, face facing forward, chin slightly up; [0204] grasp the handle with palms facing you in the chest level; [0205] rotate the aid so that the imaginary ellipsis created by the movement of the loading head proceeds in the opposite direction between lower and upper limbs, therefore askew from the body axis, while the opposite leg is always put slightly forward, while the shoulder and elbow joints are in movement and the torsal movement of the torso is in the range of ca. 22 degrees.

INDUSTRIAL UTILIZATION

[0206] The invention is usable in industry mainly in the sports field as an aid for workout and body parts shaping. It is also usable for rehabilitation after injuries, surgeries, muscle damage and neurological issues.

LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS

[0207] 1—flexible connecting component [0208] 11—cut [0209] 2—loading head [0210] 21—loading head cover [0211] 22—loading head body [0212] 23—edge hole for flexible connecting component [0213] 24—hole for flexible connecting component entering the loading head [0214] 25—weight hole [0215] 26—weight [0216] 3—handle [0217] 31—hole for flexible connecting component entering the handle [0218] 32—strip [0219] 33—bearing [0220] 34—coat [0221] 35—cap [0222] 4—fixed locking component [0223] 5—loading head locking component [0224] 51—recess [0225] 52—guiding groove [0226] 6—locking pad [0227] 61—recess [0228] 7—shiftable locking component [0229] 70—hollow body of the locking component [0230] 71—braking part [0231] 711—braking surface [0232] 712—braking part hole [0233] 72—pin [0234] 73—recess [0235] 74—hole for pin of the locking component's hollow body pin [0236] 81—detachable part of the loading head [0237] 82—connecting component [0238] 83—connecting component