PULL DEVICE FOR TRAINING EQUIPMENT

Abstract

A pulling device (1) for a training device comprises a linear pulling element (3), a pulling handle (2), and an elastic element (4) arranged between the linear pulling element (3) and the pulling handle (2). The elastic element (4) has a predetermined modulus of elasticity or a predetermined spring constant.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a rowing machine with a pulling device. In particular, the invention relates to a rowing machine with a pulling device comprising an elastic element between a pull strap or pull rope or pull chain and a pull handle. Technical background

[0002] Many different training devices used for home workouts or in a fitness center feature pulley systems with a handle. By pulling on the handle, a user can perform a variety of strength exercises. The necessary resistance can be generated, for example, by weights or a resistance device. Well-known examples of such training devices with resistance devices are rowing machines or rowing ergometers.

[0003] Rowing machines, or rowing ergometers, can simulate the movement and force exertion involved in rowing a boat. The rowing technique on a rowing machine closely mirrors that of a boat on the water. Various manufacturers offer rowing machines and ergometers on the market.

[0004] A rowing machine of this type comprises a supporting structure or body for setting up the rowing machine on a floor. A seat for a user of the rowing machine is arranged on the support, which may be movable along a longitudinal direction of the support.

[0005] A rowing machine of this type with an elastic resistance cable is disclosed, for example, in utility model DE 20 2017 006 322 U1. An inelastic extension band is arranged between the sections of the resistance cable, or between two fastening clips, and is firmly connected to the elastic resistance cable or to a handle by means of the fastening clips.

[0006] Other resistance cables, which may have elastic elements, are described, for example, in the patent and utility model specifications DE 10 2020 128 207 A1, DE 10 2011 008 427 A1, DE 20 2018 006 594 U1 and DE 10 2011 054 094 A1.

[0007] Furthermore, a rowing machine of this type comprises a resistance device with a pulling mechanism. The resistance device can, for example, include a water tank, the water of which generates a resistance force. For this purpose, a pulling force from the user is transferred via the pulling mechanism to a movement of rotating paddles in the water, the water generating a resistance force against the rotation of the paddles.

[0008] In other rowing machines of this type, resistance can be generated, for example, by friction or magnetic fields. Such rowing machines use a similar pulling mechanism with a pull strap, chain, or rope and a handle.

[0009] The rowing mechanism typically includes a retraction system that retracts and winds back the pull strap, chain, or rope after the user has pulled it out, thus completing the rowing stroke. Once retracted, the user can pull again against the resistance of the handle.

[0010] Especially with water resistance devices, the resistance is relatively high at the beginning of a workout when the water is still. Only after a few pulls and retractions, when the water is in motion, does the resistance reach the desired level. The resulting initial peaks in pulling force at the start of the workout can, in the worst case, especially for a user who is not yet warmed up, lead to injuries such as strains or similar problems in the shoulder or back. This creates the need to mitigate these initial peaks in resistance force at the beginning of a workout. Technical task

[0011] Based on the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved rowing machine with a pulling mechanism in which the initial peaks of the pulling force of a resistance device are mitigated. This reduces the risk of injury to a user of the training device. Solution to the task

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the rowing machine of claim 1 is provided. Further aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims, the following description of exemplary embodiments, and the accompanying drawings.

[0013] A pulling device according to the invention for the rowing machine comprises a linear pulling element, a pulling handle and an elastic element arranged between the linear pulling element and the pulling handle.

[0014] The pull handle serves as a grip for the hands or one hand of a user of the training device to exert a pulling force while performing exercises. The pull handle can be designed, for example, as a straight or curved rigid bar that is essentially perpendicular to the linear pull element, allowing the user to pull on it with both hands to exert a pulling force on the linear pull element. In alternative designs, the pull handle can also be designed for pulling with one hand. The pull handle is designed so that it does not deform, or at least not significantly deforms, when pulled, thus ensuring that the user's pulling force is transmitted with minimal loss.

[0015] The linear pull element serves to transfer force from the pull handle to a resistance device of the training equipment. As described earlier, the resistance device can generate resistance using water, magnets, mechanical friction, or weights. The linear pull element itself should not deform under the applied force, or at least not significantly, so that the force can be transferred with minimal loss.

[0016] An elastic element is positioned between the pull handle and the linear pull element. This element expands under the user's pulling force, thereby reducing peak loads on the user's body and preventing injuries. The elasticity of this element is carefully calibrated so that it expands only under peak forces, such as those that may occur at the beginning of a workout. Under the forces encountered during normal training, the elastic element should expand only minimally. To achieve this effect, the elastic element has a predetermined modulus of elasticity or a predetermined spring constant.

[0017] Preferably, the modulus of elasticity, which is a material property, is 0.01 to 1 GPa or correspondingly 10 7 up to 10 9 N / m 2at room temperature. Particularly preferably, the modulus of elasticity is 0.01 to 0.1 GPa or correspondingly 10 7 up to 10 8 N / m 2 at room temperature. Alternatively, a spring constant D of the elastic element can be specified. The spring constant depends on both the material and shape of the spring as well as the direction of the load. For example, for a rod of length L with cross-sectional area A under a tensile or compressive force in the longitudinal direction of the rod, it is D = (E * A) / L, where E denotes the modulus of elasticity.

[0018] The linear tension element can be, for example, a pull cord, chain, or rope. A pull cord can be, for instance, a textile band made of synthetic and / or natural fibers. A flat band has the advantage of being easy to manufacture and simple to wind and unwind on a roll.

[0019] Furthermore, a fastening can be easily sewn into the end of the band to connect the linear tension element to the elastic element or resistance device.

[0020] A traction chain can be designed similarly to a bicycle chain. Such a chain has the advantage of ensuring a straight running direction. Furthermore, it can, for example, guarantee efficient power transmission to a gear in the resistance device. A traction chain can also withstand high tensile forces with minimal wear and hardly stretches in the direction of tension.

[0021] In alternative designs, the linear pull element can also be a pull rope, which could, for example, be a wire rope. To minimize the risk of injury, the wire rope can be coated with plastic. In another example, the pull rope can be made of carbon fibers.

[0022] The elastic element can be, for example, an elastic band, a spring element, or an elastomer element. An elastic band can be, for example, a rubber band, especially one shaped as a loop. Elastic rubber bands are available in many different versions with varying lengths and / or elasticities.

[0023] A spring element can, for example, be a helical spring made of metal wire. A spring has the advantage that its spring constant can be easily adjusted based on the thickness and length of the wire and the number of coils. Furthermore, a spring typically has an eyelet at each end for fastening. This allows for easy replacement of the spring. In preferred embodiments, the spring element can have fastening means at each end.

[0024] An elastomer element is essentially a cylindrical piece made of an elastic material. By appropriately selecting the material, length, and diameter, a desired modulus of elasticity or spring constant can be achieved. Unlike a band or a spring, the elastomer element can be supplied as a solid component.

[0025] A first fastening means preferably serves to attach the elastic element to the pull handle. A second fastening means preferably serves to attach the elastic element to the linear pull element.

[0026] The first fastening means preferably comprises a first hook or bracket for attaching the elastic element or two first plates for clamping the elastic element and the pull handle. The first hook or bracket can, for example, be arranged or formed on the pull handle. In particular, such a hook or bracket can be formed integrally with the pull handle. A hook or bracket can enable particularly easy attachment of the elastic element to the pull handle.

[0027] In the design as clamping plates, the first two plates preferably comprise a first section for clamping the elastic element and a second section for clamping the pull handle. The second section can preferably be adapted to the cross-section of the pull handle. For example, a corresponding round receptacle can be provided on the second section of the first two plates for a round pull handle. This prevents the pull handle from slipping out of the plates when pulled.

[0028] Similarly, the first section of the first plates can have a recess shaped to hold a cross-section of the elastic element without allowing it to slip out. For this purpose, the elastic element can preferably have a thickening at the corresponding end, which may be round or angular in cross-section.

[0029] The first two plates can be fastened together, for example, using screws, to clamp the pull handle and the elastic element between them. Furthermore, a quick-release fastener can preferably be used, which can be tightened securely without tools to prevent unintentional opening during training. A preferred quick-release fastener can be designed similarly to a quick-release lever on a bicycle hub or bicycle saddle.

[0030] Similarly, a preferred second fastening means can be designed.

[0031] For example, a second fastener comprises a second hook for attaching the linear tension element and / or for attaching the elastic element, or two second plates for clamping the linear tension element and the elastic element. Accordingly, the second hook may comprise a first section for attaching the linear tension element and a second section for attaching the elastic element.

[0032] Preferably, the elastic element can be replaced in just a few steps. This allows, for example, the user to choose an elastic element suited to their needs. Furthermore, it facilitates easy maintenance of the training device. For this purpose, the first and second fastening elements can be designed to be easily removable. As described above, for example, a screw or a quick-release fastener can be opened. If the design uses a hook, bracket, or eyelet, the elastic element can be easily attached and detached. Brief description of the characters

[0033] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the associated drawings. Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows a perspective view and a side view of a traction device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows a perspective view and a side view of a traction device according to a second embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view and a side view of a traction device according to a third embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view and a side view of a traction device according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view and a side view of a traction device according to a fifth embodiment. Detailed description of the exemplary implementations

[0034] In the following description, the same reference symbols are used for the same objects. Repeated descriptions of identical or similar elements in the exemplary embodiments are omitted.

[0035] Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows a first embodiment of a traction device 1 according to the invention for a rowing machine with a water resistance device. Fig. 1A is a perspective drawing. Fig. Figure 1B shows a perspective exploded view and a cross-section through a longitudinal axis along which the force passes when pulling.

[0036] The pulling device 1 comprises a straight rod with a round cross-section serving as a pull handle 2. The pull handle 2 is connected via a first fastening element 5 to an elastic element 4, which in this case is designed as an elastic band. The elastic band can, for example, be a woven tape with elastic fibers incorporated into it. Alternatively, the band can, for example, be a rubber band.

[0037] The elastic band is connected to a linear tension element 3 via a second fastening element 6. The linear tension element 3 can, for example, be a fabric band that does not stretch or only stretches minimally under tension.

[0038] The exploded view of the Fig. Figure 1B shows the construction of the first fastening device 5 and the second fastening device 6. Both comprise two parts that can be attached to each other to clamp the elastic element 4 between them.

[0039] The second fastener 6 comprises two plate-shaped parts. One of these is fixedly connected to the pull cord at a second section and has a notch with a round cross-section on an opposing first section, into which a round protrusion at the end of the elastic band can be inserted. By screwing, riveting, or similar means, a second part of the fastener 6 can be connected to the first part to clamp the elastic band. The notch and the protrusion prevent the elastic band from slipping out when pulled.

[0040] The first fastening element 5 also comprises two plates or two halves and is similarly designed on the side of the elastic band 4. The elastic band is clamped onto a first section of the first fastening element 5 in a manner similar to that described above. The pull handle 2 can be clamped onto a second section. For this purpose, the second section has a round cross-section.

[0041] The section view below in Fig. Figure 1B shows how the pull cord 3 and the pull handle 2 are each connected to the elastic band 4 by the second fastening device 6 and the first fastening device 5, respectively.

[0042] Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows a second embodiment, which is a modification of the first embodiment. The elastic element 4 is V-shaped here, but otherwise similarly designed. The V-shape of the elastic band can provide better lateral stabilization when pulling on the handle 2, since the force acts at two points to the right and left of the pulling axis on the handle 2.

[0043] The first fastening element 5 is constructed similarly to the first embodiment, but has two receptacles on the first section, each designed similarly to the first embodiment.

[0044] In the third embodiment of the Fig. In step 3, the elastic band was replaced by an elastomer element 4, which has a substantially cylindrical shape. The first fastening element 5 is a metal eyelet formed on the pull handle 2, which passes through the elastomer element 4. Alternatively, this can also be designed as a hook.

[0045] The second fastening element 6 is designed as a metal hook, essentially in the shape of a square G, with a leg provided on a first section that can engage with the elastomeric element 4. A second leg is provided on the second section and can be inserted through a sewn-in loop on the pull cord 3. The elastomeric element 4 has a predetermined modulus of elasticity of preferably 0.01 to 0.1 GPa.

[0046] Another embodiment of the invention is described in Fig. Figure 4 shows a coil spring used as an elastic element. The coil spring has eyelets at both ends, which serve as fasteners 5 and 6.

[0047] Fig.Figure 5 shows a fifth embodiment with a rubber loop as the elastic element 4. On the handle, the rubber loop is guided through an eyelet in the metal handle as a first fastening element 5. On the other side, a similar second fastening element 6 is used as in the third embodiment.

[0048] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims and the drawings can be important for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments, both individually and in any combination. List of reference symbols 1 towing device 2 Pull handle 3 linear tension element 4 elastic element 5 first fastening device 6 second fastening device

Claims

[1] Rowing machine with a pulling device (1), wherein the pulling device (1) comprises: a linear tension element (3); a pull handle (2); an elastic element (4) arranged between the linear pulling element (3) and the pulling handle (2); a first fastening means (5) for fastening the elastic element (4) to the pull handle (2); and a second fastening means (6) for fastening the elastic element (4) to the linear tension element (3), wherein the elastic element (4) has a predetermined modulus of elasticity or a predetermined spring constant; the first fastening means (5) comprises: a first hook or bracket for hanging the elastic element (4) or two first plates for clamping the elastic element (4) and the pull handle (2); and the second fastening means (6) comprises: a second hook for suspending the linear tension element (3) and / or for suspending the elastic element (4); two second plates for clamping the linear tension element (3) and the elastic element (4). [2] Rowing machine according to claim 1, wherein the linear pulling element (3) is a pulling band or a pull chain or a pull rope. [3] Rowing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic element (4) is an elastic band or a spring element or is an elastomer element. [4] Rowing machine according to claim 1, wherein the first hook or bracket is arranged on the pull handle (2). [5] Rowing machine according to claim 1, wherein the two first plates comprise: a first section for clamping the elastic element (4); and a second section for clamping the pull handle (2). [6] Rowing machine according to claim 1, wherein the second hook (6) comprises: a first section for suspending the linear tension element (3) and a second section for suspending the elastic element (4). [7] Rowing machine according to claim 6, wherein the two second plates comprise: a first section for clamping the elastic element (4); and a second section for clamping the linear tension element (3).

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