SPORTS EQUIPMENT, USE OF SPORTS EQUIPMENT AND SPORTS SYSTEM

Abstract

Sports equipment for receiving a handlebar (100) for performing push-ups, comprising: - a body portion (10) with a through opening (11) for receiving the handlebar (100), and - a peripheral portion (20) surrounding the body portion (10), the peripheral portion (20) comprising at least a first surface (21), a second surface (22) and a third surface (23) for supporting the sports equipment, the first, second and third surfaces (21, 22, 23) being adapted to provide different degrees of stability and wherein: the first surface (21) is flat, the second surface (22) is convex in one or two directions and the third surface (23) is convexly curved in two directions.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sports device, in particular to a sports device that simulates an unstable position of a bicycle handlebar, the use of the sports device and a sports system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Athletes train specific muscles depending on their sport. However, sports involving handlebars, such as any type of bicycle or motorcycle, require training outdoors, which isn't always possible.

[0003] Athletes seeking to improve their cycling or motorcycling skills, particularly upper body and arm strength, may train with exercise equipment and / or perform bodyweight exercises. However, these exercise equipment and / or exercises are not adapted to the specific muscle interaction required for the sport, including the handlebars. SUMMARY

[0004] A sports equipment is provided that can be used to train muscles, e.g. pectorals, triceps and anterior deltoids, which may be necessary when practicing sports with vehicles with handlebars, such as any type of bicycle or motorcycle / motorbike.

[0005] According to one embodiment of a sports device for supporting a handlebar for performing push-ups, the sports device comprises a body portion having a through-opening for receiving the handlebar and a peripheral portion surrounding the body portion, wherein the peripheral portion comprises at least a first surface and a second surface for supporting the device, wherein the first and second surfaces are adapted to provide different degrees of stability.

[0006] A sports system is proposed. The sports system comprises a sports device having a body portion with a through-opening for receiving the handlebar and a peripheral portion surrounding the body portion, the peripheral portion comprising at least a first surface and a second surface for supporting the device, the first and second surfaces adapted to provide different degrees of stability. The sports system further comprises a handlebar. The handlebar can be inserted into and / or through the opening of the body portion.

[0007] The exercise equipment can be used to train muscles, such as the pectorals, triceps, and anterior deltoids, and for training and exercise for sports involving a vehicle with handlebars, such as any type of bicycle or motorcycle. A person can support their body weight on a handlebar inserted into or through the opening of the body portion of the exercise equipment, e.g., in a push-up position. Depending on the orientation of the exercise equipment, it is supported by either a first or a second surface.

[0008] The sports equipment consists of a body section and a peripheral section. The housing has a through-hole for accommodating the handlebars. The handlebars can be inserted into the opening and secured in position. The housing provides mechanical stability for the handlebars and for a person bearing their body weight on the handlebars. The housing can be made of a slatted structure, for example, or be made of solid material, depending on the strength and properties of the material.

[0009] The housing is surrounded by the peripheral portion. The peripheral portion includes at least the first surface and the second surface and may further include additional surfaces. The first and second surfaces are adapted to provide different levels of stability, and additional surfaces may provide even more different levels of stability. According to one embodiment, the peripheral portion defines the edges of the sports equipment.

[0010] The first and second surfaces are designed to provide varying degrees of stability to a person supporting their body weight on a handlebar attached through the opening. The exercise equipment can be placed on the ground using either the first or second surface. In a training position, for example, a person grasps the handlebars and supports their body weight on them in a prone position. The first or second surface, on which the exercise equipment is placed on the ground, provides stability.

[0011] Different degrees of stability can result from different sizes and / or different shapes of the first and second surfaces. Stability is the result of mechanical contact between the peripheral portion of the sports equipment and a floor surface. A different degree of stability can be achieved, for example, in all directions, in one direction, or in no direction. This can be achieved, for example, by a flat surface, a surface curved in one direction and / or a surface curved in two directions, or a round-shaped surface.

[0012] When a handlebar is attached to the opening of the exercise equipment, it can be used for training. An athlete can grip the handlebars with both hands, one on each side, similar to a typical hand position when riding a bicycle with these handlebars. The exercise equipment can be placed on one of its surfaces on the ground, and the athlete can assume a push-up position on the handlebars. Depending on the surface, the exercise equipment offers varying degrees of stability. In the push-up position, the athlete balances their body weight on the handlebars. Different surfaces can correspond to different training levels, with less stability corresponding to a higher training level. The exercise equipment simulates driving a vehicle with handlebars at various levels of difficulty.

[0013] Varying degrees of stability lead to an unstable position. An athlete can compensate for this instability by using their muscles. Balancing on the handlebars is a training exercise that simulates sports involving handlebars, such as cycling or motorcycling.

[0014] The handlebar is fixed when inserted into the opening, preventing rotation of the handlebar relative to the body section. The sports equipment may include fasteners for attaching the handlebar to the body section. The fasteners may be typical fasteners used on bicycle stems, e.g., a wedge system.

[0015] Typical bicycle handlebar sizes at the center position where the fasteners hold the handlebar are 22.2 mm, 25.4 mm, 25.8 mm, 26.0 mm, 31.8 mm, and 35.0 mm outer diameter. The corresponding opening in the body section is the corresponding size or larger. The sports equipment may be suitable for one of these handlebar sizes or a multiple thereof, provided the handlebar fits into the opening and can be attached to the body section.

[0016] The sports equipment can be combined with a variety of differently shaped handlebars, as long as the handlebar fits into the opening. The handlebar can be curved and / or consist of several differently curved sections. Typical bicycle handlebars, for example, can have a shape described as "tracking," "riser," or "flat."

[0017] The exercise equipment consists of at least two different surfaces, each adapted to provide varying degrees of stability. The exercise equipment, especially the peripheral section, may also have a third surface or more surfaces, each adapted to provide varying degrees of stability. The different levels of stability correspond to different levels of difficulty for a workout.

[0018] The use of a sports device is recommended. A handlebar is inserted into the opening of the body section of the sports device and secured. A person grasps the handlebar, placing one of the first and second surfaces on the ground. The person balances their weight on the handlebar in a push-up position. Those familiar with this art will recognize additional features and advantages by reading the following detailed description and examining the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Furthermore, throughout the figures, like reference numerals, designate corresponding parts. In the drawings: Fig. shows a sports equipment in three different orientations according to one embodiment; Fig. shows a side view of the same sports equipment in three orientations; Fig. shows the same sports equipment in three different orientations with a detailed view of the fastening devices; Fig. shows the same sports equipment with a handlebar in a first training position; Fig. shows the same sports equipment with a handlebar in a second training position; Fig. shows the same sports equipment with a handlebar in a third training position; Fig. shows the same sports equipment with a handlebar in a training position with a mobile electronic device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Fig. shows an embodiment of the sports device for supporting a handlebar in three different orientations from the same view. The sports device consists of a body portion 10 with a through-opening 11 for receiving the handlebar and a peripheral portion 20 surrounding the body portion 10, wherein the peripheral portion 20 has at least a first surface 21 and a second surface 22 for supporting the device, wherein the first and second surfaces 21, 22 are adapted to provide different degrees of stability.

[0021] The body portion 10 includes an opening 11 therethrough. The opening 11 can also be described as holes on two sides of the body portion 10 and a channel through the body portion 10 connecting the two holes. The opening 11 can accommodate a handlebar.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first and second surfaces 21, 22 describe the geometry of the peripheral portion 20. When the first, second, or third surfaces 21, 22, 23 are referred to as touching the ground or facing the ground, the geometric shape is described. The peripheral portion 20 may, for example, include additional protective layers on one or each of the surfaces 21, 22, 23. The peripheral portion 20 may consist of two or three or more surfaces having different degrees of stability.

[0023] The sports equipment consists of a body portion 10 and a peripheral portion 20 surrounding the body portion 10. The peripheral portion 20 includes a first surface 21 and a second surface 22, and in the present embodiment, a third surface 23. The sports equipment can be aligned for the training position on any of the surfaces 21, 22, 23. The three surfaces 21, 22, 23 provide different degrees of stability when the sports equipment is placed on the ground, with one of the surfaces 21, 22, 23 facing the ground.

[0024] The first alignment of the sports equipment in Fig. shows that the sports equipment is arranged on the first surface 21, which touches the ground. The second orientation of the sports equipment in Fig. shows that the sports equipment is arranged on the second surface 22, which touches the ground. The third orientation of the sports equipment in Fig. shows the sports equipment arranged on the third surface 23 which touches the ground.

[0025] Fig. shows a side view of the same sports equipment Fig. and three orientations similar to the Fig. from a different perspective. In the first orientation of the Fig. and Fig. In the illustrated sports equipment, the sports equipment is arranged on the first surface 21 that touches the ground. According to the present embodiment, the first surface 21 is a flat surface that can provide stability upon contact with a flat ground. The first surface 21 provides stability in all directions.

[0026] As in Fig. As shown, the first surface 21 is a flat surface, indicated by the dashed lines. The first surface 21 has no curvature. When the sports equipment is placed with the first surface 21 on the ground, the handlebar, which is inserted through the opening 11, is aligned horizontally to the ground. A person resting their body weight on the handlebar cannot easily tip the handlebar in any direction by slightly shifting their weight in one direction. This defines a first degree of stability.

[0027] The second surface 22 has a curvature in a direction indicated by the dashed lines in Fig. is displayed. If the sports equipment is arranged with its second surface 22 on the ground with a handlebar horizontally aligned with the ground, a person supporting their body weight on the handlebar can tilt the sports equipment or handlebar slightly in the direction of the curve and not slightly in the other direction, which is not curved. A person can tilt the handlebar by shifting their weight slightly in the direction of the curve. The handlebar is attached to the body section 10 in the opening 11 and tilts about the horizontal alignment. This defines a second degree of stability.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the contact area of ​​the first surface 21 on a flat surface is larger than the contact area of ​​the second surface 22.

[0029] According to one embodiment, a person balances their weight on a handlebar that is inserted into the opening 11 of the body portion 10 of the sports equipment. The sports equipment is placed on the ground, with balancing on the second surface 22 being more strenuous for the person than balancing on the first surface 21. The first and second surfaces 21, 22 correspond to different levels of difficulty.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the contact area of ​​the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 on a flat surface is larger than the contact area of ​​the third surface 23.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the shape of the contact surface of the first surface 21 has a planar shape and the contact surface of the second surface 22 has a line shape and, if there is a third surface 23, the contact surface of the third surface 23 has a point shape.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the first and second surfaces 21, 22 have different curvatures.

[0033] According to one illustration, the second surface 22 is convexly curved in one or two directions.

[0034] According to one illustration, the first surface 21 is flat and the second surface 22 is convexly curved in one or two directions.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the peripheral portion 20 further comprises a third surface 23, wherein the first, second, and third surfaces 21, 22, 23 are adapted to have different degrees of stability. The third surface 23 may be convexly curved in two directions.

[0036] The third surface 23 in the present illustration comprises a curvature in two directions, which Fig. is shown with the dashed lines. When the sports equipment is placed with its third surface 23 on the ground with a handlebar horizontally aligned to the ground, a person supporting their body weight on the handlebar can easily tilt the sports equipment or the handlebar in two directions. The covers in two directions can be different. The tilt capabilities in different directions can therefore be different, which is advantageous. In this embodiment, the first direction is defined by the handlebar being fixed in the body section 10 in the opening 11 and tilting about the horizontal alignment. The other direction is a rotation direction of the handlebar, wherein the handlebar is fixed in the body section 10 and rotation corresponds to rolling on the ground on the third surface 23.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the first surface 21 is flat and the second surface 22 is convex in a first direction and straight in a second direction, wherein the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 are arranged at an acute angle with respect to the second direction. The acute angle between the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 is Fig. The angle between the first surface 21 and the third surface 23 can be an obtuse angle, wherein the angle is defined by the flat surface of the first surface 21 and a tangent to the curved surface of the third surface 23. The angle between the second surface 22 and the third surface 23 can be an obtuse angle, wherein the angle is defined by the flat direction of the second surface 21 and a tangent to the curved surface of the third surface 23.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the sports equipment consists of a surrounding shell and two cover surfaces, wherein the opening 11 of the body 10 is arranged on and connects both cover surfaces and wherein the peripheral section 20 surrounds the body section 10 and defines the surrounding shell. The two cover surfaces can be parallel to each other or inclined. The two cover surfaces can also be curved outwards or inwards. The body section 20 comprises at least the first surface 21 and a second surface 22 and optionally further surfaces 23. The body section 20 defines the surrounding shell and comprises various curvatures on different surfaces 21, 22, 23. The height of the surrounding shell is preferably smaller than the diameter of one of the cover surfaces.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the opening 11 in the body portion 10 is located substantially in the center of the body portion 10.

[0040] The internal structure of the body section 10 is adapted to provide the sports device with the strength to hold the handlebars and the person's weight in a training position. According to one embodiment, the body section 10 consists of a slatted structure (not shown in the figures) that at least partially surrounds the opening 11. According to another embodiment, the body section 10 can be made of solid material. According to one embodiment, the body section 10 consists essentially of polyurethane. Preferably, the body section 10 can be made of solid material consisting of polyurethane.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the body portion 10 consists of one piece, preferably of a piece of plastic.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the body portion 10 consists essentially of polyamide, in particular when the body portion 10 has a lamellar structure to give strength to the sports equipment so that it can hold the handlebar and the weight of the person.

[0043] In Fig. A fastening means 30 for positive and / or non-positive fixing of the handlebar 100 is shown, wherein the opening 11 is set to receive the fastening means 30. In the present embodiment, the opening 11 is set to receive the handlebar 100 and the fastening means 30. The fastening means 30 fixes the handlebar to the body portion 10. The fastening means 30 can be inserted from one point or from both sides of the opening 11. The fastening means 30 can consist of a screw, as in Fig. The fastening means 30 may also be an integral part of the body portion 10, or the fastening means 30 may consist of several parts, wherein at least one part is an integral part of the body portion 10 and at least one further part is inserted from one side or both sides of the opening 11.

[0044] In the present embodiment, fastening means 30 consist of two wedges for at least partial insertion into the opening and a screw for generating pressure. The screw pulls the wedges against the body portion 10 to expand against the inside of the opening 11 and fix the handlebar. In other embodiments, fastening means 30 may also comprise a wedge system with one or two wedges that can be inserted into the opening 11. Pressure can be exerted by any suitable device, e.g., a screw. Alternatively, other typical fastening means of bicycle stems may be used to attach the handlebar.

[0045] The Fig. show the same design of the Fig. in various configurations corresponding to different training positions. Of the three configurations, one of the surfaces 21, 22, and 23 faces the ground, with the exercise equipment exhibiting different degrees of stability on each of the surfaces 21, 22, and 23.

[0046] Fig. shows the sports equipment with a handlebar 100, which is inserted into the opening 11 and fastened to the body section 10 with fasteners 30. The first surface 21 is placed facing the ground. The sports equipment or handlebar 100 is stable in all directions indicated by a downward arrow, since the first surface 21 is a flat surface in this embodiment.

[0047] Fig. shows the sports equipment with a handlebar 100, which is inserted into the opening 11 and fastened to the body section 10 by means of fastening means 30. The second surface 22 faces the ground. The sports equipment or handlebar 100 has a different stability than the sports equipment or handlebar 100 in the arrangement of Fig. . The second surface 22 is curved in one direction and the handlebar 100 can tilt slightly in this direction, which is indicated by the arrow pointing to the right and left in Fig. is displayed. The handlebar 100 is stable in one direction of rotation about a horizontal axis.

[0048] Fig. shows the same sports equipment with the third surface 23 facing the ground. The third surface 23 is curved in two directions. The handlebar 100 can be tilted from its horizontal position and additionally rotated about a horizontal axis. Additionally, the handlebar 100 can be rotated about a vertical axis, as indicated by the arrows.

[0049] Rotation around a vertical axis can theoretically occur on each of the three surfaces 21, 22, 23 depending on the friction area. The friction area between the ground and each of the surfaces 21, 22, 23 is fundamentally different. Such rotation is possible if the friction area is small, which in the present embodiment is fulfilled by the second surface 22 and even more so by the third surface 23.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the peripheral portion consists of a non-slip surface layer on the first surface 21 and / or the second surface 22 and / or the third surface 23. The non-slip surface provides grip during exercise by increasing the friction between the surface 21, 22, 23 and the floor. The non-slip surface layer can be made of, for example, rubber or a comparable material.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the sports device further comprises a magnet attached to the body portion 10 and adjusted to fix a mobile electronic device to the peripheral portion 20, as shown in Fig. The mobile electronic device can be, for example, a smartphone. The mobile electronic device can be located in a housing made of a ferromagnetic material and can be attached to the sports equipment by magnetic force. Preferably, the mobile electronic device can comprise an inclination sensor and / or a rotation sensor and software for simulating various scenarios of driving a vehicle with the handlebar 100, e.g., riding a bicycle on different terrain and with different gradients, wherein the inclination of the handlebar 100 is transferred to the simulated scenario. Preferably, the magnet is integrated into the sports equipment and not visible.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the magnet is a neodymium magnet.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the first surface 21 is a flat surface and the magnet is located on the first surface 21, wherein the mobile electronic device can be attached to the first surface 21.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 or the third surface 23 are arranged such that a mobile electronic device attached to the first surface can be operated by a person supporting their body weight on the handlebar, wherein the second surface 22 or the third surface 23 faces the ground.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the sports device further comprises side covers attached to both sides of the opening 11 on the body portion 10. The side covers do not cover the opening. The side covers can conceal the interior of the body portion, e.g., a slatted structure. They can be permanently attached, e.g., with an adhesive, or replaceably attached with a form-fitting connection.

[0056] A sports system is proposed, consisting of a sports device as described above and a handlebar 100. The sports device can consist of any possible combination of the features described above.

Claims

[1] Sports equipment for receiving a handlebar (100) for performing push-ups, comprising: - a body portion (10) with a through opening (11) for receiving the handlebar (100), and - a peripheral portion (20) surrounding the body portion (10), the peripheral portion (20) comprising at least a first surface (21), a second surface (22) and a third surface (23) for supporting the sports equipment, the first, second and third surfaces (21, 22, 23) being adapted to provide different degrees of stability and wherein: the first surface (21) is flat, the second surface (22) is convex in one or two directions and the third surface (23) is convexly curved in two directions. [2] Sports equipment according to claim 1, wherein the first surface (21) is flat and the second surface (22) is convex in a first direction and straight in a second direction, and wherein the first surface (21) and the second surface (22) are arranged at an acute angle with respect to the second direction. [3] Sports equipment according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Fastening means (30) for the positive and / or frictional fastening of the handlebar (100), wherein the opening (11) is designed to accommodate the fastening means (30). [4] Sports equipment according to one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising: Fastening means (30) for the positive and / or frictional fastening of the handlebar (100), wherein the fastening means (30) are an integral part of the body section (10). [5] Sports equipment according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a non-slip surface layer on the first surface (21) and / or the second surface (22) and / or the third surface (23). [6] Sports equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a magnet attached to the body portion (10) and adjusted to fix a mobile electronic device to the peripheral portion (20). [7] Sports equipment according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Side covers attached to the body portion (10) on both sides of the opening (11). [8] Sports equipment according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the body portion (10) has a lamellar structure which at least partially surrounds the opening (11). [9] Sports equipment according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the body portion (10) is formed in one piece. [10] Sports equipment according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the body portion (10) consists essentially of polyamide. [11] Sports equipment according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the body portion (10) consists essentially of polyurethane. [12] A sports system comprising a sports device according to any one of the preceding claims and a handlebar (100).

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