Indoor training device

Abstract

Indoor training device (1, 2, 3) with a seat (13) for an operator and with at least two hand controls (16) which are movably coupled or can be coupled to at least one flywheel (18) such that when the hand controls (16) are actuated, the flywheel (18) is set in rotation, characterized in that the hand controls (16) are each rotatable about at least one vertical axis of rotation (d1, d2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an indoor training device having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Indoor exercise equipment has enjoyed great popularity for decades. They offer excellent opportunities for training the human body while requiring minimal space. They are primarily found in gyms, but are also frequently found at home.

[0003] Particularly popular and widespread are indoor training devices that are designed like bicycles and with which cycling can be simulated and trained in a similar way to a racing bike (so-called indoor cycling).

[0004] Such a training device is known, for example, from US Pat. No. 7,901,334 B2. The training device is equipped with an adjustable resistance unit with which the braking force acting on a flywheel, and thus the resistance opposing a pedal force, can be adjusted. The adjustable resistance unit has a knob-like actuating element, a screw section, a sliding section, a spring-elastic holding element, and a resistance element with a friction surface. By rotating the actuating element, which is connected to one end of the screw section, the screw section and thus the sliding section can be moved. Connected to the sliding section is a pressure section, which in turn engages the spring-elastic holding element. This is pivotally connected to the training device.The spring-elastic holding element in turn holds the resistance element, which can be moved with its friction surface towards or away from the flywheel by rotating the actuating element.

[0005] DE 20 2017 002 205 U1 describes an indoor training device having the features of the preamble of claim 1. Specifically, the training device comprises a base plate with feet. A seat for a user of the training device is provided on the base plate. Furthermore, a support structure is attached to the base plate, which serves to rotatably mount a foot crank and a hand crank. Furthermore, a flywheel is provided, which is coupled to the cranks and can be driven by operating the hand and / or foot crank. The movement of the hand and foot cranks can be slowed down by a braking system.

[0006] The present invention is based on the object of proposing an indoor training device by means of which novel training possibilities can be created for a user.

[0007] This object is achieved by an indoor training device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments or further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention is based on an indoor training device, comprising a seat for an operator and at least two hand-operated control devices. The hand-operated control devices are or can be coupled to at least one flywheel in such a way that the flywheel is set in rotation when the hand-operated control devices are actuated. The movement-related coupling between the hand-operated control devices and the flywheel can preferably be achieved via chains, belts, gears, transmissions, or a combination of such components.

[0009] According to the invention, the hand-held control devices are each rotatable at least about a vertical axis. In other words, the hands of a user perform rotational movements in a horizontal plane, unlike the usual way in which the hands of a user perform rotational movements in a vertical plane.

[0010] In this way, the training device according to the invention can require the user to perform a different, unusual movement, combined with a very good training effect.

[0011] According to a first advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that the hand-operated control devices be rotatable in opposite directions. This development ensures very comfortable operation of the training device, combined with a high training effect.

[0012] In order to expand the training possibilities, according to another embodiment of the inventive concept, it is conceivable that a switching device is provided, by the operation of which the direction of rotation of the hand control devices can be set from opposite to the same direction and vice versa.

[0013] To ensure that the user can only rotate the hand-held control devices at the same speed, the hand-held control devices are preferably coupled in terms of movement. The coupling can also preferably be achieved via chains, belts, gears, transmissions, or a combination of such components.

[0014] The training options with the training device can be significantly expanded if the rotation axis of each hand control device can be adjusted. This is preferably only possible in a vertical plane in which the two rotation axes of the hand control devices also lie. For example, it is conceivable that the rotation axes can be adjusted continuously or in 15° increments.

[0015] According to a further development, it is extremely useful if the hand-held control devices are mechanically coupled in the adjustment of their rotational axes. In other words, the adjustment movements of the rotational axes of the hand-held control devices are synchronized with each other.

[0016] For example, if a user adjusts the rotation axis of the right hand control device in front of him by 15° clockwise, the rotation axis of the left hand control device in front of him is simultaneously adjusted by 15°, but counterclockwise.

[0017] For example, if a user adjusts the rotation axis of the left hand control device in front of them by 15° clockwise, the forced coupling simultaneously adjusts the rotation axis of the right hand control device in front of them by 15°, but counterclockwise. The mechanical forced coupling thus operates in the opposite direction.

[0018] In order to further expand the training options of the training device, another development of the invention proposes that at least two foot-operated devices be provided, which are coupled or can be coupled to the at least one flywheel in such a way that the flywheel is set in rotation upon actuation of the foot-operated devices. The foot-operated devices are preferably designed as pedals in the form of a foot crank.

[0019] This allows the user of the training device to also train the leg muscles if necessary.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that a braking device is provided with which a resistance to rotation occurring when the flywheel rotates can be generated.

[0021] This design contributes to efficient and realistic training with the training device.

[0022] Preferably, the resistance level is adjustable by the user. This makes it possible to adapt the resistance to different performance levels of a user. The braking device can be implemented in different ways. For example, a mechanical or electromechanical braking device is conceivable. A relatively simple mechanical braking device can be implemented in the form of a friction brake. However, it is also conceivable to configure the braking device electrically, for example, as an eddy current brake.

[0023] A user of the training device will appreciate the flexibility it offers in selecting the muscles to be trained. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, an adjustment device is provided that allows the user to select whether the flywheel can be driven only by the hand controls, only by the foot controls, or simultaneously by both the hand and foot controls.

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the figures. This also makes further features and advantages of the invention clear. Identical reference symbols, even in different figures, refer to identical, comparable or functionally identical components. Corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved even if a repeated description or reference to them is not made. The figures are not, or at least not always, to scale. In some figures, proportions or distances may be exaggerated in order to emphasize features of an embodiment more clearly. If the term “and / or” is used in a list of two or more terms or objects, this can mean that any one of the listed terms or objects can be used on its own.It can also mean that any combination of two or more of the listed terms or objects can be used.

[0025] They show, schematically Fig. 1 a training device according to the invention in a first embodiment, Fig. 2 a training device according to the invention in a second embodiment and Fig. 3 a training device according to the invention in a third embodiment, but only partially.

[0026] It will initially be Fig. 1. This shows a training device 1. This device has a base plate 10, which is provided with rollers 11 on its underside. This simplifies any necessary relocation of the training device 1. The rollers 11 can be locked by clamping devices 11a.

[0027] A support frame 12 is arranged on the base plate 10, which supports a seat 13 and a backrest 14. The seat 13 is adjustable in a vertical direction V via an adjustment device (not shown in detail).

[0028] Opposite the support frame 12, another support frame 15 is mounted on the base plate 10. The support frame 15 is preferably T-shaped in profile and supports two hand-operated control devices 16 on its T-arms. The hand-operated control devices 16 are rotatable about vertical axes of rotation d1 and d2, respectively. They each have a handle 16a arranged on a plate 16b. The handle 16a is preferably rod-shaped and is connected to the plate 16b so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis.

[0029] The hand-operated control devices 16 are connected to a flywheel 18 via a mechanical connecting device 17 (indicated by dashed lines) in a manner not shown in detail. The flywheel 18 is preferably arranged horizontally beneath the base plate 10. This allows for a space-saving and visually unobtrusive arrangement of the flywheel 18. The mechanical connecting device 17 can be formed, for example, by chains, belts, gears, transmissions, or even by a combination of such components (not shown in detail).

[0030] A user sitting on the seat 13 can normally rotate the hand control devices 16 in opposite directions about the rotation axes d1, d2. The mechanical connecting device 17 also causes the flywheel 18 to rotate about a vertical axis.

[0031] A braking device 19 is provided so that a user can adjust the resistance required for their training level, which is counteracted by the hand control devices 16 to their crank movement. The braking device 19 can, for example, be arranged on the base plate 10 above the flywheel 18 and have a handle. The handle can preferably be knob-shaped. Turning the handle clockwise increases the clamping force acting on the flywheel 18; turning the handle counterclockwise reduces the clamping force acting on the flywheel 18.

[0032] To enable a user to rotate the hand-held control devices 16 in the same direction during operation, a switching device 20 is arranged on the support frame 15. The switching device 20 is preferably lever-shaped. Depending on the lever position, the hand-held control devices 16 can be operated in the same or opposite direction.

[0033] In order to be able to adjust the optimal distance from the hand-held control devices 16 for a user, the support frame 12 is guided in a slide guide 21 and can thus be displaced in a horizontal direction H toward or away from the support frame 15. Any locking devices for locking the support frame 12 are not shown in detail.

[0034] Now, based on Fig. 2 describes a training device 2. In addition to the first embodiment, the training device 2 also has foot-operated devices 22. The foot-operated devices 22 are preferably designed as pedals in the form of a foot crank. They are also coupled, or at least movably coupled, to the flywheel 18. When the foot-operated devices 22 are actuated, as on a bicycle, the flywheel 18 is also set in rotation.

[0035] Furthermore, an adjustment device 23 is provided. The adjustment device 23 is preferably lever-shaped. Depending on the lever position, a user of the training device 2 can set whether the flywheel 18 should be driven only by the hand control devices 16, only by the foot control devices 22, or simultaneously by the hand and foot control devices 16 and 22.

[0036] Finally, the Fig.3 shows a third embodiment of a training device 3, wherein only an upper part of the training device 3 in the area of ​​the hand-held control devices 16 is shown, specifically from a view from the support frame 12 to the support frame 15. In addition to the second embodiment, the support frame 15 of the training device 3 is equipped with a left and a right, respectively adjustable support arm AL and AR. The support arms AL, AR can be tilted downwards or upwards from a horizontal position ALH, ARH. This allows a user to adjust the rotation axes d1, d2 of the hand-held control devices 16 as needed to achieve additional training effects.

[0037] The AL and AR support arms are positively coupled in terms of movement. This means that if one of the AL or AR support arms tilts downwards (ALU or ARU), the other AR or AL support arm also moves downwards (ARU or ALU). The same applies if one of the AL or AR support arms tilts upwards (ALO or ARO).

[0038] The tilting of the support arms AL and AR can be performed continuously. However, it is also conceivable that the tilting is only possible in steps at specific angular intervals. The angular intervals could be, for example, 15°. A locking device for the support arms AL and AR is not shown.

[0039] Finally, handles 24 are shown. These allow a user to grip the handles 24 in a strongly bent-forward position when using the training device 3 in the manner of a racing bike and simultaneously drive the flywheel 18 with the foot control devices 22. List of reference symbols 1 training device 10 Base plate 11 rolls 11a Clamping device 12 Support frame 13 seats 14 backrest 15 Support frame 16 hand controls 16a Handle 16b plate 17 Connecting device 18 flywheel 19 Braking device 20 switching device 21 Slide guide 22 foot control devices 23 Adjustment device 24 handles d1, d2 axes of rotation AL support arm left AR support arm right ALH support arm left in horizontal position ARH support arm right in horizontal position ALO support arm left in upward tilted position ARO support arm right in upward tilted position ALU support arm left in downward tilted position ARU support arm right in downward tilted position H Horizontal direction V Vertical direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 7 901 334 B2

[0004] DE 20 2017 002 205 U1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Training device (1, 2, 3) for the interior, with a seat (13) for an operator and with at least two hand-operated devices (16) which are or can be coupled in terms of movement to at least one flywheel (18) in such a way that when the hand-operated devices (16) are actuated, the flywheel (18) is set in rotation, characterized by that the hand-operated control devices (16) are each rotatable at least about a vertical axis of rotation (d1, d2). [2] Training device (1, 2, 3) according to claim 1, characterized by that the hand control devices (16) can be rotated in opposite directions. [3] Training device (1, 2, 3) according to claim 1, characterized by that a switching device (20) is provided, by the actuation of which the direction of rotation of the manual control devices (16) can be adjusted from opposite to the same direction and vice versa. [4] Training device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the axis of rotation (d1, d2) of each hand control device (16) can be adjusted. [5] Training device (3) according to claim 4, characterized by that the hand-operated control devices (16) are mechanically positively coupled in the adjustability of their rotational axes (d1, d2). [6] Training device (2, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least two foot-operating devices (22) are provided which are coupled or can be coupled to the at least one flywheel (18) in such a way that when the foot-operating devices (22) are actuated, the flywheel (18) is set in rotation. [7] Training device (1, 2, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a braking device (19) is provided with which a resistance to rotation occurring when the flywheel (18) rotates can be generated. [8] Training device (2, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an adjusting device (23) is provided with which it can be adjusted whether the flywheel (18) can be driven only via the hand control devices (16), only via the foot control devices (22) or simultaneously via the hand and foot control devices (16 and 22).

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