SLACKLINE DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a slackline device. The invention particularly relates to an easily assembled, mobile, and versatile slackline device.

[0002] A slackline device, which forms the basis for the preamble of claim 1, is known from DE 10 2013 000 233 A1.

[0003] Slackline devices are typically used for slacklining. This is a trendy sport that has now established itself both as a recreational sport and in the field of competitive sports. Slacklining, which can be considered at least remotely similar to tightrope walking, can also be used as a rehabilitation measure for muscle building or balance training. Furthermore, various other possible applications for such slackline devices are conceivable, which, for the sake of simplicity, will not be listed here.

[0004] Typically, a slackline device consists of a cord stretched between two attachment points. This cord is typically referred to as a slackline. The user balances on this slackline, which requires not only balance but also concentration and coordination.

[0005] Unlike a dance or high wire, such as those used in circuses, the webbing on a slackline is usually a flat webbing that dynamically flexes during use, requiring the user to make specific evasive movements. Unlike a high wire, the slackline is not so tightly stretched that it barely moves. Instead, the slackline stretches under the weight of the user, who is typically also referred to as a slackliner. It behaves very dynamically and requires constant, active compensation for its own movement.

[0006] In the most common applications known to date, the webbing (the slackline) is stretched between two trees or other firmly anchored points in the landscape. However, if natural anchor points such as trees, rocks, etc. are not available, freestanding scaffolding, usually made of steel, can also serve as anchor points for the webbing of the slackline device.

[0007] To achieve the dynamic properties described above, it is usually necessary to stretch the webbing over a length of several meters. The distance between the two attachment points is usually 10 meters or more. Depending on the application, such slacklines are sometimes stretched over more than 30 meters, 40 meters, or even several hundred meters. Accordingly, such slackline devices take up a relatively large amount of space.

[0008] Although a more space-saving design for a slackline device would be advantageous for various applications, this has not yet been feasible in a practical way. Suspending the slackline between two very close points would compromise the slackline's dynamic properties. A more elastic design of the webbing than is typically the case would provide a certain degree of dynamism, but would significantly alter the extremely dynamic movement characteristic of the slackline.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a slackline device that is comparatively compact, mobile, and relatively easy to assemble. Despite its compact design, the slackline device according to the invention should still provide the user with the typical slackline movement sensation, or at least approximately imitate it.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by a slackline device according to claim 1, which has a base body with at least one support section and two mutually opposite end sections which are arranged elevated relative to the at least one support section, and which has a band which, in the assembled state of the slackline device, is stretched between the two end sections of the base body, wherein the slackline device is characterized in that the base body has a camber profile in a longitudinal section and is designed to be more elastic than the band.

[0011] The property that the base body is more elastic than the band means, in this case, that the base body as a whole is more elastic than the band as a whole. Neither the base body nor the band necessarily have to exhibit linear elastic behavior. In practice, this will often not be the case.

[0012] The more elastic design of the base body compared to the band means that the base body deforms more than the band when tension is applied to the slackline device.

[0013] Unlike conventional slackline devices, the dynamic properties of the slackline device according to the invention are not caused by the stretching or length change of the webbing under load, but rather primarily by a load-dependent change in the shape of the base body. This makes it possible to design the slackline device according to the invention to be comparatively small and compact.

[0014] In such a case, the webbing is correspondingly short, which is why it hardly changes in length due to tension or stretching when using common slackline materials. However, the required change in length is caused by a change in the shape of the base body and thus a change in the distance between the two attachment points of the webbing. In other words, the base body is deformed under load, so that the two opposite end sections of the base body, between which the webbing is stretched, dynamically change their distance from each other.

[0015] The latter is a key difference from conventional slackline devices, where the distance between the two attachment points of the webbing is typically fixed or at least does not change noticeably. This is particularly evident in cases where a steel structure is used as a support for the webbing or the webbing is suspended between two trees or two rocks.

[0016] Strictly speaking, the slackline device according to the invention is not a slackline in the true sense of the word, but rather a device that imitates the behavior of a slackline through a slightly different design, yet still very realistic for the user. The term "slackline device" should therefore be interpreted relatively broadly in this context and is not limited to specific materials or shapes of the base body and webbing. Nor is the slackline device according to the invention limited to already known applications.

[0017] It should also be noted that the support section of the base body can be designed in a variety of ways. This support section serves to place the device on a surface. In principle, different sections of the base body can be used to place the slackline device on the surface. Multiple support sections can be provided. It is also possible that these support sections, with which the slackline device rests on the surface, change during use of the slackline device due to the movement of the base body relative to the surface. Therefore, the phrase "at least one support section" is used here.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic modulus of the band is greater than the elastic modulus of the base body. Preferably, the elastic modulus of the band is at least twice as large, at least five times as large, or even at least ten times as large as the elastic modulus of the base body.

[0019] It has been found that this method is the best way to achieve the aforementioned movement characteristics of the slackline device according to the invention. As mentioned, the movement characteristics are essentially achieved by the deformation of the base body.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the base body is designed as a board. This board is preferably a wooden board made of wood veneer.

[0021] This design allows for the dynamic properties to be realized cost-effectively. Furthermore, the slackline device, with its board-shaped base, can be designed as a comparatively lightweight device that can easily be carried by hand.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the support section is arranged between the two end sections and is integrally connected thereto.

[0023] The slackline device according to the invention is therefore very simply constructed from very few parts.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the two end sections are each designed as ends or tips of the base body that are bent upwards relative to the support section. At the transitions between the at least one support section and the end sections, the base body or board is preferably continuously curved.

[0025] The base body thus has a similar shape to the board of a skateboard. In addition to the usual balancing exercises that can be performed with slackline devices, the slackline device according to the invention can also be tilted or rotated around one or more axes, similar to a skateboard. This not only creates a completely new feeling for the user, but also enables various other types of application and use of the slackline device according to the invention compared to conventional slackline devices. Not only the webbing itself, but also the base body or the board can be moved relative to the ground in almost any conceivable way.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, it is provided that a distance between the two end sections is less than 2.5m or less than 2m or even less than 1.5m.

[0027] The slackline device according to the invention is thus very compact and handy. Due to the aforementioned elastic properties of the base body, it is even possible to reduce the distance between the two suspension points of the band, i.e., the distance between the two end sections of the base body, to less than 1m without losing the movement characteristics necessary for slacklining.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, it is provided that a width of the base body is smaller than a distance measured orthogonally thereto between the two end sections.

[0029] According to the invention, the base body has a camber profile in a longitudinal section.

[0030] Depending on the longitudinal profile of the base body, different dynamic movement properties of the base body and static support properties of the base body on the ground result.

[0031] It goes without saying that the longitudinal profiles mentioned can also be combined with each other, similar to how this can be the case with skateboards, snowboards and skis.

[0032] According to a further embodiment of the slackline device according to the invention, the band is detachably connected to at least one of the two end sections of the base body.

[0033] The slackline device therefore does not have to be delivered pre-assembled, but can be assembled by the user at any time and disassembled again after use.

[0034] As with common slackline devices, the band is preferably designed as a flat band, the cross-sectional width of which is preferably 10-60mm and the cross-sectional height of which, measured orthogonally to it, is at most half the cross-sectional width.

[0035] The band can be made of at least one of the following materials, which can also be combined with each other: polyester, polyamide, braided yarn or hemp.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, the slackline device according to the invention further comprises a second band which, in the assembled state of the slackline device, is stretched between the two end sections of the base body, wherein the two bands are arranged parallel to one another.

[0037] This design also allows for additional exercises and uses of the slackline device according to the invention without requiring significant assembly effort. Preferably, the two straps are each detachably attachable to the base body, allowing the user of the slackline device according to the invention to use it with either one or two straps, as desired.

[0038] Of course, it is also possible to design the slackline device according to the invention in such a way that it can be used with more than two bands.

[0039] According to a further embodiment, a first of the two end sections has a first flat end section with a first slot penetrating the base body, through which the band is guided in the assembled state of the slackline device with a first loop formed by folding over a first end of the band, wherein a first locking element is guided through the first loop, which first locking element rests with its two end pieces opposite in the longitudinal direction of the first locking element on opposite sides of the first slot against the first flat wall section.

[0040] This design specifically concerns a relatively simple method of attaching and mounting the webbing to the base body of the slackline device. The webbing can be easily mounted to the base body by hand using a minimal number of components and pre-tensioned to the desired tension.

[0041] By folding or folding the first end of the strap into the first loop, the strap overlaps in this area, resulting in friction or resistance depending on the direction. In conjunction with the locking element, this creates a mechanism that acts as a restraining or locking mechanism when the strap is subjected to tension. However, if you pull on the end of the first loop, the mechanism does not inhibit and allows excess strap material to be pulled out. This makes tensioning the strap incredibly easy by hand.

[0042] If more force is applied during the tensioning process, the base body begins to bend into an arc due to its elastic properties described above. This shortens the distance between the strap's suspension points at the two opposite ends of the base body, causing the strap to loosen. This allows even more strap material to be pulled through the first slot, firmly pre-tensioning the strap.

[0043] According to one embodiment, it is provided that a second loop is fixedly arranged at the first end of the band, which second loop is not guided through the first slot in the assembled state of the slackline device and is arranged below the remaining band, i.e. between the remaining band and the base body.

[0044] This second loop, located at the first end of the strap, can be used to thread a pin or other tool, for example, to exert a pulling force on the strap, allowing it to be manually pre-tensioned during the aforementioned assembly process. This significantly simplifies the ergonomics of the tensioning process.

[0045] The second loop is described here as "fixed", which is intended to clarify that the second loop is a permanently mounted loop which, in contrast to the first loop, is not only created by folding or tucking the strap.

[0046] According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the first locking element has a substantially cylindrically designed central piece which is arranged between the two end pieces, which are each also substantially cylindrically designed and have a diameter which is larger than that of the central piece.

[0047] This creates a kind of roller at each end of the locking element, which can roll along the flat wall sections located at the two end sections of the base body during tensioning of the band. This simplifies the tensioning process of the band, as this design also ensures that the band does not become jammed between the first locking element and the first slot when tensioned.

[0048] According to a further embodiment of the slackline device according to the invention, it is provided that a second of the two end sections has a second flat wall section with a second slot penetrating the base body, through which the band is guided in the assembled state of the slackline device with a third loop fixedly arranged at a second end of the band, wherein a securing element is guided through the third loop.

[0049] The securing element is preferably designed as a locking pin, which, similar to the first locking element, is guided through the third loop. Thus, the webbing preferably has two fixed loops, referred to herein as the second and third loops. Accordingly, the webbing can be detachably connected to both end sections of the base body, allowing it to be completely removed from the base body after use of the slackline device.

[0050] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations and on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0051] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a slackline device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figs. 2a-2c show several views schematically illustrating the use of the slackline device according to the present invention; Fig. 3 shows the slackline device from Fig. 1 in a first state during assembly; Fig. 4 the slackline device from Fig. 1 in a second state during assembly; Fig. 5 the slackline device from Fig. 1 in a detail in a third state during assembly; Fig. 6 a detail of the slackline device from Fig. 1 in a state during disassembly; and Fig. 7a-7b two schematic profiles of a base body of the slackline device according to further embodiments.

[0052] Fig. 1-7 show several embodiments of a slackline device according to the present invention. The slackline device is designated therein by the reference numeral 10.

[0053] The slackline device 10 comprises a base body 12 and a strap 14 that can be attached to the base body 12. As will be explained in more detail below, the strap 14 is detachably attached to the base body 12.

[0054] According to the presently shown embodiment, the base body 12 is designed as a board or plank, which in shape resembles a skateboard or snowboard. Its dimensions are also fundamentally similar to those of a skateboard or snowboard, although this should not imply any limitation.

[0055] The base body 12, designed as a board, is preferably constructed of a wood veneer. However, synthetic materials can also be used as the base material for the base body 12.

[0056] The strap 14 is preferably a flat strap, as is already used in conventional slackline devices. The strap 14 can be made of polyester, polyamide, braided yarn, and / or hemp, for example. Other materials are, of course, also conceivable.

[0057] The base body 12 comprises a support section 16 and two oppositely arranged end sections 18, 20, which form the two longitudinal ends of the base body 12. The end sections 18, 20, which are referred to herein as the first end section 18 and the second end section 20, are designed as upwardly bent ends in the illustrated embodiment. The two end sections 18, 20 are integrally connected to the support section 16 and are arranged at a higher elevation relative to it.

[0058] In this case, the underside of the base body 12 serves as the support section 16. Depending on the shape or longitudinal profile of the base body 12, one or more support sections 16 can be provided. This means that the base body 12 rests on the ground at one or more points on its underside. These points can, of course, change during use of the slackline device 10. It would also be conceivable in principle to attach additional support elements to the underside of the base body 12, which would then form the at least one support section 16.

[0059] Preferably, the transition between the middle or support section 16 and the two end sections 18, 20 is designed as a continuously curved, arched transition. In principle, however, it would also be possible to provide a bend here. However, an arched curvature has the advantage that the base body 12, and thus the entire slackline device 10, can be moved more easily and continuously. This allows the user more degrees of freedom and thus a more versatile use of the slackline device 10.

[0060] In the presently shown embodiment, the band 14 is detachably arranged at both end sections 18, 20. For this purpose, a first slot 22 is provided at the first end section 18 and a second slot 24 is provided at the second end section 20. Both slots 22, 24 preferably penetrate the base body 12 completely.

[0061] A locking element 26 and a securing element 28 are also used to mount the strap 14. Otherwise, no further components are required for the assembly of the slackline device 10. The type and procedure of assembly are explained in more detail below.

[0062] Fig. 2a-2c show several views that schematically illustrate the intended use of the slackline device 10. It should be noted that the types of use shown therein represent only three examples of various possible uses of the slackline device 10. In addition to the basic possibility of balancing on the band 14 with one or both feet, the user 32 can also tilt the base body or board 12 or rotate it in any desired manner, similar to what is possible with a skateboard.

[0063] Another special feature of the slackline device 10 according to the invention is the feature that the base body 12 is more elastic than the band 14. This makes it possible to simulate or imitate similar behavior of the band 14 with the slackline device 10 according to the invention as occurs with conventional slackline devices. This is possible despite the fact that the band 14 of the slackline device 10 according to the invention is typically significantly shorter than a conventional slackline device.

[0064] Due to the fact that the base body 12 is more elastic than the band 14, the base body 12 yields more under load than the band 14. The base body or board 12 bends under load. In other words, the support section 16 and / or the end sections 18, 20 bend in such a way that the distance between the two attachment points of the band 14 or the distance between the two slots 22, 24 changes dynamically. This change in distance results in a change in the tension or strain of the band 14. This change in tension or strain of the band 14 is therefore not primarily caused by an elongation of the band 14 itself or a change in its length, but primarily by a change in the distance between the suspension points of the band 14 on the base body 12.

[0065] Of course, a change in the length of the band 14 itself also occurs under load. However, this is negligible compared to the change in the distance between the suspension points of the band 14, since the elastic modulus of the band is significantly greater than the elastic modulus of the base body.

[0066] In Fig. 3-5 The assembly of the band 14 on the base body 12 is illustrated in individual steps sequentially. First, one end 30 of the band 14, which is referred to here as the second end, is guided from the outside through the second slot 24 and fixed to the base body 12 using a securing element 28. The securing element 28 is designed as a pin that is inserted into a loop 34 provided on the second end 30 of the band 14. A loop 38 is also provided on the opposite first end 36 of the band 14. Both loops 34, 38 are fixedly arranged loops that are fixed, for example, by sewing or gluing.

[0067] In the next step, the first end 36 together with the loop 38 provided on it is folded over, as shown in Fig. 4 This folding creates another (mobile) loop 40. The band 14 is pushed with this folded loop 40 from the outside through the first slot 22 (see arrow 42). Then, as in Fig. 4 schematically shown by arrow 44, a locking element 26 is inserted into the loop 40. Then, the band 14 is tightened at its first end 36. For this purpose, for example, a rod-shaped aid 48 can be inserted into the loop 38 arranged at the first end 36 of the band 14 in order to then pull strongly on the band 14 (see Fig. 5 ). When correctly installed, this loop 38 is in the Fig. 5 shown state is arranged below the band 14, i.e. between the band 14 and the base body 12.

[0068] Through the Fig. 4 In the fold shown, which leads to the formation of the loop 40, the band 14 lies on top of itself, resulting in friction or resistance depending on the direction. The described fastening mechanism inhibits or fixes the band 14 to the base body 12 when tension is exerted on the band. However, if the first end 36 of the band 14 is pulled, the mechanism does not inhibit and allows excess band material 14 to be pulled out.

[0069] If more force is applied during the tightening process, the base body 12 begins to bend into an arc due to its predetermined shape and material properties. This shortens the distance between the two end sections 18, 20 of the base body 12, and consequently, the band 14 also loosens. This loosening is simultaneously compensated for by the tensile force exerted on the first end 36 of the band 14. As a result, the band 14 can be very easily tightened by hand.

[0070] The locking element 26 acts as a counter-holder. This locking element 26 with its opposite end pieces 50, 52 (see Fig. 4 ) on the flat wall portion 54 formed on the inside of the first end portion 18 on opposite sides of the first slot 22 on the base body 12. Similarly, at the opposite end, second end 30 of the band 14, the locking pin 28 also rests on opposite sides of the second slot 24 on a flat wall portion 56 formed at the second end 20 of the base body 12.

[0071] In order to prevent the band 14 from jamming when wrapped around the locking element 26 with the base body 12 in the tensioned state, the locking element 26 preferably has the following shape, which can be seen particularly from the view in Fig. 4 can be seen. In addition to its two end pieces 50, 52 arranged at the ends, the locking element 26 has a center piece 58 which integrally connects the two end pieces 50, 52 to one another. This center piece 58, like the two end pieces 50, 52, is preferably essentially cylindrical. However, the two end pieces 50, 52 have an enlarged diameter compared to the center piece 58. This creates a type of rolling effect, whereby the locking element 26 rolls along the flat wall section 54 while the band 14 is tensioned. Jamming of the band 14 between the locking element 26 and the slot 22 is thus largely ruled out.

[0072] To disassemble the slackline device 10 or to release the band 14, only the securing element 28 needs to be removed. This can be done, for example, by loosening the securing element 28 with a hammer and another pin 60, as shown schematically in Fig. 6 is indicated.

[0073] All in all, this results in a device that is very easy to assemble and disassemble, offering a wide range of uses for the user. The slackline device 10 according to the invention is designed to be portable and can be easily transported almost anywhere and used in the smallest of spaces. Nevertheless, it also gives the user the option of operating like a conventional slackline device if desired.

[0074] Furthermore, it is possible to use the slackline device 10 according to the invention with two straps. For this purpose, additional slots 60, 62, 64, 66 can be provided at both end sections 18, 20 of the base body 12, by means of which two straps can be mounted parallel to each other on the base body 12 (see Fig. 3 ). The two bands are preferably mounted in the manner already mentioned above with regard to band 14.

[0075] It is understood that the embodiment shown represents only one of many possible embodiments of the present invention. Size and shape modifications are readily possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0076] Fig. 7a and 7b show two different longitudinal section profiles of the base body 12 according to the invention. Similar to a snowboard, the base body 12 designed as a board can have a camber shape with and without rocker in its longitudinal section (see Fig. 7a und 7b ).

Claims

1. A slackline device (10) comprising: - a main body (12) having at least one bearing portion (16) and two mutually opposite end portions (18, 20) which are disposed so as to be elevated in relation to the at least one bearing portion (16); and - a webbing (14) which in an assembled state of the slackline device (10) is tensioned between the two end portions (18, 20) of the main body (12), characterized in that the main body (12) in a longitudinal section has a camber profile and is configured to be more elastic than the webbing (14).

2. The slackline device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that an elasticity modulus of the webbing (14) is at least two times, preferably at least five times, particularly preferably at least ten times, higher than an elasticity modulus of the main body (12).

3. The slackline device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main body (12) is configured as a board.

4. The slackline device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one bearing portion (15) is disposed between the two end portions (18, 20) and is integrally connected thereto.

5. The slackline device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two end portions (18, 20) are each configured as ends or tips of the main body (12) that are curved upward in relation to the bearing portion (16).

6. The slackline device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a distance between the two end portions (18, 20) is smaller than 2.5 m, preferably smaller than 2 m, particularly preferably smaller than 1.5 m.

7. The slackline device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a width of the main body (12) is smaller than a distance, measured orthogonally to said width, between the two end portions (18, 20).

8. The slackline device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main body (12) comprises a wood veneer.

9. The slackline device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the webbing (14) is releasably connected to at least one of the two end portions (18, 20) of the main body (12).

10. The slackline device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the webbing (14) is configured as a flat webbing.

11. The slackline device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the webbing (14) comprises at least one of the materials selected from the group of polyester, polyamide, braided yarn and hemp.

12. The slackline device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slackline device (10) furthermore comprises a second webbing which in the assembled state of the slackline device (10) is tensioned between the two end portions (18, 20) of the main body (12), wherein the two webbings are disposed so as to be mutually parallel.

13. The slackline device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first one of the two end portions (18) comprises a first planar wall portion (54) having a first slot (22) penetrating the main body (12), the webbing (14) in the assembled state of the slackline device (10) being guided through said first slot (22) by way of a first loop (40) formed by folding back a first end (36) of the webbing (14), wherein a first locking element (26) is guided through the first loop (40), said first locking element (26) by way of the two end pieces (50, 52) thereof that are mutually opposite in the longitudinal direction of the first locking element bearing on the first planar wall portion (54) on opposite sides of the first slot (22).

14. The slackline device as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that a second loop (38) is fixedly disposed on the first end (36) of the webbing (14), said second loop (38) in the assembled state of the slackline device (10) not being guided through the first slot (22) and being disposed below the remainder of the webbing (14), thus between the remainder of the webbing (14) and the main body (12).