Training device for climbers with a support that can be rotated around the axis of rotation, as well as system and mounting device.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a training device for (rock) climbers or other persons who wish to strengthen their finger and hand strength in particular. Such devices, often referred to as "hangboards" or "fingerboards," are usually permanently attached above the door frame or suspended from the ceiling, so that the person being trained or, if applicable, receiving therapy, can hang with at least one finger, preferably several fingers of each hand, from positively or negatively shaped grip profiles.

[0002] Such training devices are known, for example, from US20160243422A1, US 2011 / 0245040 and EP 0424569.

[0003] This type of training is known to be static, meaning the person hangs from the handles for a predetermined duration and with predetermined repetition rates / durations. Variations are only possible by either relieving the person of strain using elastic bands or increasing the load on the fingers with additional weights. The hanging training device itself does not move.

[0004] US patent 10,232,243B2 discloses a training device for rock climbers in which holds and footholds are arranged on a type of conveyor belt and the inclination of the conveyor belt relative to a support structure is adjustable.

[0005] US patent 2009 / 0111661 A1 describes a pull-up bar with attached rotating handle elements.

[0006] A pull-up bar for attachment to a door frame is also known from US 0,979,085 B2.

[0007] US patent 2012 / 0115683 A1 also discloses a pull-up bar that can be attached to a door frame or similar structures.

[0008] US Patent 8,979,717 B2 shows a pull-up device with two grip elements attached to a common bar.

[0009] US Patent 7,066,866 B1 also shows a pull-up device with two grip elements arranged on a common support.

[0010] The present invention aims to design training devices of the first type in such a way as to increase training efficiency. It has been found that a non-static, but rather cyclically varying load on the fingers and the subsequent upper limbs of the human body represents a more efficient training method. The invention is defined by the claims.

[0011] According to the concept of the invention, such a training device is no longer statically attached to the ceiling or door frame (or otherwise above head height), or suspended by ropes. Rather, the training device is designed in such a way that it can rotate on both sides with respect to the vertical about a defined axis of rotation, which lies essentially parallel to the line connecting the two hands and which lies above the line connecting the two hands gripping the training device, and thus the training device and, if applicable, the user hanging from it, can swing back and forth.

[0012] According to the invention, a training method is thus provided in which the training user, hanging by his fingers (with active participation of the abdominal muscles and leg muscles), puts himself into a cyclical, swinging back-and-forth motion on the rotating training device.

[0013] According to the invention, it is also possible that this oscillating back-and-forth movement is at least supported by a drive unit of the training device.

[0014] It was found that this type of swinging motion (compared to purely static hanging) leads to a cyclical variation in the force applied to the fingers. The force load is lowest at the top of the swinging motion (the turning point) and highest at the point where the arm passes through the vertical (the bottom). This results in a cyclical loading of the muscles of the person training, which, according to studies, leads to significantly increased training efficiency compared to static training. Furthermore, it was found that this swinging motion has a certain playful element, which increases the motivation of the person training compared to static hanging.

[0015] One aspect concerns a training device for climbers, featuring: At least two grip profiles designed for the hands of a human user hanging from them, wherein the grip profiles are arranged as outwardly projecting and / or inwardly recessed grip profiles on a common support in the form of a board- or plate-shaped element; at least one, preferably two, preferably spaced apart from the common support, mounting element(s) for mounting the training device to a wall or ceiling; and at least one joint element arranged such that the grip profiles can perform a free rotation (except for friction in the bearing) about a defined axis of rotation relative to the mounting element(s). This is therefore an essentially free oscillating movement about the vertical plane, which can be triggered by the movement of the legs and torso, as is known, for example, from the field of gymnastics.

[0016] The joint element can have at least one pivot bearing.

[0017] Each of the joint elements can be connected to the mounting element(s) by means of a rigid connection.

[0018] Each of the joint elements can be connected to the support by means of a rigid connection.

[0019] Each of the joint elements, and thus the axis of rotation, can be spaced away from the support.

[0020] The position of each of the joint elements, and thus the axis of rotation, relative to the support can be adjusted.

[0021] A common joint element can be connected to the support via several rigid connections.

[0022] A common joint element can be connected to one of several mounting elements via a rigid connection.

[0023] The common joint element can be formed by a torsion bar supported at the edge.

[0024] The training device may also include a measuring device for recording the number and / or amplitude of rotations, and / or have attachment means for a portable measuring device, for example in the form of a tablet or mobile phone.

[0025] At least one mounting element can be designed for ceiling mounting.

[0026] The board- or plate-shaped element can have at least two horizontally spaced handle profiles on both sides. Typically, there are several different pairs of handles.

[0027] The joint element can be designed in such a way that, when the training device is mounted, the grip profiles can rotate on both sides with respect to the vertical.

[0028] The joint element can be designed such that the angle of rotation is at least ±45 degrees, preferably ±60 degrees.

[0029] The training device may have a limit, for example in the form of a stop, for the maximum rotation angle.

[0030] The handle profiles can be at least partially interchangeable or modifiable.

[0031] Motorized rotation assistance can be provided. This can involve sensors that detect a user's initiation of a swing and provide phase-accurate support. The motorized assistance can be limited to the initial phase of the swing, for example, until angle sensors detect a sufficient rotational amplitude.

[0032] Another aspect concerns a training device for climbers, featuring: At least two grip profiles designed for the hands of a human user hanging from them, wherein the grip profiles are arranged on a common support in the form of a board- or plate-shaped element, and at least one, preferably two, preferably spaced apart from the common support, mounting elements for attaching the training device to a wall or ceiling. The grip profiles are capable of rotating relative to the mounting element(s) by means of an axis of rotation, the orientation of which is fixed relative to the mounting element(s). The rotation is therefore essentially symmetrical in both directions with respect to the vertical.

[0033] According to yet another aspect, the grip profiles of such a training device can only perform one rotation with respect to the mounting element(s) by means of a rotary axis, but are fixed in all other degrees of freedom.

[0034] Another aspect concerns a measuring device, for example a tablet or mobile phone, which is designed to record the number and / or amplitude of rotations of a training device according to one of the preceding claims.

[0035] Another aspect concerns a computer program product, in particular an application, the number and / or amplitude of rotations of such a training device when it is loaded on a mobile device.

[0036] Further features, advantages and properties of the invention will now be explained with reference to the figures in the accompanying drawings: Fig. 1a shows a first embodiment of the invention, in which the training device is designed as a board element with positive and / or negative grip profiles, which is connected by several rigid connections to a pivot axis, which in turn is connected to mounting elements for attaching the training device. Fig. 1b shows a side view of this embodiment, in which the bilateral oscillation by an angle ±α (with respect to the vertical) is particularly illustrated, as well as the optional bilateral attachment of grip elements on both sides of the support of the training device. Fig. 2 shows the attachment of a measuring device, such as a mobile phone, to the training device according to the invention for recording the amplitude and / or number of repetitions of the oscillating rotations of the training device. Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment in a side view, in which the defined pivot axis is connected by a short, flexible piece (rope, etc.).) is formed between two rigid elements.

[0037] The principle of the invention will now be explained first in connection with the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1a will be explained.

[0038] The training device 1 essentially comprises a mounting unit 20 and a carrier 4 for positive or negative grip profiles 2, 3. Reference numerals 2 denote grip profiles that are recessed (milled, etc.) inwards. Reference numerals 3 denote outwardly projecting, rounded grip profiles. Reference numeral 14 schematically shows a rib-like (and thus angular) grip element that projects outwards. Such configurations can be modified as desired with regard to shape, dimensions, and number, and are known as such from the prior art.

[0039] Preferably, identical grip profiles are provided for the left and right hand at the same height and centered (center of the connecting line is center of the support).

[0040] The support can be made of wood (e.g., glued plywood) and / or a synthetic resin material.

[0041] Parallel to the connecting axis of the associated grip elements 2 / 2, 3 / 3, and 14 / 14, the mounting unit 20 of the training device 1 has a defined pivot axis 9, designed as a pivot bearing. "Defined" in this context means that the orientation and distance of the pivot axis 9 to the grip profiles and / or mounting elements (see below) do not change during use. However, the distance to the grip profiles and / or mounting elements can be adjusted before or after use. This adjustment is preferably such that the orientation of the pivot axis to the grip profiles and / or mounting elements remains unchanged. When the training device is mounted, it is preferably always horizontal.

[0042] Furthermore, the pivot axis 9 is preferably designed such that the handle elements can only perform this rotation relative to the mounting elements during use, but no further rotation or translational movement. This is not the case with a simple rope suspension.

[0043] This axis of rotation 9 is spaced apart and preferably parallel to each of the imaginary connecting lines 2 / 2, 3 / 3, and 14 / 14. The user's hands are thus preferably always below the axis of rotation. The distance between the support 4 and the axis of rotation 9 is denoted by d. This distance, and in particular the distance to the imaginary connecting lines of associated connecting handle elements 2 / 2, 3 / 3, and 14 / 14, can be adjustable.

[0044] The support 4, and in particular the associated handle elements, can thus pivot back and forth about this axis of rotation around the horizontal (in side view). For this purpose, the support 4 of the training device 1 can be connected to two joint elements 7, 8 by several rigid connections 12, 13, for example made of a steel material. These joint elements 7, 8 can be separate, or, as in Figure 1a As shown, in particular, it may be part of a common joint connection. The axis of rotation is further preferably connected via associated rigid connections 30, 31 to mounting elements 5, 6, with which the training device 1 can be mounted, for example, on a ceiling or above a door or otherwise overhead.

[0045] The distance and orientation of the axis of rotation 9 relative to the mounting elements are fixed and unalterable during use of the training device 1. This is not the case with a suspension using only a rope. Furthermore, due to the rigid axis of rotation, tilting is impossible with this invention.

[0046] As can be seen particularly from the side view of Figure 1b As can be seen, there can also be four handle elements arranged on both sides of the carrier. From the Figure 1bIt is also evident that preferably the support 4, or at least the grip elements 2 / 2, 3 / 3, and 14 / 14, can rotate about the horizontal by an angle ±α. This also defines the corresponding oscillating motion of a human user suspended from these grip elements. The maximum angle can be limited, for example, by stops in the joint elements 7 and 8. Typically, this angle α does not exceed 90°. Preferably, it is in the range between 20° and 90°, more preferably between 30° and 80°.

[0047] In Figure 2It is shown that an electronic portable measuring device 50 can preferably be arranged on the support 4 or the rigid connection 4'. This measuring device preferably runs application software ("app") that can register and record the number of oscillations and / or the amplitude of each oscillation or the average amplitude of the oscillations. Preferably, this portable measuring device 50 is a smartphone with an application that accesses a gyroscope in the mobile phone 50 to record the number and / or extent of the oscillations. This can thus be used to document a training process. The results can optionally also be uploaded to a cloud.

[0048] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of the invention in which the defined joint axis is formed by a short elastic (for example, cord- or rope-shaped) intermediate section 15, which is relatively short compared to laterally enclosing rigid elements. Thus, in this case, a short flexible connecting element can also form the rigid axis of rotation.

[0049] The axis of rotation must be designed in such a way that the vibrations of the training device occur with as little friction as possible.

[0050] In the embodiment of Figure 1 For example, the joint elements 7, 8 can be formed by edge-mounted needle bearings in a metallic cylindrical sleeve. Inside the metallic sleeve, for example, a metal rod is supported by the needle bearings, and the rigid elements 30, 31 are in turn rotationally fixed to this inner metallic torsion bar.

[0051] In a further development of the invention, a relief device is provided which can be connected to the oscillating training device (and thus oscillates with it).

[0052] The suspension point of the relief device is therefore not fixed in place, but is attached to the rotating element of the training device and thus moves with it.

[0053] The user can connect to this relief device to reduce the holding force on their hands. For example, the relief device can include a climbing harness, allowing the user to at least partially relieve themselves by means of a suspension system attached to the training device. Alternatively or additionally, the relief device can also include a foot loop.

[0054] The length of the suspension can be adjustable. The suspension can be elastic, for example in the form of an elastic band.

[0055] The relief device can act as a safety device to prevent the user from falling uncontrollably from the swinging training device.

Claims

1. Training apparatus (1) for climbers, comprising: - at least two grip profiles (2, 3) designed for the human hands of a human user suspended from the grip profiles (2, 3), wherein the grip profiles (2, 3) are arranged as outwardly projecting and / or inwardly incorporated grip profiles (2, 3) on a common carrier (4) in the form of a board-shaped or plate-shaped element, - at least one mounting element, preferably two mounting elements (5, 6), preferably spaced apart from the common support (4), for mounting the training apparatus (1) on a stationary structure, wherein the grip profiles (2, 3) are rotatable with respect to the mounting element(s) (5, 6) by means of a rotary axis bearing (9), wherein the position of the axis of rotation defined by the rotary axis bearing (9) with respect to the mounting element(s) (5, 6) is rigidly defined during use, wherein the axis of rotation is arranged in such a way that the grip profiles (2, 3) are always below the axis of rotation (9) when the training apparatus (1) is mounted and in such a way that the grip profiles (2, 3) are able to execute a rotating back and forth movement about the vertical by means of the rotary axis bearing (9).

2. Training apparatus (1) for climbers according to Claim 1, designed in such a way that, by means of a rotary axis bearing (9), the grip profiles (2, 3) are able to execute, with respect to the mounting element(s) (5, 6), a rotation that is as far as possible free of friction.

3. Training apparatus (1) for climbers according to any one of the preceding claims, designed in such a way that the grip profiles (2, 3) are able to execute, with respect to the mounting element(s) (5, 6), only a rotation about a horizontal axis and are fixed in all other degrees of freedom.

4. Training apparatus (1) for climbers according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - at least one joint element (7, 8), which is arranged in such a way that the grip profiles (2, 3) are able to execute a rotation with respect to the mounting element (s) (5, 6).

5. Training apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the rotary axis bearing (9) is connected to the mounting element(s) (5, 6) by means of a rigid connection (12, 13).

6. Training apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the rotary axis bearing (9) is connected to the carrier (4) by means of a rigid connection (12, 13).

7. Training apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the rotary axis bearing (9) is spaced apart from the carrier.

8. Training apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the position of the rotary axis bearing (9) relative to the carrier is adjustable.

9. Training apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a common joint element is connected to the carrier via a plurality of rigid connections, wherein the common joint element is preferably formed by a rotary rod mounted at the edge.

10. Training apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising - a holder for a measuring device for detecting the number and / or amplitude of rotations, or - attachment means for a portable measuring device, for example in the form of a tablet or mobile phone.

11. Training apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a body weight relief device, which is connectable to the swinging training apparatus, wherein a suspension point of the relief device is connected to the training apparatus in such a way that the relief device accompanies the rotation of the grip profiles.

12. System comprising a training apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and a measuring device (50), for example a tablet or mobile phone, which is designed for detecting the number and / or amplitude of rotations of a training apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.