Apparatus for performing physical exercises, in particular exercise rehabilitation exercises

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (10) for physical exercises in motor rehabilitation, comprising a body (20) formed at least in part by a casing (21) made of a translucent flexible material and having an internal chamber (22) and at least one opening (24), a closure element (30) housed in the opening (24) and thereon at least a pressure sensor (40), a light source (50), a control unit (70) and a battery (80), wherein the pressure sensor (40) is arranged to detect a pressure (P) in the internal chamber (22), and the control unit (70) is configured to receive the measured value of the pressure (P) and to control the operating state of the light source (50) depending on the parameters.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for physical exercise, in particular for motor rehabilitation exercises. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of physical and motor activity, it is common for feedback regarding the parameters of a performed movement or, if necessary, for performing physical exercises.

[0003] In the field of motor rehabilitation, the above mentioned parameters are particularly useful to evaluate the progress of a patient during rehabilitation or to assess the motor status and capabilities of people with motor disorders.

[0004] A wide variety of machines and devices are available on the market for physical exercise of the lower and upper limbs, and more generally of any part of the body. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] These devices or machines are often rather complex and expensive instruments, and therefore are exclusively for professional use. Moreover, due to the high purchase costs, not every center and / or specialist in this field can afford to have one or more of these machines.

[0006] Furthermore, in the field of athletic rehabilitation and fitness, there are many physical exercises involving movements and actions that can be performed with very simple instruments or equipment, such as balls, sticks, etc. Typically, such simple and inexpensive equipment does not provide instrumental data that provides information or parameters related to the action, such as exerted forces, motion, etc.

[0007] US 2010 / 130315 A1 describes a bladder for a ball, in particular for playing football, with electronic components. The problem is addressed of connecting different types of electronic components arranged symmetrically inside the bladder, so that the ball does not lose its balance and the stresses to which it is subjected do not damage the internal connecting wires. The bladder is provided with a valve arranged on one pole and incorporating LEDs of different colors. On the opposite pole of the bladder, an electronic component is arranged, which comprises a pressure sensor and a battery. The LED lights up and indicates the pressure range suitable for use of the ball. The LED of the valve and the electronic component are connected by wiring on the inner wall of the bladder.

[0008] US Patent No. 5,888,156 describes a ball with an internal light source. One embodiment of the ball includes an outer shell with a translucent portion and an inflatable inner bladder disposed inside the outer shell. A lighting element is disposed between the inner inflatable bladder and the outer shell. In another embodiment, the device includes an outer shell with a translucent portion and an inflatable inner bladder disposed inside the outer shell, with a translucent portion or only with the outer shell having a translucent portion. The lighting element has a first portion disposed within the inner inflatable bladder and a second portion sealingly engaged with the inner inflatable bladder or the outer shell. The lighting element includes a light, a battery, a switch, and a wire. The switch is composed of an element that can be screwed into the body of the lighting element and is designed to press the contacts of the poles of the battery to close the circuit.

[0009] Against this background, there is a need for a device for physical exercise, and in particular exercise rehabilitation, that is easy to use and provides at least high quality feedback to the user about the movements made.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a device for physical exercise which overcomes the limitations of the known art.

[0011] In particular, the object of the invention is to propose a device that can be grasped with the upper or lower limbs and that is designed to indicate the "squeezzing" force exerted on the body of the device.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a device that a user can use in the same manner as similar conventional devices.

[0013] A further object of the invention is to propose a device that provides feedback that is easily perceptible both by the user and by a controller, e.g. a trainer, a physiotherapist, etc.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive apparatus.

[0015] Finally, it is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is easy to use, robust and reliable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] The above mentioned object is achieved by a physical exercise device for motor rehabilitation according to claim 1.

[0017] In accordance with the invention, the device comprises a body having a casing defining an internal chamber which may contain pressurized air or, if desired, other suitable gas, such as nitrogen, and the casing is at least partially formed from a translucent or, if desired, transparent material and at least partially formed from a flexible material.

[0018] The pressure in the internal chamber is such that it allows the flexible portion of the body to stably maintain its shape in the absence of external forces, but at the same time allows the flexible portion of the body to deform when subjected to a squeezing force applied by a person.

[0019] Typically, the pressure in the inner chamber is adjusted so that a characteristic dimension (eg, diameter, length, etc.) of the flexible portion falls within a range of values ​​close to a reference value.

[0020] Preferably, at least a portion of the casing is made of a material that is both flexible and translucent. According to a variant of the invention, the entire casing is made of a flexible material that is also completely translucent or transparent, if desired.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the definition "translucent" refers to the property of a casing material that allows light to pass through it at least diffusely. The casing material is therefore not completely opaque. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, the term "translucent" referring to a material indicates that the same may also be transparent.

[0022] The casing has an opening which communicates with the chamber of the body and which receives a closure element which seals the chamber.

[0023] The closure element comprises a head part which serves as a cover for the area provided with the opening, and a support part which extends from the head part towards the internal chamber, one of said parts, preferably the support part, being designed to mate with the opening in the casing and provide an airtight seal of the internal chamber.

[0024] According to the invention, at least one pressure sensor, a light source, a control unit connected to the light source and the pressure sensor, and a battery supplying power to the above-mentioned components are attached to a support part of the closure element.

[0025] The light source is mounted on a support such that, when activated, the emitted light is visible on the outside of the device through a translucent portion of the casing.

[0026] The pressure sensor is positioned to detect air pressure within the chamber, and the control unit is connected to the pressure sensor and configured to receive a measurement of the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor and to control an operating state of the light source in response to the measured value.

[0027] When the body of the device is subjected to external pressure by the user, for example by being clamped between the upper or lower limbs or by being pressed against a fixed abutment such as a wall, floor or table, the internal pressure increases and this change is detected by the pressure sensor.

[0028] The control unit is configured to change an operating state of the at least one light source when the internal pressure within the chamber reaches or exceeds one or more treatment pressure values.

[0029] The light stimulus is visible through at least one translucent or transparent portion of the casing and thus serves a feedback function to the user relative to pressure or gripping force applied to the casing of the device.

[0030] The device thus conceived makes it possible to provide the user with qualitative, yet immediate and intuitive, information about the motor exercise performed, and in particular about the forces applied to the device's casing. Effect of the Invention

[0031] According to the invention, the form of the body of the device can be chosen as most suitable depending on the mode of use, the type of exercise to be performed and / or the part of the body involved: in fact, the device can be held in the hand, gripped between the arm or leg, pressed with the limb against another part of the body or against an abutment element such as a wall, surface or floor.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the body has a spherical, hemispherical, cylindrical, disc or elliptical shape.

[0033] The casing may comprise a part formed of a hard material, e.g. plastic or metal, that can act as a support base, and a part made of a flexible material that is manipulated by the user, and preferably is formed entirely of a flexible material.

[0034] In the first case, the rigid and flexible parts are joined in a way that ensures airtightness of the internal chamber.

[0035] A suitable material for the flexible portion of the casing is, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a similar polymeric material.

[0036] According to a preferred variant of the invention, the casing of the body is provided with a valve of the type used, for example, for sports balls, making it possible to vary the internal pressure of the chamber and therefore the stiffness of the flexible part of the casing.

[0037] Alternatively, the valve can be attached directly to the closure element.

[0038] As mentioned above, the casing may be partially translucent or transparent, so that the light emitted by the light source can be seen from the outside, or it may be made entirely of the materials mentioned above.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the device further comprises a communication module, preferably of Bluetooth type, connected to the control unit.

[0040] Via the communication module, the device can communicate with external devices, e.g. mobile devices, computers or dedicated accessories, to exchange data, e.g. transferring data acquired by the pressure sensor.

[0041] If the control unit is of a programmable type, it can exchange data with an external device via the communication module, which makes it possible to program the interaction between the control unit and the light source depending on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor.

[0042] Preferably, the control unit is configured to program the use of the device according to instructions provided by the user via an external device (calibration of the device, type of exercise, quantities to be taken into account - pressure / force, acceleration, etc.), for example by an application on a smartphone or tablet.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, according to another aspect of the invention, the control unit is configured to activate a predefined operating mode, such as a calibration mode (described below) or an exercise mode, depending on the number of detected movements performed by the user, such as the number of pressing movements performed consecutively on the device.

[0044] In this mode, the user can interact with the device alone, without the need for external electronics.

[0045] According to the invention, the light source may comprise one or more light elements, typically LEDs, producing monochromatic light or light of different colors.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the control unit can be configured to control the flashing (number of flashes, duration, frequency) or activation of different colors of the light source to send feedback information to the user or a controller regarding the exercise being performed. For example, the number of flashes or color can indicate the level of pressure / force reached by the user or a particular functional state of the ball (e.g. the start or end of a calibration process or a low battery).

[0047] The configuration parameters of the apparatus may be in the form of a control map, which may be predefined and preloaded into the control unit or may be programmed via an external device.

[0048] The control unit may further control the light sources in the above-described manner to provide instructions to the user or controller regarding the exercise to be performed, even when the device is not in use, i.e. not being held by the user.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the control unit measures the pressure value P inside the chamber when the body of the device is not gripped. 0The control unit may be configured to signal if the initial pressure value is outside of an established optimal operating range and to command operation of the light source.

[0050] The initial value is typically detected during the early stages of device start-up.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit is configured to calculate the pressure value P detected by the pressure sensor during exercise and the initial value P 0 The device is configured to detect the squeezing / grasping force applied by the user as the difference between

[0052] According to a possible embodiment, the control unit may include a function for calculating the force applied by the user, which may be linked to a calibration curve stored in the control unit.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the control unit determines a predetermined user applied or optional threshold or reference pressure value P that must not be exceeded during exercise. x (or force) may be stored and set.

[0054] This value is usually recorded before the start of the exercise. According to this variant, a calibration function is implemented in which the user is asked to compress the body of the device with as much force as possible or with a predefined level of force, and a relative threshold pressure value P x is recorded by the control unit. According to this variant, the control unit controls the operation of the light source to generate a color or a predetermined flashing sequence or a predetermined light intensity according to the stored threshold value P x The pressure sensor may be configured to signal the entity of the detected pressure value P in response to

[0055] According to another aspect of the invention, the device may comprise an ambient light sensor. According to a variant, the control unit is configured to manage the light intensity generated by the light source, adjusting the light intensity depending on the ambient light perceived inside the casing. This allows a fine-grained management of the power consumption of the lighting portion.

[0056] According to another aspect of the invention, the device may be equipped with a movement sensor, preferably an accelerometer or equivalent.

[0057] The sensor may be connected to a control unit, the control unit being configured to also control the light source depending on the parameters measured by the motion sensor. The parameters of operation may also be transmitted to an external device via the communication module.

[0058] According to another aspect of the invention, the physical exercise device may comprise a battery recharge circuit. According to a preferred variant, the recharge circuit comprises a winding made of a conductive material that can be operatively associated with an inductive recharge device. The winding is arranged in the closure element, preferably in the head portion. Alternatively, the recharge circuit may comprise externally accessible contacts arranged in the head portion of the closure element.

[0059] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the physical exercise apparatus may be supplied in a kit that also includes a support element upon which the apparatus may rest when not in use.

[0060] The support may comprise a housing in which the physical exercise apparatus is partially housed, and may comprise retaining means, e.g., magnetic or interlocking, designed to mate with corresponding retaining means on the apparatus to stably maintain its position when placed on the support.

[0061] According to another aspect of the invention, the support may comprise power supply means for charging a battery of the device. Preferably, the charging means are of the inductive type and the device is equipped with a corresponding charging circuit of the inductive or electrical contact type.

[0062] In a variant in which the physical exercise device comprises a communication module, the support may also comprise a control unit and may comprise a communication module arranged to exchange data with the control unit of the device, for example to receive data collected by a pressure or movement sensor from the device, for which purpose the control unit of the support preferably comprises a memory module.

[0063] In variants where the control unit of the physical exercise device is of the programmable type, it can be programmed directly by the control unit of the support, for example to load a program for a user-specific exercise and / or to set operating parameters, for example threshold pressure values ​​P x can be set to associate lower or intermediate pressure values ​​with a predefined combination of light source flashes or colors.

[0064] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of examples of possible embodiments of a physical exercise device, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0065] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a physical exercise device according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing a detail of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the support and charging elements of the device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the device according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0066] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the number 1 designates as a whole a kit comprising a physical exercise apparatus 10 and a support 100 on which the apparatus rests when not in use.

[0067] The device comprises a body 20 formed of a casing 21 which is made of polyvinyl chloride or similar material and which may be translucent or transparent.

[0068] In the illustrated example, in use, i.e. when the value of the pressure in the internal chamber 22 is within an appropriate range, the body 20 has a spherical shape. However, as mentioned above, the body 20 may be hemispherical, elliptical, or of any other shape suitable or useful for performing physical exercises for fitness or rehabilitation. The casing 21 is preferably provided with a valve 23 for admitting air, or other suitable gas, to and from the internal chamber 22 as required.

[0069] In the body 20, and more precisely in the casing 21, a circular opening 24 is provided in which a closure element, generally designated 30, is accommodated.

[0070] 2, the closure element 30 comprises a head portion 31 and a support portion 32. The area of ​​the support element 32 close to the head portion 31 is designed to couple with the edge of the opening 24 so as to ensure airtightness of the internal chamber 22. The airtight coupling is preferably obtained by shape coupling without the use of sealants, adhesives or the like.

[0071] A support portion 32 extends from the head portion 31 toward the interior of the chamber 22 .

[0072] The closure element 30 is generally formed from a preferably rigid polymeric material.

[0073] The following components are attached to the support portion 32: at least one pressure sensor 40, at least one light source 50, a communication module 60, a control unit 70 connected to the light source, the pressure sensor and the communication module, and a battery 80 that provides power to the above-mentioned components.

[0074] The light source 50 is preferably arranged in the region of the end 32b of the support 30 so that the emitted light beam is diffused as uniformly as possible in the chamber. The translucent material of the casing 21 contributes to creating a diffusion effect of light over the entire surface of the casing.

[0075] The light source 50 preferably comprises one or more LEDs 51 of the RGB or RGBW type for producing light of different colours. Typically, the light source 50 further comprises a driving circuit 52 for the LEDs 51.

[0076] Communications module 60 preferably operates via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, or other wireless communication standards.

[0077] According to a preferred variant, in the area of ​​the head portion 31 of the closure element 30 there is attached a charging circuit 90 comprising a loop or coil made of copper or an equivalent material connected to the battery 80 .

[0078] In FIG. 3, support 100 of physical exercise apparatus 10 is shown generally in more detail.

[0079] The support 100 comprises a base 101 having a seat 102 in which the device 10 can be accommodated. In the example shown, the seat 102 forms a hollow in which the body 20 of the device 10 is partially accommodated.

[0080] The support 100 is equipped with a current drive device 110 connectable to an external power source, designed to supply power to electronic components mounted on the support.

[0081] More specifically, the support is provided with a power supply circuit 120 comprising loops or coils arranged in the area of ​​the seat 102. When the device 10 is placed on the support 100, the closure element 30 faces the seat 102 of the support in such a way that the two loops / coils of the respective power supply 120 and charging 90 circuits are at an optimal distance of about 2-5 mm so that the magnetic field generated by one interacts with the other.

[0082] The support 100 further comprises a control unit 130, preferably wireless of the type mentioned above, connected to a communication module 140. Preferably, the support further comprises an input / output interface 150 of the control unit 130. The interface 140 preferably comprises a touch screen display making it possible to set the operating parameters of the device 10, the latter comprising a programmable control unit, and also to display various parameters such as the battery charge level, the initial pressure P of the internal chamber 22, 0 , and furthermore makes it possible to display useful information in real time, such as parameters of the ongoing exercise.

[0083] Preferably, in the region of the base 102 of the support 100 , there is provided a magnet 103 designed to interact with a respective magnet 34 arranged in the head part 31 of the closure element 30 .

[0084] With reference to FIG. 4, there is shown, purely by way of example, a block diagram illustrating the operation of a physical exercise device according to a possible variant of the invention.

[0085] When the device starts up, the control unit measures the initial internal pressure P 0Preferably, the value is determined by calculating the average of the pressure values ​​detected by the pressure sensor in a predetermined time interval after start-up of the device. Preferably, the value is suitably filtered to reduce errors due to extreme values.

[0086] Initial pressure value P 0 is stored in the control unit of the device.

[0087] Once the initial pressure detection is complete, the device detects the threshold pressure P x According to a possible embodiment, the threshold pressure is measured during a cycle or repetition of an exercise performed by the user or according to a specific calibration command given by the input / output interface. At this stage, the user exerts a maximum force or a smaller force depending on the type and purpose of the exercise. The maximum pressure value reached is then calculated by the control unit as the threshold pressure P x is stored as

[0088] Depending on the threshold value and the pressure value P measured at a given moment, the control unit is programmed to control the light source. In the illustrated example, the control unit is programmed to control the light source based on the threshold value P x The control unit is provided with a programmed map (color map) capable of controlling the switching on of the light source in a predefined color depending on the ratio of the pressure value P to the pressure value P. This map may be fixed, i.e. preloaded in the control unit, or it may be programmable if the control unit is of programmable type.

[0089] If the light source is monochrome, the map may include its different blinking sequences and / or different light intensities of the light source.

[0090] During the user's exercise, the pressure value P detected at a given moment is equal to the threshold P xIf it is higher, the control unit can generate a signal through the light source to notify the user accordingly, the signal being in the form of a specific color or blinking of the light source that the user knows in advance.

[0091] The detected pressure value P is the threshold value P x If lower, the control unit commands the activation of the light source based on a preloaded or programmed map to provide the user and / or controller with qualitative feedback regarding the pressure / grasping force applied to the body of the device.

[0092] If planned, the control unit may be equipped with a calculation function to calculate the instantaneous value of the force applied to the body of the device using a calibration curve.

[0093] The above are purely illustrative of possible embodiments of the device, as mentioned above the device may have further auxiliary functions, such as for example using the light source as a message carrier to provide the user with instructions regarding the exercises to be performed, or to measure and present also other movement parameters of the device.

[0094] The invention has been described according to certain preferred embodiments, which are given for non-limiting purposes: the skilled artisan will find many other embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for physical exercise, particularly for exercise rehabilitation, comprising: A main body (20) having a casing (21) defining an internal chamber (22) designed to be filled with pressurized gas, the casing (21) including at least a part formed of a translucent or transparent material and at least a part formed of a flexible material, and the main body (20) having at least an opening (24) communicating with the internal chamber (22); A closing element (30) housed in the opening (24) designed to be coupled to the opening (24) of the casing (21), the closing element (30) including a head portion (31) and a support portion (32), the support portion extending from the head portion (31) towards the internal chamber (22); Comprising: The apparatus (10) further includes: At least one pressure sensor (40) attached to the support portion (32); At least one light source (50); A control unit (70) connected to the light source and the pressure sensor; A battery (80) for supplying power to the above-described components; Comprising: The pressure sensor (40) is arranged to detect a pressure value (P) in the internal chamber (22); The control unit (70) is configured to receive a measured value of the pressure value (P) and control an operating state of the light source (50) according to parameters; Apparatus (10).

2. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein the casing (21) is formed of a partially or wholly translucent flexible material. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1.

3. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a communication module (60), preferably of a wireless type, connected to the control unit (70). The apparatus (10) according to claim 1.

4. The control unit (70) includes a control map. The control unit (70) is configured to control the operation of the light source (50) according to the detected pressure value (P) and parameters of the control map. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1.

5. The control unit (70) includes an initial calibration function configured to store a threshold pressure value (Px). The control unit (70) is further configured to control the operation of the light source (50) to signal an entity of the detected pressure value (P) according to the stored threshold pressure value (Px) at a predetermined color or a predetermined blinking sequence or a predetermined light intensity during use of the device. The device (10) according to claim 4.

6. The control unit (70) is of a programmable type. The device (10) according to claim 1.

7. The control unit (70) includes a function of calculating a force applied to the main body (20) of the device according to the detected pressure value (P). The calculation function includes a calibration curve stored in the control unit (70). The device (10) according to claim 1.

8. The light (50) is of RGB LED type or RGBW LED type. The control unit (70) is configured to drive the color emitted by the light source (50) according to the parameters of the control map or the threshold pressure value (Px). The device (10) according to claim 5.

9. A charging circuit (90) for a battery (80) including at least one coil or loop formed of a conductive material disposed on a head portion (31) of the closing element (30), or electric contacts protruding from an outer surface of the head portion (31). The device (10) according to claim 1.

10. A kit (1) comprising the device (10) for physical exercise according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a support (100) for the device, The support (100) comprises a main body (101) designed to receive or accommodate at least a part of the main body of the device (10) when not in use, The support (100) further comprises a power circuit for charging the battery (80) of the device (10). Kit (1).

11. A kit (1) comprising the device (10) according to claim 3, 6, or 9, The support (100) comprises a control unit (130) and a wireless type communication module (14), The control unit (130) of the support (100) is configured to communicate with the control unit (70) of the device (10) and program the operating parameters of the control unit (70). Kit (1).

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