Exercise equipment equipped with an elastomer

Abstract

The present invention relates to an exercise machine that can be easily operated by patients who are not in good physical condition from the comfort of their own bed. An exercise device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an elastic band and a pair of balls connected to both ends of the elastic band, the elastic band having a loop-forming hook portion at each end, and the pair of balls having through-holes into which the hook portions are inserted and secured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise device, and more particularly to an exercise device having an elastic body and usable by patients in need of rehabilitation.

Background Art

[0002] Patients who have difficulty moving while lying on a bed, such as critically ill patients, use exercise devices for beds. For example, such patients use an elastic body such as a ball or a rubber band made of a soft substance such as sponge or rubber as an exercise device for a bed.

[0003] However, a ball is difficult for patients in poor physical condition to handle, is small in size, and has a high risk of being lost during use by the patient. Also, a rubber band is used by attaching it to a bed or the like, but resistance concentrates on the attached part and it easily tears. In particular, a rubber band has the nuisance that it must be newly attached every time it is used and must be loosened after use. A rubber band must be fixed at various positions so that a patient can exercise with various movements, but due to such inconveniences, there are restrictions on the use of a rubber band.

[0004] Such prior art is technical information that the inventor possessed for deriving the present invention or acquired in the process of deriving the present invention, and cannot necessarily be regarded as publicly known technology publicly disclosed to the general public before the filing of the present invention.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention is an invention for solving the above-described problems, and can provide an exercise device that enhances the usability for patients.

[0006] However, such problems are exemplary, and the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited thereto.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] An exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention is an exercise device including an elastic band and a pair of balls connected to both ends of the elastic band. The elastic band has hanging portions forming closed loops at both ends, and the pair of balls has through portions into which the hanging portions are inserted and fixed.

[0008] In the exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic band is arranged at a distance from the hanging portions and may include one or more openings through which the pair of balls can be inserted and removed respectively.

[0009] In the exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more openings include a first slit formed in the elastic band and a second slit corresponding to the first slit, are made of a non-elastic material, and include a bonding member arranged outside the elastic band. The pair of hanging portions may be provided in a pair, each being spaced apart from the pair of hanging portions on the inner side in the longitudinal direction of the elastic band.

[0010] In the exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the opening may further include a reinforcing member arranged along the edges of the first slit and the second slit.

[0011] In the exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of the one or more openings are arranged between the pair of hanging portions, and the pair of balls can be selectively inserted into and removed from the plurality of openings.

[0012] In the exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the through portion has a slit shape into which the elastic band is inserted, and an adhesive or a fixing member is arranged inside to fix the elastic band.

[0013] In the exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of balls are arranged inside the through portion, connect both inner ends of the through portion, and further include a fixing portion to which the hanging portion is attached.

[0014] In the exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the hanging portion is inserted into the through portion, wraps along the outer surface of the fixing portion, and then can pass through the through portion.

[0015] Other aspects, features, and advantages other than those described above will become clear from the following specific content for implementing the invention, the claims, and the drawings.

Effects of the Invention

[0016] The exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention enables patients living in bed to exercise easily. In particular, the exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention utilizes an elastic band and balls, can easily adjust the tension of the elastic band, and can fix the exercise device at an appropriate position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Figure 1

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Figure 3

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Figure 4

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Figure 5

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Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] An exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention is an exercise device including an elastic band and a pair of balls connected to both ends of the elastic band. The elastic band has hanging portions forming closed loops at both ends, and the pair of balls has through portions into which the hanging portions are inserted and fixed.

[0023] The present invention can be subjected to various transformations and can have various embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in detail by the description of the invention. However, it should not be construed as limiting the present invention to specific embodiments, and it must be understood to include all transformations, equivalents, or alternatives included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In the description of the present invention, even if illustrated in other embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for the same components.

[0024] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. When explaining with reference to the drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations related thereto are omitted.

[0025] In the following embodiments, terms such as first and second are not used in a limiting sense but are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

[0026] In the following embodiments, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] In the following embodiments, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are meant to imply the presence of the features or components described in the specification, and do not preclude the possibility of adding one or more other features or components beforehand.

[0028] In the drawings, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the components may have their sizes exaggerated or reduced. For example, since the sizes and thicknesses of each configuration shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown in the drawings.

[0029] In the following embodiments, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to the three axes on a rectangular coordinate system, and can be interpreted in a broad sense including the same. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis can also refer to directions that are different from each other, although they may or may not be orthogonal to each other.

[0030] When a certain embodiment can be implemented differently, the specific order of steps may also be performed differently from the order described. For example, two steps described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously, or may be carried out in an order opposite to the order described.

[0031] The terms used in this application are merely used for the description of specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are used to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and it should be understood that they do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof beforehand.

[0032] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an exercise device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 illustrates a ball 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 illustrates an opening 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 shows a state in which the ball 200 is inserted and removed through the opening 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, an exercise device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used by a patient in need of rehabilitation in bed. For example, a patient who needs rehabilitation exercises but is unable to leave the bed, such as a critically ill patient, can use the exercise device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention to perform rehabilitation exercises. However, the exercise device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited to rehabilitation exercises and can be used for various movements and exercises such as muscle strength exercises, corrective exercises, and stretching.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, an exercise device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention also includes an elastic band 100 and a ball 200.

[0035] The elastic band 100 is a band made of an elastic material such as rubber, includes a longitudinal direction and a width direction, and can contract and expand in various directions. The user can perform resistance exercises by contracting and expanding the elastic band 100 while holding it with the hands or feet.

[0036] In one embodiment, the elastic band 100 also includes a main body portion 110, a hanging portion 120, and an opening 130.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main body portion 110 extends long along the longitudinal direction of the elastic band 100. The main body portion 110 can have a constant or different width along the longitudinal direction.

[0038] The hanging part 120 is arranged at the end of the main body part 110 and supports the ball 200. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one hanging part 120 is arranged at each of both longitudinal ends of the main body part 110 and may have an annular shape or a loop shape. The hanging part 120 forms a closed-loop, is connected to the ball 200, and prevents the ball 200 from detaching from the designated position. For example, the ball 200 may be fixed to one side of the hanging part 120 or may move within the hanging part 120. Through this, the user can easily contract and extend the elastic band 100 while holding the ball 200.

[0039] In one embodiment, the hanging part 120 may be inserted into the through-hole part 210 of the ball 200, and one side thereof may be fixed to the through-hole part 210. For example, an adhesive is applied inside the through-hole part 210, the hanging part 120 is inserted through the through-hole part 210, and one surface may be fixed to the inside of the through-hole part 210 where the adhesive is applied. Thereby, in the hanging part 120, the fixed area 121, which is the part inserted into the through-hole part 210, may be fixed to the through-hole part 210. Alternatively, the through-hole part 210 may fix the hanging part 120, and more specifically, the fixed area 121 to the through-hole part 210 through a separate clamping member.

[0040] In other embodiments, the hanging part 120 does not include means for fixing the ball 200. That is, the ball 200 is inserted through the hanging part 120 and, although it does not detach from the hanging part 120, it can move freely along the hanging part 120.

[0041] In one embodiment, the hanging part 120 may be formed by joining one end of the elastic band 100 to the inside of the elastic band 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, one end of the main body part 110 bends and is joined to the inner part of the main body part 110, and this part may form the joining part 140.

[0042] In one embodiment, the hanging part 120 may be the same as or made of a different material from the main body part 110.

[0043] The opening 130 can be arranged in one or more on one side of the elastic band 100, for example, on one side of the main body 110. The opening 130 is arranged at a distance from the hanging part 120, and the ball 200 can be inserted and removed through the opening 130.

[0044] In one embodiment, the opening 130 can be arranged in one or more between a pair of hanging parts 120. For example, two openings 130 can be arranged so as to be adjacent to a pair of hanging parts 120 respectively. The user can adjust the tension by inserting the ball 200 arranged at the end of the elastic band 100 into the opening 130 or detaching the ball 200 from the opening 130 to adjust the length of the elastic band 100.

[0045] For example, when trying to contract and stretch the elastic band 100 with a stronger tension to increase the exercise intensity, the user can insert the ball 200 into the opening 130 and then pull in the longitudinal direction to shorten the overall length of the elastic band 100. Also, when trying to end the exercise or lower the exercise intensity by contracting and stretching the elastic band 100 with a weaker tension, the user can further detach the ball 200 from the opening 130 to lengthen the overall length of the elastic band 100.

[0046] In one embodiment, three or more openings 130 can be arranged. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, three or more openings 130 can be arranged in a plurality between a pair of hanging parts 120. Those openings 130 can be arranged at the same interval or different intervals from each other. The longer the distance between the opening 130 into which the ball 200 is inserted and the hanging part 120, the shorter the length of the elastic band 100. Therefore, the user can select the opening 130 into which the ball 200 is inserted from among the plurality of openings 130 and appropriately adjust the tension of the elastic band 100.

[0047] Through such a configuration, the user can easily adjust the tension of the elastic band 100 while inserting and removing the ball 200 through the opening 130.

[0048] In one embodiment, the opening 130 can be arranged on the inner side in the longitudinal direction of the elastic band 100 rather than the joint part 140. That is, the opening 130 can be arranged inside the main body part 110 so as not to overlap with the region where the hanging part 120 is formed.

[0049] In one embodiment, the opening 130 also includes a first slit 131 and an adhering member 133.

[0050] The first slit 131 is a slit formed on one side of the main body part 110 of the elastic band 100, and can be formed to extend long in the longitudinal direction and / or the width direction of the elastic band 100. For example, the first slit 131 penetrates the main body part 110 and is also in an elongated shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the main body part 110. Thereby, when the ball 200 fixed to the hanging part 120 is passed through the first slit 131 and then pulled in the longitudinal direction of the elastic band 100, the main body part 110 is hung on the end of the first slit 131 and fixed.

[0051] In FIG. 4, the first slit 131 is shown as being rectangular or cuboid, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first slit 131 can also be circular, elliptical, or other polygonal.

[0052] The adhering member 133 can be arranged on one side of the main body part 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the adhering member 133 can be arranged on the outside of the main body part 110 corresponding to the first slit 131. The adhering member 133 can also be made of a material with higher strength than the main body part 110 and no or small elasticity. Through this, when the ball 200 passes through the first slit 131, the first slit 131 is prevented from being overly opened or damaged.

[0053] In FIG. 4, only the case where the adhering member 133 is arranged on the outside of the main body part 110 is illustrated, but is not limited thereto. For example, the adhering member 133 can be arranged inside the main body part 110, or can be arranged on both the outside and the inside.

[0054] In one embodiment, the bonding member 133 may include a second slit 132 corresponding to the first slit 131. The second slit 132 is disposed inside the bonding member 133 and may be the same as or have a similar size and shape to the first slit 131. The ball 200 may pass through the first slit 131 and the second slit 132 in sequence.

[0055] In one embodiment, the bonding member 133 may be adhered to the main body 110 through a pressing method. For example, the outer side of the bonding member 133, that is, the remaining portion excluding the second slit 132, may be press-bonded to one surface of the main body 110.

[0056] The reinforcing member 134 is disposed around the first slit 131 and / or the second slit 132 to prevent the first slit 131 and / or the second slit 132 from being damaged during the process of the ball 200 passing through. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the reinforcing member 134 may be disposed along the edges of the first slit 131 and the second slit 132 with a predetermined width and thickness. The type of the reinforcing member 134 is not particularly limited, and it may also be made of a material having a higher strength and less elasticity than the main body 110 and the bonding member 133.

[0057] The reinforcing member 134 may be disposed continuously or discontinuously along the inner edge of the first slit 131 or the inner edge of the second slit 132. Alternatively, the reinforcing member 134 may be disposed on either the main body 110 or the bonding member 133. For example, the reinforcing member 134 may also be a thread sewn through the edges of the first slit 131 and the second slit 132. Through this, the bonding member 133 is more firmly fixed to the main body 110, and the first slit 131 and the second slit 132 are prevented from being damaged by the ball 200.

[0058] The ball 200 can be arranged at one or more ends of the elastic band 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, one ball 200 is arranged at each of the longitudinal ends of the elastic band 100, and the user can perform exercises while pulling while gripping the ball 200 by hand. Alternatively, the user can utilize the ball 200 to fix the exercise device 10 to a bed railing or the like.

[0059] In one embodiment, the ball 200 can be arranged on the hanging portion 120. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ball 200 can be respectively arranged on the hanging portions 120 provided at both ends of the elastic band 100. The hanging portion 120 passing through the ball 200 is joined to the elastic band 100 at the joining portion 140 to form a closed loop, and the ball 200 can be maintained on the hanging portion 120.

[0060] The ball 200 can be provided with a through portion 210 into which the hanging portion 120 is inserted on one side. The through portion 210 is a hole or slit formed on one side of the ball 200 and can have a size that allows the elastic band 100 to pass through. Although FIG. 3 shows the through portion 210 being separated from the center of the ball 200, it is not limited thereto. The through portion 210 can be formed to include the center of the ball 200 or can be formed separated from the center of the ball 200.

[0061] In one embodiment, the hanging portion 120 can be fixed to one side of the through portion 210. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the through portion 210 is also flat on the surface facing the center of the ball 200 and / or the surface separated from the center of the ball 200. An adhesive or the like is applied to these surfaces, and the hanging portion 120, more specifically, the fixing region 121, can be adhered and fixed to the surface after being inserted into the through portion 210.

[0062] In other embodiments, a mechanical structure for fixing the hanging portion 120 may be provided on one side of the through portion 210. For example, as a fixing member, on one surface of the through portion 210, protrusions extending inward are provided at both edges, and the hanging portion 120 can slide while being inserted into the protrusions.

[0063] In other embodiments, the through portion 210 does not fix the hanging portion 120. Thereby, the ball 200 can move freely while being inserted into the hanging portion 120.

[0064] FIGS. 6 and 7 show an exercise device 10A according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] When the exercise device 10A according to FIGS. 6 and 7 is compared with the exercise device 10 according to the above-described embodiment, the configuration of the ball 200A is different, and the remaining configurations are the same as those of the exercise device 10. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the description will focus on the configurations different from those of the exercise device 10.

[0066] An exercise device 10A according to an embodiment of the present invention also includes an elastic band 100A and a ball 200A. The elastic band 100A also includes a main body portion 110A, a hanging portion 120A, an opening portion 130A, and a joining portion 140A. These configurations are the same as those of the exercise device 10 according to the above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0067] The ball 200A also includes a through portion 210A and a fixing portion 220A.

[0068] The through portion 210A is arranged to include the center of the ball 200A and may have a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape when viewed from the front. In FIG. 6, the through portion 210A is illustrated as communicating the one surface and the other surface of the ball 200A, but is not limited thereto. For example, the through portion 210A may be formed in a concave shape through one surface of the ball 200A into which the hanging portion 120A is inserted and may be formed not to communicate with the other surface of the ball 200A.

[0069] The fixing part 220A is arranged inside the through part 210A and can fix the hanging part 120A. For example, the fixing part 220A is arranged to connect the inner surfaces on both sides of the through part 210A, and the hanging part 120A is hung on the fixing part 220A so that the ball 200A does not break away from the elastic band 100A.

[0070] In FIG. 6, the fixing part 220A is illustrated as being cylindrical, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the fixing part 220A may have a shape with different diameters along the height direction by repeatedly arranging concave parts and convex parts on the outer surface. Or, the fixing part 220A may also be a polygonal prism.

[0071] In one embodiment, an adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the fixing part 220A, and the hanging part 120A can be adhesively fixed to the fixing part 220A. Or, no separate adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the fixing part 220A, and the hanging part 120A can rotate while being wound around the fixing part 220A.

[0072] In other embodiments, the hanging part 120A can be arranged along the circumferential direction of the fixing part 220A. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, after the hanging part 120A is inserted through the through part 210A, it can pass through the through part 210A after winding around the fixing part 220A for one or more turns. Here, the through part 210A is formed by communicating one side and the other side of the ball 200A, so that the hanging part 120A can be inserted into one side of the through part 210A, wind around the fixing part 220A, and then pass through the other side. Or, the through part 210A is formed by being sunken into one side of the ball 200A, so that the hanging part 120A is inserted into one side of the through part 210A, winds around the fixing part 220A, and then exits outside the ball 200A through the one side of the through part 210A where it was first inserted. Through this, the hanging part 120A can be fixedly positioned on the fixing part 220A.

[0073] Through such a configuration, the exercise apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention enables a patient living in a bed to exercise easily. In particular, the exercise apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention utilizes an elastic band 100 and a ball 200, and can easily adjust the tension of the elastic band 100 and fix the exercise apparatus 10 in an appropriate position.

[0074] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, but they are merely examples. Those having ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field will fully understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible from these embodiments. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention must be determined based on the appended claims.

[0075] The specific description content described in this embodiment is one embodiment and does not limit the technical scope of this embodiment. For the sake of brevity and clear description of the invention, descriptions related to conventional general technologies and configurations may be omitted. Also, the connections or connecting members between the components illustrated in the drawings are exemplary of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, and in an actual device, can be represented by various functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections that can be replaced or added. Also, without specific references such as "essential" or "importantly", they are not necessarily essential components for the application of the present invention.

[0076] As used in the description of the invention and the claims, the term "said" or similar directives, unless otherwise specifically limited, may refer to both the singular and the plural. Also, when a range is described in an embodiment, the invention includes the invention to which individual values belonging to the range are applied (as long as there is no contrary description), and in the description of the invention, each individual value constituting the range is as described. Also, for the steps constituting the method according to the present embodiment, unless the order is clearly described or there is a contrary description, the steps may be performed in an appropriate order. The present embodiment is not necessarily limited by the order of description of the steps.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the use of all examples or exemplary terms (such as "such as") is merely for explaining the present embodiment in detail, and unless limited by the claims, the scope of the present embodiment is not limited by the foregoing examples or exemplary terms. Also, an ordinary technician would be able to know that within the scope of the claims or their equivalents with various modifications, combinations and changes added, it can be constituted by design conditions and factors.

Industrial Applicability

[0078] The present invention can be used in industries related to exercise equipment for patients.

Claims

1. An exercise device including an elastic band and a pair of balls connected to both ends of the elastic band, The elastic band is provided with hanging portions that form closed loops at both ends, The pair of balls is provided with through holes into which the hanging portions are inserted and fixed, The elastic band is arranged at a distance from the hanging portions and is provided with one or more openings through which the pair of balls can be inserted and removed respectively, The one or more openings include a first slit formed in the elastic band and a second slit corresponding to the first slit, are made of a non-elastic material, and include a bonding member arranged outside the elastic band. An exercise device.

2. The one or more openings are arranged inside the elastic band in the longitudinal direction, are separated from the pair of hanging portions respectively, and are provided in pairs. The exercise device according to claim 1.

3. The opening further includes a reinforcing member arranged along the edges of the first slit and the second slit. The exercise device according to claim 2.

4. A plurality of the one or more openings are arranged between the pair of hanging portions, The pair of balls can be selectively inserted and removed into and from the plurality of openings. The exercise device according to claim 1.

5. The through hole has a slit shape so that the elastic band can be inserted, and an adhesive or a fixing member is arranged inside to fix the elastic band. The exercise device according to claim 1.

6. The pair of balls is arranged inside the through hole, further includes a fixing portion that connects both ends inside the through hole and to which the hanging portion is attached. The exercise device according to claim 1.

7. The hanging portion is inserted into the through hole, wraps along the outer surface of the fixing portion, and then passes through the through hole. The exercise device according to claim 6.

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