A device for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.

Abstract

The training device 9 provided for training a user's body parts, in particular the hip, gluteal or pelvic muscles, or the arm muscles, comprises a compression force receiver 1 deformable under the impact of muscle force and equipped with a pressure chamber 10 in which a gel-like, liquid or gaseous medium is provided, a base 2 supportable on the one hand on a support surface and serving on the other hand to hold the compression force receiver 1, and at least one sensor 51, such as a pressure or force sensor, in contact with the medium and by means of which the pressure of the medium in the pressure chamber 10 can be measured. According to the invention: the compression force receiver 1 comprises a first resiliently deformable receiver part 11 and a second resiliently deformable receiver part 12 which are form-fittingly, force-fittingly or integrally connected to one another, the first receiver part 11 comprises a wall system 15 which serves to receive muscle forces and which delimits the pressure chamber 10 at the top and at least partially laterally; the second receiver part 12 comprises a bottom unit 16 which delimits the lower side of the pressure chamber 10 and is adjacent to the wall system 15; the second receiver part 12 has a lower elasticity, preferably parallel to the direction of muscle force action, than the first receiver part 11; The second receiver part 12 is releasably, form-fittingly or force-fittingly or integrally connected to the base 2 .

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for exercising the pelvic floor muscles and, optionally, other parts of the body such as the arm and hand muscles.

Background Art

[0002] The pelvic floor is the lower closure of the pelvis. The pelvic floor consists of three muscle layers with only narrow openings for the intestines, urinary organs, and genitalia. From the inside out, there are the pelvic diaphragm as the strongest and largest layer, the urogenital diaphragm which is a trapezoidal muscle plate covered on both sides by strong connective tissue, and the external sphincter muscle which includes various muscles as the external pelvic floor muscles. The three muscle layers are arranged vertically in a fan shape and are connected to each other at several positions via muscle fibers and fascia.

[0003] Therefore, the described muscular system is extremely important for the physical condition and numerous body functions, as well as posture and well-being, and should always be maintained in good condition through exercise.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a pelvic floor exercise device for stimulating the pelvic floor muscles, which includes a tubular compressive-force receiver that is deformable in the thigh of the human body by acting on the muscular system of the pelvic floor muscles. The tubular pressure receiver is composed of an elastic cylinder filled with fluid and sealed on both sides.

[0005] The force exerted on the tubular compressive-force receiver can be detected by a sensor so that the current exercise and the progress of the exercise can be monitored. A pressure sensor is installed on one end face of the tubular compressive-force receiver, and muscle contractions can be recorded by that pressure sensor.

[0006] A drawback of this device is that the tubular compression force receiver inserted into the seat does not allow for optimal training of the relevant parts of the user's body. Because the part of the body to be trained comes into contact with the tubular compression force receiver in a relatively small area, on the one hand, only a small portion of the muscle tissue comes into contact with the compression force receiver and is trained, on the other hand, undesirable pressure points may be created.

[0007] Another drawback is that the forging device is not easy to clean and may not meet the user's hygienic requirements. In some cases, liquids and dirt can spread along the tubular compression receiver and penetrate into subsequent cracks or fissures, which can only be removed again with considerable effort and after the tubular compression receiver has been disassembled.

[0008] Patent Document 2 discloses a pelvic floor training device having a seat that can be connected to a compression force receiver, the compression force receiver comprising a longitudinally extending hollow body having an interior. A medium is provided inside the hollow body, which is suitable for transmitting pressure applied by the user to the compression force receiver. The hollow body comprises a first fixed end and a second fixed end, which are held apart from each other by spacer elements and connected to each other by a flexible outer sheath defining a closed internal space. A pressure measuring device or force measuring device capable of measuring the pressure applied to the medium by the medium, spacer elements, and outer casing is arranged in the internal space. This training device is cumbersome to manufacture and is hardly adaptable to user needs. The two ends must be manufactured separately with considerable effort and then connected to the outer shell in a correspondingly laborious process. The spacer elements must then be inserted into the internal space, which must be filled with the medium and tightly sealed.

[0009] Patent Document 3 discloses a pelvic floor training device including a modular compression force receiver, the modular compression force receiver being insertable into a shell-shaped body and held within the body such that the compression force receiver, having a conical end, can expand in only one direction. The conical end acts on a pressure sensor via a pressure distributer and a pressure conductor, the pressure sensor emitting an electrical signal that depends on the pressure generated when force is applied to the compression force receiver.

[0010] Therefore, this pelvic floor training device comprises several parts, which interact with each other and must therefore always be in correct contact with one another. Consequently, some parts must be manufactured separately at considerable expense and then connected to one another. A compression force receiver is inserted into a shell-shaped body, which is then inserted into a base plate. Subsequently, the housing is connected to the base plate, where a pressure sensor is placed. The pressure sensor is positioned to make correct contact with the conical end of the compression force receiver via a pressure diffuser and pressure conductor.

[0011] Therefore, the transmission of force from the user's body to the pressure sensor is progressive and indirect through several interacting parts. Pressure is transmitted to the shell-shaped body, from the shell-shaped body to the compressive force receiver, which then transmits the pressure to the pressure sensor via the pressure distributer and pressure conductor through the deformation and deflection of its conical end. Multiple pressure transfers from one part of the device to other parts result in not only a complex system but also inaccurate measurements. The force that must be applied to deform the shell-shaped body is not recorded by the pressure sensor. Therefore, the deflection of the conical end of the compressive force receiver is no longer proportional to the force exerted by the user on the shell-shaped body. It should be noted that the flexible compressive force receiver may also expand in other directions.

[0012] The described device components that function to transmit force are also typically subject to wear and tear, and therefore, training devices are prone to repairs.

[0013] Furthermore, the device requires a considerable amount of cleaning, especially if dirt needs to be removed from between the device's components. In this case, the forging device must be disassembled, and then the individual components must be cleaned. Dirt particles can accumulate inside the shell-shaped body, and such dirt particles are not easily removed. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 262049 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 273270 Specification [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 142191 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0015] Therefore, the present invention is based on the objective of creating an improved training device for pelvic floor training. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] Training devices should be simply designed so that they can be manufactured at low cost, and should be low-wear and therefore maintenance-free.

[0017] The exercise device must be able to be completely cleaned with minimal effort and in a very short time so that a hygienic exercise operation is always guaranteed. Especially in exercise facilities, it must be possible for the exercise device to be used by several people at short intervals and for someone to be able to clean the exercise device within a few seconds of being away from it.

[0018] The exercise device should operate accurately so that the exercise results can be recorded precisely and invariantly.

[0019] The exercise device will enable an improved interaction between the body part to be exercised and the pressure receptors so that all elements of the muscular system can be efficiently exercised. Thus, the exercise device will enable better exercise results to be obtained.

[0020] The exercise device will preferably be adaptable individually to the needs of each user. The exercise device will be adaptable by simple means to users with significantly different body dimensions.

[0021] Even after a long exercise using the exercise device, no painful pressure points will occur. Thus, the exercise device will provide a pleasant exercise feeling so that it can be used intensively.

[0022] Furthermore, the exercise device will be suitable for exercising additional body parts, especially the arm and hand muscles.

[0023] The exercise device should also be suitable for exercising other parts of the body, especially the muscles of the arms and hands.

[0024] The solution to this problem is obtained by the exercise device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in further claims.

[0025] An exercise device provided for exercising body parts of female or male users, especially hip muscles, gluteal muscles, or pelvic muscles, or arm muscles - At least one compression force receiver that is deformable under the impact of muscle force and has a pressure chamber inside which a gel-like, liquid, or gaseous medium is provided, - On the one hand, a base that is supportable on a support surface and on the other hand functions to hold the compression force receiver, - At least one sensor such as a pressure sensor or a force sensor that contacts the medium and can be used to measure the pressure of the medium in the pressure chamber, Comprising.

[0026] According to the present invention, - The compression force receiver comprises elastically deformable first and second receiver parts that are connected to each other form-fittingly, force-fittingly, or integrally, - The first receiver part functions to receive muscle force and has a wall system that at the top also at least partially laterally delimits the pressure chamber, - The second receiver part closes the lower side of the pressure chamber and has a bottom unit adjacent to the wall system, - The second receiver part preferably has a lower elasticity than the first receiver part, parallel to the direction in which the muscle force acts, - The second receiver part is releasably, form-fittingly, force-fittingly, or integrally connected to the base.

[0027] The compression force receiver can be made seamless or can be composed of two or more device parts corresponding to or different from the first and second receiver parts. For example, the first device part can be provided only as a cover for a pressure chamber provided in the second device part. Thus, the second device part can form the second receiver part and at least a part of the first receiver part. Thus, the definition of the first and second receiver parts refers to the completed compression force receiver after assembly of the device parts, and the device parts are preferably joined to each other form-fittingly, for example by a tongue-and-groove connection, and at least in this state substantially form a unit.

[0028] The first receiving component essentially comprises a wall system, which has two side walls for receiving muscular force, the two side walls extending upward toward each other and connected to each other seamlessly at their upper ends. Opposing side walls of the wall system exposed to muscular force may extend toward each other at the front and / or rear and, preferably, connected to each other seamlessly. Alternatively, the two side walls may be connected to the front wall at the front and / or to the rear wall at the rear, preferably seamlessly. In this way, advantageous shapes such as circular or elliptical, which are preferably adapted to the user's anatomical structure, can be realized.

[0029] The dimensions and elasticity of the wall system can be advantageously adapted to the user's anatomical structure or the body part to be trained, resulting in improved interaction between muscle tissue and pressure transducers, and thus improved training results. The training device of the present invention allows for elastic and large-area bonding of pressure transducers to the user's body parts, so that even mothers who experience pain in the pelvic floor muscle area after childbirth can use the training device to train their pelvic floor muscles. Therefore, painful pressure points can be avoided even after prolonged training.

[0030] The training device of the present invention can more accurately and preferably selectively detect the contraction or relaxation (also called relaxation) of individual muscles or muscle groups. As a result, biofeedback training of those muscles is possible using the training device of the present invention, and biofeedback training has the advantage that the contraction behavior of the muscles is measured, and the muscles are strengthened through training, and the responsiveness of those muscles is improved.

[0031] The training device of the present invention is suitable not only for training the pelvic floor muscles but also for training the trunk muscles. The trunk muscles form a supportive corset and include the deep back muscles on the back of the torso and the deep transverse abdominal muscles on the front. While all the muscle groups mentioned can be favorably affected by the training device, the effect on the pelvic floor muscles is the most powerful.

[0032] The training device can also be used to strengthen the arm and hand muscles by compressing the compression force transducer with one hand at a time, or by using both hands.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the wall system is individually adapted to the user or manufactured or custom-made for the user. For this purpose, for example, an indentation of the user's buttocks may be obtained and measured. The measured dimensions can then be applied precisely or at least approximately to the manufacture of the wall system. Furthermore, the elasticity of the side walls may not be uniform and may be adapted to the user's needs. In this case, the curved portion may be defined considering a single user or a group of users.

[0034] Alternatively, the first receiving component may further comprise a structural element, preferably made of metal or plastic, provided within a receiving opening, pocket, loop, recess, or receiving groove of the receiving component, which is open outward or closed outward. Thus, the reinforcing component may be incorporated into the forging device, particularly into the compression force receiver or base, or it may be attached to or fixed to the outside of the forging device.

[0035] Therefore, the dimensions of the first receiver component or wall system can be adapted, and local or immediate stiffening can be performed by the user as desired. Furthermore, an auxiliary chamber filled with a medium can be provided.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the wall system comprises at least one intermediate wall, which divides the pressure chamber into sub-chambers isolated from each other along the longitudinal or transverse axis. The sub-chambers may be connected to each other through openings in the intermediate wall so that they can be filled together with a medium through transfer openings. Alternatively, two or more sub-chambers may be completely isolated from each other, each being filled separately with a medium through separate transfer openings. If the sub-chambers are isolated from each other by an intermediate wall perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the user can act on either a first or second sub-chamber, preferably with different elasticity, by shifting the seat along the longitudinal axis. For example, the seat may be shifted for warm-up exercises or, after fatigue, to act on the more elastic portion of the chamber.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, two or more compression force receivers having the same or different compressibility may also be preferably arranged coaxially front to back and preferably connected to one another by a common base. Then, the user can select the appropriate compression force receiver for training.

[0038] Compression force receivers and associated or connectable bases can be manufactured in a favorable design with a continuous surface free from cracks and fissures. Thus, a highly advantageous design can be provided from an aesthetic, forging, and maintenance standpoint.

[0039] Therefore, a properly designed training device can be thoroughly cleaned with minimal effort so that it can be used again immediately after use. Cracks, fissures, or irregularities can be advantageously avoided to prevent the accumulation of dirt and liquids.

[0040] The second receiver component functions, on the one hand, for stable holding of the wall system, and on the other hand, for a stable connection to the base. The second receiver component and / or base may also be used to adjust the height of the compression force receiver. Furthermore, the second receiver component and / or base may be further reinforced.

[0041] For example, the second receiving component and / or base is provided with outwardly closed or outwardly open openings or recesses, such as receiving grooves, into which reinforcing elements or spacer elements can be inserted to stabilize the second receiving component and / or base or to change its vertical extension. Thus, the second receiving component and / or base is preferably elastically expandable in the vertical direction so that height adjustment is possible over a relatively wide range and the training device can be advantageously adapted to users with various body dimensions.

[0042] The pressure chamber of the compression force receiver can be selectively filled with a suitable medium. For this purpose, the wall system, or the bottom unit of the second receiver component, preferably has a transfer opening through which the medium can be introduced into the pressure chamber, through which an access valve is provided.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, a) a server, or b) Sensors including related electronic circuits and communication modules for wireless or wired communication, c) Related electronic circuits and communication modules for wireless or wired communication, and sensors including batteries, d) Sensors including related electronic circuits and communication modules for wireless or wired communication, as well as rechargeable batteries and charging coils. However, it is located inside or outside the pressure chamber. The electronic circuitry may be arranged on a fixed or flexible printed circuit board.

[0044] If the sensor, and possibly associated device components, are located inside the pressure chamber, the sensor will be in direct or indirect contact with the medium inside the pressure chamber. If the sensor, and possibly associated device components, are located outside the pressure chamber, the sensor will be in direct or indirect contact with the medium outside the pressure chamber, and the medium will be led out of the pressure chamber through connection channels, connection lines, and, where applicable, conduits and / or hoses, which may have any cross-section. Associated device components are, for example, associated electronic circuits, such as amplifier circuits and / or communication modules for wireless or wired communication and / or power supply modules such as charging coils, batteries, rechargeable batteries, and power supplies.

[0045] The wall system, or the bottom unit of the second receiver component, preferably has at least one connection opening through which a connecting wire is led to a sensor inside or at the edge of the pressure chamber, or a connecting channel, connecting tube, or connecting hose is led from this connection opening to a sensor outside the pressure chamber. At least one transfer opening through which a medium has already been introduced into the pressure chamber can also be used as a connection opening. Alternatively, a valve incorporating a pressure sensor may be inserted into the transfer opening.

[0046] When the sensor, including the electronic circuit and battery, is located inside the pressure chamber, the battery is preferably charged via a charging coil that can be inductively coupled to a charger.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, at least one temperature sensor is further provided to measure the temperature of the medium and / or the wall system. The muscle strength measurement results may then be modified to take the temperature measurement into account.

[0048] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the base is designed as a seat, or is seamlessly connected to a seat element, or is detachably connected in a shape-fit manner. The seat or seat element is preferably symmetrical and preferably has a saddle shape.

[0049] The seat element preferably has a receiving channel along its central axis, which extends straight or diagonally, into which a base containing a compressive force receiver may be inserted. The base is preferably held within the receiving channel in a displaceable and lockable shape-fit configuration.

[0050] The materials used to manufacture the forging device are selected so that the individual components of the forging device have the required strength or elasticity. The first and second receiving components are made of the same or different materials. Similarly, the second receiving component and the base are made of the same or different materials. When different materials are used, the elasticity of the wall system, as well as the strength of the second receiving component and the base, can be adapted by material selection, dimensionalization, and / or insertion of reinforcing elements. When the same material is used, the elasticity of the wall system, as well as the strength of the second receiving component and the base, is determined by dimensionalization, and / or insertion of reinforcing elements.

[0051] The first receiver component or corresponding device component is preferably made of a first elastomer such as silicone, or rubber. The second receiver component is preferably made of a second elastomer such as silicone, rubber, or plastic (such as polycarbonate). The base is preferably made of a third elastomer such as silicone, rubber, or polycarbonate.

[0052] The exercise device of the present invention can be used by women or men, and female users will particularly benefit from the exercise.

[0053] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0054] [Figure 1a]This figure shows a forging device 9, which includes a compression force receiver 1 that is manufactured seamlessly or composed of a first device component 111 and a second device component 121 and comprises a first receiving component 11 and a second receiving component 12 that surround a pressure chamber, and a base 2 whose lower side rests on a support surface and whose upper side is connected to the second receiving component 12. [Figure 1b] Figure 1a shows the forging device 9 in a further preferred embodiment. [Figure 1c] Figure 1a is an exploded view of the forging device 9, including a cross-section of the second device component 121, which comprises a second receiving component 12 and a portion of the first receiving component 11. [Figure 1d] Figure 1a is a vertical cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the forging device 9. [Figure 2] Figure 1d shows the forging device 9, including a reinforcing element 4 inserted into the longitudinal opening 120 of the second receiving component 12. [Figure 3a] Figure 1a shows a forging device in a further preferred embodiment, including a base 2 extended to form a seat. [Figure 3b] Figure 3a is an exploded view of the training device 9. [Figure 4] Figure 1a shows a forging device 9, including a quarter cross-sectional view of the connection opening 102 in the second receiving component 12, which is connected to sensors 51 and 52 by a connecting tube 50. [Figure 5a] In this preferred embodiment, Figure 1a shows a cross-sectional view of the forging device 9, which has a pressure chamber divided into two sub-chambers 10A and 10B by an intermediate wall 154. [Figure 5b] Figure 5a shows the compression force receiver 1 of the forging device 9, including the front longitudinal section and rear section of the first device component 111, which includes connection lines 50A, 50B connected on one side to related sub-chambers 10A, 10 and on the other side to related sensors 51A, 51B. [Figure 6a] This is a diagram of a forging device 9 including two compression force receivers 1X and 1Y, for example, as shown in Figure 2, which are coaxially aligned with each other. [Figure 6b] Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view of the forging device in the vertical longitudinal direction. [Figure 7a] Figure 1a shows an inventive forging device 9, which includes a preferably designed base 2 that can be shape-fitted to a seat element 3. [Figure 7b] Figure 7a is a cross-sectional view of the seat element 3 in the vertical longitudinal direction. [Figure 7c] Figure 7a shows an inventive training device 9 inserted into the seat element 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0055] Figure 1a shows a training device 9 according to the present invention that is suitable for training parts of the user's body, particularly the hip muscles, gluteal muscles, pelvic muscles, or arm muscles.

[0056] The training device 9 includes a compression force receiver 1, which is deformable under the influence of muscle force and is manufactured seamlessly or consists of a first device component 111 and a second device component 121. The compression force receiver 1 comprises a first receiver component 11 and a second receiver component 12 whose lower side is connected to a base 2.

[0057] In Figure 1a, a first dotted line s1 is drawn along the compressive force receiver 1, separating the first receiver component 11 and the second receiver component 12 of the compressive force receiver 1. The second dotted line s2 indicates the connection line between the first device component 111 and the second device component 121 that form the compressive force receiver 1 when the compressive force receiver 1 is not manufactured seamlessly. Thus, the first dotted line s1 relates to the separation of components of the compressive force receiver 1 that have different functions and characteristics. On the other hand, the second dotted line s2 relates to the assembly or manufacture of the compressive force receiver 1, which may be seamless or composed of several device components. In a preferred embodiment, the dashed lines s1 and s2 may coincide. In that case, the receiver components 11 and 12 correspond precisely to the device components 111 and 121.

[0058] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the first receiver component 11 and the second receiver component 12, and optionally the first device component 111 and the second device component 112, surround a pressure chamber 10 filled with a gel-like, liquid, or gaseous medium. The first receiver component 11 and the second receiver component 12 are shown to be integrally connected to each other in the region of the first dotted line s1. The second line s2 indicates the connection line between the first device component 111 and the second device component 121, which are shape-fitted and force-fitted to each other by adhesive.

[0059] A measuring sensor 51 is provided to measure the pressure of the medium, and this measuring sensor 51 is located on the underside of the pressure chamber 10 and is optionally connected wirelessly or wired to a computer system 90, such as a tablet computer or mobile phone, by a measuring line 99. The computer system 90 records and analyzes the measurement data so that feedback can be provided to the user. The measuring sensor 51 is located on an electronic circuit board 55, which may also be provided with a temperature sensor 52, which is used to measure the temperature of the medium.

[0060] The first receiving component 11 of the compressive force receiver 1, which is elastically deformable under the impact of the user's muscles, includes a wall system 15 for absorbing muscle force, the wall system 15 also partitions the pressure chamber 10 at its top and laterally.

[0061] The second receiving component 12, which is connected to the base 2 by shape fitting and / or force fitting, includes a bottom unit 16 that partitions the lower part of the pressure chamber 10 and connects upward to the wall system 15. The second receiving component 12 has lower elasticity than the first receiving component 11, preferably parallel to the direction in which the muscle force acts.

[0062] Figure 1a shows that the forging device 9 is compact and has a wrinkle- and crack-free surface. Therefore, the compression force receiver 1 cannot be seen from the outside. Thus, the forging device 9 can be manufactured in a shape that is advantageous in design and optimally suited to the user's anatomical structure. Furthermore, the forging device 9 can be thoroughly cleaned within seconds so that hygiene is guaranteed even in the case of intensive use by several users.

[0063] Figure 1a shows a force (arrow F) being applied to the longer, opposing side wall 152 of the wall system 15. The first device component 111 is preferably made of a particularly elastic material and / or has a thin wall so that the upper side of the first receiver component 11 or the upper side of the wall system 15 is optimally adapted to the user's anatomical structure and so that optimal contact with all muscle groups is always ensured.

[0064] Figure 1b shows the forging device 9 of Figure 1a in a further preferred embodiment, in which the compression force receiver 1 extends along a curve at the front toward the base 2. Thus, the compression force receiver 1 can be molded as desired to achieve a desired aesthetic or functional effect, or to adapt to the anatomical structure of a desired user.

[0065] Figure 1c shows the forging device 9 of Figure 1a in an exploded view including a cross-section through the second device component 121, the second device component 121 including the second receiver component 12 and a portion of the first receiver component 11, the first receiver component 11 being covered by the first device component 111 which forms the remainder of the first receiver component 11. The interconnected first device component 111 and the second device component 121 surround the pressure chamber 10, which is accessible only through the transfer opening 101.

[0066] The second device component 121 is shown to have a circumferential groove 1210 on its upper side, which functions to receive a circumferential groove provided on the lower side of the first device component 111. Thus, a shape-fit connection is created, which is preferably sealed and fixed with an adhesive. Of course, other types of connections may also be used, preferably including molded parts.

[0067] Valve 6 is inserted into the transfer opening 101, through which a gas, liquid, or gel-like medium is introduced into the pressure chamber 10. Preferably, valve 6 is used that incorporates a sensor or pressure sensor 51 suitable for measuring the medium pressure. Furthermore, pressure sensor 51 is shown symbolically, and this pressure sensor 51 is located inside the pressure chamber 10 and in direct contact with the medium, connected by a medium line outside the pressure chamber 10, or incorporated into valve 6.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, a pressure sensor 51 having associated electronic devices, preferably including at least one processor and a communication module such as a Bluetooth® module, is incorporated into the pressure chamber 10. Thus, a medium provided within the pressure chamber 10, such as oil or gas, adapts well to the corresponding module. However, if interaction with the medium should be avoided, the electronic module may be sealed.

[0069] The second device component 121 comprises a stable bottom unit 16 of the pressure chamber 10, thus forming a second receiver component 12 that hardly deforms under the influence of muscle force during movement. The second receiver component 12 or bottom unit 16 of the second device component 121 is provided with a molding element 128 on its lower side, which can be shape-fitted to an upper molding element 28 on the base 2. A shape element 128, exemplary formed as a dovetail, can be inserted into a complementary shape element 28 on the base 2.

[0070] The first receiving component 11 or wall system 15 of the compression force receiver 1 is attached to the bottom unit 16 of the second receiving component 12. The wall system 15 includes portions of the first device component 111 and the second device component 121, and specifically includes side walls 152 of the wall system 15 that are integrally formed on the bottom unit 16 and provided for absorbing muscle force.

[0071] Due to the properties of the material, particularly the relatively thin thickness of the side walls 152 compared to the thickness of the bottom unit 16, the wall system 15 is relatively deformable when a muscular force is applied at least perpendicular to the side walls 152, and therefore the wall system 15 is essentially maintained in shape by the back pressure of a medium, preferably continuously measured.

[0072] Figure 1c further shows that the side wall 152 is provided with one or more receiving openings 110 into which structural elements 41 for reinforcing, shaping, or dimensioning the wall system 15 can be inserted. The schematicly shown structural elements 41 may be used to stabilize and / or widen the corresponding side wall 152.

[0073] Therefore, the user can adapt the training device 9 to her current needs with little effort. For example, at the beginning of the training period, high flexibility of the side walls 152 may be desired. After strengthening the muscular system through intensive training, the user may desire a wall system 15 with reduced flexibility, which can be achieved by inserting structural elements 41.

[0074] If the wall system 15 is excessively narrow at the start of forging, the structural element 41 can be used to increase the thickness or strength of the side wall 152. Thus, the structural element 41 can be advantageously used to dimension the compressive force receiver 1.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, a lockable receiving opening 110 is provided into which a medium, for example, the medium of the pressure chamber 10, can be introduced. The receiving opening 110 is provided as an auxiliary chamber into which air can be drawn, for example, by an air pump. Thus, the user can pressurize air into the auxiliary chamber 110 and then allow the air to leak out through the valve 6 until the wall system 15 reaches a desired dimension. The dimensions of the wall system 15 can be substantially altered by one auxiliary chamber 110 or by two symmetrically arranged auxiliary chambers 110. Particularly advantageous, the auxiliary chamber 110 may be provided within the first device component 111. A gas, liquid, or gel-like medium can be introduced into the auxiliary chamber 110, preferably through a transfer opening 1110 provided together with the valve 6, in order to alter the dimensions of the first device component 111 and to adapt the upper region of the compression force receiver 1 to the user's anatomical structure.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure in at least one of the auxiliary chambers 110 can also be measured. On the one hand, this allows the selected dimensionality of the wall system 15 to be inspected. On the other hand, it is possible to individually measure various impacts on the wall system 15. Within the auxiliary chambers 110 provided within the first device component 111, forces acting vertically from above on the wall system 15 can be measured in particular. Measuring these vertically acting forces allows for the determination of whether the user is in a normal posture. Furthermore, the measurement and evaluation of forces acting laterally on the side wall 152 can be modified to take into account the vertically acting forces. If a greater force is applied to the pressure receiver from above, the pressure in the pressure chamber 10 can increase without any muscle force being applied to the side wall 152.

[0077] The described options for modifying the design of the compression force receiver 1 support the essential advantages of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 1d shows the forging device 9 from Figure 1a in a vertical cross-sectional view along its longitudinal axis, with the valve 6 removed from the transfer opening 101.

[0079] Figure 2 shows the forging device 9 of Figure 1d, which includes a wall system 15 having a front wall 151 and a rear wall 153 connected to a side wall 152. The front wall is shown to be thicker than the side wall 152, which is slightly thinner than the rear wall 153. Together, the front wall 151, the rear wall 153, and the side wall 152 form the wall system 15 in the form of a dome, with its lower side closed by the bottom unit 16 of the second receiving component 12 or the second device component 121.

[0080] In the bottom unit 16, the reinforcing element 4 is inserted into the longitudinal opening 120 of the second receiver component 12. By inserting the rod-shaped reinforcing element 4, the stability of the second receiver component 12 or the bottom unit 16 can be substantially increased. Furthermore, by inserting one or more reinforcing elements 4 into the second receiver component 12 or the bottom unit 16, the compressive force receiver 1 can be lifted accordingly. On the rear side, the reinforcing element 4 is provided with a head piece 41 that stabilizes the rear wall 153 and optionally covers the rear wall 153. The head piece is shown by a dotted line as a plate 41 that optionally connects to the rear wall 153.

[0081] After the reinforcing element 4 is removed, the bottom unit 16 and the rear wall 153 shrink by the amount of the reinforcing element 4.

[0082] Figure 2 further illustrates that the wall system 15 may include a transfer slot 1510, through which a mold element 100 (shown as a dot) used to form the pressure chamber 10 may be removed after the compression force receiver 1 has been manufactured. For example, an inflated forming element 100 that can be cut open and removed through the transfer slot 1510 may be used.

[0083] Figure 3a shows the forging device 9 of Figure 1a in a further preferred design, including a base 2 extended to form a seat. A second receiving component 12 provides a stable connection between the compression force receiver 1 and the base 2, and the base 2 has wings 25 projecting far outward on both sides to form an elastic seat base. A base plate 20 is provided beneath the base 2 to ensure a non-slip connection between the base 2 and the support surface. The base plate 20 is, for example, a rubber or plastic plate that is securely or detachably connected to the base 2.

[0084] Figure 3b shows an exploded view of the training device 9 shown in Figure 3a.

[0085] As already mentioned above, Figure 4 shows the forging device 9 of Figure 1a, including a quarter cross-sectional view aimed at the connection opening 102 in the second receiving component 12 connected to sensors 51 and 52 by a connecting tube 50. Instead of the connecting tube 50, a connecting channel may be provided within the compression force receiver 1, for example, molded within the bottom unit 16.

[0086] Sensors 51 and 52 may be arranged on a circuit board 55, on which further electronic components and, optionally, a storage battery or battery may be provided. For example, a transmitter module is provided that wirelessly transmits the measured values ​​to a computer system 90. For example, a Bluetooth® connection is automatically established between the training device 9 and the computer system 90.

[0087] As shown in Figure 4, the base 2 can be coplanar with the underside of the compression receiver 1, or it can partially overlap the underside of the compression receiver 1. In an optional embodiment, the base 2 covers part of the bottom unit 16 and the wall system 15 by a lip 21. Alternatively, the bottom unit 16 can also cover the front and / or rear sides of the compression receiver 1 by wall elements 22. These optional elements allow the compression receiver 1 to be held and / or stabilized by geometry. Thus, the compression receiver 1 can be connected to the base 2 by geometry only.

[0088] The base 2 shown in the cross-sectional view, and the optional additional parts 21 and 22, are shown with the same hatching.

[0089] Figure 5a shows a cross-sectional view of the forging device 9 of Figure 1a, which in this preferred embodiment has a pressure chamber divided into two sub-chambers 10A and 10B by an intermediate wall 154. The two sub-chambers 10A and 10B can be connected to each other through openings in the intermediate wall 154 or can be completely isolated from each other. The intermediate wall 154 stabilizes the compressive force receiver 1 with respect to vertical forces acting from above without reducing the elasticity of the compressive force receiver 1 with respect to forces acting from the side.

[0090] Figure 5b shows the compression force receiver 1 of the training device 9 of Figure 5a, including a longitudinal section of the rear section and a cross-section of the front section of the first device component 111. It is shown that connecting lines 50A, 50B are connected on the one hand to the associated sub-chamber 10A or 10B and on the other hand to the associated sensors 51A, 51B. Sensors 51A, 51B can measure asymmetric impacts to the compression force receiver 1, and corresponding corrective means can be initiated. The user may be advised to correct their seating posture and to move their muscles evenly.

[0091] Figure 6a shows a training device 9 including, for example, two compression force receivers 1X and 1Y according to Figure 2, where the compression force receivers 1X and 1Y are coaxially aligned with each other. Preferably, the compression force receivers 1X and 1Y have different properties so that training can be performed using either the first compression force receiver 1X or the second compression force receiver 1Y as needed. For example, the first compression force receiver 1X is more elastic than the second compression force receiver 1Y. The two compression force receivers 1X and 1Y may also have different dimensions or be adapted to work specific muscle groups.

[0092] Figure 6b shows a vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view of the forging device of Figure 5a, which includes separate pressure chambers 10X and 10Y, each equipped with a valve 6 and sensors 51X and 51Y, respectively.

[0093] Figure 7a shows an inventive forging device 9, as shown in Figure 1a, including a preferably designed base 2 that can be shape-fitted into a seat element 3. The seat element 3 has a saddle shape and includes a receiving channel 30 along its longitudinal axis into which the forging device 9 is inserted and appropriately positioned. The base 2 of the compression force receiver 1 is provided with grooves 27 on both sides, into which wing elements 37 oriented in opposite directions and provided in the receiving channel 30 can engage. An optional grid 38 is provided on the underside of the receiving channel 30, and this grid 38 corresponds to a stopper on the underside of the base 2. As soon as the user sits on the compression force receiver 9, the latch mechanisms 28, 38 engage with each other and lock the compression force receiver in their respective positions. By reducing the applied weight, the compression force receiver 1 can be released from the latches 38, moved, and re-locked. Preferably, the receiving channel 30 is inclined so that the height of the forging device 9 is also changed by the displacement of the forging device 9.

[0094] Figure 7b shows a vertical longitudinal section of the seat element 3 of Figure 7a, including the grid 38 and the wing element 37.

[0095] Figure 7c shows the inventive training device 9 inserted into the seat element 3 of Figure 7a.

[0096] Figure 7a further shows a training device 9 that is also suitable for training the hand or arm muscles. The compression force receiver 1 can be compressed with one hand or between both hands to strengthen the hand or arm muscles.

Claims

1. A training device (9) for training the pelvic floor muscles and, if applicable, other parts of the user's body, A compression force receiver (1) comprises a pressure chamber (10) that is deformable under the impact of muscle force and has a gel-like, liquid, or gaseous medium provided inside, A base (2) that is capable of being supported on a support surface on one side and functions to hold the compressive force receiver (1) on the other side, At least one sensor (51), such as a pressure sensor or force sensor, which is in contact with the medium and can be used to measure the pressure of the medium in the pressure chamber (10) and Equipped with, The compression force receiver (1) comprises an elastically deformable first receiver component (11) and a second receiver component (12) that are connected to each other by shape fitting, force fitting, or integrally. The first receiving component (11) functions to receive the muscle force and includes a wall system (15) that partitions the pressure chamber (10) at its top and at least partially laterally. The second receiving component (12) comprises a bottom unit (16) that partitions the lower part of the pressure chamber (10) and is adjacent to the wall system (15), Preferably, the second receiving component (12) has lower elasticity than the first receiving component (11) in a direction parallel to the direction in which the muscle force acts. The second receiving component (12) is releasably connected to the base (2) by shape fitting, force fitting, or integrally, and The sensor (51), and optionally the device components associated with the sensor (51), are located outside the pressure chamber (10) and are in direct contact with the medium outside the pressure chamber (10) that is delivered to the sensor (51; 51A, 51B) outside the pressure chamber (10) through a connecting channel or through a connecting hose or connecting tube (50, 50A, 50B). A training device (9) characterized by the following.

2. The training device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the wall system (15) comprises two side walls (152) that function to receive the muscle force, the side walls (152) extending upward toward each other and being integrally connected to each other at their upper ends.

3. a) The two side walls (152) extend toward and connect to each other on the front and / or rear sides, or b) The two side walls (152) are connected to the front wall (153) at the front and / or to the rear wall (151) at the rear. A training device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The forging device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the two side walls (152) have a uniform or non-uniform, preferably continuously or progressively changing thickness over the entire area, and / or the wall system (15) is individually manufactured according to the user's requirements.

5. The forging device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wall system (15) or the bottom unit (16) has at least one transfer opening (101) through which the medium can be introduced into the pressure chamber (10), preferably provided with an access valve (6), and the transfer opening (101) also functions as a connection opening (102) for the sensors (51; 51A, 51B).

6. a) The sensor (51), or b) The sensor (51) including related electronic circuits and a communication module for wireless or wired communication, or c) The sensor (51) including the associated electronic circuit and communication module for wireless or wired communication, and a storage battery, or d) The sensor (51) including the associated electronic circuitry and a communication module for wireless or wired communication, and a rechargeable battery and charging coil. The forging device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is arranged outside or inside the pressure chamber (10).

7. The forging device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wall system (15) or the bottom unit (16) preferably has at least one connection opening or connection channel (102), and a connecting wire is led through the connection opening or the connection channel (102) to the sensor (51) or the associated electronic circuit inside the pressure chamber (10).

8. The wall system (15) comprises at least one intermediate wall (154) that divides the pressure chamber (10) into sub-chambers (10A, 10B), the sub-chambers (10A, 10B) are interconnected by openings through which the medium can pass, and can be filled together with the medium through transfer openings (101; 102), or The wall system (15) has at least one intermediate wall (154) that divides the pressure chamber (10) into sub-chambers (10A, 10B), and the sub-chambers (10A, 10B) are isolated from each other and can each be separately filled with the medium through transfer openings (101; 102). A training device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the above.

9. The forging device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first receiving component (11) has at least one receiving opening (110), such as a pocket that is closed outward, or a receiving opening (110), such as a receiving groove that is open outward, and at least one structuring element (41), preferably made of metal or plastic, is insertable into the receiving opening (110), and the structuring element (41) allows the wall system (15) to be modified with respect to dimensions and / or strength.

10. The forging device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the second receiving component (12) has at least one receiving opening (120), such as a pocket that is closed outward, or a receiving opening (120), such as a receiving groove that is open outward, and at least one reinforcing element (4), preferably made of metal or plastic, is insertable into the receiving opening (120) for reinforcing the second receiving component (12) or for adjusting the height of the compression force receiver (1).

11. A forging device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least two compression force receivers (1A, 1B) having the same or different compression ratios are preferably arranged coaxially front to back and preferably connected to each other by a common base (2).

12. The training device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the base (2) is designed as a seat, or the base (2) is seamlessly connected to a seat element (3) or is detachably connected by shape fitting, and the seat, or preferably the symmetrically designed seat element (3), preferably has the shape of a saddle.

13. The forging device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the seat element (3) has a receiver channel (30) along its central axis, the receiver channel (30) extends straight or diagonally, the base (2) including the compression force receiver (1) is insertable into the receiver channel (30), and the base (2) is held within the receiver channel (30) in a shape-fit, displaceable and lockable manner.

14. The forging device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the first receiving component (11) and the second receiving component (12) are made of the same or different materials, and / or the second receiving component (12) and the base (2) are made of the same or different materials.

15. The first receiving component (11) is made of a first elastomer such as silicone, or rubber, and / or The second receiving component (12) is made of a second elastomer such as silicone, rubber, or plastic such as polycarbonate, and / or The base (2) is made of a third elastomer such as silicone, rubber, or polycarbonate. A training device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by the above.

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