A device for performing physical exercise, especially 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] This invention relates to an apparatus for physical exercise, particularly motor rehabilitation exercises. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of physical and motor activity, feedback on the parameters of the movements performed is useful, or, if necessary, physical exercise is commonly performed.

[0003] In the field of motor rehabilitation, the parameters mentioned above are particularly useful for evaluating the progress of patients during rehabilitation, or for assessing the motor status and abilities of individuals with motor impairments.

[0004] A wide variety of machines and devices are commercially available for physical exercises involving the lower and upper limbs, and generally all parts of the body. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] These devices or machines are often quite complex and expensive, and are therefore limited to professional use. Furthermore, due to their high purchase cost, not every center and / or specialist in this field can afford to own more than one of these machines.

[0006] Furthermore, in the fields of exercise rehabilitation and fitness, there are many physical exercises that involve movements and actions that can be performed with very simple instruments or equipment, such as balls or sticks. Typically, such simple and inexpensive equipment does not provide instrumental data that provides information or parameters related to the actions, such as the force exerted or the movement itself.

[0007] U.S. Patent Application Publication 2010 / 130315 describes a ball bladder, particularly for use in football games, equipped with electronic components. The problem is to connect various types of electronic components symmetrically arranged within the bladder to prevent the ball from losing balance and to protect internal connecting wires from damage due to the stresses the ball experiences. The bladder features a valve located at one pole, incorporating various colored LEDs. On the opposite pole of the bladder is an electronic component containing a pressure sensor and battery. The LEDs illuminate to indicate the appropriate pressure range for ball use. The LEDs in the valve and the electronic component are connected by wiring along the inner wall of the bladder.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 5,888,156 describes a ball with an internal light source. One embodiment of the ball includes an outer shell having a translucent portion and an inflatable inner bladder positioned inside the outer shell. A lighting element is positioned between the inner inflatable bladder and the outer shell. In another embodiment, the device includes an outer shell having a translucent portion and an inflatable inner bladder positioned inside the outer shell and having a translucent portion, or having only the outer shell having a translucent portion. The lighting element has a first portion positioned inside the inner inflatable bladder and a second portion that engages in a sealed manner with the inner inflatable bladder or the outer shell. The lighting element comprises a light, a battery, a switch, and wires. The switch consists of an element that can be screwed into the body of the lighting element and is designed to press the contacts of the battery poles to close the circuit.

[0009] Given this background, there is a need for a device for physical exercise, particularly for exercise rehabilitation, that is easy to use and provides at least high-quality feedback on the movements performed by the user.

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to propose a physical exercise device that overcomes the limitations of known technology.

[0011] In particular, an objective of the present invention is to propose a device that can be grasped with the upper or lower limbs and is designed to display the "squeezing" force applied to the device body.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used by the user in the same way as similar conventional devices.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to propose a device that provides feedback that is easily perceptible to both the user and the controller, such as a trainer or physical therapist.

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

[0015] Finally, a further objective of the present invention is to provide a user-friendly, robust, and reliable device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] The above-mentioned objective is achieved by the physical exercise device for exercise rehabilitation described in claim 1.

[0017] According to the present invention, the apparatus comprises a body having a casing defining an internal chamber. The internal chamber may contain pressurized air, or, if necessary, another suitable gas such as nitrogen. The casing is formed of a material that is at least partially translucent or optionally transparent, and at least partially flexible.

[0018] The pressure in the internal chamber allows the flexible parts of the main body to maintain their shape stably when there is no external force, but at the same time, it allows the flexible parts of the main body to deform when subjected to a squeezing force applied by a person.

[0019] Typically, the pressure in the internal chamber is adjusted so that the characteristic dimensions of the flexible parts (e.g., diameter, length, etc.) are within a range 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 variation of the present invention, the entire casing is formed of a flexible material that is also completely translucent or transparent as needed.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the definition of "translucent" refers to the property of a casing material that can at least diffusely transmit light. Thus, the casing material is not completely opaque. Hereinafter, for the sake of brevity, the term "translucent" referring to the material indicates that the same may also be transparent.

[0022] The casing has an opening communicating with the chamber of the body, and a closing element for sealing the chamber is accommodated in this opening.

[0023] The closing element includes a head portion that functions as a cover for the area where the opening is provided, and a support portion that extends from the head portion toward the internal chamber. One of the above components, preferably the support portion, is designed to be coupled to the opening of the casing and provide an airtight seal for the internal chamber.

[0024] According to the present invention, at least one pressure sensor, a light source, a control unit connected to the light source and the pressure sensor, and a battery for supplying power to the above components are attached to the support portion of the closing element.

[0025] The light source is attached to the support, and when it operates, the emitted light can be seen outside the device through the translucent portion of the casing.

[0026] The pressure sensor is arranged to detect the air pressure in the chamber. The control unit is connected to the pressure sensor, receives the measured value of the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and is configured to control the operating state of the light source according to the measured value.

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

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

[0029] Since the light stimulus is visible through at least one translucent or transparent portion of the casing, it serves a feedback function to the user in relation to the pressure or gripping force applied to the casing of the device.

[0030] The device thus devised can provide the user with qualitative, immediate, and intuitive information about the motor exercise performed, particularly the force applied to the device's casing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, the form of the device body can be selected from the most suitable one depending on the mode of use, the type of exercise to be performed, and / or the body part involved. In fact, the device can be held in the hand, grasped between the arms or legs, pressed against another part of the body with the hands or feet, or pressed against an abutment element such as a wall, surface, or floor.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the body may be spherical, hemispherical, cylindrical, disc-shaped, or elliptical.

[0033] The casing may comprise a portion that can function as a support base, formed from a rigid material such as plastic or metal, and a portion made of a flexible material that is manipulated by the user; preferably, the entire casing may be formed from a flexible material.

[0034] In the initial stage, the rigid and flexible parts are joined together to ensure airtightness of the internal chamber.

[0035] Suitable materials for the flexible parts of the casing include, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or similar polymer materials.

[0036] According to a preferred modification of the present invention, the casing of the main body is provided with a valve of the type used in sports balls, for example, which can change the internal pressure of the chamber and, consequently, the rigidity of the flexible portion of the casing.

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

[0038] As mentioned above, the casing may be partially translucent or transparent, allowing the light emitted from the light source to be seen from the outside, and the entire structure may also be formed from the aforementioned materials.

[0039] According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a preferred Bluetooth® type communication module connected to a control unit.

[0040] Through a communication module, the device can communicate with external devices, such as mobile devices, computers, or dedicated accessories, to exchange data, such as transferring data acquired by a pressure sensor.

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

[0042] Preferably, the control unit is configured to program the use of the device in response to instructions provided by the user via an external device, such as an application on a smartphone or tablet (device calibration, type of exercise, quantities to consider - pressure / force, acceleration, etc.).

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

[0044] In this mode, the user can interact with the device independently without the need for external electronic devices.

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

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

[0047] The device's setting parameters may be in the form of a control map, which may be predefined and preloaded in the control unit, or it may be programmed via an external device.

[0048] The control unit may also control the light source in the manner described above to provide instructions to the user or controller regarding exercises to be performed, even when the device is not in use, i.e., when it is not being held by a user.

[0049] According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit has an operating mode that includes detecting a pressure value P0 inside the chamber when the main body of the device is not being grasped. The control unit may be configured to signal whether the initial pressure value is outside the set optimal operating range and to command the operation of the light source.

[0050] Initial values ​​are generally detected during the initial stages of device startup.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit is configured to detect the compressive / gripping force applied by the user as the difference between a pressure value P detected by a pressure sensor during exercise and an initial value P0.

[0052] In possible embodiments, the control unit may include a function to calculate the force applied by the user. The force calculation function may be linked to a calibration curve stored in the control unit.

[0053] According to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit controls a threshold or reference pressure value P that must not be exceeded during exercise, either by a predetermined user or as necessary. x It may be configured to store and set (or force) values.

[0054] This value is usually recorded before the exercise begins. According to this modification, a calibration function is implemented that requires the user to compress the body of the device with the greatest possible force or a predetermined level of force, and the relative threshold pressure value P x This is recorded by the control unit. According to this modification, the control unit controls the operation of the light source to a stored threshold P in terms of color, a predetermined flashing sequence, or a predetermined light intensity. x The system may be configured to notify the entity of the detected pressure value P via a signal.

[0055] According to another aspect of the present invention, the device may include an ambient light sensor. In a modified example, the control unit is configured to manage the light intensity generated by the light source and adjust the light intensity in accordance with the ambient light perceived inside the casing. This makes it possible to precisely control the power consumption of the lighting portion.

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

[0057] The sensor is connected to a control unit, which may also be configured to control the light source according to parameters measured by the motion sensor. The motion parameters can also be transmitted to an external device via a communication module.

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

[0059] According to another aspect of the present invention, the physical exercise device can be supplied as a kit that also includes support elements on which the device can be placed when not in use.

[0060] The support may include a housing that partially accommodates a physical exercise device and may also include, for example, magnetic or interlocking retaining means designed to couple with corresponding retaining means on the device to maintain a stable position when placed on the support.

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

[0062] In a modified example in which the physical exercise device includes a communication module, the support may also include a control unit and a communication module configured to receive data collected from the device, for example, by a pressure sensor or motion sensor, in order to exchange data with the device's control unit. For this purpose, the support's control unit preferably includes a memory module.

[0063] In a modified example where the control unit of a physical exercise device is of the programmable type, the support control unit can be programmed directly, for example, to load a program for a user-specific exercise and / or to set operating parameters, for example, a threshold pressure value P. x This allows you to set a lower or intermediate pressure value and associate it with a predetermined combination of light source blinking or color.

[0064] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of examples of possible embodiments of the physical exercise apparatus, as shown in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0065] [Figure 1] A schematic side cross-sectional view showing a physical exercise device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Schematic side cross-sectional view showing details of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Schematic side cross-sectional view showing the support and charging elements of the device in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Block diagram showing the operation of the apparatus according to the present invention [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0066] Referring to the attached drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes the entire kit, which includes a physical exercise device 10 and a support 100 on which the device is placed when not in use.

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

[0068] In the illustrated example, the body 20 has a spherical shape when in use, i.e., when the pressure value in the internal chamber 22 is within an appropriate range. However, as described above, the body 20 may be hemispherical, elliptical, or 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 introducing air, or other suitable gas as needed, into or out of the internal chamber 22.

[0069] A circular opening 24 is provided inside the main body 20, or more precisely, inside the casing 21, and a closing element, indicated by reference numeral 30, is housed within it.

[0070] Referring to Figure 2, the closing element 30 comprises a head portion 31 and a support portion 32. The region of the support element 32 closest to the head portion 31 is designed to bond with the end of the opening 24 to ensure the airtightness of the internal chamber 22. The airtight bond is preferably achieved by shape coupling without the use of sealants, adhesives, etc.

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

[0072] The closing element 30 is usually, preferably, formed from a rigid polymer material.

[0073] The support portion 32 is fitted with the following components: 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, pressure sensor, and communication module, and a battery 80 that supplies power to the above-mentioned components.

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

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

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

[0077] In a preferred modification, a charging circuit 90 including a loop or coil made of copper or equivalent material is attached to the head portion 31 area of ​​the closing element 30 and connected to the battery 80.

[0078] Figure 3 shows a schematic but more detailed view of the support 100 for the physical exercise device 10.

[0079] The support 100 comprises a base 101 having a pedestal 102 capable of housing the device 10. In the illustrated example, the pedestal 102 forms a hollow in which the body 20 of the device 10 is partially housed.

[0080] The support 100 is equipped with a current drive device 110 that can be connected to an external power supply and is designed to supply power to the electronic components mounted on the support.

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

[0082] The support 100 further comprises a control unit 130, preferably of the type described 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 touchscreen display that allows setting the operating parameters of the device 10, the latter comprising a programmable control unit, and also allows displaying useful information in real time, such as the battery charge level, the initial pressure P0 of the internal chamber 22, and the parameters of the exercise in progress.

[0083] Preferably, the base 102 region of the support 100 is provided with magnets 103 designed to interact with each magnet 34 located on the head portion 31 of the closing element 30.

[0084] Referring to Figure 4, a block diagram is shown illustrating, purely as an example, the operation of a physical exercise device according to possible modifications of the present invention.

[0085] When the device is started, the control unit calculates the initial internal pressure P0. Preferably, the value is measured by calculating the average of the pressure values ​​detected by the pressure sensor at predetermined time intervals after the device is started. Preferably, the value is appropriately filtered to reduce errors caused by extreme values.

[0086] The initial pressure value P0 is stored in the device's control unit.

[0087] Once the initial pressure detection is complete, the device will detect the threshold pressure P. x The system is ready to set the threshold pressure. According to possible embodiments, the threshold pressure is measured during a cycle or repetition of exercise performed by the user, or according to specific calibration commands given by the input / output interface. At this stage, the user applies maximum or less force, depending on the type and purpose of the exercise. The maximum pressure value reached is set by the control unit to threshold P x It will be stored as such.

[0088] The control unit is programmed to control the light source according to a threshold and pressure value P measured at a predetermined moment. In the illustrated example, the control unit controls the threshold P x The system includes a programmed map (color map) that can control the switching on of a light source in a predetermined color according to the ratio of the pressure value P to a given value. This map may be fixed, i.e., preloaded into the control unit, or it may be programmable if the control unit is of a programmable type.

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

[0090] During the user's exercise, the pressure value P detected at a predetermined moment is the threshold P. xIf it is higher, the control unit can generate a signal through the light source and appropriately notify the user. The signal is a specific color or blinking pattern of the light source that the user knows in advance.

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

[0092] If it is planned, the control unit may have a computing function that uses a calibration curve to calculate the instantaneous value of the force applied to the main body of the device.

[0093] The above are merely illustrative of possible embodiments of the device. As described above, the device may have additional accessory functions, such as providing instructions to the user regarding the exercise to be performed by using the light source as a message carrier, or measuring and presenting other motion parameters of the device.

[0094] Although the present invention has been described according to some preferred embodiments, this is for illustrative purposes only and is non-limiting. Those skilled in the art will find many other embodiments, all of which are included within the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A device (10) for physical exercise, particularly for exercise rehabilitation exercise, A body (20) having a casing (21) defining an internal chamber (22) designed to be filled with pressurized gas, wherein the casing (21) includes at least a portion made of a translucent or transparent material and at least a portion made of a flexible material, and the body (20) has at least an opening (24) communicating with the internal chamber (22), A closure element (30) housed in the opening (24) of the casing (21), which is designed to be coupled to the opening (24) of the casing (21), and which includes a head portion (31) and a support portion (32), wherein the support portion (32) extends from the head portion (31) toward the internal chamber (22), Equipped with, The device (10) is further attached to the support portion (32), At least one pressure sensor (40) and At least one light source (50), A control unit (70) connected to the light source and the pressure sensor, A battery (80) that supplies power to the above-mentioned components, Equipped with, The pressure sensor (40) is positioned to detect the pressure value (P) inside the internal chamber (22), The control unit (70) is Upon receiving the measured value of the aforementioned pressure (P), It is configured to store and set the threshold pressure value (Px), Includes an initial calibration function that receives the threshold pressure value (Px) before the start of the exercise, Furthermore, during use of the device (10), the operating state of at least one light source (50) is controlled to signal the entity of the detected pressure value (P) in a predetermined color, predetermined flashing sequence, or predetermined light intensity, according to the stored threshold pressure value (Px). The threshold pressure value (Px) corresponds to the maximum or predetermined level of compressive force applied by the user. Apparatus (10).

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

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

5. The control unit (70) is of the programmable type. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1.

6. The control unit (70) includes a function to calculate the 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 apparatus (10) according to claim 1.

7. The light source (50) is an RGB LED type or an 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 apparatus (10) according to claim 4.

8. The charging circuit (90) for the battery (80) includes at least one coil or loop formed of a conductive material placed on the head portion (31) of the closing element (30), or electrical contacts protruding from the outer surface of the head portion (31), The apparatus (10) according to claim 1.

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

10. A kit (1) comprising the apparatus (10) according to claim 3, 5, or 8, The support (100) comprises a control unit (130) and a wireless 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 to program the operating parameters of the control unit (70). Kit (1).

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