Ring trainer for training sensorimotor functions

Abstract

This utility model relates to sports training equipment and devices for performing physical exercises and can be used primarily for training sensorimotor functions, motor coordination, and exercises involving the muscles of the hand, forearm, shoulder girdle, and posture. The utility model is a ring-based exercise machine for training sensorimotor functions, comprising a ring-shaped element with an internal cavity and a spherical element movably positioned within the internal cavity. The ring-shaped element is formed as a housing consisting of first and second ring-shaped portions connected to form a closed ring-shaped channel, the cross-section of which is shaped like a rounded octagon. The ring-shaped portions are equipped with connecting and positioning elements that ensure precise mutual alignment of the ring-shaped portions when connected.The dimensions of the annular channel and the ball element are selected to ensure contact between the ball element and the walls of the annular channel in limited, localized areas. The annular element is designed to be held by the user directly by the outer surface of the annular portions. The technical challenge lies in creating a ring-shaped exercise device that ensures stable movement of the ball element along a closed annular channel while reducing resistance to its movement. The technical result consists of ensuring stable movement of the ball element along a closed annular channel while reducing resistance to its movement.

Description

[0001] Technical field

[0002] This utility model relates to sports training equipment and devices for physical exercise. It can be primarily used to train sensorimotor functions and motor coordination, as well as for exercises involving the muscles of the hand, forearm, shoulder girdle, and posture. Furthermore, the utility model can be used in general physical training, sports training, and physical rehabilitation.

[0003] Technology Level

[0004] A device called an Activity Ring having one or more balls is known (US Patent No. US 12226685 B2, published 02 / 18 / 2025), which relates to devices for physical exercises and contains a body of a predominantly circular shape with a cavity in which at least one spherical object is placed, wherein the cavity is configured to move said spherical object when the device is rotated, scrolled or unscrewed by the user, in one embodiment the ends of the body are provided with connecting means for closing the body [3]. Features coinciding with the claimed utility model are the purpose for performing physical exercises, the presence of an annular or predominantly circular shape, the presence of an internal cavity and the placement of a spherical element in it with the ability to move.

[0005] A Hula hoop device is known (patent no. US 6431939 B1 USA, published 13.08.2002), which is a hoop with a tubular annular body, in the cavity of which a filler is placed, leaving free space, and metal balls that are capable of actively rolling inside the cavity can be used as a solid-phase filler, in one embodiment, the hoop has a polygonal, in particular octagonal, profile [4]. Features that coincide with the claimed utility model are the purpose for physical exercises, the annular shape, the presence of an internal cavity and the presence of a movable element located in it, capable of moving inside the cavity.

[0006] A device called an "Exercising Ball" is known (patent no. US 20090029833 A1 USA, published 01 / 29 / 2009), comprising an elastic spherical body with an internal chamber containing movable elements, including spherical steel balls capable of moving within the chamber as the user performs exercises [1]. When the device moves along a horizontal circular trajectory, the said elements are held against the inner surface of the body and roll relative to it. Features coinciding with the claimed utility model are the purpose for performing physical exercises, the presence of a body with an internal cavity and the placement of a movable ball element within it.

[0007] A known ring trainer for training in developing impaired hand movements in patients of a neurological clinic (patent No. RU 174960 U1 RF, published on 13.11.2017), comprising an extendable handle, at the end of which a tubular holder is rigidly fixed, in the opening of which a transparent ring made of a transparent plastic tube is installed with the ability to rotate, while a metal ball is placed inside the ring with the ability to move along the internal cavity of the ring [2]. Features coinciding with the claimed utility model are the purpose for training the coordination of movements and performing physical exercises, the annular shape of the working element, the presence of an internal cavity and the placement of a metal ball element with the ability to move inside it.

[0008] The device according to patent RU 174960 U1 is the closest to the claimed utility model, since it, like the claimed utility model, relates to ring trainers and contains a ring element with an internal cavity, inside which a metal ball element is placed with the ability to move during the user's movements.

[0009] The claimed utility model differs from the prototype in that its body is made of two annular parts connected to form a closed annular channel. It does not contain a separate handle. The channel cross-section is shaped like a rounded octagon, and the annular parts are equipped with connecting and positioning elements that ensure precise mutual arrangement of the parts when connected. In the prototype, by contrast, the working annular element is made in the form of a transparent plastic tube mounted on a holder with a handle, and the features of two annular parts, positioning elements, and a channel with a rounded octagonal cross-section are absent.

[0010] The technical problem addressed by the claimed utility model is the creation of a ring-shaped simulator with a ball element located inside it, ensuring stable movement of the ball element along a closed annular channel while reducing resistance to its movement due to the channel geometry and precise relative positioning of the annular parts. This technical problem has not been solved by known analogues, including the prototype, since they do not include a set of features including a housing made of two connected annular parts, their formation of a closed annular channel, the channel cross-section being shaped as a rounded octagon, and the presence of connecting and positioning elements ensuring the precise formation of said channel.

[0011] Disclosure of the essence of the utility model

[0012] The technical problem that the claimed utility model is aimed at solving is the creation of a ring simulator with a ball element placed inside, which ensures stable movement of the ball element along a closed ring channel while reducing the resistance to its movement.

[0013] The technical result consists in ensuring stable movement of a ball element along a closed annular channel while reducing the resistance to its movement by making the channel cross-section in the shape of a rounded octagon and precise mutual positioning of the connected annular parts.

[0014] The technical results associated with the specified technical result are the formation of localized areas of contact of the ball element with the channel walls during movement, a reduction in the length of the area of ​​interaction of the ball element with the channel walls in the direction of its movement, a reduction in contact losses during its movement, and the provision of the possibility of achieving and maintaining a higher angular velocity of the ball element with the same user action.

[0015] The technical result is achieved in that the ring-shaped exercise device for training sensorimotor functions comprises two ring-shaped housing parts connected to each other to form a closed ring-shaped channel, and a ball-shaped element positioned within said channel and capable of movement therethrough. The channel's cross-section is shaped like a rounded octagon, and the ring-shaped parts are provided with connecting and positioning elements that ensure precise mutual arrangement of the ring-shaped parts when connected. The ring-shaped element is designed to be held by the user directly by the outer surface of the ring-shaped parts. The dimensions of the channel and the ball-shaped element are selected such that, as the ball-shaped element moves along the channel, its contact with the channel walls occurs in limited, localized areas.Designing the channel cross-section as a rounded octagon, compared to a circular cross-section, reduces the geometric fit of the ball element with the channel's inner surface and shortens the length of their contact area in the direction of the ball element's movement. This reduces contact losses associated with rolling resistance, localized slippage, and elastic deformation of materials in the contact zone.

[0016] Precise mutual positioning of the ring-shaped parts during their connection ensures the channel geometry is maintained in the joint area and prevents the formation of misalignment of the working surfaces in this area, which would impede the stable movement of the ball element along the closed ring channel. This combination of features allows for the achievement and maintenance of higher angular velocity of the ball element with the same user input.

[0017] Thus, the set of essential features of the claimed utility model, including the implementation of a housing from two annular parts connected to each other to form a closed annular channel, the implementation of a cross-section of the channel in the form of a rounded octagon, the presence of a spherical element placed in the channel with the possibility of movement, as well as the presence of connecting and positioning elements that ensure the precise mutual arrangement of the annular parts, is sufficient to solve the specified technical problem and obtain the claimed technical result.

[0018] In specific embodiments, the channel cross-section may be shaped like a rounded polygon, with a rounded octagon being preferred. The annular portions may be made of a polymeric material. The ball element may be made of metal, preferably steel, and in specific embodiments, coated with a polymer, preferably polyurethane. The annular portions may be detachably or permanently connected, with the connecting and positioning elements in specific embodiments being groove-and-tenon designs, including those with snap-on capabilities, as well as the ability to be additionally bonded or welded.

[0019] Brief description of drawings

[0020] Fig. 1 shows the ring trainer in an assembled state.

[0021] Fig. 2 shows a disassembled ring trainer with the ring parts and the ball element separated.

[0022] Fig. 3 shows a cross-section of the ring trainer in an assembled state.

[0023] Fig. 4 shows an enlarged fragment of the connection of the ring parts.

[0024] Fig. 5 shows a diagram of the arrangement of a ball element in a channel with a rounded octagonal cross-section and localized areas of contact of the ball element with the walls of the channel.

[0025] Fig. 6 shows a comparative diagram of the nature of contact of the ball element with the walls of the channel with a round and rounded octagonal cross-section of the channel.

[0026] For consistency, the following notations are used on the figures:

[0027] 1 - the first ring part of the body;

[0028] 2 - the second ring part of the body;

[0029] 3 - ball element;

[0030] 4 - channel;

[0031] 5 - groove;

[0032] 6 - spike;

[0033] 8 - localized contact areas.

[0034] Implementation of a utility model

[0035] The utility model can be implemented in the form of a ring trainer for training sensorimotor functions, containing a first ring part of the body 1 and a second ring part of the body 2, connected to each other to form a closed ring channel 4, inside which a ball element 3 is placed with the ability to move along the said channel (Fig. 1-3).

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the first annular portion of the housing 1 and the second annular portion of the housing 2 are made of a polymeric material, such as ABS plastic, HIPS, or polypropylene, using molding or additive manufacturing methods known in the art. The spherical element 3 is made of metal, preferably steel, and in particular embodiments may be provided with a polymer coating, preferably polyurethane. The connecting and positioning elements are formed integrally with the annular portions of the housing and, in a particular embodiment, are implemented in the form of a groove 5 and a tenon 6 (Fig. 4). These elements may be configured to be detachably connected, including by snapping, or to be permanently connected with additional gluing or welding. Means for making such connections are known in the art.

[0037] In one specific embodiment, the outer diameter of the ring trainer is 323.4 mm, the inner dimension of the channel is selected based on the placement of a ball element with a diameter of 36 mm, the mass of the ball element is 192 g, the wall thickness of the annular parts of the housing is 2.6 mm. The cross-section of the channel 4 is made in the form of a rounded octagon (Fig. 3, 5). The dimensions of the channel 4 and the ball element 3 are selected such that when the ball element 3 moves along the channel, its contact with the walls of the channel is carried out along limited localized sections 8 (Fig. 5). In particular embodiments, other dimensions of the ring trainer and the ball element can be used, provided that the design of the channel with a rounded octagonal cross-section and the nature of the interaction of the ball element with the walls of the channel are maintained, in which the contact of the ball element with the walls of the channel is carried out along limited localized sections.

[0038] The simulator is assembled as follows. Ball element 3 is placed in the cavity of one of the annular housing parts, after which the first annular housing part 1 and the second annular housing part 2 are aligned. In this case, pin 6 is inserted into groove 5, which ensures precise mutual arrangement of the annular parts when they are connected (Fig. 4). After connecting the annular parts, a closed annular channel 4 is formed, within which ball element 3 is able to continuously move along a closed trajectory. In the detachable version, the annular parts are held in place by snapping the connecting elements. In the non-detachable version, after aligning the annular parts, they are additionally glued or welded using known techniques.

[0039] In its static state, the assembled exercise machine consists of a closed annular body without a separate handle. The annular element is designed to be held by the user directly by the outer surface of the annular parts. During use, the user holds the machine with one or both hands, imparting rotational and oscillatory motions to it. Under the influence of inertia, ball element 3 begins to move along channel 4. In the operating mode that ensures the technical result is achieved, ball element 3 performs stable, continuous movement along closed annular channel 4.

[0040] The possibility of obtaining the technical result is confirmed by a theoretical justification based on the channel geometry, as well as by testing a prototype made according to the specified example of implementation.

[0041] The design of the cross-section of the channel 4 in the form of a rounded octagon ensures the formation of localized areas of its contact with the walls of the channel during the movement of the ball element 3, which is shown in Fig. 5. Compared to a circular cross-section of the channel, this shape reduces the geometric consistency of the ball element 3 with the inner surface of the channel 4 and shortens the length of the area of ​​their interaction in the direction of movement of the ball element, which is schematically shown in Fig. 6. As a result, contact losses associated with rolling resistance, local slippage and elastic deformation of materials in the contact zone are reduced.

[0042] Further reducing these losses is facilitated by the precise relative positioning of the annular housing sections 1 and 2 when they are joined. By aligning groove 5 and pin 6, the geometry of channel 4 is maintained in the area where the annular sections meet. As a result, when ball element 3 passes through this area, there is no displacement of the working surfaces of the channel, which would impede the stable movement of the ball element along a closed path.

[0043] The prototype was tested as follows. The user held the assembled ring trainer and applied rotational and oscillatory motions to it, causing ball element 3 to move along channel 4. The criterion for achieving the technical result was stable, continuous movement of ball element 3 along the fully closed annular channel 4 without stopping at specific sections of the channel. The rotation frequency of the ball element was determined by counting the number of complete revolutions of the ball element over a 1-second interval using a video recording of the test.

[0044] Based on the results of testing the prototype, the ability to sustainably and continuously move the ball element 3 along the closed annular channel 4 and achieve a rotational speed of over 6 revolutions per second under user input was confirmed. This confirms the feasibility of achieving the claimed technical result of sustained movement of the ball element along the closed annular channel while reducing resistance to its movement, as well as the associated technical results of reducing contact losses and ensuring the ability to achieve and maintain a higher angular velocity of the ball element with the same user input.

[0045] Thus, the claimed utility model can be implemented with the implementation of the specified purpose, and the combination of its features ensures the achievement of a technical result consisting in the stable movement of a ball element along a closed annular channel while reducing the resistance to its movement due to the implementation of the channel cross-section in the form of a rounded octagon and the precise mutual positioning of the connected annular parts.

[0046] Sources of information

[0047] 1. Patent No. US 20090029833 A1 USA, IPC A63B 21 / 00. Exercising ball: No. 11 / 781,977: declared 07 / 24 / 2007: published 01 / 29 / 2009 / William LIN. - 18 p.

[0048] 2. Patent No. RU 174960 U1 RF, IPC A63B 23 / 16. Ring trainer for training in developing impaired hand movements in patients of a neurological clinic: No. 2017104301: declared 09.02.2017 published 13.11.2017 / Selyavko Leonid Evgenievich. - 12 p.

[0049] 3. Patent No. US 12226685 B2 USA, IPC A63H 33 / 02. Activity ring having one or more balls: No. 17 / 706,568: declared 03 / 28 / 2022: published 02 / 18 / 2025 / Emeka Johnson. - 20 p.

[0050] 4. Patent No. US 6431939 B1 USA, IPC A61H 7 / 00. Hula hoop: No. 09 / 654,983: declared 05.09.2000: published 13.08.2002 / Seoung June Roh, Jung Sik Roh. - 13 p.

Claims

1. A ring trainer for training sensorimotor functions, comprising a ring element with an internal cavity and a ball element placed in the internal cavity with the ability to move, characterized in that the ring element is made in the form of a housing from first and second ring parts connected to each other to form a closed ring channel, the cross-section of which is made in the form of a rounded octagon, wherein the ring parts are provided with connecting and positioning elements that ensure the precise mutual arrangement of the ring parts when they are connected, the dimensions of the ring channel and the ball element are selected to ensure contact of the ball element with the walls of the ring channel along limited localized areas, and the ring element is made with the ability to be held by the user directly by the outer surface of the ring parts.

2. A ring trainer according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the connecting and positioning elements are made in the form of a groove and tenon.

3. A ring trainer according to paragraph 2, characterized in that the groove and tenon are designed with the possibility of snapping into place.

4. A ring trainer according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the ring parts are designed with the possibility of detachable connection.

5. A ring trainer according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the ring parts are designed with the possibility of a permanent connection.

6. A ring trainer according to paragraph 5, characterized in that the ring parts are additionally connected by an adhesive joint.

7. A ring trainer according to paragraph 5, characterized in that the ring parts are additionally connected by a welded joint.

8. A ring trainer according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the ring parts are made of a polymer material.

9. A ring trainer according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the ball element is made of metal.

10. A ring trainer according to paragraph 9, characterized in that the ball element is made of steel.

11. A ring trainer according to paragraph 9, characterized in that the ball element is provided with a polymer coating.

12. A ring trainer according to paragraph 11, characterized in that the polymer coating is made of polyurethane.

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