Device for improving physical and mental coordination skills

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for improving the physical and mental coordination skills of individuals, said device comprising: a stand (2); a frame (1); a first and a second foot pedal (8a, 8b); a first and a second hand crank (9a, 9b); and at least one controllable brake (8c, 9c), wherein both foot pedals (8a, 8b) and both hand cranks (9a, 9b) can be moved independently of one another and are each connected to their own brake (8c, 9c), wherein the frame (1) is pivotably mounted on the stand (2).

Description

[0001] Device for increasing physical and mental coordination skills

[0002] The invention relates to a device for increasing the physical and mental coordination ability of persons, comprising a frame, a first and a second foot pedal, a first and a second hand crank and at least one controllable brake, wherein both foot pedals and both hand cranks are movable independently of one another and are each connected to a separate brake.

[0003] EP 3 254 733 A discloses an exercise device comprising foot pedals and hand cranks that can be operated independently of each other. The foot pedals are conventionally designed like a bicycle, while the hand cranks can also be operated independently of each other, meaning that there is no need for a fixed angular distance of 180° between the hand cranks.

[0004] The disadvantage of the known solution is that independent movement of the foot pedals is not possible and the independence of the hand cranks is only realized to a limited extent, since they can optionally be coupled with a flywheel.

[0005] US 2015 / 141200 A discloses a training device with foot pedals and levers that are operated with the arms. This makes it possible to train the extremities individually. However, a truly holistic implementation of exercises is not possible.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an alternative device with which a person's coordination skills can be further improved. In particular, a variety of movement patterns can be practiced. It is essential that the device actively supports the person in learning the movement patterns and is thus suitable not only for increasing physical strength but, in particular, for improving coordination skills.

[0007] The device according to the invention is intended to be particularly suitable for strengthening pedagogical body awareness and for implementing a perception concept.

[0008] This task is achieved by a device in which the frame is pivotally mounted on the frame. The power applied to each foot pedal and each hand crank can be adjusted independently. It has also been found that certain relationships between the left hand crank and the left foot pedal, or between the right hand crank and the right foot pedal, produce specific training effects, which can be adjusted accordingly by keeping all four elements independent of each other.

[0009] In addition, it is possible to seek and maintain balance of the entire body in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions. The inclination of the frame is preferably motor-assisted, with the difficulty level being adjustable. This enables a holistic exercise. This allows the device to tilt sideways, i.e. around a longitudinal axis, similar to a bicycle cornering, whereby the user must actively try to achieve an upright position by shifting their weight. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to allow inclination around a transverse axis, i.e. tilting forwards or backwards is possible. This provides additional stimulation for the user.

[0010] This holistic training effect is what constitutes the essence of the invention.

[0011] It's particularly advantageous if the individual brakes can be adjusted independently of each other. This allows for a variety of exercise programs, including the ability to adjust the load over time.

[0012] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that different movement patterns can be set on a control device, and that the control device specifies a resistance value for the respective foot pedal or the respective hand crank depending on the set movement pattern and the force applied by the person to the respective foot pedal and the respective hand crank. If, for example, a movement pattern stipulates that one hand crank is to be operated at a higher speed than the other hand crank, then setting corresponding speed-dependent resistance moments can encourage and achieve that the person operates the hand cranks accordingly. This is particularly helpful in an initial learning phase when the person is not yet able to perform the movement pattern independently.

[0013] Preferably, a movement pattern involves opposing movements of the two foot pedals and / or the two hand cranks. Such an exercise requires a high level of coordination and is therefore highly beneficial for the performer. Here, too, support during learning is possible and useful, for example, by blocking or making it particularly difficult to move in the wrong direction.

[0014] It is also advantageous if the two hand cranks are height-adjustable and can preferably be arranged at a height that is above the person's head. Like any training device, the device according to the invention can be adapted to the person's height. This includes not only the typical height adjustability of the seat, but also the adjustment of the hand cranks. However, this goes beyond mere adjustment to body size, as the adjustment range extends from a position in front of the person's chest to a position in which the axis of the hand cranks is above the head. It has been found that training with arms stretched upwards can be particularly effective. The above information refers to the body size of people for whom the device is suitable and designed.

[0015] The process of learning a movement pattern can be facilitated, in particular, by providing at least one motor in conjunction with the brakes, which is designed to drive a foot pedal or a hand crank. This also allows for exercises in which the foot pedals and / or hand cranks are driven and the person is responsible for braking the movement, resulting in a different training effect.

[0016] In a particularly versatile embodiment of the invention, a pivoting mechanism is provided that is designed to move the hand cranks from a first position, in which the rotational axes of the hand cranks and the foot pedals are parallel to each other, to a second position in which the rotational axes of the hand cranks and the foot pedals intersect or cross at an angle. For example, the device can also be operated in a mode in which the axis of the hand cranks is vertical.

[0017] A holistic experience can be created by providing a device for generating light and sound effects, preferably connected to a foot pedal or hand crank. This also provides visual and acoustic stimuli. The training effect can be further enhanced by optionally linking it to the movements of the foot pedals or hand cranks.

[0018] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure. The figure shows a side view of a device according to the invention. The device shown in the figure for increasing the physical and mental coordination skills of people has a frame 2 to which a frame 1 is attached, which is essentially designed in the manner of a bicycle ergometer. The frame 1 consists of a rocker 3 that extends along the longitudinal axis 10 of the device. A seat post 4 with a saddle 4a, a rear post 5 and a front column 6 are attached to the rocker 3. The seat post 4, the rear post 5 and the front column 6 are adjustable in their respective lengths by telescopic extensions 7a, 7b and 7c.

[0019] At the connection of the seat post 4 to the front column 6, a foot pedal assembly 8 is provided, on which a first foot pedal 8a and a second foot pedal 8b are arranged to rotate independently of each other. A controllable brake 8c is arranged in the foot pedal assembly 8, which counteracts the movement of each foot pedal 8a, 8b with an adjustable braking torque. This braking torque can also be different for each of the two foot pedals 8a, 8b or can also depend on the direction of rotation of the foot pedals 8a, 8b.

[0020] Analogously, a hand crank arrangement 9 is provided on the front column 6, on which a first hand crank 9a and a second hand crank 9b are arranged to be rotatable independently of one another about a common axis of rotation 9d.

[0021] A controllable brake 9c counteracts the movement of each hand crank 9a with an adjustable braking torque, which braking torque can also be different for each of the hand cranks 9a, 9b or can also depend on the direction of rotation of the two hand cranks 9a, 9b.

[0022] What is essential here is the height adjustability of the hand crank arrangement 9 including the first hand crank 9a and the second hand crank 9b via the first telescopic extension 7a.

[0023] The brakes 8c, 9c can also be equipped with motors that actively move the foot pedals 8a, 8b and the hand cranks 9a, 9b, whereby a corresponding resistance is to be offered to the movement by the person using the device.

[0024] The frame 1 is connected to the chassis 2 via a central universal joint 12, allowing both a pitching movement of the frame 1 about a transverse axis 11 and a rolling movement about a longitudinal axis 10. These movements can be controlled and limited by several stabilizers 13, some of which are shown as examples in Fig. 1. The stabilizers 13 can be passive, i.e., designed as springs and dampers, or they can be actively adjustable by motors. In any case, maintaining balance in all directions is part of the training, with the degree of difficulty being specified by adjusting the stabilizers 13.

[0025] A multimedia control 14 is provided to generate a holistic experience by outputting videos and images via a screen 15 and emitting sounds, music, etc. via loudspeakers (not shown).

[0026] A pivoting mechanism 16 on the front column 6 makes it possible to adjust the rotational axis 9d of the hand cranks 9a, 9b by pivoting the upper part of the front column 6 about the column axis 16a.

[0027] However, by an alternative design of the pivoting mechanism 16, it can also be achieved that the rotational axis 9d of the hand cranks 9a, 9b is positioned vertically.

[0028] The present invention makes it possible to achieve individual and holistic training effects, promoting both strength and coordination.

[0029] The device according to the invention successfully trains spatial orientation, body awareness, perception (eyes and ears), intermodality, and seriality (rhythm). The perception game is so relevant because it begins with thought and mindset, which then transfers to the body, movement, body awareness, and coordination skills.

[0030] The invention relates to a multisensory device that focuses on the harmony of body and mind. It trains creative perception, body awareness, coordination skills, and balance.

[0031] This allows for a holistic training and therapy program to be implemented.

[0032] By using this technique, the operator's incorrect mindset is not reinforced, but rather a healthy perception forms the basis for the exercise program. (Focus on Brodman Area 43).

[0033] All relevant aspects, for example for a top athlete, can be covered and the safety and stability of the person using it can be strengthened.

[0034] Light and sound are specifically used to harmonize perception in the brain. A special source code is used for this. (These are five modules or five special melodies that control the light and sound.) The sense of touch can be stimulated by connecting the hand cranks 9a, 9b to a vibration device. This transmits vibrations in the form of vibration patterns to the hand cranks 9a, 9b, which are preferably designed to be heatable and / or coolable.

[0035] This makes it possible to strengthen the sensory and / or tactile sense by perceiving temperature changes / vibration patterns in the hand cranks.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Device for increasing the physical and mental coordination ability of people with a rack (2), with a frame (1) and with a first and a second foot pedal (8a, 8b), with a first and a second hand crank (9a, 9b) and with at least one controllable brake (8c, 9c), wherein both foot pedals (8a, 8b) and both hand cranks (9a, 9b) are movable independently of one another and are each connected to their own brake (8c, 9c), characterized in that the frame (1) is pivotally mounted on the rack (2).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (1) is pivotally mounted on the frame (2) about a longitudinal axis (10).

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the frame (1) is pivotally mounted on the frame (2) about a transverse axis (11).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pivoting movement of the frame (1) is motor-controlled.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the individual brakes (8c, 9c) can be regulated independently of one another.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that different movement patterns can be set on a control device and that the control device prescribes a resistance value for the respective foot pedal (8a, 8b) or the respective hand crank (9a, 9b) depending on the set movement pattern and the force applied by the person on the respective foot pedal (8a, 8b) and on the respective hand crank (9a, 9b).

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one movement pattern provides for an opposite movement of the two foot pedals (8a, 8b) and / or the two hand cranks (9a, 9b).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the two hand cranks (9a, 9b) are height-adjustable and can preferably be arranged at a height which is in any case above the head of the person.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one motor is provided which is designed to drive a foot pedal (8a, 8b) or a hand crank (9a, 9b).

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a pivoting mechanism (16) is provided which is designed to bring the hand cranks (9a, 9b) from a first position in which the axes of rotation (16d) of the hand cranks (9a, 9b) and the foot pedals (8a, 8b) are parallel to one another, into a second position in which the axes of rotation (16d) of the hand cranks (9a, 9b) and the foot pedals (8a, 8b) intersect or cross at an angle.

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a device (14) for generating light and sound effects is provided, which is preferably connected to a foot pedal (8a, 8b) or a hand crank (9a, 9b).

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the frame (1) is articulated to the frame (2) via a cardan joint (12).

13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the hand cranks (9a, 9b) are connected to a vibration device.

14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the hand cranks (9a, 9b) are heatable and / or coolable.

Images