Training apparatus and use thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a training apparatus (1) which includes a carriage (2) equipped with wheels (3) mounted on wheel axles (4), where the wheels (3) run on a rail (5) and are provided with a resilient material, including a polymeric material, in their rotational periphery. The wheel axles (4) extend from the carriage (2), where the training apparatus (1) is equipped with a pressure bar (6) which, via at least one distance regulator (7), can exert an adjustable force affecting at least one wheel axle (4) towards an underlying rail (5). The invention further relates to the use of a training apparatus (1) for training, including rehabilitation of arms or legs in humans whose limb movement is impaired due to illness or accident.

Description

[0001] Training apparatus and use thereof

[0002] The invention relates to a training apparatus comprising:

[0003] - a carriage equipped with wheels mounted on wheel axles

[0004] - a rail

[0005] - a pressure bar

[0006] - at least two distance regulators, where the wheels can run on the upper side of the rail, and the wheels in the rotational periphery are equipped with a resilient material, including a polymeric material.

[0007] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a training apparatus.

[0008] It is known to use training apparatuses that include facilities for regulating the force required to activate the training apparatus.

[0009] In training apparatuses designed to strengthen arms or legs, springs, including elastic bands or magnets, are often used to regulate the force needed to activate the training apparatus.

[0010] However, it has been found that the previously known techniques have certain disadvantages.

[0011] When using springs or elastic bands, it is often cumbersome to regulate the force. Additionally, it can be disadvantageous that an activated spring or elastic band will attempt to return to a non-activated state, posing a potential risk to the user.

[0012] Using magnets, the weight of the magnets and the associated mechanics often makes it difficult to manufacture simple, lightweight, and portable training apparatuses. From DE202016103192U1 , a training apparatus is known where a foot support (10), via a support rod (11 ), can activate a top plate (121 ) connected to two side plates (122), to which wheels (3) are attached via mounting brackets (1226). These wheels are mounted above a guide rail (2), and the side plates (122) are equipped with compensation plates (5) that can move vertically relatively to the side plates (122) via screws (6). Wheels (4) are attached below the guide rail (2) via mounting brackets (56). When the screws (6) are activated, the wheel mounting brackets (1226) and the wheel mounting brackets (56), and thereby also the wheels (3) and wheels (4), are either pulled towards or away from each other, depending on the rotation direction of the screws (6). The purpose of this adjustment option, as stated in DE202016103192U1 , is to compensate for production tolerances. When wheels (3) and wheels (4) are pressed against each other on either side of the guide rail (2), a deformation of wheels (3) and wheels (4) at their contact surfaces with the guide rail’s (2) upper and lower surfaces can be achieved, provided the wheels have a resilient surface. Although this is not the intended purpose of the invention and is not described in DE202016103192U1 , in principle, the compression of resilient wheels (3) and wheels (4) against opposite surfaces of a guide rail (2) could be used to change the force required to move the foot support (10) along the guide rail (2).

[0013] However, there are disadvantages to the construction described in DE202016103192U1 , including the requirement for wheels (3) to run on the upper side of a guide rail (2) and additional wheels (4) to run on the lower side of the same guide rail (2).

[0014] This results in an impractical height, as space must be available for wheels both above and below a guide rail (5), which creates complications, for example, when the construction is intended for rehabilitation in a hospital bed. Additionally, the construction described in DE202016103192U1 contains a relatively large number of components, which increases costs and weight, making it difficult to produce a cheap and portable product. Moreover, the entire construction described in DE202016103192U1 is difficult to clean and disinfect, which is increasingly required in hospitals and rehabilitation centres.

[0015] Objective of the Invention

[0016] The objective of the invention is to provide a training apparatus that eliminates the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0017] The objective is achieved by a training apparatus of the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 1 , characterized in that the rail is designed as a closed frame, and that the pressure bar is also designed as a closed frame, where the carriage’s wheel axles are positioned between the rail and the pressure bar, where the rail is connected to the pressure bar via at least two distance regulators, and where the pressure bar can exert an adjustable force that affects at least one wheel axle and, thereby, the associated wheels towards the rail.

[0018] This makes it possible to manufacture a simple, low-profile, inexpensive, lightweight, and portable training apparatus that is easy to clean and disinfect, and where the force required to activate the training apparatus can be regulated without the risk of injuries caused by activated springs or elastic bands.

[0019] Other advantageous embodiments of the training apparatus are specified in claims 2 to 15.

[0020] As mentioned, the invention also relates to the use of a training apparatus for training, including rehabilitation of arms or legs in humans, where limb movement is impaired due to illness or accident, as well as for rebuilding and maintaining muscle mass, strengthening ligaments, improving circulation and blood flow, and reducing the risk of developing pressure sores, swelling, and blood clots.

[0021] The invention will now be explained in further detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0022] Fig. 1 shows, in a side view, a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the invention, where a carriage with wheels mounted on wheel axles runs on a rail, and where a pressure bar is placed above the wheel axles between the carriage and the wheels.

[0023] Fig. 2 shows the same exercise apparatus as in Fig. 1 , but where the distance between the pressure bar and the rail is reduced.

[0024] Fig. 3 shows, in a top view, a section of an exercise apparatus as depicted in Fig. 1 , where wheels run on a rail that forms part of the chassis of the exercise apparatus.

[0025] Fig. 4 shows, in a top view, the same exercise apparatus as in Fig. 3, but with a mounted pressure bar.

[0026] Fig. 5 shows, in a side view, a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the invention, where a carriage with wheels mounted on wheel axles runs on a rail, and where a pressure bar is placed above the wheel axles on the outer side of the wheels. Fig. 6 shows the same exercise apparatus as in Fig. 5, but where the distance between the pressure bar and the rail is reduced.

[0027] Fig. 7 shows, in a top view, a section of an exercise apparatus as depicted in Fig. 5, where wheels run on a rail that forms part of the chassis of the exercise apparatus, and where a pressure bar is placed so that it can press on the wheel axles on the outer side of the wheels.

[0028] Fig. 8 shows, in a top view, the same section of an exercise apparatus as in Fig. 7, but with the pressure bar removed.

[0029] Fig. 9 shows, in a side view, a distance regulator for adjusting the distance between a rail and a pressure bar.

[0030] Fig. 10 shows, in a side view, a carriage for an exercise apparatus equipped with a handle.

[0031] Fig. 11 shows, in a side view, two form-complementary nuts.

[0032] Fig. 12 shows, in a side view, two form-complementary nuts, where one is placed in a hole in a bar.

[0033] Fig. 13 shows, in a side view, two form-complementary nuts assembled around a hole in a bar.

[0034] Fig. 14 shows, in a top view, a preferred embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the invention in a configuration where the apparatus is connected, via a foot support, to a patient’s foot, and where the apparatus is equipped with a motor that, via a belt, can drive the carriage of the apparatus. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 14, the rail is designed so that it has an oval cross-section along its longitudinal axis, and the depicted pressure bar is similarly designed with an oval cross-section along its longitudinal axis. The oval shape of both the rail and the pressure bar is advantageous as it is suited to transmit relatively high pressure along the oval’s longitudinal axis while using a relatively small amount of material, thereby helping to minimize the weight of the exercise apparatus.

[0035] Fig. 15 shows, in a bottom view, the same embodiment of an exercise apparatus as in Fig. 14.

[0036] Fig. 16 shows an embodiment of a wheel connected to the carriage of an exercise apparatus, where the wheel is equipped with a wheel tooth lock grip that can activate or deactivate a wheel tooth lock. In Fig. 16, the wheel tooth lock is shown deactivated, allowing the wheel to rotate.

[0037] Fig. 17 shows the same embodiment of a wheel as in Fig. 16, but where the wheel lock is shown activated, preventing the wheel from rotating.

[0038] Fig. 18 shows a detached wheel for an exercise apparatus of the same embodiment as shown in Figs. 16 and 17.

[0039] Fig. 19 shows a cross-section of an unloaded wheel supporting a carriage in an exercise apparatus, where the wheel tyre is designed to run on an oval rail.

[0040] Fig. 20 shows a cross-section of a loaded wheel supporting a carriage in an exercise apparatus, where the wheel tyre is designed to run on an oval rail.

[0041] Fig. 21 shows a section of a rail and a pressure bar with a detached distance regulator, which is designed with a latch that can be displaced within a plane, thereby allowing it to maintain the distance between a rail and a pressure bar in two different positions, and furthermore, to be displaced so that a rail is completely released from a pressure bar.

[0042] Fig. 22 shows a section of a rail and a pressure bar with an assembled distance regulator, which is designed with a latch that can be displaced within a plane, thereby allowing it to maintain the distance between a rail and a pressure bar in two different positions, and furthermore, to be displaced so that a rail is completely released from a pressure bar.

[0043] Fig. 23 shows a section of a rail and a pressure bar with an assembled distance regulator, which is designed with a latch that can be displaced within a plane, thereby allowing it to maintain the distance between a rail and a pressure bar in two different positions, where the distance between the rail and the pressure bar in Fig. 23 is minimized.

[0044] Fig. 24 shows a section of a rail and a pressure bar with an assembled distance regulator, which is designed with a latch that can be displaced within a plane, thereby allowing it to maintain the distance between a rail and a pressure bar in two different positions, where the distance between the rail and the pressure bar in Fig. 24 is maximized.

[0045] Fig. 25 shows a section of a rail and a pressure bar with an assembled distance regulator, which is designed with a latch that can be displaced, where in Fig. 25, it is displaced to a position where a rail has been released from a pressure bar.

[0046] In Fig. 1 , reference numeral 1 denotes a schematic diagram of a training apparatus comprising a carriage 2 equipped with wheels 3 that rotate around wheel axles 4. The wheels 3 run on a rail 5, which may be designed so that the rail 5 constitutes part of the chassis of the training apparatus 1 . Between the wheels 3 and the carriage 2, a pressure bar 6 is placed, which may be designed to be part of the chassis of the training apparatus 1 and which can exert force on the wheel axles 4 in the direction of the rail 5.

[0047] Between the rail 5 and the pressure bar 6, distance regulators 7 are positioned to adjust the distance between the rail 5 and the pressure bar 6, thereby regulating the force with which the pressure bar 6 affects the wheel axles 4.

[0048] The pressure bar 6 is equipped with a removable blocking element 11 , which can be placed over a wheel axle 4 to block the carriage 2, or, as shown in Fig. 1 , can be used as a stop block for the carriage 2, thereby reducing the distance of movement of the carriage 2.

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment, the training apparatus 1 can be equipped with multiple, preferably four, removable blocking elements 11 .

[0050] In Fig. 1 , the carriage 2 is fitted with a coupling element 8, which at the top features a levelling unit that, in the illustrated embodiment, includes a ball with a ball lock 9, to which a removable foot support 10 is attached.

[0051] The foot support 10 can be mounted to the ball lock 9 using a snap connection.

[0052] When the training apparatus 1 is equipped with a foot support 10, it is suitable for training, including rehabilitation, of a leg.

[0053] Fig. 2 shows the same training apparatus 1 as in Fig. 1 , but with the distance between the rail 5 and the pressure bar 6 reduced by means of the distance regulators 7. In a preferred embodiment, the wheels 3 are made of a resilient material in the rotational periphery, including a polymeric material such as rubber.

[0054] When the distance between the rail 5 and the pressure bar 6 is reduced, as shown in Fig. 2, the force exerted by the pressure bar 6 on the wheel axles

[0055] 4 increases, causing the wheels 3 to undergo deformation 12 at the contact area with the rail 5.

[0056] The deformation 12 is a function of the magnitude of the force exerted by the pressure bar 6 on the wheel axles 4 and the resilience of the wheel material.

[0057] The deformation 12 of the wheels increases the force required to move the carriage 2 on the rail 5.

[0058] If the force required to move the carriage 2 is denoted as Fv, and the force exerted on the wheel axles 4 by the pressure bar 6 is denoted as Ft, the training apparatus 1 can be designed so that for a given range of Ft, the following equation applies: Fv = K x Ft, where K is a constant.

[0059] This means that the force Fv required to move the carriage 2 along the rail

[0060] 5 can be regulated by simply adjusting the distance regulators 7.

[0061] This makes it easy to use the training apparatus 1 for rehabilitation, for example for individuals who have lost partial or full mobility in a leg due to illness or injury. When starting rehabilitation with the training apparatus 1 , the distance regulators 7 can be adjusted so that Fv is approximately zero.

[0062] As the individual's mobility gradually improves, the distance regulators 7 can be adjusted so that Fv gradually increases in accordance with the person's rehabilitation level. Fig. 3 shows, in a top view, a schematic diagram of a rail 5 designed as a closed frame, which can thus constitute part of the chassis of a training apparatus 1 , where a carriage 2 is connected via wheel axles 4 to wheels 3 that run on the rail 5. The wheel axles 4 are equipped with axle bearings 13, which can transfer force to the wheel axles 4 via a pressure bar 6.

[0063] The rail 5 is further equipped with mounting holes 14 for positioning the distance regulators 7.

[0064] Fig. 4 shows the same training apparatus 1 components as Fig. 3 but it also includes a pressure bar 6, which in this embodiment is designed as a closed frame.

[0065] The pressure bar 6 in Fig. 4 is designed to exert force on the axle bearings 13 shown in Fig. 3.

[0066] Additionally, the pressure bar 6 is equipped with mounting holes 15 for positioning the distance regulators 7, as well as mounting holes 16 for inserting a blocking element 11 .

[0067] Fig. 5 shows an advantageous embodiment of a training apparatus 1 , which differs from the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in that the pressure bar in Fig. 5 affects the wheel axles 4 on the outer side of the wheels 3 in a direction away from the carriage 2.

[0068] Fig. 6 shows the same embodiment of a training apparatus 1 as Fig. 5, but with the distance between the rail 5 and the pressure bar 6 in Fig. 6 reduced compared to the distance shown in Fig. 5.

[0069] As also illustrated in Fig. 2, this causes the wheels 3 in the contact area with the rail 5 to undergo deformation 12.

[0070] A training apparatus 1 designed as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 can thus achieve the same functionality as the training apparatus 1 depicted in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0071] Fig. 7 shows, in a top view, a rail 5 and a pressure bar 6 in a training apparatus 1 as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, and Fig. 8 shows the same configuration but with the pressure bar 6 removed.

[0072] Fig. 9 shows an advantageous embodiment of a distance regulator 7, comprising a cylindrical rod 17 with an external thread 18, which is placed in a mounting hole 15 in a pressure bar 6. Nuts 19 and 20 secure the pressure bar 6 relative to the rod 17, while the rod 17 is fastened at the bottom to a rail 5 via a bolt 29, which is screwed into an internal thread at the bottom of the rod 17 through a mounting hole 14 in the rail 5.

[0073] If the training apparatus 1 remains unused for an extended period, it may be advisable to loosen the bolts 29, thereby eliminating the deformation 12 of the wheels and ensuring that the functionality of the wheels 3 is maintained.

[0074] By counter-tightening, nuts 19 and 20 maintain a given distance between a rail 5 and a pressure bar 6, thus also maintaining a given force exerted on the connected wheel axles 4, and consequently the force required to move an associated carriage 2.

[0075] The position of the nuts 19 and 20 determines the amount of force a user must exert to move a carriage 2 associated with the training apparatus 1 .

[0076] When the force needs to be adjusted, this is done by adjusting the position of the nuts 19, 20. The rod 17 is designed at the top with a hole that can be used as a guide for a wire or a cord, which can be used to pull a carriage 2, aiding in the rehabilitation of individuals with very limited mobility.

[0077] Fig. 10 shows a carriage 2 equipped with a handle 23 for the rehabilitation of a weakened arm.

[0078] The nuts 19, 20 shown in Fig. 9 can, in another advantageous embodiment, be replaced by form-complementary nuts 24, 27, as shown in Figs. 11 to 13.

[0079] The nut 24 is designed with an external thread 25 that can be screwed into an internal thread 28 in a nut 27. The nut 24 is also designed with an internal thread 26, which corresponds to the external thread 18 on a cylindrical rod 17, which is part of a distance regulator 7.

[0080] With appropriate dimensioning of the nuts 24 and 27, these can replace the nuts 19, 20, allowing the distance between a pressure bar 6 and a rail 5 to be adjusted simply by turning one of the nuts 24, 27.

[0081] Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of a training apparatus 1 , where the training apparatus 1 is equipped with a motor 30, positioned at one end of the training apparatus 1 , which can drive a toothed belt 32 that runs along a path from the motor 30 to a toothed belt roller housing 33, located at the opposite end of the training apparatus 1 relative to the motor 30. In Fig. 15, it is seen that the toothed belt 32 is connected to the carriage 2 via toothed belt locks 35, causing the carriage to move as a function of the movement of the toothed belt 32.

[0082] Via a display 31 with associated control electronics, the motor's 30 direction of rotation and speed can be adjusted, allowing the carriage 2 to move optimally in relation to a training or rehabilitation program for an a connected patient.

[0083] By equipping the training apparatus with a motor 30, a toothed belt 32, and a display 31 , as shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the training apparatus 1 can be used to activate venous pumps in connected patients who, for example, due to paralysis, cannot move their legs.

[0084] The motor 30 and display 31 are powered by a battery 34, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is placed on the inside of a rail 5.

[0085] Fig. 14 also depicts an embodiment of a coupling element 8, positioned between the foot support 10 and the carriage 2, where the coupling element 8 is made of an elastic polymeric material, including rubber, and where the coupling element 8 is designed to allow the insertion of one or more elasticity modules 36, thereby adjusting the elasticity of the coupling element 8, as the elasticity will depend on the elasticity of the inserted elasticity modules 36.

[0086] This ensures that the training apparatus 1 can be used for static training or rehabilitation of, for example, an ankle joint, provided that the carriage 2 is braked, for instance via a non-activated toothed belt or by locking the wheel 3.

[0087] In Fig. 16, an embodiment of a wheel 3 is shown, which can be locked via a wheel-tooth lock 41 and a wheel tooth locking lever 42, preventing it from rotating. Additionally, Fig. 16 illustrates a section of a wheel axle housing 39 that encloses a wheel axle 4, as depicted in Fig. 18, through which a pressure bar can press the wheel 3 down against an underlying rail 5 on which the wheel 3 runs. In Fig. 16, the wheel tooth locking lever 42 is loosened, allowing the wheel 3 to rotate freely.

[0088] In Fig. 17, the wheel tooth locking lever 42 is tightened, thereby locking the wheel 3 in place.

[0089] In Fig. 18, a detached wheel 3 is shown, corresponding to the embodiments in Figs. 16 and 17. The wheel 3 includes a wheel hub 43 designed with hub teeth 49, and the wheel periphery 40 is recessed in a shape complementary to the surface of rail 5, on which it is intended to run.

[0090] Furthermore, the following components are included in an embodiment of the wheel 3 as shown in Fig. 18:

[0091] - a wheel axle bearing 44, including a ball or roller bearing

[0092] - a locking ring 45

[0093] - a clamping washer 46

[0094] - a spring washer 47

[0095] - a wheel locking washer 48

[0096] - a wheel tooth locking lever 42

[0097] The spring washer 47 ensures that the wheel locking washer 48, which has teeth that can engage with the hub teeth 49, disengages from the hub teeth 49 when a tightened wheel tooth locking lever 42 is loosened, allowing the wheel 3 to rotate freely.

[0098] In Fig. 18, a section of a wheel axle housing 39 is also shown, enclosing a wheel axle 4, which at the end is provided with a wheel bearing end 50, featuring an internal thread where the wheel tooth locking lever 42 can be screwed in. Fig. 19 presents a cross-sectional view of a wheel 3, designed as in Fig. 18. The wheel 3 includes a wheel hub 43 with hub teeth 49, suitable for engaging the corresponding teeth in a wheel locking washer 48, as seen in Fig. 18.

[0099] The wheel hub 43 forms the inner part of the wheel rim 53, which may be made of lightweight metal, such as aluminium, or a polymeric material.

[0100] Additionally, the wheel rim 53 serves as the foundation for an attached wheel tyre 51 made of a resilient polymeric material, including rubber. In the wheel periphery 40, the tyre features a recess designed in a shape complementary to the surface of a rail 5 on which the wheel 3 can run.

[0101] In Fig. 19, an expansion chamber 52 is depicted as it appears when the wheel 3 is unloaded.

[0102] Fig. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of the same wheel 3 as in Fig. 19, but under load. In Fig. 20, the expansion chamber 52 is filled with compressed material from the wheel tyre 51 , which occurs when a pressure bar 6 presses a wheel 3 against a rail 5. This deforms the wheel tyre 51 , thereby increasing the force required to move a carriage 2 along rail 5.

[0103] In Fig. 21 , a section of an embodiment of a rail 5 and a pressure bar 6 is shown, along with a separate distance regulator 7. The distance regulator 7 includes a latch 56 that can be shifted in a plane to maintain the distance between a rail 5 and a pressure bar 6 in two different positions or completely release the rail 5 from the pressure bar 6.

[0104] The latch 56 features a cutout with two holes of different diameters, connected by a groove matching the diameter of the smaller hole. The largest hole in the latch's 56 cutout can enclose a regulator shaft 55, which has a threaded end and, on the opposite end, an upper recess 61 and a lower recess 62, shown in Fig. 25, which can engage with the smallest hole in the latch 56.

[0105] In Fig. 21 , a pressure bar holder 54 is shown with a cutout where the latch 56 can be inserted and subsequently moved in a plane.

[0106] Fig. 21 also depicts a rail holder 58, in which an activator 57 can be placed. One end of the activator 57 has a finger grip, while the opposite end has a thread that can be screwed into an activator connection 59, which is designed as a ring with an internal thread. When the activator 57 is tightened into the activator connection 59, it can freely rotate in the rail holder 58. The end of the activator 57 with the finger grip has an internal thread into which the thread from the regulator shaft 55 can be screwed.

[0107] As shown in Fig. 21 , the regulator shaft 55 has two arms near the recesses 61 and 62 that engage with the pressure bar holder 54, preventing the regulator shaft 55 from rotating.

[0108] When the regulator shaft 55 is engaged with the pressure bar holder 54 and is thus prevented from rotating, it will be raised or lowered relative to a rail 5 when the attached activator 57 is rotated.

[0109] This allows easy adjustment of the distance between a rail 5 and a pressure bar 6 simply by turning the activator 57. Consequently, the pressure exerted by a pressure bar 6 on a wheel 3 can also be easily adjusted.

[0110] As a result, the force required for a patient to move a carriage 2 within a training apparatus 1 can be easily and user-friendly adjusted using the described embodiments of the integrated components, including activators 57.

[0111] In Fig. 22, a section of a distance regulator 7 is shown, assembled as in Fig. 21 , where a rail 5 and a pressure bar 6 are coupled.

[0112] Fig. 23 shows a section of a training apparatus 1 with a distance regulator 7 as in Fig. 21 , where the latch 56 engages with the lower recess 62 of the regulator shaft 55. This configuration minimizes the distance between the rail 5 and the pressure bar 6, requiring relatively high force to move a carriage 2 within the training apparatus 1 .

[0113] Fig. 24 shows a section of a training apparatus 1 with a distance regulator 7 as in Fig. 21 , where the latch 56 engages with the upper recess 61 of the regulator shaft 55. This configuration maximizes the distance between the rail 5 and the pressure bar 6, requiring relatively low force to move a carriage 2 within the training apparatus 1. This functionality can be used to reduce static pressure on a wheel 3 when the training apparatus 1 is not in use, preventing permanent deformation of the wheel tyre 51 due to prolonged high pressure.

[0114] Fig. 25 shows a section of a training apparatus 1 with a distance regulator 7 as in Fig. 21 , where the latch 56 is disengaged from the regulator shaft 55, separating the rail 5 from the pressure bar 6. This feature is useful when cleaning the training apparatus 1 .

[0115] In a suitable embodiment of the training apparatus 1 , the carriage 2 may be equipped with one or more sensors to record its movement, including acceleration and the force exerted on it. Additionally, an electronic interface can send data to an external device such as a mobile phone, where an app can register, process, and present the data for the user, including for clinical tracking of a rehabilitation process.

[0116] In an advantageous embodiment, the training apparatus 1 can be equipped with a motor 30 and a toothed belt 32, allowing the training apparatus 1 to be controlled via a mobile phone app.

[0117] From the above description and the accompanying figures, it is evident that: The invention comprises a training apparatus (1 ) which includes a carriage (2) equipped with wheels (3) mounted on wheel axles (4), where:

[0118] - the wheels (3) can run on a rail (5) where the wheels (3) in their rotational periphery are provided with a resilient material, including a polymeric material, where the wheel axles (4) extend from the carriage (2), where the training apparatus (1 ) is equipped with a pressure bar (6) which, via at least one distance regulator (7) placed between a pressure bar (6) and an underlying rail (5), can exert an adjustable force affecting at least one wheel axle (4) and the associated wheels (3) towards the underlying rail (5),

[0119] - the carriage (2) is provided with a foot support (10) or a handle (23) for activating the carriage (2),

[0120] - the carriage (2) is equipped with a coupling element (8) located between the carriage (2) and the foot support (10) or handle (23),

[0121] - the coupling element (8) is made of a resilient material, including a polymeric material such as a type of rubber, the coupling element (8) is equipped with one or more replaceable elasticity modules (36), between the coupling element (8) and the foot support (10) or handle (23), a levelling unit is placed, including a ball head with a ball lock (9),

[0122] - the distance regulator (7) includes a cylindrical rod (17) which, at one end with an internal thread, can be fastened to a rail (5) via a bolt (29) that is screwed in through a mounting hole (14). The rod (17) has an external thread (18) that passes through a mounting hole (15) in a pressure bar (6), where nuts ((19, 20), (24, 27)) are positioned on either side of the pressure bar (6), whereby the position of the nuts ((19, 20), (24, 27)) on the external thread (18) determines the distance between the rail (5) and the pressure bar (6), where the distance regulator (7) may also be equipped with a hole (22) through which a wire or cord can be inserted for manual forward or backward movement of the carriage (2),

[0123] - the distance regulator (7) includes a regulator shaft (55) which, at one end, is provided with a thread suitable for screwing into an activator (57) and, at the opposite end, is provided with an upper recess (61 ) and a lower recess (62) suitable for insertion into a pressure bar holder (54) designed with a cutout for inserting a latch (56), where the activator (57) is suitable for insertion into a rail holder (58),

[0124] - the wheel axles (4), which are affected by a force, including from a pressure bar (6) in the area where the force interacts with the wheel axle (4), are provided with an axle bearing (13),

[0125] - the training apparatus (1 ) is equipped with a motor (30) that can drive the carriage (2), the motor (30) drives the carriage (2) via a toothed belt (32) using control electronics powered by a computer program, including an app for a mobile phone or embedded in a display (31 ),

[0126] - the wheel (3) includes a wheel hub (43) designed with hub teeth (49) which, when a wheel tooth locking lever (42) is tightened, can engage with a wheel locking washer (48) provided with form- complementary teeth suitable for engaging with the hub teeth (49),

[0127] - the wheel (3) is equipped with a wheel tyre (51 ) which, in the wheel periphery (40), has a depression that is form -complementary to the surface shape of a rail (5) on which the wheel (3) is intended to run,

[0128] - the wheel (3), between the wheel hub (43) and the wheel tyre (51 ), is provided with an expansion chamber (52),

[0129] - the carriage (2) is equipped with at least one sensor, including an accelerometer with associated electronics and power supply, whereby the sensor signal can be transmitted wirelessly to a computing unit, such as a mobile phone, and used for calculation, visualization, and documentation of a rehabilitation process.

[0130] Reference numbers:

[0131] 1 : training apparatus

[0132] 2: carriage

[0133] 3: wheel

[0134] 4: wheel axle

[0135] 5: rail

[0136] 6: pressure bar

[0137] 7: distance regulator

[0138] 8: coupling element

[0139] 9: ball lock

[0140] 10: foot support

[0141] 11 : blocking element

[0142] 12: deformation

[0143] 13: axle bearing

[0144] 14: mounting hole

[0145] 15: mounting hole

[0146] 16: mounting hole

[0147] 17: rod

[0148] 18: thread

[0149] 19: nut

[0150] 20: nut

[0151] 21 : bolt

[0152] 22: hole

[0153] 23: handle 24: nut

[0154] 25: thread

[0155] 26: thread

[0156] 27: nut

[0157] 28: thread

[0158] 29: bolt

[0159] 30: motor

[0160] 31 : display

[0161] 32: toothed belt

[0162] 33: toothed belt roller housing

[0163] 34: battery

[0164] 35: toothed belt lock

[0165] 36: elasticity module

[0166] 37: apparatus foot

[0167] 38: foot

[0168] 39: wheel axle housing

[0169] 40: wheel periphery

[0170] 41 : wheel tooth lock

[0171] 42: wheel tooth locking lever

[0172] 43: wheel hub

[0173] 44: wheel axle bearing

[0174] 45: locking ring

[0175] 46: washer

[0176] 47: spring washer

[0177] 48: wheel locking washer

[0178] 49: hub teeth

[0179] 50: wheel bearing end

[0180] 51 : wheel tyre

[0181] 52: expansion chamber

[0182] 53: wheel rim

[0183] 54: pressure bar holder 55: regulator shaft

[0184] 56: latch

[0185] 57: activator

[0186] 58: rail holder

[0187] 59: activator connection

[0188] 60: regulator shaft top

[0189] 61 : upper recess

[0190] 62: lower recess

Claims

Claims:1 . Training apparatus (1 ) comprising:- a carriage (2) equipped with wheels (3) mounted on wheel axles (4),- a rail (5),- a pressure bar (6),- at least two distance regulators (7), where the wheels (3) can run on the upper side of the rail (5), and the wheels (3) in the rotational periphery are equipped with a resilient material, including a polymeric material, characterized in that the rail (5) is designed as a closed frame, and the pressure bar (6) is designed as a closed frame, where the wheel axles (4) of the carriage (2) are positioned between the rail (5) and the pressure bar (6), and the rail (5) is connected to the pressure bar (6) via at least two distance regulators (7), where the pressure bar (6) can exert a controllable force on at least one wheel axle (4), and thus the corresponding wheel (3) in the direction towards the rail (5).

2. Training apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the carriage (2) is provided with a foot support (10) or a handle (23) for activation of the crriage (2).

3. Training apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the carriage (2) is provided with a coupling element (8) placed between the carriage (2) and the foot support (10) or the handle (23).

4. Training apparatus (1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the coupling element (8) is made of a resilient material, including a polymeric material such as rubber.

5. Training apparatus (1 ) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized inthat the coupling element (8) is provided with one or more replaceable elasticity modules (36).

6. Training apparatus (1 ) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that between the coupling element (8) and the foot support (10) or the handle (23), there is a levelling assembly, such as a ball head with a ball lock (9).

7. Training apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the distance regulator (7) comprises a cylindrical rod (17), which at one end, with an internal thread via a bolt (29), can be fastened to the rail (5) through a mounting hole (14), where the rod (17) is provided with an external thread (18), which passes through a mounting hole (15) in the pressure bar (6), with nuts ((19, 20), (24, 27)) placed on each side of the pressure bar (6), where the position of the nuts ((19, 20), (24, 27)) on the external thread (18) determines the distance between the rail (5) and the pressure bar (6), and where the distance regulator (7) may also be provided with a hole (22) through which a wire or cord can be passed for manual forward or backward movement of the carriage (2).

8. Training apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the distance regulator (7) comprises a regulator shaft (55) which at one end is equipped with a thread suitable for screwing into an activator(57), and at the opposite end is equipped with an upper recess (61 ) and a lower recess (62) suitable for insertion into a pressure bar holder (54) that is shaped with a cutout suitable for inserting a latch (56), where the activator (57) is suitable for insertion into a rail holder(58).

9. Training apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that thewheel axles (4), which are affected by a force, including from a pressure bar (6) in the area where the force interacts with the wheel axle (4), are provided with an axle bearing (13).

10. Training apparatus (1 ) according to one or more of claims 1 to 5 and 7, characterized in that the training apparatus (1 ) is provided with a motor (30) which can pull the carriage (2).

11. Training apparatus (1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the motor (30) pulls the carriage (2) via a toothed belt (32) using control electronics powered by a computer program, including an app for a mobile phone or embedded in a display (31 ).

12. Training apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the wheel (3) comprises a wheel hub (43) which is designed with hub teeth (49) that, upon tightening of a wheel tooth locking lever (42), can engage with a wheel locking washer (48) that is equipped with complementary teeth suitable for engaging with the hub teeth (49).

13. Training apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 or 12, characterized in that the wheel (3) is provided with a wheel tyre (51) which, in the wheel periphery (40), is shaped with a recess that is complementary in shape to the surface shape of a rail (5) on which the wheel (3) is suitable for running.

14. Training apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , 12 or 13, characterized in that the wheel (3) is provided with an expansion chamber (52) between the wheel hub (43) and the wheel tyre (51).

15. Training apparatus (1 ) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the carriage (2) is provided with at least one sensor, including an accelerometer with associated electronics andpower supply, whereby the sensor signal can be wirelessly sent to a computing device, including a mobile phone, and used for the calculation, visualization, and documentation of a rehabilitation process.

16. Use of a training apparatus (1 ) according to one or more of claims 1 to 15 for training, including rehabilitation of arms or legs in humans whose limb movement is impaired due to illness or accident, as well as for rebuilding and maintaining muscle mass, strengthening ligaments, circulation, and blood flow, and for reducing the risk of developing pressure sores, swelling, and blood clots.

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