Foot part for a training device

Abstract

A foot part (10) for a training device (1, 1') is to be designed for particularly simplified attachment to the foot. For this purpose, the foot part (10) comprises a lower leg receiving element (50) which can be connected to a pulling cable (6) of the training device (1, 1') and which encloses an inserted lower leg of a training person to an extent of at least 180° and at most 270°.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Footrest for a training device

[0003] The invention relates to a foot section for a training device, in particular for training the leg or gluteal muscles or the abdutors or adductors.

[0004] Training or fitness equipment for the leg, gluteal, or adductor muscles can be designed in the common style of a "back kick machine" or a "cable tower." With such equipment, the training weight is lifted using a pull cord. Alternatively, training sessions can be performed using a "resistance band" or "fitness band," which utilizes the elasticity of the band. The pull cord or resistance band is redirected as needed and connected to the user's foot via an attached ankle strap. This allows for leg movements, such as a backward kick (extending the leg from bottom to top via the hip joint as a pivot point or in a kind of horse kick), or a lateral movement, resulting in the lifting of the training weight or an elastic stretch of the resistance band.Instead of a foot loop typically made of straps or similar materials, known systems may also use a belt buckle closure or a strap-and-belt device. All of these elements are usually connected to the cable (i.e., the pull rope) or the respective elastic band via an eyelet and a corresponding carabiner.

[0005] All these variations have in common that attaching and securing them to the foot is relatively complicated and uncomfortable. The fastening can be done via Velcro, buckles, or laces, each of which requires more effort during application.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an improved foot section for a training device of the type mentioned above, which facilitates attachment to the foot.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a foot section with a lower leg receiving element that can be connected to a pull rope of the training device and that encloses an inserted lower leg of a person training to a circumference of at least 180° and at most 270°.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention is based on the consideration that known systems share a significant common disadvantage regarding attachment to the user's foot. In particular, attaching or securing the foot to the cable or pulley of the training device is cumbersome and uncomfortable, as it requires balancing on one leg to connect the foot loop and its eyelet, which is attached to the other leg, to the carabiner of the cable by threading the carabiner through the eyelet. This is further complicated if the user's weight is too high to pull the cable by hand, so that the weight or pulling force may first have to be reduced to even attach the foot section. Furthermore, the process is made more difficult if the lower pulley of the cable cannot be positioned far enough towards the floor. To remedy this, the foot section should be designed so that the user can "step in" with their foot, i.e.,, that it does not need to be laboriously installed, but can be kept ready for direct access.

[0010] To address this, the invention proposes providing a substantially rigid receiving element for the user's lower leg, which essentially encloses the lateral and / or posterior part of the lower leg, i.e., the calf, while providing an access opening in the front lateral area through which the lower leg can be inserted into the receiving element, similar to "getting in". To facilitate this comfortably, a free opening angle of 90° or more should be provided in the relevant area.

[0011] As a significant component, the lower leg support element can include a support bracket that encircles the lower leg by approximately 180°. According to one aspect of the invention, this bracket is specifically designed to support the posterior calf of the user and is therefore preferably dimensioned to accommodate common body dimensions in the calf area.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, a pivoting bracket can be arranged on the mounting bracket to connect to the training device's pull cord, pivoting about an axis lying in the main plane of the mounting bracket. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the lower leg mounting element, comprising the pivoting bracket and the mounting bracket, has a circumferential contour with a free opening segment of at least 90° when viewed from above.

[0013] To facilitate easy application, the foot section, according to an advantageous aspect of the invention, has a comparatively stiff or rigid base body that can be positioned for attachment to the foot area, left freestanding, or manually oriented during entry. Application is then facilitated by simply "stepping on," with the final fastening and securing to the foot occurring subsequently, for example, by actuating a suitable fastening element. According to an aspect of the invention, this functionality is provided by a rigidly designed foot support frame, arranged on the lower leg support element, which is designed as a stabilizing element and preferably as a heel holder. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the foot support frame is designed as a rigidly designed frame.According to a preferred embodiment, this device can be provided with a footplate on which the user's foot or heel can be placed. This allows for particularly simple and reliable downward fixation of the foot and, thanks to the specially designed brackets, lateral orientation within the footplate. This prevents the foot from, for example, sliding up the user's leg, slipping, or twisting during training, thus preventing it from hindering the continuation of the training. In an advantageous further development, the footplate can comprise two (or possibly more) plate elements connected to each other via a pivot joint. The footplate, thus designed as a "foldable plate," can be individually adjusted to the user, for example, to their foot width, by appropriately pivoting the elements relative to each other.Furthermore, such a pivoting of the plate elements around the vertical axis can also be used to adjust a position in which the foot protrudes laterally from the frame, for example for a training exercise with lateral leg deflection.

[0014] In general, according to one aspect of the invention, the frame is dimensioned such that it is suitable for accommodating a human foot. This ensures that the foot can be easily inserted into the frame, thus facilitating easier entry.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous design, a retaining tab is molded onto the footplate, projecting from under the foot and extending beyond it. This allows the user to step onto the retaining tab with their free foot, thus fixing the foot section to the ground and making it particularly easy to "get out" of the foot section with the other foot.

[0016] The support bracket for the lower leg, intended for the calf, particularly on the lower back of the leg, and preferably designed as a force transmission bracket, is considered particularly advantageous because it provides the user with additional support and improved posterior and, if necessary, lateral support when the foot section is attached, thus increasing safety and control during training. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the support bracket or force transmission bracket is height-adjustable and attached to the frame, allowing for individual adjustments to the specific user at any time.

[0017] To ensure the secure and reliable attachment of the cable pulley or pull rope, a swivel bracket is mounted on the frame according to one aspect of the invention. Advantageously, this bracket is designed as a mounting plate with an elongated hole for attaching the pull rope, pivotably arranged on the frame. This allows for particularly easy adjustment to the user on the one hand and to the requirements of the respective training session on the other, for example, by setting an optimized angle for coupling to the pull rope. In a particularly advantageous embodiment and according to another aspect of the invention, the mounting plate can be swivelled by 180° or more, because with a correspondingly symmetrical design of the components, such a 180° swivel can be particularly suitable for switching from a setting for the right foot to a setting for the left foot or vice versa.

[0018] According to an aspect considered to be independently inventive, the lower leg support element can be provided on its inner side with a number of replaceable pressure-damping elements, particularly in the form of padding elements. These serve, on the one hand, to improve wearing comfort and allow for a padded contact of the calf against the support bracket. In a further advantageous embodiment, the padding element(s) can also be provided on their free surface, intended for skin contact with the calf, with a skin-friendly and / or breathable surface structure, which in particular reduces unpleasant perspiration on the calf. Such a surface structure can be designed, in particular, as a nubbed or ribbed structure, a honeycomb structure, a grooved structure, or the like. In addition to reducing perspiration, this also allows for better positioning on the calf with minimal slippage.If necessary, and to minimize slippage, the surface structure could also be specifically designed for this purpose, for example in the form of micro-suction cups.

[0019] These pressure-absorbing elements, also referred to as "inlays," are replaceable according to an aspect considered to be independently inventive, so that they can be replaced at any time, either as a wear part or as a washable element. The pressure-absorbing element(s) can, in particular, be slid onto the mounting bracket. It absorbs the force when the movement begins, and the bracket under the sole of the foot next to the inlay ensures that the device does not slip towards the knee when the leg is lifted.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment, the pressure damping element or elements can each have an information carrier surface on its free surface, for example for the application of logos, signs or consumer information.

[0021] The inlay can also be designed in different colors; and / or with different patterns, and / or different outer geometries.

[0022] The inlay can be purchased in various versions according to customer preference and can be changed without tools. From a hygiene perspective, it is easy to clean, unlike the soft pads that are typically fixed to rigid clamps and eventually wear out, rendering the entire clamp unusable.

[0023] The advantages of the invention, especially compared to previously known systems, lie particularly in the fact that the "entry" mechanism, as designed, makes attaching the device to the user's foot significantly easier, thus considerably increasing ease of use. Furthermore, the relatively rigid design of the foot section provides inherent stability, enabling greater reliability during training and preventing wear and tear caused by deformation of the foot straps. Compared to a Velcro fastener, wear is significantly reduced by attaching the device to the ankle. The resulting gradual decrease in holding power, which may become insufficient after numerous training cycles to move the training weight (even small masses), is also minimized.

[0024] Furthermore, in comparison to some products where the strap fabric or leather fabric that holds the metal ring attached to the cable pulley wears out during training and is eventually completely cut through, rendering the loop unusable, a significantly increased durability and overall wear resistance of the foot section can be achieved.

[0025] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. The drawing shows:

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a training device before (FIG. 1 a) and after (FIG. 1 b) performing an exercise.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows an alternative training device before (FIG. 2a) and after (FIG. 2b) performing an exercise.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a foot section for use with a training device according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 in full view from the side, front, and in cross-section.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows a section of the foot section according to FIG. 3 in a side-rear view.

[0030] FIG. 5 shows the head area of ​​the foot section according to FIG. 3 in an enlarged view, and

[0031] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged inlay of the foot section according to FIG. 3.

[0032] Identical parts are designated with the same reference numerals in all figures. The training or fitness device 1 according to FIG. 1 is designed for training the leg or gluteal muscles. It includes a training weight 2, which is lifted to perform a training exercise. For this purpose, the training weight 2 is guided in a support frame 4 and attached at the top to a pulley 6. The pulley 6, commonly also referred to as a "cable pulley", is guided over a number of pulleys 8 arranged on the support frame 4 and can be connected at its free end to a foot section 10. This foot section can then be attached to the user's feet, allowing the user to lift the training weight 2 via the pulley 6 by moving their legs.

[0033] Figure 1a shows the training device 1 in its resting state, where the training weight 2 has not yet been lifted and is therefore resting on the floor. The training device 1 is designed as a so-called "back-kick device". During a backward leg movement, as shown in Figure 1b, the training weight 2 is lifted by the leg movement via the appropriately redirected pull rope 6.

[0034] Figure 2 shows a similarly designed training device 1' in a version for training the adductors. Here, too, the training weight 2 is raised as a result of a leg exercise, starting from the resting state shown in Figure 2a. In this version, as can be seen in Figure 2b, a lateral inward movement of the leg is performed as the training exercise.

[0035] The foot section 10 of the training device 1, 1' is shown in FIG. 3 in a full side view and in cross-section, and in FIG. 4 in a rear view. According to one aspect of the invention, it is designed as an essentially rigid or stiff part, so that when attached to the foot, it does not need to be laboriously fastened to the leg, but the user simply "slips" or steps into it, in particular by stepping in with their heel. This greatly simplifies handling compared to conventional products, for example, because it eliminates the need to hook the ankle strap onto the cable. The foot section 10 has as its essential component a lower leg support element 50 that can be connected to the pull cord 6 of the training device 1, 1' and that encloses the lower leg of a person exercising, with a circumference of at least 180° and at most 270°.The lower leg support element 50 is designed to support the user's lower leg in the calf area, essentially from behind, and comprises a support bracket 16 enclosing approximately 180°. In the exemplary embodiment, this support bracket 16 has a contour in top view that is essentially semicircular, so that the "free opening angle" a it provides, with respect to the central axis 52 of the semicircular contour, is approximately 120°.

[0036] On the receiving bracket 16 a swivel bracket 32, intended for connection with the pull rope 6, is arranged such that it can be pivoted about an axis 54 lying in the main plane of the receiving bracket 16.

[0037] The foot section 10 is designed for ease of use and handling, allowing the user to simply "step in" with their foot. This means it doesn't require complicated installation but can be positioned for immediate access. For this purpose, the essentially rigid receiving element 50 is provided for the user's lower leg, largely enclosing the lateral and / or posterior part of the lower leg, i.e., the calf. Conversely, an access opening is provided in the front lateral area through which the lower leg can be inserted into the receiving element 50.To make this easier, the lower leg mounting element 50, comprising the swivel bracket 32 ​​and the mounting bracket 16, is designed in top view with a circumferential contour which - with reference to the central axis 52 - has a free opening segment 56 with a free opening angle β of 60° or more and / or a minimum dimension of 40 mm.

[0038] Furthermore, the foot section 10 has a rigidly designed foot support frame 11. The foot support frame 11 could be designed as a rigid component in any suitable construction, for example, in the form of a shell, particularly made of plastic, a fiber-reinforced composite material, a metal material, or a textile fabric, into which the user's heel can be inserted in the form of a half-shell. In the exemplary embodiment, however, the foot support frame 11 is designed, according to a particularly preferred embodiment considered to be especially flexible, both as a heel holder and as a stirrup holder 12.

[0039] The receiving bracket 16, designed in the form of an open shell body 14 and intended for the user's calf, is arranged on this bracket. This receiving bracket 16, considered to be independently inventive and designed as a shell body 14, is, according to one aspect of the invention, fundamentally designed as a dimensionally stable part to enable the user to "enter" the device as intended. This base body can be made of metal, a cast part, an injection-molded part, or even a dimensionally stable textile fabric. Thus, a shell body 14 open on one side and designed as a dimensionally stable part is considered to be independently inventive, particularly for use in the foot section 10 of a training device 1, 1'. The ensemble of bracket frame 12 and shell body 14 is also designed in the form of a body open at least on one side, into which the user can enter with their lower leg, in particular "backwards," i.e., with their heel.The foot section 10 and in particular its frame 12 are dimensioned in such a way that they are suitable for accommodating a human foot or the heel area.

[0040] Two foot brackets 18 are attached to the shell body 14 forming the receiving bracket 16 to form the bracket frame 12, each of which forms a plate element 20 in its lower region. The plate elements 20 are in turn connected to each other via a pivot joint 22, so that together they form a tread surface 24 of the foot part 10.

[0041] The resulting rotational adjustment of the footrests 18 relative to each other allows for a comparatively flexible use of the foot section 10 in the training device 1, 1', as it enables a change in position for adductor training purposes. In this case, the foot section 10 is used in a 90° rotated, and thus lateral, orientation relative to the pull cord 6, compared to its use as a "back kick" device. For this purpose, each footrest 18 is attached at its upper end to the shell body 14 or to the receiving bracket or force application bracket via a suitable clamping element 26. The clamping element could, for example, be designed as an eccentric or the like, which fixes the brackets 11 and 12 in position, but in the exemplary embodiment it is shown in the form of a knurled nut.To enable the desired pivoting motion, the clamping element 26, with its shaft, is guided in an elongated hole 28 provided in the shell body 14. For the aforementioned pivoting motion, the clamping element 26 is released, and the foot bracket 18 is then moved along the elongated hole 28 towards the rear stop. Once the desired pivoting position is reached, it is reattached to the clamping element 26 using a connecting element. This is particularly evident in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 3c. Alternatively, such a design suitable for angle adjustment could, of course, also be provided with other suitable concepts for a lockable angle adjustment, for example, as a clamping, clip, screw, or detent connection, or the like. For clarification, FIG. 3a shows the foot part 10 in its "original," unpivoted state, and FIG. 3b shows it in its fully pivoted state.In this state, where, in the embodiment shown, the plate elements 20 are aligned with their longitudinal axes almost perpendicular to each other, the foot section 10 can be used, for example, for exercises in a "lateral direction," such as abductor or adductor training. In this state, the user's toes point in the direction of arrow 29 when the foot section 10 is in place. This function can be switched alternately for both legs.

[0042] To allow for a degree of individualization to the user, the mounting bracket 16 is height-adjustable and attached to the bracket frame 12. Such a height-adjustable design could be configured as a fixed height adjustment, for example, as a clamping, clip, or locking connection. In the exemplary embodiment, however, a number of holes 30 are provided in each foot bracket 18 – merely as an example – through which the shaft of the respective knurled screw 26 can be inserted, thus allowing the stop plate 16 to be attached to the bracket frame 12 at the desired height.

[0043] A retaining tab 58, projecting from under and beyond the foot, is molded onto the footplate 24. This allows the user to step onto the retaining tab 58 with their free foot, thus fixing the foot section 10 to the ground, making it particularly easy to "get out" of the foot section 10 with the other foot. In other words, the foot section has a platform, tab, or fixing point 58 for the non-training foot, which is intended to facilitate getting out of the device by using the forefoot / ball of the foot to fix the product to the ground from above by stepping on it and holding it down, so that the training leg can be released from the device without using hands.

[0044] To attach the pull rope 6 to the frame 12, a swivel bracket 32 ​​is mounted on the frame, as can be seen particularly in the "rear" view in FIG. 4a and the side view in FIG. 4b. This bracket is designed as a load arm and includes an eyelet 34 at its end, into which a carabiner of the pull rope 6 can be attached. The load arm, designed as a mounting plate 36 arranged on the frame 12, forms a handle that can be used as an alignment aid when entering the foot section 10. The load arm, designed as a mounting plate 36, has a pivot point 38 about which it can pivot. This allows the mounting plate 36 to move parallel to the cable pull or pull rope 6 during training when the leg or heel swings upwards. Alternatively, the load arm can also be used in a fixed position.

[0045] For further clarification, the foot section 10 is shown in a side view in FIG. 4b for a variety of pivoting positions. It is clearly visible that the load arm 36 can be pivoted by at least 180° about the pivot point 35. This allows for a particularly simple change in the configuration of the foot section 10 for the "right foot" to the "left foot" or vice versa, with regard to its attachment to the training device 1. Also on the shell body 14, according to one aspect of the invention, padding elements 40, in particular in the form of inlay padding, are provided, as can be seen especially in the enlarged view of the head area of ​​the foot section in FIG. 5. These are intended to ensure that no hard parts lie directly against the leg between the shell body 14 and the leg, thus preventing pressure points or friction that could cause injury.These upholstery elements 40, intended as inlays, are designed to be interchangeable according to one aspect of the invention, thus allowing for size adjustment to meet user requirements as well as replacement in case of wear or desired color / design changes. Adapted to the dimensions of the respective user, the upholstery elements 40 preferably have a clear width of at least 30 mm and at most 100 mm in the cross-section of the foot section 10.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment considered to be independently inventive, the foot section 10, equipped with the padding element or inlay 40, can also be specifically designed to expand the range of motion of the person training. In particular, it can be provided that, in addition to the intended pivoting movement of the leg around the hip, a further movement can be enabled, namely the rotation of the training leg around its longitudinal axis (Z-axis), in order to ensure rotation of the foot around the Z-axis during back kicks. This means that the foot can be rotated to the left or right relative to the cable axis / direction while performing the exercise, in order to individually load the muscles. To enable this, a suitable bearing element 64 is provided, which connects the lower leg support bracket 16, onto which the inlay 40 is slid, with the pivot bracket 32, which is attached to the cable pulley 6.This bearing element 64 can, for example, be designed as a rolling or sliding bearing, so that the individual adjustment for the different exercise variants is not significantly restricted.

[0047] The replaceable padding element or inlay 40, shown enlarged in FIG. 6, provides support alongside the stirrup under the sole of the foot; its surface facing the lower leg may have a micro-structure in the form of nubs, grooves, honeycomb or suction cups, sawtooth or fish-scale profiles on the skin-contacting surface. The inlay 40 is slid onto the heel stirrup so that its interlocking geometry holds the interlocking parts together and / or, in complex, custom-made designs, can be further secured by fixing elements.

[0048] In addition, the skin-contacting surface also serves as an information carrier surface for logos, Sulgens or consumer information.

[0049] The Inlay 40 can also be available in various colors and / or with different patterns, fluorescent (self-illuminating) or illuminated by LEDs or other light sources, and / or designed with different outer geometries. The Inlay 40 can be purchased in various versions according to customer preference and can be changed without tools.

[0050] From a hygiene perspective, it is easy to clean, unlike the soft pads that are commonly found on rigid clamps, which eventually wear out and require the entire clamp to be thrown away, rather than simply replacing the inlay.

[0051] The foot section 10 is designed, as described, for easier entry and thus for particularly easy handling. In addition to the provided self-locking function, fixation to the lower leg can be achieved by a self-locking and unlocking closure element 60. This can, for example, be in the form of a folding tab 62, which is deformed when the foot section is applied and then retains its shape until it is actively opened again (similar to the cover of a so-called "folding ruler"). The closure element 60 can be integrated with the inlay 40, as shown in the embodiment in FIG. 6, or designed as a mounting / attachment component.

[0052] Preferably, and according to one aspect of the invention, the foot section 10 is of lightweight construction with a total weight of less than 1.5 kg. The foot section 10 can thus be considered an individually adjustable, portable equipment accessory foot section (non-rigid foot section) for training the gluteal, hip, and adductor / adductor muscles. After attaching it to a cable tower, resistance band, or fitness band, the user can step into it from the side. The force exerted when the lower leg is moved into a back kick motion automatically secures the foot section to the lower leg via the ankle. The force is applied via the lower leg support bracket 16, onto which the inlay 40 is slid. This inlay absorbs the force at the start of the movement, while the bracket under the sole of the foot, next to the inlay 40, prevents the foot section 10 from slipping towards the knee when the leg is lifted.

[0053] The self-locking function can be supplemented by a self-locking and unlocking closure that further supports the fixation on the lower leg, integrated into the inlay or designed as a mounting part / attachment.

[0054] Reference symbol list

[0055] 1 training device

[0056] 2 Training weight

[0057] 4 mounting frames

[0058] 6 tow rope

[0059] 8 pulley

[0060] 10 Foot section

[0061] 11 Foot mounting frames

[0062] 12 ironing frames

[0063] 14 shell bodies

[0064] 16 mounting brackets

[0065] 18 footrests

[0066] 20 plate elements

[0067] 22 Swivel joint

[0068] 24 tread surface

[0069] 26 clamping element

[0070] 28 slotted holes

[0071] 29 Arrow

[0072] 30 holes

[0073] 32 swivel brackets

[0074] 34 eyelets

[0075] 36 Mounting plate

[0076] 40 upholstered elements

[0077] 50 Lower leg support element

[0078] 52 Center axis

[0079] 54 axle

[0080] 56 opening segment

[0081] 58 retaining tab

[0082] 60 locking element

[0083] 62 Folding tab

[0084] 64 Bearing element

Claims

Claims 1. Foot section (10) for a training device (1 , 1 '), with a lower leg support element (50) that can be connected to a Theraband, fitness band, pull rope (6) or the like of the training device (1 , 1 '), which encloses an inserted lower leg of a person exercising to a circumference of at least 180° and at most 300°.

2. Foot part (10) according to claim 1, wherein the lower leg receiving element (50) comprises a receiving bracket (16) enclosing the lower leg to approximately 180°.

3. Foot part (10) according to claim 2, on whose receiving bracket (16) a pivot bracket (32) provided for connection with the Theraband, fitness band or pull rope (6) is pivotably arranged about an axis (54) lying in the main plane of the receiving bracket (16).

4. Foot part (10) according to claim 3, wherein the lower leg receiving element (50) comprising the pivot bracket (32) and the receiving bracket (16) has a circumferential contour with a free opening segment (56) of at least 90° when viewed from above.

5. Foot part (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, on whose lower leg receiving element (50) a rigidly designed foot receiving frame (U) is arranged.

6. Foot part (10) according to claim 5, the foot mounting frame (11) of which is provided with a tread surface (24).

7. Foot part (10) according to claim 5 or 6, the foot receiving frame (11) of which is dimensioned such that it is suitable for receiving a human foot.

8. Foot section (10) according to one of claims 5 to 8, the foot mounting frame (11) of which is designed in the form of a rigidly designed bracket frame (12).

9. Foot section (10) according to claim 7, the tread surface (24) of which comprises two plate elements (20) connected to each other via a pivot joint (22).

10. Foot part (10) according to claim 7 or 9, on the tread surface (24) of which a retaining tab (58) is molded.

11. Foot section (10) according to one of claims 8 to 10, the receiving bracket (16) of which is height-adjustable and attached to the bracket frame (12).

12. Foot section (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, the receiving bracket (16) of which is provided on the inside with a number of replaceable cushioning elements (40).

13. Foot section (10) according to claim 12, wherein the cushioning element(s) (40) are provided with a surface structure on their free surface intended for skin contact with the user.

14. Foot part (10) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the cushioning element(s) (40) each have an information carrier surface on their free surface.

Images