U.S. patent application number 13/504857 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-08 for training station and fitness station comprising the training station.
Invention is credited to Helmuth Mayr.
Application Number | 20120283080 13/504857 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41693208 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120283080 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mayr; Helmuth |
November 8, 2012 |
TRAINING STATION AND FITNESS STATION COMPRISING THE TRAINING
STATION
Abstract
The invention relates to a training station comprising a
standing mat, a training device, a control unit, and a display
unit. The standing mat comprises a sensor for generating a
real-time standing signal depending on the position of at least one
foot on the standing mat. The training device comprises a gripping
means that is prestressed with a prestress, wherein said gripping
means can be seized by the training person with one hand for
training purposes and can be moved and/or held in a free manner
against the prestress, and further comprises a position sensor for
generating a real-time position signal depending on the position
and/or the temporal position change of the gripping means relative
to the standing mat. The control unit is equipped to receive the
real-time standing signal and the real-time position signal, to
define a target position range depending on the real-time standing
signal, and to generate a real-time control signal depending on a
comparison of the real-time position signal with the target
position range to determine whether the current position and/or the
current temporal position change of the gripping means are within
the target position range. The display unit is equipped to receive
the real-time control signal and make it available in a
recognizable manner to the training person.
Inventors: |
Mayr; Helmuth; (Gersthofen,
DE) |
Family ID: |
41693208 |
Appl. No.: |
13/504857 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
October 29, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2010/066511 |
371 Date: |
July 23, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/17 20130101;
A63B 2220/806 20130101; A63B 24/0006 20130101; A63B 2220/14
20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 2024/0012 20130101; A63B
2208/0204 20130101; A63B 23/0244 20130101; A63B 2071/0627 20130101;
A63B 24/0087 20130101; A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 21/0726
20130101; A63B 2225/54 20130101; A63B 2220/12 20130101; A63B
21/0628 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 29, 2009 |
EP |
09174471.4 |
Claims
1. A training station having a standing mat (2) for the purpose of
a person training (11) to stand thereon with at least one foot (12,
13) during the training, said standing mat (2) having a stance
sensor (17) for the purpose of generating a real-time stance signal
(18) according to the position of the at least one foot (12, 13) on
the standing mat (2) while the person training (11) is standing
thereon; having a training device (3, 6) which comprises a grip
device (4, 7) which is pretensioned with a pretensioning force, and
which can be gripped for the purpose of training by a hand (14) of
the person training (11), and which can move freely and/or can be
held against the pretensioning force, the training device (3, 6)
also having a position sensor (19) for the purpose of generating a
real-time position signal (20) according to the position and/or to
the change in position over time of the grip device (4, 7) relative
to the standing mat (2); having a controller unit (21) which is set
up to receive the real-time stance signal (18) and the real-time
position signal (20), and to define a target position range (23)
according to the real-time stance signal (18), and to generate a
real-time control signal (25) according to a comparison of the
real-time position signal (20) to the target position range (23),
wherein said comparison determines whether the current position
and/or the current change in position over time of the grip device
(4, 7) is/are within the target position range (23); and having a
display device (26) which is set up to receive the real-time
control signal (25) and provide the same in a recognizable manner
to the person training (11).
2. A training station according to claim 1, wherein the controller
unit (21) is set up to evaluate the repetitions of a training
exercise in such a manner that only the particular repetitions are
counted for which the actual position and/or the actual change in
position over time of the grip device (4, 7) during said
repetitions lie(s) within the target position range (23).
3. A training device according to claim 2, wherein the controller
unit (21) is set up to output a previously determined maximum
number of repetitions by means of the display unit (26), wherein
the maximum number is adjusted according to the quality rate of the
repetitions with respect to the position and/or the change in
position over time of the grip device (4, 7).
4. A training station according to claim 1, wherein the training
station (1) has a marking unit (15, 16), wherein a previously
determined position of the at least one foot (12, 13) of the person
training (11) can be displayed on the surface of the standing mat
(2) by means of said marking unit (15, 16).
5. A training station according to claim 4, wherein the controller
unit (21) is set up to compare the current position of the at least
one foot (12, 13) to the previously determined position, and to
accordingly adjust the real-time control signal (25) if the
comparison produces the result that the current position of the at
least one foot (12, 13) is different from the previously determined
position.
6. A training station according to claim 1, wherein the display
unit (26) is a visual display or a haptic display, and is arranged
in the standing mat (2) or in the grip device (4, 7).
7. A training station according to claim 1, wherein the position
sensor (19) is integrated into the grip device (4, 7), and the
controller unit (21) is integrated into the standing mat (2).
8. A training station according to claim 1, wherein the controller
unit (21) has a processor (24) and a storage device (22).
9. A training station according to claim 8, wherein the training
station (1) has an input device (27) for the inputting of data to
the storage unit (22).
10. A training station according to claim 8, wherein the training
station (1) has a transponder (28) for the inputting of data to the
processor (24).
11. A training station according to claim 1, wherein the training
device is a dumbbell (3) and the dumbbell grip (4) thereof is the
grip device, or the training device is a traction device (6) and
the traction grip (7) is the grip device.
12. A training station according to claim 1, wherein the position
sensor (19) has a gyroscope or a CCD camera.
13. A fitness station having a central unit and having a plurality
of training stations according to claim 1, wherein the central unit
is set up to communicate with the controller units (21) of the
training stations (1), such that data used to define the target
position range (23) can be transmitted to the individual controller
units (21).
14. A fitness station according to claim 13, wherein the central
unit is set up to communicate with the plurality of controller
units (21), such that it is possible to control a training sequence
for the one or multiple persons training (11) when the same are
training with multiple training stations (1).
Description
[0001] A training station, and fitness station having said training
station
[0002] The invention relates to a training station, and a fitness
station having said training station.
[0003] The use of a training device for the purpose of engaging in
athletic activity is known, wherein said training device is
provided for in-house training of a person training. A training
device can be, by way of example, a bicycle, a treadmill, a step
machine, or an elliptical trainer, wherein the person training can
improve his/her endurance by means of the training device. For the
purpose of strengthening corresponding muscle groups of the person
training, suitable devices include a leg press, a bench, or a
rowing machine. The exercises undertaken by the person training on
the exercise machine are particularly suited for an athletic
activity in general, or are selected in consideration of medical
and physiotherapeutic goals. If the exercises are not performed by
the person training according to expert specifications, it is
possible that the desired results of training will not be achieved,
and the person training can incur physical damage. For this reason,
it is necessary for the person training to be instructed and
supervised during the exercises by an expert, such as a trainer, a
physiotherapist, or a doctor, for example, in order to constantly
ensure that the person training satisfactorily executes the
exercises. In addition, it is frequently not possible for the
person training, wherein the same is unpracticed, to adequately
supervise the exercises he or she executes, such that the person
training may execute the exercises in an uncontrolled, inexact, or
even improper manner. This problem particularly arises in cases
where the exercise performed by the person training is not
prespecified and guided by the training device, but rather must be
coordinated by the person training. This is particularly the case
when a dumbbell is used as the training device, wherein the same is
commonly gripped by the hand, if it is a dumbbell, or by two hands,
if it is a bar bell, and the exercise can in principle consist of
any possible movement of the dumbbell which can be the result of
any anatomically- and physiologically-possible movement of the
hands and the arms of the person training. As such, during the
exercise using the dumbbell, the person training can very easily
deviate from a prespecified movement path, such that during the
exercise the actual position and the actual movement path of the
dumbbell deviates too severely from the target position and the
target movement path thereof. In the case of the exercise using the
dumbbell, and also in all exercises having freely executed
movements of the hands, the standing position of the person
training is important for the execution of the exercise. For
example, if the person training is standing with his or her feet
shoulder-width apart, or in a stepping position, the target
position and the target movement path can accordingly be made
dependent on this standing position.
[0004] The observation provided by expert personnel in a fitness
center or a therapeutic medical practice for the purpose of
monitoring and instructing the person training is costly and
personnel-intensive. In addition, because of the physical presence
of the expert personnel, more space is required than would be if
the person training would perform the exercise alone. However, if
the person training performs the exercise without guidance, he or
she is subject to the danger of performing the exercise in a manner
which is insufficient with respect to athletic or therapeutic
considerations.
[0005] The problem addressed by the invention is that of creating a
training station and a fitness station which enable the person
training to train in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
[0006] The training station according to the invention has a
standing mat, a training device, a controller unit, and a display
unit. The standing mat, on which the person training stands with at
least one foot while training, has a stance sensor to generate a
real-time stance signal according to the position of the at least
one foot placed on the standing mat when the person training is
standing thereon. The training device has a grip device which is
pretensioned with a pretensioning force. The grip device can be
gripped by a hand of the person training, and can move freely
and/or be held in place when force is applied against the
pretensioning force. The training device also has a position sensor
for the purpose of generating a real-time position signal according
to the position and/or the change in position over time of the grip
device relative to the standing mat. The controller unit is set up
to receive the real-time stance signal and the real-time position
signal, to define a target position range according to the
real-time stance signal, and to generate a real-time control signal
according to a comparison of the real-time position signal with the
position target range, wherein the comparison determines whether
the current position and/or the current change of position over
time of the grip device is/are within the position target range.
The display unit is set up to receive the real-time control signal
and to make the same visible for the person training, in a
recognizable manner. The fitness station according to the invention
has a central unit with a plurality of the training stations,
wherein the central unit is set up to communicate with the
controller units of the training stations, such that data for
defining the target position range can be transmitted to the
individual controller units.
[0007] As such, the person training is able to use the training
station according to the invention to determine whether he or she
has achieved his or her training goal during training, without the
person training being guided by an expert. In this way, the person
training is encouraged during training to engage directly in his
performance of the training exercises. The display unit in this
case provides feedback to the person training by means of the
real-time control signal, indicating whether the execution of the
exercise can be considered adequate. By means of the fitness
stations according to the invention, it is possible to coordinate
the training of multiple persons along with their training
stations, such that it is possible to carry out a group training by
using the fitness station according to the invention, wherein said
group training is personally customized to the individual persons
training, thereby making it possible to increase the motivation of
the individual persons training. The controller units together with
the central unit assume the coordination and supervising role, and
it is not necessary for expert personnel to be present during the
performance of the training. As such, the training station
according to the invention and the fitness station according to the
invention enable an effective training even though the deployment
of personnel, and therefore the personnel costs as well, are
minimal.
[0008] The controller unit is preferably set up to evaluate
repetitions of the training exercise in such a manner that only
those repetitions are counted wherein the current position and/or
the current change in position over time of the grip device during
said repetitions lie within the target position range. In this
case, it is preferred that the controller unit is set up to provide
a previously determined maximum count of repetitions by means of
the display unit, wherein the maximum count is adjusted according
to the quality rate of the repetitions with respect to the position
and/or the change in position over time of the grip device. In this
way, the person training is advantageously conditioned with the
training station according to the invention as regards the quality
of the exercises performed by the person training. As a result, the
possibility is created of allowing the person training to exercise
longer in correspondence with the poor quality rate, such that the
person training experiences more rapid training results. In
addition, by means of the training station according to the
invention, the possibility arises of reacting to the poor quality
rate as indicative of a poor daily performance by the person
training, and then of adjusting the training in response. In
addition, it would also be possible by means of the training
station according to the invention to react to a high quality rate
in such a manner that the person training is no longer
under-challenged by the current exercise, and, for the purpose of
generating rapid training results, the maximum count of repetitions
is then increased for the current exercise, and optionally the
target position range is accordingly adjusted.
[0009] The training station preferably has a marking unit, wherein
the previously determined position of the at least one foot of the
person training can be displayed on the surface of the standing mat
by means of said marking unit. In this case, the controller unit is
preferably set up to compare the current position of the at least
one foot to the previously determined position, and to accordingly
adjust the real-time control signal if the comparison produces the
result that the current position of the at least one foot differs
from the previously determined position. In this way, the position
of the foot of the person training on the standing mat is
incorporated by means of the training station according to the
invention into the conception of the training, with respect to the
maximum count of repetitions and the target position range. In
addition, the use of the marking unit ensures that the person
training has a stable stance during training when the position of
the at least one foot of the person training is accordingly
specified.
[0010] The display unit is preferably an optical display or a
haptic output device, and is preferably arranged in the standing
mat or in the grip device. The person training receives constant
feedback by means of the display device regarding the quality of
his execution of the exercise. By means of the corresponding
display of the real-time control signal, the person training
receives information on whether, and to what extent, he must
correct the progression of his exercises with regard to the
position and the change in position of the grip device. The
position sensor is preferably integrated into the grip device, and
the controller unit is preferably integrated into the standing mat.
A location outside the grip device can be provided in the
configuration for the position sensor if the configuration enables
a corresponding coupling between the position sensor and the grip
device for the purpose of detecting the position and/or the change
in the position over time of the grip device. The controller unit
can also be included outside of the standing mat, although in this
case the training station would then have an additional component
compared to the integral arrangement. The position sensor
preferably has a gyroscope or a CCD camera.
[0011] The controller unit preferably has a processor and a storage
device. In this case, the training station preferably has an input
device for the inputting of data into the storage device. The
training station also preferably has a transponder for the
inputting of data to the processor. In this way, the configuration
makes it advantageously possible to input, by way of example, a
previously determined maximum count of repetitions of an exercise,
along with the associated target position range, by means of the
input device. By means of the transponder, it can be possible to
identify a person training, for example in a configuration
utilizing RFID technology. Then, according to this identification,
data relating to the previously determined maximum count of
repetitions of an exercise, and data for the purpose of defining
the associated target position range, can be called up from the
storage device and processed by the processor. Additional
possibilities for inputting data by means of the input device and
by means of manipulation of the processor via the transponder can
be contemplated, as can additional possibilities for cooperation
between the storage device and the processor, for the purpose of
providing the person training with an exercise profile which is
individually customized to him or her.
[0012] The training device is preferably a dumbbell, wherein the
dumbbell grip thereof is the grip device, or is a traction device,
wherein the traction grip thereof is the grip device. Freely
executed exercises are performed by the person training, both with
the dumbbell and also the traction device, wherein the monitoring
and conditioning of said exercises can be carried out by the
training station according to the invention, incorporating
information on the standing position of the person training.
[0013] The central unit of the fitness station is preferably set up
to communicate with a plurality of controller units, such that it
is possible to control a training sequence for the one or multiple
people training when the same are training with multiple training
stations. In this case, the construction of the fitness station is
preferably such that the multiple training stations are arranged
around the central unit, by way of example in a circle, such that
the persons training can switch from one of the training stations
to the next training station by moving around the central unit
during the training sequence. In this case, it is preferably
possible for the central unit to additionally provide the person
training with visual and/or acoustic signals, wherein this makes it
possible to display to the person training the point in time when
such a switch should take place from one training station to the
neighboring training station, in a clockwise fashion. The central
unit can also preferably communicate with the training station in
such a manner that the person training can begin his training
sequence at any training station, and can then continue the
training sequence by switching to one of the other training
stations upon being prompted to do so.
[0014] The central unit can preferably be designed as a column,
wherein a film sequence is shown on the outer surface thereof to
the persons training, for example during training. The film
sequence can be an advertising commercial, such that it is possible
to transmit an advertising message to the persons training during
the training. The central unit can preferably communicate with the
plurality of controller units in such a manner that the display
devices of selected training stations can be controlled by the
central unit. As such, it is possible to display to the persons
training, for example by means of optical signals of the display
devices, if the display devices are optical devices, that it is
time to switch between the training stations as part of a circuit
training.
[0015] Preferred embodiments of a training station according to the
invention and a fitness station according to the invention are
explained below with reference to the attached schematic
illustrations, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a perspective drawing of a first embodiment of
the training station according to the invention,
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a perspective drawing of a second embodiment of
the training station according to the invention,
[0018] FIG. 3 shows a perspective drawing of a dumbbell according
to the embodiment in FIG. 1, and
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a principle schematic drawing of the
construction of the training station.
[0020] As can be seen in FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a training
station 1 has a standing mat 2, wherein a person training 11 stands
on the same. In addition, the training station 1 has a dumbbell 3
which is composed of a dumbbell grip 4 and two dumbbell weights 5.
The embodiment of the training station 1 shown in FIG. 2 has a
traction device 6 in place of the dumbbell 3, wherein said traction
device 6 is composed of a traction grip 7, a cable 8, and a pulley
9, as well as a counterweight 10. The dumbbell 3 shown in FIG. 1 is
moved by the person training 11 against the force of gravity, and
held. Similarly, the traction device 6 shown in FIG. 2 is moved and
held by the person training 11 against the force of gravity of the
counterweight 10, which is transmitted via the cable 8 and the
pulley 9 to the traction grip 7. The person training 11 has a first
foot 12 and a second foot 13, as well as a hand 14. The person
training grips the dumbbell grip 4 according to FIG. 1, and/or the
traction grip 7 according to FIG. 2, by means of said hand 14.
[0021] The standing mat 2 has a first illumination marking 15 and a
second illumination marking 16, wherein the first illumination
marking 15 displays the target position of the first foot 12 of the
person training 11 on the standing mat 2, and the second
illumination marking 16 displays the target position of the second
foot 13 of the person training 11 on the standing mat 2. The person
training 11 stands on the standing mat 2 according to the target
positions displayed by the illumination markings 15, 16, such that
the first foot 12 is arranged on the first illumination marking 15,
and the second foot 13 is arranged on the second illumination
marking 16.
[0022] As is shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, a position sensor 19 is
built into the dumbbell grip 4 of the dumbbell 3 for the purpose of
determining the position and/or the change in position over time of
the dumbbell 3 and/or the dumbbell grip 4. Similarly, FIG. 2 shows
the position sensor 19 built into the traction grip 4 of the
traction grip device 6. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,
a storage device 22 and a processor 24 are built into the standing
mat 2, forming a controller unit 21. Furthermore, the configuration
includes a visual display 26, a keyboard 27, and a transponder 28
in the standing mat 2.
[0023] A schematic construction of the training station 1 is shown
in FIG. 4. The dumbbell grip 4 of the dumbbell 3 and/or the
traction grip 7 of the traction device 6 each have a position
sensor 19. A real-time position signal 20 is generated by the
position sensor 19 in real time according to the current position
and/or the current change in position over time of the dumbbell
grip 4 and/or of the traction grip 7 relative to the standing mat
2. The real-time position signal 20 is relayed to the controller
unit 21, the same being built into the standing mat 2. The
transmission of the real-time position signal 20 by the position
sensor 19 to the controller unit 21 can be realized, by way of
example, via a cable connection or a radio connection. The
controller unit 21 comprises the storage device 22 and the
processor 24, wherein at least one target position range 23 for the
real-time position signal 20 is stored in the storage device 22.
The target position range 23 is relayed to the processor 24,
whereby it can be determined by the processor 24 whether the
position and/or the change in position over time according to the
real-time position signal 20 of the position sensor 19 lies either
inside or outside of the target position range 23. A real-time
control signal 25 is generated by means of the processor 24
according to this analysis, and said real-time control signal 25
contains information regarding whether the real-time position
signal 20 lies within the target position range 23. The real-time
control signal 25 is relayed to the visual display 26, wherein the
real-time control signal 25 is conveyed to the person training 11
by means of said visual display 26, such that the person training
11 receives information regarding whether the training exercise he
is currently performing with the dumbbell 3 and/or with the
traction device 6 is appropriate with respect to the movement path
of his hand 14.
[0024] The stance sensor 17 determines which positions the feet 12
and 13 of the person training assume on the standing mat 2 during
the training. According to the actual positions detected by the
stance sensor 17, a real-time stance signal 18 is generated by the
stance sensor 17, and this signal is relayed to the controller unit
21. The target position range 23 is defined according to the
real-time stance signal 18, such that it is possible for the person
training 11 to carry out an exercise with the dumbbell 3 and/or
with the traction device 6, wherein said exercise is customized to
his current stance on the standing mat 2.
[0025] The keyboard 27 is coupled to the controller unit 21, such
that it is possible to input one or more target position ranges 23
to the storage unit 22 by means of the keyboard 27. The transponder
28 is likewise coupled to the controller unit 21, and the
transponder 28 is also coupled to both the storage unit 22 and the
processor 24. By means of the transponder 28, it is possible, and
by way of example with additional reliance on RFID technology, to
select a target position range 23 from the storage unit 22 for the
person training 11 when data is accordingly input to the processor
24, and to make the comparison which is carried out in the
processor 24 between the real-time position signal 20 and the
target position range 23 available. In addition, the illumination
markings 15, 16 can be controlled by the processor 24, whereby it
is possible to prespecify the target positions for the feet 12, 13
of the person training 11 on the standing mat 2.
[0026] For the purpose of configuring the training station 1 for an
individual person training 11, a previously determined target
position range 23 can be input into the storage device 22 by means
of the keyboard 27, for example. In the event that the person
training 11 approaches, carrying a communication means (not shown)
which can communicate with the transponder 28 in such a manner that
the person training 11 is thereby identified, then it is possible
for the target position range 23 which is specifically provided for
the individual person training 11 to be made available, by means of
the transponder 28 controlling the storage unit 22 and the
processor 24. The illumination markings 15, 16 are activated
according to this target position range 23, whereby the person
training 11 is then informed how to position his feet 12, 13 on the
standing mat 2. The actual position of the feet 12, 13, of the
person training 11 on the standing mat 2 is detected by the stance
sensor 17; according to the actual position of the feet 12, 13 on
the standing mat 2, and in the event that these positions do not
agree with the target positions prespecified by the illumination
marking 15, 16, the target position range 23 is then corrected by
the processor 24. If the person training 11 performs the desired
exercise, then the real-time signal 20 with information on the
current position and the current change in position over time of
the dumbbell grip 4 and/or of the traction grip 7 is transmitted to
the controller unit 21 by the position sensor 19. A quantitative
and/or qualitative comparison carried out by the processor 24, to
determine whether the real-time position signal 20 is within the
corrected target position range 23, results in the real-time
control signal 25. If the real-time control signal 20 does not lie
within the corrected target position range 23, then the real-time
control signal 25 is constructed in such a manner that, by way of
example, the visual display 26 is illuminated in red. In this way,
the person training 11 sees that he is not performing his exercise
as desired, and can then accordingly correct his execution in the
subsequent repetitions of the exercise. If the person training 11
then executes his exercise in such a manner that the real-time
position signal 20 is within the corrected target position range
23, the visual display 26 then, by way of example, is illuminated
in green. In this way, the person training 11 is informed that he
has executed his exercise as desired. The processor 24 is
furthermore designed in such a manner that it can use the real-time
position signal 20 to count the repetitions of the exercise. In
addition, the processor 24 can optionally be adjusted such that
continued counting only proceeds if a repetition of the exercise is
carried out in such a manner that the real-time position signal 20
is within the corrected target position range 23.
[0027] A fitness station (not shown) has a plurality of the
training stations 1. A fitness station has a central unit which is
designed, by way of example, as a column. In a training studio, the
column is arranged, by way of example, in the middle, and the
training stations 1 are arranged around the column in a circle,
equidistant from the column. The central unit is set up such that
it communicates with the controller units 21 of the training
stations 1. This communication can be realized, by way of example,
via the transponder 28 and/or via a cable connection and/or via a
radio connection. The central unit can be manipulated by a trainer,
whereby it is possible, by way of example, to input the target
position range 23 for the storage devices 22 of the training
stations 1. In addition, a manipulation of the processors 24 of the
training stations 1 can be carried out by means of the central unit
such that the configuration enables a coordinated training of
multiple persons training 11, the same using the training stations
1, with the visual displays 26 thereof being controlled.
* * * * *