MOVEMENT DEVICE

Abstract

 The invention concerns a movement device (1) which is configured to cause one or two users to perform physical exercise, wherein said movement device (1) comprises a structure (2) which is rotatable about a rotary shaft and configured to be operated by limbs of a user, which structure (2) is provided with surface parts (31, 32, 41, 42) which are configured and suitable for a user to exert a force thereon, wherein said structure (2) rotates as a consequence of periodic push and/or pull forces exerted by limbs of a user on the surface parts (31, 32, 41, 42), and wherein the movement device (1) furthermore comprises a sound-generating module (5) which is suitable and configured for playing a sound fragment as a consequence of the rotation of said structure (2).

Description

[0001] The invention concerns a movement device which is configured to cause a user thereof to perform physical exercise, wherein said movement device comprises a structure which is rotatable about a rotary shaft and is configured to be operated by limbs of the user, which structure is provided with surface parts which are configured and suitable for the user to exert a force thereon, wherein said structure rotates as a consequence of periodic push and/or pull forces exerted by limbs of a user on the surface parts, and wherein the movement device furthermore comprises a sound-generating module. The movement device according to the invention is preferably suitable for use in the care sector. The movement device concerned may, however, also be used as an aid in the treatment of persons suffering from burnout phenomena, and also for persons with dementia, elderly persons, persons in rehabilitation, persons in therapy etc.

[0002] Physical exercise has many benefits for both physical and mental health. The physical benefits include: weight control, improved muscle strength and stamina, improved cardiovascular health, better balance and coordination. As well as the physical benefits, there are also many mental benefits. Thus physical exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, which reduces stress and promotes general well-being. This improves the cognitive functions and reduces the risk of depression.

[0003] The benefits of physical exercise are however dependent on regular activity. Here, it is recommended to have at least 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic activity per week, together with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week. The type of activity may vary from walking and running to swimming, dancing and strength training, depending on individual preferences.

[0004] WO 2015/132683 A1 describes a method for performing a physical exercise routine such as e.g. performing a step movement on a home trainer, in a training zone, wherein a participant in a training zone is presented with a programme selected from the group comprising moving images, which are visible to the participant in his entire horizontal field of vision, and sound, wherein the programme gives visual and/or audible instructions to the participant to perform the movements of a physical exercise routine, wherein the instructions are synchronized with the physical exercise routine which must be performed.

[0005] US 2021/0046373 A1 describes a cardio-fitness machine which generates sensory signals to accompany a user in the performance of targeted movements.

[0006] With the devices (methods) described in WO 2015/132683 A1 and US 2021/0046373 A1, the aim is for the user to follow the rhythm of the played sound fragments. However, not everyone has the physical capabilities and/or ambition to perform such exercises on a regular basis. The object of this invention is therefore to provide a movement device which encourages and/or stimulates the user to perform a certain amount of physical exercise at controlled times.

[0007] The object of the invention is achieved by the provision of a movement device which is configured to cause a user to perform physical exercise, wherein said movement device comprises a structure which is rotatable about a rotary shaft and is configured to be operated by limbs of the user, which structure is provided with surface parts which are configured and suitable for the user to exert a force thereon, wherein said structure rotates as a consequence of periodic push and/or pull forces exerted by limbs of a user on the surface parts, and wherein the movement device furthermore comprises a sound-generating module, wherein said sound-generating module is suitable and configured for playing a sound fragment as a consequence of the rotation of said structure. Said structure is suitable for rotating both clockwise and counterclockwise. Preferably, said sound-generating module will only (exclusively) play a sound fragment as a consequence of the rotation of said structure. In this way, the user is encouraged to cause the structure concerned to rotate by exerting periodic push and/or pull forces on said surface parts.

[0008] The generated sound, which preferably comprises ambient sounds, music fragments, human and/or animal sounds, will stimulate the user of the movement device to carry out the performed movement further, whereby he remains in motion for longer.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the movement device comprises a sensor which is connected to the sound-generating module and is suitable for detecting a rotation of the rotary shaft. The sensor concerned is preferably an infrared sensor. Evidently, other types of sensors are also considered, such as e.g. a light sensor. In an alternative embodiment, the sensor is replaced by a mechanical switch which is switched as soon as the rotary shaft begins to rotate. In particular, the sound-generating module is configured for processing rotation detections by the sensor and to play a sound fragment on detection of rotation of the rotary shaft.

[0010] In a more preferred embodiment of the movement device according to this invention, this comprises a housing which encloses a space suitable for receiving said sound-generating module. The housing may furthermore also be equipped with a control panel which is equipped for operating the sound-generating module, such as e.g. adjusting the volume, adapting the choice of sound fragment etc. In a preferred embodiment, the housing furthermore comprises a Bluetooth module so that the sound-generating unit can also play sound fragments coming from an external source.

[0011] The movement device preferably works on batteries, for which the housing comprises a battery compartment suitable for receiving one or more batteries. The batteries are preferably rechargeable batteries. In particular, the movement device is provided with a current-generating module which is configured to convert the energy generated by rotation of the rotatable structure into electrical current, and temporarily store this current. The generated current is preferably used to charge the batteries of the movement device. In a preferred embodiment, the movement device is furthermore provided with a connection point, via which external appliances can be connected to the movement device in order, in this way, to be able to be charged by the current generated by the movement device. In a preferred embodiment however, the movement device is also suitable for being connected to the electricity network.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment of the movement device according to the invention, the generated current is used to create a stepping resistance for the user. For this, the movement device preferably comprises a device which generates stepping resistance. The amount of the stepping resistance is adjustable, preferably in steps. The amount of the stepping resistance is determined as a function of the current which is consumed by said device which generates stepping resistance. Furthermore, the movement device comprises a device, preferably in the form of a motor, which supports stepping. The stepping-supporting device concerned is preferably driven by the current generated by the current-generating module. The amount of support is also adjustable, preferably in steps. The amount of the stepping support is determined as a function of the current consumed by said stepping-supporting device.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment of the movement device according to the invention, the rotatable structure is formed from a profile which extends in the longitudinal direction and is bent a number of times, so as to form a first and a second surface part which are respectively provided for the user to exert thereon a force with a first and a second limb respectively. Said profile is preferably a tubular profile, preferably made of a metal such as e.g. steel or aluminium.

[0014] The limbs with which a user will exert the respective force, in order to cause rotation of the rotatable structure, are preferably hands or feet. For this, in a preferred embodiment of the movement device according to the invention, the surface parts are provided with a foot support against which the feet of a user are placeable, and/or with a handle for a user's hands.

[0015] Said foot supports and/or handles are preferably fastened to the rotatable structure via suitable fixing elements. This offers the advantage that said foot supports and/or handles are releasably fastened to the rotatable structure. Preferably, the fixing elements are configured such that in assembled state, they form a foot support or handle.

[0016] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the movement device according to the invention, the movement device comprises a resistance mechanism which is configured to exert a braking force on the rotatable structure. The resistance mechanism preferably comprises a rotary knob and a brake block, wherein via said rotary knob, the brake block can be placed closer to or further away from the rotatable structure.

[0017] The movement device according to the invention can be extended such that two persons together can perform physical exercise with the feet (stepping) or with the hands. For this, the rotatable structure preferably comprises a first and a second rotatable unit which are rotatable in synchrony to cause two users to perform physical exercise together, wherein the first rotatable unit comprises surface parts which are configured and suitable for a first user to exert a force thereon, the second rotatable unit comprises surface parts which are configured and suitable for a second user to exert a force thereon, wherein said structure rotates as a consequence of periodic push and/or pull forces exerted by limbs of at least one user on the first and/or second surface parts. Preferably, the first and second rotatable units are connected together via a coupling element. The coupling element concerned extends in the interior of the housing.

[0018] The first and second rotatable units have the same features as described for the rotatable structure which is used in the movement device suitable for one user.

[0019] Such a movement device, namely in the case of two people wishing to perform physical exercise together, also has the advantage that, because the foot supports (or handles) are releasably fastenable, the users install the foot supports (or handles) concerned on the rotatable device such that they sit next to one another during performance of the physical exercise, so that they face the same direction, or sit opposite one another during performance of the physical exercise, so that they face one another.

[0020] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a detailed description. The aim of this description is to give an illustrative example and to present the advantages and features of the present invention. This description may in no way be interpreted as a restriction of the area of application of the invention or of the patent rights claimed in the claims.

[0021] In this detailed description, reference signs are used to refer to the appended drawings, in which:

• figure 1 shows a perspective illustration of a movement device according to the invention which is suitable for one user;
• figure 2 shows a cross-section through the movement device depicted in figure 1;
• figure 3 shows a perspective illustration of a movement device according to the invention which is suitable for two users;
• figure 4 shows a cross-section through the movement device depicted in figure 3;
• figure 5 shows a detail illustration of a surface part provided with a foot support;
• figure 6 shows an exploded illustration of a fixing structure assembled from a first and a second fixing element, wherein the second fixing element forms an integral part of a foot support;
• figure 7 shows an exploded illustration of a fixing structure assembled from a first and a second fixing element, wherein the second fixing element is formed similarly to the first fixing element, so that the fixing elements are suitable for together forming a handle;
• figure 8 shows a perspective illustration of a handle assembled from the fixing elements depicted in figure 7;
• figure 9 is a perspective illustration of a movement device according to the invention which is suitable for two users and which is provided with a resistance mechanism;
• figure 10 shows a cross-section through the movement device depicted in figure 9.

[0022] The movement device (1) according to this invention and as depicted on figures 1 to 4, 9 and 10, is an apparatus with which one person (user) or two persons together can perform physical exercise with the feet (stepping) or with the hands. Here, the users may be situated next to one another or obliquely opposite one another. The apparatus in the depicted embodiments has no motor but is driven by the users themselves. In an alternative embodiment of the movement device (1) according to the invention, this may be equipped with a motor which is configured either to drive the rotatable structure, in order in this way to accompany the user in performance of the physical exercise, or to create a particular resistance or counterforce, in order in this way to apply extra load to the user.

[0023] The movement device (1) was specifically developed for the care sector, more particularly for enabling elderly persons and persons with dementia to move more. The movement device (1) is furthermore suitable for other target groups, such as e.g. family members who exercise together, therapists, persons in rehabilitation etc. The movement device (1) is constructed from a sound-generating module (5) and a carrier construction (12) in which a rotatable structure (2) is mounted.

[0024] The movement device (1) configured for one user is depicted on figures 1 and 2. The movement device (1) concerned comprises a structure (2) which is rotatable about a rotary shaft and is configured to be operated by the feet or hands of the user. The rotatable structure (2) is formed from a tubular profile (9) which extends in the longitudinal direction and is bent a number of times, so as to form a first (31) and a second surface part (32). Here, the first surface part (31) is provided for the user to exert a force thereon with his one foot, while the other surface part (32) is provided for the user to exert a force thereon with his other foot.

[0025] Under the force - more specifically, periodic push and/or pull forces - exerted by the user on the surface parts (31, 32), the rotatable structure (2) will rotate. Depending on whether the rotatable structure (2) is rotated by the hands or feet of the user, a foot support (7) or a handle is placed at the respective surface parts. The foot support (7) is connected to the respective surface part via a suitable fixing structure. Figure 6 shows a possible embodiment of a fixing structure for fastening a foot support (7). This fixing structure is constructed from two pieces and comprises a first (10) and a second fixing element (11) which are releasably connectable together, e.g. via a click connection. In the embodiment shown, the second fixing element (11) forms an integral part of the foot support (7). As illustrated in figure 5, the fixing elements are placed at the desired location on the tubular profile, such that each fixing element surrounds a part of the tubular profile. In an alternative embodiment, the second fixing element (11) may be a separate element which engages on the first fixing element and has a fastening surface which is provided with screw holes, so that a foot support (7) can be connected to the fixing structure via a screw connection. Figure 7 shows a possible embodiment of a fixing structure which may serve as a handle. This fixing structure is also constructed in two pieces from a first (10) and a second fixing element (11) which are releasably connectable together, e.g. via a click connection. The first fixing element is identical to the fixing element described in figure 6. The second fixing element (12) has a similar shape to the first fixing element. In connected state, they together form a handle, as illustrated on figure 8.

[0026] The movement device furthermore comprises a sound-generating module (5) which is suitable and configured for playing a sound fragment as a consequence of the rotation of said structure (2). The particular feature of the movement device according to the invention is that the sound-generating module (5) will only play a sound fragment when the user rotates the structure (2) concerned; in other words, the user leads. The played sound fragment may be very diverse; preference is given to soothing sounds such as e.g. sounds from nature, animal sounds or classical music pieces. The sound fragment will stimulate the user of the movement device (1) to carry out the performed movement further, whereby he will remain in motion for longer. In order to detect the rotation of said structure (2), the movement device (1) comprises a sensor connected to the sound-generating module (5), such as e.g. an infrared sensor or light sensor. The sound-generating module (5) is configured to process rotation detections by the sensor and only (exclusively) play a sound fragment on detection of rotation of the rotary shaft.

[0027] The sound-generating module (5) is provided in the interior of a housing (6), which is preferably made of plastic, wood or metal. The housing (6) may furthermore also be equipped with a control panel which is equipped for operating the sound-generating module (5), such as e.g. adjusting the volume, adapting the choice of sound fragment etc. The housing (6) may furthermore be provided with a Bluetooth module so that the sound-generating module (5) can also play sound fragments coming from an external source.

[0028] The movement device (1) may furthermore be provided with a current-generating module which is configured to convert the energy generated by rotation of the rotatable structure into electrical current, and temporarily store this current. The generated current may then be used to charge a battery, which for example forms part of the movement device, or to charge external appliances such as e.g. a GSM apparatus, which is connectable to the movement device via a contact point for example. The generated current may also be used either to create a stepping resistance or to work in a stepping-supporting fashion, e.g. by driving a motor which offers support for rotation of the rotatable structure.

[0029] As visible on figures 1 and 2, the carrier construction (12) of the movement device (1) configured for one user comprises a foot plate which is suitable for resting on a substrate, and two upright side walls. The foot plate and side walls are preferably formed integrally from plastic or sheet steel. To ensure that the movement device can be used without risk on various substrates, such as e.g. ceramic tiles, concrete floor, screed, wooden floor etc., the underside of the foot plate is provided with an anti-slip layer.

[0030] The one side wall of the carrier construction (12) is provided with a bearing bush in which a free end of the rotatable structure (2) is received. The housing (6) is situated at the other side wall, opposite the first side wall. The other free end of the rotatable structure is mounted in this housing. The sensor which will detect the rotation is also provided in this housing (6).

[0031] The movement device (1) according to the invention is also suitable for two users who may perform physical exercise simultaneously. Such an embodiment is depicted on figures 3 and 4 and on figures 9 and 10.

[0032] In such a case, the rotatable structure (2) comprises a first (3) and a second rotatable unit (4) which are rotatable in synchrony to cause two users to perform physical exercise together, wherein the first rotatable unit (3) comprises surface parts (31, 32) which are configured and suitable for a first user to exert a force thereon, the second rotatable unit (4) comprises surface parts (41, 42) which are configured and suitable for a second user to exert a force thereon, wherein said structure (2) rotates as a consequence of periodic push and/or pull forces exerted by limbs of at least one user on the first or second surface parts. The first and second rotatable units have the same construction as the rotatable structure described above for figures 1 and 2. The first and second rotatable units are coupled together by means of a coupling element (8), which extends in the housing (6) of the movement device (1). This embodiment is particularly suitable for elderly persons or persons with dementia, who then can perform the movement together with a supervisor for example. It has been found that the combination of stepping and music has a positive effect on the users. Because the two structures are connected together, they rotate in synchrony and, if one user has insufficient strength to cause the structure (2) to rotate, the other user can support him in this by himself exerting a greater force on his surface parts.

[0033] The movement device depicted in figures 9 and 10 comprises a resistance mechanism which is configured to exert a braking force on the rotatable structure. The resistance mechanism comprises a rotary knob (14) and a brake block (15), wherein the brake block (15) can be placed closer to or further away from the rotatable structure via said rotary knob (14), by turning this rotary knob (14) clockwise or counterclockwise.

Claims

1. Movement device (1) which is configured to cause a user to perform physical exercise, wherein said movement device (1) comprises a structure (2) which is rotatable about a rotary shaft and configured to be operated by limbs of a user, which structure (2) is provided with surface parts (31, 32, 41, 42) which are configured and suitable for the user to exert a force thereon, wherein said structure (2) rotates as a consequence of periodic push and/or pull forces exerted by limbs of a user on the surface parts (31, 32, 41, 42), and wherein the movement device (1) furthermore comprises a sound-generating module (5), characterized in that said sound-generating module (5) is suitable and configured for playing a sound fragment as a consequence of the rotation of said structure (2).

2. Movement device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the movement device (1) comprises a sensor which is connected to the sound-generating module (5) and is suitable for detecting a rotation of the rotary shaft.

3. Movement device (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the sound-generating module (5) is configured for processing rotation detections by the sensor and playing a sound fragment on detection of rotation of the rotary shaft.

4. Movement device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sound fragment comprises ambient sounds, music fragments, human and/or animal sounds.

5. Movement device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement device (1) comprises a housing (6) which encloses a space suitable for receiving said sound-generating module (5).

6. Movement device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement device (1) comprises a current-generating module which is configured to convert the energy generated by rotation of the rotatable structure into electrical current and temporarily store this current.

7. Movement device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotatable structure (2) is formed from a profile (9) which extends in the longitudinal direction and is bent a number of times so as to form a first (31) and a second surface part (32), which are respectively provided for the user to exert a force thereon with a first and a second limb respectively.

8. Movement device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface parts (31, 32, 41, 42) are provided with a foot support (7) against which the feet of a user are placeable, and/or with a handle for a user's hands.

9. Movement device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement device (1) comprises a resistance mechanism (13) which is configured to exert a braking force on the rotatable structure (2).

10. Movement device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotatable structure (2) comprises a first (3) and a second rotatable unit (4) which are rotatable in synchrony to cause two users to perform physical exercise together, wherein the first rotatable unit (3) comprises surface parts (31, 32) which are configured and suitable for a first user to exert a force thereon, the second rotatable unit (4) comprises surface parts (41, 42) which are configured and suitable for a second user to exert a force thereon, wherein said structure (2) rotates as a consequence of periodic push and/or pull forces exerted by limbs of at least one user on the first (31, 32) and/or second surface parts (41, 42).

11. Movement device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the first (3) and second rotatable units (4) are connected together via a coupling element (8).

Drawing