DE202012103756U1 - Therapy or training device, footwear piece - Google Patents

Abstract

Therapy device or training device (1), characterized by at least a first layer (2) made of a closed-cell foam and at least a second layer (3) made of an open-cell or semi-closed foam.

Description

The invention relates to a therapy or training device according to the preamble of claim 1 and an article of footwear according to the preamble of claim 12.

Various training devices have already been developed for a total body workout to strengthen the muscles. For example, in the fitness and rehabilitation area as well as in a variety of other sports, the exercises can be performed on a mat, on a so-called pad or on specially designed devices.

For such a workout already known so-called balance pads for sports, rehab or leisure. A balance pad consists of a more or less thick layer of closed-cell and soft foam, which is extremely hard-wearing and durable. It offers versatile uses for training at home, in the gym or in physiotherapy. Even competitive athletes benefit from the outstanding features. Through the three-dimensional "buffing effect" the muscles compensate for all exercises the unstable footprint. The body is thus permanently stabilized. The balance pad is ideal for strengthening the knee, foot and hip muscles. Especially after injuries of the lower extremities a training on the balance pad can improve the proprioceptive abilities and support healing processes.

From the publication DE 20 2009 008 686 U1 is a training device for performing equilibrium exercises with a compliant when tread mat element known. On the mat element, the foot of an exercising person can be supported over the sole of the foot to create an unstable state over the sole of the foot. For this purpose, the training device comprises, as a yielding mat element, a sole block which can be attached in an adapted use position under the sole of the person's foot.

The object of the invention is to further develop a therapy, exercise equipment or an article of footwear of the known type in order to use this for a variety of different exercises in rehabilitation, therapy or fitness training can.

According to the invention this object is achieved with respect to a therapy device or exercise device with the features mentioned in claim 1 and with respect to an article of footwear with the features mentioned in claim 12. The other dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention.

The invention includes a therapy device or exerciser having at least a first layer of closed cell foam and at least one second layer of open cell or semi-closed foam.

The invention is based on the idea of carrying out a therapy or exercise device with an at least two-layered foam. The first layer has closed cell foam. Since the air can not escape from the cells, the user must constantly balance, resulting in the desired training effect. The second layer has open cell foam and provides stability by compression of the cells with the escape of air. A constant compensation is still necessary. The suitable combination of the two layers also effectively counteracts the occurrence of a possibly occurring seasickness during prolonged exercise. In particular, the layers of a therapy or training device in the choice of material are matched to the mechanical stresses occurring during the exercises. Also, a number of more than two foam layers is conceivable, and for other embodiments, other and sometimes rigid materials can be used in addition.

The entire material is grippy and the surface is kind to the skin. In addition, the surface may be provided with a nub or wave structure. As a result, the exercises stimulate the foot reflex zones, while the pad is much more slip resistant than pads with non-textured surfaces. The closed-cell foams used are extremely hard-wearing and durable. This also applies to the open-cell or semi-closed foams used, which may be coated to protect the open structure, for example with polyurethane. The material retains its shape and cushioning properties even with frequent use. The hygienic material is also dirt and water repellent and can be cleaned well.

Thus, a specific training of many muscle parts is possible with a therapy or exercise device according to the invention. In a common embodiment, the therapy or exercise device may resemble the shape of an oval or quadrangular sports mat. In typical embodiments, therapy devices or exercise machines with a side length of between 30 cm and 120 cm, in the case of square shapes, preferably between 30 cm and 50 cm with a preferred thickness in the Centimeter range executed. All side edges can be bevelled or rounded.

A particular advantage of the invention is that the therapy or exercise device according to the invention can be used on the one hand for the sports and therapy sector. In this use, the closed cell foam of the first layer overlies the open cell or semi-closed foam of the second layer. In this arrangement, the user must constantly balance, which sets the training effect already described above.

On the other hand, a therapy or exercise device can be used by turning the layers also for everyday use. In everyday use, the open-cell or semi-closed foam of the second layer overlies the closed-cell foam of the first layer. Even with this rather stabilizing arrangement, however, a certain balance must take place. In particular, in the office or school area in this way pleasant floor space can be created in which adjusts a therapeutic effect.

The therapy or training device according to the invention covers a wide range of applications by its destabilizing effect. A safe stand is an important starting point for the recovery of an undisturbed walking or walking function in physiotherapeutic and sports therapeutic use. Such devices allow the combined training of conditional and coordinative skills such as strength, endurance, differentiation and balance ability.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least two foam layers can be firmly connected along a common contact plane. As a result, both foam layers are fixed so that a shift of the individual layers can be excluded at higher horizontally acting shear forces.

Advantageously, the at least two foam layers along the common contact plane by means of connecting means may be firmly connected as a positive or non-positive closure. In this variant, bulges of a foam layer with matching recesses in the surface of the other foam layer are combined with each other in the region of the contact plane. By suitable undercuts, both layers are stably connected. For example, the undercuts are the same effect as a latching mechanism, in which the elasticity can be exploited when assembling the foams used in each case.

Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, the at least two foam layers can be glued or welded together along the common contact plane. In particular, thermoplastics are suitable for welding, which melt on the common contact plane and enter into a cohesive connection. In contrast to welding, thermosets and elastomers are also suitable for bonding the common contact plane. Here are physical adhesives, in which the molecular structure of the adhesive is present even before application, and chemical adhesives, in which a chemical reaction causes a cure used.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the at least two foam layers can be connectable to one another and detachable from one another by means of connecting means along a common contact plane. The individual layers can be connected by corresponding surface structures without being firmly locked together by undercuts. In the case of detachable connections, the respective foam layers can then also be combined with other layers of foam in order, if appropriate, to vary the properties of a therapy or training device for different sports exercises.

Advantageously, the connecting means can be plug-in connection elements which have a projection on one foam layer and a matching recess on the other foam layer. Detachable connections can be formed by grooves and springs. As a rule, no undercut structures are used for this purpose. Slight undercuts are still conceivable due to the elasticity of the foam material used.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting means may be designed as a matching wavy surface of the foam layers on the common contact plane. Long-wave structures have a suitably large amplitude to ensure a firm hold of the foam layers on each other even with a horizontally acting shear load. Wavy surfaces can also be designed as a short-wave toothing.

Preferably, the first foam layer may be thermoplastic, closed-cell, structural rigid foam. Further preferably, the second foam layer may be open-celled polyurethane foam or semi-closed / open-cell polyethylene. These materials can be process well by the joining methods described above. In addition, they are chemically resistant, resistant to UV radiation and, optionally in conjunction with other surface coatings, water repellent.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the foam of the second layer may be harder than that of the first layer. This allows the materials to coordinate with each other for an optimal training effect. By making the open cell material harder, the destabilizing effect of the closed cell foam tends to be enhanced.

Advantageously, a therapy device or exercise device may comprise a plurality of foam layers with a closed-cell foam and an open-cell or semi-closed foam. With more than two-layer structures, fine adjustments can be made in sports or therapy.

A further aspect of the invention relates to an article of footwear with a multi-layer sole, the sole consisting at least of a first layer of a closed-cell foam and at least a second layer of an open-cell or semi-closed foam.

The arrangement of the foam layers can be completely integrated for optical reasons in the article of footwear, for example in a shoe. In this case, the first layer of closed-cell foam, the upper half and the second layer of open-cell or semi-closed foam form the lower half. In this embodiment, the higher instability desired for a training effect results. However, this destabilizing property is dependent on the material and the thickness. In a reversal of the order of the layers, a somewhat more stable arrangement arises, in which nevertheless a certain balance must take place. In particular, in everyday shoes can be created in this way pleasant footprints in which adjusts a therapeutic effect.

In a preferred embodiment, the multilayer sole can be attached and / or removed by means of holding means on the footbed. The holding means can be holding straps or hook and loop fasteners.

Further advantageous developments and refinements of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described in principle below with reference to the drawings.

Show it:

1 schematically a side view of a two-layer therapy or exercise device with a flat contact plane;

2 schematically a side view of a two-layer therapy or exercise device with positive closure on the contact plane;

3 schematically a side view of a two-layer therapy or exercise device with connector elements on the contact plane;

4 schematically a side view of a two-layer therapy or exercise device with wavy contact plane;

5 2 is a schematic view of a shoe as an article of footwear with a multi-layered sole constructed of first and second layers of foam; and

6 schematically a view of a shoe as an article of footwear with a multi-layer sole, which is attachable and removable.

1 schematically shows a side view of a two-ply therapy or exercise device 1 with plane contact plane K. Since the contact plane K has no further structural features and is smooth, it is advisable, the first closed-cell foam layer 2 with the second open-celled or semi-closed foam layer 3 gluing or welding together along the common contact plane K.

2 schematically shows a side view of a two-ply therapy or exercise device 1 with positive locking 41 as a connecting means 4 at the contact plane K. In the area of the contact plane K are as a positive closure 41 Bulges of the second foam layer 3 with matching recesses in the surface of the first foam layer 2 combined. By suitable undercuts on the bulges and recesses lock both layers together and are connected so stable.

3 schematically shows a side view of a two-ply therapy or exercise device 1 with plug-in elements 42 at the contact plane K. The connector elements 42 as a connecting means 4 protrude like a dome from the surface of the second foam layer 3 , These calottes engage in matching recesses of the first foam layer 2 one. As a result, the two layers along the common contact plane K are connected to each other and again detachably joined.

4 schematically shows a side view of a two-ply therapy or exercise device 1 with wavy contact plane 43 , In the first foam layer 2 as well as in the second foam layer 3 are as a lanyard 4 formed relatively long-waved structures. The height of the structures, that is, the amplitude of the waveform, is chosen to be large enough, at the contact plane K at a horizontally acting shear stress a firm grip of the foam layers 2 . 3 to ensure each other.

5 schematically shows a view of a shoe as an article of footwear 10 with a multi-layer sole, constructed from a first layer of foam 2 and a second foam layer 3 , In this closed training shoe is the multilayer sole with the footbed 11 bonded. The article of footwear 10 can provide a sensation-enhanced sense of specific balance exercises in the appropriate sport.

A particularly good spring and damping behavior of the article of footwear 10 Can be achieved when the foam layers 2 . 3 the sole is greater than the projected area of the sole of the foot bearing on it, so that the sole in its use position projects slightly beyond the sole of the foot on all circumferential sides. The sole of the foam layers 2 . 3 may suitably have a thickness between 50 mm and 100 mm, with an optimal Destabilisierungsverhalten in a thickness range of the sole between 65 mm and 70 mm is to be expected. In another embodiment, not shown, the foam layers 2 . 3 , especially for aesthetic reasons, be inconspicuously integrated inside the shoe sole.

6 schematically shows a view of a shoe as an article of footwear 10 with a multi-layered sole that can be attached and removed. The sole is with holding means 12 on the footbed 11 fixed. By the holding means 12 is the article of footwear 10 with the foam layers of the sole each sideways flexibly connected and thus provides a sufficient securing position of the training shoe. The article of footwear 10 is designed similar to a sandal and can be attached in the same way to each associated foot. Through a protective border 13 is only the first closed-cell foam layer 2 recognizable. In principle, however, the sole structure corresponds to that 5 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Therapy device or training device

2

first foam layer

3

second foam layer

4

connecting means

41

positive closure

42

Connector elements

43

wavy contact plane

10

footwear

11

footbed

12

holding means

13

border

K

Contact level

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202009008686 U1 [0004]

Claims (13)

Therapy device or training device ( 1 ), characterized by at least one first layer ( 2 ) of a closed-cell foam and at least one second layer ( 3 ) of an open-celled or semi-closed foam. Therapy device or training device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two foam layers ( 2 . 3 ) are fixedly connected along a common contact plane (K). Therapy device or training device ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least two foam layers ( 2 . 3 ) along the common contact plane (K) by means of connecting means ( 4 ) as a positive or non-positive closure ( 41 ) are firmly connected. Therapy device or training device ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least two foam layers ( 2 . 3 ) are glued or welded together along the common contact plane (K). Therapy device or training device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two foam layers ( 2 . 3 ) by means of connecting means ( 4 ) can be connected to one another along a common contact plane (K) and detached from one another. Therapy device or training device ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting means ( 4 ) Plug connection elements ( 42 ), which have a projection on one foam layer and a matching recess on the other foam layer. Therapy device or training device ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that on the common contact plane (K) the connecting means ( 4 ) as a matching wavy surface ( 43 ) of the foam layers ( 2 . 3 ) is executed. Therapy device or training device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first foam layer ( 2 ) is thermoplastic, closed-cell, structural rigid foam. Therapy device or training device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the second foam layer ( 3 ) is open-cell polyurethane foam or semi-closed / open-cell polyethylene. Therapy device or training device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the foam of the second layer ( 3 ) harder than that of the first layer ( 2 ). Therapy device or training device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by a plurality of foam layers with a closed-cell foam and an open-cell foam. Footwear ( 10 ) with a multilayer sole, characterized in that the sole at least from a first position ( 2 ) of a closed-cell foam and at least one second layer ( 3 ) consists of an open-cell or semi-closed foam. Footwear ( 10 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that the multilayer sole by means of retaining means ( 12 ) on the footbed ( 11 ) attachable and / or removable.

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