NL2008911A - PORTABLE FITNESS DEVICE. - Google Patents

Description

P31076NL01 / KHO

Short description: Portable fitness device

The present invention relates to a fitness device, in particular a fitness device that is wearable by a person on the body.

Such a portable fitness device is known from WO97 / 34662. The fitness device has a hip belt which is equipped with two resistance devices. Each resistance device is provided with a cord with a handle. A training exercise can be performed by pulling on the cord, the resistance device generating a training resistance. It is an object of the known fitness apparatus to provide a constant resistance when performing a training exercise.

The training resistance generated by the resistance device is supplied by a rolled-up leaf spring within the housing of the resistance device. By pulling on the flexible element, the leaf spring will unroll and thereby generate a training resistance. If desired, the training resistance can be increased step by step by coupling an additional resistance device to the outside of the housing of the resistance device. The additional resistance device is similar in design to the first resistance device and is also provided with a rolled-up leaf spring which provides the additional resistance.

A problem with the known portable fitness device is that the execution of training exercises is limited. The number of training exercises that can be performed with the fitness device is also limited. Moreover, the ease of use of the resistor device leaves something to be desired. Coupling additional resistance devices to increase training resistance is seen as very inconvenient. Awkward because the portable fitness device should be properly intended to provide more freedom for a training location. Measuring towers of additional resistance devices over a training course is, for example, experienced as a hindrance. Moreover, the additional resistance devices impede the freedom of movement during a training exercise.

The arms or hands may collide with the additional resistance devices during a training exercise.

The present invention has for its object to at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a fitness device with a resistance device that is compact and capable of providing a constant training resistance.

The invention provides a fitness device for performing a training exercise by a person. The fitness device comprises at least one resistance device for generating training resistance. The resistance device comprises a housing for housing a winding device. The winding device is arranged for winding and unwinding a flexible element. In particular, the flexible element is a line, also referred to as a rope or a cord. Flexible here means that the flexible element is flexible and flexible in the transverse direction. The flexible element is preferably non-elastic and substantially unstretchable, so that the flexible element contributes to obtaining a constant resistance. The winding device comprises a winding element with a winding surface for winding and unwinding the flexible element. The flexible element has a first end connected to the winding element. The flexible element extends from the winding element within the housing through an opening of the housing to the outside. The flexible element has a second end connected to a handle for holding the second end. The winding element is rotatably arranged about a central axis of the housing. By means of a rolled-up leaf spring, the winding element is prestressed with respect to the housing, such that the winding element rotates back when the flexible element is unwound and an applied tensile force decreases. The flexible element is wound up again by turning back the winding element.

The fitness device according to the invention provides an improvement in that the winding element is mounted in rotation on the central axis by a one-way bearing. A one-way bearing is also called a freewheel or freewheel bearing. A resistance unit for generating a training resistance is connected to the one-way bearing, such that the winding element has a freewheel in a first direction of rotation that corresponds to the winding element and therefore winding up of the flexible element, but experiences a resistance in an opposite second direction of rotation corresponding to the unwinding of the winding element and the withdrawal of the flexible element.

In the first place, the fitness device according to the invention offers the advantage that the training resistance is now no longer determined by only the rolled-up leaf spring, but that a resistance unit is provided for generating the training resistance. The leaf spring can now be dimensioned so lightly that it just generates sufficient tensile force for winding up the flexible element, but the leaf spring no longer needs to be dimensioned so heavily that the leaf spring provides sufficient training resistance for a training exercise.

The resistance unit is advantageously coupled to the winding element by means of the one-way bearing, so that winding up of the flexible element is not impeded by a resistance supplied by the resistance unit. By applying the one-way bearing, automatic disconnection of the resistance unit with the winding element is provided when the winding element rotates in a direction in which the flexible element is wound.

Another important advantage is that the fitness device according to the invention can provide a substantially constant training resistance over a substantially entire stroke of the flexible element. A non-elastic, unstretched flexible element contributes to a constant training resistance, but also the resistance unit used, for example on the basis of friction, can contribute to the constant training resistance over the substantially entire stroke of the flexible element.

In an embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention the flexible element comprises a synthetic fiber based on polyethylene, in particular UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene), more in particular a line of the material Dyneema or a corresponding material with comparable strength properties . This material can be used because the material has a high tensile strength and a low specific gravity. Furthermore, Dyneema is resistant to friction, sunlight and micro-organisms and does not abrade and cut the material, which makes the use of Dyneema as a flexible element in the fitness device according to the invention very suitable.

In an embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention, the one-way bearing has an inner bearing part and an outer bearing part. The outer bearing part is fixedly connected to the winding element. The inner bearing part is rotatably connected about the central axis of the housing.

In an embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention, the resistance unit is a frictional resistance unit for generating a resistance on the basis of a friction. The frictional resistance unit is connected to the winding device by the one-way bearing. In one embodiment, the inner bearing part of the one-way bearing is connected to a resistance disk of the frictional resistance unit, the frictional resistance unit further having a pressure disk for braking the resistance disk. The printing disc is thereby rotationally rigid and therefore non-rotatably connected to the housing. The pressure disk is positioned opposite the resistance disk, such that the pressure disk can be pressed against the resistance disk to generate a friction. The applied frictional resistance unit advantageously provides a simple configuration, which can be integrated within the housing with which the housing can nevertheless remain relatively compact. Advantageously, the frictional resistance unit can be adjusted continuously. Advantageously, the frictional resistance unit can provide a constant training resistance over the entire stroke of the flexible element.

In an embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention, the pressure disk is movable in axial direction with the aid of an adjusting knob relative to the central axis of the housing for adjusting the training resistance. By moving the printing disc in the axial direction, the printing disc can press more tightly or loosely against the resistance disc of the frictional resistance unit, whereby the training resistance to be generated can be adjusted. In particular, a training resistance can be set within a range of at least 0.25 kg to at most 25 kg. By using the frictional resistance unit, the training resistance can be kept substantially constant. A constant training resistance is here understood to mean that a user experiences a set training resistance as constant when the training resistance does not vary more than 0.5 kg over a stroke of about 50 cm of the flexible element at a set training resistance of at least 2 kg .

In particular, a brake lining is provided between the resistance disk and the pressure disk of the resistance unit. The brake lining is for example cork. The brake lining can be arranged removably, such that a user can replace the brake lining after excessive wear of the brake lining.

In an embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention, the resistance unit is an Eddy current resistance unit, also called a magnet resistance unit. The Eddy current resistor unit comprises a resistor rotor and at least one permanent magnet. The resistor rotor is rotatably arranged within the housing of the resistor device. A rotor part of the resistance rotor moves through a magnetic field of the at least one permanent magnet. The at least one permanent magnet is positioned adjacent the resistor rotor such that the rotor portion of the resistor rotor moves through the magnetic field during operation.

The fitness device with Eddy current resistance unit has the advantage that the training resistance is generated without contact. The Eddy current resistance unit has no wear parts, which increases the lifespan of the fitness device. The Eddy current resistance unit can advantageously be adjusted continuously. In addition, the Eddy current resistance unit can provide a constant training resistance over the entire stroke of the flexible element.

In an embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention, a training resistance of the Eddy current resistance unit to be generated is adjustable. The training resistance can be adjusted with an adjustment knob by changing the position of the at least one permanent magnet relative to the resistance rotor. By adjusting the position of the magnet, a larger or smaller rotor part of the resistance rotor will move through the magnetic field, so that the training resistance can be adjusted.

In an embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention, the fitness device is portable by a person. The fitness device is particularly portable to the body during the execution of a training exercise, for example during a running exercise. The fitness device is manageable and has a weight of at most 2500 grams, in particular at most 1800 grams, more in particular at most 1000 grams. In particular, the resistance device has a weight of at least 500 grams and at most 2500 grams. The resistance device can be of a lightweight design if a maximum resettable resistance of, for example, at most 5 kg remains relatively low, or has a heavier design if the maximum resistor to be adjusted should be relatively high, for example at least 10 kg.

The housing of the resistor device is preferably disc-shaped. In an embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention, the resistance device has a housing with a relatively limited width. The housing of the resistor device has a maximum width of at most 5 cm, preferably at most 3 cm. As a result, the housing of the resistance device is hardly obstructing the freedom of movement of a person.

The fitness device can preferably be attached to the body of a person. The fitness device preferably has a body attachment means for providing an attachment of the fitness device to the body of a person.

In an embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention, the fitness device comprises a hip belt for attaching at least one resistance device to a person's hip. Preferably, the fitness device comprises two resistance devices that are connected to the body fastener. In particular, the two resistance devices can be used to train the left and right limbs, respectively.

In an embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention, the opening of the housing for passing out the flexible element, the so-called line passage, is rotatably arranged with respect to the body-fastening means. Advantageously, this enables the opening to be directed during a training exercise in the direction to which the flexible element is extended by the person. The opening of the housing can preferably rotate over a rotation stroke, but more preferably over at least a complete revolution with respect to the body fastening means. As a result, the opening does not have to form an obstruction when performing the training exercise. In particular, the housing of the resistance device is rotatably connected to the body-mounting means, such that the opening of the housing can rotate during a training exercise with the movements of the flexible element.

In particular, the resistance device is rotatable about a rotation axis whose axis coincides with that of the central axis about which the winding element is rotatably arranged.

In an embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention, the resistance device is slidably connected to the body fastening means. The resistance device is slidable over a certain stroke in translation. The resistance device can, for example, be displaceable over a stroke of at least 5 cm, in particular at least 10 cm, but preferably at least 15 cm. The resistance device is slidable from a first position to a second position relative to the body fastening means. The body fastener is, for example, a hip belt. The resistance device is slidable in a longitudinal direction of the hip belt. The resistance device is slidable from a hip position as the first position to a buttock position as the second position. Because the resistance device is slidable relative to the body-fastening means, it can be prevented that the resistance device forms an obstacle to movement during a training exercise. In addition, more forms of training exercises can also be performed. In a training exercise, for example, a training resistance can be generated over a longer part of a stroke of an arm movement.

In an embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention, the body fastening means is a hip belt. The hip belt is further provided with at least one torso belt for attaching the hip belt to a person's torso. The torso strap can be attached longitudinally across the shoulders or underneath between the legs of the person. As a result, an upward or downward movement of the hip belt during a training exercise can be prevented.

In a special embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention, the body-fastening means is a hip belt, the hip belt being designed as a trapeze. Such a trapeze is known, for example, when windsurfing. The trapeze comprises two torso straps for attachment below the hip belt to the torso of a person. The two trunk straps can be folded between the legs and attached to the hip belt.

In an embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention, the fitness device comprises at least one ankle strap. The ankle strap is attachable to an ankle of a person. The ankle strap is provided with a diverting element for diverting the flexible element. In particular, the by-pass element is hook-shaped. The hook-shaped deflection element offers the advantage that the flexible element can be quickly attached to the ankle strap. The by-pass element has a hook eye for passing through the flexible element. The hook eye is preferably positioned at a distance of at least 5 mm, in particular at least 10 mm, but preferably at a distance of at least 20 mm with respect to an outer side of the ankle strap. The flexible element is advantageously passed through at such a distance from the ankle band that the flexible element remains substantially free of contact with the body of a person during a training exercise. In one embodiment the hook eye can be open, but preferably the hook eye can be closed with a hook closing clip, such that a conductive flexible element is enclosed in the hook eye. Hereby it can be prevented that the flexible element becomes detached from the diversion element during the execution of a training exercise.

In an alternative embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention, the ankle strap may comprise a guide wheel for guiding the flexible element. The bypass wheel is rotatably connected to the ankle strap.

In an embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention, the handle at the end of the flexible element is loop-shaped. The handle is preferably flexible. The loop-shaped handle can for instance be made of textile strip. The number of possible training exercises is advantageously increased by the use of the loop-shaped handle. During a training exercise, the loop-shaped handle can, for example, be wrapped around the housing of the resistance device. This allows the flexible element to extend, for example, from the housing to the ankle band and back to the housing of the resistance device. The loop-shaped handle also makes a simple foot connection possible because a foot can be easily and quickly placed in the loop.

In an embodiment of the fitness device according to the invention, the flexible element has a length of at least 2 m, preferably at least 4 m. Due to the relatively long length of the flexible element, the fitness device is suitable for tall people.

A further advantage is that the relatively long length of the flexible element increases the number of training exercises, for example because training exercises in which the flexible element is beaten twice are also possible.

The invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings represent a practical embodiment of the invention, which should not be considered in a limiting sense. Specific detail features can also be seen separately from the exemplary embodiment in general as being characteristic of the invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a person with a fitness device according to the invention;

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of the fitness device with hip belt and resistance device

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of a person with a fitness device, the hip belt being designed as a trapeze;

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of an ankle belt with a bypass wheel of the fitness device according to the invention;

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of an ankle strap including hook and foot strap of the fitness device according to the invention;

FIG. 4A-D show partly exploded views in perspective of a resistance device with a frictional resistance unit; and FIG. 5A-D show partly exploded views in perspective of a resistance device with a magnetic resistance unit.

In the figures, corresponding reference numerals are used for similar, identical or functionally identical components of a fitness device 1 according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a person 27 with the fitness device 1 during a training exercise. The fitness device 1 is portable and attached to the body of the person 27. The fitness device 1 has a body attachment means 3, which is a hip belt here. The hip belt 3 is fixed at the hip of the person 27. The fitness device 1 comprises a resistance device 7 which is connected to the body fastening means 3. The resistance device 7 has a housing with a winding device therein. The winding device serves for winding and unwinding a flexible element 17. The person 27 holds a distal end of the flexible element 17 in his hand. The flexible element 17 has a proximal end connected to the winding device of the resistance device 7. The fitness device 1 further comprises a ankle band 23 with a deflection element 25. A large variety of training exercises can be performed with this fitness device by the diversion wheel ankle band. The bypass element 25 is here a bypass wheel. The flexible element 17 extends during use from the resistance device 7, the flexible element 17 being guided along the by-pass element 25 and from there to a handle 19 held by the user.

Figure 2A shows the body fastener 3 with resistance device 7 in further detail in a perspective view. The body fastening means 3 comprises a belt, in particular a hip belt. The belt can be closed with a click connection. The belt is provided with a pad, a supporting surface 31. The supporting surface 31 provides a local widening on the belt against which the resistance device 7 can support.

The resistance device 7 is rotatably arranged with respect to the body fastening means 3. The resistance device 7 is rotatably connected to the hip belt 3 about a center line 5. The resistance device 7 has a housing 9. The housing 9 houses the winding device for winding up and unwinding the flexible element 17. The housing 9 is disc-shaped. The housing 9 has two parallel side walls 91 which are connected to each other by a peripheral wall 92. The peripheral wall 92 is circular. An opening 93, a line passage, is provided in the circumferential wall 92 for passing the flexible element 17 from the winding device to the outside. The flexible element 17 is here a cord.

A handle 19 is provided at the distal end of the flexible element, the handle being rod-shaped. The flexible element 17 is centrally attached to the handle 19 in a central area of the handle 19.

The flexible element 17 can be pulled out of the housing 9 against a spring force, thereby encountering resistance. When the handle is released, the flexible element is withdrawn into the housing and wound up by a spring, in particular a rolled-up leaf spring. The flexible element 17 rotates back through the spring.

The resistance device 7 is freely rotatable relative to the hip belt 3 and is attached to the hip belt 3. If the flexible element 17 is pulled while the flexible element does not come out of the opening 93 perpendicular to the circumferential wall 92, the tensile force in the flexible element will causing the resistance device 7 to rotate until the flexible element perpendicular to the peripheral wall leaves the resistance device, as in Fig. 2A.

As will be explained in more detail below with reference to figures 4 and 5, the resistance device 7 has a winding device which is positioned within the housing 9.

This winding device has a disc-shaped winding element on which the flexible element 17 is wound. The winding element is rotatable against a spring force, and is rotatable about a central axis. The resistance device is rotatable about a rotation axis whose axis 5 coincides with that of the central axis.

By pulling on the flexible element 17, the winding element rotates and the flexible element unwinds from the winding device. By means of an adjusting knob 21, here a rotary knob, the magnitude of the resistance encountered by the winding element during rotation in the housing 9 can be adjusted.

As shown in Fig. 2A, the resistance device 7 is arranged slidably with respect to the body fastening means 3. The resistance device 7 is slidable in a longitudinal direction of the body fastening means 3. The resistance device 7 is slidable from a first position to a second position on the body fastening means 3. In the first position, the resistance device is positioned, for example, above the hip of a person 27. In the second position, the resistance device 7 is shifted backwards and positioned above a buttock of a person 27.

Figure 2B shows an alternative embodiment of the fitness device 1, wherein the body attachment means 3 is designed as a trapeze. The trapeze is equipped with a belt, a hip belt, with two torso tires. The torso straps are to be attached around the thighs. The ends of the trunk strap are attached to the belt in use and extend below the trunk of a person. The trunk belts prevent the body-fastening means 3 from moving up during a training exercise, wherein a pulling force is exerted in an upward direction.

Furthermore, figure 2B shows that the fitness device 1 comprises two resistance devices 7. In use, a first resistance device is positioned on a left side of a person and a second resistance device is positioned on a right side of a person.

Figure 3A shows an ankle strap with a deflection wheel 25 of the fitness device attached thereto. The deflection wheel 25 is rotatably attached to the ankle strap 23.

Figure 3B shows an ankle strap of the fitness device 1, the ankle strap further being provided with a foot strap 24. In use, the ankle strap should be wrapped around the ankle and the foot strap 24 should extend below the foot. The foot strap serves to absorb upward forces during a training exercise. The ankle strap is furthermore provided with a by-pass element 25 which is designed here in the form of a hook. The hook-shaped bypass element 25 has an open hook eye for receiving the flexible element 17. The hook eye is positioned at a distance from an outer surface of the ankle strap 23 to prevent the flexible element from coming into contact with a leg of a person during a training exercise . In particular, the distance from the center of the hook eye to the outer surface of the ankle strap is at least 20 mm.

Figure 4A-4D shows a cutaway perspective view of the resistance device 7. The resistance device 7 has a disc-shaped housing 9. The housing 9 has a limited size with a maximum outer diameter of at most 20 cm, preferably at most 15 cm, whereby the resistance device 7 is manageable and portable and can easily be carried along to the body by a person. The housing is formed from two opposite housing parts, so that the housing can be manufactured by injection molding. The housing 9 has a rear side and a front side. An adjustment knob 21 is provided on the front of the housing 9. The composite housing 9 has 2 parallel side walls 91 which define a width of the housing. The width of the housing 9 is relatively limited and has a maximum width of at most 5 cm, preferably at most 3 cm. As a result, the housing of the resistance device 7 is hardly impeding the freedom of movement of a person.

Inside the housing 9 is a shaft 5 for positioning a winding device 6. The shaft 5 is centrally positioned and parallel to the axis of the housing 9. The shaft 5 is fixedly connected at a proximal end to a rear side of the housing 9 and extends to a front side of the housing 9. The shaft 5 has a distal end. The adjustment knob 21 is attached to the distal end of the shaft 5.

The resistance device 7 comprises a winding device 6 with a winding element 61. The winding element 61 is cylindrical. The winding element 61 is formed as a coil and has a winding surface 611 for winding the flexible element 17. The winding surface 611 is formed by an outer jacket surface. The winding surface 611 is provided with side cheeks 612 for confining a wound flexible element. The winding element 61 is positioned in the housing 9 in a cylindrically shaped housing chamber 94 with a peripheral wall 941. The side walls on either side of the winding surface 611 connect to the peripheral wall 941 of the housing chamber 94. The peripheral wall of the housing chamber encloses an assembly of the housing winding element 61 and the housing 9 a wrapped flexible element 17. As a result, the risk of the flexible element becoming entangled is substantially eliminated.

The winding element 61 is connected to the housing 9 by means of a leaf spring 62. The leaf spring 62 is strip-shaped from spring steel. The leaf spring 62 has an outer end and an inner end. The outer end is connected to the winding element 61, while the inner end is connected to the housing 9 via a spring bush 621. The leaf spring 62 is rolled up within the housing 9.

The leaf spring 62 is positioned in a spring chamber 613 of the winding element 61.

The spring chamber 613 is cylindrical. The leaf spring 62 is positioned in a rolled state in the spring chamber 613 of the winding element 61. The spring chamber 613 is open on one side for receiving the leaf spring 62. The spring chamber 613 is enclosed on an outside by an outer wall portion and on an inside enclosed by an inner wall portion. The inner and outer wall portions are cylindrical. The winding surface 611 is provided on the outer wall portion.

The leaf spring 62 is fixedly connected to a rear side of the housing 9 by means of a spring bush 621. The spring bush 621 has a spring bush flange which is connected to the housing 9. Here the spring bush 621 is connected to the housing 9 by means of a bolt connection. The spring bush 621 extends extends into the spring chamber 613.

The winding element 61 is mounted on the shaft 5 by means of a one-way bearing 63. The one-way bearing 63 is a freewheel bearing. The one-way bearing 63 comprises an inner bearing part 631 and an outer bearing part 632. The outer bearing part 632 is connected via a bearing to the inner bearing part 631. The outer bearing part 632 is fixedly connected to the winding element 61. The inner bearing part 631 is rotatable connected to the shaft 5. The bearing is arranged such that the inner bearing part is not engaged and therefore runs free in a first direction of rotation, but that the inner bearing part 631 is engaged and thereby rotates with the outer bearing part 631 and the winding element 61 in a second direction of rotation.

The inner bearing part 631 is connected to a resistance unit 70. The resistance unit 70 is a frictional resistance unit, also referred to as a friction brake. The resistor unit 70 comprises a resistor disc 71. The resistor unit 70 further comprises a printing disc 72 cooperating with the resistor disc 71. In the resistor unit 70, the resistor disc 71 is arranged such that the resistor disc 71 is rotatable relative to the printing disc 72. A resistor material 73, also said a brake lining, such as cork is provided between the pressure disk 72 and the resistance disk 71. The resistance material is a wear material. The resistive material provides a frictional force when the resistive disc 71 rotates relative to the pressure disc 72. The resulting frictional force provides the training resistance in the resistive device 7.

The inner bearing part 631 of the one-way bearing 63 has on the front side of the housing 9 a head end which is provided with the resistance disk 71 of a resistance unit 70. The resistance disk 71 is integral with the inner bearing part 631. The resistance disk 71 is formed by a flange at the head end of the inner bearing part 631.

The pressure disk 72 is positioned opposite the resistance disk 71. The pressure disk 72 is rotationally connected to the housing 9 by the shaft 5. The shaft 5 is provided with at least one flat side in an outer surface. The flat side forms a rotation lock for the printing disc 72. The attachment of the printing disc 72 on the shaft 5 allows movement of the printing disc 72 in the axial direction of the shaft 5.

By means of the adjusting knob 21, the printing disc 72 is axially displaceable along the axis 5 and as such can be pressed tighter or looser against the resistance disc 71. The printing disc 72 has a head surface which is situated at the end and which can be pressed against a head surface of the resistance disc 71. This makes the training resistance adjustable. Advantageously, the adjustability, compared to a radial engagement, requires hardly any space and the resistance device can be of compact design. The adjustment button 21 is centrally positioned on the front of the housing 9. Advantageously, the positioning of the adjustment button on the front of the housing is ergonomically accessible when performing a training exercise. The resistance is generated mainly by friction and only to a small extent by the resilience. The pressure force and therefore the magnitude of the resistance can be continuously and continuously adjusted with the adjusting knob.

The adjusting knob 21 is connected to the central shaft 5 by means of a screw connection. By turning the adjusting knob 21, the adjusting knob will move axially, such that the pressure disk 72 is also axially displaced and a resistance force is set.

The one-way bearing 63 ensures that the set training resistance is only transferred to the flexible element 17 when the flexible element 17 unwinds from the winding element 61 and is pulled out of the housing 9. The one-way bearing 63 is uncoupled in an opposite direction of rotation, wherein the flexible element 17 is wound onto the winding element 61. As a result, the resistance of the resistance unit 70 is not present when winding up the flexible element 17. With the return movement, therefore, no frictional resistance is encountered and the spring element, the leaf spring, can easily wind the flexible element onto the coil. The leaf spring 62 can be designed so light that the leaf spring 62 offers sufficient tensile force to quickly wind up the flexible element 17. The configuration shown is advantageously compact, which is favorable for the mobility and portability of the fitness device.

Figures 4C and 4D further show a mounting disk 8 for rotatable mounting of the resistance device 7 to a body mounting means 3. The mounting disk 8 is circular. The mounting disk 8 is connected to the housing 9. The rotatable mounting of the resistor device 7 ensures that the line passage of the resistor device 7 is aligned with the pulling direction of the flexible element 17.

Figures 5A to 5D show an alternative embodiment of the resistance device 7 of the fitness device.

Figure 5A shows a perspective view of an outside of the resistor device 7. The resistor device 7 has a housing 9 that is disc-shaped. The housing has two parallel side walls 91 and a peripheral wall 92. The housing 9 is substantially closed. The housing has an opening 93, a line passage, for passing through the flexible element 17. On a front side, the housing 9 is provided with an adjusting knob 21 for adjusting a training resistance.

In figures 5B-5D, cut-away views are shown in perspective of the resistance device 7 of the fitness device, with different training resistances being set. The resistance device 7 has a resistance unit 70.

The resistor unit 70 comprises a resistor rotor 71. Resistor rotor 71 is rotatably positioned within the housing 9. The resistor rotor 71 is coupled to a winding element 61 by a one-way bearing 63, such that the resistor rotor 71 has a freewheel relative to the winding element 61 in a first direction of rotation the winding element 61 winding up a flexible element 17. The resistance rotor 71 rotates with the winding element 61 in a second direction of rotation, the flexible element 17 unwinding from the winding element 61. The one-way bearing 63 has an outer bearing part 632 which is integral with the winding element 61. The outer bearing part 632 is provided with bearing cams 633 for engaging an inner bearing part of the one-way bearing 63 in a single direction of rotation. The bearing cams 633 are regularly distributed over a circular outer surface of the outer bearing part 632.

The resistor unit 70 further comprises at least one permanent magnet 72. The at least one permanent magnet 72 provides a magnetic field. The resistor rotor 71 is rotatably arranged by the magnetic field. The resistor rotor 71 is positioned next to the at least one permanent magnet 72. An end face of the resistor rotor 71 moves through the magnetic field. When the resistance rotor 71 rotates through the magnetic field, a magnetic resistance is created, which serves as training resistance. Eddy current vertebrae are created by rotating the resistor rotor 71. The resistor unit 70 is also referred to as a magnet resistor unit or Eddy current resistor unit.

The training resistance is adjustable by varying the size of a rotor part of the resistance rotor 71 that moves through the magnetic field. For this purpose, the at least one permanent magnet 72 is arranged so as to be radially displaceable relative to the resistor rotor 71. In figure 5B a maximum training resistance is set, wherein a maximum rotor part of the resistance rotor 71 moves through the magnetic field. In figure 5D a minimal training resistance is set by radial displacement of the magnetic field and in figure 5C an intermediate training resistance is set.

The at least one permanent magnet 72 is positioned on a lever 721. The lever 721 is pivotable about a lever axis 722 for moving the magnetic field over a radial stroke. The lever shaft 722 is arranged in parallel with the shaft 5 of the resistance device 7. Between the lever 721 and the adjusting knob 21, a transmission 22 is provided for positioning the lever 721 and thus the permanent magnet 72. With the transmission 22, the training resistance can be adjusted continuously. Advantageously, the configuration shown is compact.

In addition to the embodiments shown in the figures, many variants are possible. Although the invention has been disclosed with reference to particular embodiments, a person skilled in the art will, after reading the description, wish to make changes or modifications that are possible from a technical point of view, but explicitly do not fall outside the scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims. defined. In particular, changes with respect to the disclosed embodiments can be made that fall within the teaching of the invention without thereby departing from the essence of the invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications can be made and that elements can be replaced by equivalents without thereby departing from the essence of the invention. Thus, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments included in the description, but the invention will encompass all embodiments that fall within the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Thus, according to the invention, a mobile and body-compatible fitness device is provided for performing a training exercise. The fitness device according to the invention has an improved provision for providing a training resistance comprising a coupling by means of a one-way bearing with a resistance unit, whereby the fitness device can be made compact and lightweight. Moreover, the fitness device according to the invention provides various improvements, whereby the possibilities for performing training exercises are increased and are more practicable.

Claims (15)

A fitness device (1) for performing a training exercise by a person (27), the fitness device comprising at least one resistance device (7) for generating a training resistance, the resistance device (7) comprising a housing (9) for housing a winding device for winding and unwinding a flexible element (17), the winding device comprising a winding element, which winding element is arranged rotatably about an axis (5) of the housing (9) and connected by a leaf spring (62) is with the winding element casing (9), the winding element comprising a winding surface for winding and unwinding the flexible element (17), the flexible element (17) having a first end connected to the winding element extending through an opening (93) of the housing (9) and having a second end connected to a handle (19) for holding the second end, characterized in d that the winding element (61) is mounted in rotation on the shaft (5) by a one-way bearing (63), a resistance unit (70) for generating a training resistance is connected to the one-way bearing (63) such that the winding element (61) ) has a freewheel in a first direction of rotation corresponding to a reversal of the winding element (61) and encounters a resistance in an opposite second direction of rotation corresponding to the unwinding of the winding element (61). A fitness device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the one-way bearing (63) comprises an inner bearing part (631) and an outer bearing part (632), the outer bearing part (632) being fixedly connected to the winding element (61) and wherein the inner bearing part is rotatably connected about the central axis, the resistance unit (70) being a frictional resistance unit, the inner bearing part (631) being connected to a resistance disk (71) of the resistance unit, the resistance unit (70) has a pressure disc (72) for braking the resistance disc (71), which pressure disc (72) is non-rotatably connected to the housing (9). A fitness device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure disk (72) is movable in an axial direction with the aid of an adjustment button (21) relative to the shaft (5) for adjusting the training resistance. The fitness device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the one-way bearing (63) comprises an inner bearing part (631) and an outer bearing part (632), the inner bearing part (631) being fixedly connected to the winding element (61) and wherein the inner bearing member is rotatably (631) connected about the shaft (5), the resistance unit (70) being an Eddy current resistance unit, the resistance unit (70) comprising a resistance rotor (71) and at least one permanent magnet ( 72), the outer bearing member (632) being rigidly connected to the resistor rotor (71), the permanent magnet being positioned adjacent to the resistor rotor (71) such that a rotor portion of the rotor in operation moves through a magnetic field. A fitness device (1) according to claim 4, wherein a training resistance to be generated with the Eddy current resistance unit is adjustable with an adjustment knob (21) by adjusting the position of the magnet (72) relative to the resistance rotor (71) such that a size of the rotor part that moves through the magnetic field varies. A fitness device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fitness device is portable to the body by a person during the execution of a training exercise, wherein the fitness device has a weight of at most 2500 grams, such that the fitness device can be handled by the person is during the execution of a training exercise. A fitness device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a body fastening means (3) for attaching the resistance device (7) to the body of a person and wherein an opening (93) of the housing of the resistance device (7) is rotatable is connected to the body fastener (3). A fitness device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the resistance device (17) is slidably connected to the body attachment means (3) for shifting the resistance device from a first position to a second position on the body attachment means (3). A fitness device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the body restraint (3) is a hip belt, the hip belt being provided with at least one torso strap for longitudinal attachment of the hip belt to a torso of a person for counteracting an upward or downward movement of the hip belt during a training exercise. A fitness device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fitness device (1) further comprises at least one ankle band (23), as well as a diverter element (25) connected to the ankle band (23) for diverting the flexible element (25). 17). The fitness device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the diverting element (25) is formed by a hook-shaped element. A fitness device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the ankle strap (23) is provided with a foot strap. A fitness device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (19) is loop-shaped. A method for performing a training exercise by a person comprising the steps of: - providing a fitness device according to any of the preceding claims; - setting a training resistance with the fitness device; and - performing the training exercise by applying a tensile force to a flexible element of the fitness device. The method of claim 14 further comprising at least one of the steps: - attaching the fitness device to the body of the person; - attaching a resistance device of the fitness device with a hip belt to the body of a person; - attaching an ankle strap with a diverting element to an ankle of the person.