CA2075331A1 - Exercise apparatus - Google Patents
Exercise apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA2075331A1 CA2075331A1 CA002075331A CA2075331A CA2075331A1 CA 2075331 A1 CA2075331 A1 CA 2075331A1 CA 002075331 A CA002075331 A CA 002075331A CA 2075331 A CA2075331 A CA 2075331A CA 2075331 A1 CA2075331 A1 CA 2075331A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- lever
- slave
- primary lever
- linkage
- primary
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
- A63B21/068—User-manipulated weights using user's body weight
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
- A63B21/0615—User-manipulated weights pivoting about a fixed horizontal fulcrum
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/15—Arrangements for force transmissions
- A63B21/151—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/15—Arrangements for force transmissions
- A63B21/159—Using levers for transmitting forces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4041—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof characterised by the movements of the interface
- A63B21/4047—Pivoting movement
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/03516—For both arms together or both legs together; Aspects related to the co-ordination between right and left side limbs of a user
- A63B23/03525—Supports for both feet or both hands performing simultaneously the same movement, e.g. single pedal or single handle
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
- A63B23/0205—Abdomen
- A63B23/0211—Abdomen moving torso with immobilized lower limbs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
- A63B23/0233—Muscles of the back, e.g. by an extension of the body against a resistance, reverse crunch
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An exercise apparatus consisting of a base with an elongate support extending upwardly from the base. The support has a lower end adjacent the base and an upper end extending upwardly away from the base. A primary lever is provided which has a first end and a second end. A pivotal mounting adjacent the upper end of the support serves as a fulcrum for the primary lever. A slave lever is provided which has a first end and a second end. A pivotal mounting adjacent the lower end of the support serves as a fulcrum for the slave lever. A
linkage couples the primary lever and the slave lever such that movement of the primary lever results in movement of the slave lever. A platform is secured to the second end of slave lever such that body weight of a person positioned on the platform increases resistance during movement of the primary lever.
An exercise apparatus consisting of a base with an elongate support extending upwardly from the base. The support has a lower end adjacent the base and an upper end extending upwardly away from the base. A primary lever is provided which has a first end and a second end. A pivotal mounting adjacent the upper end of the support serves as a fulcrum for the primary lever. A slave lever is provided which has a first end and a second end. A pivotal mounting adjacent the lower end of the support serves as a fulcrum for the slave lever. A
linkage couples the primary lever and the slave lever such that movement of the primary lever results in movement of the slave lever. A platform is secured to the second end of slave lever such that body weight of a person positioned on the platform increases resistance during movement of the primary lever.
Description
2n7~)3~
The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Exercise devices have been developed in which the resistance to movement is provided by the user's own body weight. One example of such a device is United States Patent 4,641,833 which issued to Trethewey in 1987 with respect to a rowing machine. Another example of such a device is disclosed in a 1981 German Disclosure publication 2,942,675 relating to an upper and lower body training device developed by Gahn.
SUM~ARY OF TIIE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an alternate form of exercise apparatus in which resistance to movement is provided by the user's body weight.
According to the present invention there is provided an exercise apparatus which is comprised of a base with an elongate support extending upwardly from the base~ The support has a lower end adjacent the base and an upper end extending upwardly away from the base. A primary lever is provided which has a first end and a second end. A pivotal mounting adjacent the upper end of the support serves as a fulcrum for the primary lever. A slave lever is provided which has a first end and a second end. A pivotal mounting adjacent the lower end of the support serves as a fulcrum for the slave lever. A
linkage couples the primary lever and the slave lever such that movement of the primary lever results in movement of the slave lever. A platform is secured to the second end of ~lave lever such that bodyweight of a person positioned on the platform increase~ resistance during movement of the primary lever.
Although beneficial effects can be obtained through the use of the exercise apparatus as described, it is preferred that means be provided for altering the angular relationship between the primary lever and the slave lever thereby permitting alternative exercises to be performed and that mean~
207~j3~
be provided for altering the relationship between the fulcrum of the primary lever and the linkage to vary the resistance.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use o~ the exercise apparatus as described, even more beneficial results may be obtained by having at least one dampening cylinder with a first end and a second end. The first end of the cylinder is attached to one of the support and the base. The second end of the cylinder is attached to one of the primary lever and the slave lever. The dampening cylinder dampens the movement of the levers to provide a smoother flow and increased resistance.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the exercise apparatus as described, even more beneficial results may be obtained by having a detachable back rest attachment with a first end and a second end. The first end of the back rest is pivotally attached to the slave lever adjacent the platform. The second end of the back rest has guide rollers that engage the support and roll up and down the support as the slave lever is raised and lowered.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIIE DRAWII~GS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2a and 2b are side elevation views of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of bent over rowing.
FIGURE 3a and 3b are side elevation views of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of lateral pull downs.
.
.
The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Exercise devices have been developed in which the resistance to movement is provided by the user's own body weight. One example of such a device is United States Patent 4,641,833 which issued to Trethewey in 1987 with respect to a rowing machine. Another example of such a device is disclosed in a 1981 German Disclosure publication 2,942,675 relating to an upper and lower body training device developed by Gahn.
SUM~ARY OF TIIE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an alternate form of exercise apparatus in which resistance to movement is provided by the user's body weight.
According to the present invention there is provided an exercise apparatus which is comprised of a base with an elongate support extending upwardly from the base~ The support has a lower end adjacent the base and an upper end extending upwardly away from the base. A primary lever is provided which has a first end and a second end. A pivotal mounting adjacent the upper end of the support serves as a fulcrum for the primary lever. A slave lever is provided which has a first end and a second end. A pivotal mounting adjacent the lower end of the support serves as a fulcrum for the slave lever. A
linkage couples the primary lever and the slave lever such that movement of the primary lever results in movement of the slave lever. A platform is secured to the second end of ~lave lever such that bodyweight of a person positioned on the platform increase~ resistance during movement of the primary lever.
Although beneficial effects can be obtained through the use of the exercise apparatus as described, it is preferred that means be provided for altering the angular relationship between the primary lever and the slave lever thereby permitting alternative exercises to be performed and that mean~
207~j3~
be provided for altering the relationship between the fulcrum of the primary lever and the linkage to vary the resistance.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use o~ the exercise apparatus as described, even more beneficial results may be obtained by having at least one dampening cylinder with a first end and a second end. The first end of the cylinder is attached to one of the support and the base. The second end of the cylinder is attached to one of the primary lever and the slave lever. The dampening cylinder dampens the movement of the levers to provide a smoother flow and increased resistance.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the exercise apparatus as described, even more beneficial results may be obtained by having a detachable back rest attachment with a first end and a second end. The first end of the back rest is pivotally attached to the slave lever adjacent the platform. The second end of the back rest has guide rollers that engage the support and roll up and down the support as the slave lever is raised and lowered.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIIE DRAWII~GS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2a and 2b are side elevation views of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of bent over rowing.
FIGURE 3a and 3b are side elevation views of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of lateral pull downs.
.
.
2~7~331 FIGURE 4a and 4b are side elevation views of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of dips.
FIGURE 5a and 5b are side elevation views of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of dead lift.
FIGURE 6a and 6b are side elevation views of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of military press.
FIGURE 7a and 7b are side elevation views of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of front squats.
FIGURE 8a and 8b are side elevation views of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of curls.
FIGURE 9a and 9b are side elevation views of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE I, as it relates to the exercise of bench pre3s.
FIGUR~ lO is a side elevation view of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of calf raises.
FIGURE 11 is a side elevation view of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of roman chair style sit ups.
FIGURE 12 is a side elevation view of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGUR~ 1, as it relates to the exercise of hyperextensions.
FIGURE 13 is a side elevation view of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of quaderlateral hyperextensions.
FIGURE 14 is a side elevation view of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of leg raises.
FIGURE 15 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1.
.
:
4 207a3~1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, an exercise apparatus generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 15.
Referring to FIGURE 1, exercise apparatus 10 consists of a base 12 with an elongate support 14 extending upwardly from base 12. Support 14 has a lower end 16 adjacent base 12 and an upper end 18 extending upwardly away from base 12. A
primary lever 20 is provided having a first end 22 and a second end 24. A pivotal mounting 26 adjacent upper end 18 of support 14 serves as a fulcrum for primary lever 20. Pivotal mounting 26 is intermediate first end 22 and second end 24 of primary lever 20. A slave lever 28 i~ provided having a first end 30 and a second end 32. A pivotal mounting 34 adjacent lower end 16 of support 14 serves as a fulcrum for slave lever 28.
Pivotal mounting 34 is at first end 30 of slave lever 28. A
linkage 36 directly couples primary lever 20 and slave lever 28 such that movement of primary lever 20 results in movement of slave lever 28. A handgrip 38 is positioned at second end 24 of primary lever 20 whereby primary lever 20 is manipulated.
A platform 40 i8 secured to second end 32 of slave lever 28 such that body weight of a person positioned on platform 40 while manipulating handgrip 38 increases the resistance during movement of primary lever 20.
Referring to FIGURE 15, means is provided for altering the angular relationship hetween primary lever 20 and slave lever 28 thereby permitting alternative exercises to be performed and for altering the relationship between the fulcrum of primary lever 20 at pivotal mounting 26 and linkage 36 to vary the magnitude and direction of resistance. Such means relate to the manner in which linkage 36 is detachably connected to primary lever 20. Primary lever 20 has a plurality of apertures 42 spaced along its length at varying distances toward first end 22 and second end 24 from the fulcrum at pivotal mounting 26. Linkage 36 also has a plurality of apertures 44 spaced at intervals along its length. A locking pin 46 is provided which is adapted to extend through a selected one of apertures 42 in primary lever 20 and a selected one of apertures 44 in linkage 36 as will hereinafter be further described in relation to the use and operation of exercise apparatus 10.
Some optional additional elements have been added to the illustrated embodiment to enhance operation as will hereinafter be described. An hydraulic or air dampening cylinder 48 is provided. Dampening cylinder 48 has a first end 50 and a second end 52. First end 50 of cylinder 48 is attached to support 14. Second end 52 of cylinder 48 is attached to slave lever 28. A detachable back rest attachment 54 is provided.
Back rest 54 has a first end 56 and a second end 58. First end 56 is pivotally attached ~o slave lever 28 adjacent platform 40. Second end 58 of back rest 54 has guide rollers 60. Guide rollers 60 engage and roll up and down support 14 as slave lever 28 is raised and lowered. Two pairs of foot rollers 62 and 64 are secured to and extend transversely from support 14.
The use and operation of exercise apparatus 10 will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 14. In order to use exercise apparatus 10 a person stands, sits or kneels upon platform 40 and exerts a force upon handgrips 38 positioned at second end 24 of primary lever 20. Primary lever 20 is connected by linkage 36 to slave lever 28. Movement of primary lever 20 results in movement of slave lever 28 with the hody weight of the person positioned on platform 40 serving as the resistance. Of cour~e, not every exercise has the same starting and ending position. Similarly, the desired resistance will not be the same with every exercise. For this reason the starting and ending positions of a variety of common exercises are illustrated in FIGURES 2a and 2b through 8a and 8b. The exercises can be summarized as follows:
FIGUR~S 2a and 2b - bent over rowing;
:
207.)3?1 FIGURES 3a and 3b - lateral pull downs;
FI~URES 4a and 4b - dips;
FIGURES 5a and 5b - dead lift;
FI~URES 6a and 6b - military press;
FI~URES 7a and 7b - front squats;
FII~URES 8a and 8b - curls;
Resistance is increased by attaching linkage 36 to primary lever 20 farther from the fulcrum at pivotal mounting 26.
Conversely, resistance is decreased by attaching linkage 36 to primary lever 20 closer to the fulcrum at pivotal mounting 26.
The direction of the resistance is altered depending upon which side of the fulcrum at pivotal mounting 26 linkage 36 is attached. When linkage 36 is positioned toward first end 22 of primary lever 20, as illustrated in FIGU~ES 3a and 3b for a lateral pull down exercise, a downward force must be exerted upon handgrip 38 to perform the exercise. When linkage 36 is positioned toward second end 24 of primary lever 20, as illustrated in FIGURES 2a and 2b for a bent over rowing exercise, an upward force must be exerted upon handgrip 38 to perform the exercise. The angular relationship between primary lever 20 and slave lever 28 can be altered to permit alternative exercises to be performed by adjusting the length of linkage 36. The adjustment of the length of linkage 36 and the relationship of linkage 36 to the fulcrum at pivotal mounting 26 of primary lever 20 is adjusted through the selection of which of apertures 42 and 44, locking pin 46 is inserted. The addition of cylinder 48 serves to dampen the movement of slave lever 28. It has been found that when this is done it provides a smoother flow to the exercises. Cylinder 48 can also be used to increase resistance, although most users will find body weight adequate for the majority of exercises.
The addition of back rest 54 enables bench press type of exercises to be performed as illustrated in FIGURES 9a and 9b.
The addition of rollers 62 and 64 further expand the range of exercise possible, as illustrated in FIGURE 11 - roman chair style sit ups, FIGURE 12 - hyperextensions, and FIGURE 13 -quaderlateral hyperextensions. There are a variety of other 7 2~7:~331 exercises that can be performed which do not need an active movement of the lever mechanisms, such as leg raises, il:Lustrated in FIGURE 14.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that there are a variety of other linkage configurations which can be used with the invenLion, as well as a variety of alternate means of attaching linkage 36 to primary lever 20.
It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that resistance can be increased to a multiple of many times body weight for use by superbly conditioned elite athletes by the addition of multiple dampening cylinders 48.
FIGURE 5a and 5b are side elevation views of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of dead lift.
FIGURE 6a and 6b are side elevation views of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of military press.
FIGURE 7a and 7b are side elevation views of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of front squats.
FIGURE 8a and 8b are side elevation views of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of curls.
FIGURE 9a and 9b are side elevation views of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE I, as it relates to the exercise of bench pre3s.
FIGUR~ lO is a side elevation view of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of calf raises.
FIGURE 11 is a side elevation view of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of roman chair style sit ups.
FIGURE 12 is a side elevation view of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGUR~ 1, as it relates to the exercise of hyperextensions.
FIGURE 13 is a side elevation view of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of quaderlateral hyperextensions.
FIGURE 14 is a side elevation view of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1, as it relates to the exercise of leg raises.
FIGURE 15 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1.
.
:
4 207a3~1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, an exercise apparatus generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 15.
Referring to FIGURE 1, exercise apparatus 10 consists of a base 12 with an elongate support 14 extending upwardly from base 12. Support 14 has a lower end 16 adjacent base 12 and an upper end 18 extending upwardly away from base 12. A
primary lever 20 is provided having a first end 22 and a second end 24. A pivotal mounting 26 adjacent upper end 18 of support 14 serves as a fulcrum for primary lever 20. Pivotal mounting 26 is intermediate first end 22 and second end 24 of primary lever 20. A slave lever 28 i~ provided having a first end 30 and a second end 32. A pivotal mounting 34 adjacent lower end 16 of support 14 serves as a fulcrum for slave lever 28.
Pivotal mounting 34 is at first end 30 of slave lever 28. A
linkage 36 directly couples primary lever 20 and slave lever 28 such that movement of primary lever 20 results in movement of slave lever 28. A handgrip 38 is positioned at second end 24 of primary lever 20 whereby primary lever 20 is manipulated.
A platform 40 i8 secured to second end 32 of slave lever 28 such that body weight of a person positioned on platform 40 while manipulating handgrip 38 increases the resistance during movement of primary lever 20.
Referring to FIGURE 15, means is provided for altering the angular relationship hetween primary lever 20 and slave lever 28 thereby permitting alternative exercises to be performed and for altering the relationship between the fulcrum of primary lever 20 at pivotal mounting 26 and linkage 36 to vary the magnitude and direction of resistance. Such means relate to the manner in which linkage 36 is detachably connected to primary lever 20. Primary lever 20 has a plurality of apertures 42 spaced along its length at varying distances toward first end 22 and second end 24 from the fulcrum at pivotal mounting 26. Linkage 36 also has a plurality of apertures 44 spaced at intervals along its length. A locking pin 46 is provided which is adapted to extend through a selected one of apertures 42 in primary lever 20 and a selected one of apertures 44 in linkage 36 as will hereinafter be further described in relation to the use and operation of exercise apparatus 10.
Some optional additional elements have been added to the illustrated embodiment to enhance operation as will hereinafter be described. An hydraulic or air dampening cylinder 48 is provided. Dampening cylinder 48 has a first end 50 and a second end 52. First end 50 of cylinder 48 is attached to support 14. Second end 52 of cylinder 48 is attached to slave lever 28. A detachable back rest attachment 54 is provided.
Back rest 54 has a first end 56 and a second end 58. First end 56 is pivotally attached ~o slave lever 28 adjacent platform 40. Second end 58 of back rest 54 has guide rollers 60. Guide rollers 60 engage and roll up and down support 14 as slave lever 28 is raised and lowered. Two pairs of foot rollers 62 and 64 are secured to and extend transversely from support 14.
The use and operation of exercise apparatus 10 will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 14. In order to use exercise apparatus 10 a person stands, sits or kneels upon platform 40 and exerts a force upon handgrips 38 positioned at second end 24 of primary lever 20. Primary lever 20 is connected by linkage 36 to slave lever 28. Movement of primary lever 20 results in movement of slave lever 28 with the hody weight of the person positioned on platform 40 serving as the resistance. Of cour~e, not every exercise has the same starting and ending position. Similarly, the desired resistance will not be the same with every exercise. For this reason the starting and ending positions of a variety of common exercises are illustrated in FIGURES 2a and 2b through 8a and 8b. The exercises can be summarized as follows:
FIGUR~S 2a and 2b - bent over rowing;
:
207.)3?1 FIGURES 3a and 3b - lateral pull downs;
FI~URES 4a and 4b - dips;
FIGURES 5a and 5b - dead lift;
FI~URES 6a and 6b - military press;
FI~URES 7a and 7b - front squats;
FII~URES 8a and 8b - curls;
Resistance is increased by attaching linkage 36 to primary lever 20 farther from the fulcrum at pivotal mounting 26.
Conversely, resistance is decreased by attaching linkage 36 to primary lever 20 closer to the fulcrum at pivotal mounting 26.
The direction of the resistance is altered depending upon which side of the fulcrum at pivotal mounting 26 linkage 36 is attached. When linkage 36 is positioned toward first end 22 of primary lever 20, as illustrated in FIGU~ES 3a and 3b for a lateral pull down exercise, a downward force must be exerted upon handgrip 38 to perform the exercise. When linkage 36 is positioned toward second end 24 of primary lever 20, as illustrated in FIGURES 2a and 2b for a bent over rowing exercise, an upward force must be exerted upon handgrip 38 to perform the exercise. The angular relationship between primary lever 20 and slave lever 28 can be altered to permit alternative exercises to be performed by adjusting the length of linkage 36. The adjustment of the length of linkage 36 and the relationship of linkage 36 to the fulcrum at pivotal mounting 26 of primary lever 20 is adjusted through the selection of which of apertures 42 and 44, locking pin 46 is inserted. The addition of cylinder 48 serves to dampen the movement of slave lever 28. It has been found that when this is done it provides a smoother flow to the exercises. Cylinder 48 can also be used to increase resistance, although most users will find body weight adequate for the majority of exercises.
The addition of back rest 54 enables bench press type of exercises to be performed as illustrated in FIGURES 9a and 9b.
The addition of rollers 62 and 64 further expand the range of exercise possible, as illustrated in FIGURE 11 - roman chair style sit ups, FIGURE 12 - hyperextensions, and FIGURE 13 -quaderlateral hyperextensions. There are a variety of other 7 2~7:~331 exercises that can be performed which do not need an active movement of the lever mechanisms, such as leg raises, il:Lustrated in FIGURE 14.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that there are a variety of other linkage configurations which can be used with the invenLion, as well as a variety of alternate means of attaching linkage 36 to primary lever 20.
It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that resistance can be increased to a multiple of many times body weight for use by superbly conditioned elite athletes by the addition of multiple dampening cylinders 48.
Claims (14)
1. An exercise apparatus, comprising:
a. a base;
b. an elongate support extending upwardly from the base, the support having a lower end adjacent the base and an upper end extending upwardly away from the base;
c. a primary lever having a first end and a second end, a pivotal mounting adjacent the upper end of the support serving as a fulcrum for the primary lever;
d. a slave lever having a first end and a second end, a pivotal mounting adjacent the lower end of the support serving as a fulcrum for the slave lever;
e. a linkage coupling the primary lever and the slave lever such that movement of the primary lever results in movement of the slave lever; and f. a platform secured to the second end of slave lever such that body weight of a person positioned on the platform increases resistance during movement of the primary lever.
a. a base;
b. an elongate support extending upwardly from the base, the support having a lower end adjacent the base and an upper end extending upwardly away from the base;
c. a primary lever having a first end and a second end, a pivotal mounting adjacent the upper end of the support serving as a fulcrum for the primary lever;
d. a slave lever having a first end and a second end, a pivotal mounting adjacent the lower end of the support serving as a fulcrum for the slave lever;
e. a linkage coupling the primary lever and the slave lever such that movement of the primary lever results in movement of the slave lever; and f. a platform secured to the second end of slave lever such that body weight of a person positioned on the platform increases resistance during movement of the primary lever.
2. The exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 1, having means for altering the angular relationship between the primary lever and the slave lever thereby permitting alternative exercises to be performed.
3. The exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 1, having means for altering the relationship between the fulcrum of the primary lever and the linkage to vary the magnitude and direction of resistance.
4. The exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 1, having at least one dampening cylinder with a first end and a second end, the first end of the cylinder being attached to one of the support and the base and the second end of the cylinder being attached to one of the primary lever and the slave lever, thereby dampening the movement of the levers to provide a smoother flow and increased resistance.
5. The exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 1, the linkage being detachably secured to the primary lever, the primary lever having a plurality of linkage attachment points spaced at varying distances from the fulcrum such that the resistance is increased by attaching the linkage to the primary lever farther from the fulcrum and the resistance is decreased by attaching the linkage to the primary lever closer to the fulcrum.
6. The exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 1, the linkage being detachably secured to the primary lever, the linkage having a plurality of attachment points spaced at interval along its length such that the length of the linkage between primary lever and the slave lever can be altered thereby altering the angular relationship between the primary lever and the slave lever to permit alternative exercises to be performed.
7. The exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 1, having a detachable back rest attachment with a first end and a second end, the first end of the back rest being pivotally attached to the slave lever adjacent the platform, the second end of the back rest having guide rollers such that the guide rollers engage the support and roll up and down the support as the slave lever is raised and lowered.
8. An exercise apparatus, comprising:
a. a base;
b. an elongate support extending upwardly from the base, the support having a lower end adjacent the base and an upper end extending upwardly away from the base;
c. a primary lever having a first end and a second end, a pivotal mounting adjacent the upper end of the support serving as a fulcrum for the primary lever;
d. a slave lever having a first end and a second end, a pivotal mounting adjacent the lower end of the support serving as a fulcrum for the slave lever;
e. a linkage coupling the primary lever and the slave lever such that movement of the primary lever results in movement of the slave lever;
f. a platform secured to the second end of slave lever such that body weight of a person positioned on the platform increases resistance during movement of the primary lever;
g. means for altering the angular relationship between the primary lever and the slave lever thereby permitting alternative exercises to be performed; and h. means for altering the relationship between the fulcrum of the primary lever and the linkage to vary the magnitude and direction of resistance.
a. a base;
b. an elongate support extending upwardly from the base, the support having a lower end adjacent the base and an upper end extending upwardly away from the base;
c. a primary lever having a first end and a second end, a pivotal mounting adjacent the upper end of the support serving as a fulcrum for the primary lever;
d. a slave lever having a first end and a second end, a pivotal mounting adjacent the lower end of the support serving as a fulcrum for the slave lever;
e. a linkage coupling the primary lever and the slave lever such that movement of the primary lever results in movement of the slave lever;
f. a platform secured to the second end of slave lever such that body weight of a person positioned on the platform increases resistance during movement of the primary lever;
g. means for altering the angular relationship between the primary lever and the slave lever thereby permitting alternative exercises to be performed; and h. means for altering the relationship between the fulcrum of the primary lever and the linkage to vary the magnitude and direction of resistance.
9. The exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 8, having at least one dampening cylinder with a first end and a second end, the first end of the cylinder being attached to one of the support and the base and the second end of the cylinder being attached to one of the primary lever and the slave lever, thereby dampening the movement of the levers to provide a smoother flow and increased resistance.
10. The exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 8, the linkage being detachably secured to the primary lever, the means for altering the relationship between the fulcrum of the primary lever and the linkage being a plurality of linkage attachment
11 points spaced at varying distances from the fulcrum along the primary lever such that resistance is increased by attaching the linkage to the primary lever farther from the fulcrum and resistance is decreased by attaching the linkage to the primary lever closer to the fulcrum.
11. The exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 8, the linkage being detachably secured to the primary lever, the means for altering the angular relationship between the primary lever and the slave lever being a plurality of attachment points spaced at interval along the linkage such that the length of the linkage between primary lever and the slave lever can be altered thereby altering the angular relationship between the primary lever and the slave lever to permit alternative exercises to be performed.
11. The exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 8, the linkage being detachably secured to the primary lever, the means for altering the angular relationship between the primary lever and the slave lever being a plurality of attachment points spaced at interval along the linkage such that the length of the linkage between primary lever and the slave lever can be altered thereby altering the angular relationship between the primary lever and the slave lever to permit alternative exercises to be performed.
12. The exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 8, having a detachable back rest attachment with a first end and a second end, the first end of the back rest being pivotally attached to the slave lever adjacent the platform, the second end of the back rest having guide rollers such that the guide rollers engage the support and roll up and down the support as the slave lever is raised and lowered.
13. An exercise apparatus, comprising:
a. a base;
b. an elongate support extending upwardly from the base, the support having a lower end adjacent the base and an upper end extending upwardly away from the base;
c. a primary lever having a first end and a second end, a pivotal mounting adjacent the upper end of the support serving as a fulcrum for the primary lever, the primary lever having a plurality of apertures spaced at varying distances from the fulcrum along its length;
d. a slave lever having a first end and a second end, a pivotal mounting adjacent the lower end of the support serving as a fulcrum for the slave lever;
e. a linkage coupling the primary lever and the slave lever such that movement of the primary lever results in movement of the slave lever, the linkage having a plurality of apertures spaced at intervals along its length;
f. a handgrip at the second end of the primary lever whereby the primary lever is manipulated;
g. a platform secured to the second end of slave lever such that body weight of a person positioned on the platform while manipulating the handgrip increases resistance during movement of the primary lever;
h. a locking pin adapted to extend through a selected one of the apertures in the primary lever and a selected one of the apertures in the linkage such that resistance is increased by attaching the linkage to the primary lever farther from the fulcrum and resistance is decreased by attaching the linkage to the primary lever closer to the fulcrum and such that the length of the linkage between primary lever and the slave lever can be altered thereby altering the angular relationship between the primary lever and the slave lever to permit alternative exercises to be performed; and i. a dampening cylinder with a first end and a second end, the first end of the cylinder being attached to one of the support and the base and the second end of the cylinder being attached to the slave lever, thereby dampening the movement of the slave lever to provide a smoother flow and increased resistance.
a. a base;
b. an elongate support extending upwardly from the base, the support having a lower end adjacent the base and an upper end extending upwardly away from the base;
c. a primary lever having a first end and a second end, a pivotal mounting adjacent the upper end of the support serving as a fulcrum for the primary lever, the primary lever having a plurality of apertures spaced at varying distances from the fulcrum along its length;
d. a slave lever having a first end and a second end, a pivotal mounting adjacent the lower end of the support serving as a fulcrum for the slave lever;
e. a linkage coupling the primary lever and the slave lever such that movement of the primary lever results in movement of the slave lever, the linkage having a plurality of apertures spaced at intervals along its length;
f. a handgrip at the second end of the primary lever whereby the primary lever is manipulated;
g. a platform secured to the second end of slave lever such that body weight of a person positioned on the platform while manipulating the handgrip increases resistance during movement of the primary lever;
h. a locking pin adapted to extend through a selected one of the apertures in the primary lever and a selected one of the apertures in the linkage such that resistance is increased by attaching the linkage to the primary lever farther from the fulcrum and resistance is decreased by attaching the linkage to the primary lever closer to the fulcrum and such that the length of the linkage between primary lever and the slave lever can be altered thereby altering the angular relationship between the primary lever and the slave lever to permit alternative exercises to be performed; and i. a dampening cylinder with a first end and a second end, the first end of the cylinder being attached to one of the support and the base and the second end of the cylinder being attached to the slave lever, thereby dampening the movement of the slave lever to provide a smoother flow and increased resistance.
14. The exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 13, having a detachable back rest attachment with a first end and a second end, the first end of the back rest being pivotally attached to the slave lever adjacent the platform, the second end of the back rest having guide rollers such that the guide rollers engage the support and roll up and down the support as the slave lever is raised and lowered.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002075331A CA2075331A1 (en) | 1992-08-05 | 1992-08-05 | Exercise apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002075331A CA2075331A1 (en) | 1992-08-05 | 1992-08-05 | Exercise apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2075331A1 true CA2075331A1 (en) | 1994-02-06 |
Family
ID=4150255
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002075331A Abandoned CA2075331A1 (en) | 1992-08-05 | 1992-08-05 | Exercise apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2075331A1 (en) |
Cited By (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5733229A (en) * | 1995-02-01 | 1998-03-31 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Exercise apparatus using body weight resistance |
| US7601187B2 (en) | 2003-11-03 | 2009-10-13 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Rigid arm pull down exercise machine |
| US7654940B2 (en) | 2006-09-06 | 2010-02-02 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Arm exercise machine with self-aligning pivoting user support |
| US7654938B2 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2010-02-02 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Exercise machine with pivoting user support having multiple pivot linkage |
| US7670269B2 (en) | 2006-09-05 | 2010-03-02 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Chest press exercise machine with self-aligning pivoting user support |
| US7717832B2 (en) * | 2003-11-03 | 2010-05-18 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Shoulder press exercise machine |
| US7766802B2 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2010-08-03 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Rowing exercise machine with self-aligning pivoting user support |
| US7794371B2 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2010-09-14 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Lat exercise machine with self-aligning pivoting user support |
| US7901335B2 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2011-03-08 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Multi-station exercise machine |
| US7938760B1 (en) | 2008-10-17 | 2011-05-10 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Exercise machine with lifting arm |
| US7981010B1 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2011-07-19 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Exercise machine with multi-function user engagement device |
| US7993251B1 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2011-08-09 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Pectoral fly exercise machine |
| US8177693B2 (en) | 2010-02-25 | 2012-05-15 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Calf exercise machine with rocking user support |
| US8562496B2 (en) | 2010-03-05 | 2013-10-22 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Thigh exercise machine with rocking user support |
| US8734304B2 (en) | 2010-03-04 | 2014-05-27 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Low back exercise machine with rocking user support |
-
1992
- 1992-08-05 CA CA002075331A patent/CA2075331A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (26)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5733229A (en) * | 1995-02-01 | 1998-03-31 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Exercise apparatus using body weight resistance |
| US7963890B2 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2011-06-21 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Exercise machine with pivoting user support and multiple cam linkage |
| US7654938B2 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2010-02-02 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Exercise machine with pivoting user support having multiple pivot linkage |
| US7976440B2 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2011-07-12 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Upper back exercise machine with self-aligning pivoting user support |
| US8002679B2 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2011-08-23 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Chest exercise machine with self-aligning pivoting user support |
| US7981010B1 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2011-07-19 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Exercise machine with multi-function user engagement device |
| US7731638B2 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2010-06-08 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Exercise machine with moving user support and multiple part linkage |
| US7766802B2 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2010-08-03 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Rowing exercise machine with self-aligning pivoting user support |
| US7988603B2 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2011-08-02 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Leg press exercise machine with self-aligning pivoting seat |
| US7878953B2 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2011-02-01 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Leg press exercise machine with self-aligning pivoting seat |
| US7901335B2 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2011-03-08 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Multi-station exercise machine |
| US7993251B1 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2011-08-09 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Pectoral fly exercise machine |
| US7794371B2 (en) | 2003-08-04 | 2010-09-14 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Lat exercise machine with self-aligning pivoting user support |
| US7717832B2 (en) * | 2003-11-03 | 2010-05-18 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Shoulder press exercise machine |
| US7601187B2 (en) | 2003-11-03 | 2009-10-13 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Rigid arm pull down exercise machine |
| US7670269B2 (en) | 2006-09-05 | 2010-03-02 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Chest press exercise machine with self-aligning pivoting user support |
| US7654940B2 (en) | 2006-09-06 | 2010-02-02 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Arm exercise machine with self-aligning pivoting user support |
| US7938760B1 (en) | 2008-10-17 | 2011-05-10 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Exercise machine with lifting arm |
| US9861850B1 (en) | 2008-10-17 | 2018-01-09 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Exercise machine with lifting arm |
| US10639513B2 (en) | 2008-10-17 | 2020-05-05 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Exercise machine with lifting arm |
| US10646739B2 (en) | 2008-10-17 | 2020-05-12 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Exercise machine with lifting arm |
| US11000722B2 (en) | 2008-10-17 | 2021-05-11 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Exercise machine with lifting arm |
| US11759668B2 (en) | 2008-10-17 | 2023-09-19 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Exercise machine with lifting arm |
| US8177693B2 (en) | 2010-02-25 | 2012-05-15 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Calf exercise machine with rocking user support |
| US8734304B2 (en) | 2010-03-04 | 2014-05-27 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Low back exercise machine with rocking user support |
| US8562496B2 (en) | 2010-03-05 | 2013-10-22 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Thigh exercise machine with rocking user support |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |