US20040033868A1 - Exercise machine - Google Patents
Exercise machine Download PDFInfo
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- US20040033868A1 US20040033868A1 US10/613,037 US61303703A US2004033868A1 US 20040033868 A1 US20040033868 A1 US 20040033868A1 US 61303703 A US61303703 A US 61303703A US 2004033868 A1 US2004033868 A1 US 2004033868A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- exercise machine
- handle
- user
- machine according
- support structure
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- 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
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
- B62M3/00—Construction of cranks operated by hand or foot
- B62M3/02—Construction of cranks operated by hand or foot of adjustable length
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- 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
- A63B21/00192—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resistance provided by magnetic means
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- 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
- A63B21/005—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
-
- 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
- A63B21/012—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using frictional force-resisters
-
- 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
- A63B21/4049—Rotational movement
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0002—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0002—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms
- A63B22/0005—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements involving an exercising of arms with particular movement of the arms provided by handles moving otherwise than pivoting about a horizontal axis parallel to the body-symmetrical-plane
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
- A63B22/0605—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0025—Particular aspects relating to the orientation of movement paths of the limbs relative to the body; Relative relationship between the movements of the limbs
- A63B2022/0035—Upper limbs performing together the same movement, e.g. on a single support element
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
- A63B22/0605—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
- A63B2022/0611—Particular details or arrangement of cranks
- A63B2022/0617—Particular details or arrangement of cranks with separate crank axis for each limb, e.g. being separately adjustable or non parallel
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
- A63B22/0605—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
- A63B2022/0611—Particular details or arrangement of cranks
- A63B2022/0623—Cranks of adjustable length
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- 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
- A63B21/22—Resisting devices with rotary bodies
- A63B21/225—Resisting devices with rotary bodies with flywheels
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
- A63B2208/02—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player posture
- A63B2208/0204—Standing on the feet
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2210/00—Space saving
- A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
Definitions
- This invention relates to exercise machines, and in particular to an exercise machine that provides continuous load exerting resistance for the user.
- the invention provides an exercise machine which includes a support structure, a resistance assembly which is connected to the support structure, a drive member with an output point from which force is applied to the resistance assembly and an input point which is spaced from the output point by a distance L, and at least one handle which acts on the drive member at the input point and which a user can engage and move in a continuous, load-exerting manner, against a resistance force which is generated by the resistance assembly.
- Continuous, load-exerting means that the movement of the handle is such that at all times the user is capable of exerting force on the handle to move the drive member against the resistance force.
- This is to be contrasted with a bicycle-type movement which is encountered in a machine of the type which has support structure with outwardly extending cranked handles on opposed sides of the structure which are moved in alternating or reciprocating movement by a user. With this type of machine the design is such that the user alternately pushes with one arm while pulling with the other arm, and vice versa.
- the machine may have one handle with which one hand of user is engageable.
- the handle may be such that two hands of the user are engageable therewith.
- the machine has two handles with which two hands of the user are respectively engageable.
- the user's arms act in unison on the handle or handles, against the resistance force.
- the expression “acting in unison” is intended to include a movement of the user's arms, whereby the user's arms move substantially in the same way and at the same time as each other. Thus both arms act against the resistance force at the same time.
- This is to be contrasted with the type of movement, encountered for example on the bicycle-type machine referred to, in which the user's arms move with a pedal-type motion in alternating fashion with one arm pulling and the other arm pushing, and vice versa.
- the input point when moved by the handle, may move along a path which may form a closed loop of any appropriate shape or which may be variable dynamically ie. as the user works on the handle. It is preferred however that the path of movement is defined and forms a closed loop of circular shape.
- the path of movement of the input point preferably lies in a substantially vertical plane. It is possible though for the path of movement to lie in a substantially horizontally plane, or in an inclined plane, or for the path of movement to be non-planar. For example, if the input point moves laterally relative to the support structure, which may be upwardly extending, then the path of movement, even if it forms a closed loop may not lie in a plane but could follow a convoluted three-dimension path.
- the exercise machine To enable the user's arms to act in unison on the handle, the exercise machine must be dimensioned and structured so that no part thereof interferes with the body of the user.
- the support structure preferably extends upwardly and the handle is on one side of the support structure only.
- the support structure may include a base which is attachable to the floor to stabilise the exercise machine during use thereof.
- the support structure includes formations whereby the support structure is attachable to a wall to stabilise the exercise machine during use thereof.
- the exercise machine includes a base which is attached to a lower end of the support structure and which provides a platform upon which the user stands so that the user's mass stabilises the exercise machine during use thereof.
- the length of the drive member between the input point and the output point may be adjustable to vary the distance L.
- the drive member may be adjustable against a biasing element such as a piston and cylinder arrangement, a spring, an elastic member such as a rubber band or the like, a worm-type device, and so on.
- a biasing element which may, itself, be adjustable to provide a variable biasing force, enables the input point to move along a path of variable shape. It is possible to make use of control means, eg. an automatically controlled actuator or motor to adjust the length of the drive member, to provide a controlled variation in operating characteristics of the machine.
- the drive member may be adjustable according to requirement to set the distance L at a defined length.
- a releasable fastener which acts on the drive member once it has been adjusted, may be used to prevent the distance L from varying during use of the exercise machine.
- the drive member may be rotatable by the handle about the output point.
- the handle may take on a plurality of different forms.
- the handle includes grips for the user's hands, the grips being positioned so that the hands, when engaged with the grips, extend around a common axis which is transverse to the path of movement of the input point.
- the grips are preferably positioned side by side and the handle may, for example, comprise an elongate shaft of sufficient length to ensure that portions of the shaft which are adjacent each other define grips for the user's hands.
- the shaft which defines the handle, may extend from the drive member at the input point and may be rotatable about an axis which is centered on the input point. It is also possible though, alternatively or in addition, to provide rotatable grips on the shaft so that the grips rotate about the shaft during movement of the drive member by a user.
- the handle includes grips for the user's hands which are positioned on respective opposed sides of an input axis which is transverse to the path of movement of the input point and which extends through the input point.
- This arrangement allows the user to face a plane in which the input point is moved during use of the exercise machine ie. in which the closed loop lies. With this arrangement the user effectively turns through 90° compared to the position which the user occupies with the first mentioned handle arrangement.
- Different handles may be provided for a single machine and a user may select a handle type, as required, for different types of exercises.
- the handles may allow for the orientation of the grips, relative to the input axis, to be varied in use. This feature reduces the strain which could otherwise be placed on a user's hands and arms during use ie. while causing the input point to rotate, along a path of movement, about the output point.
- the handle, or the grips may be connected to the input point through a universal joint, a ball joint, a spring or rubber connector, or any similar device which allows relative pivotal movement between the grips and the input point, but which still allows a drive force to be applied from the grips to the input point.
- the path may have a highest point which is a distance X above a ground reference level on which the user stands and a lowest point which is a distance Y above the ground reference level and wherein X ⁇ 2Y.
- the support structure can take on a plurality of different forms. However to enable the support structure to be provided in a manner which can be put into a compact mode for storage and transport purposes, it is preferable for the support structure to have at least two upwardly extending inclined supports with the resistance assembly being mounted to the supports, preferably to upper ends thereof.
- Use may be made of a base which interconnects lower ends of the supports and which forms a platform upon which the user stands.
- the supports may be pivotally movable towards each other for storage and transport purposes, and away from each other to place the machine in an operative mode.
- the base may include a plurality of pivotally interconnected panels which are moved in a corresponding way in unison with the supports.
- the output point may be near the upper ends of the supports and the resistance assembly may include a flywheel which is rotatable about an axis which extends through the output point.
- the exercise machine may include a drive arrangement which is connected to the output point and which transfers motion to the flywheel.
- the drive arrangement may include a gearbox or gear train, a system of belts and pulleys, or any similar drive transferring system which causes the rotational speed of the flywheel to be related in a desired ratio to the rotational speed of the output point. This increases the force which is generated by the resistance assembly and against which the user acts.
- the path of movement of the input point is a circle and the drive arrangement is such that the ratio of the rotational speed of the flywheel to the rotational speed of the output point is greater than 20. It has been found through experimentation and trial and error that this ratio and higher values, eg 25, are particularly effective in that these ratios enable the flywheel to have a relatively small mass (e.g., of the order of 5 kg (12.5 lbs)), while still providing sufficient resistance force to a user who can cause the input point to move at a comfortable speed along the defined path.
- the resistance force may be varied by making use of a brake which acts on the flywheel and which is adjustable thereby to exert an adjustable braking force which restrains rotational movement of the flywheel.
- the brake may be in the nature of a belt brake, a friction brake, an electromagnetic brake, a magnetic brake, or any equivalent component.
- the invention is not limited in this regard.
- the brake may be controlled automatically, eg. by means of suitable control electronics, to vary the braking force to suit the user, for example in a dynamic fashion. It then becomes possible to vary the path of movement of the input point and the resistance force in a controlled manner.
- the exercise machine may include a unidirectional drive device between the handle and the resistance assembly.
- the drive device may be switchable or operable to change the direction (in a rotational sense) in which drive is imparted to the resistance assembly by the handle.
- the unidirectional drive device may be in the nature of a ratchet device but any equivalent arrangement can be used.
- the invention is not limited in this regard.
- a smooth, sweeping-type action can however be obtained if the handle is permanently connected to the flywheel, ie. if no uni-directional device is used, for the flywheel's momentum drives the handle through dead spots which could occur at extremities of the path of movement, and a continuous input of force is required of the user via the handle. It is imperative though for the resistance force, the mass of the flywheel, the radius of movement of the handle and the relationship between the rotational speed of the handle and the rotational speed of the flywheel to be carefully inter-related to ensure that the handle can be moved at a steady speed, which is not too fast to unbalance a user, against a resistance force of sufficient magnitude to provide a safe and effective workout.
- the exercise machine includes a base which, in use, provides a platform for a user, a support structure which extends upwardly from the base, a drive member which has an input point and an output point and which is connected to the support structure, a resistance assembly which is connected to the output point, and a handle connected to the input point whereby a user, on the platform, can grip the handle with two hands and rotate the handle about the output point against a resistance force which is generated by the resistance assembly.
- the drive member may be of adjustable effective length to vary the distance between the input point and the output point, the drive member being rotatable about an axis which passes through the output point, and the resistance assembly may include a flywheel which is rotatable by rotational movement of the drive member.
- a drive arrangement may be connected between the output point and the flywheel to transfer drive to the flywheel at a suitable mechanical ratio.
- the support structure may include upwardly extending supports which are pivotally movable relative to each other and the base may include a plurality of panels which are connected to lower ends of the supports.
- the resistance assembly may be attached to at least one of the supports and the base may be positioned on a side of the supports so that a user, on the base, is alongside the support structure and does not “straddle” the support structure, as is the case with the bicycle-type arm exercise machine previously referred to.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of an exercise machine according to one form of the invention.
- FIG. 2 shows the use, in different combinations, of two machines each of which is substantially the same as what is shown in FIG. 1;
- FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6 are respectively a side view, an end view, a plan view and a view in perspective, of an exercise machine according to another form of the invention.
- FIGS. 7 to 10 respectively correspond to FIGS. 3 to 6 and show the machine of FIGS. 3 to 6 in a collapsed or storage mode
- FIG. 11 shows another exercise machine according to the invention
- FIGS. 12 to 16 illustrate different methods of adjusting a rotational path which a user's hands follow when using the exercise machine of the invention
- FIGS. 17 to 23 show different handles which can be used with the machine of the invention.
- FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate two of the handles in use
- FIGS. 26 and 27 show a machine according to the invention fixed to a floor and a wall respectively;
- FIGS. 28 to 30 illustrate different arrangements of the exercise machine of the invention.
- FIG. 31 shows the use in combination, from one end, of two machines each of the kind shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 .
- FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates an exercise machine 10 according to a first form of the invention.
- the machine 10 includes a base plate 12 which is mounted to an upwardly extending support column 14 which has a drive shaft 18 mounted, near opposed ends, to bearings 20 and 22 respectively.
- a relatively large drive pulley 24 is fixed to the drive shaft slightly above the bearing 20 .
- a bevel gear 26 is fixed to an upper end of the drive shaft.
- a cranked member 28 which includes a stub axle 30 , a lever 32 and a handle 34 , is fixed to an upper end of the support column 14 .
- the stub axle extends horizontally, is mounted to bearings 36 and 38 , and is centred on an axis A which defines an output point to components which form a drive arrangement in the machine.
- a bevel gear 40 which mates with the gear 26 , is fixed to the axle.
- an optional one-way drive mechanism in the nature of a ratchet 42 is installed at a position between the bevel gear 40 and the bearing 38 an optional one-way drive mechanism in the nature of a ratchet 42 is installed. The arrangement is such that rotational drive can be transferred from the lever 32 to the gear 40 , in one direction, but drive cannot be transferred from the gear 40 to the lever 32 .
- the mechanism if used, can be switched to change the direction in which drive is transferred between the lever and the gear.
- the handle 34 may be movable along the length of the lever 32 or the lever 32 can be adjusted relatively to the stub axle 30 , so that the position of the handle 34 can be adjusted relatively to the axle to a selected position shown in dotted lines 34 X.
- a thrust bearing 50 is mounted to the base plate.
- An axle 52 extends upwardly from the thrust bearing and a flywheel 54 is mounted to the axle. At its upper end the axle 52 is supported by means of a bearing 56 .
- a pulley 58 is mounted to the axle above the upper surface of the flywheel and below the bearing 56 .
- a belt 62 couples the drive pulley 24 to the pulley 58 .
- a brake 66 is engaged with the flywheel 54 .
- the brake is adjustable to constrain rotational movement of the flywheel 54 about the axle 56 to a greater or lesser extent.
- the brake is a magnetic device of a kind which is known in the art. Any other type of brake could be employed, for example a belt which is engaged with the flywheel, a friction roller which bears on a rim of the flywheel, an electromagnetic brake, or the like. The invention is not limited in this regard.
- a cover 70 overlies the flywheel and the pulley 24 and provides a platform upon which a user, not shown, can stand while using the exercise machine.
- the user's weight provides a ballast, or stabilising effect, which helps to keep the machine steady.
- the exercise machine 10 can be used in different ways.
- the handle 34 which forms an input point to the machine, is sufficiently lengthy so that a user, who stands on the cover, can grip the handle 34 with both hands, one adjacent the other.
- the height of the axle 30 above the platform 70 and the length of the lever 32 are such that, as the user rotates the lever about the axle 30 , the user must, at some stage, bend at the knees and, subsequently, move the arms from a lower position to an upper position.
- rotational drive is transferred to the drive shaft 18 and drive is imparted by the drive pulley 20 and the belt 62 to the driven pulley 58 .
- the flywheel is thereby caused to rotate against a braking effect exerted by the magnetic brake 66 .
- the brake can be adjusted to provide more or less resistance, according to requirement, to the rotational movement of the flywheel.
- the ratios of the various gears and pulleys in the drive arrangement from the axle 30 to the flywheel 54 determine the mechanical advantage between the handle and the flywheel, a factor which helps to set the resistance force which is developed.
- the exercise machine causes the user to exercise at least his legs, his arms and his upper torso while rotating the handle.
- the user standing on the platform 70 , grips the handle 34 with both hands while facing the column 14 as opposed to facing in a direction which is at a right angle to the stub axle 30 , as is the case in the former mode of use.
- the user rotates the handle 34 using both hands, which move in unison, with a squatting and lifting type of body action.
- the path of movement of the input point, formed by the handle 34 is a closed loop of circular shape which lies in a vertical plane, and the user is either positioned adjacent the plane, facing in a direction which is generally parallel to the plane, or is positioned facing the plane, orientations which do not arise when use is made of a bicycle-type machine.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an exercise machine 80 which includes, in combination, a first machine 10 of the kind described in connection with FIG. 1 and a second machine 10 A which is fundamentally the same as the machine 10 and which is erected on a support column 16 .
- Components of the machine 10 A which are the same as components of the machine 10 are not described in detail and bear like reference numerals with the suffix “A”.
- the machine 10 A could have a separate flywheel, in this example only one flywheel is used and the output drive of the machine 10 A is connected to the flywheel 54 by means of a pulley 60 which is mounted to the axle 52 below the bearing 56 , and a belt 62 A which couples the drive pulley 24 A to the pulley 60 .
- the handle 34 can be coupled directly to the handle 34 A using a connector 82 which is shown in dotted outline. This means that the members 28 and 28 A are movable in unison.
- FIG. 2 shows (in dotted lines for the handle 34 A) the handles separated by about 180° with a gap 84 between the handles which is occupied by a user. Again the path of movement of each input point (defined by each handle) is parallel to the direction in which the user faces.
- FIGS. 3 to 6 illustrate an exercise machine 90 according to another form of the invention from the side, from the end, in plan, and in perspective, respectively.
- the machine includes support structure 92 in the form of two elongate, inclined, upwardly extending supports 94 and 96 respectively which are pivotally connected to each other at upper ends 98 , directly or by means of intermediate structure such as a flywheel housing 99 , in a way which allows the supports, within reason, to be pivotally moved towards, and apart, from each other.
- the machine includes a base 100 which rests on the ground and which, in use, provides a platform, upon which a user, not shown, can stand while using the machine.
- the base 100 includes three panels 102 , 104 and 106 respectively which are pivotally connected to one another at points 108 A and 108 B in a planar array.
- the base is fixed to lower ends of, and braces, the supports 94 and 96 .
- a compact flywheel 110 within the housing 99 , is mounted to the support structure near the upper ends of the supports 98 .
- the flywheel is driven by a small drive mechanism 111 which is directly fixed to an axle 112 and ends of the axle are accommodated in bearings 113 secured to the upper ends of the supports 94 and 96 .
- the flywheel is relatively compact and weighs approximately 5 kg. It has been found through trial and experiment that a flywheel of this type is adequate for the purposes of the invention in that it is capable of providing sufficient resistance and a required degree of momentum, when used in the manner described hereinafter, but at the same is not unduly heavy or massive, a feature which enables the flywheel to be mounted to the upper ends of the supports.
- a brake 114 is used to provide a controlled restraining force which impedes free movement of the flywheel.
- the brake 114 may be of any appropriate kind eg. a magnetic or an electromagnetic brake which is known in the art and, for this reason, the brake is not further described herein.
- a greater restraining force is exerted on the flywheel to impede free movement of the flywheel while, by adjusting the brake in an opposing direction, the restraining force which impedes movement of the flywheel is lessened.
- the axle 112 defines an output point or output axis 116 for a drive member 120 which is fixed to a protruding end of the axle.
- the drive member 120 includes a hollow section 122 , of rectangular dimensions, which is fixed to a protruding end of the axle 112 which extends towards the base 100 , and an elongate member 124 of rectangular cross section which is complementary to the internal shape of the hollow section 122 , and which is slidably located inside the hollow section.
- the member 124 is formed with a number of holes 126 at spaced locations along one side and a fastener 128 , fixed to the hollow section 122 , can be engaged with a selected hole thereby to vary the effective length L of the drive member 120 .
- a handle 130 is fixed to an outer end of the member 124 , which end is also referred as an input point 132 of the drive member 120 , and the handle extends transversely to the member 124 so that it overlies a part of the base 100 .
- the arrangement and orientation of the components of the exercise machine relatively to the base are such that a user can stand on the base 100 and is able to grip the handle 130 with both hands with each hand curving around a grip portion of the handle ie. about an axis which is substantially at a right angle to the direction in which the member 124 extends.
- the user can rotate the handle about the axis on which the axle 112 lies. In the process and during the rotation, depending on the effective length of the drive member 120 , the user is compelled to a greater or lesser extent to bend at the knees and then to straighten the legs and reach upwardly with his arms in order to complete the rotational movement of the handle 130 about the axis on which the axle 112 lies.
- the handle 130 is aligned with what is referred to herein as an input point 132 to the drive member 120 .
- the input point is the point at which a user inputs force or effort into the exercise machine and it is rotated through a closed circular path which lies in a substantially vertically plane. In the described mode of use the user stands adjacent the closed path and generally faces in a direction which is parallel to the plane of rotation.
- the drive arrangement has an output point 116 , aligned with the axle 112 , at which the force generated by the user is transferred to the flywheel.
- the flywheel is rotatable against a resistance force generated by its inertia, frictional forces and the like.
- the primary resistance to movement is generated by the brake 114 which, as noted, is adjustable.
- the machine can also be used in a way which has been described in connection with FIG. 1 in that a user can stand facing the flywheel and the plane in which the input point is rotated, looking basically in the longitudinal direction of the axle 112 , grip the handle 130 with both hands and rotate the handle using a swaying or swinging type motion with a corresponding leg-bending and leg-straightening action, the extent of which is determined by the height of the output point above the platform and the length of the lever between the input point and the output point.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a defined path 140 , shown in dotted outline, along which the input point 132 moves during use of the machine.
- the path is circular for the drive member 120 is of a fixed length (L) during the use of the machine.
- L the path may have a shape which can be varied automatically, or dynamically in response to the exercise action of the user.
- the length of the drive member 120 should be sufficiently great to ensure that the user must bend at the knees and then straighten the legs and raise the arms while rotating the member 120 .
- This type of action cannot be achieved with a “bicycle-type” exercise machine in which the user alternately exerts force on a resistance device with a left arm and a right arm.
- a support structure is normally positioned between two cranks which are respectively gripped by the user with the left hand and the right hand in a manner which causes the user's body to come close to the support structure.
- the bicycle-type machine referred to does not include a support structure which is capable of handling a “one-sided” input of force by a user for the stability of this type of machine relies on the user being centrally positioned between the cranks so that one arm can push while the other arm pulls, and vice versa.
- the user's mass constitutes a ballast which, coupled to the cantilever-type arrangement of the base and the support structure, permits the user to stand adjacent the machine and exert force with both arms acting in unison and in the same direction.
- FIG. 3 shows that the defined path 140 has a maximum height X above a platform formed by the base 100 and a minimum height Y at a lowermost portion of the stroke of the handle, above the platform.
- a particularly advantageous form of the invention is realised if the ratio of X to Y is ⁇ 2.
- the height D of the output point above the platform which typically is of the order of 1400 mm (55 inches), that this degree of relative movement is not achievable using a bicycle-type arm exercise machine of a kind which is known in the art.
- FIGS. 7 to 10 correspond respectively to FIGS. 3 to 6 and illustrate the exercise machine 90 as it is folded into a compact mode for storage or transport purposes.
- the supports 94 and 96 are pivoted towards each other and the panels 102 , 104 and 106 hinge relatively to each other, about the respective pivot points 108 , to provide a compact construction.
- the member 124 and the handle 130 can be detached, if required, from the hollow section 122 to facilitate storage. This allows different handles, eg. of the kind described hereinafter, to be used with the machine.
- the gear drive mechanism 111 is shown schematically, in dotted outline, and is such that the rotational speed of the flywheel is at least 20 times the rotational speed of the axle at the output point.
- the handle 130 rotates at a speed which is substantially less than the rotational speed of the flywheel.
- movement of the flywheel is constrained, as indicated, by the brake 114 .
- the mechanical advantage which results from this type of arrangement enables the size of the flywheel to be reduced substantially typically, as indicated, to a mass of the order of 5 kg or even lower.
- the mechanism 111 could include an appropriate gearbox, a belt drive or any other suitable arrangement.
- FIG. 11 shows a machine 90 A which is similar to the machine 90 and for this reason is not described in detail. Also like reference numerals are used to designate like components.
- a belt and pulley drive arrangement 111 A is used to rotate the flywheel 110 .
- the base 100 A include three slotted panels 102 A, 104 A and 106 A respectively which are fixed to laterally extending supports 107 and 109 respectively at lower ends of the inclined supports 94 A and 96 A.
- the panels can be moved to the planar orientation shown in FIG. 11, and to a folded arrangement similar to what is shown in FIG. 9, but the pivot points 108 A and 108 B cannot be moved downwardly below the FIG. 11 position, due to interlocking formations at abutting ends of the panels, a feature which helps to stabilise the machine in use.
- FIG. 12 shows a drive member 120 A which includes an elongate member 124 A formed from two telescopically engaged parts 124 X and 124 Y respectively. The parts are joined by a spring 160 which is positioned inside the part 124 X.
- the axle 112 is mounted to a pulley 162 and drive is transferred to a resistance assembly, not shown, by means of a belt 164 which is engaged with the pulley.
- the spring tends to pull the member 124 Y into the member 124 X and thereby decrease the radius of a path along which the input point 132 is moved.
- the radius of the defined path of movement increases in a dynamic fashion influenced, inter alia, by the vigour and force with which the user exercises.
- FIG. 13 illustrates a drive member 120 B which is similar to that shown in FIG. 11 except that the spring 160 is replaced by an elastic band 160 A.
- FIG. 14 shows a drive member 120 C wherein a piston and cylinder assembly 160 B replaces the spring 160 .
- This assembly is double-acting in that forces are generated which tend to restrict movement of the piston into, and out of, the cylinder.
- Another possibility is to use an elongate screw and nut arrangement, in the nature of a worm drive, to vary the length of the member. This can be done dynamically, or even automatically if use is made of a small electric motor to move the nut along the screw.
- the force which is needed to rotate a flywheel can be varied dynamically, during use of the machine, without the need to stop and adjust the length of the drive member 120 .
- the input point moves along a path, which is dynamically variable, and forms a closed loop of variable shape which lies in a vertical plane.
- FIG. 15 shows an arrangement, for setting the drive member 120 at a fixed length, which is similar to what has been described in connection with FIGS. 3 to 4 in that a member 124 is movable into, or out of, a hollow section 122 which is mounted to an axle 112 . At a chosen length the members 122 and 124 are fixed to one another by engaging a pin on a fastener 128 with a corresponding hole 126 in the member 124 .
- the axle 112 is mounted to a pulley 162 which imparts rotational drive to the resistance assembly, not shown, by means of a belt 164 .
- FIG. 16 shows a mechanical equivalent to the arrangement of FIG. 15 which provides for continuous, as opposed to stepwise, adjustment of the distance L, i.e., the distance between the input point 132 and the output point 116 .
- a screw 166 includes a shank 168 which extends through a slot 170 in a hollow section 122 . The shank is threadedly engaged with a complementary hole in the member 124 . The screw can be tightened when the member 124 is at a selected position relatively to the hollow section 122 in order to fix these components together.
- FIGS. 17 to 19 illustrate different handle arrangements for use with the machine of the invention.
- a handle 130 in the form of an elongate shaft, is fixed to the member 124 .
- the handle has at least two grip portions 176 and 178 , alongside one another, which enable a user to grip the handle with both hands, adjacent each other, with each hand curled around an axis 180 on which the shaft lies and which extends through the input point 132 which, upon being moved, forms the defined path or closed loop 140 .
- the axis 180 is substantially at a right angle to a plane in which the path 140 lies.
- FIG. 18 illustrates an arrangement wherein a handle portion 130 A is mounted via a flexible joint 182 , in the nature of a universal joint, to a handle portion 130 B which is immovably fixed to the elongate member 124 .
- the handle portion 130 A is movable, to a greater or lesser extent, relative to the fixed handle portion 130 B during use of the exercise machine.
- the handle portion 130 A can provide sufficient space for two grip portions 176 and 178 for the two hands of a user. It is possible to remove the handle portion 130 B and connect the joint 182 directly to the member 124 as is indicated in dotted lines 124 A.
- FIG. 19 illustrates a handle 130 C which is also of compound construction.
- the handle 130 C includes a fixed handle portion 130 B which extends from the elongate member 124 .
- a second handle portion 130 D is connected to the handle portion 130 B.
- the handle portion 130 D includes a transverse component 130 F which is fixed, by means of a bearing 184 , to a short stub 130 G which, in turn, is fixed to the handle portion 130 B either immovably or by means of a universal connector 182 which allows pivotal movement of the component 130 F, to a limited extent, relative to the portion 130 B.
- the bearing allows the component 130 F to rotate about the axis 180 which passes through the input point 138 .
- the handle arrangement shown in FIG. 19 is intended to be used by a person who stands on the platform 100 looking generally in a direction which is substantially parallel to the axis 180 .
- the component 130 F has two grips 186 and 188 respectively for the left and right hands of the user.
- the user can impart rotational drive to the member 124 but with the user facing the plane in which the defined path 140 lies. Again it is required of the user to bend and straighten the legs to a greater or lesser extent depending on the effective radius or length of the member 124 .
- the type of movement required of the user's body differs substantially from the movement required when a handle arrangement of the type shown in FIG. 17 is used. With the FIG. 19 arrangement, although the arms are again moved in unison, it is necessary for the user to sway the upper portion of the body to and fro and to reach upwards and downwards as the handle rotates.
- FIG. 20 shows a handle 130 J in the form of a Z with grips 176 A and 178 A, which are parallel to each other and which are joined by a cross piece in the form of a bar 130 K.
- a shaft 130 L which is detachably and rotatably mounted to an input point (not shown) is coupled to a centre-point of the cross bar 130 K by a universal joint 182 A which allows the handle 130 J to move with a pivotal action relatively to the shaft in a way which helps to reduce strain or stress on the user's arms and hands during use of the machine.
- FIG. 21 shows that the handle 130 J can be coupled to the shaft 130 L by means of strong coil spring 182 B which is located on a centre line through the cross bar and which offers a degree of flexibility which is similar to that provided by the universal joint 182 A.
- FIG. 22 shows the handle 130 J connected to the shaft by a flexible and strong rubber bush 182 C which permits flexibility of the handle in all directions relatively to the shaft.
- FIG. 23 shows a handle 130 M with aligned side-by-side grips 176 B and 178 B detachably fixed to a drive member 120 B by means of snap-fit fastener 179 .
- the grips are rotatable around a bearing housing 181 .
- the machine can be designed so that it can be used with any of these handles (or other suitable handles) and, in each case the particular handle which is used creates different exercise characteristics.
- FIG. 24 shows an exercise machine wherein a drive member 120 K is formed from articulated components 122 K and 124 K respectively connected to an output point 116 by joints 182 A and 182 B of the kind described in connection with FIG. 18.
- the effective length L of the drive member is dynamically adjustable, by the user, during use of the machine.
- the articulated connection allows the user to change his stance, on the platform 100 , by moving his feet during use of the machine.
- FIG. 25 shows a machine which uses articulated joints 182 C and 182 D between a handle 130 D of the type shown in FIG. 19 and a telescopic member 120 F of the type shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, to provide a drive, which is dynamically adjustable in length, to the output point 116 .
- a preferred form of the invention is one wherein the base 100 , as shown in FIG. 3, forms a platform upon which a user stands whilst using the machine. The user's mass then provides sufficient stabilisation to ensure that the machine is stable during use.
- the support structure 92 can include a small pedestal 190 which can be fixed to the floor 194 , as is shown in FIG. 26.
- FIG. 27 shows that the support structure 92 can include formations 196 eg. in the form of a spreader plate or connecting bar whereby the exercise machine can be attached, using suitable fasteners, to a wall 198 .
- a “step-up” drive system can be employed for increasing the rotational speed of the axle 112 which forms the output point of the drive arrangement 120 .
- the axle 112 is mounted to a pulley 162 which transfers drive via a belt 164 to a relatively smaller pulley 162 A.
- the smaller pulley drives a larger pulley 162 B which is connected to another smaller pulley 162 C by means of a second belt 164 A.
- a flywheel 110 which includes a brake 114 is fixed to the support structure 92 and is driven by an output shaft from the pulley 164 C.
- FIG. 28 illustrates from the side an arrangement which is similar to what has been described in connection with FIG. 27 except that the support structure 92 extends upwardly from a base 100 which rests on the ground and is not fixed to the wall.
- axle or “axis” is intended to include an actual axle and axis, as the case may be, and also a virtual axle or axis.
- virtual axle or axis is intended to cover a situation in which rotational movement takes place about a point which does not define a physical axle or axis, but merely a centre of rotation.
- FIGS. 29 and 30 respectively which illustrate an exercise machine similar to what has been described in connection with FIG. 28, wherein the support structure 92 supports a circular support frame 200 .
- a wheel 202 is mounted inside the circular support frame and runs on rollers 204 which are fixed at spaced locations to the wheel. The rollers in turn ride inside a hollow guide or track, on an inner surface of the support frame, indicated in dotted outline 206 .
- a pulley 162 is fixed to a central point on the wheel 202 .
- the pulley drives a belt 164 which, in turn, drives a smaller pulley 162 A which is mounted to a larger pulley 164 B.
- the pulley 164 B drives a belt 164 A which is connected to a smaller pulley 164 C which drives a flywheel 110 to which is fitted a brake 114 .
- FIGS. 29 and 30 is similar to what has been described in connection with FIG. 27 except that the wheel 202 , riding inside the support frame 200 , simulates a fixed axle by providing a virtual axle 216 which defines the output point of the drive member 120 .
- the drive member includes a plate 220 which normally is fixed to, and covers, the wheel 202 and which is formed with a number of holes 222 at spaced intervals extending from the virtual axis 216 .
- a handle 224 can be engaged with a selected hole which defines the input point 132 . The user can, as before, grip the handle with both hands and cause it to rotate along a defined circular path centred on the virtual axis 216 which coincides with the output point 116 .
- a step-up drive is achieved to the flywheel which is braked, to a required extent, by the brake 114 . In all other respects the operation of the exercise machine is substantially the same as what has been described.
- FIG. 31 shows a compound machine which, in many respects, is similar to that shown in FIG. 2, and which is basically a combination of two machines 90 F and 90 G each of which is similar to the machine 90 in FIG. 3.
- Each machine has its own flywheel.
- the handles 130 F and 130 G of the machines can be joined by a coupling bar 230 or they can be displaced to form a gap 232 between the handles which can accommodate a user. If the handles are not joined they can be angularly displaced by up to 1800 , as shown by dotted lines for the handle 130 G.
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to exercise machines, and in particular to an exercise machine that provides continuous load exerting resistance for the user.
- 2. Prior Art
- Exercise machines that utilize bicycle like motion for hands and feet are well known in the art. Such machines suffer the drawback that the action is pedal-like in that one arm pushes while the other pulls and vice versa. This action does not provide continuous resistance for each of the pushing and pulling actions, and as such results in an undesirable exercise regiment.
- The invention provides an exercise machine which includes a support structure, a resistance assembly which is connected to the support structure, a drive member with an output point from which force is applied to the resistance assembly and an input point which is spaced from the output point by a distance L, and at least one handle which acts on the drive member at the input point and which a user can engage and move in a continuous, load-exerting manner, against a resistance force which is generated by the resistance assembly.
- “Continuous, load-exerting” means that the movement of the handle is such that at all times the user is capable of exerting force on the handle to move the drive member against the resistance force. This is to be contrasted with a bicycle-type movement which is encountered in a machine of the type which has support structure with outwardly extending cranked handles on opposed sides of the structure which are moved in alternating or reciprocating movement by a user. With this type of machine the design is such that the user alternately pushes with one arm while pulling with the other arm, and vice versa.
- The machine may have one handle with which one hand of user is engageable. Alternatively the handle may be such that two hands of the user are engageable therewith. In another variation the machine has two handles with which two hands of the user are respectively engageable.
- In a preferred form of the invention the user's arms act in unison on the handle or handles, against the resistance force.
- The expression “acting in unison” is intended to include a movement of the user's arms, whereby the user's arms move substantially in the same way and at the same time as each other. Thus both arms act against the resistance force at the same time. This is to be contrasted with the type of movement, encountered for example on the bicycle-type machine referred to, in which the user's arms move with a pedal-type motion in alternating fashion with one arm pulling and the other arm pushing, and vice versa.
- The input point, when moved by the handle, may move along a path which may form a closed loop of any appropriate shape or which may be variable dynamically ie. as the user works on the handle. It is preferred however that the path of movement is defined and forms a closed loop of circular shape.
- The path of movement of the input point preferably lies in a substantially vertical plane. It is possible though for the path of movement to lie in a substantially horizontally plane, or in an inclined plane, or for the path of movement to be non-planar. For example, if the input point moves laterally relative to the support structure, which may be upwardly extending, then the path of movement, even if it forms a closed loop may not lie in a plane but could follow a convoluted three-dimension path.
- As indicated though it is preferred for the path of movement to lie in a vertical plane for this allows the user to stand on one side of, and adjacent, the plane, away from the support structure. This feature makes it possible for the user to move fully and freely, and obtain maximum benefit from the machine for many parts of the body.
- To enable the user's arms to act in unison on the handle, the exercise machine must be dimensioned and structured so that no part thereof interferes with the body of the user. To achieve this objective the support structure preferably extends upwardly and the handle is on one side of the support structure only.
- The support structure may include a base which is attachable to the floor to stabilise the exercise machine during use thereof.
- In an alternative arrangement, the support structure includes formations whereby the support structure is attachable to a wall to stabilise the exercise machine during use thereof.
- In a preferred embodiment however the exercise machine includes a base which is attached to a lower end of the support structure and which provides a platform upon which the user stands so that the user's mass stabilises the exercise machine during use thereof.
- The length of the drive member between the input point and the output point may be adjustable to vary the distance L. The drive member may be adjustable against a biasing element such as a piston and cylinder arrangement, a spring, an elastic member such as a rubber band or the like, a worm-type device, and so on. The use of a biasing element which may, itself, be adjustable to provide a variable biasing force, enables the input point to move along a path of variable shape. It is possible to make use of control means, eg. an automatically controlled actuator or motor to adjust the length of the drive member, to provide a controlled variation in operating characteristics of the machine.
- On the other hand the drive member may be adjustable according to requirement to set the distance L at a defined length. A releasable fastener, which acts on the drive member once it has been adjusted, may be used to prevent the distance L from varying during use of the exercise machine.
- The drive member may be rotatable by the handle about the output point.
- The handle may take on a plurality of different forms. In one example of the invention the handle includes grips for the user's hands, the grips being positioned so that the hands, when engaged with the grips, extend around a common axis which is transverse to the path of movement of the input point. With this form of the invention the grips are preferably positioned side by side and the handle may, for example, comprise an elongate shaft of sufficient length to ensure that portions of the shaft which are adjacent each other define grips for the user's hands.
- The shaft, which defines the handle, may extend from the drive member at the input point and may be rotatable about an axis which is centered on the input point. It is also possible though, alternatively or in addition, to provide rotatable grips on the shaft so that the grips rotate about the shaft during movement of the drive member by a user.
- In a different form of the invention, the handle includes grips for the user's hands which are positioned on respective opposed sides of an input axis which is transverse to the path of movement of the input point and which extends through the input point. This arrangement allows the user to face a plane in which the input point is moved during use of the exercise machine ie. in which the closed loop lies. With this arrangement the user effectively turns through 90° compared to the position which the user occupies with the first mentioned handle arrangement.
- With the latter handle arrangement the user's arms are again used in unison but with a circular type motion which is transverse to, and in front of, the user's body during use of the exercise machine.
- Different handles may be provided for a single machine and a user may select a handle type, as required, for different types of exercises.
- The handles may allow for the orientation of the grips, relative to the input axis, to be varied in use. This feature reduces the strain which could otherwise be placed on a user's hands and arms during use ie. while causing the input point to rotate, along a path of movement, about the output point. For example, the handle, or the grips, may be connected to the input point through a universal joint, a ball joint, a spring or rubber connector, or any similar device which allows relative pivotal movement between the grips and the input point, but which still allows a drive force to be applied from the grips to the input point.
- The path may have a highest point which is a distance X above a ground reference level on which the user stands and a lowest point which is a distance Y above the ground reference level and wherein X ≧2Y. By adjusting the distance it is possible to make X substantially greater than 2Y.
- By adjusting the ratio of X to Y, the degree to which a user must bend and extend upwardly when moving the handle so that the input point moves along the path, can be significantly varied.
- The support structure, as indicated, can take on a plurality of different forms. However to enable the support structure to be provided in a manner which can be put into a compact mode for storage and transport purposes, it is preferable for the support structure to have at least two upwardly extending inclined supports with the resistance assembly being mounted to the supports, preferably to upper ends thereof.
- Use may be made of a base which interconnects lower ends of the supports and which forms a platform upon which the user stands.
- The supports may be pivotally movable towards each other for storage and transport purposes, and away from each other to place the machine in an operative mode. The base may include a plurality of pivotally interconnected panels which are moved in a corresponding way in unison with the supports.
- The output point may be near the upper ends of the supports and the resistance assembly may include a flywheel which is rotatable about an axis which extends through the output point. Alternatively the exercise machine may include a drive arrangement which is connected to the output point and which transfers motion to the flywheel. The drive arrangement may include a gearbox or gear train, a system of belts and pulleys, or any similar drive transferring system which causes the rotational speed of the flywheel to be related in a desired ratio to the rotational speed of the output point. This increases the force which is generated by the resistance assembly and against which the user acts.
- In a preferred example of the invention, the path of movement of the input point is a circle and the drive arrangement is such that the ratio of the rotational speed of the flywheel to the rotational speed of the output point is greater than 20. It has been found through experimentation and trial and error that this ratio and higher values, eg 25, are particularly effective in that these ratios enable the flywheel to have a relatively small mass (e.g., of the order of 5 kg (12.5 lbs)), while still providing sufficient resistance force to a user who can cause the input point to move at a comfortable speed along the defined path. It is evident that the ratio of the rotational speed of the output point to the rotational speed of the flywheel, as given by the aforementioned ratio, and the mechanical advantage obtainable, inter alia, by the distance L, help to determine the resistance force which is developed and presented to the drive member. There is a compromise between the momentum developed by the flywheel which helps to give a smooth movement to the handle, reducing the effect of “dead spots”, a feature (ie. smooth movement) which generally is more pronounced as the mass of the flywheel increases, and the size and mass of the exercise machine as a whole.
- The resistance force may be varied by making use of a brake which acts on the flywheel and which is adjustable thereby to exert an adjustable braking force which restrains rotational movement of the flywheel.
- The brake may be in the nature of a belt brake, a friction brake, an electromagnetic brake, a magnetic brake, or any equivalent component. The invention is not limited in this regard. The brake may be controlled automatically, eg. by means of suitable control electronics, to vary the braking force to suit the user, for example in a dynamic fashion. It then becomes possible to vary the path of movement of the input point and the resistance force in a controlled manner.
- If drive is to be imparted by the handle to the resistance assembly, and not in the reverse direction, the exercise machine may include a unidirectional drive device between the handle and the resistance assembly. The drive device may be switchable or operable to change the direction (in a rotational sense) in which drive is imparted to the resistance assembly by the handle.
- The unidirectional drive device may be in the nature of a ratchet device but any equivalent arrangement can be used. The invention is not limited in this regard.
- A smooth, sweeping-type action can however be obtained if the handle is permanently connected to the flywheel, ie. if no uni-directional device is used, for the flywheel's momentum drives the handle through dead spots which could occur at extremities of the path of movement, and a continuous input of force is required of the user via the handle. It is imperative though for the resistance force, the mass of the flywheel, the radius of movement of the handle and the relationship between the rotational speed of the handle and the rotational speed of the flywheel to be carefully inter-related to ensure that the handle can be moved at a steady speed, which is not too fast to unbalance a user, against a resistance force of sufficient magnitude to provide a safe and effective workout.
- In a preferred form of the invention, the exercise machine includes a base which, in use, provides a platform for a user, a support structure which extends upwardly from the base, a drive member which has an input point and an output point and which is connected to the support structure, a resistance assembly which is connected to the output point, and a handle connected to the input point whereby a user, on the platform, can grip the handle with two hands and rotate the handle about the output point against a resistance force which is generated by the resistance assembly.
- The drive member may be of adjustable effective length to vary the distance between the input point and the output point, the drive member being rotatable about an axis which passes through the output point, and the resistance assembly may include a flywheel which is rotatable by rotational movement of the drive member. A drive arrangement may be connected between the output point and the flywheel to transfer drive to the flywheel at a suitable mechanical ratio.
- The support structure may include upwardly extending supports which are pivotally movable relative to each other and the base may include a plurality of panels which are connected to lower ends of the supports. The resistance assembly may be attached to at least one of the supports and the base may be positioned on a side of the supports so that a user, on the base, is alongside the support structure and does not “straddle” the support structure, as is the case with the bicycle-type arm exercise machine previously referred to.
- The invention is further described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- FIG. 1 is a side view of an exercise machine according to one form of the invention;
- FIG. 2 shows the use, in different combinations, of two machines each of which is substantially the same as what is shown in FIG. 1;
- FIGS. 3, 4,5 and 6 are respectively a side view, an end view, a plan view and a view in perspective, of an exercise machine according to another form of the invention;
- FIGS.7 to 10 respectively correspond to FIGS. 3 to 6 and show the machine of FIGS. 3 to 6 in a collapsed or storage mode;
- FIG. 11 shows another exercise machine according to the invention;
- FIGS.12 to 16 illustrate different methods of adjusting a rotational path which a user's hands follow when using the exercise machine of the invention;
- FIGS.17 to 23 show different handles which can be used with the machine of the invention;
- FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate two of the handles in use;
- FIGS. 26 and 27 show a machine according to the invention fixed to a floor and a wall respectively;
- FIGS.28 to 30 illustrate different arrangements of the exercise machine of the invention; and
- FIG. 31 shows the use in combination, from one end, of two machines each of the kind shown in FIGS.3 to 6.
- FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates an
exercise machine 10 according to a first form of the invention. - The
machine 10 includes abase plate 12 which is mounted to an upwardly extendingsupport column 14 which has adrive shaft 18 mounted, near opposed ends, tobearings large drive pulley 24 is fixed to the drive shaft slightly above thebearing 20. - A
bevel gear 26 is fixed to an upper end of the drive shaft. - A cranked
member 28 which includes astub axle 30, alever 32 and a handle 34, is fixed to an upper end of thesupport column 14. The stub axle extends horizontally, is mounted tobearings bevel gear 40, which mates with thegear 26, is fixed to the axle. At a position between thebevel gear 40 and the bearing 38 an optional one-way drive mechanism in the nature of a ratchet 42 is installed. The arrangement is such that rotational drive can be transferred from thelever 32 to thegear 40, in one direction, but drive cannot be transferred from thegear 40 to thelever 32. - The mechanism, if used, can be switched to change the direction in which drive is transferred between the lever and the gear.
- The handle34 may be movable along the length of the
lever 32 or thelever 32 can be adjusted relatively to thestub axle 30, so that the position of the handle 34 can be adjusted relatively to the axle to a selected position shown in dotted lines 34X. - A
thrust bearing 50 is mounted to the base plate. Anaxle 52 extends upwardly from the thrust bearing and aflywheel 54 is mounted to the axle. At its upper end theaxle 52 is supported by means of abearing 56. - A
pulley 58 is mounted to the axle above the upper surface of the flywheel and below thebearing 56. Abelt 62 couples thedrive pulley 24 to thepulley 58. - A
brake 66 is engaged with theflywheel 54. The brake is adjustable to constrain rotational movement of theflywheel 54 about theaxle 56 to a greater or lesser extent. In this example the brake is a magnetic device of a kind which is known in the art. Any other type of brake could be employed, for example a belt which is engaged with the flywheel, a friction roller which bears on a rim of the flywheel, an electromagnetic brake, or the like. The invention is not limited in this regard. - A
cover 70 overlies the flywheel and thepulley 24 and provides a platform upon which a user, not shown, can stand while using the exercise machine. In use of the machine the user's weight provides a ballast, or stabilising effect, which helps to keep the machine steady. - The
exercise machine 10 can be used in different ways. In one form of use the handle 34, which forms an input point to the machine, is sufficiently lengthy so that a user, who stands on the cover, can grip the handle 34 with both hands, one adjacent the other. The height of theaxle 30 above theplatform 70 and the length of the lever 32 (between the handle and the stub-axle) are such that, as the user rotates the lever about theaxle 30, the user must, at some stage, bend at the knees and, subsequently, move the arms from a lower position to an upper position. As thelever 32 is rotated, rotational drive is transferred to thedrive shaft 18 and drive is imparted by thedrive pulley 20 and thebelt 62 to the drivenpulley 58. The flywheel is thereby caused to rotate against a braking effect exerted by themagnetic brake 66. The brake can be adjusted to provide more or less resistance, according to requirement, to the rotational movement of the flywheel. The ratios of the various gears and pulleys in the drive arrangement from theaxle 30 to theflywheel 54 determine the mechanical advantage between the handle and the flywheel, a factor which helps to set the resistance force which is developed. - The exercise machine causes the user to exercise at least his legs, his arms and his upper torso while rotating the handle.
- In a variation of the invention, the user, standing on the
platform 70, grips the handle 34 with both hands while facing thecolumn 14 as opposed to facing in a direction which is at a right angle to thestub axle 30, as is the case in the former mode of use. The user rotates the handle 34 using both hands, which move in unison, with a squatting and lifting type of body action. - In each mode of use the path of movement of the input point, formed by the handle34, is a closed loop of circular shape which lies in a vertical plane, and the user is either positioned adjacent the plane, facing in a direction which is generally parallel to the plane, or is positioned facing the plane, orientations which do not arise when use is made of a bicycle-type machine.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an exercise machine80 which includes, in combination, a
first machine 10 of the kind described in connection with FIG. 1 and asecond machine 10A which is fundamentally the same as themachine 10 and which is erected on asupport column 16. Components of themachine 10A which are the same as components of themachine 10 are not described in detail and bear like reference numerals with the suffix “A”. - Although the
machine 10A could have a separate flywheel, in this example only one flywheel is used and the output drive of themachine 10A is connected to theflywheel 54 by means of a pulley 60 which is mounted to theaxle 52 below thebearing 56, and abelt 62A which couples thedrive pulley 24A to the pulley 60. - The handle34 can be coupled directly to the
handle 34A using a connector 82 which is shown in dotted outline. This means that themembers - If the
handles 34 and 34A are not directly connected the angular separation between the handles can be varied to any appropriate extent between 0° and 180°. FIG. 2 shows (in dotted lines for thehandle 34A) the handles separated by about 180° with a gap 84 between the handles which is occupied by a user. Again the path of movement of each input point (defined by each handle) is parallel to the direction in which the user faces. - FIGS.3 to 6 illustrate an
exercise machine 90 according to another form of the invention from the side, from the end, in plan, and in perspective, respectively. - The machine includes
support structure 92 in the form of two elongate, inclined, upwardly extendingsupports - The machine includes a base100 which rests on the ground and which, in use, provides a platform, upon which a user, not shown, can stand while using the machine. In this example the
base 100 includes threepanels supports - A
compact flywheel 110, within the housing 99, is mounted to the support structure near the upper ends of thesupports 98. The flywheel is driven by a small drive mechanism 111 which is directly fixed to anaxle 112 and ends of the axle are accommodated inbearings 113 secured to the upper ends of thesupports - A
brake 114 is used to provide a controlled restraining force which impedes free movement of the flywheel. Thebrake 114 may be of any appropriate kind eg. a magnetic or an electromagnetic brake which is known in the art and, for this reason, the brake is not further described herein. By adjusting the brake in one direction a greater restraining force is exerted on the flywheel to impede free movement of the flywheel while, by adjusting the brake in an opposing direction, the restraining force which impedes movement of the flywheel is lessened. - The
axle 112 defines an output point oroutput axis 116 for adrive member 120 which is fixed to a protruding end of the axle. - The
drive member 120 includes ahollow section 122, of rectangular dimensions, which is fixed to a protruding end of theaxle 112 which extends towards thebase 100, and anelongate member 124 of rectangular cross section which is complementary to the internal shape of thehollow section 122, and which is slidably located inside the hollow section. - The
member 124 is formed with a number ofholes 126 at spaced locations along one side and afastener 128, fixed to thehollow section 122, can be engaged with a selected hole thereby to vary the effective length L of thedrive member 120. - A
handle 130 is fixed to an outer end of themember 124, which end is also referred as aninput point 132 of thedrive member 120, and the handle extends transversely to themember 124 so that it overlies a part of thebase 100. - The arrangement and orientation of the components of the exercise machine relatively to the base are such that a user can stand on the
base 100 and is able to grip thehandle 130 with both hands with each hand curving around a grip portion of the handle ie. about an axis which is substantially at a right angle to the direction in which themember 124 extends. - The user can rotate the handle about the axis on which the
axle 112 lies. In the process and during the rotation, depending on the effective length of thedrive member 120, the user is compelled to a greater or lesser extent to bend at the knees and then to straighten the legs and reach upwardly with his arms in order to complete the rotational movement of thehandle 130 about the axis on which theaxle 112 lies. - The
handle 130 is aligned with what is referred to herein as aninput point 132 to thedrive member 120. The input point is the point at which a user inputs force or effort into the exercise machine and it is rotated through a closed circular path which lies in a substantially vertically plane. In the described mode of use the user stands adjacent the closed path and generally faces in a direction which is parallel to the plane of rotation. The drive arrangement has anoutput point 116, aligned with theaxle 112, at which the force generated by the user is transferred to the flywheel. The flywheel is rotatable against a resistance force generated by its inertia, frictional forces and the like. The primary resistance to movement, however, is generated by thebrake 114 which, as noted, is adjustable. - During use of the machine, the mass of the user, who stands on the
base 100, acts to stabilise the exercise machine. This is an important factor for substantial forces can be generated on the machine during use thereof, particularly if the handle is rotated vigorously. - The machine can also be used in a way which has been described in connection with FIG. 1 in that a user can stand facing the flywheel and the plane in which the input point is rotated, looking basically in the longitudinal direction of the
axle 112, grip thehandle 130 with both hands and rotate the handle using a swaying or swinging type motion with a corresponding leg-bending and leg-straightening action, the extent of which is determined by the height of the output point above the platform and the length of the lever between the input point and the output point. - FIG. 3 illustrates a defined
path 140, shown in dotted outline, along which theinput point 132 moves during use of the machine. In this instance the path is circular for thedrive member 120 is of a fixed length (L) during the use of the machine. This is not essential for, as is described hereinafter, the path may have a shape which can be varied automatically, or dynamically in response to the exercise action of the user. - To enable maximum benefit to be derived from the machine, the length of the
drive member 120 should be sufficiently great to ensure that the user must bend at the knees and then straighten the legs and raise the arms while rotating themember 120. This type of action cannot be achieved with a “bicycle-type” exercise machine in which the user alternately exerts force on a resistance device with a left arm and a right arm. With this type of machine a support structure is normally positioned between two cranks which are respectively gripped by the user with the left hand and the right hand in a manner which causes the user's body to come close to the support structure. Clearly there is an inherent limitation to the maximum length of each crank. With the exercise machine of the invention, however, by displacing the drive arrangement to one side of the support structure, it is possible to increase the length of the drive to allow for at least two compound exercise movements each of which results in the user exercising the arms, the torso, the waist and the legs, in an aerobic manner, simultaneously. - The bicycle-type machine referred to does not include a support structure which is capable of handling a “one-sided” input of force by a user for the stability of this type of machine relies on the user being centrally positioned between the cranks so that one arm can push while the other arm pulls, and vice versa. With the machine of the invention however, the user's mass constitutes a ballast which, coupled to the cantilever-type arrangement of the base and the support structure, permits the user to stand adjacent the machine and exert force with both arms acting in unison and in the same direction.
- FIG. 3 shows that the defined
path 140 has a maximum height X above a platform formed by thebase 100 and a minimum height Y at a lowermost portion of the stroke of the handle, above the platform. The output point is a distance D above the platform and X=D+L and Y=D−L. A particularly advantageous form of the invention is realised if the ratio of X to Y is ≧2. Again it is pointed out, taking into account the height D of the output point above the platform, which typically is of the order of 1400 mm (55 inches), that this degree of relative movement is not achievable using a bicycle-type arm exercise machine of a kind which is known in the art. - FIGS.7 to 10 correspond respectively to FIGS. 3 to 6 and illustrate the
exercise machine 90 as it is folded into a compact mode for storage or transport purposes. The supports 94 and 96 are pivoted towards each other and thepanels member 124 and thehandle 130 can be detached, if required, from thehollow section 122 to facilitate storage. This allows different handles, eg. of the kind described hereinafter, to be used with the machine. - The gear drive mechanism111 is shown schematically, in dotted outline, and is such that the rotational speed of the flywheel is at least 20 times the rotational speed of the axle at the output point. Thus the
handle 130 rotates at a speed which is substantially less than the rotational speed of the flywheel. On the other hand movement of the flywheel is constrained, as indicated, by thebrake 114. The mechanical advantage which results from this type of arrangement enables the size of the flywheel to be reduced substantially typically, as indicated, to a mass of the order of 5kg or even lower. The mechanism 111 could include an appropriate gearbox, a belt drive or any other suitable arrangement. - FIG. 11 shows a machine90A which is similar to the
machine 90 and for this reason is not described in detail. Also like reference numerals are used to designate like components. A belt and pulley drive arrangement 111A, of a kind similar to that described hereinafter, is used to rotate theflywheel 110. The base 100A include three slotted panels 102A, 104A and 106A respectively which are fixed to laterally extending supports 107 and 109 respectively at lower ends of the inclined supports 94A and 96A. The panels can be moved to the planar orientation shown in FIG. 11, and to a folded arrangement similar to what is shown in FIG. 9, but the pivot points 108A and 108B cannot be moved downwardly below the FIG. 11 position, due to interlocking formations at abutting ends of the panels, a feature which helps to stabilise the machine in use. - FIG. 12 shows a drive member120A which includes an
elongate member 124A formed from two telescopically engaged parts 124X and 124Y respectively. The parts are joined by aspring 160 which is positioned inside the part 124X. In this example theaxle 112 is mounted to apulley 162 and drive is transferred to a resistance assembly, not shown, by means of abelt 164 which is engaged with the pulley. The spring tends to pull the member 124Y into the member 124X and thereby decrease the radius of a path along which theinput point 132 is moved. As the rotational speed of the handles increases, however, the radius of the defined path of movement increases in a dynamic fashion influenced, inter alia, by the vigour and force with which the user exercises. - FIG. 13 illustrates a drive member120B which is similar to that shown in FIG. 11 except that the
spring 160 is replaced by an elastic band 160A. - FIG. 14 shows a drive member120C wherein a piston and cylinder assembly 160B replaces the
spring 160. This assembly is double-acting in that forces are generated which tend to restrict movement of the piston into, and out of, the cylinder. - Another possibility is to use an elongate screw and nut arrangement, in the nature of a worm drive, to vary the length of the member. This can be done dynamically, or even automatically if use is made of a small electric motor to move the nut along the screw.
- Clearly, with the arrangements shown in FIGS.12 to 14, the force which is needed to rotate a flywheel can be varied dynamically, during use of the machine, without the need to stop and adjust the length of the
drive member 120. In each case the input point moves along a path, which is dynamically variable, and forms a closed loop of variable shape which lies in a vertical plane. - FIG. 15 shows an arrangement, for setting the
drive member 120 at a fixed length, which is similar to what has been described in connection with FIGS. 3 to 4 in that amember 124 is movable into, or out of, ahollow section 122 which is mounted to anaxle 112. At a chosen length themembers fastener 128 with acorresponding hole 126 in themember 124. - The
axle 112 is mounted to apulley 162 which imparts rotational drive to the resistance assembly, not shown, by means of abelt 164. - FIG. 16 shows a mechanical equivalent to the arrangement of FIG. 15 which provides for continuous, as opposed to stepwise, adjustment of the distance L, i.e., the distance between the
input point 132 and theoutput point 116. Ascrew 166 includes ashank 168 which extends through aslot 170 in ahollow section 122. The shank is threadedly engaged with a complementary hole in themember 124. The screw can be tightened when themember 124 is at a selected position relatively to thehollow section 122 in order to fix these components together. - FIGS.17 to 19 illustrate different handle arrangements for use with the machine of the invention. In FIG. 17 a
handle 130, in the form of an elongate shaft, is fixed to themember 124. The handle has at least twogrip portions axis 180 on which the shaft lies and which extends through theinput point 132 which, upon being moved, forms the defined path or closedloop 140. Theaxis 180 is substantially at a right angle to a plane in which thepath 140 lies. - FIG. 18 illustrates an arrangement wherein a
handle portion 130A is mounted via a flexible joint 182, in the nature of a universal joint, to a handle portion 130B which is immovably fixed to theelongate member 124. Clearly thehandle portion 130A is movable, to a greater or lesser extent, relative to the fixed handle portion 130B during use of the exercise machine. Thehandle portion 130A can provide sufficient space for twogrip portions member 124 as is indicated indotted lines 124A. - FIG. 19 illustrates a handle130C which is also of compound construction. The handle 130C includes a fixed handle portion 130B which extends from the
elongate member 124. A second handle portion 130D is connected to the handle portion 130B. The handle portion 130D includes atransverse component 130F which is fixed, by means of abearing 184, to ashort stub 130G which, in turn, is fixed to the handle portion 130B either immovably or by means of auniversal connector 182 which allows pivotal movement of thecomponent 130F, to a limited extent, relative to the portion 130B. The bearing allows thecomponent 130F to rotate about theaxis 180 which passes through the input point 138. - The handle arrangement shown in FIG. 19 is intended to be used by a person who stands on the
platform 100 looking generally in a direction which is substantially parallel to theaxis 180. Thecomponent 130F has twogrips member 124 but with the user facing the plane in which the definedpath 140 lies. Again it is required of the user to bend and straighten the legs to a greater or lesser extent depending on the effective radius or length of themember 124. However the type of movement required of the user's body differs substantially from the movement required when a handle arrangement of the type shown in FIG. 17 is used. With the FIG. 19 arrangement, although the arms are again moved in unison, it is necessary for the user to sway the upper portion of the body to and fro and to reach upwards and downwards as the handle rotates. - FIG. 20 shows a
handle 130J in the form of a Z withgrips bar 130K. Ashaft 130L which is detachably and rotatably mounted to an input point (not shown) is coupled to a centre-point of thecross bar 130K by a universal joint 182A which allows thehandle 130J to move with a pivotal action relatively to the shaft in a way which helps to reduce strain or stress on the user's arms and hands during use of the machine. - FIG. 21 shows that the
handle 130J can be coupled to theshaft 130L by means of strong coil spring 182B which is located on a centre line through the cross bar and which offers a degree of flexibility which is similar to that provided by the universal joint 182A. - FIG. 22 shows the
handle 130J connected to the shaft by a flexible andstrong rubber bush 182C which permits flexibility of the handle in all directions relatively to the shaft. - FIG. 23 shows a
handle 130M with aligned side-by-side grips 176B and 178B detachably fixed to a drive member 120B by means of snap-fit fastener 179. The grips are rotatable around a bearinghousing 181. - As stated the machine can be designed so that it can be used with any of these handles (or other suitable handles) and, in each case the particular handle which is used creates different exercise characteristics.
- FIG. 24 shows an exercise machine wherein a drive member120K is formed from articulated
components output point 116 byjoints 182A and 182B of the kind described in connection with FIG. 18. The effective length L of the drive member is dynamically adjustable, by the user, during use of the machine. The articulated connection allows the user to change his stance, on theplatform 100, by moving his feet during use of the machine. - FIG. 25 shows a machine which uses articulated
joints 182C and 182D between a handle 130D of the type shown in FIG. 19 and atelescopic member 120F of the type shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, to provide a drive, which is dynamically adjustable in length, to theoutput point 116. - A preferred form of the invention is one wherein the
base 100, as shown in FIG. 3, forms a platform upon which a user stands whilst using the machine. The user's mass then provides sufficient stabilisation to ensure that the machine is stable during use. It is however not essential to use this type of construction and, in a more permanent arrangement, thesupport structure 92 can include asmall pedestal 190 which can be fixed to thefloor 194, as is shown in FIG. 26. FIG. 27 shows that thesupport structure 92 can includeformations 196 eg. in the form of a spreader plate or connecting bar whereby the exercise machine can be attached, using suitable fasteners, to awall 198. - Clearly with the arrangements shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 it is not possible for the machine to be dismantled with ease for storage or transport purposes.
- It is also to be noted, referring to FIGS.24 to 27, that a “step-up” drive system can be employed for increasing the rotational speed of the
axle 112 which forms the output point of thedrive arrangement 120. Referring for example to FIG. 27 theaxle 112 is mounted to apulley 162 which transfers drive via abelt 164 to a relativelysmaller pulley 162A. The smaller pulley drives a larger pulley 162B which is connected to another smaller pulley 162C by means of a second belt 164A. Aflywheel 110 which includes abrake 114 is fixed to thesupport structure 92 and is driven by an output shaft from the pulley 164C. - FIG. 28 illustrates from the side an arrangement which is similar to what has been described in connection with FIG. 27 except that the
support structure 92 extends upwardly from a base 100 which rests on the ground and is not fixed to the wall. - As used herein the word “axle” or “axis” is intended to include an actual axle and axis, as the case may be, and also a virtual axle or axis. The phrase “virtual axle or axis” is intended to cover a situation in which rotational movement takes place about a point which does not define a physical axle or axis, but merely a centre of rotation. This type of arrangement is shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 respectively which illustrate an exercise machine similar to what has been described in connection with FIG. 28, wherein the
support structure 92 supports acircular support frame 200. Awheel 202 is mounted inside the circular support frame and runs onrollers 204 which are fixed at spaced locations to the wheel. The rollers in turn ride inside a hollow guide or track, on an inner surface of the support frame, indicated indotted outline 206. - A
pulley 162 is fixed to a central point on thewheel 202. The pulley drives abelt 164 which, in turn, drives asmaller pulley 162A which is mounted to a larger pulley 164B. The pulley 164B drives a belt 164A which is connected to a smaller pulley 164C which drives aflywheel 110 to which is fitted abrake 114. It can be seen that the arrangement in FIGS. 29 and 30 is similar to what has been described in connection with FIG. 27 except that thewheel 202, riding inside thesupport frame 200, simulates a fixed axle by providing avirtual axle 216 which defines the output point of thedrive member 120. - In this example the drive member includes a
plate 220 which normally is fixed to, and covers, thewheel 202 and which is formed with a number ofholes 222 at spaced intervals extending from thevirtual axis 216. Ahandle 224 can be engaged with a selected hole which defines theinput point 132. The user can, as before, grip the handle with both hands and cause it to rotate along a defined circular path centred on thevirtual axis 216 which coincides with theoutput point 116. A step-up drive is achieved to the flywheel which is braked, to a required extent, by thebrake 114. In all other respects the operation of the exercise machine is substantially the same as what has been described. - FIG. 31 shows a compound machine which, in many respects, is similar to that shown in FIG. 2, and which is basically a combination of two
machines 90F and 90G each of which is similar to themachine 90 in FIG. 3. Each machine has its own flywheel. Thehandles coupling bar 230 or they can be displaced to form a gap 232 between the handles which can accommodate a user. If the handles are not joined they can be angularly displaced by up to 1800, as shown by dotted lines for thehandle 130G. These features allow for a multitude of different types of usage.
Claims (46)
Priority Applications (1)
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TW92131784A TWI239858B (en) | 2003-07-02 | 2003-11-13 | Exercise machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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ZA2002/2133 | 2002-07-03 | ||
ZA200202133 | 2002-07-03 |
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US (1) | US20040033868A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1708333A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003256443A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004004842A1 (en) |
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US20110065554A1 (en) * | 2009-09-14 | 2011-03-17 | Willem Johannes Van Straaten | Exercise machine |
US20130303347A1 (en) * | 2011-02-04 | 2013-11-14 | Stig Malmqvist | Device for physical exercise |
US20140200120A1 (en) * | 2013-01-17 | 2014-07-17 | Christopher G. Gallagher | Modular resistance force system |
US20190001186A1 (en) * | 2017-06-29 | 2019-01-03 | Daniel Esposito | Two-Handed Crank-Action Exercise Device and Method |
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US10195097B1 (en) * | 2017-01-13 | 2019-02-05 | Gaetano Cimo | Neuromuscular plasticity apparatus and method using same |
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US10661114B2 (en) | 2016-11-01 | 2020-05-26 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Body weight lift mechanism on treadmill |
US10940360B2 (en) | 2015-08-26 | 2021-03-09 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength exercise mechanisms |
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US20050187076A1 (en) * | 2004-02-21 | 2005-08-25 | Mason James R. | Fitness apparatus |
US20060276315A1 (en) * | 2005-06-07 | 2006-12-07 | Krietzman Mark H | Orbiting exercise device and method |
WO2007021524A2 (en) * | 2005-08-09 | 2007-02-22 | The University Of Toledo | Trunk rotation |
WO2007021524A3 (en) * | 2005-08-09 | 2007-11-01 | Univ Toledo | Trunk rotation |
AU2006280267B2 (en) * | 2005-08-09 | 2011-12-08 | The Turning Point, Llc | Trunk rotation |
GB2456086A (en) * | 2008-10-01 | 2009-07-08 | Frank Ilett | Pedal exercise apparatus |
GB2456086B (en) * | 2008-10-01 | 2009-12-09 | Frank Ilett | Exercise apparatus |
GB2464100A (en) * | 2008-10-01 | 2010-04-07 | Frank Ilett | Pedal exercise apparatus |
US20110065554A1 (en) * | 2009-09-14 | 2011-03-17 | Willem Johannes Van Straaten | Exercise machine |
US8241190B2 (en) * | 2009-09-14 | 2012-08-14 | Willem Johannes Van Straaten | Exercise machine |
US20130303347A1 (en) * | 2011-02-04 | 2013-11-14 | Stig Malmqvist | Device for physical exercise |
US9968815B2 (en) * | 2011-02-04 | 2018-05-15 | Stig Malmqvist | Device for physical exercise |
US9339678B2 (en) * | 2013-01-17 | 2016-05-17 | Christopher G. Gallagher | Modular resistance force system |
US20140200120A1 (en) * | 2013-01-17 | 2014-07-17 | Christopher G. Gallagher | Modular resistance force system |
US10188890B2 (en) | 2013-12-26 | 2019-01-29 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Magnetic resistance mechanism in a cable machine |
US10426989B2 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2019-10-01 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cable system incorporated into a treadmill |
US10449416B2 (en) | 2015-08-26 | 2019-10-22 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength exercise mechanisms |
US10940360B2 (en) | 2015-08-26 | 2021-03-09 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength exercise mechanisms |
US10441840B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-10-15 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Collapsible strength exercise machine |
US10661114B2 (en) | 2016-11-01 | 2020-05-26 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Body weight lift mechanism on treadmill |
US10195097B1 (en) * | 2017-01-13 | 2019-02-05 | Gaetano Cimo | Neuromuscular plasticity apparatus and method using same |
US10507155B1 (en) | 2017-01-13 | 2019-12-17 | Gaetano Cimo | Tremor suppression apparatus and method using same |
US20190001186A1 (en) * | 2017-06-29 | 2019-01-03 | Daniel Esposito | Two-Handed Crank-Action Exercise Device and Method |
US11420088B2 (en) * | 2019-04-12 | 2022-08-23 | Karina Wilson | Exercise system for exercising oblique muscles and method of using the system |
US20220288447A1 (en) * | 2021-03-10 | 2022-09-15 | Kenneth Spurgin | Rotational exercise machine |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2003256443A1 (en) | 2004-01-23 |
CN1708333A (en) | 2005-12-14 |
WO2004004842A1 (en) | 2004-01-15 |
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