WO2005023376A1

WO2005023376A1 - Exercise device

Info

Publication number: WO2005023376A1
Application number: PCT/GB2004/003784
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jody Neal
Original assignee: Ucn Know How Limited
Priority date: 2003-09-05
Filing date: 2004-09-03
Publication date: 2005-03-17
Also published as: GB2405600A; WO2005023376A8; GB0320841D0

Abstract

An exercise device has a base (3) with laterally spaced columns (4, 5) extending therefrom, the length of which may be adjusted. Rotatably attached to each column are a pair of telescopically extendable legs (7, 8, 9, 10) on a free end of each of which is carried a platform (12) upon which a user can place a hand or foot. Each pair of legs (7, 8, 9, 10) are attached to their associated base at a common pivot point but are arranged one in front of the other so as to be pivotal independently of each other. Variable torsional resistance couplings (11) are also provided between the legs (7, 8, 9, 10) and the columns (4, 5) which operate to resist rotational movement of the legs so as to provide a load against which a user can exercise. In use, then, rotation of the limb of the operator about a first joint causes the legs (7, 8, 9, 10) of the device associated therewith to rotate relative to the base (3) and bending of the limb at a second joint causes the extension or retraction of said legs (7, 8, 9, 10) so as to vary the separation between the platform and the pivot, thereby enabling a range of exercise movements of the limb to be performed.

Description

Exercise Device

The present invention relates to exercise devices for enabling a plurality of different exercises to be carried out by a user.

A wide range of personal exercise equipment for use in the home or in a gym is known in the prior art which enables users to carry out different exercises for recreational, health, therapeutic and rehabilitation reasons. Some devices such as treadmills, rowing, cycling or step machines allow only a single or vary small number of specialised exercises to be carried out, making them inefficient in terms of cost and space, particularly for the home user. Other devices such as multi-gyms allow the user to perform a wider range of exercises, but are very heavy and difficult to move around, making them un-attractive for home use or for use by physiotherapists or the like, who often have limited space available. Furthermore, in connection with physiotherapy applications of exercise equipment, many physiotherapists find that, whilst patients perform the recommended exercises under supervision, they often fail to continue the exercises at home as directed due to lack of suitable equipment, leading to extended recovery periods, or even, in some cases, failure of patients to achieve a satisfactory level of recovery.

One device which is known in the prior art enables a user to carry out walking exercises in a space efficient manner by providing a frame member having first and second laterally spaced apart legs, the legs being pivotally connected at their upper ends to the frame, independently of each other, by means of torsional resistance couplings, so that the legs are rotatable relative to the frame about a common axis. A platform is provided on the lower end of each leg for supporting the foot of a user, so that, with each foot positioned on one of the platforms, the user can execute a striding movement, causing the legs to pivot back and forth on the frame whilst the user remains stationery relative to the surroundings. The resistance of the coupling between each leg of the device and the frame may then be adjusted to enable the work carried out by the operator to be varied, and the frame is foldable, so as to enable the device easily to be stored when not in use. Whilst this device, then, goes some way to overcoming the problems discussed above, it still has the drawback that it only enables one set of movements to be carried out and hence only enables one set of muscles to be exercised.

According to the present invention there is provided an exercise device comprising a base, and at least one extending shaft having a first fixed end which is rotatably connected to the base at a pivot and a second free end on which is carried a platform on which, in use, is fastened a hand or foot of an operator, whereby rotation of the limb of the operator, in use, about a first joint causes the shaft to rotate relative to the base and bending of the limb at a second joint, in use, causing the extension or retraction of the shaft so as to vary the separation between the platform and the pivot, whereby a range of exercise movements of the limb can be performed.

An exercise device in accordance with the invention has the advantage that it enables a wide range of exercises for both the arms and legs to be performed with a single piece of equipment, thereby making it much more cost effective and space efficient than prior devices. Furthermore, the device can be produced in a form which is quick and easy to dismantle or fold up for compact storage and is also very easy to operate.

Preferably, the or each extending shaft is formed of a plurality, in particular three, sections which engage one inside another in a telescopic fashion so as to enable the shaft both to extend and retract as required. The telescopic coupling of each section to the next preferably includes retaining means such as a constriction in the outer section which limits the maximum extension of the inner section from the outer section and thereby ensures that one section of the shaft cannot be completely separated from the next. Furthermore, locking means is preferably provided on at least one of the sections of the shaft for varying the maximum telescopic extension of one shaft section from the next, thereby enabling the leg of the overall shaft from the pivot mounting to the platform to be varied to suit the size of different operators. In one embodiment, this locking means takes the form of a locking pin which engages through the inter- engaging shaft sections. Such engagement may either be through complementary sized through openings so as to lock the two shaft sections together against relative longitudinal movement, or may be through a complementary size opening in one of the sections and an elongated opening in the other so to prevent relative longitudinal movement between the two shaft sections beyond a preset amount in one direction only.

Restraining means are preferably also provided within the or each shaft which operate to resist at least one of extension or contraction of the shaft and thereby to provide a load against which, in use, the operator can flex the muscles. The restraining means may be in the form of biasing means such as springs or the like which operate to urge the sections of the shaft into a default position or may be friction means which operate to impede relative movement between any two shaft sections thereby providing resistance in two directions of movement. Other restraining means are also possible. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a compression spring is provided between at least two of the sections of the or each shaft which urges said sections longitudinally apart and hence biases the shaft into an extended position. The spring then provided resistance against the shaft being compressed by the user through movement of the platform towards the pivot. In a development of the invention, the resistance to extension and/or contraction of the shaft offered by the restraining means may be variable so as to enable the operator to set a load appropriate to his or her requirements.

The platform provided on the free end of the or each shaft preferably includes fastening means such as a strap for securing a hand or foot to the platform. This has the advantage that it enables the operator to applied forces to the shaft both towards the platform and away from it, thereby increasing the range of possible exercises. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, rotation restraining means are also provided between the first fixed end of the shaft and the base which operate to resist rotational movement of the shaft about the base, thereby providing a load against which an operator works the muscles of the limb during exercising. The rotation restraining means are also preferably adjustable so as to enable the load to be varied to suit the requirements of the particular operator, and may, for example, be realised in the form of torsional springs or the like which bias the shaft into a first rotational position relative to the base, inertia resistance means such as dampers or the like. In the preferred embodiment, however, the rotational resistance means takes the form of a friction coupling which engages with the first end of the shaft so as resist rotational movement between the shaft and the base. This may be realised in a particularly effective manner by a friction plate which is clamped against a face of the fixed end of the shaft, the clamping force being variable by operation of a clamping nut or bolt in or to vary the friction between the shaft and the friction plate and hence to vary the resistance to movement experienced by the operator. The friction plate may be separate to or integrally formed with the base, and, in a particularly preferred embodiment, friction material is provided on both sides of the fixed end of the shaft, one side engaging against friction material formed on the base and the other side being engaged from the friction face of the friction plate.

At least one of the sections of each shaft may also advantageously be split into two separate longitudinal sections, the split sections being connected together by a hinge which enables one sub-section to pivot laterally relative to the other sub-section. In this way, the platform is able to be moved in a third plane relative to the base, thereby further increasing the range of exercise movements which the operator can perform. A tension spring may also be provided between the two split sub-sections which urges the hinge into a closed position in which the two split sections extend along a common axis, said spring thereby providing a resistance to movement against which the operator can exercise. The base of the device advantageously includes spaced apart sides which define between them an area in which, in use, an operator can position himself or herself in order to carry out the exercises. At least one shaft is then pivotally attached to one of said sides such that the platform attached thereto extends into said operator area towards said other side, and at least one shaft is pivotally attached to the other side so that the platform attached thereto extends into said operator area towards said one side. In this way, the operator can position a foot on each platform and exercise both limbs at the same time.

In a further development, a pair of shafts is pivotally attached to each side, one in front of the other, each shaft being extendable and pivotable relative to the base independently of said other legs. In this way, an operator can position himself in the device facing one of said pairs of shafts, with one foot engaging the platforms of one of the struts of each pair and the other foot engaging the platforms of the other of the struts of each pair, and can then perform lateral exercises of the limbs by moving the limbs sideways of his or her body.

The sides of the base are preferably formed by a pair of spaced apart columns to which the legs are rotationally attached. The columns may be integrally formed with the base, but are preferably formed separately therefrom and are releasably attached thereto so as to enable the position of each column relative to the base to be varied, and in particular to enable the height of each column to be adjusted so as to move the position of the coupling attaching the shafts to the columns. In this way, the height of the axis of rotation of the shafts can be adjusted to ensure it substantially aligns with the appropriate joint of the user.

The device is preferably configured for exercising the legs of the user, with the feet of the user being supported on the platform. Support means such as wheels may then be provided on the bottom of each platform which engage with rails formed on the base to provide additional support for each strut which the full weight of the operator is applied on the platforms. However, the device may also be used to perform arm exercises by appropriately positioning the pivot axis of the struts at an appropriate height to coincide with the shoulders of the operator.

Suitable handle means may also being provided which may be grasped by the operator to provide stability during use. The handle means may take the form of a circular member which surrounds the operator area and which is attached to said columns. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the circular handle is releasably fastened to one of said columns and pivotally fastened to the other so as to enable the handle to be pivoted away from the operator area to facilitate the users entry into and exit from the device.

The base of the device is also preferably collapsible to facilitate storage.

In order that the invention may be well understood, there will now be described an embodiment thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exercise device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of the exercise device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side view of the exercise device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a top view of the device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a bottom view of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional side view through the device of Figure 1 ;

Figures 7a to 7e are enlarged views of a friction coupling used to pivotally connect the legs of the device of Figure 1 to the frame; and

Figure 8 is a sectional side view of the friction coupling of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a partially cut away view of a leg of the exercise device showing a biasing spring positioned therein; Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a hinged portion of an upper section of a leg of the exercise device; and

Figures 1 la to 1 li are schematic views showing a sample of exercises which may be carried out using the device of the invention.

Referring first to Figure 1, there is shown an exercise device 1 suitable for carrying out a wide range of leg exercises. The device 1 is composed of a frame 2 having a base 3 which stably supports the frame on a support surface such as a floor and a pair of laterally spaced columns 4, 5 which extend substantially vertically to the base 3 at either side of the frame 2 so as to define between the columns a space in which a user can position himself or herself. The columns 4, 5 may be integrally formed with the base 3 so as to have a fixed height relative thereto, but are preferably formed separately to the base and are releasably attached thereto, for example by means of pins which engage in holes 6 formed in the base and columns, so as to enable the vertical position of each column 4, 5 relative to the base 3 to be adjusted to suit the height of different users.

Pivotally attached to the top of each column 4, 5 for pivotal movement about a common axis is a pair of legs 7, 8, 9, 10 and formed on the bottom end of each leg 7, 8, 9, 10 is a platform 12 upon which a user can place a foot. An anchor strap is provided on each platform 12 to enable an operator to secure their foot to the platform in a well-known manner. Each leg 7, 8, 9, 10 of each pair is independently connected to its associated column 4, 5, so as to be pivotable independently of said other legs, by means of a torsional resistance coupling 11 which is adjustable so as to vary the resistance offered to pivotal movement of each leg 7, 8, 9, 10. Suitable coupling means may also be provided for constraining each pair of legs 7,8; 9, 10 to pivot together about their common axis of rotation.

Each leg 7, 8, 9, 10 is composed of a plurality, in the illustrated embodiment, three distinct sections which are arranged in series in a telescopic fashion. For example the upper section 10a of leg 10 is pivotally attached at its upper end to the column 5 by means of the resistance coupling 11 and has an axially extending opening in its lower end in which is slidably received the upper end of the middle section 10b. The lower end of the middle section 10b, in turn, has an axially extending opening formed therein in which is slidably received the upper end of the lower section 10c of the leg 10, with the platform 12 being formed on or connected to the lower end of the lower section 10c. Suitable means such as a constriction is provided on the lower end of the upper 10a and middle 10b sections so as to prevent the upper ends of the middle and lower sections 10b, 10c respectively from dropping out of the section in which it is telescopically engaged. Locking means is also provided at the lower end of the middle section 10b by means of which the maximum telescopic extension of the lower section 10c relative to the middle section 10b can be varied, thereby enabling the maximum length of each leg 7, 8, 9, 10 to be adjusted. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking means takes the form of a pin which engages in thRough openings formed in each of the middle 10b and lower 10c sections so that the lower section 10c is suspended from the middle section 10b by means of the pin, movement of the middle section 10b relative to the upper section 10a enabling the full range of exercises as described below to be carried out. The provision of a number of through openings in either the middle or lower sections at different longitudinal positions then enables the locking of the two sections together in a number of discrete positions. Alternatively, suitable clamping means may be utilised to enable the two parts to be locked together in a continuous range of positions in a well known fashion. In a further development of the invention, means may also be provided for varying the maximum telescopic extension of the middle section 10b from the upper sections 10a, thereby enabling an even greater range of adjustments to the length of each leg to be made.

As shown in Figure 9, a spring 30 is provided between at least some of the sections of each leg which urges the sections of the leg into, for example, an extended position. The spring thereby provides a resistive force which the operator must overcome in order to compress each leg 7, 8, 9, 10 of the device during exercise. As shown in Figure 10, the upper section 7a, 8a, 9a, 10a of each leg 7, 8, 9, 10 is split with a hinge 31 bridging the split so as to connect the two parts of said upper section 10a together. The orientation of the hinge is arrange so as to enable the region of each leg 7, 8, 9, 10 below the hinge to be pivoted outwards relative to the base 2 peφendicular to the plane of rotation of the legs 7, 8, 9, 10, thereby enabling leg movements to be performed in said third direction. The hinge 31 is furthermore positioned close to the top of the upper section so as to prevent lateral movement of the split portion of the upper section interfering with the telescopic expansion and contraction of the leg and vice-versa. A tension spring 32 extends between the split sections of the upper section 10a, which urges the hinge into a closed position and hence each leg 7, 8, 9, 10 to extend along a single axis. The tension spring 32 furthermore provides a resistive force against which the operator can exercise the muscles during lateral extension leg movements.

The base 3 includes a pair of parallel, longitudinally extending rails 13, 14 which extend from the front to the back of the frame 2 underneath the platforms parallel to the plane of rotations of the legs, the first rail 13 passing beneath the platforms 12 carried on the bottom of the first pair of legs 7, 8, and the second rail 14 passing beneath the platforms 12 carried on the bottom of the second pair of legs 9, 10. Each platform 12 then has, on its lower side adjacent its associated rail 13, 14 a slide runner, preferably in the form of a wheel, which engages with the associated rail. In this way, the bottom of the each leg 7, 8, 9, 10 is firmly supported, thereby reducing the load on the resistance couplings 11 when an operator is stood on the platforms 12, whilst, at the same time, ensuring smooth pivotal movement of the legs.

A handle 16 is provided on the top of the frame 2 in the form of a circular member whose diametrically opposite sides are attached to the tops of the columns 4, 5, by means of which handle an operator can support and balance himself during operation of the device. Preferably, the circular handle 16 is releasably attached to one column 4 and pivotally attached to the other column 5 for rotational movement about an axis which extends parallel to the rails 13, 14. In this way, the handle 16 can be pivoted upwards away from the column 4 to facilitate entry and exist of an operator from the device.

The frame 2 is itself, in the illustrated embodiment, formed from a plurality of separate panels which are suitable inclined to each other in order to provide proper structural support for the device and which are releasably fastened to each other so as to enable the frame easily to be collapsed for compact storage. The frame could, however, also be formed as a unitary construction for use in environments in which it can be kept permanently erect.

Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, there is shown enlarged views of the resistance coupling 11 by means of which each pair of legs 7, 8; 9,10 is pivotally attached to the associated column 4, 5. The upper ends 7a, 8a, of the two legs 7, 8 are configured to lie side by side in the region of the resistance coupling 11 with co-axial openings 41, 42 being formed in the two upper sections 7a, 8a through which a pivot shaft 40 of the coupling extends so as to hang the legs 7, 8 form the column 4. The free end of the shaft is threaded for receiving a screw head 45 by means of which the two upper leg sections 7a, 8a are secured onto the shaft. Suitable bearing means may be provided between the shaft 40 and the openings 41, 42 in the upper leg sections 7a, 8a so as to facilitate smooth pivotal movement of the legs 7, 8 on the shaft 40.

The upper section 7a of the first leg 7 is arranged on the pivot shaft 40 adjacent a first spacer 43 which is non-rotatably connected to the column 4, and a second annular spacer 44 is positioned between the second upper leg section 8a and the screw head 45 and is non-rotatably coupled to the screw head 45. Each face of the upper leg sections 7a, 8a is also provided, in the region of the shaft 40, with a friction face in the form of an annular piece of friction material applied to the surface of the leg 7, 8 and similar friction facings are also provided on the sides of the spacers 43, 44 adjacent the upper leg sections 7a, 8a. As the screw head 45 is tightened on the shaft 40, the upper leg sections 7a, 8a are compressed between the two spacers 43,44, increasing the contact force between the abutting friction faces and hence increasing the resistance against rotation of each leg 7, 8 about the pivot shaft 40.

In operation, the user positions himself or herself with each foot resting on a different platform 12. For longitudinal exercises, the operator faces forward the left foot on the platform 12 carried on leg 10 and the right foot on the platform 12 carried on the leg 8. Gripping the handle 16 for stability, either leg may be extended forwards and/or lifted by suitable rotation of the operators leg at the hip and by suitable bending of the knee, the pivotal motion of the operator's leg being accommodated by the pivotal mounting of the device legs 7, 8, 9, 10 on the columns 4, 5 and bending of the knee being accommodated by the shortening of each leg 7, 8, 9, 10 provided for by the telescopic interconnection between the sections of each leg. An appropriate level of resistance to the rotations motion may be set by adjustment of the resistance coupling. Rearward leg movements can also be carried out in the same configuration by the operator simply moving the appropriate foot onto the platform attached to one of the back legs 7, 9 of the device and them making the required movement of the hip and the knee. The dual pivotal coupling of each pair of legs also enables the operator to engage a foot simultaneously with both platforms 12 of with the first pair of legs 7, 8 or the second pair of legs 9, 10 so as to enable both forward and rearward leg extensions to be carried out moving both legs of each pair simultaneously. To facilitate such dual motion, a catch may be provided which connects the platform of the leg of each pair together.

A second range of exercises can also be performed by the operator positioning himself so as to face one of the columns 4, 5 with one foot resting on the platform 12 carried on each leg of one of the pairs of legs 7,8; 9,10. In this position, each leg can, in turn, be swung out sideways by suitable pivotal movement of the operator's leg at the hip, which movement can also, as required, be combined with bending of the leg at the knee.

The hinged upper section of each leg enables leg movements in a third plane peφendicular to the first two, further increasing the range of exercises. Appropriate combination of these movements then enables a wide range of exercises to be carried out with the single piece of equipment by which all major muscle groups can be exercised, enabling therapeutic.

Figures 11a to Hi show a small range of the different exercises possible with the exercise device. It will also be understood that, although not shown in the drawings, the device may also be used to perform arm and shoulder exercises by appropriate setting of the height of the columns to align with the shoulders and of the length of the legs.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An exercise device comprising a base (3), and at least one extending shaft (7, 8, 9, 10) having a first fixed end which is rotatably connected to the base (3) at a pivot (11) and a second free end on which is carried a platform (12) on which, in use, is fastened a hand or foot of an operator, whereby rotation of the limb of the operator, in use, about a first joint causes the shaft (7, 8, 9, 10) to rotate relative to the base (3) and bending of the limb at a second joint, in use, causes the extension or retraction of the shaft (7, 8, 9, 10) so as to vary the separation between the platform (12) and the pivot (11), whereby a range of exercise movements of the limb can be performed.

2. An exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the or each extending shaft (7, 8, 9, 10) is formed of a plurality of, preferably three, sections (10a, 10b, 10c) which inter-engage one inside another in a telescopic manner.

3. An exercise device according to claim 2, further including means associated with at least one of said sections for limiting the telescoping movement of said at least one section relative (10a) to at least one of said other sections (10b) so as to vary at least one of the maximum and minimum lengths of the or each shaft (7, 8, 9, 10).

4. An exercise device according to claim 3, wherein the or each movement limiting means comprises a locking pin which extends through openings in inter- engaging shaft sections.

5. An exercise device according to any of the preceding claims, further including restraining means (30) associated with the or each extending shaft (7, 8, 9, 10) which operates to resist at least one of extension and contraction of the shaft (7, 8, 9, 10).

6. An exercise device according to claim 5, wherein said restraining means comprises a compression spring (30) which urges said first and second ends of the or each shaft longitudinally apart.

7. An exercise device according to claim 6, wherein the spring constant of the or each compression spring (30) is adjustable.

8. An exercise device according to any of the preceding claims, further including rotation restraining means (11) provided between the first fixed end of the shaft and the base (3) and operable to resist rotational movement of the shaft about the base (3).

9. An exercise device according to claim 8, wherein the rotational restraining means (11) is adjustable to vary the resistance to rotational movement imparted thereby.

10. An exercise device according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the rotation restraining means (11) comprises a friction coupling (43, 44) between the base (3) and the first fixed end of the or each shaft.

11. An exercise device according to claim 10, wherein said friction coupling comprises a friction plate (34, 44) coupled to one of the base and the or each shaft, which is clamped against a reaction plate (34, 44) connected to the other of the base and the or each shaft, the clamping force between said friction plate and said reaction plate preferably being variable to vary the frictional force therebetween and hence the resistance to rotation of the shaft about the body.

12. An exercise device according to claim 11, wherein the or each shaft has a friction face formed on each side of its first fixed end, the friction face on one side engaging with a friction face formed on the base (43) and the friction face on the other side being engaged by the friction face of the friction plate (44).

13. An exercise device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the or each shaft comprises a first longitudinal section which is hingedly connected (31) to a second longitudinal section so as to enable said second section to pivot laterally relative to said first section out of the plane of rotation of the or each shaft about the base.

14. An exercise device according to claim 13, further including restraining means (32), preferably a tension spring, connected between said first and second longitudinal sections for resisting said lateral pivotal movement between said first and second sections.

15. An exercise device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said base comprises spaced apart sides (4, 5) defining between them an area in which, in use, an operator can be located in order to carry out exercises.

16. An exercise device according to claim 15, wherein said sides of said base are formed by a pair of spaced apart columns (4, 5).

17. An exercise device according to claim 16, wherein the length of each column (4, 5) is adjustable to suit users of differing heights.

18. An exercise device according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein at least one shaft (7, 8, 9, 10) is pivotally attached to one of said sides (4, 5) of the base, and at least one shaft (7, 8, 9, 10) is pivotally attached to the other of said sides (4, 5) of said base.

19. An exercise device according to claim 18, wherein a pair of shafts (7,8; 9,10) are pivotally attached to each side of the base (3) at a common pivot point so as to be pivotal relative to the base independently of each other.

20. An exercise device according to claim 19, wherein said pair of shafts (7, 8; 9, 10) on each side are configured one in front of the other so as to enable said pair of shafts simultaneously to be rotated in opposite directions about said base.

21. An exercise device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said base and the or each shaft are collapsible for compact storage.