CA1176669A - Leg exercise apparatus - Google Patents
Leg exercise apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1176669A CA1176669A CA000381760A CA381760A CA1176669A CA 1176669 A CA1176669 A CA 1176669A CA 000381760 A CA000381760 A CA 000381760A CA 381760 A CA381760 A CA 381760A CA 1176669 A CA1176669 A CA 1176669A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- cylinder
- air
- piston
- stand
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/008—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters
- A63B21/0085—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters using pneumatic force-resisters
- A63B21/0087—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters using pneumatic force-resisters of the piston-cylinder type
-
- 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
- A63B21/00058—Mechanical means for varying the resistance
- A63B21/00069—Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
This invention relates to a novel leg strengthening apparatus which is used for muscle development, exercise and rehabilitation. The apparatus comprises an air reservoir, a valve to control the flow of air into and out of the reservoir, a cylinder in communication with the valve and an actuator which is secured to a piston within the cylinder. The apparatus will produce isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions in a muscle and allows for differing velocities of exercise movement, which has not been possible to achieve with the prior art devices. The apparatus is simple in design and is adaptable for home use. It includes variable resistance and can provide maximum muscle strengthening ability in correlation to the strength curve of the preselected muscle. The apparatus achieves these objectives using no auxiliary fluid-supply source and is self-contained and safe to operate. All these features in a single apparatus are not found in the prior art devices.
This invention relates to a novel leg strengthening apparatus which is used for muscle development, exercise and rehabilitation. The apparatus comprises an air reservoir, a valve to control the flow of air into and out of the reservoir, a cylinder in communication with the valve and an actuator which is secured to a piston within the cylinder. The apparatus will produce isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions in a muscle and allows for differing velocities of exercise movement, which has not been possible to achieve with the prior art devices. The apparatus is simple in design and is adaptable for home use. It includes variable resistance and can provide maximum muscle strengthening ability in correlation to the strength curve of the preselected muscle. The apparatus achieves these objectives using no auxiliary fluid-supply source and is self-contained and safe to operate. All these features in a single apparatus are not found in the prior art devices.
Description
1 A~L 7 ~ ~ 6 9 .. ...
1. 'F'i-el-d of t'he''Inventi'on . _ . . .
The present invention relates generally to the field of muscle development, exercise and rehabilitation and more particularly to a new leg exercise apparatus.
1. 'F'i-el-d of t'he''Inventi'on . _ . . .
The present invention relates generally to the field of muscle development, exercise and rehabilitation and more particularly to a new leg exercise apparatus.
2. ' De'scr'iption of the''Pr'i'or Art In designing strength or exercise training equipment, three types of muscle contractions must be considered~ These three types include isometric or static contractions, concen-tric or positive contractions, and eccentric or negative con-tractions.
Isometric contractions are contractions in which the length of the muscle remains unchanged while the muscle developS
tension. These types of contractions occur when a muscle applies a force against an immovable o~je~-t. A concentric contraction occurs when the'muscle'shortens as it develops tension and over-~ comes the resistance. In an eccentric con-traction, the external resistance overcomes the active muscle and the muscle lengthens while developing tensionO
The devices of the prior art take into account, some or all of these types of muscle con-tractions. The devices hic~ only take into account some of the foregoîng types of contractions, do not make maximum use of the exercise. If a device or apparatus can take into account all three types of contractions, much more increased development of the muscle will occur during a specific exercise.
The equipment on the market today which in fact takes into account all three types of contractions, is ex~remely cumber some and expensive. As a result, this e~uipment is found only ~766~9 1 at institutions, health clubs, rehabilitation centers and the like. As a result, they do not have wide-spread use by athletes ~hich require a ligh~-weight, inexpensive and portable apparatus which is suitable for home use and also use at training facili-ties.
A further drawback of the prior art devices is that they do not provide for differing velocities of movement during the exercise. In other words, the exercise is performed at a continuous rate o~ speed which restricts the ability of the person doing the e~ercises from achieving maximum benefit from the exercise. In designing strength training equipment, it is an important consideration to consider the strengt~ curve which is defined as the variation in strength that a muscle undergoes through a range of movement. While different syste~s have incorporated some aspects of variable resistance in the system, most systems have not provided sufficient means to correlate variable resistance with the strength curve.
One such prior art device is illustrated in U.S.
patent number 3,822,599 issued on July 9, 1974 to Brentham.
This device is based on the concentric contractions of muscles and does not consider all three types of mu~cle contractions as set out hereinbefore. ~nother device by the same inventor, as illustrated in U.S. patent 4,066,259 granted on January 3, 1978, provides for concentric contractions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome these disadvantages by providing a novel leg exercîse apparatus which will produce isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions in a muscle, and which will allow for differing velocities of exercise movement.
~76~i69 1 It is a further object of this invention to provide a novel leg exercise apparatus which is simple in design and which may be manufactured and sold for home use.
It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide a light-weight and portable leg exercise apparatus.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a novel leg exercise apparatus whieh ineludes variable resistanee and which can be operated to provide maximum muscle strengthening ahility in correlation to the strength eurve of the preseleeted musele.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a leg strengthening apparatus which uses no auxiliary fluid supply souree and is eompletely self-contained and easy to operate, yet eompletely safe.
~O this end, in one of its aspects, the invention provides a leg strengthening apparatus which eomprises an air reservoir;
a valve means adapted to control the flow of air into and out of said reservoir;
a eylinder in communication with said valve means, said eylinder having a piston slidably disposed therein;
aetuating means adjustably seeured to said piston.
In another o~ its aspeets, the invention further provides a leg strengthening apparatus which eomprises an air reservoir whieh comprises a stand having an air pocket therein, and an elongated tube in communication with said pocket;
a valve means adapted to control the flow of air into and out of said reservoir, said valve means comprising a valve, a handle adapted to operate said valve, and a eonneeting tube eon-nectlng said valve to a cylinder which is secured to said stand 66~
1 said valve comprising a housing and a valve seat which is reversably movable from a position communicating with said cylinder by said connecting tube to said air reservoir, to a non-com-municating position;
said cylinder in communication with said valve means and having a pisto1l and a piston seal slidablv disposed therein, said piston ex~ending beyond the -top of said cylinder, an actuating means adjustably secured to said piston, said actuating means comprising a pair of padded shoulder rests.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the ~ollowing description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
. .. . _ .
FIGURE 1 is a top plain view oE thé apparatus o~ the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention.
FIGURE 3 is an exploded side elevational view of the air reservoir, the valve means and the cylinder of the present invention~
FIGURE 4 is an end elevational view of the wheel and the wheel housing and cylinder cap.
FIGURE 5 is a sectional view of the valve in the priming position.
FIGURE 6 is a sectional view of the valve in the operative position.
FIGURE 7 is a side elevational view of the piston rod of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The apparatus consists essentially of an air reservoir, a valve means adapted to control the flow of air into and out of ~L76665~
1 the reservoir, a cylinder in communication with the valve means and a piston slidably disposed in the cylinder and extending outwardly from one end of the cylinder, and actuating means adjustably secured to the pis-ton and adopted to apply resistance against its movement.
Referring now to figures 1 and 2, the air reservoir comprises a stand 14 and an elongated tube 30 in communication therewith. The stand 14 is hollowed out so that air can be retained therein. The stand 14 also serves as a platform upon which the operator can stand when using the apparatus and it may be made of any suitable material.
The tu~e 30 is secured to the stand 14 by fi.rst bracket 32 and it communicates with the interior of the stand 14. Thus, there is free flow of air between the tube 30 and the stand 14.
The valve means comprises a valve 34, -the operation of wh~,ch.i`s controlled by handle 36. A second tube 38 is provided to connect the valve 34 to a cylinder 26.
The cylinder 26 includes a piston as shown in figure 7 which comprises a piston rod 25 and a piston seal 27. The piston ~ is slidably disposed within the cylinder 26 and the piston rod ': 25 extends a~ove t~e top of the cylinder 26 as sh.own in figure 2.
The actuatlng means comprises a pair of shoulder rests : : 10, which are secured to the piston rod 25 ~y bracket 2Q in any well known manner. The shoulder rests 10 are generally padded with paddi.ng 16 on the undersurfa.ce thereof to increase the comfort of the user when the apparatus is in use~ While the padding 16 is not necessary, it is generally preferred to ease the strain on the.shoulders. The undersurface of the shoulder rests 10 are ~enerally sloped to correspond to the natural slope of the users shoulders, 66g The shoulder rests 10 extend horizontally outwardly from t~e rod 25 and are secured thereto by an adjustable bracket 20.. The bracket may be an integral part of the shoulder rests lQ or i`t may ~e a separate component. The height of the shoulder rests 10 is completely adjustable to accomodate d~fferent he~g~ts- of operators. Rod 25 may also be adjustable in height if desired, by any well known means such as being constructed of a plurality of interlocking telescoping pieces.
As shown .in ~igure 3, the cylinder 26 is mounted on stand 14 by a pair of mounting plates 50, Sl, the former being secured to t~e base o~ the cvlinder 26 and the latter being secured to the top of the stand 14. Bolts 48 extend through the plake 50 into plate 51 to secure the cylinder 26 to the stand 14.
wheel housing and cylinder cap 40 is provided on the top of the cylinder 26. This housing 40 houses wheel 42 upon which piston rod 25 travels. The wheel 42 acts as a guide to ensure proper orientation of the piston rod 25.
: Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the valve means, the air reservoir and the cylinder~ Reference is also made to figure 4 which. s~ows an end elevat~onal view of.the wheel 42 and the wheeI housi`ng and c~linder cap 40. Wheel 42 is mounted on ~: axle 44 in wheel ~ousing 40~ The whee.l housing 40 has a seal 46 attac~ed to the undersurface thereof which seals th~ cylinder 26.
Tu~e 30 is mounted onto stand 14 by ~racket 32 which in this embodiment, comprises a pair o~ toggle arms 52 with a cam seal (not shown~ inside bracket 32. ~hen placed over spindle 54, the toggle arms 52 are moved upwardly to the desired position to secure bracket 32 to spindle 54. Thus, tube 30 i5 retained in open communication with the interior of stand 14.
~17G6~9 1 Referring now to figures 5 and 6, there are shown sectional views o~ the valve 34 in the priming position ~figure 5) and the operative position (figure 6).
Valve 34 consists of a housing 56 in which is mounted laterally, a cylindrical seat 58 which is rotatable about the centre axis by movement of the handle 36 ~not shown~. The seat 58 comprises a first chamber 60 and a second chamber 62 which, depending upon the rotational position of seat 58,will com-municate with either the conduit 6~ or the conduit 66. In the primary position, first chamber 60 communicates with conduit 64 and second chamber 62 communicates with conduit 66. In the operative position, chamber 60 is in communication with conduit 66 and chamber 62 is not involved.
The chamber 60 is separated from the chamber 62 by a vented valve disc mount 68 which has a rubber valve disc 70 secured to one surEace by means of a screw 72 or similar means.
A pressure release and priming intake valve unit 74 is located in housing 56 and consists of a second rubber valve disc 76 secured by screw 78 in a second ven-ted disc valve mount 80.
An air pressure release plunger 82, mounted in an air pressure release mount 8~, which is secured to the housing by screw ~6, communicates with one of the channels in the vented disc valve mount 80.
An air pressure gauge 29 is mounted on the cylinder 26 as shown in figure 2 and allows the user to quickly ascertain the amount of air pressure in the cylinder 26 at any given time.
The operation of the apparatus will now be explained in detail. The operator of the device first adjusts the height of the shoulder rests 10 such that they contact the shoulders in the squatting position while the operator is standing on the stand 14.
The handle 36 is then moved which -turns the seat 58 to the priming position. In one embodiment, the seat has an indicator attached thereto and the indicator is located on the ~7~66~3 1 outslde surface of the housing to inform the operator that the seat ls in either the priming position or the operating position.
Once the handle 36 is moved to the priming position, the seat 58 is orientated as shown in figure 5. In this position, first c~amber 60 is in partial communication with first conduit 64 which communicates with second tube 38 which in turn communic-ates with cylinder 26. First chamber 60 communicates with second chamber 62 by the ac-tion of the disc valve 70 which in turn com-municates with second conduit 66, tube 30 and stand 14 which serves as a reservoi:r The operator now proceeds ~o load or charge the apparatus in the ~ollowing manner. The operator pushes upwardly on the shoulder rests 10 which causes the piston rod 25 to move upwardly thus.reducing the volume in the cylinder above the piston seal 27 and below .seal 46. This.causes a positive pressure within the--sys-tem and urges the second rubber disc valve 7-6 to seal shut.thereby preventing any air loss through vents 88. As the second rubber disc valve 76 is forced closed, the air pressure causes disc valve 70 away from mount 68 thus opening vents 90 and allowing 29 air to move to the storage platform 14 via tube 30.
The shoulder rests 10 are then pulled downwardly by : the operator which moves the piston rod 25 downwardly into the cylinder 26. This increases the volume of the cylinder between seals 27 and 46 creating a negative pressure in the system. The negative pressure pulls the disc valve 70 towards the mount 68 and is sealed thereto. The second rubber d.isc valve 76 is urged upwardly due to this negative pressure and air is pulled into the system through vents 88 into conduit 64, through tube 38 and into the chamber 26.
The operator then raises the shoulder rests 10 and the ~'7~669 1 process is repeated thereby increasing the amount of air stored in the stand 14. By repeating the process several times, the system is charged to the desired level. The amount of the pressure of the air in the system determines the amount of xesistance in the apparatus and thus allows for complete adjust-ability of this parameter for muscle development.
When the system is charged or loaded to the desired level, the handle 36 is turned to the operating position which xotates the seat 58 to the position as shown in figure 6. In this position, there is an open channel from the stand 14, through tu~e 30, through'second conduit 66, through'first chamber 60, throug~l first conduit 64, through second tube 38 into the cylinder 26 where the air pressure can act upon the piston and the piston seal to provide resistance for the operator.
Since the end of the piston rod 25 in cylinder 26 has ~n air-tight' seal 27 cn its lower end, no air from the system will traveI to the cylinder 26 below the end of the piston rod.
' As the operator does his exercise ~y pressing upwardly on the ; shoulaer rests 10, he must force the air back through the system to the stand 14. This is caused by the action of moving the piston rod 25 by moving the shoulder rests 10. ~he degree of resistance toj this exercise is determined by the amount of pressure in the'system which is created by charging the system. When the operator is fully erect, the air pressure will tend to force the p~ston rod 25 downwardly in the cyl;nder 26. By resisting the return of the piston rod 2S, the opera-tor create$
exercise in the downward movement of the shoulder rests 10 as well as the upward movement thereo~.
When the operator wishes to release some or all of the pressure in t~e system, he merely presses in plunger 82 which q ~3L76~i69 1 forces the second rubber disc valve 76 upwardly allowing release of the pressure through vents 88.
The present device has effectively allowed for all three types of muscle contractions. If the pressure in the system is built up to a point where the operabor cannot move the shoulder rests upwardly because of the air pressure in the system being exerted in the opposite direction, by forcing up-wardly on the shoulder rests 10, the operator causes isometric contractions of his muscles.
Concentric contractions are achieved by maintaining the pressure in the systems at a level wherein the operator can press the shoulder rests 10 upwardly but against a substantial force.
In this case, the operator's muscles' contract concentrically.
In the downward stroke of the piston rod caused by the increased pressure in the system, the operator tries to resist this move-ment and thus causes eccentric contractions of his muscles.
It is a further advantagé of the system that it is rather simple in manufacture and thus, of reduced costs. It is made of light material and thus, the whole apparatus can ~e 29 portable and moved to the appropriate training sites.
The system may be charged to the indi~idual specification of the operator, thus allowing for variable resi~tance in the system. The present invention also allows fcr biomechanical accommodation, that is, it allows for a variation in the resi5tance in the system in conjunction with the strength curve required by the particular exercise and by the particular athlete. As the operator moves ~he shoulder rests 10 upwardly towards the top of its travel, the amount of storage space for the air in the system is reduced thus increasing the resistance in the system.
Isometric contractions are contractions in which the length of the muscle remains unchanged while the muscle developS
tension. These types of contractions occur when a muscle applies a force against an immovable o~je~-t. A concentric contraction occurs when the'muscle'shortens as it develops tension and over-~ comes the resistance. In an eccentric con-traction, the external resistance overcomes the active muscle and the muscle lengthens while developing tensionO
The devices of the prior art take into account, some or all of these types of muscle con-tractions. The devices hic~ only take into account some of the foregoîng types of contractions, do not make maximum use of the exercise. If a device or apparatus can take into account all three types of contractions, much more increased development of the muscle will occur during a specific exercise.
The equipment on the market today which in fact takes into account all three types of contractions, is ex~remely cumber some and expensive. As a result, this e~uipment is found only ~766~9 1 at institutions, health clubs, rehabilitation centers and the like. As a result, they do not have wide-spread use by athletes ~hich require a ligh~-weight, inexpensive and portable apparatus which is suitable for home use and also use at training facili-ties.
A further drawback of the prior art devices is that they do not provide for differing velocities of movement during the exercise. In other words, the exercise is performed at a continuous rate o~ speed which restricts the ability of the person doing the e~ercises from achieving maximum benefit from the exercise. In designing strength training equipment, it is an important consideration to consider the strengt~ curve which is defined as the variation in strength that a muscle undergoes through a range of movement. While different syste~s have incorporated some aspects of variable resistance in the system, most systems have not provided sufficient means to correlate variable resistance with the strength curve.
One such prior art device is illustrated in U.S.
patent number 3,822,599 issued on July 9, 1974 to Brentham.
This device is based on the concentric contractions of muscles and does not consider all three types of mu~cle contractions as set out hereinbefore. ~nother device by the same inventor, as illustrated in U.S. patent 4,066,259 granted on January 3, 1978, provides for concentric contractions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome these disadvantages by providing a novel leg exercîse apparatus which will produce isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions in a muscle, and which will allow for differing velocities of exercise movement.
~76~i69 1 It is a further object of this invention to provide a novel leg exercise apparatus which is simple in design and which may be manufactured and sold for home use.
It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide a light-weight and portable leg exercise apparatus.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a novel leg exercise apparatus whieh ineludes variable resistanee and which can be operated to provide maximum muscle strengthening ahility in correlation to the strength eurve of the preseleeted musele.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a leg strengthening apparatus which uses no auxiliary fluid supply souree and is eompletely self-contained and easy to operate, yet eompletely safe.
~O this end, in one of its aspects, the invention provides a leg strengthening apparatus which eomprises an air reservoir;
a valve means adapted to control the flow of air into and out of said reservoir;
a eylinder in communication with said valve means, said eylinder having a piston slidably disposed therein;
aetuating means adjustably seeured to said piston.
In another o~ its aspeets, the invention further provides a leg strengthening apparatus which eomprises an air reservoir whieh comprises a stand having an air pocket therein, and an elongated tube in communication with said pocket;
a valve means adapted to control the flow of air into and out of said reservoir, said valve means comprising a valve, a handle adapted to operate said valve, and a eonneeting tube eon-nectlng said valve to a cylinder which is secured to said stand 66~
1 said valve comprising a housing and a valve seat which is reversably movable from a position communicating with said cylinder by said connecting tube to said air reservoir, to a non-com-municating position;
said cylinder in communication with said valve means and having a pisto1l and a piston seal slidablv disposed therein, said piston ex~ending beyond the -top of said cylinder, an actuating means adjustably secured to said piston, said actuating means comprising a pair of padded shoulder rests.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the ~ollowing description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
. .. . _ .
FIGURE 1 is a top plain view oE thé apparatus o~ the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention.
FIGURE 3 is an exploded side elevational view of the air reservoir, the valve means and the cylinder of the present invention~
FIGURE 4 is an end elevational view of the wheel and the wheel housing and cylinder cap.
FIGURE 5 is a sectional view of the valve in the priming position.
FIGURE 6 is a sectional view of the valve in the operative position.
FIGURE 7 is a side elevational view of the piston rod of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The apparatus consists essentially of an air reservoir, a valve means adapted to control the flow of air into and out of ~L76665~
1 the reservoir, a cylinder in communication with the valve means and a piston slidably disposed in the cylinder and extending outwardly from one end of the cylinder, and actuating means adjustably secured to the pis-ton and adopted to apply resistance against its movement.
Referring now to figures 1 and 2, the air reservoir comprises a stand 14 and an elongated tube 30 in communication therewith. The stand 14 is hollowed out so that air can be retained therein. The stand 14 also serves as a platform upon which the operator can stand when using the apparatus and it may be made of any suitable material.
The tu~e 30 is secured to the stand 14 by fi.rst bracket 32 and it communicates with the interior of the stand 14. Thus, there is free flow of air between the tube 30 and the stand 14.
The valve means comprises a valve 34, -the operation of wh~,ch.i`s controlled by handle 36. A second tube 38 is provided to connect the valve 34 to a cylinder 26.
The cylinder 26 includes a piston as shown in figure 7 which comprises a piston rod 25 and a piston seal 27. The piston ~ is slidably disposed within the cylinder 26 and the piston rod ': 25 extends a~ove t~e top of the cylinder 26 as sh.own in figure 2.
The actuatlng means comprises a pair of shoulder rests : : 10, which are secured to the piston rod 25 ~y bracket 2Q in any well known manner. The shoulder rests 10 are generally padded with paddi.ng 16 on the undersurfa.ce thereof to increase the comfort of the user when the apparatus is in use~ While the padding 16 is not necessary, it is generally preferred to ease the strain on the.shoulders. The undersurface of the shoulder rests 10 are ~enerally sloped to correspond to the natural slope of the users shoulders, 66g The shoulder rests 10 extend horizontally outwardly from t~e rod 25 and are secured thereto by an adjustable bracket 20.. The bracket may be an integral part of the shoulder rests lQ or i`t may ~e a separate component. The height of the shoulder rests 10 is completely adjustable to accomodate d~fferent he~g~ts- of operators. Rod 25 may also be adjustable in height if desired, by any well known means such as being constructed of a plurality of interlocking telescoping pieces.
As shown .in ~igure 3, the cylinder 26 is mounted on stand 14 by a pair of mounting plates 50, Sl, the former being secured to t~e base o~ the cvlinder 26 and the latter being secured to the top of the stand 14. Bolts 48 extend through the plake 50 into plate 51 to secure the cylinder 26 to the stand 14.
wheel housing and cylinder cap 40 is provided on the top of the cylinder 26. This housing 40 houses wheel 42 upon which piston rod 25 travels. The wheel 42 acts as a guide to ensure proper orientation of the piston rod 25.
: Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the valve means, the air reservoir and the cylinder~ Reference is also made to figure 4 which. s~ows an end elevat~onal view of.the wheel 42 and the wheeI housi`ng and c~linder cap 40. Wheel 42 is mounted on ~: axle 44 in wheel ~ousing 40~ The whee.l housing 40 has a seal 46 attac~ed to the undersurface thereof which seals th~ cylinder 26.
Tu~e 30 is mounted onto stand 14 by ~racket 32 which in this embodiment, comprises a pair o~ toggle arms 52 with a cam seal (not shown~ inside bracket 32. ~hen placed over spindle 54, the toggle arms 52 are moved upwardly to the desired position to secure bracket 32 to spindle 54. Thus, tube 30 i5 retained in open communication with the interior of stand 14.
~17G6~9 1 Referring now to figures 5 and 6, there are shown sectional views o~ the valve 34 in the priming position ~figure 5) and the operative position (figure 6).
Valve 34 consists of a housing 56 in which is mounted laterally, a cylindrical seat 58 which is rotatable about the centre axis by movement of the handle 36 ~not shown~. The seat 58 comprises a first chamber 60 and a second chamber 62 which, depending upon the rotational position of seat 58,will com-municate with either the conduit 6~ or the conduit 66. In the primary position, first chamber 60 communicates with conduit 64 and second chamber 62 communicates with conduit 66. In the operative position, chamber 60 is in communication with conduit 66 and chamber 62 is not involved.
The chamber 60 is separated from the chamber 62 by a vented valve disc mount 68 which has a rubber valve disc 70 secured to one surEace by means of a screw 72 or similar means.
A pressure release and priming intake valve unit 74 is located in housing 56 and consists of a second rubber valve disc 76 secured by screw 78 in a second ven-ted disc valve mount 80.
An air pressure release plunger 82, mounted in an air pressure release mount 8~, which is secured to the housing by screw ~6, communicates with one of the channels in the vented disc valve mount 80.
An air pressure gauge 29 is mounted on the cylinder 26 as shown in figure 2 and allows the user to quickly ascertain the amount of air pressure in the cylinder 26 at any given time.
The operation of the apparatus will now be explained in detail. The operator of the device first adjusts the height of the shoulder rests 10 such that they contact the shoulders in the squatting position while the operator is standing on the stand 14.
The handle 36 is then moved which -turns the seat 58 to the priming position. In one embodiment, the seat has an indicator attached thereto and the indicator is located on the ~7~66~3 1 outslde surface of the housing to inform the operator that the seat ls in either the priming position or the operating position.
Once the handle 36 is moved to the priming position, the seat 58 is orientated as shown in figure 5. In this position, first c~amber 60 is in partial communication with first conduit 64 which communicates with second tube 38 which in turn communic-ates with cylinder 26. First chamber 60 communicates with second chamber 62 by the ac-tion of the disc valve 70 which in turn com-municates with second conduit 66, tube 30 and stand 14 which serves as a reservoi:r The operator now proceeds ~o load or charge the apparatus in the ~ollowing manner. The operator pushes upwardly on the shoulder rests 10 which causes the piston rod 25 to move upwardly thus.reducing the volume in the cylinder above the piston seal 27 and below .seal 46. This.causes a positive pressure within the--sys-tem and urges the second rubber disc valve 7-6 to seal shut.thereby preventing any air loss through vents 88. As the second rubber disc valve 76 is forced closed, the air pressure causes disc valve 70 away from mount 68 thus opening vents 90 and allowing 29 air to move to the storage platform 14 via tube 30.
The shoulder rests 10 are then pulled downwardly by : the operator which moves the piston rod 25 downwardly into the cylinder 26. This increases the volume of the cylinder between seals 27 and 46 creating a negative pressure in the system. The negative pressure pulls the disc valve 70 towards the mount 68 and is sealed thereto. The second rubber d.isc valve 76 is urged upwardly due to this negative pressure and air is pulled into the system through vents 88 into conduit 64, through tube 38 and into the chamber 26.
The operator then raises the shoulder rests 10 and the ~'7~669 1 process is repeated thereby increasing the amount of air stored in the stand 14. By repeating the process several times, the system is charged to the desired level. The amount of the pressure of the air in the system determines the amount of xesistance in the apparatus and thus allows for complete adjust-ability of this parameter for muscle development.
When the system is charged or loaded to the desired level, the handle 36 is turned to the operating position which xotates the seat 58 to the position as shown in figure 6. In this position, there is an open channel from the stand 14, through tu~e 30, through'second conduit 66, through'first chamber 60, throug~l first conduit 64, through second tube 38 into the cylinder 26 where the air pressure can act upon the piston and the piston seal to provide resistance for the operator.
Since the end of the piston rod 25 in cylinder 26 has ~n air-tight' seal 27 cn its lower end, no air from the system will traveI to the cylinder 26 below the end of the piston rod.
' As the operator does his exercise ~y pressing upwardly on the ; shoulaer rests 10, he must force the air back through the system to the stand 14. This is caused by the action of moving the piston rod 25 by moving the shoulder rests 10. ~he degree of resistance toj this exercise is determined by the amount of pressure in the'system which is created by charging the system. When the operator is fully erect, the air pressure will tend to force the p~ston rod 25 downwardly in the cyl;nder 26. By resisting the return of the piston rod 2S, the opera-tor create$
exercise in the downward movement of the shoulder rests 10 as well as the upward movement thereo~.
When the operator wishes to release some or all of the pressure in t~e system, he merely presses in plunger 82 which q ~3L76~i69 1 forces the second rubber disc valve 76 upwardly allowing release of the pressure through vents 88.
The present device has effectively allowed for all three types of muscle contractions. If the pressure in the system is built up to a point where the operabor cannot move the shoulder rests upwardly because of the air pressure in the system being exerted in the opposite direction, by forcing up-wardly on the shoulder rests 10, the operator causes isometric contractions of his muscles.
Concentric contractions are achieved by maintaining the pressure in the systems at a level wherein the operator can press the shoulder rests 10 upwardly but against a substantial force.
In this case, the operator's muscles' contract concentrically.
In the downward stroke of the piston rod caused by the increased pressure in the system, the operator tries to resist this move-ment and thus causes eccentric contractions of his muscles.
It is a further advantagé of the system that it is rather simple in manufacture and thus, of reduced costs. It is made of light material and thus, the whole apparatus can ~e 29 portable and moved to the appropriate training sites.
The system may be charged to the indi~idual specification of the operator, thus allowing for variable resi~tance in the system. The present invention also allows fcr biomechanical accommodation, that is, it allows for a variation in the resi5tance in the system in conjunction with the strength curve required by the particular exercise and by the particular athlete. As the operator moves ~he shoulder rests 10 upwardly towards the top of its travel, the amount of storage space for the air in the system is reduced thus increasing the resistance in the system.
3~ ~y doing so, the resistance in the system varies o~er the range ~766~
1 of the exercise itself which produces improved muscle training and improved speci~icity of training.
The present invention is easy to operate and provides an excellent leg exerciser. The operator first adjusts the handle 36 ~o the priming position and then adjusts the shoulder rests to the correct height. He then bends his knees and places his shoulders underneath the shoulder rests. The operator then stands straight up raising the shoulder rests to the top of their travel, then pulls the shoulder rests 10 downwardly to the bottom of their travel. This motion is repeated until the apparatus is primed to the desired pressure. I~he operator then turns the handle 36 to the operating position and performs the desired exercise.
A particular advantage of this apparatus is that it ~llows the operator to warm-up at the same time as priming the machine. Thus, as the pressure of the air is increasea in the apparatus~ t~e operator becomes progressively "warmed-up" and is ready to do his exercises.
The invention may be varied within the spirit and scope of the present invention. ~ further embocliment of the invention includes an apparatus which is based on a par-tial vacuum rather than positive air pressure. This embodiment may be made with a sin~le rearrangement of the parts of the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 7.
In the embodimen~ using a partial vacuum, the valve means is altered and the release valve unit 74, the second rubber disc valve 76, screw 78 and the plunger 82 and the mount 84 are removed and the conduit leading directly to the release valve unit 74 is sealed shut. Connecting tube 30 is also removed as well as the bracket 32.
The priming factor o~ the second rubber disc valve 76 6!6~
is relocated to a mounting in the piston inside the cylinder 26.
The pressure release function is separate and mounted directly on the storage platform~
In the priming position, when the shoulder rests are moved upwardly, the disc valve 70 is urged away from its resting position thus expelling the air directly through conduit 66 where it is expelled to the exterior environment.
As the shoulder rests are forced downwardly, disc valve 70 closes thereby preventing any air from the outside from entering the system. As the piston moves downwardly, a progres-sivel~ larger vacuum is created in the chamber above the piston seal then exists below the seal. The piston seal is constructed to open and the air pressure contained in the storage base passes up into the cylinder through a sealed orifice connecting the cylinde:r to the base. ~s the shoulder rests are raised again, this causes more air to be expelled from the system.
The piston seal is constructed similar to the second valve disc 76 such that air will move only upwardly. When the piston is moved upwardly due to the upward movement of the shoulder ; : 2~ rests, the piston seal seals thus forcing the air out through ~ the valve disc 70. On the downward stroke, the piston seal opens : thus equalizing the pressure in the system. As the system i.$
: repeated, a larger vacuum is built up.
To initiate the exercise system, the handle.36 is turned.
to the operating position, thus causing an open channel through conduit 66, channel 60, conduit 64 and tube 38, which allows .atmospheric air to enter the upper portion of the cylinder ; acting directly on the upper surface of the piston. Because a partial vacuum has been created in the storage platform connected to the bottom of the cylinder, this results in a downward force 1 applied to the piston by the a ~sp~ere. ~o reduce the vacuum, a simple valve serving a similar function to plunger 82 is conveniently located on the stand 14. By opening this valve, atmospheric air enters the stand 14 thus equalizing the air pressure on the upper surface of the piston.
Although the disclosure describes and illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood the invention is not restrictive to this particular embodiment.
' ~ 13 -
1 of the exercise itself which produces improved muscle training and improved speci~icity of training.
The present invention is easy to operate and provides an excellent leg exerciser. The operator first adjusts the handle 36 ~o the priming position and then adjusts the shoulder rests to the correct height. He then bends his knees and places his shoulders underneath the shoulder rests. The operator then stands straight up raising the shoulder rests to the top of their travel, then pulls the shoulder rests 10 downwardly to the bottom of their travel. This motion is repeated until the apparatus is primed to the desired pressure. I~he operator then turns the handle 36 to the operating position and performs the desired exercise.
A particular advantage of this apparatus is that it ~llows the operator to warm-up at the same time as priming the machine. Thus, as the pressure of the air is increasea in the apparatus~ t~e operator becomes progressively "warmed-up" and is ready to do his exercises.
The invention may be varied within the spirit and scope of the present invention. ~ further embocliment of the invention includes an apparatus which is based on a par-tial vacuum rather than positive air pressure. This embodiment may be made with a sin~le rearrangement of the parts of the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 7.
In the embodimen~ using a partial vacuum, the valve means is altered and the release valve unit 74, the second rubber disc valve 76, screw 78 and the plunger 82 and the mount 84 are removed and the conduit leading directly to the release valve unit 74 is sealed shut. Connecting tube 30 is also removed as well as the bracket 32.
The priming factor o~ the second rubber disc valve 76 6!6~
is relocated to a mounting in the piston inside the cylinder 26.
The pressure release function is separate and mounted directly on the storage platform~
In the priming position, when the shoulder rests are moved upwardly, the disc valve 70 is urged away from its resting position thus expelling the air directly through conduit 66 where it is expelled to the exterior environment.
As the shoulder rests are forced downwardly, disc valve 70 closes thereby preventing any air from the outside from entering the system. As the piston moves downwardly, a progres-sivel~ larger vacuum is created in the chamber above the piston seal then exists below the seal. The piston seal is constructed to open and the air pressure contained in the storage base passes up into the cylinder through a sealed orifice connecting the cylinde:r to the base. ~s the shoulder rests are raised again, this causes more air to be expelled from the system.
The piston seal is constructed similar to the second valve disc 76 such that air will move only upwardly. When the piston is moved upwardly due to the upward movement of the shoulder ; : 2~ rests, the piston seal seals thus forcing the air out through ~ the valve disc 70. On the downward stroke, the piston seal opens : thus equalizing the pressure in the system. As the system i.$
: repeated, a larger vacuum is built up.
To initiate the exercise system, the handle.36 is turned.
to the operating position, thus causing an open channel through conduit 66, channel 60, conduit 64 and tube 38, which allows .atmospheric air to enter the upper portion of the cylinder ; acting directly on the upper surface of the piston. Because a partial vacuum has been created in the storage platform connected to the bottom of the cylinder, this results in a downward force 1 applied to the piston by the a ~sp~ere. ~o reduce the vacuum, a simple valve serving a similar function to plunger 82 is conveniently located on the stand 14. By opening this valve, atmospheric air enters the stand 14 thus equalizing the air pressure on the upper surface of the piston.
Although the disclosure describes and illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood the invention is not restrictive to this particular embodiment.
' ~ 13 -
Claims (23)
1. A leg strengthening apparatus which comprises an air reservoir;
a valve means adapted to control the flow of air into and out of said reservoir;
a cylinder in communication with said valve means, said cylinder having a piston slidably disposed therein;
actuating means adjustably secured to said piston.
a valve means adapted to control the flow of air into and out of said reservoir;
a cylinder in communication with said valve means, said cylinder having a piston slidably disposed therein;
actuating means adjustably secured to said piston.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said air reservoir comprises a stand and an elongated tube in communication therewith.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said valve means comprises a valve, a handle adapted to operate said valve and a connecting tube connecting said valve to said cylinder.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said piston comprises a piston rod and a seal, said piston rod extending beyond the top of said cylinder.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said actuating means is adjustably secured to said piston rod.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said actuating means comprises a pair of shoulder rests secured to said rod by an adjustable bracket.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said stand has an internal pocket for retention of air which is in communic-ation with said tube.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said shoulder rests are padded.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said cylinder is secured to said stand.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 further including guide means to guide the movement of said piston rod.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said handle is adapted to move said valve from a priming position to an operating position or from an operating position to a priming position.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein said valve comprises a housing and a valve seat which is reversibly movable from a position communicating with said cylinder by said connecting tube to said elongated tube, to a non-communicating position.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein said valve seat comprises a first chamber, a second chamber, and a vented valve disc mount with a rubber valve disc secured thereto separat-ing said first and second chambers.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 further including a pressure release and priming intake valve unit.
15. A leg strengthening apparatus which comprises an air reservoir which comprises a stand having an air pocket therein, and an elongated tube in communication with said pocket;
a valve means adapted to control the flow of air into and out of said reservoir, said valve means comprising a valve, a handle adapted to operate said valve, and a connecting tube connecting said valve to a cylinder which is secured to said stand, said valve comprising a housing and a valve seat which is
15. A leg strengthening apparatus which comprises an air reservoir which comprises a stand having an air pocket therein, and an elongated tube in communication with said pocket;
a valve means adapted to control the flow of air into and out of said reservoir, said valve means comprising a valve, a handle adapted to operate said valve, and a connecting tube connecting said valve to a cylinder which is secured to said stand, said valve comprising a housing and a valve seat which is
Claim 15 continued reversably movable from a position communicating with said cylinder by said connecting tube to said air reservoir, to a non-communicating position;
said cylinder in communication with said valve means and having a piston slidably disposed therein, and piston comprising a piston rod and a seal, said piston rod extending marginally beyond the top of the cylinder;
actuating means adjustably secured to the rod, said actuating means comprising a pair of padded shoulder rests adjustably secured to said rod.
said cylinder in communication with said valve means and having a piston slidably disposed therein, and piston comprising a piston rod and a seal, said piston rod extending marginally beyond the top of the cylinder;
actuating means adjustably secured to the rod, said actuating means comprising a pair of padded shoulder rests adjustably secured to said rod.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said cylinder is secured to said stand by a plurality of mounting bolts which extend through a mounting plate mounted on the bottom of the cylin-der and into a corresponding mounting plate on the tops of said stand.
17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said guide means comprises a wheel mounted in a wheel housing, said wheel adapted to guide the movement of said piston rod.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15 further including an air pressure gauge mounted on said cylinder.
19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cylinder is in communication with said air reservoir.
20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein said piston includes a first valve adapted to one-way passage of air there-through, said air passing from the air reservoir to said valve means.
21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein said valve means comprises a second valve, a handle adapted to operate said valve and a connecting tube connecting said valve to said cylinder.
22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein said second valve allows air to be expelled from said valve means.
23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 22 further including a release valve on said air reservoir.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000381760A CA1176669A (en) | 1981-07-15 | 1981-07-15 | Leg exercise apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000381760A CA1176669A (en) | 1981-07-15 | 1981-07-15 | Leg exercise apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1176669A true CA1176669A (en) | 1984-10-23 |
Family
ID=4120440
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000381760A Expired CA1176669A (en) | 1981-07-15 | 1981-07-15 | Leg exercise apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1176669A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0191961A1 (en) * | 1983-05-11 | 1986-08-27 | William Gvoich | Valve device and abductor-adductor device including such a valve device |
| US6402667B1 (en) | 1999-01-11 | 2002-06-11 | Wade R. Dahn | Isokinetic exercise apparatus for the lower body |
-
1981
- 1981-07-15 CA CA000381760A patent/CA1176669A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0191961A1 (en) * | 1983-05-11 | 1986-08-27 | William Gvoich | Valve device and abductor-adductor device including such a valve device |
| US6402667B1 (en) | 1999-01-11 | 2002-06-11 | Wade R. Dahn | Isokinetic exercise apparatus for the lower body |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |