CA1290635C

CA1290635C - Abdomen training unit

Info

Publication number: CA1290635C
Application number: CA000527559A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Otto Greither
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-01-16
Filing date: 1987-01-16
Publication date: 1991-10-15
Anticipated expiration: 2008-10-15
Also published as: SG65290G; DE3761118D1; DE3601137A1; EP0235519A1; WO1987004356A1; ATE48535T1; ES2012360B3; EP0235519B1; DE3601137C2

Abstract

ABSTRACT
For the purpose of strengthening the abdominal muscles and the digestive tract, an abdomen training unit comprises a pot-shaped base element and a similarly pot-shaped actuating part which does not rotate but moves up and down in relation to the base element; the unit is secured to the abdomen by means of a body belt, a bearing surface resting upon the abdomen in such a manner that a compression springs clamped between the base element and the actuating part, is expanded when the abdomen is drawn in and is compressed when the abdomen is arched out; the compression spring bears against the base element through a control element which can be removed therefrom after the manner of a bayonet fastening, the control element carries cams which, upon rotation of the control element, follow axial thrust surfaces, thus displacing the control element axially for the purpose of adjusting the preload force of the compression spring;
the diameter of the control element is greater than that of the compression spring, so that the latter can be changed, through the control element bearing aperture, for the purpose of varying the hardness of the spring.

Description

911~63~
.

The-invention relates to an abdomen training unit.
In particular, the unit comprises a base element, an actuating part guided in the base element in such a manner as to carry out lifting movements, the actuating part comprises, on the side remote from the base element, a substantially flat bearing surface which rests upon the abdomen and which runs at right angles to the direction of the lifting movement, a compression spring, more particularly a helical compression spring, clamped between the base element and the actuating part, a lift counting mechanism actuated by the lifting movements of the actuating part in relation to ~he base element, and a flexible body belt which is secured to the base element by means of at least two attach-ment members spaced from each other and arranged at right angles to the direction of the lifting movement.
An abdomen training unit of this kind is known from Dr. Otto Greither's "Gesund durch Dich selbst", Sammlung Natur und Wissen, Verlag Kurt Desch, Munich, Vienna, Basle, 1961, pages 101 to 103. The purpose of the unit is to train the abdominal muscles and stimulate the intestinal-tract. The unit is strapped to the body, by means of the body belt, with the actuating part resting upon the abdomen, in such a manner that, when the abdomen is drawn in, the relaxed compression spring is compressed by arching the abdomen outwardly. The lift counting mechanism is advanced when the unit is fully compressed, thus counting the number of compression cycles.

O~i35 The known abdomen training unit comprises two plates, one of which is provided with eyes for the body belt and is guided displaceably by a stud which projects from the other plate at right angles to this one. Clamped between the two ; plates is a helical compression spring which surrounds the stud and which bears, through the plate which moves in rela-tion to the stud, upon a nut screwed thereto.
In the case of the known unit, the two plates tend to tilt in relation to each other which makes it difficult to manipulate. The spring and the counting mechanism are exposed.
This not only detracts from the-appearance but there is also a danger of injury and contamination. By removing the nut, the known unit may be dismantled, at which time the spring fitted may be replaced by one of different hardness for the purpose of adjusting the pressure applied by the unit, if necessary. Since the nut in the known unit is relatively small, a certain amount ; of skill is needed to replace the spring. No provisions are made for substantially altering the preload applied by the - incorporated spring.
The present invention seeks to improve the training unit described at the beginning hereof, to allow the compres-sion spring preload to be adjusted reproducibly without diffi-culty and within relatively wide limits. It is also to be possible for the compression spring to be replaced without difficulty, even by unskilled labour.

According to the invention there is provided an abdomen training unit comprising a base element and an actuating part guided in such a manner as to move between two terminal posi-tions in the base element; the actuating part comprises, on the side remote from the base element, a substantially flat bearing surface which rests upon the abdomen, a compression springS more particularly a helical compression spring, between the base element and the actuating part; the compression spring is clamped between the actuating part and a control element which is mounted, in an opening in the base element in such a manner as to be rotatable about an axis running approximately in the direction of the lifting movement and to be axially displaceable, the diameter of the control element being greater than that of.
the compression spring; axial thrust elements are associated with each other, and are provided on the control element and the base element in the path of support of the compression spring, the thrust elements alter the axial position of the base and control elements, in relation to each other, during relative movement of the elements; one of the base and control elements comprises axial recesses offset angularly in relation to its axial thrust element, the axial recesses permitting passage of the axial thrust elements of the other element, and being axially open for removal of the control element from the open-ing in the base element; the control element comprises an adjusting handle on the side remote from the actuating part in the direction of the lifting movement.

6~5 In particular, the flat bearing surface runs at right angles to the direction of movement of the actuating part, and the unit includes a lift counting mechanism actuated by the lifting movements of the actuating part in relation to the base element, and a flexible body belt is secured to the base element by means of at least two attachment members spaced from each other and arranged at right angles to the direction of the lift-ing movement.
According to the invention, and in contrast to the known unit, the compression spring does not bear directly upon the base element, but upon a control element which is separate from the stroke limiting stops on the actuating part and the base element. The control element is secured detachably to the base element by a kind of bayonet fastening, the dimension of the opening being such that, when the control element has been removed, the compression spring can be removed and replaced with a spring of different hardness without completely dismantl-ing the unit. The control element, which moves axially and also rotates in the opening, for the bayonet fastening, is adjusted axially in the rotary locking range of the bayonet fastening, by means of axial thrust elements, by rotating in relation to the base element, thus permitting fine adjustment of the compression spring preload. The bayonet locking limits the adjusting angle of rotation of the control element to less than 360, thus ensuring a definitely reproducible adjustment. The adjustment may also be facilitated by means of optical markings.

9C~635 According to a preferred configuration, the controlelement is cylindrical in shape and is guided in such a manner as to be able to rotate and move axially in a control bush projecting from the base element. In conjunction with this kind of guidance, the axial thrust elements of one of the two bodies are in the form of radially projecting cams which follow the axial thrust path of the other body. In this case, the axial thrust elements must not take over any radial guide forces. It is desirable for the preferably diametrially opposed cams to be provided on the control element and to follow axial thrust paths each formed by the front edge of the control bush. Axial thrust elements of this kind are very easy to produce, especially in the form of injection moulded plastic parts. Another advantage of this design of axial thrust elements is that recesses for locking the control element may be arranged in predetermined rotational positions in the axial thrust path of each cam. These recesses not only determine specific spring preload values, but also prevent inadvertent rotation of the control element when the unit is in use, even if comparatively steep axial thrust paths are used.
The axial thrust path may pass over directly into the cam passage recess which allows the control element to be removed. However, since this involves a danger of inadvertent release of the control element, it is desirable for front edge lugs to be formed on the control bush between the removal ~9~)~35 recesses and the axial thrust paths, these must be overcome manually, by pressing the control element into the control bush, before the control element can be rotated into position for removal.
In the case of the known abdomen training unit, the stud guiding the base element is of relatively small diameter.
According to one practical configuration of the invention, the base element and the actuating part carry guide tubes running coaxially one within the other, the guide tubes, in turn, enclosing the compression spring coaxially. In this connec-tion, the base element and the actuating part are of relatively large diameter which improves the stability of the guidance.
The guide tubes, which are telescopically displaceable one within the other, protect not only the compression spring but also the lift counting mechanism which may be read off through a window, more particularly in the guide tube on the base element side.
~ he lift of the base element and the actuating part is preferably limited by at least one radial catch projection springing radially to the guide tubes and engaging in a guide slot extending in the direction of the lifting movement. In addition to limiting the lift, there is the advantage that the actuating part cannot rotate in relation to the base element.
The invention is illustrated in a particular and preferred embodiment by reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

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FIGURE 1 is a section through an abdomen training unit as seen along the line I-I in Figure 2;
FIGURE 2 is a section through the abdomen training unit as seen along the line II-II in Figure I; and FIGURE 3 is a development of a cylindrical control bush in the abdomen training unit.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an abdomen training unit comprising a substantially pot-shaped base element 1 and an actuating part 3 inverted over the open end of the base element 1. Actuating part 3 is adapted to be lifted in the -base element 1 between two terminal positions. Base element 1 and actuating part 3 enclose a helical compression spring 5, acting in the direction of the lifting movement, one end of the spring 5 being accommodated at one end in a centering guide 7 in actuating part 3, while the other end bears upon base element i through a control element 9; a centering guide 11 in the con-trol element 9 guides such other end of the helical compression spring 5.
On opposite sides, at right angles to the lifting direction, base element 1 is equipped with belt eyes 13 (Fig. 2) in which are held the ends of a longitudinally adjustable, flexible body belt 15.
Actuating part 3 comprises a substantially flat sur-face 19, with a slight1y convex curve, which rests upon the abdomen and carries a layer 17 of natural rubber.

3s The body belt 15 is strapped tautly around the body so that spring 5 is expanded as the abdomen is drawn in, corres-ponding to the terminal position shown in Figures 1 and 2. When the abdomen is arched outwardly, actuating part 3 is urged, against the force of spring 5, into the other terminal posi'ion in relation to base element 1 which is fixed by means of body be1t 15. A mechanism 23, which is advanced by means of a rib 21 on actuating part 3, counts the lifts carried out during the training period. The mechanism 23, which for the sake of clarity is not shown in Figure 2, is advanced near the end of the terminal compression position, so that only complete lifts are counted.
Lift counting mechanism 23 may be read off through a window 25, at right angles to the direction of lifting, in base element 1.
Base element 1 comprises a cylindrical guide tube 27 which is closed off, at the end axially remote from surface 19 which rests upon the abdomen, by a wall 29. Belt eyes 13 are located, in the vicinity of wall 29, on diametrically opposite sides of guide tube 27. Actuating part 3 comprises a closed annular wall part 31, the peripheral edge thereof, remote from surface 19 which rests upon the abdomen, merging into a guide tube 33 which encloses guide tube 27 equiaxially and projects axially from surface 19. Surface 19 consists here of an approximately rectangular, substantially flat and slightly concave cover 35 which is placed upon the peripheral edge of wall part 31 which points towards surface 19, symmetrically with the axes of guide tubes 27,33. Wall part 31 merges 3~

g smoothly, on all sides, from the circular cross section at one end into the substantially rectangular cross section at the other end. A-ttachment pins 37 hold cover 35 to wall part 31.
Guide tubes 27,33 are arranged equiaxially with heli-cal compression spring 5 and are joined together by snap connec-tions in such a manner as to be secured against rotation while being axially displaceable. Two radially resilient tongues 41, on diametrically opposite sides oF the edge area remote from wall 29, are separated by axial slots 39, each of the tongues 41 carrying an outwardly projecting locking catch 43 at its end. These catches 43 engage in diametrically opposite, axial slots 45 in guide tube 33 and guide the guide tube 27 in guide tube 33 in such a manner that it cannot rotate but is axially displaceable. The terminal position shown in Figures 1 and 2 is defined by end edges 47 of slots 45 against which catches 43 come to a stop. The other terminal position is defined by ` an annular shoulder 49 on base element 1 located in the vicinity - of wall 29, the shoulder 49 cooperating with the exposed front- edge of wall part 31. Resilient tongues 41 allow base element 1 and actuating part 3 to be snapped together.
Control element 9 comprises a cylindrical wall part 51 which, in a manner to be explained hereinafter, is seated, axially displaceably, in a cylindrical guide bush 53 which is equiaxial to spring 5 and guide tubes 27,33. A handle 55, accessible from the outside of wall 29, provides for the operation of control element 9. Two cams 57 project from the ~ ~:9~163S

periphery of wall part 51 and these cooperate with axial thrust paths 59 on the front edges, running axially in relation to surface 19, of control bush 53. When control element 9 is rotated, the axial thrust paths 59 cause it to move axially, thus varying the preload of compression spring 5.
Figure 3, which is a development of control bush 53, shows details of the two axial thrust paths 59 cooperating with cams 57. The ends, running peripherally, of each axial thrust path 59, are defined by axial projections 61,63 which limit the angle of rotation of control element 9 in two terminal positions.
Provided in the terminal positions are catch recesses 65,67 which lock control element 9 in the terminal positions. The recesses 65,67 thus establish two definite spring preload adjustment.
As also shown in Figure 3, axial recesses 69 are provided between adjacent projections 61,63. These recesses 69 allow cams 57 to pass and thus permit removal of control element 9. A labyrinth bend 71, at the ~nner end of each of the recesses 69, makes inadvertent release of the control element 9 difficult. Labyrinth bend 71 curves around projec-tion 61 at the end of axial thrust path 59 axially remote fromactuating part 3. In order to release control element 9, spring 5 must be pressed into base element 1 against the force of spring 5 and must be introduced, over projection 61, into recess 69.
The inside diameter of control bush 53 is larger than the outside diameter of helical compression spring 5. Thus, ~9~3S

with control element 9 removed, the spring 5 may be removed from the unit and may be replaced with a spring of different hardness taken from a set of springs of different hardness, in order to comply with what is required of the addomen training unit.
Body belt 15 may be provided with any desired type of closure. Velcro-type closures are particularly suitable.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:-

1. An abdomen training unit comprising:
a base element and an actuating part guided in such a manner as to move between two terminal positions in said base element, said actuating part comprising, on a side remote from said base element, a substantially flat bearing surface adapted to rest upon the abdomen, said surface running at right angles to the direction of movement of said actuating part, a compression spring, clamped between said base element and said actuating part, a lift counting mechanism actuated by the lifting movements of said actuating part in relation to the base element, and a flexible body belt secured to said base element by means of at least two attachment members spaced from each other and arranged at right angles to the direction of the lifting movement, characterized in that said compression spring is clamped between said actuating part and a control element which is mounted, in an opening in said base element, in such a manner as to be rotatable about an axis running approximately in the direction of the lifting movement and to be axially displaceable, the diameter of said control element being greater than that of said compression spring, in that axial thrust elements, associated with each other, are provided on said control element and said base element in the path of support of said compression spring, said thrust elements altering the axial position of said base element and said control element, in relation to each other, during relative movement of said base and control elements, in that one of said base and control elements com-prises axial recesses offset angularly in relation to its associated axial thrust elements, said axial recesses per-mitting passage of the axial thrust elements of the other of said base and control elements, and being axially open for removal of said control element from the opening in said base element, and in that the control element comprises an adjust-ing handle on a side remote from said actuating part in the direction of the lifting movement.

2. An abdomen training unit according to claim 1, where-in said control element is of cylindrical shape and is guided in such a manner as to be able to rotate and move axially in a control bush projecting from said base element.

3. An abdomen training unit according to claim 2, where-in said control element carries at least one radially projecting cam, while a front edge, facing said actuating part of said control bush, forms an axial thrust path associated with said cam.

4. An abdomen training unit according to claim 3, where-in said axial thrust path comprises catch recesses for the purpose of locking said control element in predetermined rotational positions.

5. An abdomen training unit according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said axial recess in the control bush, permitting the cam to pass, is separated from the axial thrust path, associa-ted with the cam, by an axial front edge lug.

6. An abdomen training unit according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said control element carries two cams diametrially opposite each other.

7. An abdomen training unit according to claim 1, where-in said base element and said actuating part carry guide tubes guided coaxially one within the other and surrounding said compression spring coaxially.

8. An abdomen training unit according to claim 7, where-in a first of said guide tubes carries at least one catch pro-jection which is radially resilient and which projects radially in relation to a second of said guide tubes, the second guide tube comprising, for each catch projection, a guide slot extend-ing in the direction of the lifting movement, in which said catch projection engages radially and which limits the lifting movement of said catch projection in the direction of pressure of said compression spring.

9. An abdomen training unit according to claim 8, where-in said catch projections are provided in resilient tongues projecting axially and formed upon the first guide tube.

An abdomen training unit according to claim 8, where-in the second guide tube is provided on said actuating part and surrounds the first guide tube radially outwardly.

11. An abdomen training unit according to claim 9,where-in the second guide tube is provided on said actuating part and surrounds the first guide tube radially outwardly.

12. An abdomen training unit according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said actuating part is in the form of a pot, a bottom thereof constituting said flat bearing surface, a wall of said actuating part being connected, in the vicinity of its edge remote from said bottom, to the second guide tube.

13. An abdomen training unit according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the lift counting mechanism is arranged within the guide tube of said base element and may be read through a window in the said guide tube located substantially centrally between said two attachment members.

14. An abdomen training unit according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the lift counting mechanism is arranged within the guide tube of said base element and may be read through a window in the said guide tube located substantially centrally between said two attachment members.

15. An abdomen training unit according to claim 1, where-in said bearing surface is coated with a resilient material.

16. An abdomen training unit according to claim 15, where-in said resilient material is natural rubber.

17. An abdomen training unit according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said spring is a helical compression spring.