CN113784764A

CN113784764A - System for a mobile exercise machine

Info

Publication number: CN113784764A
Application number: CN201980092870.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·佩奇
Original assignee: Mark Harold Ltd
Current assignee: Mark Harold Ltd
Priority date: 2018-12-21
Filing date: 2019-12-23
Publication date: 2021-12-10
Also published as: EP3897884A1; GB201820948D0; WO2020128536A1

Abstract

A system (400) configured for use with a mobile exercise machine is provided. The system (400) includes a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly comprises an axle (440) and at least one wheel (430), the at least one wheel (430) being mounted on the axle (440) and rotatable relative to the axle (440). The system (400) further includes an axle (410) substantially perpendicular to the axle (440), wherein the wheel assembly is configured to rotate about the axle (410). The system (400) also includes one or more connectors (470), the one or more connectors (470) configured to connect the wheel assembly to the moveable exercise machine.

Description

System for a mobile exercise machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system for a mobile sports apparatus, such as a football goal.

Background

Sports equipment such as soccer goals and basketball goal posts are often required to be sturdy and durable. The instrument must be able to withstand frequent impacts without moving positions and may need to be exposed to extreme weather conditions when used in outdoor instruments. A soccer gate may thus in particular have a significant weight. A potential consequence of this is that the apparatus may be difficult to move, which is problematic in situations where multi-functional space is required (such as school stadiums) and where the exercise apparatus is moved frequently. While many athletic equipment such as soccer doors are marketed as "mobile" or "portable," in practice, these equipment tend to be cumbersome and difficult to move. Furthermore, there may be a risk of injury when moving these goals.

Fig. 1A and 1b show a conventional "mobile" football gate. The goal includes a frame 120, a net 130, and four wheels 110 (only two shown). As shown in fig. 1b, each wheel 110 is connected to the frame 120 by a connecting rod 115. The end of the connecting rod 115 is rotatably coupled to the frame 120 by a bolt 116 such that the connecting rod 115 can rotate about the bolt 116. Stops 117 prevent connecting bar 115 from rotating past the "raised position" (as shown in fig. 1A) to ensure that instrument 100 remains raised above wheels 110. To move the exercise apparatus 100, the apparatus 100 must be raised from the ground and the wheels 110 rotated into position. This usually requires multiple people and a lot of physical effort. There is also a risk of injury associated with this action-one of the users may lower the goal or even be injured by hitting a rotating wheel or trapped skin in the rotating mechanism. Even once the wheels 110 are in place, maneuvering the goal may be difficult. Soccer gates are large and heavy, typically measuring about 24 feet (7.5 meters) long and 8 feet (2.4 meters) high and deep. Thus, steering a soccer gate across a pitch and possibly through a relatively narrow gap can be awkward.

A solution to at least the above problems is desired.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system configured for use with a mobile exercise machine is provided. The system includes a wheel assembly including an axle and at least one wheel mounted on the axle and rotatable relative to the axle. The system also includes an axle substantially perpendicular to the axle, wherein the wheel assembly is configured to rotate about the axle. The one or more connectors may be configured to connect the wheel assembly to the moveable exercise machine.

The combination of the at least one wheel rotatable about the axle and the wheel assembly rotatable about the axle ensures that the exercise apparatus can be more easily manoeuvred than conventional apparatus — the exercise apparatus can be moved in any direction and steered more easily.

The wheel assembly may be configured to be integrated into a mobile exercise machine.

The system may also include a support frame. The support frame may be coupled to the axle. The support frame may be rotatably coupled to the axle to allow the wheel assembly to rotate about the axle. The frame may be configured to support the wheel and enable the wheel to be coupled to the axle.

The support frame may be connected to the axle on each side of the wheel. The support frame may optionally include a strut or arm, or a plurality of arms, with a bridge therebetween for connection to the axle. The bridge may be configured to be rotatably connected to the rod shaft. Each arm may be connected to the axle by receiving an axle end into a bore in the arm.

The support frame may be rotatably coupled to the axle with a bearing. Alternatively, the bearing may be a pressed bearing. Alternatively, the support frame may be rotatably coupled to the axle with a bolt, which may be tightened tightly enough to prevent significant vertical movement of the frame relative to the bolt, but loose enough to enable the frame to rotate relative to the bolt.

The wheel assembly may be configured to translate in a longitudinal direction of the rod axis. Alternatively or preferably, the wheel assembly may be configured to translate substantially perpendicular to the connector. Advantageously, this translation allows the wheel assembly to be lowered to raise the exercise apparatus so that the wheels are the primary or only point of contact with the ground. This reduces the surface area in contact with the ground, reduces the friction acting on the exercise apparatus, and thus makes the action of moving the apparatus easier.

The system may also include one or more engagement elements configured to engage with a separate engagement mechanism. Movement of the engagement element relative to the engagement mechanism may provide the translation.

The lever shaft may be or include a toothed bar or rack, and/or be configured to engage with a complementarily configured engagement mechanism.

The system may further comprise: a substantially circular gear or pinion; and a rod vertically coupled to the pinion. The rod may be coupled to the pinion such that rotation of the rod about its longitudinal axis rotates the pinion.

The shaft may further include a handle for rotation, or may be configured to receive a handle attachment. For example, the rod may have a shaped cross-section to provide a hole within the rod that corresponds to the associated handle. Alternatively, the rod may be of sufficient size and shape (e.g., with rounded ends) so that it can be turned by hand without the need for an additional handle.

The rack and the gear may be engaged such that rotation of the lever raises and lowers the rack, and the rack may be configured to raise and lower the at least one wheel as the lever rotates. This allows the apparatus to be lifted on the wheels with only a small amount of physical effort, and such gradual raising and lowering can reduce the likelihood of any injury caused by this action.

The rack and pinion assembly may be enclosed by a housing. The lever may protrude from the housing for access by a user. This provides further security as such a configuration can shelter the user from contact with any moving parts that could cause snagging.

The assembly may also include a height locking mechanism. Advantageously, this prevents, for example, a goal from sinking after it has been raised to sit on the wheels. The height locking mechanism may be configured to prevent the lever shaft from rising when engaged. The height locking mechanism may include a ratchet wedge and a ratchet release handle configured to release the ratchet wedge upon actuation.

Alternatively or in addition to the engagement means configuration, the rod shaft may be or include a piston located in a piston cylinder, the piston being operable to cause translation of the wheel assembly.

The system may also include a lever coupled to a top of the piston cylinder, wherein operation of the lever translates the wheel assembly. The lever may have a cam-shaped end configured to engage the piston when the lever is lifted. This arrangement ensures that the physical force required to raise the implement onto the wheels is minimised compared to the conventional implements previously described.

The one or more connectors may be configured to attach to, on or in the frame of an existing instrument, and may be or include one or more mounting rods. Advantageously, the mounting bar may be configured to be simply inserted into the frame of an existing instrument, which allows for easy integration of the wheel assembly without requiring any significant modification to the existing instrument. Alternatively, the mounting bar may be configured to be secured to the exterior of the frame. For example, the mounting bar may include holes for receiving screws, or brackets for clipping onto the frame.

In use, the axle may be substantially parallel to the ground, the axle being substantially perpendicular to the ground.

The at least one wheel may comprise one, two, three, four or more wheels. An advantage of providing multiple wheels rather than a single wheel is that since each wheel can rotate independently, sticking or jamming of one wheel does not prevent movement of the machine. On sports fields, the terrain may typically include mud and grass, which may prevent rotation of the individual wheels. The multiple wheels reduce the likelihood that the instrument will become immobile.

The system may also include a housing configured to support the wheel assembly and connectable to the one or more connectors.

The housing may include a top member including an aperture for receiving the rod shaft. The housing may further include a connecting arch and a base ring, wherein the connecting arch joins the top member and the base ring together. The intermediate housing may surround the support frame. The top member and the base ring may be configured to connect to the one or more connectors.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ambulatory exercise device comprising: a frame; and one or more systems according to any embodiment of the first aspect, the one or more systems comprising one or more wheel assemblies. The one or more wheel assemblies may be connected to the frame by the one or more connectors.

The mobile sporting device may be a soccer goal.

The mobile exercise machine may have at least two systems connected to its frame. In the case of a football gate, the wheel assemblies may be positioned opposite each other on each side of the goal frame. In some embodiments, the mobile exercise machine may have four wheel assemblies connected to the frame. In this case, they may be positioned so that there are two wheel assemblies on each side.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts adapted to assemble the wheel assembly of any embodiment of the first aspect.

Drawings

FIG. 1a is an exemplary prior art exercise apparatus;

FIG. 1b is an exemplary prior art wheel assembly used in the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2a is a schematic view of an embodiment showing a perspective view of a wheel assembly;

FIG. 2b is a schematic view of the same embodiment showing a top view of the wheel assembly;

FIG. 2c is a schematic view of the same embodiment showing a side view of the wheel assembly;

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view of the same embodiment;

FIG. 4a is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment showing a perspective view of a wheel assembly;

FIG. 4b is a schematic view of the same embodiment as FIG. 4a, showing a top view of the wheel assembly;

FIG. 4c is a schematic view of the same embodiment as FIGS. 4a and 4b, showing a side view of the wheel assembly;

FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded view of the same embodiment as FIGS. 4 a-c;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second embodiment, shown integrated into an exercise apparatus; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a mobile exercise apparatus.

Detailed Description

Figures 2a-c and 3 show an embodiment of the invention (perspective, top and side views respectively). The wheel system 200 includes three wheels and an axle 240 passing through the center of the wheel 230. This allows the wheel 230 to rotate freely with the axle 240 as the axis of rotation. The wheels 230 are supported by a support frame 250. A support frame 250 is coupled to each end of the axle 240. The support frame 250 is also rotatably coupled to the axle 210 by a hold-down bearing 255 (fig. 2c) such that the frame 250 (and by extension, the wheel 230) can rotate about the axis of the axle 210 relative to the axle 210. The axle 210 is substantially perpendicular to the axle 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 210 includes a rack and pinion assembly. The pinion gear 213 is coupled to the rod 215 such that rotation of the rod 215 about its longitudinal axis rotates the pinion gear 213 and raises and lowers the rack 212. This in turn causes the wheels 230 to rise and fall. The rack 212 and pinion gear assembly 213 is enclosed by the housing 211 with a rod 215 protruding for access by a user. The housing comprises a series of plates 211A, 211b, each plate comprising a series of holes for receiving attachment means 211 c. The plate 211A is otherwise a solid single back plate. In contrast, the plate 211b includes a recess for the pinion gear 213 so that the gear 213 can rotate, and may include a plurality of smaller plate members. In the illustrated example, the attachment means 211c comprises a plurality of bolts and associated nuts. The modular construction of the housing 211 allows a user to easily replace any defective/worn parts, but the housing may also comprise a single component (i.e., the rack-pinion assembly is not accessible by the end user at any point, and the plate is in the form of a permanent attachment or forms one larger component). Ratchet wedge 214 maintains pole shaft 210 at a desired height (i.e., to prevent the goal from sinking when resting on wheels 230) by engaging pinion gear 213 and preventing reverse rotation. The wedge 214 may be released with a release handle 216. Pulling the release handle 216 releases the wedge 214 (i.e., the default position of the wedge 214 is locked). In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical rods have a hexagonal cross-section. The shaped cross-section allows a user to attach a separate handle for rotation. In an alternative example, the rod may have a shaped end for grasping by a hand of a user.

The shaft 210 is received by a hole in the housing 260 such that the shaft 210 is coupled to the support frame 250 after passing through the housing 260. The housing 260 surrounds the support frame 250 and is coupled to two mounting rods 270 configured to connect the system 200 to a sports apparatus.

The housing 260 includes a top member 261, two arcuate connecting arches 263, two plates 264, and a base ring 262. The top member 261 is configured to receive the stem shaft 210 through the central hole 261 a. The top member 261 is coupled to the mounting rod 270 and is connected to the base ring 262 by a connecting bow 263 and plate 264. The top member 261 may include separate "prongs" 261b, 261c on either side of the top of the mounting bar 270 to improve the stability of the connection between the components. The connecting bow 263 and plate 264 include a protrusion P configured to enter a slot S in the top member 461 and base ring 262 so that the components interlock. The base ring 262 is generally circular with two generally rectangular discontinuities protruding on opposite sides of the ring to connect the mounting bar 270. The arcuate connecting bow 263 may be different such that the first bow 263a includes an extension at a top end to support the axle shaft 210 and the second bow 263b includes a rounded end to facilitate removal of the front plate 211d of the axle housing 211.

In this embodiment, the mounting bar 270 is a hollow cube or box portion, but could conceivably be cylindrical. Indeed, any shape is possible so long as the rod fits within the frame 610 (fig. 7) of the exercise apparatus 700 (fig. 7), and the system 200 is configured for use with the frame 610.

Figures 4a-c and 5 illustrate alternative embodiments of the present invention (perspective, top, side and exploded views respectively). The wheel system 400 includes a wheel and an axle 440 passing through the center of the wheel 430. This allows the wheel 430 to freely rotate with the shaft as the axis of rotation. The wheels 430 are supported by a support bracket 450. A support bracket is coupled to each end of the axle 440. The support bracket 450 includes two arms 451 and a rod 452, the two arms 451 being configured to be coupled to the axle 440 on either side of the wheel 430 by receiving an end of the axle 440 into its aperture, the rod 452 being substantially perpendicular to the arms 451. It is this lever 452 that is rotatably coupled to the lever shaft 410 with the hold-down bearing 455. In this embodiment, the lever and the arm are separate components that interlock. The support bracket may alternatively be an integral component.

The support frame 450 is also rotatably coupled to the cylindrical axle 410, with a pressed bearing 455 (fig. 2c), such that the frame 450 (and by extension, the wheel 430) can rotate relative to the axle 410 about an axis perpendicular to the axle 410. The axle 410 is substantially perpendicular to the wheel axle 440. The lever 420 is connected to the top end of the lever shaft 410. The shaft 410 includes a piston cylinder 411 and a piston 415 inside the piston cylinder 411. The lever 420 is connected to the lever shaft 410 by a pin received through the hole 421, thereby allowing the lever 420 to pivot to raise and lower. The lever has a cam shaped end and the aperture 421 is positioned so that when the lever 420 is lifted it increases in length within the piston cylinder 411. This additional length causes the lever 420 to engage the piston 215, and the piston 215 applies a downward vertical force to the support frame 450. This lowers the support frame 450 (and by extension, the wheels 430) so that the exercise apparatus 700 (fig. 7) is raised so that the wheels 430 are the only point of contact with the ground so that the apparatus can move.

The shaft 410 is received by a hole 461a in the housing 460 such that the shaft 410 is coupled to the support frame 450 after passing through the housing 460. The enclosure 460 surrounds the support frame 450 and is coupled to two mounting bars 470, the mounting bars 470 being configured to connect the system 400 to a sports instrument. The housing 460 includes a top member 461, two arcuate connecting arches 463, two plates 464, and a base ring 462. The top member 461 receives the axle 410 through a central aperture 461 a. A top member 461 is coupled to the mounting bar 470 and is connected to the base ring 462 by a connecting bow 463 and plate 464. The connecting arch 463 and plate 464 include protrusions P configured to enter slots S in the top member 461 and base ring 462 so that the components interlock. The base ring 462 is generally circular with two generally rectangular discontinuities protruding on opposite sides of the ring to connect the mounting bar 470.

In this embodiment, the mounting rod is a hollow cube, but could conceivably be cylindrical. Indeed, any shape is possible so long as the rod fits within the frame 610 (fig. 6) of the exercise machine 700 (fig. 7) with which the system 400 is configured for use.

Fig. 6 shows the same embodiment as fig. 4a-c and 5, integrated into a sports implement frame 610. System 400 (except for rod 420) is enclosed by a housing 480. Although system 400 would function as well without housing 480, housing 480 provides protection to system 400 from external conditions. The housing 480 may be detachable from the system 400 to allow a user to inspect and/or maintain the system 400 in the event of any problems. For example, the housing 480 may sit on the axle 410 and clip onto the bottom of the base ring 462, being held in place due to the tension applied thereto. Alternatively, the housing 480 may be an integral part of the wheel assembly 400. This may increase the robustness of the assembly 400, which in turn may increase the expected life of the wheel assembly 400. The housing 480 may be made of any suitable material, such as metal (e.g., aluminum or steel) or a tough enough plastic, such as polypropylene or PVC.

Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary mobile exercise machine 700 that includes a frame 610 and a four-wheel assembly 400 integrated into the frame 610. The frame may be made of any suitable material, such as metal (e.g. aluminium or steel) or a sufficiently strong, tough plastic, such as polypropylene or PVC.

Although specific embodiments have been described, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which should be determined with reference to the appended claims. Many modifications and variations are possible which are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

For completeness it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the terms "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality, and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A system configured for use with a mobile exercise machine, comprising:

a wheel assembly, comprising:

a wheel axle; and

at least one wheel mounted on and rotatable relative to the axle;

an axle substantially perpendicular to the axle, wherein the wheel assembly is configured to rotate about the axle; and

one or more connectors configured to connect the wheel assembly to a movable exercise machine.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a support frame coupled to the axle and rotatably coupled to the axle so as to allow the wheel assembly to rotate about the axle.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the support frame is coupled to the axle on each side of the at least one wheel, and optionally or preferably wherein the support frame comprises two arms for coupling to the axle and a bridge between the two arms.

4. The system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the support frame is rotatably coupled to the axle by a bearing, and optionally or preferably wherein the bearing is a press bearing.

5. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel assembly is configured to translate in a longitudinal direction of the rod shaft, and optionally or preferably wherein the wheel assembly is configured to translate substantially perpendicular to the connector.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising:

one or more engagement elements configured to engage with a separate engagement mechanism, wherein movement of the engagement elements relative to the engagement mechanism provides the translation.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the rod shaft is or comprises a toothed rod or rack and is configured to engage with a complementarily configured engagement mechanism.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the system further comprises a gear or pinion configured to engage with the rack bar or gear rack.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a rod perpendicularly coupled to the pinion such that rotation of the rod about its longitudinal axis rotates the pinion.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the rack and the pinion are engaged such that rotation of the lever raises and lowers the rack; and

wherein the rack is configured to raise and lower the wheel assembly when the lever is rotated.

11. The system of any one of claims 5 to 10, further comprising a height locking mechanism, and optionally or preferably, wherein the height locking mechanism comprises:

a ratchet wedge configured to prevent the lever shaft from rising when engaged; and

a ratchet release handle configured to release the ratchet wedge when actuated.

12. The system of any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the rod shaft is or comprises a piston in a piston cylinder, the piston operable to cause translation of the wheel assembly.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising:

a lever coupled to a top of the piston cylinder, wherein operation of the lever translates the wheel assembly.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the lever has a cam-shaped end configured to engage the piston when the lever is lifted.

15. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more connectors are or comprise one or more mounting rods.

16. The system of any preceding claim, wherein, in use, the axle is substantially parallel to the ground and the axle is substantially perpendicular to the ground.

17. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wheel comprises one, two, three, four, or more wheels.

18. An ambulatory exercise device, comprising:

a frame; and

the system of one or more of the preceding claims, comprising one or more wheel assemblies, wherein the one or more wheel assemblies are releasably connectable to the frame using the one or more connectors.

19. The mobile sporting apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the sporting apparatus is a soccer goal.

20. The mobile exercise machine of claim 18 or 19, wherein at least two wheel assemblies are connected to the frame.

21. A kit of parts adapted to assemble a system according to any one of claims 1 to 17.