EP1098684A1

EP1098684A1 - Fitness apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP1098684A1
Application number: EP99926371A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Moritz Frick; Andreas Dittmar
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-07-17
Filing date: 1999-05-22
Publication date: 2001-05-16
Anticipated expiration: 2019-05-22
Also published as: AU4366199A; EP1098684B1; DE19832235A1; DE19832235C2; US6527676B1; WO2000003770A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a fitness apparatus, comprising a sliding element (2) which is movably mounted on a support element (1) and intended for at least one person. According to the invention the sliding element (2) can be made to vibrate on the support element (1) by means of at least one actuating element (7.1, 7.2).

Description

fitness device

The present invention relates to a fitness device with a slide that is movably mounted on a carrier element for at least one person.

Such fitness equipment is known and available in the most varied of forms and designs on the market.

E.g. is a rowing machine or the like. known with which a carriage can be moved relative to a rail during a rowing movement. The carriage can be moved relative to a receiving device for feet or its seat element and is arranged on a carrier element.

Instead of individual actuating elements, a force-actuated spring element or a chain-operated one can be used in the fitness devices known in the prior art Flywheel are driven to generate a rudder force.

The present invention has for its object to provide a fitness device of the above. Type to create, which can be used universally and with which a plurality of different movements and possibly accelerations are possible.

To solve this problem, the carriage can be set in vibration by means of at least one actuating element on the carrier element.

The slide with the receiving device for feet and a seat element, which is optionally arranged to be displaceable on the slide, can be moved back and forth from a preferably central rest position by actuating the actuating element. The actuating element is coupled to a force transmission element via tension elements. Two tension elements are preferably provided, which are deflected on the slide and engage on a force transmission element. The force transmission element is fixed on at least one force storage element.

The energy storage element is formed in the preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention as a rubber element, in particular from a plurality of rubber elements, which engage at the ends via deflection elements m a corresponding guide rail, pass through these and are fixed elsewhere.

In this rest position, the energy storage elements are preloaded accordingly. By moving the actuating element, one force storage element on the one hand of the force transmission element is tensioned and the other force storage element opposite the force transmission element is relieved due to the inertia of the dead weight of the slide and the body weight. This results in a force against the direction of travel. The sledge is moved against the direction of travel.

Subsequent backward movement of the actuating element in the opposite direction causes the force storage element to be pressurized accordingly, so that the carriage is accelerated in the direction of travel.

By appropriately moving the actuating element back and forth, one of the two energy storage elements is stretched or relieved. As a result, the complete slide can be moved back and forth with the receiving device to and from the seat element about a rest position, accelerated and, in particular, set in vibration.

The greater the deflection around a rest position, the greater the speed and the acceleration, with which the slide can be oscillated through the rest position.

If, for example, an end position is reached, one of the two energy storage elements is relieved and the other is fully tensioned. In this way, very high speeds and large deflections around a rest position can take place in a support element that is preferably long.

Instead of the energy storage elements designed as rubber elements, spring elements, weights or the like can also be used here. be provided. The present inventive concept is also intended to include, for example, that the receiving device can be moved relative to the then fixed seat element and that an oscillatory movement, in particular tensioning and stretching, of the force storage elements can take place via the force transmission element. The actuating element can then be omitted or additionally provided.

It should also be within the scope of the present invention that, for example, the person or several people on the sled can be accelerated back and forth by actuating the corresponding actuation elements.

It is also contemplated to replace the corresponding energy storage elements, to replace them with stronger or weaker dimensioned energy storage elements, or even to influence the pretension, for example in order to influence the different forces that have to be exerted in order to set the slide and a person in vibration to take.

The present invention also encompasses the fact that not only is a linear movement of the carriage on the carrier element possible, but that the carrier element is optionally circular, semicircular or serpentine in order to make a carriage oscillate back and forth along this contour. It is also conceivable for the support element to be inclined or even steeply inclined, possibly even up to a vertical position with respect to a subsoil, in order to also allow acceleration, for example, upwards. The force storage elements are then dimensioned differently accordingly. Swinging up and down is possible here. Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments and from the drawing; this shows in

Figure 1 is a plan view of a fitness device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematically illustrated cross section through the fitness device according to FIG. 1 along line II-II;

3 shows a schematically illustrated cross section through the fitness device according to FIG. 1 along line III-III;

Figures 4a to 4k schematically illustrated functional sequences of the fitness device in the different rest, use and vibration positions.

According to FIG. 1, a schematically illustrated fitness device R has a carrier element 1, on which a carriage 2 is movably mounted. At the end of the carriage 2, a plurality of rollers 3 are provided, which support the carriage 2 in a linearly movable manner on the carrier element 1.

Furthermore, in the preferred exemplary embodiment, the carriage 2 is assigned a seat element 4 which, relative to the carriage 2, is mounted on crossbars 5 as shown in the double arrow direction and can be pushed back and forth.

The carriage 2 is assigned a receiving device 6 at the end for adjusting the feet of a person. This receiving device 6 can be pivoted in a known manner and, if necessary, is adjustable in height. Brackets or tabs (not shown) are also provided here, for example to hold a foot on them. This can be done, for example, using conventional Velcro strips or the like. happen. Actuating elements 7.1, 7.2 are laterally assigned to the carriage 2, see also FIG. 3, which are pivotably connected to the carriage 2. The actuating element 7.1, 7.2 allows a pivoting movement about its bearing 9 by means of grip elements 8, which are preferably oriented inwards.

The actuating element 7.1, 7.2 also has a receiving eyelet 10, which is used for fixing and receiving a flexible tension element 11. Furthermore, deflection elements 12.1, 12.2 are assigned to the end of the slide 2, on which the tension elements 11 are deflected, starting from the actuating element 7.1, 7.2. The redirection will be discussed in more detail below.

As can further be seen from FIG. 2, the carrier element 1 essentially consists of two guide rails 13.1, 13.2 which are arranged parallel to one another and which are spaced apart in a diamond shape on a strut 14 from a base 15 or floor. The strut 14 can be connected directly to the base 15 or end on a support plate 16 and support the fitness device R.

As is shown in particular in FIGS. 2 and 3, rollers 3 of the slide 2 rest on upper surfaces 17 of the guide rail 13, which are angularly formed by the diagonal arrangement of the carrier element, in particular the guide rails 13.1, 13.2.

On the lower surfaces 18 there are further rollers 3 which are supported by support arms of the carriage 2, which are not numbered here. In this way, the carriage 2 can be secured on the carrier element 1 in a specific fixed track. Only a linear movement along the carrier element 1 is possible. Lifting the carriage 2 and possibly slipping sideways is excluded here.

However, other profiles should also be within the scope of the present invention, for example to linearly guide a carriage 2 along a carrier element 1. There are many possibilities for this in the prior art.

It is essential in the present invention, however, that the carriage 2 on the carrier element 1 can be set into a reciprocating oscillation from a rest position, which is preferably set centrally on the carrier element 1, by actuating the actuating element 7.1, 7.2. This oscillation of the carriage 2 relative to the carrier element 1 is done by deflecting the actuating element 7.1, 7.2.

As a result, at least one energy storage element 19.1, 19.2, which is coupled to the actuating element 7.1, 7.2 via the flexible tension element 11, is deflected accordingly. The tension elements 11 of the actuating element 7.1, 7.2 act on the slide 2 via deflection devices 12.1, 12.2 and lead to a force transmission element 20. The force transmission element 20 is fixed to the two force storage elements 19.1, 19.2. It is firmly connected to the energy storage elements 19.1, 19.2, the two tension elements 11 being fixed there.

The energy storage elements 19.1, 19.2, which are prestressed in a rest position, are deflected via deflection elements 21.1, 21.2 and are guided into the interior of the carrier element 1, in particular into the interior of the guide rails 13.1, 13.2. After the deflection, the deflection elements 21.1, 21.2, which are only shown schematically here, pass through the guide rails 13.1 completely. In the end they are Energy storage elements inside, as not shown here, fixed on the guide rails 13.1, 13.2.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 3, the energy storage elements 19.1, 19.2 are mounted within the guide rails 13.1, 13.2. The energy storage elements 19.1, 19.2 can be designed simply or as a plurality of them as elastic rubber elements.

In the context of the present invention, however, other energy storage elements should also be able to be used and provided here which permit a corresponding oscillating movement of the slide 2 on the carrier element 1. Spring elements and / or weights or the like can also be used. allow a corresponding movement as energy storage elements 19.1, 19.2.

The operation of the present invention is as follows:

According to FIG. 4a, a rest position of the device R is shown, in which the slide 2 is arranged approximately centrally on the carrier element 1. The energy storage elements 19.1, 19.2, not shown here, are both biased approximately uniformly.

By deflecting the actuating element 7 to the left, as shown in FIG. 4b, there is a slight movement or deflection of the carriage 2 against a direction of travel X.

By subsequently moving the actuating element 7, the force storage element 19.1, as shown in particular in FIG. 1, is relieved via the tension elements 11 and the force storage element 19.2 is tensioned. A small deflection movement, as can be seen from FIG. 4b, takes place against the direction of travel X. Subsequent movement of the actuating element 7 in the direction of travel X, possibly also by moving the seat element 4 in the direction of travel X on the carriage 2, causes the carriage 2 to move through the rest position and moves the carriage 2 to a certain turning point, which is of the mass of the Carriage 2 and its speed depends. There is a greater deflection.

This can be seen, for example, from FIGS. 4c and 4d. A subsequent backward movement against the direction of travel X of the actuating element 7, as is shown in particular in FIGS. 4d and 4e, causes the carriage 2 to move backward against the direction of travel X.

The carriage 2 passes through the rest position at a high speed and is accelerated against the direction of travel X on the carrier element 1 until the restoring moments or restoring forces of the energy storage elements 19.2 are sufficient to brake this movement and by additional actuation of the actuating element 7 in the direction of travel X, such as it is shown in particular in Figures 4f and 4g to move the carriage 2 again through the rest position at high speed. Due to the support of the acceleration of the carriage 2 and the actuating element 7, a deflection takes place on the carrier element 1, as is shown, for example, in FIG. 4h.

Then, as described above, the actuating element 7 moves back in the opposite direction of travel X, the carriage 2 being accelerated into a further deflected position, in particular end position, by the rest position, as is shown in particular in FIGS. 4i and 4j. A subsequent movement of the actuating element 7 in the direction of travel X accelerates the carriage 2 again in accordance with FIG. 4k in the direction of travel X. If these end positions are reached, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 4f, 4h and 4j, then the force storage elements 19.1 or 19.2 are either tensioned or relaxed. In the preferably central rest position, both force storage elements 19.1, 19.2 are evenly prestressed, so that the slide 2 can be deflected to a maximum without one of the force storage elements 19.1, 19.2 sagging, for example, with respect to the carrier element 1.

However, it should also be within the scope of the present invention that, for example, the carrier element 1 can run in a curve over the substrate 15, so that an oscillating movement is tracked in accordance with the contour of the carrier element 1. Also, it should be considered, if necessary, the carrier element 1 at different heights above the subsurface 15. to be arranged obliquely or even in a wave-like manner in order to oscillate at different heights, for example troughs or the like. allow. A vertical position of the carrier element 1 with respect to the base 15 is also considered here. The corresponding energy storage elements are then optionally guided movably via deflection and holding rollers in accordance with the course of the carrier element 1 and are dimensioned stronger or weaker.

Item number list

Claims

Patent claims

1. fitness device with a carriage (2) movably mounted on a carrier element (1) for at least one person,

characterized,

that the carriage (2) can be set in vibration on the carrier element (1) by means of at least one actuating element (7.1, 7.2).

2. Fitness device according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier element (1) is assigned at least one energy storage element (19.1 19.2) which is connected to the actuating element (7.1, 7.2) and / or to the slide (2).

3. Fitness device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the energy storage element (19.1, 19.2) is formed in one piece or in several parts, which for transmitting forces, a force transmission element (20), if necessary. is releasably assigned again.

4. Fitness device according to claim 3, characterized in that the force transmission element (20) with the carriage

(2) and / or with the actuating element (7).

5. Fitness device according to at least one of claims 1 to

4, characterized in that the actuating element (7.1, 7.2) is connected to the movable carriage (2).

6. Fitness device according to at least one of claims 3 to

5, characterized in that the actuating element (7.1, 7.2) is designed to be movable in and / or against a direction of travel (X), with it being directly or indirectly connected to the carriage (2) and / or the

Power store (19.1, 19.2), in particular power transmission element (20) is connected.

7. Fitness device according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the carrier element (1) is formed from at least one, in particular from two mutually parallel guide rails (13.1, 13.2) which run linearly or in a curve and via struts (14 ) are possibly spaced differently in height from an underground (15).

8. Fitness device according to claim 7, characterized in that each support element (1), in particular each guide rail (13) at the end deflection elements (21.1, 21.2) are provided for the energy storage element (19).

9. Fitness device according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one energy storage element (19.1, 19.2) on the deflection element (21.1, 21.2) is deflected, carried out by the guide rail (13) and fixed at the end.

10. Fitness device according to at least one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the slide (2) at the ends are each assigned deflection devices (12.1, 12.2), which each have a connection between the actuating element (7) and the power transmission element (20) indirectly or directly possibly using a flexible tension element (11), in particular wire or line.

11. Fitness device according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the carriage (2) at least one seat element (4) or at least one Receiving device (6) for the feet of a person are assigned fixed and / or displaceable.

12. Fitness device according to at least one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the slide (2) and / or

Power transmission element (20) in a rest position are arranged approximately in the center on the carrier element (1) and through

Deflect the actuating element (7.1, 7.2) of the slide

(2) can be accelerated in or against a direction of travel (X).

13. Fitness device according to claim 12, characterized in that in a deflected end position one energy storage element (19.1 or 19.2) ^• relaxes and the other energy storage element (19.2 or 19.1) is tensioned.

14. Fitness device according to at least one of claims 2 to

13, characterized in that the energy storage element (19.1, 19.2) is formed from a plurality of elastic rubber elements.

15. Fitness device according to at least one of claims 1 to

14, characterized in that the carriage (2) on the carrier element (1) between two end positions can be set into vibration by a rest position.

16. Fitness device according to at least one of claims 7 to

15, characterized in that the carrier element (1) is arranged in a horizontal to vertical position to the substrate (15).