EP2832401A1

EP2832401A1 - Universal fitness apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP2832401A1
Application number: EP14179047.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Scott Forhan; Michael Forhan
Original assignee: 2369048 Ontario Inc
Current assignee: 2369048 Ontario Inc
Priority date: 2013-08-01
Filing date: 2014-07-30
Publication date: 2015-02-04
Also published as: US20150038300A1; CA2857877A1

Abstract

An exercise apparatus having: a frame having a vertical support; at least one articulating arm mount affixed to the vertical support; a first articulating arm connected to the at least one articulating arm mount; a second articulating arm connected to the at least one articulating arm mount, the second articulating arm adapted to independently articulate from the first articulating arm; a pair of resistive elements, each resistive element operatively connected to one of the first and second independently articulating arms to provide resistance; and a cable and pulley system connecting each resistive element to a point on a longitudinal axis of one of the first and second articulating arms.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to exercise and fitness devices, and in particular relates to fitness apparatus capable of providing static and dynamic resistance.

BACKGROUND

With an increase in publications and access to programming about health and wellness, society, in general, is taking a more active role in assuming more responsibility for individual health profiles. As a result, there is an increasing demand for health and fitness products that support attaining and maintaining healthy levels of fitness. To meet the health and fitness goals of individuals, multi-function exercise machines were developed. Historically, such machines are often tailored to provide a range of traditional exercise in an effort to provide a means for effective all around fitness while considering other factors such as portability, and storage in some cases.
Typically, multi-functional machines use a stack of weights to provide resistance needed for users during more traditional exercise methods. A user repetitively raises some, or all, of the weight stack and the force of gravity provides the resistance needed to allow the user to exercise. These machines typically use pulleys to assist in overcoming the initial inertia of the resistance weight and channel the connection interface between user and weight stack into a usable space. However, due to the mass of some of the weights, these machines tend to be heavy and can be difficult for a user to move at home.
In effort to increase portability of traditional stack weight machines, exercise machines were developed using flexible members, such as rods or bows, to provide resistance. One such device available on the market incorporates two sets of flexible rods of varying resistance with the bottom end of each set of rods attached to the base of the machine with rods extending vertically upwards therefrom. A cable is attached to the top of each of the set of rods by means of a large hook that is threaded through loops at the top of each rod. By bundling the rods in this manner, the user can adjust the amount of resistance during exercise. By displacing the cables, a user can utilize the resistance provided by the flexible rods to exercise various muscle groups. Another such device uses a horizontal positioning of the rod(s), with the fulcrum aligned with the midpoint of the vertical axis of the machine. To capture the resistance rods, the device uses a capture mechanism that can be used to engage one or more of the rods to provide the resistance, As with the device that utilizes vertical rods, the horizontal rod device utilizes a traditional cable interface between the resistance of the rod(s) captured by the capture device and the user to perform exercise by moving a connected interface to the cable (for example a handle, bar, strap etc.) thus displacing the cable and the connected source of resistance.
However, many such devices have limited flexibility with regards to the types and number of exercises that can be performed, focusing on traditional, known movements in weight training and further have limited customizability of the exercise apparatus to the body of a user of the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an exercise apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure;
Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of an exercise apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure;
Figure 3A is a top perspective view of a base support;
Figure 3B is a bottom perspective view of a base support;
Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a vertical support;
Figure 5 is a front perspective view of an articulating arm support mechanism;
Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a resistive apparatus;
Figure 7 is a side perspective view of a resistive apparatus; and
Figure 8 is a front elevational view of the resistive apparatus

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure provides an exercise apparatus comprising: a frame having a vertical support; at least one articulating arm mount affixed to the vertical support; a first articulating arm connected to the at least one articulating arm mount; a second articulating arm connected to the at least one articulating arm mount, the second articulating arm adapted to independently articulate from said first articulating arm; a pair of resistive elements, each resistive element operatively connected to one of said first and second independently articulating arms to provide resistance; and a cable and pulley system connecting each resistive element to a point on a longitudinal axis of one of said first and second articulating arms.
Thus, the present disclosure provides a fitness apparatus that changes the old fitness paradigm of pain and breaking down the body in order to improve. In consideration of the pillars of applied kinesiology and its increasing depth in understanding of the body's true design and its' ability to actualize tremendous potential, by incorporating tools such as isometrics, gaits and neuromechanics and their subsequent integration, the present disclosure provides for devices that transition through these stages in a seamless progression. The disclosed devices are simple, efficient and accommodating for varieties of physicalities of various users.
Reference is now made to Figures 1 and 2 . Exercise apparatus 110 has a robust structure. About the core of the structure are two independent articulating arms to which are coupled a plurality of resilient elongate members (collectively a resistive device), a cable and pulley system and a work area for the user. Such apparatus can accommodate several potential means of performing exercise. The fitness apparatus is adapted to allow a user to exercise against either a static or dynamic resistance profile through the use of either locking feature or flexible, resilient elongate members of the resistive device respectively.
Referring to Figure 1 , exercise apparatus 110 comprises a base 120, which provides an exercise surface/area that can be used as a platform or for integrating components (not shown) with the fitness apparatus. The components may include, for example, but are not limited to, benches, balance boards, exercise balls, among other options.
In one embodiment, base 120 includes brackets 122 on either side thereof to provide structural support as well as edging for potential integrating components or for a user. Further, base 120 may comprise a series of apertures to support such equipment as well as to reduce the weight of the base.
In one embodiment, base 120 is dimensioned to fit within base support 130. One example of base support 130, for example, is shown with reference to Figures 3A and 3B .
In particular, base support 130 includes a pair of base side rails 132 which are dimensioned to fit on the outsides of base 120 in one embodiment. Further, a forward connector bracket 136 and rear connector bracket 138 on each of the side rails 132 are adapted to receive a flange member 140 and a flange member 142, respectively, on base 120.
Base attachment connections 144 are used to secure base 120 to the base support 130 through rear connection bracket 138 using flange member 142.
Base support 130 further comprises a rear horizontal cross member 150 that is connected to the base side rails 132 through brace brackets 152. A base sub-plate 154 further supports the rear horizontal cross member 150.
Vertical brackets 156 and 158 are used to support vertical member 160 as provided in detail below.
Wheels 162 and 164 may optionally be added to the rear horizontal cross member 150 in order to allow for increased portability of the exercise apparatus 110.
While the above describes a base and base support, other configurations of a base and base support are possible, and the present disclosure is not limited to any particular base. In particular, the vertical member 160 may be mounted to a wall, pole or column in one embodiment, for example, eliminating the need for a base altogether. Further, it may not be necessary to have base 120, rather simply the base support 130 and base side rails 132.
A vertical member 160 is, for example, shown with regard to Figure 4 . Vertical member 160 provides a rigid upright for connecting a horizontal crossbeam (articulating arm support assembly 184), and includes a lower pivot assembly 166 which includes a hole 168 configured to receive a pin. In particular, referring again to Figure 3 , rear brackets 156 and 158 include holes 170 and 172 which allows a pin to be inserted through holes 170, 168, and 172, thereby providing a pivot to allow vertical member 160 to move from an assembled position as shown in Figure 1 to a stored position (not shown) where vertical member 160 lays against base 120.
Brackets 156 and 158 further include holes 174 and 176 respectively and vertical member 160 further includes a hole 178, wherein holes 174, 176 and 178 align to allow a locking pin to the vertical member in the functioning position of Figure 1 . Locking pin may be spring loaded and/or threaded at the distal end thereof such that pin may be conveniently, selectively, removably coupled within a desired hole and conveniently maintain an outer tube in a desired position with respect to an inner pin.
At the upper end of vertical member 160 a pair of vertical cam plates 180 are provided for vertical rotation of the articulating arms as explained in detail below. Further, an articulating arm support pivot assembly 182 is provided on each side of vertical member 160.
While the above vertical member may be used in some embodiments, in various other embodiments a different vertical member may be used altogether. Further, some embodiments may eliminate the vertical member altogether, and the present disclosure is not limited to a particular configuration for the vertical member.
Referring to Figures 1 , 2 and 5 , an articulating arm support assembly 184 is configured to interact with the pivot assembly 182. In particular articulating arm support assembly 184 includes a bore which rotationally couples to pivot assembly 182, thereby providing for vertical adjustment of a distal end of articulating arms, as described below.
Articulating arm support assembly 184 further includes a plate 186 as best seen in Figure 5 . Plate 186 includes an adjustment knob 188 which is configured to engage with the vertical cam plate 180 to adjust the vertical rotation of the articulating arm. As seen in Figure 5 , the adjustment of the vertical arm can either adjust the distal end of the arm up or down based on the adjustment knob engagement with cam plate 180.
Articulating arm support assembly 184 further includes a horizontal cam plate 190 rotationally coupled to assembly 184. An adjustment pin 192 engages a bracket 193 affixed to assembly 184 and further engages one of a plurality of holes within cam plate 190, thereby allowing a distal end of an articulating arm 196 to horizontally rotate. As seen in Figure 5 , using horizontal cam plate 190, the distal end of articulating arm 196 can be rotated towards or away from a central line of exercise apparatus 110. Thus, the combination of the mechanisms using cam plate 180 and cam plate 190 allow the distal end of articulating arm 196 to be rotated in either the vertical and/or horizontal direction.
An articulating arm base sleeve 194 is affixed to cam plate 190 and is configured to slidably receive an articulating arm 196. In one embodiment, articulating arm 196 includes a plurality of holes along the longitudinal axis thereof, thereby allowing for the adjustment of the length of articulating arm 196. In particular, a knob 198 is configured to hold articulating arm 196 within sleeve 194 by engaging holes with sleeve 194 and articulating arm 196.
Based on the above, articulating arm 196 is adjustable in three dimensions, allowing placement of the distal end of the arm in a location optimal for a particular exercise for a particular user.
Articulating arm support 184 is further configured to support a resilient device housing 200 in the examples of the present disclosure. Resistive device housing 200 is configured to support a plurality of elongate resilient members 202, as best seen in Figures 6 , 7 and 8 . Further, resistive device housing 200 has an end which allows connection of the resistive device housing 200 to the articulating arm support assembly 184 as described below.
While the above describes two articulating arm supports 184, in other embodiments where independent vertical articulation is not required, a single articulating arm support may instead be utilized. Other alternatives are also possible.
In one embodiment, the orientation of the resistive device housing 200 and resilient elongate members 202 are centrally positioned such that the fulcrum of the resilient elongate members is located at the base of each articulating arm 196. The resilient elongate members 202 flex when a force is applied to them utilizing cables 204, and are used to provide resistance for the user to exercise against. Cables 204 engage both the top and bottom of resilient elongate members 202 to pull the top and bottom of resilient elongate members 202 simultaneously. The user is able to adjust the amount of resistance used during exercise by using a "hook and loop" capture mechanism to alter the resistance to the users preference. In particular, loops 206 can be engaged by a hoop or clip 208, which can be used to capture a combination of cables 204 to select the elongate resilient members 202 and form the resistance required by a user for a particular exercise.
In one embodiment, six flexible, resilient elongate members 202 may be used, although resilient elongate members 202 can be used singularly or in a multitude of combinations. In other embodiments more or less resilient elongate members 202 may be used.
Resilient elongate members 202 are positioned to contact a fulcrum of resistive device housing 200 about their midpoints. By having midpoints of the resilient elongated members 202 positioned in contact with resistive device housing 200, movement of the ends of the resilient elongate members 202 is resisted. The resilient elongate members 202 are flexibly coupled to the fulcrum of resistive device housing 200. Further, each of elongate resilient members 202 may have a different resistance and thus a combination of the resilient members may provide different resistance.
A variety of configurations of the resistive devices can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a plurality of separate flexible resilient elongate members can be utilized.
In one such embodiment, the midpoint of resistive device housing 200 is integral with the resilient elongate members. For example, the resistive device housing 200 may be molded as a single integral piece. The midpoint of the resistive device, for example, is indirectly coupled to the articulating arm support 184, maintaining a consistent angle of actuation - in this embodiment it functions at a right angle to the support 184.
In one embodiment, the housing 200 is connected in part through the use of slotted section in horizontal crossbeam of resistive device housing 200. A plate (not shown) may extend from articulating arm base sleeve 194 and in one embodiment resistive device housing 200 is removabley connected using the plate and slotted section. This configuration may further support changing the resistive device housing 200 to a different resistive device housing with different resilient elongate members or for the removal of the resistive device housing 200 for storage of the apparatus 110.
In an alternative embodiment, resistive device housing 200 is integrally coupled to the frame.
In a further alternative embodiment, resistive device housing 200 is movably coupled to frame. By being movably coupled, resistive device housing 200 allows the plurality of resilient elongate members 202 to be rotatable between a first position (e.g., substantially horizontal) for use, and a second position (e.g., substantially vertical) for storage.
Resilient elongate members 202 provide resistance against which the user can exercise. Each flexible, resilient elongate member has a first end and a second end that extend away from respective midpoint thereof. Each resilient elongate member is comprised of a resilient material. In one embodiment, the resilient elongate member is comprised of nylon, urethane, although other materials are possible, such as a variety of durable, flexible resins, wood laminates, steel leaf springs, fiberglass and/or acetal, among others.
The resilient elongate members may further comprise a coating on the nylon material or other material employed, such as a protective coating. For example, a polyolefin material, or a variety of other coatings may provide a protective layer and/or an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
In one embodiment, the resilient elongate members are adapted to provide a range of different amounts of resistance. In one embodiment, the amount of resistance provided by resilient elongate members corresponds with the diameter/thickness of the resilient elongate member. A variety of different diameter or thicknesses may be employed. For example, resilient elongate members may have varying diameters of ½ inch up to 3 inches in a multitude of increments. Other dimensions are however possible, and the examples above are not limiting. Similarly, rather than the diameter, the thickness and/or density may instead be varied.
In an alternative embodiment, all the resilient elongate members have the same diameter.
In a further alternative embodiment, each elongate member may have the same width but have a different thickness, wherein the thickness is used to determine the resistive force of the elongate member.
In yet another embodiment, different resistance amounts are provided irrespective of the diameter of the resilient elongate members, e.g., by employing different materials.
In yet a further embodiment, the lengths of the elongate members 202 may also be varied to provide different resistances.
Elongate resilient members 202 are engaged by cable 204 through a cable and clip assembly 212, as seen in Figure 7 . In particular, the engagement of resilient elongate members 202 is provided by a durable locking mechanism, engaging the resilient elongate member(s) at each end of its' full length.
Once engaged, resilient elongate members 202 are subject to the force applied at a pulley and flex as a result of the application of force. By selecting the number and configuration of resilient elongate members to engage, the user is able to select the amount of resistance with which to exercise.
Once resilient elongate members are engaged by hook or clip 208 to loop 206, either singularly or in plurality, the profile of resistance is varied based on the selection.
In one embodiment the pulleys between the pulling force and the engagement of the resistive device guide the cable to provide a user with a consistent load profile.
Thus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, resistive devices include (i) a plurality of resilient elongate members 202; (ii) a fulcrum on housing 200; and (iii) capture devices (loops 206). The plurality of resilient elongate members are positioned on fulcrum. In another embodiment, the resistive devices and resilient elongate member assemblies comprises a plurality of resilient elongate members coupled integrally to a fulcrum, which is coupled to the frame of exercise apparatus 110.
Referring again to Figure 1 , articulating arm 196 can have a plurality of pulleys 220, 222 or 224 which may accommodate a cable (not shown) to attach a bar, handle or other mechanism to the resilient elongate members 202. A pulley 214 may be used with elongate members 202. Each of pulleys 214, 220, 222 and 224 may be affixed using a pin to allow the pulley to swivel as force is applied.
Such cable and pulley system provides a mechanism for utilizing the resistive device provided by the selective engagement of the plurality of resilient elongate members 202. In one embodiment, the articulating arm 196 and cable and pulley system are selectively integrated to at least one of the plurality of elongate members 202, and also to the articulating arm support assembly 184.
Ballstops fastened to respective ends of the cable prevent cables from slipping off the pulleys of cable and pulley system. Ballstops also enable a degree of tension in the cable and pulley system.
When performing certain exercises on the machine, the user stands on base 120. A cable is fixed at a first end, either to frame of apparatus 110 or resilient elongate members 202, is threaded over the plurality of pulleys, and can be selectively attached at its second end to variety of available interface apparatus' (handles, bars, straps, stirrups, etc.). The cable being fixed at first end to the frame enable the device to be used in an isometric manner. The cable being fixed at first end to the resilient elongate members 202 enables the user to engage a selection of elongate members using the device in a dynamic manner.
As previously mentioned, to exercise using the machine, force is exerted on a cable. The cable is adapted to be moved by the user against the static resistance of the frame or apparatus 110, or resistance of the resilient elongate members. When force is exerted on the user interface end of the cable, both ends of resilient elongate members that are engaged by using hook or clip 208 will move.
As seen in Figure 1 , two articulating arms are provided in the present disclosure, each of which is independent of the other. In other words, each arm can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically, along with adjustments in the length of each arm, independent of the other arm.
Further, as provided in Figure 1 , two resistance devices 200 are provided, one associated with each of the articulating arms. Therefore, the resistance on each side of the exercise apparatus may be adjusted and may be different from the other side in some embodiments.
Thus, in accordance with the above, the fitness apparatus 110 of the present disclosure has a robust structure where the core of the structure involves two independent articulating arms which are coupled to a plurality of resilient elongate members (collectively the resistive device), a cable and pulley system, and a work area for a user, which allows for the use of the exercise apparatus 110 for various potential exercises. The fitness apparatus allows a user to exercise against either static or dynamic resistance profiles through the use of either a locking feature or a flexible resilient elongate members respectively. The configuration of the fitness apparatus provides various benefits, including but not limited to the independent functioning arm that can be manipulated to locate the usable end of the arms in a multitude of locations, thus accommodating user's own physicality. Further, the attachment method and the resistive device on its own accord accommodate a plurality of exercise determined by the user and the user's preference of resistance profile.
Articulating arms 196 articulate independently of each other thereby, increasing the ability of the user to engage in non-traditional exercises that challenge and create core strength gains in addition to muscle organization opportunities.
As provided above, in one embodiment, each resilient device housing 200 is removable thereby allowing for storage of the device. In particular, to store the device, the articulating arms can be positioned to be parallel with vertical member 160 and the pin engaging holes 174, 176 and 178 can be removed, thereby allowing the member 160 to be folded against base 120 to create a slim profile of a stored device.
While the above exercise apparatus 110 is described above with a particular configuration, the apparatus can include a variety of components combined in a variety of configurations without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, apparatus 110 can be configured such that one or more of the referenced components is not present. For instance, the articulating arm support assembly 184, which facilitates the articulating arm 196, is designed so arm 196 can reach a multitude of working positions enabling a multitude of physicalities to use the apparatus 110. However, in some embodiments, horizontal or vertical adjustment may be omitted, for example.
The embodiments described herein are examples of structures or systems having elements corresponding to elements of the techniques of this application. This written description may enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments having alternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements of the techniques of this application. The intended scope of the techniques of this application thus includes other structures or systems that do not differ from the techniques of this application as described herein, and further includes other structures or systems with insubstantial differences from the techniques of this application as described herein.

Claims

An exercise apparatus comprising:
a frame having a vertical support;

at least one articulating arm mount affixed to the vertical support;

a first articulating arm connected to the at least one articulating arm mount;

a second articulating arm connected to the at least one articulating arm mount, the second articulating arm adapted to independently articulate from said first articulating arm;

a pair of resistive elements, each resistive element operatively connected to one of said first and second independently articulating arms to provide resistance; and

a cable and pulley system connecting each resistive element to a point on a longitudinal axis of one of said first and second articulating arms.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and the second articulating arms each comprise a cam rotatably connected to said at least one articulating arm mount, wherein rotation of the cam allows a horizontal articulation of the first or the second articulating arms.
The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a separate articulating arm mount for the first articulating arm and the second articulating arm.
The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each articulating arm mount comprises a cam rotatably connected to said vertical support, wherein rotation of the cam allows a vertical articulation of the first or the second articulating arms.
The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of said first and second articulating arms are connected through a sleeve to said at least one articulating arm mount.
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of first and second articulating arms comprises a series of holes displaced along a longitudinal axis of said first or second articulating arm, wherein a length of said first or second articulating arm is adjustable within said sleeve by engaging different holes in said first or second articulating arm.
The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of said resistive elements comprises a base and a plurality of elongate members, said elongate members providing elastic resistance.
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the base is connected to said first or second articulating arm such that the base is on a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said first or second articulating arm.
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said plurality of resilient elongate members each, independently, have a different resistive force.
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the different resistive force is achieved by using resilient elongate members having at least one of: different diameters, thicknesses, densities or lengths.
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each resilient elongate member has a different width and thickness, wherein the different resistive force is achieved based on the thickness of each elongate member.
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the different resistive force is achieved by using elongate members having different materials.
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each of the elongate members have a connection point at a midpoint of said resilient elongate member, and wherein a plurality of resilient elongate members can be connected to said cable to achieve different resistances.
The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cable is configured to receive at least one of a hand grip, a stirrup, a strap, and a bar.
The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the frame comprises a base, wherein the vertical support is connected to the base with a pin, whereby the vertical support can rotate on the pin for storage of the exercise apparatus.