EP3126017A1

EP3126017A1 - Outdoor fitness apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP3126017A1
Application number: EP15715694.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Klaus Kaiser
Original assignee: Conradi and Kaiser GmbH
Current assignee: Conradi and Kaiser GmbH
Priority date: 2014-03-31
Filing date: 2015-03-27
Publication date: 2017-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-27
Also published as: PL3126017T3; EP3126017B1; WO2015150279A1

Abstract

Outdoor fitness apparatus (1, 101), in particular a bench press apparatus, having a lever (11, 11', 111, 111') mounted movably on a stationary part (6, 6') of the outdoor fitness apparatus (1, 101), wherein transverse forces acting on the lever (11, 11', 111, 111') are transferred via a pivot joint (7, 7', 107, 107') into the stationary part (6, 6'), and wherein the pivot joint (7, 7', 107, 107') secures the lever (11, 11', 111, 111') on the stationary part (6, 6') of the outdoor fitness apparatus (1), wherein a weight element (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e, 17a', 17b', 17c', 17d', 17e') is secured on the lever (11, 11', 111, 111'), wherein the weight element (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e, 17a', 17b', 17c', 17d', 17e') is held on the lever (11, 11', 111, 111') in such a way as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the lever (11, 11', 111, 111').

Description

Outdoor fitness machine

The invention relates to an outdoor fitness equipment, in particular a handle bench, comprising a lever movably mounted on a stationary part of the outdoor fitness equipment, transverse forces acting on the lever being diverted via a hinge into the fixed part, and the hinge pivoting the lever on the fixed part attached to the outdoor fitness equipment.

Such outdoor fitness device with a rotary joint in the form of a spring element is known from the post-published PCT / 2013/076861. In the outdoor fitness device shown there is provided to form the spring as a means for forming a device resistance. By selecting the appropriate spring, the apparatus resistance is determined and can be optimally adapted to the desired movement and the desired effort. The force required to move the lever increases with the increasing compression of the spring.

Furthermore, the spring forms a fastener to which the lever and fixed part of the outdoor fitness equipment are connected. The spring thus fulfills a dual function. On the one hand, it is the joint that allows movement of the lever with respect to the fixed part of the outdoor fitness equipment. In addition, it ensures a firm connection between the lever and fixed part of the outdoor fitness equipment. This simplifies the construction, since an otherwise required separate attachment of the lever is no longer needed.

This combination of functions of lever and joint attachment makes it possible to design a fitness device that is well suited for outdoor use due to its low maintenance and robustness.

In the construction described, the force to be applied varies according to the travel of the lever. Starting from the basic or neutral position of the joint, it is relatively small at the beginning of the lever travel and then increases with increasing lever travel. In order to provide a usable for a variety of people outdoor fitness equipment, a spring is selected, the resistance already at the beginning of the lever path provides a noticeable resistance to equipment, but also weaker persons allows movement of the lever, at least over a certain lever travel, without their power overwhelm.

In certain fitness equipment, such as the outdoor version of a handle bank, but it may be necessary or desirable to provide a strong resistance already at the beginning of the lever travel. A correspondingly sized spring would require a force due to the described principle for a movement of the lever, which always increases starting from an already high level with the traveled lever travel. Even trained athletes can be required by this forces that go well beyond the maximum desired for the fitness exercise. They are then no longer willing or even unable to complete the intended movement, for example, an extension of the arms against the resistance of the spring.

Outdoor fitness equipment, whose use from the beginning of the lever travel to require a certain amount of force, are therefore much more difficult to adjust to a wide circle of people. Feathers, which are tuned to the strength of an average person, can be too exhausting for weaker persons, or too light and thus uninteresting for strong people.

In addition, outdoor fitness equipment has to meet very different requirements in terms of ruggedness and maintenance than indoor fitness equipment. These do not have to be weather-resistant and can be regularly maintained and repaired. In addition, they are constantly under supervision, so that wanton destruction attempts are quickly noticed and can be prevented.

The object of the present application is to make an outdoor fitness device of the type mentioned available for a wider group of people. This object is achieved by the outdoor fitness device with the features of claim 1. An essential basic idea of the invention is to fasten a weight element to the lever, the weight element being held displaceably on the lever in the longitudinal direction of the lever. In this way, the weight element can be positioned closer to the fulcrum of the lever formed by the hinge or further away from it as required.

The position of the weight member on the lever determines its contribution to the effort required to move the lever on the outdoor fitness equipment. In a position of the weight element near the pivot point or the axis of rotation, its influence on the force to be applied for the movement of the lever is relatively small. The further a weight element is placed away from the pivot point, the greater its influence on the exercise performed on the fitness machine. In the farthest possible position from the pivot point on the lever, the weight of the weight element comes to maximum effect.

Moving the weight element allows the user of the outdoor fitness device to best adapt the force to be applied to his own abilities. When the weight member is positioned near the fulcrum, the force applied to move the lever is little affected by its own weight. A person who is unwilling or unable to put a lot of effort into the outdoor fitness equipment may choose this position of the weight member. The force required in the exercises performed is then determined mainly by the applied by the spring apparatus resistance.

In the simplest embodiment of the invention, a simple rotary joint is used instead of a spring with an apparatus resistance. The user of the outdoor fitness device then works only against the weight and not in addition to an apparatus resistance.

If the resistance provided to a person is insufficient, it can move the weight element along the lever and thereby obtain the required resistance Increase effort. It must then work in their exercises not only against the swivel joint not existing, or otherwise their sense too low spring force, but also increasingly against the weight of the weight element. This is particularly advantageous whenever the movement of the weight element takes place at least predominantly upwards, ie counter to gravity. This is the case, for example, during a fitness exercise in which the lever and the weight element have to be pressed upwards.

The solution according to the invention thus expands the field of application of the previously known outdoor fitness apparatus beyond the device resistance applied by the spring to an additional work against a weight force. Furthermore, with the use of a rotary joint, it offers a particularly simple alternative to the spring

By attaching the weight element to the lever, it is not possible to remove the weight element from the lever. This is particularly advantageous because such outdoor fitness equipment are used in most cases without supervision. Destruction or theft of parts of the outdoor fitness equipment is thus significantly more difficult.

In addition, the positive guidance of the weight element on the lever reliably prevents misuse of the outdoor fitness device and thus also reduces the risk of injury, since the weight element can not be released from the lever and can not fall down as a result of any parts of the outdoor fitness equipment.

In a preferred embodiment, the spring is an elastomeric spring. Various embodiments of springs suitable for the inventive outdoor fitness device have been described in post-published PCT / 2013/076861, the features and particular advantages of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Of particular advantage is an embodiment of the elastomer spring, wherein the connecting elements to the lever or to the stationary part of the outdoor Fitness device is a hollow body, in particular a hollow cylinder, or a bolt arranged in the hollow body, which projects laterally on the hollow body. The cavity between the bolt and the hollow body is filled by an integrally connected with bolt and hollow body Eisastomer. The elastomer of this elastomer spring is particularly well protected against external influences and can be completely enclosed by lateral covers of the cavity in a simple manner.

In a further preferred embodiment, the lever has a handle, in particular a handle bar, on its end facing away from the spring, wherein the handle is arranged above a receiving surface for receiving a user of the outdoor fitness device. Such a fitness device is particularly suitable for pressing the handle from a lying position upwards, for so-called pressing.

Preferably, the outdoor fitness device comprises a support for the handle, which is arranged above a lying surface or seat for the user of the outdoor fitness device. The support prevents the handle from sinking down to the lying or sitting area. This is particularly advantageous when designing an outdoor fitness device with a swivel joint. For example, a user of an outdoor fitness device in the form of a push bench can lie down on the lying surface of the handle bench without having to lift the handle. Subsequent removal of the pad clears the path of the handle and allows it to be lowered to the chest. If the support is put back into the holding position, the handle can be stored there again and the user can rise again without having to hold the handle at the same time.

An additional advantage of the solution according to the invention is that when pressing with a weight element on the lever, the relative increase of the input resistance along the lever travel is reduced. In consequence, despite a desired high resistance at the beginning of the lever travel further movement of the lever without excessively increasing additional effort is possible. It is particularly advantageous if the lever area adjoining the handle extends at least substantially above the handle. By this advantageous embodiment, a caused by the movement of the lever and unwanted displacement of the weight element positioned on the handle is reliably prevented. The weight element can only be displaced by a displacement along the lever, that is to say in the case of an upwardly extending lever in this region, only by lifting the weight element. This reliably prevents unwanted movement of the weight member when performing an exercise on the outdoor fitness equipment

An analogous advantage results if the lever area adjoining the spring extends at least substantially above the spring.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the lever at least approximately forms a circular arc section. This shape makes it possible to design both the adjoining the handle as well as the adjoining the spring help area advantageous at least substantially upwards.

In addition, the circular arc shape allows the user of the outdoor fitness device as unimpeded access of the user to the receiving surface, since the lever protrudes in large parts clearly upwards from this. The even curve of a circular arc also allows a slight shift of the weight element on the lever, since no change of direction must be made in a confined space.

The formation of the lever as a circular arc section is also particularly safe. It does not allow the weight member to be securely positioned at positions other than the spring or handle. All other positions are recognizable not later than a movement of the lever is not stable and are therefore not even tried by the user of the outdoor fitness equipment.

A particularly easy access to an elongated receiving surface forms the embodiment in which the spring is connected at one end of the receiving surface with the fixed part of the outdoor fitness equipment. This allows the Side areas of the receiving surface to keep freely accessible. In addition, the longest possible lever causes the smallest possible change in the resistance caused by the spring along the lever travel traveled by the handle at the end of the lever, since this is accompanied only by a slight compression of the spring. Thus, the course of the effort on the outdoor fitness device according to the invention approach even more the constant effort in a movement of a weight.

It is also advantageous if the weight element at least largely surrounds the lever along its cross section. This makes it possible to dispense with the lever on a separate guide for the weight element, since the lever itself can be used as a guide for the weight element.

In an advantageous embodiment, the weight element comprises a socket, by means of which the weight element is guided on the lever. In which a socket is provided, the material for the weight element does not itself have good sliding properties, but can be optimally adapted to the conditions of use in the outdoor area. As a material for the socket is particularly plastic, which can slide well on a suitable outdoor material for the lever, such as stainless steel, and allows easy movement of the weight element on the lever. The long-term use of plastic is therefore already nothing contrary, since the jack is located predominantly in the interior of the weight element and thus well protected against environmental influences or vandalism.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the weight element is displaceable between a basic position near the spring and an operative position near the end of the lever facing away from the spring. In this way, the weight element can be moved in a position of minimum effect up to the position with the maximum effect enabled by the lever length.

It is also advantageous if the weight element is gummed at least at the contact surfaces to the spring or the handle, whereby a hitting of the weight element against the spring or the handle is prevented during a movement of the lever. From It is particularly advantageous if the weight element is made of a weather-resistant rubber granules. Such a weight element can already be made with a cavity in which the previously mentioned socket only has to be used.

It is advantageous in addition, when the spring and the spring remote from the end of the lever, in particular the handle, each forming a seat for the weight element, so limit the displacement of the weight element. On separate terminals or stoppers for the displacement can then be dispensed with

A particular advantage of the outdoor fitness device according to the invention is that the proposed principle allows a variety of different designs. The shape of the fixed part, the lever and the weight element are almost freely selectable and adapt to the desired specifications. To increase the flexibility of the outdoor fitness equipment, several weight elements can be provided on a lever. It is readily possible to form these weight elements with different masses, for example, to increase the flexibility for certain areas of the predetermined force.

In addition, an outdoor fitness device according to the invention may also have a plurality of levers which are connected to one another via the handle. The positioning of the various levers then determines the possible movement of the handle and thus allows the user to be forced in his exercise performed on the outdoor fitness machine.

A preferred embodiment of the outdoor fitness device according to the invention is described below with reference to two figures. The features described here are not limited to this specific embodiment, but can also be combined with other preferred features not shown here. Show it

Figure 1: a representation of an outdoor fitness device according to the invention in

Form of a handle bank, FIG. 2 shows an illustration of an outdoor fitness device according to the invention in FIG

Shape of another handle bank

Figure 3: the handle bank of Figure 2 with differently positioned

Weight elements.

Figure 4: the handle bank according to Figures 2 and 3 with differently positioned

edition

The outdoor fitness device shown in Figure 1 in the form of a handle bench 1 comprises a means of four legs 2 attached to a bottom not shown here bench 3. The legs 2 are connected to a frame 4, in which a lying surface 5, respectively receiving surface for a User is arranged.

Spaced from the bank 3 and arranged on both sides of her are two standpipes 6, 6 'anchored to the ground. At the bottom of the spaced end of the parallel aligned standpipes 6, 6 'is followed in each case an elastomeric spring 7, 7' according to the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the end of each standpipe 6, 6 'is fixedly connected to a hollow cylinder 8, 8'. In the hollow cylinder 8, 8 ', a coaxially arranged and projecting on both sides pin 9, 9' is arranged. The cavity between the hollow cylinder 8, 8 'and pin 9, 9' is filled by a cohesively connected to the hollow cylinder 8, 8 'and the pin 9, 9' Eisastomer. By the elastomer allows a resistive rotational movement of the bolt 9, 9 'relative to the hollow cylinder 8, 8', it forms the apparatus resistance of the elastomeric spring 7, T from.

On both sides of the hollow cylinder 8, 8 'are end portions of the bolt 9, 9' via vertically extending webs 10, 10 ', each with a lever 1 1, 1 1' connected, which can be moved against the apparatus resistance of the elastomeric spring 7, 7 '. The axis of the two pins 9, 9 'is thus at the same time the axis of rotation of the lever 1 1, 1 1'. The levers 1 1, 1 1 'are present, as well as the uprights 6, 6' and the elastomer springs 7, 7 ', identical. Both levers 1 1, 1 1 'form at least approximately an arch shape comprising three sections, respectively areas. A to the respective elastomeric spring 7, 7 'subsequent first portion 12, 12' of the lever 1 1, 1 1 'has a pitch, due to the curved shape of the lever 1 1, 1 1' in a second central portion 13, 13th ' in a vertex expires. The further curved course of the lever 11, 11 'results in that a third section 14, 14' of the lever 11, 11 'facing away from the elastomer spring 7, 7' is increasingly inclined again in the direction of the bottom.

The third sections 14, 14 'terminate in two ends 15, 15' facing away from the two elastomer springs 7, 7 '. The ends 15, 15 'of the lever 11, 11' are connected by a transverse handle bar 16 with each other. The handle bar 16 is thus on the levers 11, 11 'movably mounted on the elastomer springs 7, 7'. A movement of the handle bar 16 carried out by the user of the handle bank 1 causes it to pivot in a circular movement about a longitudinal axis passing through both pins 8, 8 'of the elastomer springs 7, 7'. The handle bar 16 remains aligned at least substantially horizontally.

The handle bar 16 also forms a stop, respectively seat, for each lever 11, 11 'arranged in series and slidably mounted on it weight elements 17a to 17e and 17a' to 17e 'from. At the opposite end of the lever 11, 11 'is a second stop for the weight elements 17a to 17e bzw.17a' to 17e ', which is preferably attached to a spar, which the two webs 10 bzw.10' of the respective elastomeric spring 7, 7 'interconnects and carries the respective lever 11, 11'.

The spherical weight elements 17a to 17e and 17a 'to 17e' have a continuous sleeve 18, 18 ', which surrounds the lever 11, 11'. By means of this sleeve 18, 18 'they are held on the lever 11, 11' and can be moved along the lever 11, 11 'in the longitudinal direction.

If the weight elements 17a to 17e or 17a 'to 17e' positioned at one end of the lever 11, 11 'are pushed over the vertex of the lever 11, 11', they can again be deposited or strung on the seat there at the opposite end become. Due to the force of gravity acting on them they remain in a triggered by the use of the handle bank 1 movement of the lever 11, 11 'in position. Only by a new shift beyond the vertex, they can be led back to the other end. In this way You can move back and forth between the basic and active positions and thus change the force required to push the handlebar 1 6.

The common apparatus resistance of the elastomer springs 7, T counteracts too far pushing up the handle bar 1 6. This prevents that the apex of the lever 1 1, 1 1 'is slidable in an area provided for the end-lined weight elements 17a to 17e or 17a' to 17e '. The weight elements 17a to 17e or 17a 'to 17e' arranged in operative position are thus always held in their position by gravity. They can not move on their own.

Above the lying surface 5 are two supports 19, 19 'for the handle bar 1 6 arranged. They prevent the handle bar 1 6 by pressing or pulling and / or the weight of the weight elements on their weight elements 17a to 17e or 17a 'to 17e' so far the lying surface 5 approaches that a person lying on the deck surface 5 pinched could be. The supports 19, 19 'are arranged on both sides of the lying surface 5 and firmly connected to the frame 4.

In a preferred position for using the handle bank 1, the user positions himself on the lying surface 5 in such a way that he can lead his arms as vertically as possible upwards when the handle bar 1 6 is pressed. In order to be able to offer the user two suitable positions, the handle bar 1 6 is arranged off-center in the longitudinal direction of the lying surface 5. This allows the user, depending on the direction in which he lies down on the lying surface 5, either to lay his whole body on the deck surface 5, or to angle his over the end of the bed surface 5 protruding lower leg to the feet with the ground to be able to touch.

The plurality of displaceable weight elements 17a to 17e or 17a 'to 17e' shown here is not set to the five shown here. Each plurality of weight elements makes it possible to vary the force required for the pressing of the handle bar 16 better than with only one weight element. FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of an outdoor fitness device in the form of a press bench 101. The differences that result in comparison with the handle bank 1 according to FIG. 1 are explained below.

The handle bank 101 comprises a bank 103 secured by legs 102, 102 'to a floor (not shown here). The legs 102, 102' are connected to a frame 104, in which a lying surface 105, or receiving surface, is arranged for a user. The legs 102, 102 'are formed in a circular arc shape. They do not end at the frame 104. In that they continue above the frame 104 the arc, go each arranged on one side of the bank 103 legs 102 and 102 'into each other.

At one end of the bench 103, two standpipes 106, 106 'are anchored to the ground on both sides thereof. At the bottom of the spaced end of the parallel aligned standpipes 106, 106 'a pivot according to the invention 107, 107' is arranged in each case at the same height. The hinges 107, 107 'have the same axis of rotation. The pivots 107, 107 'each allow a circular arc-shaped lever 1 1 1, 1 1 1' a parallel movement relative to the bank 103. To stabilize the lever 1 1 1, 1 1 1 'they are end connected by a respective cross member. The end-side arrangement of the cross member ensures an unhindered movement of the five weight elements 1 17 a-e and 1 17 a'-e 'held displaceably on the levers 1 1 1, 1 1 1', respectively. So that the weight elements can not come to rest on the cross members, they are protected on both sides by a respective lever 1 1 1, 1 1 1 'arranged seat 120, 120'.

The at the of the pivot joints 107, 107 'facing away from the end of the lever 1 1 1, 1 1 1' arranged cross member forms the handle bar 1 1 6. In the area of the lever travel a support 1 19, 1 19 'is arranged, on which the handle bar 1 16 can be stored. The supports 121, 121 'of the support 1 19, 1 19' are connected via a below the lying surface 104 arranged rail 122 with each other. A linkage not visible here connects the spar 1 22 with a handle 123 projecting on both sides of the frame 104. On the bottom side, the two supports 121, 121 'each have a joint 124, 124' with which they are anchored to the ground. The Joints 124, 124 'make it possible to tilt the supports 1 19, 1 19' by means of a movement of the handle 123 parallel to the plane of the lying surface 105 from the lever travel of the levers 1 1 1, 1 1 1 '. For simplified operation of the handle 123, it is guided in a gate 125.

The displacement of the support 1 19 can be done in a simple manner with the feet or the lower leg of lying on the lying surface 104 of the handle bank 101 person. For this purpose, the user of the handle bank a one only the handle bar 106 must press slightly high, so that the support 1 19 is released. Then, the user can lower the handle bar 1 1 6 both down to his chest, as well as with his arms stretched high. A wanton lifting the handlebar 1 1 6 over the leverage required during training out prevent the circular arc in overflowing legs 102 and 102 '. By the handle bar 1 16 is arranged within the circular arc, it forms a natural boundary for the handle bar 1 1 6. This prevents that the lever 1 1 1, 1 1 1 'with the weight elements held on them in the operative position 1 17 ae and 1 17 a'-e' can be lifted so far that the weight elements slide by themselves in the basic position ,

FIG. 3 shows the handle bank 101 in a different perspective. In contrast to FIG. 2, the weight element 1 17b or 1 17b 'is displaced from the active position into the basic position, so that only one weight element 17a or 17a' remains in the operative position.

The handle 123 is moved to the other end of the link 124, whereby the support 1 19, 1 19 'from the lever travel of the handle bar 1 1 6 has been removed. Thus, the handle bar 1 1 6 can be lowered down to the lying surface 105 down and is without intervention of a person on the bed surface 105 and the frame 104 on. Good to see in this illustration is the connecting rod 126, which connects the handle 123 with the spar 122.

Claims

Expectations

1. Outdoor fitness device (1, 101), in particular a press bench, having a lever (11, 11', 111, 111') movably mounted on a fixed part (6, 6 ') of the outdoor fitness device (1, 101). , with transverse forces acting on the lever (11, 11', 111, 111') being diverted into the fixed part (6, 6') via a swivel joint (7, 7', 107, 107') and the swivel joint (7 , 7', 107, 107') the lever (11, 11', 111, 111') is attached to the fixed part (6, 6') of the outdoor fitness device (1),

characterized,

that a weight element (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e, 17a', 17b', 17c', 17d', 17e') is attached to the lever (11, 11 ', 111, 111'), the weight element (17a , 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e, 17a', 17b', 17c', 17d', 17e') in the longitudinal direction of the lever (11, 11', 111, 111') on the lever (11, 11', 111, 111') is held.

2. Outdoor fitness device according to claim 1,

characterized,

that the swivel joint is a spring, in particular an elastomer spring (7, 7 ').

3. Outdoor fitness device according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized,

that the lever (11, 11 ', 111, 111') has a handle (16, 116), in particular a handle bar, at its end facing away from the swivel joint (7, 7', 107, 107'), the handle (16 , 116) is arranged above a receiving surface (5, 105) for receiving a user of the outdoor fitness device (1, 101).

4. Outdoor fitness device according to claim 3,

characterized,

that the lever area adjoining the handle (16, 116) is arranged at least substantially above the handle (16, 116).

5. Outdoor fitness device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

that the lever (11, 11', 111, 111') at least approximately forms a circular arc section.

6. Outdoor fitness device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

that the weight element (17a-e, 17a'-e', 117 a-e, 117 a'-e') at least largely surrounds the lever (11, 11', 111, 111') along its cross section.

7. Outdoor fitness device according to claim 6,

characterized,

that the weight element (17a-e, 17a'-e', 117 a-e, 117 a'-e') comprises a bushing (18, 18'), in particular a plastic bushing, by means of which the weight element (17a-e, 17a'-e', 117 a-e, 117 a'-e') is guided on the lever (11, 11', 111, 111').

8 outdoor fitness device according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

that the weight element (17a-e, 17a'-e', 117 a-e, 117 a'-e') lies between a basic position close to the spring (7, 7') and an active position close to that facing away from the spring (7, 7'). End of the lever (11, 11 ', 111, 111') is displaceable.

9. Outdoor fitness device according to claim 8,

characterized,

that the spring (7, 7') and the end of the lever (11, 11', 111, 111') facing away from the spring (7, 7'), in particular the handle (16), each have a seat for the weight element (17a -e, 17a'-e', 117 ae, 117 a'-e').

10. Outdoor fitness device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in

that a support (19, 19', 119, 119') for the handle (16, 116) or the lever (11, 11 ', 111, 111') is arranged above a lying surface (5, 105) or seat.

11. Outdoor fitness device according to claim 10,

characterized,

in that the support (119, 119') is displaceably mounted between a position in which it blocks the lever travel towards the lying surface (5) and a position in which it releases the lever travel towards the lying surface (5).