EP4151286A1 - Loading device for an exercise machine - Google Patents
Loading device for an exercise machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4151286A1 EP4151286A1 EP21197582.6A EP21197582A EP4151286A1 EP 4151286 A1 EP4151286 A1 EP 4151286A1 EP 21197582 A EP21197582 A EP 21197582A EP 4151286 A1 EP4151286 A1 EP 4151286A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- lever
- exercise machine
- loading device
- coupler
- threaded rod
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 235000013290 Sagittaria latifolia Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 235000015246 common arrowhead Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/008—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters
- A63B21/0085—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters using pneumatic force-resisters
- A63B21/0087—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters using pneumatic force-resisters of the piston-cylinder type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/00058—Mechanical means for varying the resistance
- A63B21/00069—Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
- A63B21/00072—Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve by changing the length of a lever
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/005—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
- A63B21/0058—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters using motors
- A63B21/0059—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters using motors using a frequency controlled AC motor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/008—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters
- A63B21/0083—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters of the piston-cylinder type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
- A63B21/078—Devices for bench press exercises, e.g. supports, guiding means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/15—Arrangements for force transmissions
- A63B21/151—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains
- A63B21/154—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains using special pulley-assemblies
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an exercise machine and, more particularly, to a loading device for use on an exercise machine.
- An exercise machine includes a loading device operable to control a load or resistance against a person who exercises with the exercise machine.
- the loading device can include a spring, a set of weights or a system of levers.
- a loading device includes a spring
- a loading device includes a set of weights
- a user is allowed to adjust the load by using different combinations of the weights.
- the adjustment of the load is not delicate for two reasons. Firstly, each of the weights is made with a considerable weight. Secondly, the number of the combinations is limited.
- an exercise machine is provided with a left loading device and a right loading device.
- the left and right loading devices are identical to each other in structure and are mirror images to each other in position.
- the left loading device includes a lever 30, two pulleys 34 and 70, a pneumatic cylinder 36, a cable 40 and a coupling device 50.
- the lever 30 includes multiple holes 42 arranged along the lever 30.
- a pivot 32 is used to connect an end of the lever 30 to an upright member 14 of the exercise machine.
- the pulley 34 is supported on the lever 30, near another end of the lever 30.
- the pulley 70 is attached to a lower support member 16 of the exercise machine.
- the cable 40 is wound on the pulleys 34 and 70.
- An end of the cable 40 is tied to a lower support member 16 of the exercise machine.
- Another end of the cable 40 is tied to a handle 44 to be held by a user.
- the coupling device 50 includes a body 52 and a handle 54.
- the body 52 is supported on the lever 30.
- the handle 54 is formed with a pin 54a and a flange 54d.
- a spring 54b is compressed between the flange 54d and an internal portion of the body 52.
- An upper end of the pneumatic cylinder 36 is pivotally connected to the body 52.
- a pivot 38 is used to connect a lower end of the pneumatic cylinder 36 to the lower support member 16.
- the distance between the pivot 32 and the upper end of the pneumatic cylinder 36 sets a first moment arm while the distance between the pivot 32 and a center of the rollers 34 sets a moment arm.
- the body 52 is movable on the lever 30 so that the first moment arm is adjustable.
- the pin 54a is inserted in a selected one of the holes 42 to keep the upper connected end of the pneumatic cylinder 36 in a selected one of multiple positions relative to the pivot 32, i.e., keep the first moment arm in a selected one of multiple values.
- the spring 54b keeps the while pin 54a in the selected hole 42 and retains two contact portions 53 of the body 52 against the lever 30.
- the use of the loading devices is not without any problem.
- the sliding of the body 52 on the lever 30 and the insertion of the pin 54a in one of the holes 42 are manual. Hence, the use of the loading devices is not convenient.
- the use of the handle 54 to keep the upper end of the pneumatic cylinder 36 in position relative to the pivot 32 is not firm.
- the present invention is therefore intended to obviate or at least alleviate the problems encountered in the prior art.
- the loading device includes a lever, a coupler, a cylinder unit and a driving unit.
- the lever includes two ends. The first end of the lever is connected to the exercise machine.
- the coupler is movable along the lever between the first and second ends.
- the cylinder unit includes an end connected to the exercise machine and another end connected to the coupler.
- the driving unit includes a threaded sleeve, a threaded rod and a motor.
- the threaded sleeve is connected to the coupler.
- the threaded rod is engaged with the threaded sleeve.
- the motor rotates the threaded rod relative to the threaded sleeve so that the threaded rod moves the coupler via the threaded sleeve.
- a loading device 10 includes a lever 11, a cylinder unit 20, a coupler 30 and a driving unit 41 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- the loading device 10 can be used with an exercise machine 50 shown in FIG. 9 or another exercise machine 60 shown in FIG. 10 .
- the lever 11 is an arched element formed with two ends 12 and 17.
- a pivot 13 is used to connect the end 12 of the lever 11 to a portion of the exercise machine 50 or 60 so that the lever 11 is allowed to pivot about an axis 14 along which the pivot 13 extends.
- a supporting element 15 and a positioner 40 are connected to the lever 11, near the end 17.
- the supporting element 15 supports a stationary pulley 16.
- a cable 57 ( FIG. 9 ) or another cable 65 ( FIG. 10 ) is wound on the stationary pulley 16 so that the stationary pulley 16 is subjected to a force F exerted by the cable 57 or 65.
- the positioner 40 includes two portions extending perpendicular to each other. The portions of the positioner 40 are pivotally connected to each other.
- the first portion of the positioner 40 is connected to the lever 11.
- the first portion of the positioner 40 is a ferrule extending around the lever 11.
- the first portion of the positioner 40 is connected to the lever 11 by welding.
- the second portion of the positioner 40 is connected to the driving unit 41.
- the driving unit 41 is located behind the lever 11.
- the driving unit 41 includes a shell 41a ( FIG. 7 ), a motor 43, a threaded sleeve 45 and a threaded rod 46.
- the shell 41a is pivotally connected to the second portion of the positioner 40.
- the motor 43 is supported on the shell 41a.
- the motor 43 is electrically connected to a power supply (not shown) through a wire 44.
- the motor 43 includes a mandrel 43a ( FIG. 7 ).
- the power supply is used to energize the motor 43 to rotate the mandrel 43a.
- the threaded rod 46 is operatively connected to the mandrel 43a so that the threaded rod 46 is rotated by the mandrel 43a.
- the threaded sleeve 45 is engaged with the threaded rod 46 so that the threaded sleeve 45 moves on and along the threaded rod 46 when the threaded rod 46 rotates.
- the shell 41a is formed with a connective portion 42 pivotally connected to the second portion of the positioner 40 so that the driving unit 41 is pivotally connected to the lever 11, in the vicinity of the supporting element 15.
- the threaded sleeve 45 is connected to the coupler 30 by a pivot 45a.
- the coupler 30 is movable on and along the lever 11 between the end 12 of the lever 11 and the end 17 of the lever 11 (or the positioner 40).
- the threaded sleeve 45 is prevented from rotation about an axis of the threaded rod 46 but allowed to move along the axis of the threaded rod 46 due to the pivot 45a, which is connected to the coupler 30.
- a toothed wheel 41c is located in and connected to the shell 41a.
- the toothed wheel 41c is coaxially connected to the mandrel 43a.
- the toothed wheel 41c is engaged with the threaded rod 46 so that the toothed wheel 41c rotates the threaded rod 46.
- a supporting element 41b is located in and connected to the shell 41a.
- the supporting element 41b is in the form of a collar or sleeve extending around the threaded rod 46 so that the supporting element 41b keeps the threaded rod 46 engaged with the toothed wheel 41c.
- the motor 43 can be energized to rotate the mandrel 43a.
- the mandrel 43a rotates the toothed wheel 41c.
- the toothed wheel 41c rotates the threaded rod 46.
- the threaded rod 46 moves the threaded sleeve 45.
- the coupler 30 moves with the threaded sleeve 45.
- the coupler 30 can be located in the vicinity of the end 17 of the lever 11 ( FIG. 2 ) or moved toward the end 12 of the lever 11 ( FIG. 4 ).
- the cylinder unit 20 can be a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder unit that includes a cylinder 21 and a plunger 26.
- the cylinder 21 is formed with a lug 24 at an end.
- the plunger 26 includes a first end movable in the cylinder 21 and a second end movable in the exterior of the cylinder 21. Gas or liquid can be admitted into the cylinder 21 through an aperture 22 to move the second end of the plunger 26 toward the cylinder 21. Gas or liquid can be admitted into the cylinder via another aperture 23 to move the second end of the plunger 26 from the cylinder 21.
- the second end of the plunger 26 is formed with a lug 28 ( FIG.
- a fastener 27 such as a rivet and a combination of a threaded bolt with a nut.
- the cylinder unit 20 pivots about an axis 25 extending through the lug 24 when the coupler 30 moves along the lever 11.
- the coupler 30 includes two arched portions 32 formed between two planar portions 31.
- the second end of the plunger 26 is located between the planar portions 31 of the coupler 30 before the former is connected to the latter via the fastener.
- Two rollers 34 and a roller 35 are located between the planar portions 31 of the coupler 30 before the former are connected to the planar portions 31 of the coupler 30 by fasteners 33.
- the rollers 34 are located further from the arched portions 32 of the coupler 30 than the roller 35 is.
- the second end of the plunger 26 is located between the rollers 34.
- the lever 11 is located between the planar portions 31 of the coupler 30.
- the lever 11 is not in contact with the plunger 26.
- the rollers 34 are in contact with a side of the lever 11 while the roller 35 is in contact with another side of the lever 11.
- the rollers 34 and 35 allow the coupler 30 to move smoothly on and along the lever 11.
- a first moment arm is determined by the distance between the axis 14 and an axis (not numbered) of the pulley 16.
- the first moment arm is constant because the pulley 16 is not movable in relation to the lever 11.
- a second moment arm is determined by the distance between the axis 14 and an axis (not numbered) of the fastener 27.
- the second moment arm is adjustable because the coupler 30 is movable along the lever 11.
- the second moment arm shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is longer than the second moment arm shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- a user of the exercise machine 50 or 60 encounters a larger resistance when the second moment arm is as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 than as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- FIG. 8 there is a loading device 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- the second embodiment is like the first embodiment except for that the driving unit 41 is located in the vicinity of the end 12 of the lever 11. Accordingly, the driving unit 41 is located in front the lever 11.
- the exercise machine 50 is equipped with the loading device 10.
- the exercise machine 50 further includes a frame 51, a bench 54, a pivotal element 55, a pulley set 56 and a cable 57.
- the frame 51 includes two vertical bars 52 connected to two horizontal bars 53.
- the bench 54 is located before and connected to the frame 51.
- the pivotal element 55 is located below and pivotally connected to the bench 54.
- the pulley set 56 is located in and connected to the frame 51.
- the loading device 10 is located in the frame 51, behind the bench 54.
- the end 12 of the lever 11 is connected to a left one of the vertical bars 52 via the pivot 13, in the vicinity of an upper end.
- the lug 24 of the cylinder 21 is connected to the left vertical bar 52 by a pivot (not numbered), in the vicinity of a lower end.
- the cable 57 is wound on the pulley set 56 and the pulley 16. An end of the cable 57 is tied to a rear face of the pivotal element 55. Another end of the cable 57 is tied to a lower one of the horizontal bars 53.
- a user of the exercise machine 50 sits on the bench 54.
- the user bends his or her legs before hooking the pivotal element 55 with the legs.
- the user stretches the legs and pivots the pivotal element 55 from the bench 54 as indicated by an arrow head e.
- the user encounters a resistance from the loading device 10 via the cable 57 as indicated by arrow heads a, b, c and d.
- the exercise machine 60 is equipped with the loading device 10.
- the exercise machine 60 further includes a primary frame 61, a pulley set 64, a cable 65, a secondary frame 66 and a handle 67.
- the primary frame 61 includes two vertical bars 62 connected to two horizontal bars 63.
- the primary frame 61 is located on a supporting surface 58 such as a floor.
- the pulley set 64 is located in and connected to the primary frame 61.
- the secondary frame 66 is connected to an upper one of the horizontal bars 63.
- the loading device 10 is located in the frame 51.
- the end 12 of the lever 11 is connected to a left one of the vertical bars 62 via the pivot 13, in the vicinity of an upper end.
- the lug 24 of the cylinder 21 is connected to the left vertical bar 52 by a pivot (not numbered) extending along the axis 25, in the vicinity of a lower end.
- the cable 65 is wound on the pulley set 64 and the pulley 16. An end of the cable 65 is tied to a middle portion of the handle 67. Another end of the cable 65 is tied to a lower one of the horizontal bars 63.
- a user of the exercise machine 60 stands in front of the primary frame 61.
- the user stretches his or her arms before holding the handle 67 with his or her hands.
- the user bends the arms and pulls the handle 67 from the secondary frame 66 as indicated by an arrow head f.
- the user encounters a resistance from the loading device 10 via the cable 65 as indicated by arrow heads a, b and c.
Abstract
An exercise machine is provided with a loading device. The loading device includes a lever, a coupler, a cylinder unit and a driving unit. The lever includes two ends. The first end of the lever is connected to the exercise machine. The coupler is movable along the lever between the first and second ends. The cylinder unit includes an end connected to the exercise machine and another end connected to the coupler. The driving unit includes a threaded sleeve, a threaded rod and a motor. The threaded sleeve is connected to the coupler. The threaded rod is engaged with the threaded sleeve. The motor rotates the threaded rod relative to the threaded sleeve so that the threaded rod moves the coupler via the threaded sleeve.
Description
- The present invention relates to an exercise machine and, more particularly, to a loading device for use on an exercise machine.
- An exercise machine includes a loading device operable to control a load or resistance against a person who exercises with the exercise machine. The loading device can include a spring, a set of weights or a system of levers.
- Where a loading device includes a spring, it is impossible for a user to adjust the load provided by the spring because the load provided by the spring gets heavier as extension of the spring gets longer.
- Where a loading device includes a set of weights, a user is allowed to adjust the load by using different combinations of the weights. However, the adjustment of the load is not delicate for two reasons. Firstly, each of the weights is made with a considerable weight. Secondly, the number of the combinations is limited.
- As disclosed in
US Patent No. 7758479 for example, an exercise machine is provided with a left loading device and a right loading device. The left and right loading devices are identical to each other in structure and are mirror images to each other in position. For the briefness of the description, only the left loading device will be described. The left loading device includes alever 30, twopulleys 34 and 70, a pneumatic cylinder 36, acable 40 and acoupling device 50. Thelever 30 includesmultiple holes 42 arranged along thelever 30. Apivot 32 is used to connect an end of thelever 30 to anupright member 14 of the exercise machine. Thepulley 34 is supported on thelever 30, near another end of thelever 30. The pulley 70 is attached to alower support member 16 of the exercise machine. Thecable 40 is wound on thepulleys 34 and 70. An end of thecable 40 is tied to alower support member 16 of the exercise machine. Another end of thecable 40 is tied to ahandle 44 to be held by a user. Thecoupling device 50 includes abody 52 and ahandle 54. Thebody 52 is supported on thelever 30. Thehandle 54 is formed with a pin 54a and a flange 54d. A spring 54b is compressed between the flange 54d and an internal portion of thebody 52. An upper end of the pneumatic cylinder 36 is pivotally connected to thebody 52. A pivot 38 is used to connect a lower end of the pneumatic cylinder 36 to thelower support member 16. The distance between thepivot 32 and the upper end of the pneumatic cylinder 36 sets a first moment arm while the distance between thepivot 32 and a center of therollers 34 sets a moment arm. Thebody 52 is movable on thelever 30 so that the first moment arm is adjustable. In use, the pin 54a is inserted in a selected one of theholes 42 to keep the upper connected end of the pneumatic cylinder 36 in a selected one of multiple positions relative to thepivot 32, i.e., keep the first moment arm in a selected one of multiple values. The spring 54b keeps the while pin 54a in theselected hole 42 and retains twocontact portions 53 of thebody 52 against thelever 30. - The use of the loading devices is not without any problem. The sliding of the
body 52 on thelever 30 and the insertion of the pin 54a in one of theholes 42 are manual. Hence, the use of the loading devices is not convenient. Moreover, the use of thehandle 54 to keep the upper end of the pneumatic cylinder 36 in position relative to thepivot 32 is not firm. - The present invention is therefore intended to obviate or at least alleviate the problems encountered in the prior art.
- It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide an exercise machine with a delicately adjustable loading device.
- To achieve the foregoing objective, the loading device includes a lever, a coupler, a cylinder unit and a driving unit. The lever includes two ends. The first end of the lever is connected to the exercise machine. The coupler is movable along the lever between the first and second ends. The cylinder unit includes an end connected to the exercise machine and another end connected to the coupler. The driving unit includes a threaded sleeve, a threaded rod and a motor. The threaded sleeve is connected to the coupler. The threaded rod is engaged with the threaded sleeve. The motor rotates the threaded rod relative to the threaded sleeve so that the threaded rod moves the coupler via the threaded sleeve.
- Other objectives, advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description referring to the attached drawings.
- The present invention will be described via detailed illustration of two embodiments referring to the drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a loading device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the loading device shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a front view of the loading device shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a top view of the loading device in another position than shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a front view of the loading device shown inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged, partial and cross-sectional view of the loading device shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partial and cross-sectional view of the loading device shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a loading device according to the second embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exercise machine equipped with the loading device shown inFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exercise machine equipped with the loading device shown inFIG. 1 . - Referring to
FIG. 1 , aloading device 10 includes alever 11, acylinder unit 20, acoupler 30 and adriving unit 41 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Theloading device 10 can be used with anexercise machine 50 shown inFIG. 9 or anotherexercise machine 60 shown inFIG. 10 . - The
lever 11 is an arched element formed with twoends pivot 13 is used to connect theend 12 of thelever 11 to a portion of theexercise machine lever 11 is allowed to pivot about anaxis 14 along which thepivot 13 extends. A supportingelement 15 and apositioner 40 are connected to thelever 11, near theend 17. The supportingelement 15 supports astationary pulley 16. A cable 57 (FIG. 9 ) or another cable 65 (FIG. 10 ) is wound on thestationary pulley 16 so that thestationary pulley 16 is subjected to a force F exerted by thecable positioner 40 includes two portions extending perpendicular to each other. The portions of thepositioner 40 are pivotally connected to each other. The first portion of thepositioner 40 is connected to thelever 11. Preferably, the first portion of thepositioner 40 is a ferrule extending around thelever 11. Alternatively, the first portion of thepositioner 40 is connected to thelever 11 by welding. The second portion of thepositioner 40 is connected to the drivingunit 41. The drivingunit 41 is located behind thelever 11. - The driving
unit 41 includes ashell 41a (FIG. 7 ), amotor 43, a threadedsleeve 45 and a threadedrod 46. Theshell 41a is pivotally connected to the second portion of thepositioner 40. Themotor 43 is supported on theshell 41a. Themotor 43 is electrically connected to a power supply (not shown) through awire 44. Themotor 43 includes amandrel 43a (FIG. 7 ). The power supply is used to energize themotor 43 to rotate themandrel 43a. The threadedrod 46 is operatively connected to themandrel 43a so that the threadedrod 46 is rotated by themandrel 43a. The threadedsleeve 45 is engaged with the threadedrod 46 so that the threadedsleeve 45 moves on and along the threadedrod 46 when the threadedrod 46 rotates. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , theshell 41a is formed with aconnective portion 42 pivotally connected to the second portion of thepositioner 40 so that the drivingunit 41 is pivotally connected to thelever 11, in the vicinity of the supportingelement 15. The threadedsleeve 45 is connected to thecoupler 30 by apivot 45a. Thecoupler 30 is movable on and along thelever 11 between theend 12 of thelever 11 and theend 17 of the lever 11 (or the positioner 40). The threadedsleeve 45 is prevented from rotation about an axis of the threadedrod 46 but allowed to move along the axis of the threadedrod 46 due to thepivot 45a, which is connected to thecoupler 30. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , atoothed wheel 41c is located in and connected to theshell 41a. Thetoothed wheel 41c is coaxially connected to themandrel 43a. Thetoothed wheel 41c is engaged with the threadedrod 46 so that thetoothed wheel 41c rotates the threadedrod 46. A supportingelement 41b is located in and connected to theshell 41a. The supportingelement 41b is in the form of a collar or sleeve extending around the threadedrod 46 so that the supportingelement 41b keeps the threadedrod 46 engaged with thetoothed wheel 41c. - The
motor 43 can be energized to rotate themandrel 43a. Themandrel 43a rotates thetoothed wheel 41c. Thetoothed wheel 41c rotates the threadedrod 46. The threadedrod 46 moves the threadedsleeve 45. Thecoupler 30 moves with the threadedsleeve 45. Thus, thecoupler 30 can be located in the vicinity of theend 17 of the lever 11 (FIG. 2 ) or moved toward theend 12 of the lever 11 (FIG. 4 ). - Referring to
FIG. 1 again, thecylinder unit 20 can be a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder unit that includes acylinder 21 and aplunger 26. Thecylinder 21 is formed with alug 24 at an end. Theplunger 26 includes a first end movable in thecylinder 21 and a second end movable in the exterior of thecylinder 21. Gas or liquid can be admitted into thecylinder 21 through anaperture 22 to move the second end of theplunger 26 toward thecylinder 21. Gas or liquid can be admitted into the cylinder via anotheraperture 23 to move the second end of theplunger 26 from thecylinder 21. The second end of theplunger 26 is formed with a lug 28 (FIG. 6 ) connected to thecoupler 30 by afastener 27 such as a rivet and a combination of a threaded bolt with a nut. Thecylinder unit 20 pivots about anaxis 25 extending through thelug 24 when thecoupler 30 moves along thelever 11. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , thecoupler 30 includes twoarched portions 32 formed between twoplanar portions 31. The second end of theplunger 26 is located between theplanar portions 31 of thecoupler 30 before the former is connected to the latter via the fastener. Tworollers 34 and aroller 35 are located between theplanar portions 31 of thecoupler 30 before the former are connected to theplanar portions 31 of thecoupler 30 byfasteners 33. Therollers 34 are located further from thearched portions 32 of thecoupler 30 than theroller 35 is. The second end of theplunger 26 is located between therollers 34. Thelever 11 is located between theplanar portions 31 of thecoupler 30. Thelever 11 is not in contact with theplunger 26. Therollers 34 are in contact with a side of thelever 11 while theroller 35 is in contact with another side of thelever 11. Therollers coupler 30 to move smoothly on and along thelever 11. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 through 5 , a first moment arm is determined by the distance between theaxis 14 and an axis (not numbered) of thepulley 16. The first moment arm is constant because thepulley 16 is not movable in relation to thelever 11. A second moment arm is determined by the distance between theaxis 14 and an axis (not numbered) of thefastener 27. The second moment arm is adjustable because thecoupler 30 is movable along thelever 11. For example, the second moment arm shown inFIGS. 2 and3 is longer than the second moment arm shown inFIGS. 4 and5 . Hence, a user of theexercise machine FIGS. 2 and3 than as shown inFIGS. 4 and5 . - Referring to
FIG. 8 , there is aloading device 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is like the first embodiment except for that the drivingunit 41 is located in the vicinity of theend 12 of thelever 11. Accordingly, the drivingunit 41 is located in front thelever 11. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , theexercise machine 50 is equipped with theloading device 10. Theexercise machine 50 further includes aframe 51, abench 54, apivotal element 55, a pulley set 56 and acable 57. Theframe 51 includes twovertical bars 52 connected to twohorizontal bars 53. Thebench 54 is located before and connected to theframe 51. Thepivotal element 55 is located below and pivotally connected to thebench 54. The pulley set 56 is located in and connected to theframe 51. - The
loading device 10 is located in theframe 51, behind thebench 54. Theend 12 of thelever 11 is connected to a left one of thevertical bars 52 via thepivot 13, in the vicinity of an upper end. Thelug 24 of thecylinder 21 is connected to the leftvertical bar 52 by a pivot (not numbered), in the vicinity of a lower end. - The
cable 57 is wound on the pulley set 56 and thepulley 16. An end of thecable 57 is tied to a rear face of thepivotal element 55. Another end of thecable 57 is tied to a lower one of thehorizontal bars 53. - A user of the
exercise machine 50 sits on thebench 54. The user bends his or her legs before hooking thepivotal element 55 with the legs. Then, the user stretches the legs and pivots thepivotal element 55 from thebench 54 as indicated by an arrow head e. Hence, the user encounters a resistance from theloading device 10 via thecable 57 as indicated by arrow heads a, b, c and d. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , theexercise machine 60 is equipped with theloading device 10. Theexercise machine 60 further includes aprimary frame 61, a pulley set 64, acable 65, asecondary frame 66 and ahandle 67. Theprimary frame 61 includes twovertical bars 62 connected to twohorizontal bars 63. Theprimary frame 61 is located on a supportingsurface 58 such as a floor. The pulley set 64 is located in and connected to theprimary frame 61. Thesecondary frame 66 is connected to an upper one of thehorizontal bars 63. - The
loading device 10 is located in theframe 51. Theend 12 of thelever 11 is connected to a left one of thevertical bars 62 via thepivot 13, in the vicinity of an upper end. Thelug 24 of thecylinder 21 is connected to the leftvertical bar 52 by a pivot (not numbered) extending along theaxis 25, in the vicinity of a lower end. - The
cable 65 is wound on the pulley set 64 and thepulley 16. An end of thecable 65 is tied to a middle portion of thehandle 67. Another end of thecable 65 is tied to a lower one of thehorizontal bars 63. - A user of the
exercise machine 60 stands in front of theprimary frame 61. The user stretches his or her arms before holding thehandle 67 with his or her hands. Then, the user bends the arms and pulls thehandle 67 from thesecondary frame 66 as indicated by an arrow head f. Hence, the user encounters a resistance from theloading device 10 via thecable 65
as indicated by arrow heads a, b and c. - The present invention has been described via the illustration of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art can derive variations from the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments shall not limit the scope of the present invention defined in the claims.
Claims (9)
- A loading device for use in an exercise machine (50, 60), wherein the loading device comprises:a lever (11) comprising a first end (12) and a second end (17), wherein the first end (12) of the lever (11) is connected to the exercise machine (50, 60);a coupler (30) movable along the lever (11) between the first and second ends (12, 17);a cylinder unit (20) comprising an end connected to the exercise machine (50, 60) and another end connected to the coupler (30); anda driving unit (41) comprising:a threaded sleeve (45) connected to the coupler (30);a threaded rod (46) engaged with the threaded sleeve (45); anda motor (43) for rotating the threaded rod (46) relative to the threaded sleeve (45) so that the threaded rod (46) moves the coupler (30) via the threaded sleeve (45).
- The exercise machine loading device according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit (41) further comprises:a shell (41a);a toothed wheel (41c) located in the shell (41a) and driven by the motor (43); anda supporting element (41b) located in the shell (41a), wherein the supporting element (41b) keeps the threaded rod (46) engaged with the toothed wheel (41c).
- The exercise machine loading device according to claim 2, wherein the motor (43) comprises a mandrel (43a) coaxially connected to the toothed wheel (41c).
- The exercise machine loading device according to claim 2, wherein the shell (41a) comprises a connective portion (42), wherein the lever (11) comprises a positioner (40) pivotally connected to the connective portion (42) of the shell (41a).
- The exercise machine loading device according to claim 1, wherein the lever (11) is an arched element.
- The exercise machine loading device according to claim 1, further comprising a stationary pulley (16) connected to the lever (11), in the vicinity of the second end (17).
- The exercise machine loading device according to claim 1, wherein the cylinder unit (20) includes a cylinder (21) and a plunger (26) extending from the cylinder (21), wherein the cylinder (21) comprises a lug (24) connected to an exercise machine (50, 60), wherein the plunger (26) comprises a lug (28) connected to the coupler (30).
- The exercise machine loading device according to claim 1, wherein the coupler (30) comprises two lower rollers (34) in contact with a lower side of the lever (11) and an upper roller (35) in contact with an upper side of the lever (11), wherein the lower and upper rollers (34, 35) are located between the planar portions (31) of the coupler (30).
- The exercise machine loading device according to claim 8, wherein the planar and arched portions (31, 32) of the coupler (30) are formed in one piece, wherein the planar portions (31) of the coupler (30) extend on two opposite sides of the arched portions (32).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP21197582.6A EP4151286A1 (en) | 2021-09-18 | 2021-09-18 | Loading device for an exercise machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP21197582.6A EP4151286A1 (en) | 2021-09-18 | 2021-09-18 | Loading device for an exercise machine |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP4151286A1 true EP4151286A1 (en) | 2023-03-22 |
Family
ID=77838746
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP21197582.6A Withdrawn EP4151286A1 (en) | 2021-09-18 | 2021-09-18 | Loading device for an exercise machine |
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EP (1) | EP4151286A1 (en) |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4426077A (en) * | 1980-03-25 | 1984-01-17 | Becker Hermann Josef | Muscle developing exercise device |
US20030027693A1 (en) * | 2001-07-31 | 2003-02-06 | Bushnell Raymond B. | Exercise machine with controllable resistance |
EP1960062A1 (en) * | 2005-12-05 | 2008-08-27 | Joseph Kolomeir | Weight lifting simulator apparatus |
US7758479B2 (en) | 2004-07-22 | 2010-07-20 | Husted Royce H | Loading device for exercise machines |
US10960253B2 (en) * | 2014-02-26 | 2021-03-30 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Exercise weight selection device and method |
-
2021
- 2021-09-18 EP EP21197582.6A patent/EP4151286A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4426077A (en) * | 1980-03-25 | 1984-01-17 | Becker Hermann Josef | Muscle developing exercise device |
US20030027693A1 (en) * | 2001-07-31 | 2003-02-06 | Bushnell Raymond B. | Exercise machine with controllable resistance |
US7758479B2 (en) | 2004-07-22 | 2010-07-20 | Husted Royce H | Loading device for exercise machines |
EP1960062A1 (en) * | 2005-12-05 | 2008-08-27 | Joseph Kolomeir | Weight lifting simulator apparatus |
US10960253B2 (en) * | 2014-02-26 | 2021-03-30 | Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. | Exercise weight selection device and method |
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