GB2130900A

GB2130900A - Exercise machine

Info

Publication number: GB2130900A
Application number: GB08331993A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harold Ronald Evans
Original assignee: Tekron Licensing BV
Current assignee: Tekron Licensing BV
Priority date: 1982-11-30
Filing date: 1983-11-30
Publication date: 1984-06-13
Also published as: GB2130900B; GB8331993D0

Abstract

An exercise machine for simulating cross-country ski-ing comprises a pair of side rails (13, 14) forming tracks, two end members (15, 16), two runners (22, 23) running along the tracks and a base plate 12 to which a pair of ski poles (36) are attached, the runners being connected by a flat nylon webbing tape (35) which slides frictionally over the end members (15, 16) as the runners are moved backwards and forwards. The ends of the side rails may be angled upwards to assist the user in returning the runners and/or return springs may be provided. The tension of the tape (35) may be adjusted by means of a roller tensioning device (Fig. 6, not shown) and a counter may also be provided. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Exercise machine The present invention relates to exercise machines.

It has long been acknowledged that exercise, taken in moderate amounts can improve health and this is reflected in the current increase in exercising activities such as running, jogging, swimming etc. However, it may be preferable to perform exercises indoors rather than in an outdoor environment perhaps due to weather conditions or unpleasant environmental conditions in the case of city-dwellers, particulariy those living in high-rise accommodation. Furthermore, it may not be convenient to visit a gymnasium or an exercise centre and so there is a need for devices which enable exercise to be taken in the home. In this way, small amounts of regular exercise may be taken with a minimum of inconvenience and disruption to daily routines, resulting in an improved health, an increased life-expectancy and a general feeling of well-being.

It is believed in certain circles that violent exercise may actually be harmful to one's health in the long term, quite apart from the short term risks of injury, heart failure etc. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a device which enables the user to perform exercises at his or her own pace without placing any great strain on the body. Such a device could perhaps offer most beneficiently a substantially constant resistance which has to be overcome either continuously or repeatedly by the user performing the exercise.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise machine which simulates the action of skiing, particularly cross-country skiing or langlauf.

According to the invention an exercise machine comprises a pair of substantially horizontal tracks, a pair of runners, one mounted for movement along each track, a flexible elongate friction element connected between the runners, a frictional guide surface over which the flexible elongate friction element slides frictionally upon movement of the runners, and optionally a pair of substantially vertical rods associated with the tracks.

With such a machine, a user can simuiate a run of some miles or a period of cross-country skiing without having to leave his or her own home. This minimises the risk of injury associated with actual running or skiing. Furthermore, it is not necessary to decide before hand on the particular distance to be covered so that the desired amount of exercise may be taken with a greater degree of accuracy.

Alternatively it may be used as a leg exerciser while the user is seated on a chair.

Preferably, the tracks are parallel, spaced and connected together at each end by a cross member. Preferably at each cross member is in the form of a tube bent through a right angle. The flexible elongate friction element may then extend along one track from one runner to the tube, pass around the tube, turning through 1800, and then pass along the other track to the other runner. The flexible elongate friction element is preferably arranged in this way at both ends of the tracks, thereby ensuring complementary movement of the runners. With the latter arrangement, the friction element would effectively form a continuous loop with the runners attached at substantially opposite positions. Alternatively, the taps could be in the form of two half-loops joined together at the two runners.

Preferably each track comprises a rectangular section tube with a rail attached to each side. Each runner then preferably comprises a foot support mounted on a carriage, the carriage having wheels running along the rails and a flange located beneath the rail. Alternatively, the carriages may have slides instead of wheels allowing them to slide along the rails.

The rods or poles may be designed for free hand use or may be pivotally attached to a base plate, preferably by means of strong springs, in order to allow the poles to swing about the vertical position. In a preferred embodiment, the spring is a force-fit on to a stud on the base plate and has an insert force-fitted into its top end. The insert may have an integral screw-threaded spigot arranged to screw into a corresponding tapped hole in one of the poles, so that the poles can be unscrewed for storage of the machine.

The flexible elongate friction element is preferably a flat nylon webbing tape and the machine may be equipped with a tape tension adjuster in order to vary the tape tension and sothe frictional resistance to movement. A counter may also be provided to give an indication of the exercise performed.

The invention may be carried into practice in various ways and one embodiment will now be described by way of example with reference to the above drawings in which: Figure 1 is an isometric sketch of an exercise machine in accordance with the invention, with some components omitted for clarity: Figure 2 is a side view to a larger scale and in more detail of a runner; Figure 3 is an end view of the runner of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a partial sectional elevation showing the mounting of a pole; Figure 5 is an isometric sketch of the two major components of the tape-tensioning and counter device; and Figure 6 is an isometric sketch of the tapetensioning and counter device in position.

As shown in Figure 1 , the exercise device comprises essentially a frame 11 and a base plate 12. The frame 11 comprises two side members 13, 14 and two end members 15, 1 6. The side and end members 13 to 16 are connected to form the frame 11 by means of four corner plates 1 7 to which the end members are welded, the corner plates being bolted to the side members. The side members 13, 14 stand on shallow rubber feet (not shown) there being two at each corner.

Each side member 1 3, 14 comprises a rectangular section tube 1 8 and a pair of L-section rails 19, 21 extending along the side member, one on either side. Each end member 1 5, 1 6 comprises a length of smooth round sectioned tubing which has been bent through 900 and these end members 1 5, 1 6 are attached to the side members 13, 14 so that the 900 bend in each case faces outwards.

The machine includes two runners 22, 23, one of which is mounted on each side member 13, 14.

The two runners are similar in construction and one is shown in more detail in Figure 2. The runner 22 comprises a foot pad 30 and a trolley 24. The foot pad 30 includes a heel retainer 25 at the rear, a rear support pillar 26 and a front support pillar 27. The trolley 24 comprises a body within which four wheels 28 are mounted so that they run along the rails 1 9 and 21. When the trolley 24 is in position on the side member 13, inwardly directed flanges 29 are located beneath the outwardly extended portions of the rails 1 9, 21.

The foot pad 30 is rigidly connected to the trolley 24 by means of bolts 31, 32 which pass through the base of the front and rear support pillars 27, 26 and into two blocks 33, 34 at the front and rear of the trolley 24. Thus, the runner 22 is retained in position on the side member 1 8 but is free to run along it.

A flat tape of nylon webbing 35 is connected between the two runners and extends around the frame 11. One portion of the tape 35 has one end connected to the front block 33 of the runner 22.

This portion of the tape extends forward along the side member 13 up to the end member 1 5. The tape passes beneath the end member 1 5 and performs a 900 turn to extend across the bend in the end member. When the tape meets the end member once again it performs a similar 900 turn emerging beneath the end member and extending along the other side member 14 until it reaches the other runner 23. The other end of this portion of the tape is then attached to the front block 33 of this runner 23.

A second portion of the tape 35 has its ends attached to the two rear blocks 34 of the runners 22 and 23, extending backwards along the two side members 13, 14 and around the end member 16 in a similar fashion.

Although the tape 35 is shown in this embodiment as being in two sections, it could equaliy well be in one piece. As will be appreciated, in either case, the connection of the tape 35 between the runners 22, 23 ensures complementary movement of these runners along the side members.

The machine also includes a pair of poles 36 which are intended to simulate ski-poles. These may be designed for freehand use or pivotally mounted on the base plate 12 as shown in Figures 1 and 4. The base plate 12 is a generally flat plate located beneath the side members 13, 14 and arranged transversely. It is attached to the side members 13, 14 by means of small upstanding spigots (not shown) which extend into corresponding holes (not shown) in the underside of the side members 13, 14. A series of these holes are provided so that the position of the base plate 12 can be adjusted.

At each end of the base plate 12 there is an upstanding stud 37. A strong spring 38 is forced over the stud 37 so that it is firmly located and an insert 39 is forced into the upper end of the spring 38. A threaded spigot 41 extends from the top of the insert 39 and the poles 36 are formed -with a corresponding tapped hole 42 thus enabling the poles 36 to be attached to the base plate 1 2.

In use, the user places his feet on the foot pads 30 and grasps the poles 36 which may have hand grips if desired. The user then performs a crosscountry skiing motion by a combination of thrusting backwards on one pole and moving the opposite foot backwards while thrusting one foot forward and moving the opposite pole forwards.

This is repeated resulting in a reciprocating movement of the tape 35. As will be appreciated, the tape slides frictionally over the end members 1 5, 1 6 resulting in a resistance to the motion.

In order to adjust the resistance to movement a device is included which adjusts the tension in the tape 35. This would occupy the position generally indicated at 43 in Figure 1 and the device itself is shown in detail in Figures 5 to 6. Thedevice also incorporates a counter to give a visual indication of the amount of exercise performed.

The tensioning device comprises a roller 44 mounted for rotation in a roller support 45. The roller support is pivotally mounted in a mounting bracket 46 which is welded to the end member 1 5 as shown at 47.

An adjustment bolt 48 passes through a tapped hole 49 in the top of the bracket 46 and contacts a plate 51 on the roller support 45. Thus, by rotating the adjustment bolt 48 so that it moves downwards through the tapped hole 49 and against the plate 51, the roller support can be pivoted relative to the mounting bracket 46 and the roller 44 is forced downwards against the tape 35, thus increasing the tension.

The roller support 35 also has a counter support ledge 52 on on side, on which a counter 53 is mounted. A belt 54 passes around the spindle 55 of the roller 44 and also around a gear wheel 56 connected to the counter mechanism.

The counter 53 is provided with a ratchet mechanism so that it records movements of the tape 35 in one direction only. The counter is also provided with a zero-set mechanism. Thus, the user of the machine can monitor the amount of exercise which he is performing.

Although not shown, covers may be provided at each end of the exercise machine for protection and for aesthetic reasons. Suitable apertures would be provided in the cover at the front end so that the adjustment bolt 48 could be operated and so that the counter 53 could be viewed.

In order to assist the user in returning his feet after reaching fore and aft limit of travel of runners 22, 23 the ends of the side members 13, 14 may be angled upwards. Alternatively or in addition, return springs (not shown) may be provided.

In order to ensure that the machine remains stable when a user places only one foot on one of the runners 22, 23 in mounting the machine, stays (not shown) may be attached to the side members 1 3, 14 extend outwards laterally.

Claims

1. An exercise machine comprising a pair of substantially horizontal tracks, a pair of runners, one mounted for movement along each track, a flexible elongate friction element connected between the runners, and a frictional guide surface over which the flexible elongate friction element slides frictionally upon movement of the runners.

2. An exercise machine as claimed in Claim 1 in which the tracks are parallel, spaced and connected together at each end by a crossmember.

3. An exercise machine as claimed in Claim 2 in which each cross-member is in the form of a tube bent to form a right angle.

4. An exercise machine as claimed in Claim 3 in which the friction element extends along one track from one runner to the tube, passes around the tube turning through 1 800, and then passes along the other track to the other runner.

5. An exercise machine as claimed in Claim 4 in which the friction element extends between the two runners and passes around a tube at both ends of the tracks.

6. An exercise machine as claimed in any preceding claim in which the friction element is a continuous loop with the runners attached at substantially opposite positions.

7. An eXercise machine as claimed in any preceding claim in which each track comprises a rectangular section tube with a rail attached to each side.

8. An exercise machine as claimed in Claim 7 in which each runner comprises a foot support mounted on a carriage having wheels running along the rails.

9. An exercise machine as claimed in any preceding claim further including a pair of substantially vertical rods associated with the tracks.

10. An exercise machine as claimed in Claim 9 in which the rods are pivotally attached to a base plate to which the tracks are attached.

11. An exercise machine as claimed in any preceding claim further including means for adjusting the tension of the friction element.

12. An exercise machine as claimed in any preceding claim in which the friction element comprises a flat nylon webbing tape.

1 3. An exercise machine constructed and arranged substantially as herein specifically described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

14. An exercise machine comprising: - a pair of substantially horizontal parallel track members, each having rail means extending longitudinally thereof; - a pair of end members connecting said track members at each end, said end members each comprising a smooth metal tube bent to form an angle; - a pair of runners one mounted on each of said track members, each of said runners being adapted to receive a foot of a user and being arranged to run along the respective rail means to said respective track member;; - flexible elongate friction means connecting said runners and extending from one of said runners, about one of said bent tubes to said other runner, and from said other runner about said other bent tube to said one runner, whereby movements of said runners along said tracks results in said flexible elongate friction means sliding frictionally about said bent tubes; and - attachment means associated with and extending outwards from said track members and a pair of ski-pole members attached to said attachment means outboard of said tracks.

1 5. An exercise machine comprising a pair of substantially horizontal parallel tracks, a pair of runners, one arranged to move along each of said tracks, resistance means adapted to oppose such movement of said runners, attachment means associated with and extending generally outwards from each of said tracks and a pair of ski-pole members attached to said attachment means outboard of said tracks.