GB2137104A

GB2137104A - Limb-Exercising Apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2137104A
Application number: GB08408401A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gabriel Doyle
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1983-03-31
Filing date: 1984-04-02
Publication date: 1984-10-03
Also published as: GB2137104B; GB8408401D0

Abstract

An exercise apparatus comprises a frame 2 and a rope 3, movably mounted in said frame with handles 4a, 4b at opposite ends. In one arrangement, the user stands on the frame, while in another, the user is seated and presses on the frame with his feet as in rowing. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Exercise Apparatus This invention relates to exercise apparatus.

Previously, dumb-bell weight training has been considered to be the best form of muscle fitness, power and growth training. There are, however, a number of disadvantages associated with this type of training. As the principle characteristic of weight training is the effect of gravity then in, for example, an exercise such as the biceps-curl a greater degree of effort is needed in the middle third of the movement because of gravity and the length of lever principle. Thus, the first and last third of the movement is used less, and therefore the same inducement to the muscle to develop does not exist in these areas.Again, when using weights, if, for example, fifteen repetitions are proposed a weight must be judged heavy enough to make the fifteenth repetition the maximum repetition possible with that weight, the other fourteen repetitions then require less than the maximum possible effort for each repetition. Only once, on the last repetition, is it possible to train the muscle at maximum resistance. Furthermore, with heavy weights being lifted off the ground there is always the danger of injury should one be accidentally dropped.

According to the present invention there is provided exercise apparatus comprising a framework, an operating member movably mounted on said framework said operating member being arranged such that movement of said operating member on the framework caused by the application of a force at one point on the operating member may be resisted by the application of another force at another point on the operating member.

Preferably, said operating member comprises a line channelled within said framework, a respective end portion of said line extending from each of two holes in the surface of said framework, the arrangement being such that a force applied to one end portion of the line may be resisted by another force applied to the other end portion of the line.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a sectional end elevation of one embodiment of exercise apparatus made in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the apparatus in use for one particular exercise; Fig. 4 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of exercise apparatus made in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of exercise apparatus made in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the apparatus of Fig.

6.

Referring to the drawings, exercise apparatus 1 comprises a frame 2 having openings 2a and 2b through its top surface. A line 3 is channelled within the framework 2 and two end portions 3a and 3b exit the framework through, respectively, the openings 2a and 2b. A pair of handles 4a and 4b are provided at the ends of the line 3. An example of the use of this exercise apparatus is shown in Fig. 2.

A person using the exercise apparatus stands on the framework 2 and grasps the handles 4a and 4b. Alternately, each arm is bent and by the action of the biceps the handles 4a, 4b are brought up to shoulder height, against the resistance of the other arm which, by this action of the exercise apparatus, is working against the first arm and offering an ideal resistance in each repetition performed.

The curling action is performed continuously and simultaneously, as with dumb-bells, until the desired number of repetitions has been achieved Numerous other exercises can be performed in a similar fashion.

Thus, through the medium of this apparatus, muscle groups which normally work in unison against a contrived resistance, can now work against each other to provide a perfectly judged and minutely variably resistance. With this degree of finesse the apparatus proves itself superior to the more roughly judged resistance offered by weight training. A more constant degree of effort can be achieved through the full range of movement in each exercise. When the apparatus is used the full effort is radiated down through the body, as though weights were being used, but this simulation can be immediately and safely stopped by the mere action of ceasing to exert resistance, and is a safety feature again remarkably superior to weight training.Other forms of muscle trainer cannot offer the same precision in resistance and instantaneous demand, and thus cannot offer a damaged or weak muscle such a degree of sensitive awareness to the abilities of that muscle.

For example, in the case of a person having to be rehabilitated after an operation for cartilage removal, the normal exercise and apparatus used is the leg extension using an "iron boot" with a prejudged weight added. Using the above exercise apparatus, however, the damaged leg is exercised against the ideal resistance offered by the well leg. Thus, the well leg can maintain its muscle tone while assisting the damaged leg, and an ideal balance of equal fitness and strength can be regained safer and perhaps quicker in consequence of that safety factor.

Another embodiment of the exercise apparatus for use as a rowing machine is shown in Fig. 3. A person using the apparatus adopts a seated position on a seat 5. The legs are straight and resting on a movable foot rest 6. The arms are extended, hands grasping the handle 7 which is attached by a strap 8 to the foot rest 6. The action of bending the arms and pulling using the power of the arm and back muscles is resisted by the leg muscles as the legs bend in unison. The same resistance is offered in reverse by straightening the legs against the arm and back muscles. These actions are then carried on continuously and simultaneously until the desired number of repetitions have been achieved.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings there is shown exercise apparatus comprising a pair of foot blocks 41 adjustably mounted on a channel 42. The channel 42 is adapted to receive an operating strap 43 and is provided at each of its ends with respective revolving sleeves/wheels 45. The foot blocks 41 are adjustably mounted on the channel 42 and can be positioned as desired.

the strap 43 is provided with handles 44.

In the embodiment of Figs. 6 and 7 the apparatus has a foot platform 61 which is provided on its underside with two pairs of channel recesses 62 and 63. The channel recesses 62 and 63 are adapted to receive respective ones of partial strap channels 64. In Fig. 6 the partial strap channels 64 are shown located in the channel recesses 62 and 63.

The partial strap channels have at respective ends revolving sleeves/wheels 65 around which the operating strap 66 may pass. In use, the strap channels 64 may be positioned in either one of the pairs of channel recesses 62 or 63 as desired.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus comprising a framework, an operating member movably mounted on said framework said operating member being arranged such that movement of said operating member on the framework caused by the application of a force at one point on the operating member may be resisted by the application of another force at another point on the operating member.

2. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said operating member comprises a line channelled within said framework, a respective end portion of said line extending from each of two holes in the surface of said framework, the arrangement being such that a force applied to one end portion of the line may be resisted by another force applied to the other end portion of the line.

3. An exercise apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

4. An exercise apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 3 of the accompanying drawings.

5. An exercise apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.

6. An exercise apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings.