GB2349099A

GB2349099A - Spine exerciser with hand and foot pedals

Info

Publication number: GB2349099A
Application number: GB0005409A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Zinnur Borisovich Akhmetov
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-04-26
Filing date: 2000-03-07
Publication date: 2000-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2020-03-07
Also published as: RU2155622C1; GB2349099B; GB0005409D0

Abstract

Training equipment for strengthening the musculoskeletal system and spine posture correction comprises a support frame, hand pedals 8 and a mechanism for changing the resistance 13. Foot pedals 9 may also be present, with an adjustable telescopic transmission between the pedal cranks 8, 9, and a switch for forward, reverse and independent movement of the hand and foot pedal cranks 8, 9. The pedal levers 8, 9 may be in phase or 180{ apart. An electric motor may alter the training load. The support frame can be moved for different training positions, eg normal cycling position (fig 1), user vertical (figs 4, 5), or user horizontal and lying on a mat (15, fig 2). A support belt 16 may secure the user. The hand and foot pedals 8, 9 may be adjustable, eg moveable along the support frame. The equipment may comprise hand pedals 8 adjustably attached to a bench which can be pivoted between horizontal and vertical positions (figs 7 to 10), or an adjustable hand pedal arrangement for use in water and attachable to the side of a pool (figs 11 to 13).

Description

TRAINING EQUIPMENT FOR EXERCISING AND STRENGTHENING THE VERTEBRAL JOINTS AND THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM, AND FOR POSTURE CORRECTION The present invention relates to training equipment for exercising and strengthening the vertebral joints and the musculoskeletal system, and for posture correction. More particularly, but not exclusively, the training equipment is for use in sport as a training and exercising device, and in medicine as a mechanical therapy device.

Patent certificate USSR number 1264965, MKI A63 V 23/04, 1986 discloses a training device which consists of a supporting unit, a foot pedal, and a mechanism for adjusting the training load. The shortcoming of this well known training equipment is its narrow specification, which provides exercise for the legs only.

Patent certificate USSR number 1894, MKI A63 V 22/06 discloses a cycle training equipment consisting of a supporting unit with a seat, a back and a headrest, hand and foot pedals with adjustable length levers, and a mechanism for adjusting the training load. The perceived shortcomings of this cycle training equipment are as : a) a limited set of exercises, b) pressure on the intervertebral discs, caused by the weight of the user, is not reduced, c) it does not provide for natural positioning and movement of the spine and musculoskeletal system as a whole, d) it does not provide a complete exercising of the intervertebral joints the muscles of the spinal column, e) it does not make provision for the possibility of exercising the spine in water.

In general this cycle training equipment is neither effective nor universal.

The principal purpose of this invention is the creation of a simple, universal and effective training equipment for exercising the intervertebral joints to the full range of their movement, training the muscles of the spinal column and the musculoskeletal system as a whole, in condition which are most favourable and natural to the spine.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, there is provided training equipment for strengthening the vertebral joints and their musculoskeletal system, and for posture correction comprising: a support unit; adjustable length hand and foot pedal levers connected to the supporting unit ; and a mechanism for adjusting the training load; the hand and foot pedal levers being kinematically connected through an extendable telescopic transmission and two regulators, each with a 1: 1 gear ratio; the hand and foot pedals being moveable with respect to the supporting unit and their position being adjustable within the range length of the telescopic transmission; wherein one of the regulators comprises a switch mechanism for switching between forward and reverse rotation transmission between the hand and foot pedal levers.

During pedal rotation, the strong kinematic connection between the pedals via the extendable telescopic transmission and the 1: 1 gear ratio regulators creates a synchronised, cyclical effect on the spinal column through the arms and legs, which has the effect of twisting along the longitudinal axis of the spine and of bending the spine, and so exercising and strengthening the intervertebral joint, exercising the muscles of the spinal column and correcting the posture.

Preferably the switch mechanism can be switched to a position for independent movement of the hand and foot pedal levers.

The hand and foot pedal levers can be fixed to rotate in phase or at 180 to each other.

This, in combination with the switch mechanism for forward and reverse rotation transmission and for independent pedal movement creates eight types of movement, depending on the choice of combinations: a) equal or 180 starting angle position of the hand and foot pedals; b) forward or reverse rotation transmission; and c) direction of pedal rotation.

This significantly widens the scope of the training equipment for exercising and strengthening the musculoskeletal system.

Preferably the support unit comprises two sections-a bench consisting of horizontal elements and a vertical support; and weight bars which can be attached to the bench in a plurality of positions, preferably at least three positions; the hand and foot pedal levers being fixed to the weight bars and moveable along the weight bars.

Securing the hand and foot pedals to the weight bars (with possible adjustment to the distance between them and the subsequent fixing point) increases the choice or starting angle positions of the arms and legs in relation to the spine of the user, widens the range of exercising the joints, and takes into consideration the users height, thus making the training equipment more universal.

The possibility of securing the weight bars to the bench in three principal positions provides a variety of starting positions for the user; a) with the spine in a horizontal position-above the training equipment with the arms and legs supported by the pedals; b) lying on the back on a porous synthetic mat; c) with the spine in a vertical position using the supporting belt, which relieves the intervertebral discs from the pressure caused by the weight of the user, thus creating favourable conditions for effectively exercising the musculoskeletal system.

Preferably the training equipment further comprises a detachable under chest support and a detachable support belt. The detachable under chest support makes training easier for the elderly, the overweight, and for people with weak arms.

The supporting belt, provided for exercising the spine in a vertical position, promotes stretching of the intervertebral joints.

The mechanism for adjusting the training load can be an electric motor with a regulator and a rheostat connected to the axis of the foot pedals. This provides both an active training routine (when switched off, the electric motor acts as a loading device) and a passive training routine.

Rotation of the pedals by the electric motor changes the position of the arms and legs on the corresponding pedals, creates synchronized cyclical movements of turning and bending of the spine and exercises the intervertebral joints and other joints of the musculoskeletal system, thus increasing the scope of the training equipment.

A chain transmission can be used as the kinematic connection between hand and foot pedals and the mechanism for adjusting the training load.

A toothed transmission belt can be used for the kinematic connection between hand and foot pedals, and the mechanism for adjusting the training load.

The weight bars can consist of two elements, a first part of the weight bars being fitted with hand pedals and being adapted to tilt vertically around the axis of a half joint which connects both elements of the weight bars and can be fixed between 30 and 180 .

The kinematic connection between hand and foot pedals can be made through a double pulley fixed to the axis of the halfjoint via a slotted transmission belt.

In a further aspect the present invention provides training equipment for exercising and strengthening of the spinal joints, and the musculoskeletal system, and for the correction of posture comprising: a support unit; hand pedals; a mechanism for adjusting the training load; and a detachable support belt; the support unit comprising a bench, a support system and weight bars, the bench comprising a vertical support secured within a support system capable of turning and fixing the bench between horizontal and vertical positions; the support system being secured with adjustable length weight bars capable of turning vertically and fixing at an angle to the support system; the training equipment further comprising hand pedals having a mechanism for adjusting the training load being secured to the weigh bars.

The use of the support plane removes the effect of weight on the intervertebral discs, providing a level position of the spine during exercise. The possibility of tilting the support plane in combination with the supporting belt regulates the strength of stretching of the intervertebral joints by the weight of the user-from zero in a horizontal position, to maximum in a vertical position-which widens the range of action of the training equipment.

The adjustability of the weight bars onto which the hand pedals are secured, by length and by the angle of fixing relative to the supporting system, increases the number of possible starting positions for the user. It is possible to put the arms at various angles to the spine and also to exercise both lying on the back or on the abdomen, thus increasing the effectiveness of the training equipment.

Rotation of the hand pedals when lying on the back on a tilting board creates a cyclical load on the upper part of the body. This, in combination with the forces of inertia and the stretching effect of the user's weight, twists the spine on its longitudinal axis and bends it, developing and strengthening the spinal joints while exercising the muscles of the spinal column. The effect on the spine is similar to the effect produced by swimming.

According to a further aspects of the invention there is provided training equipment for exercising and strengthening the spinal joints and the musculoskeletal system, and for the correction of posture comprising: a support unit; hand pedals ; and a mechanism for adjusting the training load; the support unit comprising weight bars and a support device for securing the training equipment to a wall/edge of a pool or cross beam; the weight bars being fixed to the support device and being adapted to be tilted up to 90 down from the horizontal and being adapted to be fixed at a point in this range.

This creates the possibility of training in water both in horizontal and vertical positions of the spine and at any starting angle between the arms and the spine.

The training equipment according to the invention provides for the following benefits: it can be used by people of any age group and level of physical ability, and by disabled users there are various starting position for the user the effect of the user's weight on intervertebral discs is removed it makes measure sue of the user's weight in order to stretch the intervertebral joints the effect on the spine from using the training equipment is similar to the effect produced by swimming the spine can be exercised while in water either in the vertical or the horizontal position there are a wide variety of combinations for producing a twisting effect on the axis of the spine and a bending effect. This makes it possible to selectively exercise and strengthen the intervertebral joints at the full range of their movement and provides training for all the muscle groups of the spine and musculoskeletal system as a whole. It also helps posture correction.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and not in any limited sense with reference to the accompany drawings in which; Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a training equipment according to the invention in side view, weight bars secured for exercise with the user positioned above the training equipment; Figure 2 as figure 1, weight bars prepared exercise for lying on the back on a porous synthetic mat, side view; Figure 3 as figure 1, view of the training equipment from above; Figure 4 as figure 1, weight bars secured for exercise with the spine in a vertical position, hand pedals above the head, side view; Figure 5 as figure 1, vertical spine exercising position, hand pedals at chest level, side view; Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the training equipment according to the invention; Figure 7 shows a third embodiment of the training equipment according to the invention in side view, exercising lying on the abdomen using the support system; Figure 8 as figure 7, view for above, hand pedals at supporting system level; Figure 9 as figure 7, side view, exercising lying on the back using support; Figure 10 as figure 7, view from above, hand pedals above the support system; Figure 11 shows, in side view, a fourth embodiment of training equipment according to the invention, in water, spine vertical, hand pedals above head; Figure 12 as figure 11, side view, training equipment in water, spine vertical, hand pedals at chest level; Figure 13 as figure 11, side view, training equipment in water, spine horizontal, pedals lowered into the water.

Explanatory Table 1 shows the following options (viewed from above): starting hand to foot pedal angle-equal (V, G, Zh, I) or at 180 degrees (A, B, D, E) forward (A, B, V, G) or reverse (D, E, Zh, I) direction of rotation transmission between hand and foot pedals general direction of pedal rotation (forward-A, B, backward-B, G).

Explanations are given as to which of these options provide which corresponding effect on the spine: the first embodiment of the training equipment according to the invention (Fig. 1) includes weight bars (1), welded bench (2) which consists of horizontal elements and a vertical support.

The vertical support has two fixing points for the weight bars-top (3) and bottom (4). The horizontal support has a rounded edge, the radius of which equals the distance between the axis of the lower fixing point of the vertical support (4) and the axis of the horizontal support. The horizontal support has three fixing points for the weight bars (5,6,7).

'The hand (8) and foot (9) pedals secured to the weight bars have a kinematic connection via a telescopic transmission (10) and two regulators with 1: 1 gear ratios-one of which (11) is mounted on the axis of the hand pedals and is provided with a counter to record the number of rotations, and a switch for forward and reverse rotation transmission and for independent pedal movement.

The second regulator (12) is mounted on the axis of the foot pedals together with an inertia mechanism for adjusting the training load (13). In order not to complicate the drawings, from here onward only one element of the inertia loading mechanism is shown (13).

The length of the pedal levers and the distance between the foot and hand pedals is adjustable and is fixed according to the height of the user. A removable support (1) can be attached to the weight bars to provide exercise for overweight people or people with weak muscles.

To make training possible in a horizontal spine position with legs and arms supported on the pedals, weight bars are attached to the bench at fixing points (5) and (3)-Fig. 1.

For training lying on the back on a porous synthetic mat (15) the weight bars are attached to the bench at points (4) and (6)-Fig. 2.

For training in a vertical spine position the weight bars are attached to the bench at points (4) and (7)-Fig. 4,5. In this position the hand and foot pedals change places and a supporting belt (16) is used.

An electric motor with a regulator and a rheostat can be attached to the weight bars instead of a mechanism for adjusting the training load (13), thus providing both a passive and an active training routine.

The second embodiment of the training equipment (Fig. 6) includes weight bars (1) consisting of 2 parts-hand pedals (8) are attached to the top part, and foot pedals (9) to the bottom part. The bottom part is fixed to the bench by a halfjoint (21) and an adjustable length support (20); an adjustable height seat (23) is fixed to the bench.

The third embodiment of the training equipment includes adjustable length weight bars (1) and attached hand pedals (8) with a mechanism for adjusting the training load (13). The weight bars (1) are fixed by a halfjoint (17) to the support system (18) giving the option of vertical turning and fixing. The support system (18) with a porous synthetic mat (15) is fixed by two half joints (1 7) to the bench with 2 possible turnings and fixing at any position -from vertical to horizontal.

The fourth embodiment of the training equipment (Fig. 11-13) includes: adjustable length weight bars (1) and attached hand pedals (8) with a mechanism for adjusting the training load (13), weight bars (1) secured by a half joint (17) to the edge of the pool (19) giving the possibility of turning and fixing at any position-from horizontal to vertical.

The first embodiment of the training equipment is used as follows: depending on the purpose of the exercise, the weight bars are fixed to the bench (2) in one of three positions determined by: the required distance between the pedal centres the length of pedal levers the required load according to the mechanism for adjusting the training load (13).

Basic position of the user (Fig. 1)-above the training equipment with hands and feet supported on the pedals. In this position, by rotating the pedals the user simulates the kinematics of the movement of four legged animals as they travel horizontally, thus creating more natural and favourable conditions for exercising and strengthening the musculoskeletal system.

By combining: the starting angle position of the hand and foot pedal levers using forward or reverse rotation transmission direction of rotation (see explanatory Table 1), the user can now exercise the intervertebral joints, and the muscles of the spinal column to the full range of their movement.

Exercising when lying on the back (Fig. 2) on a synthetic porous mat (15) gives the same positive effect, because the springiness and softness of the mat enables the cyclical, synchronised force produced by the rotation of the pedals to create twisting and bending effects on the spine.

Exercising in the vertical spine position (Fig. 4,5) is carried out with a fastened support belt (16) fixed to the upper part of the tilted weight bars (1). Hand grips are fixed to the upper pedal levers, foot supports-to the bottom levers. Fixing the hand pedals to the upper part of the weight bars-above the person's head-increases the bending effect on the spine due to the vertical movement of the arms during pedal rotation.

When hand pedals are at chest level the twisting effect along the longitudinal axis of the spine is increased.

Exercising in the vertical spine position in water adds to the effect of the water on the spine.

The use of the Training equipment with an electric motor-instead of a mechanism for adjusting the training load-for a passive exercise routine requires the presence of an assistant to correctly time the switching on and off of the motor, to regulate the load, and to control the training process.

The Training equipment should be ready at the correct starting position in accordance with the purpose of the next exercise. The user's arms and legs are supported on the corresponding pedals, the assistant switches the motor on and, using the rheostat, determines the required exercise load.

The second embodiment of the training equipment is used with both arms and legs supported on the pedals and with additional support on the seat with a choice of tilting weight bars and distances between hand and foot pedals.

The third embodiment of the training equipment is used as follows: depending on the purpose of the training, the support system (18) fixed to the bench (9) is tilted backwards and secured, weight bars (1) with attached hand pedals (2) are fixed at a given angle to the support system. The mechanism for adjusting the training load is set at the required level.

The user lies on the synthetic porous mat (15) on the support plane (18) on the back or the abdomen, and fastens the belt (16). The pedal rotation produces a cyclical effect on the spine, transmitted through the arms. This, combined with inertia forces creates a twisting effect along the spine, and a bending effect. These effects are enhanced by the softness and springiness of the mat.

The tilt of the supporting system determines the degree of stretching of the intervertebral joints produced by the user's weight. Moreover, the rotation of the pedals along the support plane (18) creates a bending effect on the spinal column, whereas the movement of the hands in a perpendicular direction to the support plane creates a twisting effect along the spinal axis. Changing the tilting angle of the weight bars (1) to the support plane (18) changes the position of the arms in relation to the spine and the relationship between the amplitudes of twisting and bending of the spine.

The fourth embodiment of the training equipment is used as follows: the training equipment (Fig. 11) is secured to the edge of the pool by a device (19). The degree of tilting and the length of the weight bars (1) are determined according to the hand pedal position-above the head (Fig. 11), at chest level with partial lowering of the pedals into the water (Fig. 12) or lower than chest level with full lowering of the pedals into the water, with the user positioned vertically or horizontally on the water surface (Fig. 13).

The training equipment according to the invention does not include any complicated elements is simple to manufacture, and is comfortable and effective in use. They are designed to exercise and strengthen the spine, to prevent problems with the musculoskeletal system and to provide for general physical well being and exercise.

EXPLANATORY TABLE 1 Starting angle position of hand and foot Starting angle position of hand and at 180 degrees, forward rotation transmission. foot pedals at 180 degrees, reverse rotation transmission.

Normal forward movement The main effect on the spine The spine is affected by is from twisting, transmitted twisting and-pressure in counter-phase through the caused by applying arms and legs force and by, on the contrary, bending and squeezing The spine is affected by straightening and stretching forces caused by applying effort on the one hand and bending and squeezing on the other Normal backward movement Starting angle position of the pedals is equal, Starting angle position of the pedals is rotation transmission is forward equal, rotation transmission is reverse The principle effect on the The spine is effected by Forward movement spine is from twisting forces twisting and stretching (ambling stride) forces EXPLANATORY MARKS: pressure on pedals The spine is effected by regulators twisting and squeezing telescopic transmission forces Backward movement direction of rotation (ambling stride) pedal axes Set out below is a summary of the invention. This is not limiting in any way.

This invention can be used in sport as a training and exercise device, and in medicine as a mechanical-therapy device.

The purpose of the invention: exercising the intervertebral joints to the full range of their movement, training muscles and ligaments of the spinal column and the musculoskeletal system as a whole at the most favourable and natural positions for the spine, the correction of posture.

At the basis of this invention is the principle of simulating, the natural position and movement of : a) the extremities and spine of four legged animals travelling horizontally b) the arms, legs and spine of a swimmer c) a combination of principle (a) with the effect of inertia forces and the stretching effect of the force of weight on the spine.

Principle (a) is realised in the training equipment of figures 1 to 6. The training equipment has hand (8) and foot (9) pedals, which are fixed to the supporting weight bar (l) Fig 1.6, and are adjustable in length and relative position. They are also Cinematically connected by extendible telescopic transmission (10) and two regulators, each with 1: 1 gear ratio.

One of them (11) is fixed to the axis of the hand pedals and supplied with a switch mechanism for forward and reverse rotation and independent movement of the pedals.

There is also a counter for recording the number of rotations. A second regulator (12) on the foot pedal axis is supplied with a mechanism for adjusting the training load (13).

The training equipment provides (see explanatory table) synchronized, cyclical changes to the supporting effects of the arms and legs, and depending on the combination of : the corresponding angle position of hand and foot pedals-equal or at 180 degrees forward or reverse rotation transmission the direction of pedal rotation.

The training equipment creates eight basic variations of complex movements of the arms and legs (the movement amplitude is defined by the length of the pedal lever). In this way, they make possible a great variety of combinations of bending and twisting effects along the spine. With a favourable horizontal spine position (no pressure from the weight of the user on the intervertebral discs) they provide, among, other things, others, a series of exercises for the intervertebral joints to the full range of their movement. It also makes it possible to exercise the muscle groups and ligaments of the spinal column and the musculoskeletal system as a whole and to achieve posture correction.

Provisions are made for overweight people or those with weak arms, with a detachable under-chest support (8) or scat (23). Also for this group it is possible to exercise (Fig. 2,6) lying on the back on a porous synthetic mat 10-20cm thick which, due to its springiness and softness, provides bending and twisting of the spine during pedal rotation. For passive exercise, the training equipment are supplied with an electric motor with gears on the foot pedals. When the motor is switched off it acts as an exercising load.

Principle (b) is realised in such training equipment, through the use of hand pedals (Fig. 710,11-13). The training equipment in Fig. 7,9 provides vertical to horizontal positioning of the user's body, with the support bench (1 8) fixed at any of the positions between maximum and minimum. It includes hand pedals, fixed to the bench by a lever (1), with changeable length and position angle. The training equipment is supplied with a supporting belt (16).

The raining equipment in Fig. 11-13 includes hand pedals, a fixing device (19) and a regulated lever (1) for use when exercising in water. For vertical (Fig. 11,12) and tilted (Fig. 7,9) positions of the spine, pedal rotation transmits variable vertical loads through the arms to the spine and in combination with inertia forces and weight brings about variable sideways bending of the spinal column. Sideways movement of the arms horizontally causes twisting effects along the spine. For horizontal (Fig. 13) spine positions, vertical movements of the arms twist the spinal column while horizontal movements of the arms bend it.

The combination of principle (a) with the effect on the spine of inertia forces and weight is provided by the convertible training equipment in the position shown in Fig. 4,5, where lowering it into a pool increases the scope for medical-therapy.

The best type of all is the convertible training equipment as shown in Fig. 1-5. These most fully offer the possibilities listed for this series of training equipments. These do not contain any complicated elements, are simple to manufacture, and are comfortable and effective in use. They are recommended for sport, for general physical well being, for maintaining vitality, for the prevention of spinal curvature, for home use by people with a sedentary way of life, for school children and students, for crew members on ocean going vessels, and also for mechanical-therapy.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Training equipment for strengthening the vertebral joints and the musculoskeletal system, and for posture correction comprising a support unit adjustable length hand and foot pedal levers connected to the support unit; and a mechanism for adjusting the training load; the hand and foot pedal levers being kinematically connected through an extendable telescopic transmission and two regulators, each with a 1: 1 gear ratio; the hand and pedals being moveable with respect to the supporting unit and their position being adjustable within the range length of the telescopic transmission; wherein one of the regulators comprises a switch mechanism for switching between forward and reverse rotation transmission between the hand and foot pedal levers.
2. Training equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch mechanism can be switched to a position for independent movement of the hand and foot pedal levers.
3. Training equipment as claimed in either of claim s 1 or 2, wherein the head and foot pedal levers can be fixed to rotate in phase or at 180 to each other.
4. Training equipment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support unit comprises two sections; a bench consisting of horizontal elements and a vertical support; and weight bars which can be attached to the bench in a plurality of positions, preferably at least three positions; the hand and foot pedal levers being fixed to the weight bars and moveable along the weight bars.
5. Training equipment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a detachable under chest support and a detachable support belt.
6. Training equipment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the mechanism for adjusting the training load is an electric motor with regulator and rheostat connected to the axis of the foot pedals.
7. Training equipment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, in which a chain transmission is used as the kinematic connection between hand and foot pedals and the mechanism for adjusting the training load.
8. Training equipment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, in which a toothed transmission belt is used for the kinematic connection between hand and foot pedals, and the mechanism for adjusting the training load.
9. Training equipment as claimed in claim 4 in which the weight bars consist of two elements, a first part of the weight bars being fitted with hand pedals and being adapted to tilt vertically around the axis of a half joint, which connects both elements of the weight bars and can be fixed between 30-180 degrees.
10. Training equipment as claimed in claim 9 wherein the kinematic connection between hand and foot pedals is made through a double pulley fixed to the axis of the halfjoint via a toothed transmission belt.
11. Training equipment for exercising and strengthening of the spinal joints, and the musculoskeletal system, and for the correction of posture comprising: a support unit; hand pedals; a mechanism for adjusting the training load; and a detachable support belt; the support unit comprising a bench, a support system and weight bars, the bench comprising a vertical support secured within a support system capable of turning and fixing the bench between horizontal and vertical positions; the support system being secured with adjustable length weight bars capable of turning vertically and fixing at an angle to the support system; the training equipment further comprising hand pedals having a mechanism for adjusting the training load being secured to the weight bars.
12. Training equipment for exercising and strengthening the spinal joints and the musculoskeletal system, and for the correction of posture comprising: a support unit; hand pedals ; and a mechanism for adjusting the training load; the support unit comprising weight bars and a support device for securing the training equipment to a wall/edge of a pool or cross beam; the weight bars being fixed to the support device and being adapted to be tilted up to 90 down from the horizontal and being adapted to be fixed at a point in this range.