GB2511321A

GB2511321A - An exercise device

Info

Publication number: GB2511321A
Application number: GB1303505.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Keith Frankum; Charlotte Ann Frankum
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-02-27
Filing date: 2013-02-27
Publication date: 2014-09-03
Also published as: GB201303505D0

Abstract

A portable exercise device comprising first and second side portions A and B connected to each other via a hinge C, and a stem F carrying a set of pedals M is connected to the hinge C. A stem brace G is connectable between the stem F and the first side portion A and arranged, when in use, to prevent relative movement between the stem F and side portion A. The length of the stem and the rotational resistance of the pedals may be adjustable. When in use, the user lies supine on an optional fold out mat and pedals the device. There are optional grab handles S to stabilise the user. The hinge allows the device to fold into a stowed position. There may be wheels on the hinge a telescopic handle R to enable the device to be moved when in a stowed position.

Description

DESCRIPTION

AN EXERCISE DEVICE

s This invention relates to an exercise device.

The use of exercise equipment is very popular. Gyms are widespread and allow their members to use exercise equipment such as rowing machines, exercise bikes, weight machines and so on. People use the equipment for a variety of reasons, but usually to keep fit and healthy and/or to build muscle bulk. Often the exercise equipment is expensive and hence gym membership, which is usually charged as a monthly fee, can also be expensive. Gyms, although common in urban areas, are also quite frequently not easy to access from certain more rural locations. For this reason, portable and home-use exercise equipment are also well-known and popular. However, these types of home-use exercise equipment can be too expensive, too bulky or too difficult to use for them to be appropriate for every person. Additionally there are people who are physically unable to get to a gym or exercise unattended.

Affordable equipment to assist patients undergoing a rehabilitation program is limited and often requires the person to be in a recumbent seated position operating often unstable equipment; adding strain to the spine.

It is therefore an object of the invention to improve upon the known art.

According to present invention, there is provided an exercise device comprising a first side portion, a second side portion connected to the first side portion via a hinge, a stem connected, at a first end thereof, to the hinge, a set of pedals connected to the stem at an opposite end to the connection of the stem to the hinge, and a stem brace connectable to the stem and to the first side portion and arranged, when in use, to prevent relative movement between the stem and the first side portion.

Owing to the invention, it is possible to provide a small, lightweight and portable exercise device that can be used as an exercise bike and which is easy to use but also easy to transport and can be manufactured relatively cheaply. The side portions can be closed together using the hinge for portability, and can then be opened when the exercise device is to be used.

The central stem with the pedals attached can be braced with the stem brace S and a functioning exercise bike is provided. This provides an affordable exercise device that allows a user to exercise in their home and also easily transport or store the exercise device when not in use.

The invention provides a portable exercise bike in a case in the form of a compact folding exercise bike in a case that assembles quickly and io efficiently on a flat surface enabling the user to perform an exercise in a prostrate position. The aim of this device is to facilitate the exercise of cycling one's legs in the air whilst lying on one's back, performing the exercise more commonly known as the bicycle kick. In a preferred embodiment, with simple pitch and length adjusters the user can pedal with hips on the ground or hips upward depending on the angle of the bicycle kick being performed along with a tension adjuster on the pedal rotation to enhance the endurance level. The user can pedal forwards or backwards during the exercise. The exercise bike folds away neatly into its case and can be stored in an upright position or laid down as would a small suit case. The case is preferably fitted with a telescopic carrying handle and wheels to enable the exercise equipment to be pulled along as one walks for easy transportation.

Use of the exercise device provides a full body workout using a combination of muscles in the upper and lower body. The prostrate position of the user while using the exercise device enables chest and lungs to open maximising breathing capacity during the exercise. Heart rate can increase by simply pedalling faster or be maintained at a steady rate if preferred.

The exercise device provides numerous health benefits. The ease of use makes the exercise equipment of interest to a wide range of people.

Performing the exercise on the back is helpful for people with balance problems. The exercise is low impact on the joints as there is no upper body weight being supported. Activities or occupations involving long periods of passive sifting make it difficult for blood in the veins of legs to return to the heart. The orientation of the exercise shifts blood towards the heart and head encouraging healthy circulation. The activity of the calf muscles during exercise contract and pump blood up the legs flushing out toxins, reducing swelling and discomfort. With regular use and increased tension the exercise S can improve stomach muscles, tone thigh fat and strengthen leg muscles.

Exercise is good for fitness or rehabilitation whether going to the gym or exercising at home or even under the direction of a physiotherapist. Some patients are immobile due to post operation recovery, stroke complications, obesity or old age requiring physiotherapists to make home visits. In all cases io exercise is necessary to aid rehabilitation and exercise equipment is often heavy and bulky requiring the therapist to transport equipment around from patient to patient. Exercise bikes are a good way of rehabilitation however it is not always possible to carry an exercise bike to patients. Often the patient has to sit on a saddle or seat in a recumbent position which is not easy for stroke sufferer or obese person as balance is not good and additionally a lot of strain is put on the spine in the sitting position. The exercise device provides a solution to these problems.

It is recommended that those with a weaker heart elevate the upper body during exercise to ensure the heart muscle is slightly higher than other bodily organs to reduce strain in the instance of a weaker heart. A separate cushioned object such as a wedge can be connectted to the exercise device with a simple Velcro attachment to the second side portion. Rehabilitation in weaker legs may require the support of a detachable foot strap connected to the pedals to aid stability whilst performing the exercise.

Preferably, the length of the stem is adjustable using length adjusters. A user can adjust the stem length to cater for different heights of users and different leg lengths to ensure that the exercise device is comfortable to use.

Advantageously, the exercise device further comprises stem brace locators connected to the first side portion and arranged to locate the stem brace in different positions. Locators can be provided on the first side portion that allows the stem to be fixed at different angles, again to cater for different heights of users and different leg lengths to ensure that the exercise device is comfortable to use. Ideally, the stem brace is connected to the stem about a pivot point, which allows the stem brace to be followed parallel to the stem, when the exercise device is folded away.

Advantageously, the exercise device further comprises a resistance adjustor arranged to vary the rotational resistance applied to the set of pedals.

By providing a resistance adjustor on the exercise device, a user is able to adjust the amount of resistance that is applied to the pedals when they are rotated by the user. This allows the user to set the level of resistance to suit their desired workout.

Ideally, the exercise device further comprises a telescopic handle connected to the first side portion, one or more grip handles connected to the second side portion, one or more carrying handles connected to the first side portion and/or the second side portion, one or more wheels connected to the hinge, one or more anti-slip pads connected to the first side portion and/or the second side portion, and/or a fold-out mat connected to the second side portion. Various features can be added to the exercise device to make it more easy to use and handle.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a perspective of the exercise device in an open configuration, Figure 2 is a further perspective of the exercise device in an open configuration, Figure 3 is a side view of the exercise device in use, Figure 4 is a side view of the exercise device in a folded configuration, and Figure 5 is a perspective of a second embodiment of the exercise device in an open configuration.

Figure 1 shows the exercise device in its open configuration. The exercise device comprises a first side portion A for supporting and housing the exercise equipment, a second side portion B providing housing for the exercise equipment and a base for the user's body, a case hinge C, quick release pitch and length adjusters D, case and hinge washers E, main stem base section, part (i) F, main stem brace G, main stem, second section, part s (H) H, main stem, pivot section, part (Hi) I, crank baring housing stem, part (iv) J, main stem brace, pitch locators K, pivot to main stem brace L, pedals M, crank arm N, crank bearing 0, resistance adjuster P and pedal bearing 0.

The second side portion B is connected to the first side portion A via the hinge C, the stem F, H, I, J is connected, at a first end thereof, to the hinge C, the set of pedals M is connected to the stem F, H, I, J at an opposite end to the connection of the stem F, H, I, J to the hinge C, and the stem brace G is connectable to the stem F, H, I, J and to the first side portion A and arranged, when in use, to prevent relative movement between the stem F, H, I, J and the first side portion A. The stem brace G, which is connected to the four-part stem F, H, I, J is used to lock the stem in position, thereby preventing relative movement between the stem and the first side portion A. This allows a user to use the exercise device, since the two side portions A and B lie flat on a floor, with the stem fixed in position in an angled upwards position with the pedals M accessible to a user who is lying on the floor. The user can place their feet on the pedals M and rotate the pedals M, in order to exercise.

Figure 2 shows more detail of features that can be present on the exercise device, which make the device easier to use and easier to transport.

The exercise device further comprises a telescopic handle R connected to the first side portion A, one or more grip handles S connected to the second side portion B, and one or more carrying handles U connected to the first side portion A and/or the second side portion B. These additional components can be considered optional, as they are not essential to the use of the exercise device and may or may not be present.

The telescopic handle R is provided on the first side portion A and is for use by the user when the exercise device is not in use and is folded away. The telescopic handle R can be extended out from the body of the exercise device and used to pull the folded exercise device along, rather than carrying the exercise device. If the user does desire to carry the folded exercise device, then the carrying handles U are provided, preferably on both side portions A and B, so that a user can easily pick up the folded exercise device and carry it.

S The pair of grip handles S are provided for the user to hold, when the exercise device is actually being used. The grip handles S are provided on the second side portion B and are located close to the hinge C, with one handle S on each opposite edge of the side portion B. When the user lies on the side portion B, in order to use the actual exercise device, they can grip the handles S in order to steady themselves in position and in order to provide the maximum effort when they are cycling, with their feet on the pedals M. Figure 3 shows the exercise device in a side view, with a user in position. It is assumed that the exercise device is laid flat on a floor, with the two side portions A and B in the same horizontal plane. The user lies on their back with their feet engaging the pedals M and can optionally grasp the handles S with their hands in order to steady themselves and/or to increase their exertion. The user rotates the pedals M at their desired speed in order to perform their exercise. The resistance adjuster P can be used to change the resistance to the rotating crank arms N that mount the pedals M. Also shown in this Figure are additional optional components, being case stand supports T and case trolley wheels V that are mounted on the supports T. The supports T are provided so that when the exercise device is folded up, the supports can be used to stand the case in an upright position, without the danger of the folded exercise device falling over or needing to be lent against another surface. Multiple supports T are provided that are connected to the side portions A and B. The best result is achieved if the supports T are positioned so that equal numbers are present on the two side portions A and B. The wheels V are provided in order that the exercise device can be easily moved around when it is in its folded configuration. The telescopic handle R can be extended and the folded exercise device can then be dragged around using the wheels V. The exercise device is folded by releasing the stem brace G from the locators K and separating the telescopic stem (which is composed of four individual components F, H, I and J) into two parts and laying the stem brace and stem components flat against the first side portion A. The two side portions A and B can then be brought together.

S Figure 4 shows a side view of the exercise device, after having been folded. The two side portions A and B have been rotated around the hinge C so that they are now touching at the end opposite to the hinge C. The exercise device can include one or more catches or clips either side of the handle R that can be used to fasten the two side portions A and B together. All of the io components that make up the stem, stem brace, crank arms and pedals are contained within the space between the two side portions A and B. The telescopic case handle R can now be extended by the user and the exercise device in its folded configuration can be moved by the user on its wheels V. In order to fold the exercise device away, the pedals M and pedal cranks N may be so configured that one of pedals M is detachable via a quick release mechanism. Either the pedal M and/or the supporting pedal crank N can be detached using a mechanism such as a quick release lever, to assist in the disassembly of the exercise device.

The supports T can also be seen in this view, with two supports T visible, one support T being mounted on each of the side portions A and B. These supports I are provided so that the exercise device, in its folded configuration, can be stood in a stable upright position, with the supports T engaging the supporting surface. A screw threaded connector X is also visible in this view, which is the connector between the two parts of the stem H and I. These two parts H and I have been separated prior to the folding of the exercise device.

Anti-slip pads W are also provided on the outside of the two side portions A and B. These pads W are provided on the exterior surfaces of the two side portions A and B (which will engage a surface when the exercise device is in use) in order that the exercise device will not slip, when it is being used by a user. The pads W will be in contact with the floor on which the exercise device is placed, once it has been opened, and will ensure that the exercise device does not move around while the user is cycling the pedals M. Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the exercise device, which is identical to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, except that the exercise device is further provided with a mat Y, which is connected to the second side portion B. This mat Y is shown as a fold out mat that is comprised of four discrete connected sections. When the exercise device is not in use, the mat Y can be folded up so that the four sections are one on top of the other and when the side portions A and B are folded together, then the mat Y is enclosed between the two side portions A and B. When the exercise device is to be used, then the side portions A and B are folded out flat and the exercise device is lying on a flat surface. The mat Y can then be unfolded so that all four sections are lying next to each other flat on the floor, as shown in Figure 5. The user can then lie on this mat Y, when they are exercising on the exercise device. The mat Y increases the comfort of the user and provides cushioning for the user's back as they lie on the floor to use the pedals M. In all other respects, the second embodiment shown in Figure 5 is the same as the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4. The stem comprises various adjustable components that allow the length and angle of the stem to be adjusted and the stem brace can be locked into different positions so that, again, different angles of the stem can be used. The resistance adjustor P allows the user to set the level of resistance (and hence effort required) provided against the turn of the pedals M. The telescopic handle R is also present and is unaffected by the presence of the folding mat Y. Instead of the mat Y, or in addition to the mat Y, a wedge can be provided that can be used in the same position of the mat Y or on top of the mat Y. The wedge will have its thinner end nearer to the hinge C than the thicker end of the wedge. The wedge allows a user to be elevated when they are using the exercise device as this is advantageous if the user has a weak heart, for example, or may just be provided to increase the comfort of the user.

Another additional component that can be used is foot straps on the pedals M, which allow a user to have their feet held in position on the pedals M.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An exercise device comprising: o a first side portion (A), o a second side portion (B) connected to the first side portion (A) via a hinge (C), o a stem (F, H, I, J) connected, at a first end thereof, to the hinge (C), o a set of pedals (M) connected to the stem (F, H, I, J) at an opposite end to the connection of the stem (F, H, I, J) to the hinge (C), and o a stem brace (G) connectable to the stem (F, H, I, J) and to the first side portion (A) and arranged, when in use, to prevent relative movement between the stem (F, H, I, J) and the first side portion (A).
2. An exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the first side portion (A) and the second side portion (B) are substantially rectangular in shape.
3. An exercise device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the stem (F, H, I, J) is adjustable using length adjusters (D).
4. An exercise device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, and further comprising stem brace locators (K) connected to the first side portion (A) and arranged to locate the stem brace (G) in different positions.
5. An exercise device according to any preceding claim, wherein the stem brace (G) is connected to the stem (F, H, I, J) about a pivot point (L).
6. An exercise device according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a resistance adjustor (F) arranged to vary the rotational resistance applied to the set of pedals (M).s
7. An exercise device according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a telescopic handle (R) connected to the first side portion (A).
8. An exercise device according to any preceding claim, and further comprising one or more grip handles (S) connected to the second side portion (B).
9. An exercise device according to any preceding claim, and further comprising one or more carrying handles (U) connected to the first side portion (A) and/or the second side portion (B).
10. An exercise device according to any preceding claim, and further comprising one or more wheels (V) connected to the hinge (C).
11. An exercise device according to any preceding claim, and further comprising one or more anti-slip pads (W) connected to the first side portion (A) and/or the second side portion (B).
12. An exercise device according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a told-out mat (Y) connected to the second side portion (B).