GB2563823A

GB2563823A - Exercise support machine

Info

Publication number: GB2563823A
Application number: GB1709647.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Trainor Patrick
Original assignee: Gymwork Ltd
Current assignee: Gymwork Ltd
Priority date: 2017-06-16
Filing date: 2017-06-16
Publication date: 2019-01-02
Also published as: WO2018229500A1; GB201709647D0

Abstract

An exercise support machine, for at least partially relieving the weight of a user during exercise, comprises a pelvic support 21 arranged to support the user via a pelvic region; a biasing member 13 arranged to bias the pelvic support in a biasing direction away from the ground, thus at least partially relieving the weight of the user; and a moveable mounting arrangement 19 via which the pelvic support is mounted on the biasing member. The pelvic support 21 is arranged for pivotal movement about a yaw axis 36, which extends in the biasing direction, and the pelvic support 21 is arranged for pivotal movement about a roll axis 35 which is perpendicular to the yaw axis. The moveable mounting arrangement provides a freedom of movement to the pelvic support 21 such that the pelvic support 21 is able to pivot about the yaw axis and the moveable mounting arrangement 19 provides a freedom of movement to the pelvic support 21 such that the pelvic support is able to pivot about the roll axis, thus allowing the user to walk and/or run with a normal gait whilst supported by the pelvic support. The moveable mounting arrangement 19 comprises a plurality of linkages which provide said freedoms of movement to the pelvic support such that it is able to pivot about the yaw axis and the roll axis.

Description

Exercise Support Machine

The present invention relates to exercise support machines.

In some circumstances, when a person has sustained a physical injury, that person may be unable to exercise whilst supporting their entire weight. Sometimes that persons’ recovery time can be improved by walking or running with assistance. Thus, various systems exist which provide this assistance by supporting a user during exercise.

Unfortunately, these systems are usually complex, difficult to use, and costly. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an improved system which can support a user during exercise.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an exercise support machine, for at least partially relieving the weight of a user during exercise, comprising: a pelvic support, arranged to support the user via a pelvic region; a biasing member, arranged to bias the pelvic support in a biasing direction away from the ground, thus at least partially relieving the weight of the user; and a moveable mounting arrangement via which the pelvic support is mounted on the biasing member; wherein the pelvic support is arranged for pivotal movement about a yaw axis, which extends in the biasing direction, and the pelvic support is arranged for pivotal movement about a roll axis which is perpendicular to the yaw axis; and the moveable mounting arrangement provides a freedom of movement to the pelvic support such that the pelvic support is able to pivot about the yaw axis and the moveable mounting arrangement provides a freedom of movement to the pelvic support such that the pelvic support is able to pivot about the roll axis, thus allowing the user to walk and/or run with a normal gait whilst supported by the pelvic support.

Typically, when a person runs or walks, their pelvis oscillates about a first axis pointing away from the ground and about a second axis pointing in their direction of movement. Thus, by providing a pelvic support which is arranged for pivotal movement about a yaw and a roll axis, the pelvic support is able to mirror the motion of a user’s pelvis which allows the user to run or walk with a normal gait whilst being supported.

Preferably, the moveable mounting arrangement defines the location of the yaw axis. Preferably, the moveable mounting arrangement defines the location of the roll axis. Preferably, the moveable mounting arrangement is configured to position the yaw axis at a predetermined location relative to the pelvic support. Preferably, the moveable mounting arrangement is configured to position the roll axis at a predetermined location relative to the pelvic support.

Preferably, the pelvic support is arranged for pivotal movement about a pitch axis, which is perpendicular to the yaw axis and the roll axis. Preferably, the moveable mounting arrangement provides a freedom of movement to the pelvic support such that the pelvic support is able to pivot about the pitch axis. Preferably, the moveable mounting arrangement defines the location of the pitch axis. Preferably, the moveable mounting arrangement is configured to position the pitch axis at a predetermined location relative to the pelvic support.

Preferably, the moveable mounting arrangement is configured to position the yaw axis such that it extends substantially through the centre of pelvic support. Preferably, the moveable mounting arrangement is configured to position the roll axis such that it extends above the centre of pelvic support.

Preferably, the position of the yaw axis is fixed relative to the pelvic support. Preferably, the position of the roll axis is fixed relative to the pelvic support. Preferably, the position of the pitch axis is fixed relative to the pelvic support.

The moveable mounting arrangement may comprise a plurality of configurations, each configuration defining a single yaw axis about which the pelvic support can pivot. The moveable mounting arrangement may comprise a plurality of configurations, each configuration defining a single roll axis about which the pelvic support can pivot. The moveable mounting arrangement may comprise a plurality of configurations, each configuration defining a single pitch axis about which the pelvic support can pivot.

The yaw axis and the roll axis may be fixed relative to one another. The yaw axis and the roll axis may intersect. The moveable mounting arrangement may be arranged to align the yaw axis and the roll axis such that they intersect. The point at which the yaw axis and the roll axis intersect may be fixed relative to the movable mounting arrangement.

The yaw axis, the roll axis and the pitch axis may be fixed relative to one another. The yaw axis and the pitch axis may intersect. The moveable mounting arrangement may be arranged to align the yaw axis and the pitch axis such that they intersect. The point at which the yaw axis and the pitch axis intersect may be fixed relative to the movable mounting arrangement.

The pelvic support may be positioned such that, in use, the intersection of the yaw axis and the pitch axis is located in the region of the centre of gravity of the user. Thus, it is possible to provide a feeling of ‘lift’ to a user in the region of the user’s centre of gravity regardless of the orientation of the pelvic support. This allows the user to experience a more natural running sensation whilst being supported. The pelvic support may be positioned such that, in use, the intersection of the yaw axis and the roll axis is located above the point of intersection of the yaw axis and the pitch axis. The pelvic support may be held below the roll axis. This can allow forward and backward movement of the user while on the machine. Alternatively the pelvic support may be held substantially level with the roll axis. In such a case alternative means may be provided to allow forward and backward movement of the user.

The yaw axis and the roll axis may remain fixed relative to moveable mounting arrangement when the pelvic support pivots about the yaw axis. Pivoting of the pelvic support about the roll axis may cause the yaw axis to pivot about the roll axis, relative to the biasing member.

Pivoting of the pelvic support about the roll axis may cause the pitch axis to pivot about the roll axis. Pivoting of the pelvic support about the yaw axis may cause the pitch axis to rotate about the yaw axis, relative to the biasing member.

Preferably, the moveable mounting arrangement comprises a plurality of linkages which provide freedom of movement to the pelvic support such that it is able to pivot about the yaw axis and the roll axis. The plurality of linkages may comprise joints and rigid members pivotally mounted relative to one another, thus, providing freedom of movement to the pelvic support.

The moveable mounting arrangement may comprise a first set of linkages which provides freedom of movement to the pelvic support about the yaw axis; and a second set of linkages, different to the first set of linkages, which provides freedom of movement to the pelvic support about the roll axis. In this way, movement about the yaw axis can be managed by the first set of linkages and movement about the roll axis can be managed by the second set of linkages. This allows each set of linkages to be simpler than if freedom of movement about both axes were provided by the same set of linkages. The first set of linkages may comprise the second set of linkages. Preferably, the first set of linkages and/or the second set of linkages comprise pivot means.

In some cases, the moveable mounting arrangement allows the pelvic support to move relative to the biasing member along the direction of the roll axis, such that the yaw axis can be repositioned. This allows the user some flexibility in moving forwards and backwards. This is desirable if the user slows or speeds their running pace. This flexibility helps to prevent the user from feeling restricted by the pelvic support.

Preferably, the moveable mounting arrangement comprises a frame comprising a plurality of moveably mounted rigid members. The frame may comprise a pair of bridging members pivotally mounted on the biasing member and a pair of supporting arms pivotally mounted on the bridging members. The length of each bridging member may be arranged transversely to the length of the biasing member. The length of each support arm may be substantially parallel with the length of the biasing member. Preferably, each support arm is substantially horizontal when in a neutral position. Each one of the bridging members may be pivotally mounted on the biasing member via a central portion of that bridging member. At least one of the bridging members may be held against rotation about the roll axis. This helps to stabilise the pelvic support.

The pair of bridging members may have a first pair of ends opposite a second pair of ends. The first pair of ends may be on one side of the biasing member and the second pair of ends may be on the other side of the biasing member. A first one of the support arms may be pivotally mounted on the first pair of ends of the bridging members. This pivotal mounting may be provided by a ball or pin joint located at each end of the first pair of ends. A second one of the support arms may be pivotally mounted on the second pair of ends of the bridging members. This pivotal mounting may be provided by a ball or pin joint located at each end of the second pair of ends.

The moveable mounting arrangement may be rotatable relative to the biasing member about the roll axis. Preferably, the moveable mounting arrangement is arranged such that the pivotal movement of the pelvic support about the yaw axis and/or the roll axis is unconstrained within a limited arc angle and is held against further pivotal movement outside of the limited arc angle. This constrains the freedom of movement of the pelvic support within a limited arc angle. This improves the stability of the machine. In addition, this encourages the user to run with an even running gait.

The pelvic support may be attached to the moveable mounting arrangement at a plurality of discrete connection points. Preferably, the moveable mounting arrangement comprises a pair of support arms and the pelvic support is connected to and held between the pair of support arms. This provides a simple and convenient arrangement for holding the pelvic support above the ground. The pair of support arms may be mounted for pivotal movement on the biasing member about the roll axis.

The pelvic support may be pivotally mounted between the pair of support arms such that that the pelvic support is able to rotate about the pitch axis. The pelvic support may be connected to each support arm using a ball or pin joint or a plurality of ball or pin joints.

The pelvic support may comprise a saddle. The pelvic support may further comprise restraining means arranged such that the user may be located between the saddle and the restraining means. The saddle may be angled so that the seat of the saddle faces towards the restraining means.

The restraining means may comprise at least one pad arranged to support the user about the front of the user’s pelvis or thighs. The restraining means may comprise a pair of pads arranged such that the user may be located between the saddle and the pair of pads. The restraining means may comprise an adjustable belt arranged to support the user about the front of the user’s pelvis and thighs. The adjustable belt may be padded. The restraining means may comprise at least one padded arm. The restraining means may be moveable to allow the user to access the pelvic support. The restraining means may be hingedly mounted to the remainder of the pelvic support

Preferably, the support arms are moveably mounted on the biasing member such that they are arranged to move in opposite directions to one another, in the direction of the roll axis, thus, providing pivotal movement to the pelvic support about the yaw axis. The support arms may be moveably mounted on the biasing member such that they are arranged to move independently from one another. The support arms may be moveably mounted on the biasing member such that when a first one of the support arms moves towards the biasing member a second one of the support arms moves away from the biasing member, and vice versa. This movement may be provided by a set of pivots.

Preferably, the exercise support machine further comprises biasing means arranged to bias the biasing member in the biasing direction. The biasing means may comprise a piston. The biasing means may comprise a pneumatic cylinder.

The biasing member may comprise a lever arm supported by the biasing means. The exercise support machine may comprise a support column. The lever arm may be pivotally mounted on the support column such that it is able to move up and down in the biasing direction. The biasing means may support the lever arm at a point along its length offset from the pivotal mounting.

The support column may be held upright by a stand. The stand may comprise a pair of legs extending along the ground. The pair of legs may extend in the same direction along the ground. The moveable mounting arrangement may be arranged such that it is held above and between the pair of legs. The pair of legs may define a space between which a treadmill may be positioned. The pair of legs may be arranged so that a treadmill may be positioned on top of the pair of legs.

The lever arm may be rotatably mounted on the support column such that it is able to move left and right by rotating about an axis which extends in the biasing direction. This allows the user to move left and right whilst supported by the pelvic support. The lever arm may be mounted on the support column via a rotatable mounting element. The lever arm may be counterbalanced.

The lever arm may be pivotally mounted to the rotatable mounting element about an axis which is parallel to the biasing direction, whilst the rotatable mounting element is pivotally mounted to the support column about a parallel axis. This can allow translational movement of the pelvic support relative to the support column via appropriate pivoting about these two axes.

In turn this allows the user to move forwards and backwards on the treadmill during use. This is desirable if the user slows or speeds their running pace. The exercise support machine may comprise a locking mechanism for selectively holding the rotatable mounting element against rotation about the support column and/or for selectively holding the biasing member against rotation about the rotatable mounting element. This arrangement can allow the pelvic support to be held against forwards and backwards movement on the treadmill and/or rotational movement about the support column or the rotatable mounting element.

The exercise support machine may comprise a locking mechanism for selectively holding the biasing member against rotation about an axis perpendicular to the support column to hold the moveable mounting arrangement against upwards and downwards movement relative to the treadmill. A locking mechanism as described can be desirable if the user requires a more stable support when using the machine.

The rotatable mounting element may be arranged for upwards and downwards movement along the support column and relative to the stand, thus allowing movement of the lever arm upwards and downwards. This is desirable for the machine to be useful and comfortable for users of varying heights.

The exercise support machine may comprise a jack mechanism mounted to the stand. The jack mechanism may be arranged to act on the rotatable mounting element to allow upwards and downwards movement of the rotatable mounting element and thereby allowing upwards and downwards movement of the ball jointed frame and pelvic support. The jack mechanism may be mechanically gear driven and may be manually operable or be electrically powered. The jack mechanism may be hydraulically powered.

Preferably, no portion of the exercise support machine extends above the height of the user’s head. Preferably, the working of the machine does not inhibit access to the lower limbs while the machine is in use.

The provision of pivotal mounting between the support column and the rotatable mounting element, and between the rotatable mounting element and lever arm mentioned above, also allows easy movement of the machine out of the running path of the treadmill so that the treadmill is substantially unobstructed by the machine. This is desirable to allow the treadmill to be used without the machine and so there is minimal obstruction that could result in injury if the user falls from the treadmill. Preferably the machine is arranged to allow it to be easily positioned away from the treadmill to help in allowing access to users, such as wheelchair users, who cannot readily access the pelvic support while the machine is positioned on the treadmill. This is also desirable to allow the machine to support users when performing exercises away from the treadmill, such as squats or lunges.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an exercise support machine, for at least partially relieving the weight of a user during exercise, comprising: a pelvic support, arranged to support the user via a pelvic region; a biasing member, arranged to bias the pelvic support in a biasing direction away from the ground, thus at least partially relieving the weight of the user; and a moveable mounting arrangement via which the pelvic support is mounted on the biasing member; wherein the moveable mounting arrangement comprises a plurality of pivotally mounted linkages which provide freedom of movement to the pelvic support such that the pelvic support is able to pivot about a yaw axis, which extends in the biasing direction, and a roll axis, which is perpendicular to the yaw axis, thus allowing the user to walk and/or run with a normal gait whilst supported by the pelvic support. Any of the features described above may be provided in connection with this aspect of the invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exercise support machine with a ball-jointed frame;

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the ball-jointed frame of Figure 1 in a resting position;

Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the ball-jointed frame of Figure 1 with a pelvic support positioned away from a lever arm;

Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the pelvic support of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exercise support machine with a rotating seat frame;

Figure 6 is side view of a pin-jointed frame for an exercise support machine;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an expandable frame for an exercise support machine;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an exercise support machine mounted to the side of a treadmill; and

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a pelvic support with hingedly mounted padded arms.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the rear of the exercise support machine shown in Figure 8.

Figure 1 shows a ball-jointed exercise support machine 1 arranged over a treadmill 3. The treadmill 3 has a continuous moveable surface 5 on which a user can stand, walk or run. There is a control panel 7 for controlling the speed of the moveable surface 5 and handrails 9 to help support the user. The treadmill 3 can be used for walking or running in a confined space by translating the moveable surface 5.

The exercise support machine 1 has a support column 11, a rotatable mounting element 15, a lever arm 13, a ball-jointed frame 19 and a pelvic support 21. The pelvic support 21 can support a user about their pelvic region whilst the user is standing, walking or running on the moveable surface 5 of the treadmill 3. The pelvic support 21 is connected to the frame 19 which, in turn, is supported by the lever arm 13.

The lever arm 13 is pivotally mounted on the rotatable mounting element 15. The lever arm 13 is supported at a point along its length by a pneumatic cylinder 17 which is used to bias the lever arm 13 away from the ground. This biases the pelvic support 21 away from the ground in a biasing direction. The biasing force is provided to the pelvic support 21 through the frame 19, which, at least partially, relieves the weight of the user. The lever arm 13 and pneumatic cylinder 17 act together to provide the function of the biasing member and biasing means.

The pressure in the pneumatic cylinder 17 can be increased. This increases the force at which the pelvic support 21 is biased way from the ground. This increases the amount of weight relief experienced by the user. Alternatively, the pressure in the pneumatic cylinder 17 can be decreased. This decreases the force at which the pelvic support 21 is biased away from the ground. This decreases the amount of weight relief experienced by the user.

The amount of pressure in the cylinder 17 can be set to at a point which reduces the user’s weight by a pre-determined amount. This pre-determined amount of weight relief can be set using the control panel 7.

The support column 11 is held upright by a stand 22 which comprises a pair of legs which extend along the ground in the direction of the lever arm 13. The treadmill 3 is positioned between the legs of the stand 22.

The support column 11 is cylindrical and is positioned within apertures in the mounting element 15. This allows the mounting element 15 to rotate about the support column 11 which remains fixed. As the mounting element 15 rotates the user is able to move from side to side on the treadmill 3. In addition, this allows the frame 19 to be moved from a position above the treadmill for running training to a position away from the treadmill for non-treadmill exercises. This can be achieved without having to move the entire exercise support machine 1.

The frame 19 comprises a number of joints which are arranged to provide pivotal movement to the pelvic support 21 about a yaw axis 36, which extends in the biasing direction, a roll axis 35, which is perpendicular to the yaw axis 36, and a pitch axis 56 which is perpendicular to the yaw axis 36 and the roll axis 35.

The lever arm 13 at least partially relieves the weight of the user, and the frame 19 provides freedom of movement to the pelvic support 21. The lever arm 13 and the frame 19 are separate units. Thus, the exercise support machine can be made with a simple design because the lever arm 13 can be designed to be stable and the frame 19 can be designed to provide freedom of movement about the yaw, roll and pitch axes.

Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the ball-jointed frame 19. The ball jointed frame 19 comprises a pair of bridging members 33, 34 and a pair of support arms 31, 32 connected together by ball joints.

The first bridging member 33 and the second bridging member 34 are mounted on the lever arm 13 by a first set of ball joints 23, 24. The second support arm 32 is mounted on the pair of bridging members 33, 34 by a second set of ball joints 25, 26. The first support arm 31 mounted on the pair of bridging members 33, 34 by a third set of ball joints 27, 28. The pelvic support 21 is mounted on the supporting arms 31, 32 by a fourth set of ball joints 29, 30.

The first set of ball joints 23, 24 allows the pair of bridging members 33, 34 and, thus, the pair of support arms 31,32, to rotate about the roll axis 35. This allows the pelvic support 21 to rotate about the roll axis 35.

The first set of ball joints 23, 24, the second set of ball joints 25, 26 and the third set of ball joints 27, 28 are arranged such that, when the first support arm 31 is moved towards the lever arm 13 along the roll axis, the second support arm 32 moves away from the lever arm 13 along the roll axis, and when the first support arm 31 is moved away from the lever arm 13 along the roll axis the second supporting arm 32 moves towards the lever arm 13 along the roll axis. This allows the pelvic support 21 to rotate about the yaw axis 36.

The fourth pair of ball joints 29, 30 allows the pelvic support 21 to move relative to the pair of supporting arms 31, 32 which facilitates pivotal movement of the pelvic support 21 about the yaw axis 36. In addition, the fourth pair of ball joints 29, 30 allows the pelvic support 21 to pivot about a pitch axis 56. This allows the user to angle his/her body forwards and backwards whilst being supported by the pelvic support 21.

As described above, the pelvic support 21 is able to rotate about the roll axis 35 and the yaw axis 36. Thus, when the user is running or walking on the treadmill 3, the user is able to maintain a natural gait whilst supported by the pelvic support 21.

In this example, the bridging members 33, 34 are angled away from the lever arm 13 in the opposite direction to the biasing direction. It can be seen that the pitch axis 56 and the yaw axis 36 intersect at a point which is above the pelvic support 21 but below the roll axis 35. The intersection point of the pitch axis 56 and yaw axis 36 is arranged to be positioned around the centre of gravity of the user. This allows the user to natural walk or run more naturally.

The roll axis 35 and the yaw axis 36 also intersect but at a point above the intersection point of pitch axis 56 and the yaw axis 36. Thus, if the user moves their centre of gravity forward or backward or left or right, then the user will be encouraged to move back to the position in which their centre of gravity is directly below the intersection point of the roll axis 35 and the yaw axis 36.

Referring to Figure 3, the ball joints 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 in the frame 19 allow the support arms 31, 32 to move together relative to the lever arm 13 along the roll axis 35. This allows the pelvic support 21 to move towards and away from the lever arm 13 along the roll axis 35. This relative motion means that, if the user slows or speeds up, the user will not feel restricted by the frame 19 and pelvic support 21. Figure 3 shows the position of the frame 19 when the pelvic support 21 is moved by the user away from the lever arm 19 along the roll axis 35, as would occur when the user slows down whilst running.

Figure 4 shows an enlarged perspective view of the pelvic support 21. The pelvic support 21 has a saddle 40, a supporting frame 42 and a pair of pads 44, 46. The support frame 42 comprises a horizontal bar 41 and a curved bar 43 hanging beneath it. The support frame 42 is held between the pair of supporting arms 31, 32 by the fourth pair of ball joints 29, 31. The saddle 40 is mounted in the middle of the support frame 42 on the curved bar 43.

The saddle 40 is titled towards the pads 44, 46 and is arranged such that it can rest behind the user’s gluteus maximus. In this way the user can lean back on the saddle 40 without sliding off. Thus, the user can lean back whilst walking or running and resist the movement of the treadmill. This allows the exercise support machine 1 to mimic the feeling of a downhill environment.

The pads 44, 46 are mounted on the horizontal bar 41 of the support frame 42. In use, the front of the user’s pelvis rests against the pads 44, 46. This helps to stabilise the user. In addition, if the user leans forwards whilst walking or running, the exercise support machine 1 is able to mimic the feeling of an uphill environment because the user can drive themselves forwards into the pelvic support 21. A pelvic support comprising a set of straps could be used instead of the saddle based pelvic support 21. In this example, the straps would hold user’s thighs between a pair of loops, one for each thigh. However, in this arrangement it is more complicated for the user to mount and dismount from the machine.

In an alternative arrangement, an adjustable belt is positioned between the fourth paid of ball joints 29, 30. In use, the front of the user’s pelvis rests against the adjustable belt.

Figure 5 shows a rotating seat frame exercise support machine 1’ which is an alternative arrangement to that shown in Figure 1. This exercise support machine 1’ can also be arranged over a treadmill in a similar way as that shown in Figure 1.

The exercise support machine 1’ has a stand 22, a support column 11, a rotatable mounting member 15, a lever arm 13 and a pneumatic cylinder 17. The exercise support machine 1’ has a rotating seat frame 19’. The rotating seat frame 19’ comprises a pair of support arms 50, 51, a bridging member 52 and a ring 53. There is also a pelvic support 21 similar to that described with reference to Figure 4.

The support arms 50, 51 are rotatably mounted on the lever arm 13. The supporting arms 50, 51 are connected together by the bridging member 52 which is also rotatably mounted on the lever arm 13. There is an aperture between the supporting arms 50, 51. In addition, there is an aperture in the middle of the bridging member 52. The cylindrical lever arm 13 passes through the apertures. This allows the pair of supporting arms 51,52, and thus the frame 19’, to rotate about the roll axis 35, which allows the pelvic support 21 to rotate about the roll axis 35.

The ring 53 supports the pelvic support 21. The ring 53 is held between the pair of support arms 50, 51. The ring 53 is pivotally mounted towards the ends of each support arm 50, 51. This allows the ring 53 to rotate about the pitch axis 56 which, in turn, allows the pelvic support 21 to rotate about the pitch axis 56. This allows the user to angle his/her body forwards and backwards.

The pelvic support 21 comprises a pair of guides 54, 55. Each one of the guides 54, 55 latches onto the ring 53. The ring 53 provides a track for the guides 54, 55 which are able to slide around the ring 53. This allows the pelvic support to rotate about the yaw axis 36. In an alternative arrangement, the saddle 40 of the pelvic support 21 rotates about a seat post.

Referring to Figure 6, there is a pin-jointed frame 19” and lever arm 13 arrangement which may be used as an alternative frame and lever arm arrangement to those described with reference to Figure 1,2, 3 and 5.

The frame 19” comprises a pair of support arms 63, 64 connected together by a pair of bridging members 61, 62. The bridging members 61, 62 are mounted on a rotatable strut 60. The rotatable strut 60 is mounted within the lever arm 13. The strut 60 rotates within the lever arm 13 which allows the frame 19” to rotate about the roll axis 35. This allows the pelvic support 21 to rotate about the roll axis 35.

The first supporting arm 64 is pivotally mounted on the pair of bridging members 61, 62 by a first pair of pin joints 70, 71. The pair of bridging members 61, 62 is pivotally mounted on the rotatable strut 60 by a second pair of pin joints 68, 69. The second support arm is pivotally mounted on the pair of bridging members 61, 62 by a third pair of pin joints 66, 67. The pelvic support 21 is pivotally mounted between the pair of supporting arms 63, 64 by a fourth pair of pin joints 65, 72.

The pin joints are arranged such that when the first support arm 64 is moved towards the lever arm 19 along the roll axis 35 the second supporting arm 63 moves away from the lever arm 19 along the roll axis 35 and when the first support arm 64 is moved away from the lever arm 19 along the roll axis 35 the second supporting arm 63 moves towards the lever arm along the roll axis 35. This allows the pelvic support 21 to rotate about the yaw axis 36.

The pelvic support 21 is pivotally mounted on the fourth pair of pin joints 65, 72 by a fifth pair of pin joints 73, 74. This allows the pelvic support 21 to rotate about the pitch axis 56. This allows the user to angle his/her body forwards and backwards.

Figure 7 shows an expandable frame 19”’ which may be used to accommodate pelvic supports or harnesses of different sizes by varying the distance between its support arms. This mechanism for varying the distance between the support arms may be used in conjunction with any of the frames described above.

The frame 19’” is mounted on a lever arm 13 by a pair of bridging members 80, 81. The pair of bridging members 80, 81 holds a pair of support arms 82, 83 which can be used to hold a pelvic support or harness between them. The first support arm 82 is pivotally connected to the pair of bridging members 80, 81 by a first pair of hinges 84, 85. The first pair of hinges 84, 85 allows the first support arm 82 to rotate about a first axis of rotation 86 which extends in the direction of the roll axis 35.

The second support arm 83 is pivotally connected to the pair of bridging members 80, 81 by a second pair of hinges 88, 89. The second pair of hinges 88, 89 allows the second support arm 82 to rotate about a second axis of rotation 87 which extends in the direction of the roll axis 35.

The rotation of the pair of support arms 82, 83 allows them to swing away from and towards each other. This varies the distance between the support arms 82, 83. Thus, the width of a pelvic support hung between the support arms 82, 83 can be varied to accommodate users of different sizes.

The exercise support machines above have been described in reference to a user running or walking on a treadmill. It will be appreciated that these exercise support machines could be used without a treadmill. For example, the exercise support machines could be used to perform assisted squat or lunge type exercises.

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this case the exercise support machine 1 can be arranged over and to the side of the treadmill 3 as shown in Figure 8. As in previous embodiments, the treadmill comprises a continuous moveable surface 5, a control panel 7 and handrails 9. In this embodiment, the control panel is positioned in front of the moveable surface 5.

The present embodiment of the exercise support machine 1 is of a similar arrangement to that described previously in that it comprises a stand 22, a support column 11 extending upwards from the stand, a rotatable mounting element 15 pivotally mounted to the support column 11, a lever arm 13 and pneumatic cylinder 17 both pivotally mounted to the rotatable mounting element, a ball-jointed frame 19”” mounted to the lever arm 13 and a pelvic support 21 mounted to the ball jointed frame 19”” by ball joints 29 and 30. The ball jointed frame comprises bridging members 33 and 34 and supporting arms 31 and 32. The pelvic support 21 is shown in isolation in Figure 9 and comprises a saddle 40 and a horizontal bar 41. The ball joints 29 and 30, via which the pelvic support 21 will be mounted to the frame 19””, can be seen in Figure 9.

This embodiment differs from those above in that the user is supported from behind and that the device may be positioned differently in relation to the treadmill. This can improve usability of the device. In turn this leads to differences in the pelvic support and the support structure.

This embodiment differs in that the stand 22 can be positioned beneath the moveable surface 5 of the treadmill 3 and the support column 11 can be positioned to the side of the moveable surface 5. In some cases the treadmill 3 may rest on the stand to improve stability. The exercise support machine 1 of the present embodiment further comprises a mechanical gear driven jack 111 mounted to the stand 22. The jack 111 acts upon the rotatable mounting element 15 so that the rotatable mounting element 15 may be raised or lowered relative to the stand 22 and moveable surface 5 to allow comfortable use of the exercise support machine 1 by users of different heights. In the current example, the jack mechanism includes a handle 113 for manual operation. In other examples, the jack 111 may comprise a motor or other powered device for raising or lowering the rotatable mounting element 15.

The rotatable mounting element 15 of the present embodiment comprises a first end and a second end. The first end of the rotatable mounting element 15 is pivotally mounted to the support column 11. The rotatable mounting element 15 is free to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the support column 11. The rotatable mounting element 15 in this embodiment has greater length or reach than in the embodiments above - it is in the form of an arm.

In this embodiment, the lever arm 13 is pivotally mounted to the second end of the rotatable mounting element 15 via an intermediate mounting element 151, best seen in Figure 10. The pneumatic cylinder 17 is also pivotally mounted to the second end of the rotatable mounting portion 15 via an intermediate mounting element 151. These pivotal mountings are about axes parallel to the biasing direction and/or the support column. The pneumatic cylinder 17 supports the lever arm at a point along its length and is used to bias the lever arm 13 away from the ground. The lever arm 13 supports the ball-jointed frame 19””. The pelvic support 21 is mounted to the ball-jointed frame 19 by the ball joints 29 and 30.

Both the lever arm 13 and pneumatic cylinder 17 are free to pivot about the second end of the rotatable mounting element 15. Hence the ball-jointed frame 19”” is able to pivot about the second end of the rotatable mounting portion 15. Of course the intermediate mounting element 151, lever arm 13 and pneumatic cylinder 17 are also arranged so as to allow the lever arm 13 and pneumatic cylinder 17 to pivot relative to the rotatable mounting element 15 about respective perpendicular axes too to allow upwards biasing action of the lever arm 13 as in the above embodiments.

In other embodiments the exercise support machine 1 may comprise a locking mechanism for selectively holding the rotatable mounting element 15 against rotation about the support column 11 and/or for selectively holding the lever arm 13 against rotation about the rotatable mounting element 15. This arrangement can allow the pelvic support 21 to be held against forwards and backwards movement on the treadmill 3 and/or rotational movement about the support column 11 or about the rotatable mounting element 15.

In yet other embodiments, the exercise support machine 1 may comprise a locking mechanism for selectively holding the lever arm 13 against rotation about an axis perpendicular to the support column 11 to hold the ball-jointed frame 19”” against upwards and downwards movement relative to the moveable surface 5 of the treadmill 3. This locking mechanism may feature in addition to, or instead of, the previously described locking mechanism.

As in previous embodiments, the frame 19”” comprises a number of joints which are arranged to provide pivotal movement to the pelvic support 21 about a yaw axis 36, which extends in the biasing direction, a roll axis 35, which is perpendicular to the yaw axis 36, and a pitch axis 56, which is perpendicular to both the yaw axis 36 and the roll axis 35. Thus, when the user is running or walking on the treadmill 3, the user is able to maintain a natural gait whilst supported by the pelvic support 21.

In the above embodiments, the supporting arms 31 and 32 lie below the level at which the bridging members are attached to the lever arm 13 and this allows backwards and forwards movement of the pelvic support 21 by a rocking action. In this embodiment, the lever arm 13 lies in substantially the same plane as the supporting arms 31 and 32. Thus this rocking is not possible. This leads to greater stability. In the present embodiment, the dimensions of the rotatable mounting element 15 and the pivotal mounting between it and the support column 11 on the one hand and it and the lever arm 13 and pneumatic cylinder 17 on the other hand allows forwards and backwards movement of the pelvic support 21 relative to the support column 11 and hence the treadmill 3. This can accommodate movement of the user, for example if the user slows down or speeds up their walking or running speed while the speed of the moveable surface 5 remains constant. Thus having the support column 11 offset from the moveable surface 5 and/or the location of the pelvic support 21 and having the arm like rotatable mounting element 15 is advantageous.

The rotatable mounting element 15 and the position of the exercise support machine 1 to the side of the treadmill 3 are such as to allow the frame 19”” to easily be moved away from the treadmill 3 so that the exercise support machine 1 may be used for some other form of exercise where the treadmill 3 is not required, or to allow access to a user who cannot readily climb onto the treadmill 3 without assistance, or so that the treadmill 3 may be used as normal, without the exercise support machine 1. The device is arranged to allow the frame 19”” to be positioned such that there is no potentially dangerous obstruction to the rear of the treadmill 3 while the treadmill 3 is being used without the exercise support machine 1.

As most clearly shown in Figure 9, the present embodiment differs from previous embodiments in that it comprises hingedly mounted padded arms 47 and 48. The pelvic support 21 is arranged so that the padded arms 47 and 48 are mounted to the horizontal bar 41 by hinges. The padded arms 47 and 48 are positioned to be in front of the saddle 40. The padded arms 47 and 48 may be opened (see Figure 8) to allow access to the saddle 40 to the user, then closed (see Figure 9) across the user’s hips and locked in position. The saddle 40 is arranged to transmit lift to the sit bones (ischium), which tend to tilt the body forwards. This is counteracted by the padded arms 47 and 48 that push back on the hip bones (ilium). In this way the pelvis is cradled with no contact to soft tissue areas. In other embodiments, the pelvic support 21 may comprise an adjustable padded belt in place of the hingedly mounted padded arms 47 and 48 to secure the user to the pelvic support 21.

Note that in this embodiment the user faces forwards away from the frame 19”” such that the frame 19”” and support column 11 and so on are behind the user. Note also that when in use the pelvic support 21 can be above the stand 22 tending to increase stability. This is true even where the device is in use with a treadmill.

Claims

1. An exercise support machine, for at least partially relieving the weight of a user during exercise, comprising: a pelvic support, arranged to support the user via a pelvic region; a biasing member, arranged to bias the pelvic support in a biasing direction away from the ground, thus at least partially relieving the weight of the user; and a moveable mounting arrangement via which the pelvic support is mounted on the biasing member; wherein the pelvic support is arranged for pivotal movement about a yaw axis, which extends in the biasing direction, and the pelvic support is arranged for pivotal movement about a roll axis which is perpendicular to the yaw axis; and the moveable mounting arrangement provides a freedom of movement to the pelvic support such that the pelvic support is able to pivot about the yaw axis and the moveable mounting arrangement provides a freedom of movement to the pelvic support such that the pelvic support is able to pivot about the roll axis, thus allowing the user to walk and/or run with a normal gait whilst supported by the pelvic support; and wherein the moveable mounting arrangement comprises a plurality of linkages which provide said freedoms of movement to the pelvic support such that it is able to pivot about the yaw axis and the roll axis.

2. An exercise support machine, according to claim 1, wherein the pelvic support is arranged for pivotal movement about a pitch axis, which is perpendicular to the yaw axis and the roll axis.

3. An exercise support machine, according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the moveable mounting arrangement provides a freedom of movement to the pelvic support such that the pelvic support is able to pivot about the pitch axis.

4. An exercise support machine, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable mounting arrangement comprises a frame comprising a plurality of moveably mounted rigid members.

5. An exercise support machine, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable mounting arrangement defines the location of the yaw axis and/or the roll axis and/or the pitch axis, relative to the biasing member.

6. An exercise support machine, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable mounting arrangement is configured to position the yaw axis and/or the roll axis and/or the pitch axis at a predetermined location relative to the pelvic support.

7. An exercise support machine, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable mounting arrangement is configured to position the yaw axis such that the yaw axis extends substantially through the centre of pelvic support.

8. An exercise support machine, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the position of the yaw axis and/or the roll axis and/or the pitch axis is fixed relative to the pelvic support.

9. An exercise support machine, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable mounting arrangement comprises a plurality of configurations, each configuration defining a single yaw axis and/or a single roll axis and/or a single pitch axis about which the pelvic support can pivot.

10. An exercise support machine, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable mounting arrangement is arranged to align the yaw axis and the pitch axis such that they intersect.

11. An exercise support machine, according to claim 10, wherein the pelvic support is positioned such that, in use, the intersection of the yaw axis and the pitch axis is located in the region of the centre of gravity of the user.

12. An exercise support machine, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable mounting arrangement comprises a first set of linkages which provides freedom of movement to the pelvic support about the yaw axis; and a second set of linkages, different to the first set of linkages, which provides freedom of movement to the pelvic support about the roll axis.

13. An exercise support machine, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable mounting arrangement allows the pelvic support to move relative to the biasing member along direction of the roll axis, such that the yaw axis can be repositioned.

14. An exercise support machine, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable mounting arrangement is arranged such that the pivotal movement of the pelvic support about the yaw axis and/or the roll axis is unconstrained within a limited arc angle and is held against further pivotal movement outside of the limited arc angle.

15. An exercise support machine, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable mounting arrangement comprises a pair of support arms and the pelvic support is connected to and held between the pair of support arms.

16. An exercise support machine, according to claim 15, wherein the support arms are mounted for pivotal movement on the biasing member about the roll axis.

17. An exercise support machine, according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the support arms are moveably mounted on the biasing member such that they are arranged to move in opposite directions to one another, in the direction of the roll axis, thus, providing pivotal movement to the pelvic support about the yaw axis.

18. An exercise support machine, according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising biasing means arranged to bias the biasing member in the biasing direction; wherein the biasing member comprises a lever arm supported by the biasing means.

19. An exercise support machine, for at least partially relieving the weight of a user during exercise, comprising: a pelvic support, arranged to support the user via a pelvic region; a biasing member, arranged to bias the pelvic support in a biasing direction away from the ground, thus at least partially relieving the weight of the user; and a moveable mounting arrangement via which the pelvic support is mounted on the biasing member; wherein the moveable mounting arrangement comprises a plurality of pivotally mounted linkages which provide freedom of movement to the pelvic support such that the pelvic support is able to pivot about a yaw axis, which extends in the biasing direction, and a roll axis, which is perpendicular to the yaw axis, thus allowing the user to walk and/or run with a normal gait whilst supported by the pelvic support.

20. An exercise support machine, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable mounting arrangement comprises a pair of bridging arms mounted to the biasing member and which support a pair of support arms, wherein the support arms and the biasing member lie in substantially the same plane.

21. An exercise support machine, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable mounting arrangement is pivotally mounted to a support for allowing movement of the pelvic support forwards and backwards along the roll axis relative to the support.

22. An exercise support machine, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biasing member is pivotally mounted to a rotatable mounting element at a first end of the rotatable mounting element and the rotatable mounting element is pivotally mounted to a support at a second end of the rotatable mounting element for allowing movement of the pelvic support forwards and backwards along the roll axis relative to the support.