IL108230A - Portable training device and a resistance unit for use therein - Google Patents

Description

ϊηα>ϋΐ> m*n.nn jrpnn Ί>>) n>N )pnn Portable training device and a resistance unit for use therein The inventor: Arkadiy MARCHEV HERCUL LTD.

C: 91941/5 PORTABLE TRAINING DEVICE AND A RESISTANCE UNIT FOR USE THEREIN The present invention relates to a portable exercise device assembly adapted to exercise different groups of muscles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Both stationary and portable training devices have been widely used for a long time for development of body muscles. All of these known training devices are based on the principle of working the muscles against the mechanical forces or moments of forces provided by e.g. springs or weights.

Constructions of these known devices vary in sizes, structural elements and functions.

For example, various stationary training devices are manufactured by York Ltd, Canada (such as an apparatus York 2001), by Weider Sports Equipment Company Ltd., Canada (such as "Circuit-12" model) to name a few. Due to the fact that these devices are adapted for training different muscles they contain a plurality of separate accessories for performing different exercises. As a consequence, such devices are inconveniently bulky and rather expensive.

It can therefore be understood why portable exercise devices, which are lightweight and versatile are in growing demand.

FR 2625907 and 2592312 describe different constructions of modular training devices, each comprising a base member to which various exercise elements (for example, bars) can be fixed. The training device of FR 2625907 comprises elastic cords and pulley holders being the most typical elements of practically all known training devices.

DE 3528994 describes a portable home exercise unit for training various muscles, using easily assembled rods and weight supports. The device can be fitted with any weights vertically movable by cables for creating a traction or compression resistance for the user's muscles.

Another modification of a portable gymnastic and exercise apparatus is disclosed in GB 2092459 and consists of a vertically elongated rigid frame mounted on a base plate.

This apparatus comprises a pair of elongated flexible ropes secured to opposite sides of the frame to be pulled by the user; each rope being connected via a separate pulley system to a separate resistance means, more particularly, weights for resisting the pulling force exerted by the user on the ropes.

Most of the known systems suffer from some specific disadvantages to be mentioned below.

Firstly, it should be noted that all of the above mentioned portable modular devices comprise systems of cables or ropes including weights and pulleys. However, such weights, as well as springs or hydraulic cylinders, when used as a resistance means, can be regarded as mechanical energy accumulating devices which convert kinetic to potential energy. Thus, when training devices comprising such resistance means are used improperly by an unexperienced person, they are liable to cause injuries to such an unskilled user, because he believes he has to overcome only the resistance exerted by the apparatus during the first (direct) phase of the user's movement, but is unaware of the fact that he must also resist the accumulated energy released by the apparatus during the second (reverse) phase of the user's movement. A beginner might also overestimate the resistance he is able to overcome in the direct and the reverse phases of the exercise.

Secondly, most of the known exercise devices enable users to train groups of muscles responsible for turning the extremities or other parts of the body maximum at two or three of their joints (articulations). At the same time, in the known devices it is usually impossible to exercise "antagonistic muscles" of the same joint (for example, the anterior and posterior fascicles of the acromiohumeral muscles).

Furthermore, most of the exercise devices, as a rule, do not enable a user to work a specific muscle separately (so called "local exercise"), i.e. to turn an extremity or another body part about a single joint only. In other words, the users of these devices usually have to perform movements involving the turning of more than one joint.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a resistance means for an exercise apparatus, which means does not accumu-late mechanical energy. An additional object of the invention is to provide a portable, adaptable to a user's body lightweight exercise device including the abovementioned resistance means and being free of the above drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above object is achieved by the present invention which provides a directionally selective resistance unit for use in an exercise apparatus, adapted to exert a predetermined mechanical reaction moment in a first direction to a force applied thereto by a user through the intermediacy of transmission means, while permitting substantially resistance-free motion in a second reverse direction, said resistance unit comprising resistance means cooperating with said transmission means and alternating means for selecting said first and second directions.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the resistance unit is adapted to exert an adjustably constant mechanical reaction moment. However, it may be constructed so as to exert a reaction moment which is a function of the velocity of the displacement of the transmission means.

In a resistance unit according to the preferred embodiment of the invention the transmission means is a lever cooperating with a rotatable shaft and adapted to be moved by a user, said resistance means consists of a friction clutch mounted on said shaft and adapted to exert said moment of reaction; the resistance unit further comprises the alternating means enabling the user to select a desired sense wherein said moment of reaction counteracts said lever's movement when it is rotated by the user, while not being applied to the lever when it is rotated in the second reverse sense.

According to one embodiment of the invention, said alternating means is a pawl and ratchet wheel mechanism, the ratchet wheel being mounted on said shaft and the pawl cooperating with said lever so that, when the lever is rotated by a user in one sense, said pawl is caused to drive said ratchet wheel against the reaction moment exerted by said friction clutch; but when said lever is rotated in the opposite sense, the pawl slides freely along the ratchet wheel.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention said alternating means comprises a drum coaxially mounted on said shaft and an eccentric adapted to either couple said lever to said drum, so as to allow the lever to rotate the drum against the reaction moment exerted by said resistance means, or to disengage said lever from the drum. The drum may be an integral part of the friction clutch.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention said resistance means is a hydraulic pump provided with an adjustable throttle and cooperating with said shaft so as to exert thereon a reaction moment; and said alternating means is a hydraulic distributor adapted to alter the direction of fluid flow through the throttle. It should be noted that the hydraulic pump provided with the throttle exerts reaction moment being a function of the velocity of the movement of the lever.

It should be appreciated that other resistance means can be designed, wherein the exerted reaction moment is provided by, e.g., magnetic forces, electrodynamic forces, etc.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides an exercise device comprising at least one resistance unit as described above. f According to one embodiment of the exercise device it comprises a base plate, a cover plate substantially parallel and rotatable in respect thereto , and at least one said resistance unit dismountably secured between said base plate and said cover plate and exerting a reaction moment against the rotation of the cover plate in one sense while allowing its free rotation in the opposite sense.

The cover plate serves as the transmission means of this specific resistance unit. The exercise device according to the above-described embodiment serves for training the muscles of the user's torso during twisting thereof.

According to another embodiment the exercise device is a frame structure provided with at least one reaction unit dismountably secured thereto, each cooperating with a lever adapted to be rotated by a user.

In a further embodiment said frame structure consists of a pair of flat sections interconnected telescopically; one of said sections being provided at its outer portion with seats for securing therein a pair of said dismountable resistance units (so-called side resistance units) and another dismountable resistance unit (so-called central resistance unit).

It should be explained that the side resistance units may be secured to the frame at three positions, so as to enable the user to turn his arms in three orthogonal planes around the shoulder joints. The side resistance units can be used also for exercising the muscles of the user's torso and extremities during forward-backward bending and unbending motions. The central resistance unit is adapted for training the muscles of the user's torso during side bending and unbending thereof.

According to the most preferred embodiment of the exercise apparatus, each of the levers of said side resistance units is provided at its free end with a dismountable handle adapted to be moved along said lever during the exercise. The handle may further comprise at least one additional resistance unit intended for training muscles of the user's wrists.

The frame structure should be provided with a fastening means adapted to fasten said support frame to a user's body during the exercises. " ' In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a kit for assembling an exercise device assembly comprising at least one exercise device according to the above described embodiments.

According to the most preferred embodiment of the invention, the kit for assembling an exercise device assembly comprises a first exercise device including the base plate, and a second exercise device including the frame structure; said second exercise device is adapted to be vertically mounted onto said first exercise device and hingedly secured thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention can be best described and illustrated with reference to the attached non limiting drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of one of the embodiments of the exercise apparatus according to the invention.

Fig.2 illustrates different applications of the training device kit according to the invention.

Fig.3 is a kinematic diagram of a friction resistance means according to the invention.

Figs. 3A and 3B are modifications of the alternating means for use in the friction resistance means shown in Fig.3.

Fig.4A is a kinematic diagram of a hydraulic resistance ..means according to the invention.

Fig.4B is a block diagram of the hydraulic pump system intended for exerting reaction moment on a shaft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 illustrates one preferred embodiment of a training device 10 assembled from the following elements: - a horizontally positioned base plate 12, a cover plate 14 journalled thereto via a resistance unit 16 so as to enable the user to exercise twisting of the torso when standing on the cover plate; - a frame 18, consisting of two flat sheets 18A and 18B vertically mounted via a bar 20 onto the base plate 12 by a hinge 22 having two degrees of freedom; - a pair of resistance units 24 which may be dismountably secured at two sides of the upper portion of the sheet 18A by inserting attachment means 26 of the units 24 into seats (slots) 28. The units 24 ( in this particular case including friction clutches) may be mounted on the frame at three orthogonal positions: one of these is shown by solid lines, and the remaining two positions are illustrated by broken lines and marked with numerals 24A.B- The attachment means 26 may comprise poles of different sizes for selecting the position of the resistance units 24 for every specific exercise; - a central resistance unit 30 secured in the same manner in a vertical slot at the upper portion of the frame 18; Levers 32 of the side resistance units 24 are provided with handles 34 which can be displaced by the user's hands along the levers 32 during exercise. The construction of handles 34 further comprises additional resistance units 36 for exercising the wrists.

Belts 38 are for fastening the user's body to the frame 18 during exercise. c Fig. 2 demonstrates some of the possible modifications of the training device according to the invention (with and without the base plate) adapted for exercises with the user in a standing, lying or sitting position) and some examples of the exercises which can be executed by the aid of these modifications of the device: Fig.2.1 Exercise for rotating arms at the shoulder joints. The device includes the frame structure provided with a pair of the side resistance units and mounted on the base plate having its resistance unit.

Fig.2.2 Exercise for rotating arms at the shoulder joints in another surface. The same modification of the device.

Fig.2.3 Rotating arms in yet another surface. The same modification in a different position.

Fig.2.4 Exercise for rotating hands at the elbow joints. The same modification of the device. The frame structure is lowered.

Fig.2.5 Forward-backward bending of the torso. The embodiment as above.

Fig.2.6 Bending legs at the knee joints. The device comprises only the frame provided with a pair of the side resistance units.

Fig.2.7 Side bending of the torso. The frame is provided with one central resistance unit and mounted on the base plate.

Fig. 2.8 Exercise for feet. The device includes only the frame having a pair of the side resistance units.

Fig. 2.9 Twisting of the torso. The device comprises the base plate and the frame which is used here as a support.

It should be noted that before starting any exercise the user must set the shaft of the resistance unit to be used in a position where it coincides with the axis of the joint to be exercised.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a resistance unit 40 comprising: a friction clutch 42 mounted on a shaft 44, a drum 46 mounted coaxially on the same shaft and fixedly attached to the clutch 42, a lever 48 mounted on the shaft 44 and cooperating with the drum 46 via an alternating (coupling) means 50. The lever 48 is adapted to be moved by means of a handle 52, which is slidably secured to the lever.

Fig. 3A illustrates one embodiment 50A of the coupling means 50 shown in Fig.3. The coupling means 50A consists of a pawl and ratchet wheel mechanism. The ratchet wheel 54 is mounted on the shaft 44. The pawl 56 is associated with a hub 58 provided with the lever 48. Before starting an exercise the user selects the position of the pawl 56 with regard to the wheel 54. When rotating the lever 48, the user in one sense overcomes the reaction moment exerted by the friction clutch 42 (see Fig.3) on the shaft 44, but in the reverse sense he moves the lever freely.

Fig. 3B illustrates another embodiment 50B of the coupling means 50. This means consists of an eccentric 60 cooperating with the lever 48 and the drum 46. Direction of the reaction moment is selected by the user by alternating the position of the eccentric.

Fig. 4A is a kinematic scheme of a resistance unit 70 including a hydraulic pump 72 adapted for converting the movement of a lever 78 to the fluid flow. The shaft of the pump 72 is connected to a shaft 74. The lever 78 is fixedly secured to the shaft 74 and additionally provided with a handle 79.

Fig. 4B illustrates the pump 72 for converting rotation of the lever 78 and consequently of the shaft 74 to the fluid flow via direct and reverse lines 80, 82. Direction of the flow can be changed by a hydraulic distributor 84. A throttle block 86, including a one-way valve 88 and an adjustable choke 90, is intended for exerting a unidirectional resistance to the fluid flow. When the fluid flow is directed in one direction (along broken arrows), there is no difference between the pressure magnitudes in the direct and the reverse lines 80,82 of the pump 72, thus no reaction moment is exerted on the shaft 74. But when the direction of the fluid flow is reversed ( along solid arrows, through the choke 90), the hydraulic pressure after the choke will decrease, causing a certain difference of pressures in lines 80,82 which in turn results in exerting of a reaction moment on the shaft 74.

A fluid compensator is marked with 92, and a manometer with 94.

It should be noted that: - the described kit of elements of the training apparatus enables the user to exercise on it a wide plurality of various joints and muscles due to the fact that the device is adapted for performing local single movements thereon. - when exercising on the apparatus provided with the described resistance means, the user can train a specific joint(s), muscle(s) or group of antagonistic muscles during the first direct phase of any selected movement, and cannot be injured by the resistance units of the apparatus during the second reverse phase of the movement.

Claims (17)

CLAIMS:

1. A directionally selective resistance unit for use in an exercise apparatus, adapted to exert a predetermined mechanical reaction moment in a first direction to a force applied thereto by a user through the intermediacy of transmission means, while permitting substantially resistance-free motion in a second reverse direction, said resistance unit comprising resistance means cooperating with said transmission means and alternating means for selecting said first and second directions.

2. The resistance unit according to Claim 1, wherein said resistance unit is adapted to exert an adjustably constant mechanical reaction moment.

3. The resistance unit according to Claim 1, wherein said resistance unit is adapted to exert a reaction moment which is a function of the velocity of the displacement of the transmission means.

4. The resistance unit according to Claim 2, wherein said transmission means is a lever cooperating with a rotatable shaft and adapted to be moved by a user, said resistance means consists of a friction clutch mounted on said shaft and adapted to exert said moment of reaction; the resistance unit further comprises the alternating means enabling the user to select a desired sense wherein said moment of reaction counteracts said lever's movement when it is rotated by the user, while not being applied to the lever when it is rotated in the second reverse sense.

5. The resistance means according to Claim 4, wherein said alternating means is a pawl and ratchet wheel mechanism, the ratchet wheel being mounted on said shaft and the pawl cooperating with said lever so that, when the lever is rotated by a user in one sense, said pawl is caused to drive said ratchet wheel against the reaction moment exerted by said friction clutch; but when said lever is rotated in the opposite sense, the pawl slides freely along the ratchet wheel.

6. The resistance means according to Claim 4, wherein said alternating means comprises a drum being an integral part of said clutch and an eccentric adapted to either couple said lever to said drum, so as to allow the lever to rotate the drum against the reaction moment exerted by said resistance means, or to disengage said lever from the drum.

7. The resistance means according to Claim 3, comprising a hydraulic pump provided with an adjustable throttle and cooperating with said shaft so as to exert thereon a reaction moment; and said alternating means is a hydraulic distributor adapted to alter the direction of fluid flow through the throttle.

8. An exercise device comprising at least one resistance unit according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. The exercise device according to Claim 8 and comprising a base plate, a cover plate substantially parallel and rotatable in respect thereto, and at least one said resistance unit dismountably secured between said base plate and said cover plate and exerting a reaction moment against the rotation of the cover plate in one sense while allowing its free rotation in the opposite sense.

10. The exercise device according to Claim 8, comprising a frame structure provided with at least one reaction unit dismountably secured thereto, each cooperating with a lever adapted to be rotated by a user.

11. The exercise device according to Claim 10, wherein said frame structure consists of a pair of flat sections interconnected telescopical-ly; one of said sections being provided at its outer portion with seats for securing therein a pair of side dismountable resistance units, and a central dismountable resistance unit.

12. The exercise device according to Claim 11, wherein said side resistance units are secured to the frame at three positions, so as to enable the user to turn his arms in three orthogonal planes around the shoulder joints.

13. The exercise device according to Claim 8, wherein each of the levers of said side resistance units is provided at its free end with a dismountable handle adapted to be moved along said lever during the exercise.

14. The exercise device according to Claim 13, wherein said handle further comprises at least one additional resistance unit intended for training muscles of the user's wrists.

15. The exercise device according to Claim 10, wherein the frame structure is provided with a fastening means adapted to fasten said frame structure to a user's body during the exercises.

16. A kit for assembling an exercise device assembly comprising at least one exercise device according to any one of the Claims 8 to 15.

17. The kit according to Claim 16, comprising a first exercise device according to Claim 9, and a second exercise device according to Claim 10; said second exercise device is adapted to be vertically mounted onto said first exercise device and hingedly secured thereto. For the Applicants, DR. REINHOLD COHN AND PARTNERS 919 1-EL jg 29.12.1993