NL2018153B1 - Exercise apparatus and method for exercising the human body - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an exercise apparatus, comprising: - a treadmill, with an endless tread extending between a first edge and a second edge running parallel to the first edge, which tread is slidable in a longitudinal direction from the first edge to the second edge ; - a primary mass, in frictional contact with the tread of the treadmill; and - a retainer, for retaining the primary mass in the longitudinal direction when the tread is displaced in the longitudinal direction. The invention further relates to a method for exercising the human body.

Description

Patent center

The Netherlands

© Application number: 2018153 © Application submitted: 11/01/2017 © 2018153 © BI PATENT © Int. CL:

A63B 22/02 (2017.01) A63B 21/04 (2017.01) A63B

23/04 (2017.01)

(Tl) Application registered: © Patent holder (s): 25/07/2018 Willem Jan Post in Sneek. © Request published: - © Inventor (s): Willem Jan Post in Sneek. © Patent granted: 25/07/2018 © Authorized representative: © Patent issued: ir. B.J. 't Jong in Enschede. 31/07/2018

© Exercise device, and method for exercising the human body

Uitvinding) The invention relates to an exercise apparatus comprising:

- a treadmill, with an endless tread extending between a first edge and a second edge running parallel to the first edge, which tread is slidable in a longitudinal direction from the first edge to the second edge;

- a primary mass, in frictional contact with the tread of the treadmill; and

- a retainer for retaining the primary mass in the longitudinal direction when the tread is displaced in the longitudinal direction.

The invention further relates to a method for exercising the human body.

NL Bl 2018153

This patent has been granted regardless of the attached result of the research into the state of the art and written opinion. The patent corresponds to the documents originally submitted.

Exercise apparatus and method for exercising the human body

The invention relates to an exercise apparatus, comprising a treadmill, with an endless tread extending between a first edge and a second edge running parallel to the first edge, which tread is slidable in a longitudinal direction from the first edge to the second edge.

Such exercise devices are known in all forms and are suitable for training the speed, explosiveness, strength or endurance of the human body.

For example, there is one by Woodway USA, Ine. treadmill that is placed on the market and has an endlessly slidable tread, the shifting of which is driven by the user. In this state-of-the-art treadmill the user is connected to a harness. The resistance that the user encounters when walking on the treadmill is controlled by means of an electromagnetic braking system, controlled from an interface.

The disadvantage of the system in question is that for the use of the electromagnetic braking system and the interface it is still necessary to provide a power supply, such as, for example, a connection to a power grid, where it is precisely desirable to have all work done by the user, and to be completely independent of a power supply. In addition, the system in question does not provide for a possibility of applying a load specifically on either side of the longitudinal axis of the human body, while this may be desirable due to the natural pendulum movement of the arms of the human body during walking.

Publication US 2012/0295769 A1 also provides a combination of a treadmill in which the user of the treadmill is provided with a shoulder harness, which is connected by means of ropes to a frame arranged around the treadmill. With this machine it is not possible to increase the walking motion.

It is now an object of the invention to reduce or even prevent the above problems.

This object is achieved by means of a training device according to the preamble, further comprising:

- a primary mass, in frictional contact with the tread of the treadmill; and

- a retainer for retaining the primary mass in the longitudinal direction when the tread is displaced in the longitudinal direction.

In the exercise apparatus according to the invention, instead of an electromagnetic braking system, a physical mass is applied in frictional contact with the treadmill, which friction must be overcome by the user when the treadmill is displaced longitudinally, for example from the first to the second edge or vice versa. This has the advantage that to a lesser extent, or in the case of a user-driven treadmill, the exercise apparatus is completely independent of a power supply. The device can be used for so-called power sled training.

The retainer ensures that the primary mass remains at least in the same direction in the longitudinal direction so as to ensure the frictional contact.

When the primary mass is thereby arranged on the tread, this primary mass is more accessible. As a result, it is easier to adjust the resistance level to the needs of the user.

In the first direction, the first edge of the tread, the primary mass with the raised edge, the retainer, a portion of the tread on which the user can walk, and in the direction of movement of the treadmill (or longitudinal direction) can be arranged one behind the other the second edge of the tread. Instead, however, it is also possible that the primary mass lies between the retainer and the part of the tread on which the user can walk. Depending on the application (pull or push exercise), the user can choose to move the treadmill from the first edge to the second edge, or vice versa. Depending on the application (pull or push exercise), the user will choose whether to point the nose to the first or second edge. The person skilled in the art will himself recognize which choice works for which application.

In the context of the invention, a (primary or secondary) flexible connecting element is understood to mean inter alia a cord, line, rope, chain or belt (not being the treadmill or the tread).

The exercise device preferably comprises walls on either side of the tread extending walls extending from the tread between the first and the second edge. These reduce the chance that a mass applied to the tread will inadvertently peel off the treadmill.

In a first preferred embodiment of the exercise apparatus according to the invention, the retainer comprises an endless flexible retaining connecting element arranged between at least two pulleys, to which the primary mass is connected.

A retainer designed as a retaining flexible connecting element is simple and inexpensive in construction. Moreover, there is the possibility of connecting the retaining connecting element with other flexible connecting elements. Depending on the application, the person skilled in the art can choose to carry out this connection of the primary mass as an element lying only against this connecting element, but on the other hand also as a physically cross-linked element. The person skilled in the art will himself recognize which choice works for which application.

In a second preferred embodiment of the exercise device according to the invention, the primary mass is provided with a circumferential groove, and the endless connecting element lies in the circumferential groove.

In this way the engagement surface of the retainer on the primary mass is increased.

In a third preferred embodiment of the exercise device according to the invention, the retainer comprises an edge extending from the tread, which edge abuts against an edge of the primary mass, and which edge defines a part of the primary mass which is arranged in front of the retainer in the direction of movement. .

By providing a fixed raised edge, the primary mass can also be stopped in a simple manner.

A beam extending over the tread is preferable here because it is simple in construction, and because it provides a clear separation between the part on which the user can walk and a part where the primary mass lies. The beam preferably runs parallel to the first and second edges to further clarify the separation. Preferably the beam is attached to at least one of the two sides of the tread extending parallel to the direction of displacement to simplify the construction.

In a fourth preferred embodiment of the exercise device according to the invention, the exercise device further comprises a primary flexible connecting element, with at least two ends, wherein the primary flexible connecting element can be attached with two of the ends to a user walking on the tread, and wherein the primary flexible connecting element connecting element between the two ends is attached to the primary mass.

Connecting the primary mass to a user by means of a flexible connecting element has the advantage that the user of the exercise apparatus experiences resistance not only when the primary mass is shifted on the treadmill, but also during movements, such as movements of the human body. yourself on this treadmill, but also with other movements.

The primary flexible connecting element can also be interrupted by an element to which the primary flexible connecting element is attached, such as, for example, the primary mass. In that case the primary flexible connecting element consists of two parts, namely a first part, running from a first end to the primary mass, and a second part, running from the primary mass to a second end.

Incidentally, connecting a flexible connecting element to a primary mass is also a possibility when the primary mass is thereby not in frictional contact with the tread of the treadmill in order to load rotation.

In a fifth preferred embodiment of the exercise device according to the invention, the primary mass is arranged near the first edge.

By arranging the primary mass near the first edge, it is prevented that a user, who will generally approach the treadmill from the second edge because of the direction of displacement running from the first to the second edge, will trip over the primary mass.

In a sixth preferred embodiment of the exercise device according to the invention, the primary mass is slidably arranged along the first edge over the tread.

This shiftability increases the area of application of the primary mass during use of the exercise device.

In a seventh preferred embodiment of the exercise apparatus according to the invention, the primary flexible connecting element extends from the first edge along the tread to the second edge of the treadmill.

In this embodiment, for example, the displaceable execution of the primary mass along the first edge has the advantage that the primary mass can be moved back and forth along the first edge for loading on the human body of the user himself while at the same time being in frictional contact with the treadmill, to aggravate walking. The primary mass therefore fulfills two functions simultaneously.

In an eighth preferred embodiment of the exercise device according to the invention, the exercise device further comprises a secondary mass, which is arranged behind the second edge in the direction of movement of the tread, which secondary mass is provided with a secondary flexible connecting element attached to the secondary mass.

It may be advantageous to provide a secondary mass in addition to the primary mass, because in that case the resistance on the treadmill and the load on the human body itself can be adjusted independently via the attachment of the secondary flexible connecting element.

The secondary mass is preferably embodied as a hollow tube of a first thickness with a solid element arranged around it, which secondary mass is arranged on a flat, preferably solid, rod with a second thickness which is smaller than the first thickness and preferably connects to the hollow tube. In this way the secondary mass can rotate around the tube with the second thickness.

In a ninth preferred embodiment of the exercise apparatus according to the invention, the primary or secondary mass comprises a disc weight or a holder with a bar transverse to the tread for receiving disc weights.

Disc weights are generally known for exercising the human body and are therefore an easy starting point for applying frictional resistance to the tread.

When the mass comprises a holder with a rod standing up from the tread, it is simple to arrange several weight discs and thus to select a specific desired load. The relevant mass can also be arranged in several segments, so that the entire weight of the primary mass does not have to be displaced in one go. The holder is herein preferably provided with a circumferential groove extending around the holder, in order to be able to receive and guide a flexible connecting means. The circumferential groove can also lie against a counter holder. For example, the retainer can be designed as an endless connecting element running between two pulleys, which element lies in the circumferential groove.

In a tenth preferred embodiment of the exercise device according to the invention, the primary mass is provided with a handle.

By means of one or more handles, it is possible to hold the primary mass, and to use it, for example, in push or push exercises, in which in some cases the primary mass is pushed by the user against the counter holder.

In an eleventh preferred embodiment of the exercise device according to the invention, the primary or secondary mass is rotatable about an axis extending from the tread.

By rotating the primary mass rotatably about this upright axis (which preferably coincides with a possible rod of the mass in question) it is possible to load rotations of the human body with the aid of this mass.

In a twelfth preferred embodiment of the exercise device according to the invention, the primary or secondary flexible connecting element runs over at least one pulley.

Pulleys make the movement of the primary or secondary flexible connecting element more reliable, in particular when this connecting element is selected from a cord, line, rope or band.

The invention further relates to a method for exercising the human body, comprising the steps of:

- providing an exercise device according to any of the preceding claims; and

- moving the tread of the exercise device with the user's feet.

The exercise device according to the invention is preferably fully driven by the user, and is therefore not dependent on a power supply for, for example, controlling an electromagnetic braking system, such as happens, for example, with the exercise devices according to the prior art.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the exercise device further comprises at least one primary or secondary flexible connection element, and wherein the method further comprises the step of connecting the second end of the primary or secondary flexible connection element of the exercise device to a user , preferably at or near the shoulders, hands or around the waist of the user.

The waist is understood to mean the middle part of the body between the lower body and upper body.

These and other features of the invention are further elucidated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figures 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D show a schematic top view of a number of embodiments and applications of exercise equipment according to the invention.

Figures 2A and 2B show, in a perspective view, different ways of using an exercise device according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a holder according to the invention.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the use of the exercise device according to Figure IA.

Figures 1A to 1D show exercise devices 10, 30, 50 and 70, respectively, with a person walking thereon. Each of the exercise devices 10, 30, 50, 70 has a tread 1 extending from a first edge 2. to a second edge 3 in a longitudinal direction L.

In figure 1A the shoulders of person P are connected by means of bands 11, 12 to a holder with disc weights 13 which lies on tread 1 in frictional contact with tread 1. The person P moves tread 1 in the direction

14. In this movement, holder 13 is held back by holder 15, which consists of an endless connecting element 16, which runs around pulleys 17, 18. Person P performs a pull exercise.

In figure 1B, holder with disc weights 31 is placed against a counter holder 32 on tread 1. Person P presses arms 31, 34 against holder 31, while pushing tread 1 in direction 35. Person P performs a push exercise. In Fig. 1B, the retainer 32 is designed as a beam, but in a variation thereof it can also be designed as an endless connecting element extending over the running surface 1 which runs around pulleys, as shown in Fig. IA.

In figure IC pulleys 51 are arranged around the tread, over which a cable 52 which actually runs tight runs from the first edge 2 to the second edge 3. Tread 1 has a holder with disc weights 53, which by means of cables 54, 55 with cable 52 is connected, and connected therewith to the shoulders of person P. Person P performs a pull exercise.

In figure 1D a first holder with disc weights 72 placed against a counter holder 71 is placed on the running surface. Also arranged behind the tread is a second holder 74 rotatable about shaft 73 and having disc weights, connected to the person P's means by means of cables 75, 76.

In Figure 2A, an exercise device 100 is shown very similar to the exercise device of Figure IC. The same parts are indicated with the same reference numbers. Covering plates 101 are included with this exercise device, which parts of the exercise device can protect.

In Figure 2B, an exercise device 110 is shown similar to the exercise device of Figures IC and 2A. The same parts are indicated with the same reference numbers. In this case, a holder 111 is used with two handles 112, 113 which rests against an endless flexible element 114 that runs around pulleys 115, 116.

This holder 111 is shown in detail in Figure 3. In addition to the handles 112, 113, a rod 114 for receiving disc weights is also shown, as well as a circumferential groove 115 provided in the holder 111.

Figure 4 shows an exercise apparatus 130 similar to the exercise apparatus of Figure 1A. The same parts are indicated with the same reference numbers. It is clear that here also the retainer 15 consists of an endless flexible element 131 which runs around pulleys 132, 133.

Claims (15)

Conclusions A training apparatus comprising a treadmill, with an endless tread extending between a first edge and a second edge running parallel to the first edge, which tread is slidable in a longitudinal direction from the first edge to the second edge characterized by - a primary mass, in frictional contact with the tread of the treadmill; and - a retainer for retaining the primary mass in the longitudinal direction when the tread is displaced in the longitudinal direction. Exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the retainer comprises an endless flexible retaining connecting element arranged between at least two pulleys, to which the primary mass is connected. 3. Exercise device according to claim 2, wherein the primary mass is provided with a circumferential groove, and wherein the endless connecting element lies in the circumferential groove. The exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the retainer comprises an edge raised from the tread, which edge abuts against an edge of the primary mass, and defines a portion of the primary mass disposed in front of the retainer in the direction of displacement. 5. Exercise device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a primary flexible connecting element, with at least two ends, the primary flexible connecting element with two of the ends being attachable to a user walking on the tread, and wherein the primary flexible connecting element between the two ends are attached to the primary mass. Exercise device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary mass is arranged near the first edge. Exercise device according to claim 6, wherein the primary mass is arranged slidably along the first edge over the tread. Exercise device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the primary flexible connecting element extends from the first edge along the tread to the second edge of the treadmill. Exercise device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the exercise device further comprises a secondary mass, which is arranged behind the second edge in the direction of movement of the tread, which secondary mass is provided with a secondary flexible connecting element attached to the secondary mass. 10. Exercise device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary or secondary mass comprises a disc weight or a holder with a bar extending transversely to the tread for receiving disc weights. Exercise device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary mass is provided with a handle. Exercise device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary or secondary mass is rotatable about an axis extending from the tread. Exercise device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary or secondary flexible connecting element runs over at least one pulley. A method of exercising the human body, comprising the steps of: - providing an exercise device according to any of the preceding claims; and - moving the tread of the exercise device with the user's feet. The method of claim 14, wherein the exercise device further comprises at least one primary or secondary 5 comprises a flexible connecting element, and wherein the method further comprises the step of connecting the second end of the primary or secondary flexible connecting element of the exercise device to a user, preferably at or near the shoulders, hands or around the waist of the user . _____ g 8 Η KagB * β E 8 9 8 .... 8 8ι ~ —8 ft ft ft ft ft X Μ ηοοαα X ft OL X ft VMMft ar * °° fB 0 U F ^ sZZl kJ * F «O F 2/3 3/3