WO2005089881A1

WO2005089881A1 - Machine for muscular training

Info

Publication number: WO2005089881A1
Application number: PCT/SE2005/000336
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christer Eriksson; Benny Eriksson
Original assignee: Overseas Trade Limited
Priority date: 2004-03-19
Filing date: 2005-03-08
Publication date: 2005-09-29
Also published as: SE0400695D0; SE526797C2; SE0400695L; EP1725307B1; EP1725307A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine intended for muscular training of the type that comprises a chair (2) carried by a stand (1), which chair is formed from a seat (11) and a backrest (12), as well as at least one manually actuatable training element (19), which is movable against the action of a counter-load device (3) mechanically connected to the training element (19) via a load-transmitting mechanism (5, 20, 21, 22, 24). To the upper part of the backrest (12) of the chair, an operating member (30) is movably connected, which, via a transmission (31), e.g., a bar, is connected to a locking device (23, 35) by means of which the load-transmission mechanism is lockable in a position in which the training element (19) is not loaded by the counter-load device (3).

Description

MACHINE FOR MUSCULAR TRAINING

Technical Field of the Invention In a first aspect, this invention relates to a machine intended for muscular training of the type that comprises a chair carried by a stand, which chair is formed from a seat and a backrest, as well as at least one manually actuatable training or working element, which is movable against the action of a counter-load device connected to the training ele- ment via a load-transmitting mechanism.

Description of the Prior Art A previously known, commercially available machine of the above generally mentioned kind includes as training ele- ment a pair of arms, which are placed on both sides of the chair of the machine and are turnable against the action of the load (usually progressive) exerted by the counter-load device. For the training of triceps, the training arms are turnable in the direction downward/forward from a raised ini- tial position, in which the arms form an acute angle of approximately 40° to the backrest of the chair. For the training of biceps, the training arms are turnable in the direction upward/rearward from a lowered initial position approximately on a level with the seat of the chair. Entering the chair of the machine does not present any difficulties at all for a healthy person, because the same in a natural way can move himself/herself rearward with the back turned against the chair and by knee-bending put down his/her buttocks on the seat. For the person being physically disabled, who is tied to a wheel chair, however, the entering presents difficulties, which at times may become insurmountable. The disabled is not at all capable of transferring his/her body from the wheel chair to the chair of the machine from the area in front of the seat of the machine chair, and therefore the only possible alternative is from the side, more precisely from the side of the chair that is opposite to the counter-load device. However, the training arm positioned beside the chair constitutes an obstacle, irrespective of the same assuming the raised initial position thereof or the lowered initial position thereof, because the training arm makes it impossible to bring in the seat of the wheel chair from the side to the immediate vicinity of the seat of the machine chair. On one hand, the training arm retreats the wheel chair from the machine chair, and on the other hand, the same is in the way for the disabled' s body. Characteristic of the majority of chairbound persons is that the ability to move the legs is entirely or partly lost, while the rest of the body, i.e., from the waist and upward, may have good or even well-developed moving ability and strength. Hence, a significant number of disabled have, with the exception of the legs, so good a physique that they compete in speed racing with wheel chair. Crucial for the capability of driving a wheel chair forward at high speed is the musculature in the shoulders and arms, in particular the triceps of the upper arms. This means that training of the muscles in machines of the above-related kind is of great interest to many disabled. A problem for persons having paralyzed legs is - besides the entering problems - that the legs cannot be used in order to manipulate operating pedals or the like, by means of which the load-transmission mechanism of the machine could be readjusted or influenced. In other words, by means of foot lever pedals it is inconceivable to be able to effect a moving aside of working arms or working elements of the chair to positions in which they would not prevent entering of the machine chair from the side.

Objects and Features of the Invention The present invention aims at obviating the above-men- tioned shortcomings of previously known muscular training machines and at providing an improved machine, which is particularly suitable for the use by chairbound persons. Thus, a primary object of the invention is to provide a muscular training machine, the load-transmission mechanism of which acting between the counter-load device and a training element, e.g., an arm, is manipulatable without using foot pedals, more precisely in such a way that the loading action of the counter-load device on the training element can be eliminated if required. An additional object is to provide a training machine the chair of which can be entered in a way expedient for the disabled, namely from the side, without the obstruction from any training element. Still another object is to provide a machine that is particularly well suited for being used by chairbound and racing persons, which not only should be able to enter the machine chair in the smoothest possible way, but also intensive train just the triceps of the arms. Furthermore, the invention aims at providing a structurally simple machine, the chair of which is freely exposed and thereby easy to access, from the front as well as from one side of the chair. Yet an object of the invention is to provide a machine that enables an efficient, isometric training of muscle groups in shoulders as well as arms, in particular the upper arms . According to the invention, at least the primary object is attained by means of the features defined in the characterizing clause of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the machine according to the invention are further defined in the dependent claims 2-7.

Summary of the Invention The invention is based on the idea to provide the backrest included in the machine chair with an upper operating member that is movable, in particular turnably movable, and via a transmission connect the same to a locking device, by means of which the load-transmission mechanism between the counter-load device and the training element of the machine can be inactivated if required. In this way, such machines, including two training arms being present beside the chair and intended for the training of, for instance, biceps and triceps, can be constructed in such a way that the training arms in the initial positions thereof are so highly raised that they cannot be conveniently gripped by someone sitting in the chair, i.e., in positions in which the chair seat is freely accessed from the side. In order to bring the training arms down to a convenient accessible starting position, a particular actuating lever can then be used, which via a secondary transmission can turn down the training arms in the direction of the seat. Thereupon, in order to enable grip change between the actuating lever and a training arm - something that has to take place when the counter-load device has been activated - the action of the counter-load device on the working arms can temporarily be eliminated, namely by the fact that the user by means of her/his head presses the operating member rearwa-εrd and thereby activates said locking device, which in turn Hocks the load-transmission mechanism in a position in which the working arms are not loaded by the counter-load device.

Brief Description of the Appended Drawings In the drawings : Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a muscular training machine according to the invention regarded obliquely from the front, the machine being shown in an initial posit-Lon, in which a chair included in the machine can be entered, Fig. 2 is an analogous perspective view showing the machine in a starting position, in which two arms included in the training machine have been turned up to an intermeciiate position, in which they can be conveniently grippec-L, Fig. 3 is an additional perspective view from the front showing the machine during work (working position) , Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the machine regarded oblicjuely from behind, the machine being shown in the starting position according to fig. 2,

Fig. 5 is an additional perspective view from behind show-Lng the machine in the working position thereof accord- ng to fig. 3, and Fig. 6 is an enlarged, partial perspective view from behir---d in detail showing a locking device included in the machine .

Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention The machine shown in fig. 1 includes a chair 2 carried by a stand 1, as well as a counter-load device in its ent rety designated 3. This counter-load device may advantageously - though not necessarily - be of the type that includes a ma_ga- zine or a set of weights 4, a suitable number of which can., be selected and be lifted up via a hauling rope 5 laid over two upper return wheels that are mounted in a top piece included in an upright frame 6. In said frame 6 , two guide bars 7 are included for the guiding of the weights 4. The number of weights that are to be lifted is determined by a clip 8, which is insertable between nearby weights in the set . At one of two uprights 9 included in the frame, an angular handle 10 is attached. The frame 6 of the counter-load device is stiffly united to the rest of the stand 1 and thus constitutes an integrated part of the same . The main components of the chair 2 consist in the example of a seat 11 and a backrest 12. The exemplified seat 11 is of a quadrangular basic shape, and has a front edge 13 as well as two side edges, the one of which being visible in fig. 1 and turned from the counter-load device 3 is designated 14. On the side of the machine that is turned from the counter-load device, the stand 1 includes two legs 15, 16, between which a stay 17 extends on which a post 18 is attached, which carries the backrest 12. The front leg 15 carries the seat 11, while the rear leg 16 at the top is arched and connected to the post 18 in order to support the same. On both sides of the chair, training or working elements in the form of arms 19 are arranged, which are turnable in the direction downward/forward against the action of the counter-load device 3. The loading force exerted by a selected package of weights 4, and which is to be overcome by turning the training arms 19 in the direction downward/forward, is transferred to the training arms via a load transmission, in which an oval rope sheave 20 is included, which in a conventional way, thanks to the oval shape thereof, requires a progressively increasing force from the training person in order to lift the selected package of weights from a lower position to an upper position. As far as the machine shown in the drawings has been described hitherto, the same is in all essentials previously known. In the machine according to the invention, the oval rope sheave 20 is rigidly connected to a rotatably mounted shaft 21 (see also figs. 4-6), which includes a second, preferably circular rope sheave 22. More precisely, the two opposite ends of the shaft 21 are, on one hand, mounted in t-fcie above-mentioned rear leg 16, and on the other hand, in a second rear leg 16a in the area of the counter-load device. To the shaft 21, also a third sheave 23 is rigidly connected, which is included in a locking device, which will be described more in detail below. From the rope sheave 22, a rope 24 is drawn to a fastener on a cross piece 25, which extends between the two training arms 19 and stiffly unites these with each other. Ttie rear ends of the arms 19 are articulately connected to a common, horizontal shaft 26, which is attached on a bracket projecting from the back side of the leg 16. In the example, the load-transmitting mechanism between the counter-load device 3 and the training arms 19 thus consists of the two ropes 5, 24 and the turning axis 21 together with its two rope sheaves 20, 22. To a rear frame piece 27, an actuating lever 28 is articulately connected, which via a load-transmitting arrange- ment 29 is connected to the training arms 19 in order to transform a forward-directed oscillatory motion of the operating lever 28 to a likewise forward-directed oscillatory motion of the training arms 19. In fig. 4, it is seen that the load- transmitting arrangement 29 comprises a push rod 46, which upon turning forward of the lever 28 is pressed forward and actuates a turnably mounted joint plate 47, which in turn is articulately connected to a drawbar 48. This drawbar 48 (see also fig. 5) runs through a collar 49, which is articulately connected to the cross piece 25 of the arms 19. At the top, the drawbar 48 has a stopping element 50. When the lever 28 is brought forward/ ownward, the drawbar 48 conveys the arms 19 to the position shown in fig. 4, and which is determined by the highest position of the collar 49 along the drawbar 48. From this position, the arms 19 can freely be turned downwarc-ϋ, the collar 49 moving downward along the drawbar 48. A characteristic feature of the invention is that an operating member 30 is movably connected to the upper part off the backrest 12 and via a transmission 31 connected to a locking device, in which the sheave 23 is included. In the exam- pie, the operating member 30 has the shape of a plate, which at the lower edge thereof is articulately connected to the upper, substantially horizontal edge of the backrest 12. The joint 32 between the plate 30 and the backrest 12 may ≡-dvanta- geously be in the form of a conventional hinge, although also other types of joints are feasible. As is seen in fig. 6, a compression spring 33 (schematically shown) acts between, on one hand, the back side of the plate 30 and on the other hand an upper portion of the post 18, which spring always aims to press the plate 30 forward to an inactive initial position, substantially in the extension of the plane of the bac- irest 12. In practice, the post 18 may consist of a box or U profile, which at the top is cut-off, as is shown at 34 in fig. 6. Thanks to this cutting-off 34, the plate 30 can be turned rearward at an angle (10-20°), which is determined by the shape of the cutting-off. From the drawings, it should be clear that the operating plate 30 - like conventional headrests - is ..located on such a level above the seat 11 that the plate can be actuated by a user's head or neck. More precisely, the user can turn the operating plate rearward by bending her/his head rearward while pressing against the front side of the operating plate. Such rearward folding of the operating plate 30 takes place against the action of the compression sj ring 33. The locking device co-operating with the operating plate 30 includes, in addition to the sheave 23, a rocl-er element in its entirety designated 35, which is rockab-le by being connected to the stand, more precisely the leg 16, via a joint 36 (see fig. 6) . In the shown, preferred example, the rocker element includes first and second pairs of late-crally spaced-apart fingers 37, 38, which are mutually attached on the pin that forms the joint 36. In the example, the motion- transmitting transmission between the operating plate 30 and the rocker element 35 consists of a form-stiff bar 31 or the like. At the upper end thereof, said bar is connected to the operating plate 30 via a first joint 40. The opposite, lower end of the bar 31 is connected to the rocker element 35 via a second joint 41 in the form of a pin, which extends between the first pair of fingers 37. In the area between the free ends of the second pair of fingers 38, a transverse pin 42 extends. This pin 42 can co-operate with a hook or nose 43 (see fig. 4) , which is formed in the periphery of the sheave 23. Behind and below this nose 43, the pin 42 can be hooked on.

The Function and Use of the Machine According to the Invention In the initial position of the machine shown in figs . 1 and 6, the two training arms 19 as well as the actuating lever 28 are raised to rear/upper end positions. In this state, the selected package of weights rests above the clip 8 in a lower end position in which the rope 5 is tensionless. In the state shown in fig. 1, the chair of the machine can be entered con- veniently not only from the front, but also from the side that is turned from the counter-load device 3. Thus, a wheel chair can be run up to the immediate vicinity of the left (as seen from the point of view of the user) side edge 14 of the seat 11, not only as a consequence of the left training arm 19 being raised in a high position in the immediate vicinity of the backrest 12, but also as a consequence of the fact that the parts of the stand 1 positioned below the seat are located inside a conceived vertical plane adjacent to the side edge 14. Entering of the machine chair 2 is furthermore facilitated by the fact that the seat 11 is vertically movable by having a sleeve 44 on the bottom side thereof, which sleeve is adjustable in relation to the leg 15 and lockable in different positions in relation to the same. In other words, the seat of the machine chair can be set on the same level over the substrue- ture as the seat of the wheel chair in question. If required, the training person can also use the handle 10 in order to pull over his/her body on the chair seat. When the user has entered the machine chair, the lower part of the body may be fastened by means of a belt 45 or the like. In the initial positions thereof according to fig. 1, the training arms 19 are difficult to access for the user. For most users, the arms are even impossible to grip as long as the user is sitting on the seat. In order to turn down the training arms 19 to a convenient gripable starting position, the lever 28 is used, which is turned down by means of the right hand of the user to the front/lower end position shown in figs. 2 and 4. This turning-down of the operating lever together with the training arms takes place against the action of the loading force from the selected package of weights 4 , which via the load-transmitting mechanism of the machine is lifted higher and higher in proportion to the turning-down of the arms. In order to, in this connection, enable convenient and reliable grip change between the lever 28 and above all the right training arm 19, the locking device 23, 35 is activated. While the user still holds the lever 28 pressed down, by bending his/her head rearward, he/she can bring the operating member or plate 30 to turn rearward from the initial posi- tion thereof to the position shown in figs. 2 and 4. In doing so, the motion of the operating plate 30 is transferred, via the transmission bar 31, to the rocker element 35, which by rocking rearward/downward will press the pin 42 against the part of the sheave 23 that is situated behind/below the nose 43. As long as the plate 30 is turned rearward, the locking pin 42 abuts against the periphery of the sheave 23. In this state, the user can bring back the operating lever 28 a distance and drop down the package of weights. In such a way, the training arms 19 are locked in the intermediate positions thereof according to figs. 2 and 4, because the described locking device locks the turning axis 21 and temporarily eliminates the action of the package of weights on the training arms 19 as well as the lever 28. In the locked state of the turning axis, the lever 28 can be let go and return to the turned-up initial position thereof. In the next step, the user can smoothly grip the training arms 19 lowered to the starting position according to figs. 2 and 4. Next, the training arms can be pressed down at the same time as the user bends his/her head forward so that the contact of the neck with the operat- ing plate 30 ceases. In doing so, the spring 33 brings back the plate 30 to the initial position. In such a way, the locking pin 42 of the rocker element 35 is detached from the engagement with the nose 43, i.e., the locking action of the locking device is brought to cease. In other words, the action of the counter-load device 3 on the training arms is activated again, which by being brought to and fro between upper and lower positions can offer the user the desired training. When a training session is to be terminated, the train- ing arms 19 are allowed to return to the starting or intermediate position according to figs. 2 and 4, besides which the locking device 23, 35 is activated by means of the operating plate 30. In such a way, the turning axis 21 is locked again, and then the user can move over his/her right hand from the right training arm 19 to the lever 28. When this has taken place, the locking device is detached again, the weight of the still elevated package of weights being resumed by the lever. In such a way, the user can also let go of the left training arm, in order to conclusively bring back the training arms 19 smoothly, by means of the lever, to the initial position according to fig. 1. After release of the fastening belt 45, the user can leave the machine chair, something which in the case of a disabled takes place by moving the body towards the left from the seat 11 to the seat of a wheel chair positioned beside the machine chair.

Advantages of the Invention A substantial advantage of the machine according to the invention is that the load-transmitting mechanism included in the machine can be inactivated in a state in which the action of the counter-load device on the training arms or elements temporarily is eliminated, more precisely by means of a simple bending of the head of the user in the backward direction against the operating plate. In such a way, it will be possi- ble to construct the machine entirely without operating pedals and with working arms that in the initial positions thereof do not constitute any obstacle for lateral motion of a person from a wheel chair to the machine chair (and vice versa) . In other words, a training machine is provided that is genuinely expedient for chairbound persons .

Feasible Modifications of the Invention The invention is not solely limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings. Thus, the machine may include any counter-load device that has the capability of exerting a resistance via a load-transmitting mechanism against the motion of one or more training elements, such as arms. Within the scope of the invention, the load-transmitting mechanism may be designed in many other ways than just in the form of a turning axis having rope sheaves and ropes. Thus, instead of a mechanical load-transmission mechanism, a mechanism or device may be used that transmits the requisite counter load in pneumatic and/or hydraulic way. Furthermore, the requisite transmission between the operating member movably mounted on the backrest and the locking device for the elimination of the action of the counter-load device may be realized in another way than in the form of just a push rod, e.g., in the form of a tensile force-transmitting element. Also the locking device may be modified in various ways by including other components than just a rocker element in combination with a sheave having a nose. In conclusion, it should be pointed out that the concept of "backrest" should be interpreted in its widest sense. Hence, in connection with the pre- sent invention, the primary function of the backrest is to carry an operating member arranged for the adjustment of a locking device in such a way that the operating member can be actuated by means of head motions of the training person. In certain machines, which for the function thereof do not require that the back of the user being supported, the backrest may accordingly be replaced by any carrier or upright having the capability of locating the operating member on a desired level above the chair seat.

Claims

1. Machine for muscular training, comprising a chair (2) carried by a stand (1) , which chair is formed from a seat (11) and a backrest (12) , as well as at least one manually actua- table training element (19) , which is movable against the action of a counter-load device (3) connected to the training element (19) via a load-transmitting mechanism (5, 20, 21, 22, 24), c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that an operating member (30) is movably connected to the backrest (12) of the chair, which operating member, via a transmission (31) , is connected to a locking device (23, 35) by means of which the load-transmission mechanism is lockable in a position in which the training element (19) is not loaded by the counter-load device (3).

2. Machine according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the transmission comprises a pressure-transferring bar (31) , and that the operating member (30) is articulately con- nected to the backrest (12) and turnable between an inactive initial position and an active position folded out rearward from the same .

3. Machine according to claim 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the operating member (30) is actuated by a spring (33), which always aims to bring the same to said initial position, and against the action of which the operating member is turn- able to the active position thereof.

4. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that in the load-transmission mechanism, a turnable shaft (21) is included that acts between the counter-load device (3) and the training element (19) , to which shaft the locking device (23, 35) is connected.

5. Machine according to claim 4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the locking device comprises, on one hand, a rocker element (35) that is rockable by being connected to the stand (1) via a hinge (36), and includes two fingers (37, 38), one (37) of which is connected to the transmission (31) and the other has a locking pin (42) , and on the other hand a sheave (23) being stiffly connected to the turning axis (21) and having a nose (43) , behind which the locking pin (42) can engage.

6. Machine according to claim 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the rocker element (35) includes first and second pairs of laterally spaced-apart fingers (37, 38) , and that a pivot pin (41) , to which the transmission (31) is connected, extends between one of the pairs of fingers (37) , while the locking pin (42) extends between the other pair of fingers (38) .

7. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the same comprises two t-raining elements in the form of arms (19) , which are synchronously turnable around a common shaft (26) , and located on both sides of the chair (2) , the arms being turnable in a manual way and against the action of the counter-load device (3) from a raised initial position in the area of the backrest (12) to a lowered working position in the area of the seat (11), and that an actuating lever (28) is connected to the pair of training arms (19) via a load-transmitting arrangement (29) in order to, after the user has entered the chair, turn forward the training arms from the initial position to a starting position, in which the same are conveniently grippa- ble, said locking device (23, 35) being, by the action of the operating member (30) , activable while eliminating the action of the counter-load device (3) on the training arms brought to trie starting position, with the purpose of enabling grip change between the lever (28) and a training arm (19) .