WO2006110044A1

WO2006110044A1 - Exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2006110044A1
Application number: PCT/NO2006/000132
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ziad Badarneh; Campbell Ellis; Benedict J. M. Hansen
Original assignee: Ziad Badarneh; Campbell Ellis; Hansen Benedict J M
Priority date: 2005-04-12
Filing date: 2006-04-10
Publication date: 2006-10-19
Also published as: NO20051790D0

Abstract

An exercise apparatus providing stepping motions, wherein the apparatus has foot supporting means, which provide for a toe-to- heel simulation for the users feet. The apparatus comprises of linkages connected to a frame, which support and provide for an arc like motion and a controlled toe-to-heel angle of the foot supports during usage, the linkages also connected to handlebars, which have a transverse motion relative the foot supports.

Description

EXERCISE APPARATUS

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to exercise equipment, and more specifically to a stationary exercise apparatus to assist motion to feet of an apparatus user in order to simulate a natural stepping and climbing motion.

Background of the invention

The benefits of regular aerobic exercise are well established and accepted. Various types of exercise equipment have been developed for use indoors, enabling aerobic exercise. Several types of stepping apparatus are available on the market, these kinds of apparatus seeking to simulate walking or running up stairs. They are frequently named as a stepper type of apparatus.

Several problems, however, have been encountered with designs of the prior art of steppers. There are steppers which have foot supports oriented more or less horizontal during use, and there are steppers which tilt opposite to a natural movement of a user's foot. A natural stepping motion has a "toe-heel" motion of the foot, where the heel is lower than the toes on a forward step, and the heel is higher than the toes at a rear step position.

There is therefore a demand for steppers which as close as possible simulate natural movement of the human leg and foot when performing a range of stepping motions like walking or running up a staircase or a steep hill.

Objects of the invention

An object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which simulates the motions like walking or running up staircases or hills, and further offers the possibility for tilting of the user's feet as normally encountered when walking in rough terrain. Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus which has a simple and reliable construction, rendering the invention cost effective to mass-produce.

B r i e f s um m ar y o f th e i nv e nt i o n

The exercise device of the present invention has a pair of foot supports connected to a frame, the frame configured to be supported by a floor. When the apparatus is in use, the foot supports are configured to move in a stepping fashion and are linked to handlebars, which move as part of a simulated walking, running or any stepping motion. Linkage means are connected in such a fashion as to make the foot supports not only perform a stepping action, but also to move the foot supports so to create a toe heel motion, thereby simulating and supporting a natural motion to the feet of the user during an exercise.

A further aspect of the present invention, is ability of the foot supports to tilt in a sideways direction traverse to the length of the foot supports, thereby forcing the user to exercise balance during an exercise, much like moving in uneven terrain.

The apparatus may also include means for registration of stepping motion, said means having an interface console for interaction with the user of the apparatus, the interface console being mounted on a section of the frame, suitably with a central display screen and means for input, preferably of a touch screen type.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the attached drawings and description as follows.

Further inventive steps are disclosed in the claims.

B r i e f d e s cr ip t i o n o f th e dr aw in g s

The foregoing aspects and many of the advantages of the present invention will be more appreciated and better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows schematically a side view of the exercise apparatus;

Figs. 3a and 3b show side views of the exercise apparatus, the foot supports and handles shown in end positions;

Figs. 4a - 4c show top views of the exercise apparatus, the foot supports and handles shown in the positions as disclosed in figs. 2 and 3a - 3b;

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the exercise apparatus with tilt platforms and interface console;

Fig. 6a shows a first embodiment of tilt platform, and fig. 6b shows a detail of a lock mechanism;

Figs. 7a - 7c show a second embodiment of a tilt platform;

Fig. 8 shows a block schematic representing an interface system of the exercise apparatus, and

Figs. 9a-9b illustrate examples of sensors.

Figs. 10 and 11 show top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of another embodiment of an exercise apparatus within the scope of the invention.

Fig. 12 shows a top view of the exercise apparatus shown on figs. 10 and 11. Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate a folding mechanism being useful with the exercise apparatus shown on figs. 10 - 12.

D et a i l e d d e s c r i p t i o n o f t h e i n v e nt i o n

The exercise apparatus of the present invention includes a floor-engaging frame 1. In a pair of foot supports or so-called platforms 2 and 3 each support or platform is connected to the frame 1 by a first pair of linkages 4 and 5 and a second pair of linkages 6 and 7. A third pair of linkages 8 and 9 is connected to the second linkage pair and to the handlebars 10 and 11, which are connected to the frame. All linkages are rotationally connected to the frame 1 and to each other at respective connecting points. Anyone having ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the necessary use of axles and bearings connecting the parts in a rotary fashion. The apparatus has a fourth linkage 12, which acts as a member for transferring correct transverse motion between both sides of the apparatus foot supports and handles. The apparatus also includes means for creating motion resistance to the foot supports and handles, here shown through use of hydraulic cylinder dampers 14 and 15.

One main feature of the present invention is to provide for a toe-to-heel like motion of the users feet, as indicated by dotted lines 16 and 17 on figs. 3a and 3b, which simulate a natural stepping pattern.

The following describes the foregoing and other aspects of the present invention in greater detail.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the exercise apparatus where foot supports and handles are aligned and in a "middle" position. The linkages 4 and 5 are rotationally connected to the frame 1 via an axle 20, and rotationally connected to an underside part of the foot supports 2 and 3. The length of the linkage defines an arc 22 which describes a general path of travel of the foot supports 2 and 3. The foot supports are linked to the second pair of linkages 6 and 7, the linkages being rotationally connected to a forward part of the foot supports 2 and 3, and rotationally connected to an upright part 24 of the frame 1 via a second axle 25. The handlebars 10 and 11 are at a lower end thereof rotationally connected to the frame lat a forward end thereof via a third axle 26 and interact with the second linkages 6 and 7 by use of the third pair of linkages 8 and 9. The connection points 10' and 11' on the handle bars 8 and 9 are at a pre-defined length 28 from the third axle 26 and rotationally connects the third linkages 8 and 9 to forward end portions 6' and 7' of the second linkages 6 and 7. Finally the fourth linkage 12 is rotationally connected to the point 10' on handle 10 and to connection point 7" or axle on linkage 7, this being clearly seen on fig. 1. In order to achieve a desired path of movement of the foot supports, equilibrium is established between the bars and linkages at the position shown on fig.2. An axis 30 extends along second linkages 6, 7 and is preferably parallel to an axis 31 extending through the rotational axle 26 and the connection points 10', 11'. An axis 32 extending from the connection points 10', 11' to the axle 25 is at 90 degrees relative to axis 30 and axis 31. The distance 34 between the axle 7" and the axle 25 equals a distance 35 between the axle 25 and connection points at end portions 6\ and T. The linkage 12 transfers movements between the foot support 2 and the handlebar 10 to the foot support 3 and to the handlebar 11. The linkage 12 in effect causes the two sides represented inter alia by the foot supports 2; 3 and the handlebars 10; 11 to work in opposite directions, this aspect being shown on figs. 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b and 4c and being described below.

The exercise apparatus according to the invention utilizes dampers to create resistance to the motion of the foot supports and handlebars. The cylinder dampers 14 and 15 are at the proper location on the frame connected to the same axle 20 as said first linkages 2 and 3, and connects to the second linkages 6 and 7 at the connection point 6" and 7", respectively. The dampers may be of hydraulic type, gas type or any kind of dampers which provide a desired resistance to the motion of the apparatus. As a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the dampers may be located elsewhere on the apparatus to give resistance to the motion of the foot supports and handlebars. A natural positioning of the dampers would however be in connection with foot supports or their connected linkages as shown on figs. 1-5. The level of resistance is dependent on the type of commercially available dampers used and whether they are of an adjustable type.

Fig. 3 a shows the training apparatus where the right foot support 2 is at its lowest position, and the left foot support is at its highest position. Fig. 3b shows the opposite situation. Dotted lines 16 and 17 illustrate the angle of the foot supports 2, 3 at end positions, the angles representing a toe-heel motion of user's feet.

Figs. 4a - 4c show the apparatus in a top view, fig. 4a showing the apparatus in the position as shown in fig 2, fig. 4b showing the apparatus in the position as shown in fig. 3a, and fig. 4c showing the apparatus in the position as shown in fig 3b.

An important feature of the exercise apparatus is the ability to simulate a natural step situation for the user. As shown on fig. 5, the foot supports 2, 3 of the apparatus have platforms 40, 41 which have a tilt function transverse to a longitudinal direction of the foot supports, the tilt motion being indicated by arrows 42, 43. The tilt function challenges the balance of the user and stimulates muscles in the feet, ankles and legs and the overall balance system of the user. This type of exercise defined as proprioseptive training.

Fig. 6a and the detailed view on fig. 6b show an embodiment of a platform 50 with tilt function, the platform 50 being of a type suitable for fitting onto the foot supports. The platform is rotationally connected through axles 51, 52 to brackets 53 and 54, which are fixed to or form a part of a frame on the apparatus foot support. The tilt motion is limited by a pin 56 interacting with a groove 58. The platform can also be locked in a fixed stabile position. A pin 57 can in one position engage a slot 59 in the platform, thus preventing tilt motion. A lever 60 is located on an axle 51 and has a track 61 which engages a pin 57. When turning the lever 60 as indicated by arrow 62, the pin 57 is moved out of the slot 59 and enables the platform to tilt.

Fig. 7a - 7c show a second embodiment of a tiltable platform. The platform 70 is rotationally connected to an axle 71, its tilt action being indicated by an arrow 72. Between a base 73, which resemble the top part of the foot supports 2 and 3, blocks 74,

75, 76, 77 are located. These blocks are either made of a solid material, which prevents any tilt motion of platform, or any softer material, which allows a limited tilt. Removing the blocks 74 - 77 provides for a Ml tilt, only limited by the space between platform 70 and base 71.

A preferred embodiment of the exercise apparatus is fitted with means for registering and monitoring of the motion of the foot supports. A sensor, for example of optical type, fig. 9a, or electromagnetic type, fig.9b, could be located on the frame and in conjunction with any reciprocating and pendulum part. As indicated on fig. 2 a sensor 80 is located on the upright frame piece 24 and detects the pendulum motion of at least one of the linkages 6 or 7. Fig. 8 illustrates schematically a system with an interface console 85 for registering and monitoring motion of exercise apparatus. The sensor 80 is located in conjunction with the linkage 6 or the linkage 7. Fig. 9a shows a sensor of optical type where a light emitter 88 and light receiver 89 cause detection of any motion of the linkage 6 or 7. Fig. 9b shows an electromagnetic sensor 90 which operates as a proximity switch by detecting presence or non-presence of a switch triggering device, e.g. a metallic or magnetic member 91. Movement of a linkage 6 or 7 activates the sensor 80 or 90 which sends a signal to a CPU 81 for each reciprocating motion the linkage perform, the CPU having a software 82 which computes the signals. The computed signals are displayed on a screen 83 as a number of steps. The CPU may also be programmed to add the steps in a manner which represents a length of travel done by the user. Input means 84 is also a part of the interface console 85, the input means suitably being some sort of button clusters, keypad or incorporated as part of a touch screen. Heart rate or pulse sensors 86, 86' are suitably also incorporated in the system. A sensor of this type of prior art is a normal feature of an exercise apparatus and can be fitted on the handgrips on the exercise apparatus as shown on fig. 5, or fitted as a sensor bracelet for example on a wrist of the user and coupled to the interface console 85 through use of cable wiring or short-range radio frequency transmission. It should be apparent from the above that on a screen, for example a touch screen, forming an interactive part of the apparatus of present invention, a menu system and layout of choices and adjustments could at least present: - number of steps performed,

- length of travel performed,

- time,

- hearth rate/pulse, - burn rates.

A further embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to figs. 10 - 14. The exercise apparatus of the present invention shown in fig. 10 has a floor-engaging main frame denoted 101. A pair of foot supports are comprised by a respective frame 102 and 103 and respective, so-called platforms 140, 141. Each foot support frame 102, 103 is connected to the main frame 101 by a first pair of linkages 104, 105 and a second pair of linkages 106,107, respectively. A third pair of linkages 108, 109 is connected to the second linkage pair 106, 107 and to the handle bars 110, 111, respectively. The handle bars 110, 111 are rotationally connected to a forward part of frame 101, about an axis of rotation coaxial with an axis along the length of the frame floor supporting bar 101'. AU linkages are directly or indirectly rotationally connected to the frame 101 and to each other at respective connecting points. The apparatus has a fourth linkage 112, which acts as a member for transferring correct transverse motion between both sides of the foot supports and the handle bars. The apparatus also includes means for creating motion resistance to the foot supports and handles, e.g. through use of hydraulic or gas cylinder dampers 114 and 115. The dampers 114, 115 have a somewhat different configuration compared to what is disclosed with reference to figs. 1 - 5. The dampers 114, 115 are at a lower end attached to brackets 104', 105' fixedly located on linkages 104, 105. An upper end of each damper 114, 115 is connected to an axle 142, 143, respectively, the axles 142, 143 being located in slots or tracks 144, 145 present on each side face of the foot support frames 102, 103 jn the longitudinal direction of the foot supports. The axles 142, 143 are each coactive with a threaded bolt and knob unit 146, 147, respectively, each unit extending through a rear end of the support frame 102, 103. Turning the knob of the unit 146, 147 forces the axles 142, 143 to move one way or the other along the tracks 144, 145, respectively, thereby adjusting the effective stroke of the piston within the damper 114, 115. Turning the knobs so to move axles 142, 143 and dampers 114, 115 in a forward position, to a position 151 as indicated on fig. 13 along the 144, 145 tracks increases the piston stroke in the cylinders, thus providing maximum resistance to the motion of the apparatus. Positioning the axle 142, 143 at a position 150 provides a minimum of resistance, the positioning of axles being adjustable in a step free fashion between the positions 150 and 151.

As disclosed above, the present invention provides for a toe- to-heel motion to the users feet, this feature also present on the apparatus disclosed with reference to figs. 10 -14

The following additional description of figs. 10 - 14, is in many aspects common with that described above with reference to figs 1- 6.

The linkages 104 and 105 are rotationally connected on frame 101 on an axle 120, and rotationally connected to an underside rear part of the foot supports 102 and 103. The foot supports 102, 103 are linked to the second pair of linkages 106 and 107, the linkages 106, 107 being rotationally connected to a forward part of the foot supports, and rotationally connected to a crossbar 124 of the frame 101 about a second rotational axis 125. The handlebars 110 and 111 are rotationally connected to a forward support lOr on the frame 101 about a third axis 126 and interact with the second linkages 106 and 107 by use of the third pair of linkages 108 and 109. Connection points 110' and 111' on the handle bars 110 and 111 rotationally connect the third linkages 108 and 109 to end portions 106' and 107' of the second linkages 106 and 107. Finally, the fourth linkage 112 is rotationally connected to the connection point 111 ' on the handle bar 111 and to a connection point 106" on the linkage 106, this being clearly seen on fig. 10 and 12. The linkage 112 transfers motion present between the foot support 102 and the handlebar 110 to the foot support 103 and the handle bar 111 on the other side. The linkage 112 contributes to the two sides of the apparatus, e.g. represented by platforms 140, 141 and the handle bars 110, 111 to work in opposite directions, this aspect of the present invention being described in more detail with reference to figs. 3a, 3b, 3c , 4a and 4b. The platforms 140, 141 are tiltable relative to and traverse to the longitudinal direction of the frames of the foot support 102, 103, as indicated by arrows 160 and 161 as seen on fig. 10.

A further feature of the invention provides for an easy way to transport and store the apparatus. The present apparatus has foldable handlebars 110, 111. As seen on the embodiment of figs. 13 and 14 the upper part of handle bars are detachable (removed on figures). The lower part of poles 110, 111 are as described above connected to the front bar lOr of the frame 101 in a rotary manner. The connection points 110' and 11 l' on the handle bars 110, 111 for connecting linkages 108, 109 and 112 have axles (not shown) which are removable. The axles are partly threaded and equipped at an end thereof with knobs 170, 171, which make them removable from the connection points 110' and 111'. The handle bars are foldable alongside the frame 101 when the axles through the linkages 108, 109 have been removed and the linkages are folded down, as shown. The linkage 112 is also detached from the connection point 111' and folded against frame 101 and the foot supports 102, 103 are both levelled in a same and lowest position thereof for compact storage and transportation.

Claims

C l a im s:

1.

An exercise apparatus providing stepping motions, wherein the apparatus has foot supporting means, which provide for a toe-to-heel simulation for the feet of an apparatus user, the apparatus comprising:

- a frame configured to be supported on a floor;

- a pair of foot supports each connected to the frame by means of a pair of linkage means; - a first set of linkage means supporting the foot supports, one end thereof rotationally connected to a first axle on the frame and the other end rotationally connected to an underside region of the foot support, the first set of linkage means supporting and providing for an arc like motion for the feet supports;

- a second set of linkage means, end portions thereof rotationally connected to an upper part of the foot supports and rotationally connected to a second axle on the frame at a mid portion of such linkage means, thereby allowing a motion of a lower end of the second linkage means, the second set of linkage means supporting and providing for a toe-to-heel motion to the foot supports; a pair of handle bars rotationally connected to the frame at a lower end portion of the handle bars, each handle bar being connected to the second pair of linkage means by a third set of linkages means, the third set of linkage means having one end portion thereof connected to a lower part of the second set of linkage means below said mid- portion and said second rotational axis, and the other end of the third set of linkage means being connected to a part of the handle bars at a distance from a point where the handle bars connect with the frame; and a fourth linkage rotationally connecting one handle bar with one of said second linkage means, the handle bar and the second linkage means being on opposite sides of a centre portion of frame, the fourth linkage means being connected to a handle bar on same axle as said third linkage means and connected to the second linkage means between said mid-section, the second axle and the foot support, the connection point of the fourth linkage means being at a same distance from said second rotational axis along the second linkage means as a distance from a connection point of third linkage means on the second linkage means to the second axle.

2. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein connection points of the second linkage means and connection points of handle bars define first and second lines which are parallel or substantially parallel when the foot supports are positioned side by side at a middle position of the motion range thereof, and wherein the connection points of the third linkage means on the handle bars and the second rotational axle create a third line which forms an angle of 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees with said first and second lines.

3.

An exercise apparatus according to claim I₅ wherein means for applying resistance to movement of the foot supports comprise dampers of hydraulic type or gas type, connected between the apparatus frame and a movable linkage of the exercise apparatus.

4. An exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said dampers are connected at said first axle on the apparatus frame and to the second linkage bars.

5.

An exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said dampers are connected to foot supports and to the first linkage bars.

6.

An exercise apparatus according to anyone of claims 1 and 2, wherein the foot supports have platforms and are provided with means for causing a tilting of the platforms transverse to a longitudinal direction of the foot support and the platforms.

7.

An exercise apparatus according to claim 6, wherein each platforms is tiltably connected to a frame of the foot support, the platform having interacting with means for selectively inhibiting or allowing tilt motion and means for adjusting degree of tilt motion.

8.

An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein means for monitoring motion of the foot supports comprise a sensor capable of detecting each "step" performed by a user of the apparatus, the sensor being linked with an interface console attachable to the apparatus frame in such a manner that the user may easily observe and/or perform any input keying to the console.

9. An exercise apparatus according to claim 8, wherein sensors are of optical type or electromagnetic type, attached to the apparatus frame in conjunction with linkages connected directly or indirectly with the foot supports or handlebars.

10. An exercise apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the interface console comprises a computer (CPU) with associated firmware and/or software, input means, and display means.

11. An exercise apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the computer is enabled to compute and display at least one of:

- number of steps performed,

- length of travel performed,

- time, - hearth rate/pulse, and

- burn rates.

12.

An exercise apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the resistance of the damper cylinders are adjustable by adjustment means for increasing or reducing piston stroke of damper cylinders.

13.

An exercise apparatus according to claims 12, wherein said adjustment means are located on the foot supports to move a connection point of the damper in a longitudinal direction relative the foot supports.

14.

An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus has axle means configured to be dismantled for disconnecting the handle bars from linkages, and for disconnecting linkages from connection points.