GB2498335A

GB2498335A - A multi use exercise machine

Info

Publication number: GB2498335A
Application number: GB1200032.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Boonchai Lorhpipat
Original assignee: Satian Industries Co Ltd
Current assignee: Satian Industries Co Ltd
Priority date: 2012-01-04
Filing date: 2012-01-04
Publication date: 2013-07-17
Also published as: CN105163815B; TWI486191B; EP2800610B1; MY172648A; KR20140114350A; SG11201403833RA; JP2015506221A; JP6067030B2; GB201200032D0; EP2800610A1; KR102003580B1; WO2013102760A1; CN105163815A; PH12014501344B1; HK1198694A1; PH12014501344A1; TW201334834A

Abstract

An exercise machine with an operating member arranged to move in a horizontal arc about a vertical axis and a vertical arc about a horizontal axis and means to provide resistance to movement wherein the device is arranged so that a user can perform rotary torso and abdominal crunch exercises. The device may use friction pads, elastic bands, a spring or pneumatic or hydraulic struts for resistance means. The device may have a range of exercise modules to perform a plurality of additional exercises including chest presses, shoulder presses or leg extensions. The operating members may be handles or bars. There may also be a computer controlled display 114 which displays exercise routines and has a physiological characteristic sensor.

Description

EXERCISE MACHINES

This invention relates to exercise machines for resistance or strength training, in one aspect it relates to a rotary torso exercise machine and in another aspect it relates to multiple muscle cardiovascular exercise machines, incorporating rotary torso: primarily, but not exclusively, for home use.

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular exercise is also known as aerobic exercise wherein oxygen gets continuously delivered by the heart at an increased rate to muscles. It involves the large muscles like legs and helps to make the heart and lungs stronger; it can also lower blood pressure and burn calories, helping to lose weight.

To give a heart a proper workout requires a certain intensity of cardiovascular exercise, often monitored by measuring heart rate. Everyone has a resting heart rate, which is the heart beat rate per minute while resting. Everyone also has a maximum heart rate, which the maximum amount of times a heart can beat in a minute. A target heart rate zone' is a range of heart rate that is considered to be the best rate to give a good heart workout; this range is between 50% and 85% of maximum heart rate.

Machines are known to exercise specific muscle groups and include: Machine Name Muscle Group Rotary Torso Abdominal external oblique muscle Chest Press/Seated Row Pectoralis major and minor/Triceps braehii/Anterior deltoid Butterfly/Rear Deltoid Pectoralis/trapezi us Abdominal crunch /Lower Back rectus abdominis/ereetor spinae Shoulder Press/Lat. Pull deltoid/lattisimus dorsi Leg Extension/Leg Curl quatrieep femoris/posterior thigh muscles (hamstring) Machines that provide unidirectional resistance (preferably hydraulic or pneumatic) enable opposed muscle groups to be exercised at the same time using a reciprocal (push/pull) motion.

Machines are also known that exercise combinations of muscle groups.

One type has differing exercise stations distributed about the machine and has a cable and pulley system acting on a variable weight stack. Each station has fitments connected to the weight stack via the cable and pulley system and each designed co-operate with a particular part of a user's body; thereby to enable the user to exercise a given muscle against the weight stack. This weight resistive machine only provides a unidirectional resistance proportional to the inertia of the weights being pulled.

Another type of exercise machine uses oppositely acting pairs of adjustable telescopic hydraulic struts to provide unidirectional resistance modules for some torso and leg muscle group exercises. The user remains seated in the same position (station) to access the muscle exercise modules. Telescopic hydraulic struts have the advantage of providing resistance proportional to the rate at which the strut is compressed/expanded; at slow rates the resistance is essentiaHy constant and suits exercises to build musde strength and mass (hypertrophy) and the resistance increases at fast rates to train for cardio endurance.

One example of this type of machine is the Edge Fitness Extreme Combo Multi gym that provides three exercise modules, arranged to be operable from a single station, for the pectoralis and trapezius (upper back), quatricep femoris and posterior thigh muscles (hamstring), deltoid and lattisimus dorsi muscle groups.

Another hydraulic multiple exercise machine also provides three exercise modules, arranged to be operable from a single station, for the quatricep femoris and posterior thigh muscles (hamstring), deltoid and lattisimus dorsi and butterfly and rear deltoid muscle groups.

The femoris and posterior thigh are the largest muscles and for effective cardiovascular exercise it is essential to include these muscles.

PRIOR ART

Document WO 2008/152627 A2 (18 December 2008 -KLEINMAN) discloses: "In a first aspect the invention is a hydraulic exercise machine for allowing a user to perform a plurality of exercises. The exercise machine of the invention is characterized in that the pressure release mechanism is a mechanical mechanism that allows the cable to be drawn from the exercise machine with a predetermined minimum resistance, independent of the speed at which the cable is drawn out fitm the exercise machine. Some embodiments of the hydraulic exercise machine are adapted to allow the user to do only concentric (positive) work and other embodiments are adapted to allow thc user to do either concentric (positive) work or eccentric (negative) work. The invention is also an apparatus comprising the hydraulic exercise machine. The exercise apparatus of the invention may comprising an exercise bench for the user to sit or lie thereon when performing an exercise and a platform upon which the exercise machine and the exercise bench are affixed." [Abstract] The described machine relies on a pull cable connection to a rotary hydraulic pump, a hydraulic engine or a linear hydraulic pump; the user adjusts position and pull cable attachment point to depending on the muscle to be exercised.

Document WO 2010/109383 Al (30 September 2011 -KONINKLIJKE PH1LTPS ELECTRONICS N.y.) discloses: "A method comprising monitoring a physiological characteristic of a user performing a physical activity in connection with an interactive program; and adjusting one or parameters of the program based on the monitored physiological characteristic." [Abstract] Document CA 2,103,013 Al (12 November 1993 -BRIAN KOCHAN) discloses an exercise machine which exercises the user's upper body by providing for an arm movement in a plane substantially parallel to the ground and rotating around an axis parallel to the user's spine.

The user rotates a handle attached to a pair of cantilevered bars extending from a rotatable shaft located in front of the user. The handle is free to pivot and move in a linear radial direction during rotation.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the broadest aspect of the present invention, an exercise machine comprises an operating member arranged to be operated in a generally horizontal arc about a generally vertical axis against resistance and in a generally vertical arc about a generally horizontal axis against resistance; thereby to provide both rotational reciprocal movement for rotary torso and abdominal crunch exercises.

Resistance can be frictional, elastic or fluidic; such as provided by friction pads, elastic rubber bands, coil springs or pneumatic or hydraulic struts respectively.

Also according to the present invention, an exercise machine comprises separate exercising modules arranged and configured to respectively exercise torso and major muscle groups against unidirectional fluidic resistance; the muscle group exercising modules being disposed to be actuated by a user from a single station.

In a preferred embodiment, the exercising modules comprise: i) a rotary torso module wherein a handlebar is arranged to be movable in a generally horizontal arc about a generally vertical axis against unidirectional fluidic resistance; ii) an abdominal crunch module wherein a handlebar is arranged to be movable in a generally vertical arc about a generally horizontal axis against unidirectional fluidie resistance; iii) a chest press/seated row module wherein a pair of handles are each arranged to be movable in a generally vertical arc about a generally horizontal axis against unidirectional fluidic resistance, the arms may be separately moveable; iv) a shoulder press/lat. pull module wherein a handlebar is rotatable in generally vertical plane about a generally horizontal axis against unidirectional fluidic resistance; and, v) a leg extension and curl module wherein a leg-bar is rotatable in generally vertical plane about a generally horizontal axis against unidirectional fluidic resistance.

We have found that essentially continuously exercising all the major muscle groups by pulling and pushing unidirectional resistive modules using opposed muscles in each group to be particularly beneficial because: a) cardiovascular exercise is distributed between all the major muscle groups which enables cardiovascular exercise to continue even though one particular muscle pair tires; b) an exercise program using a machine in accordance with the present invention provides balanced exercise for all the major muscle groups.

An exercise machine in accordance with the invention also provides more complete muscular strengthening, overcomes user boredom associated with repetitive exercise of one muscle group needed to obtain the requisite target heart rate (bum) and is more compact than known home gym machines.

Both of the previously described hydraulic multiple exercise machines are limited to a reduced number of major muscle groups. Exercising all the major muscle groups requires a minimum of four exercise stations.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a frame and five exercise modules, each module comprising a catTier pivoted to the frame, unidirectional fluidic resistance means acting between the carrier and the frame or another carrier and an operating member attached to the carrier; each operating member being shaped to be operated by a user appropriate to the muscle group to be exercised. The operating member may be a handlebar, handles or leg-bars.

Unlike the above-described three module exercise machines, an exercise machine in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention uniquely combines five exercise modules, respectively for the Pectoralis major and minor/Triceps brachii/Anterior deltoid, pectoralis/trapezius, rectus abdominis/erector spinae, deltoid/lattisimus dorsi, quatricep femoris/posterior thigh muscles (hamstring) muscle groups, in the one machine. The unidirectional resistance and the pivoted carriers enables each major muscle to be exercised against a specific resistance tailored to the muscle and enables the muscles of a given muscle groups to be exercised in opposition. Exercise modules can be operated separately or in combination.

In another embodiment a computer-controlled display is provided.

The above and further features of the present invention are illustrated, by way of example, in the Drawings wherein: Fig. 1 is a front elevation illustrating rotary torso and abdominal crunch modules for an exercise machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a plan corresponding to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 corresponds to Fig. I with the rotary torso module turned left; Fig. 4 corresponds to Fig. 2 with the rotary torso module turned left; Fig. S corresponds to Fig. 1 with the rotary torso module turned right; Fig. 6 corresponds to Fig. 2 with the rotary torso module turned right; Fig. 7 is a side elevation of the exercise machine of Fig. I, with the abdominal crunch module in a starting position; Fig. 8 corresponds to Fig. 7 but with the abdominal crunch module in a middle position; Fig. 9 corresponds to Fig. 7 but with the abdominal crunch module in a final position; Fig. 10 is a side elevation of a combined exercise machine having rotary torso, abdominal crunch, chest press/seated row, shoulder press/lat. pull and a leg extension and curl modules in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 is the opposed side elevation of the exercise machine of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a front elevation of the exercise machine of Fig. 10; Fig. 13 is a rear elevation of the exercise machine of Fig. 10; Fig. 14 is a plan of the exercise machine of Fig. 10; and, Fig. 15 is an underplan of the exercise machine of Fig. 10.

An exercise machine is shown by Figs 1 to 9 to comprise a leaf-shaped base 10 with an upwardly-extending, rectilinear framework 12. A vertical pillar 14 is mounted to the top of the frame and carries a fixed scat 16. A J-shapcd upright 18 has a collar 20 at the bottom of the upright that carries a shaft 22 journalled in the framework 12; behind seat pillar 14. The upright 18 extends vertically upwardly behind seat 16 and carries a horizontal cross-member 24, arms 26 and 28 project forwardly respectively from each end of the cross-member; one arm 26 also cxtcnds rearwardly and downwardly at 30.

A cradle 32 has a crosspieee 34 with, at the ends thereof, an upwardly extending pair of arms 36 and a downwardly and forwardly extending pair of legs 38. The fore ends of legs 38 are joumalled to the fore ends of arms 26, 28 to be rotatable in a vertical plane. Cradle crosspiece 34 can, as shown, rest on the top of pillar 18.

A cross-piece, not shown, links the free ends of cradle arms 36 and carries a head rest 40. A pair hook-shaped handles 42 rise upwardly and then downwardly from each end of the cradle cross-piece.

Vertical shaft 22 has a gearwheel 44 (Figs 7-9) rotatable horizontally within the framework 12. A further gearwheel 46 is joumalled to the framework, forwards of and horizontally aligned with shaft gearwheel 44. A roller chain, not shown links the two gearwheels. A pair of unidirectional hydraulic struts 48 are pivotally attached diametrically to gear wheel 46 and the piston ends pivotally attached to the base 10.

A unidirectional hydraulic strut 50 has a piston rod 52 pivoted to a crank 54 itself pivoted to arm 38; the body of strut 50 is pivoted to the rear end of arm extension 30.

In use for rotary torso exercise, a user sits on the seat 16, grasps the handles 42 and alternately contracts abdominal external oblique muscles to swing the assembly 56, comprising J-shaped upright 18, horizontal cross-member 24, arms 26 and 28, cradle 32, arms 36 and legs 38, to rotate it in a horizontal arc about vertical shaft 22. This rotation is transferred by gear wheel 44 and the roller chain to the further gearwheel 46. Rotation of further gearwheel 46 compresses one of the piston rods into the respective strut 48 against the resistance for which the strut has been adjusted. The other strut, being unidirectional provides no resistance. Rotation of the assembly 56 in the other direction forces the other of the piston rods into the other respective strut 48 against the resistance for which that strut has been adjusted. A chest vest could be used instead of cradle 32; in known manner.

In use for abdominal crunch exercise, the user grasps and pulls down on the handles 42by contracting rectus abdominis/erector spinae muscles, this rotates arms 36 in a vertical are about the horizontal pivots between legs 38 and arms 26 to compress strut 50.

A combined exercise machine is shown by Figs 10 to 16 to combine the rotary torso and abdominal crunch modules of the above-described embodiment shown by Figs 1 to 9 with chest press/seated row, shoulder press/lat. pull and a leg extension and curl modules.

A chest press/seated row module comprises a pair of generally vertical arms 58 each attached to horizontal axel 60 joumalled to a vertical strut 62; bridging the front of frame 12 with base 10. There is a handle 64 at the top of each vertical arm 58. A pair of unidirectional hydraulic struts 66 have piston rods 68 pivoted to opposed cranks 70 pivoted to rotate with arms 58.

For use for chest press, a user grasps and pushes on handles 64, at the ends of arms 58, contracting pectoralis major muscles whereupon the arms 58 pivot forwardly in a vertical arc about horizontal axel 60, to compress one of the hydraulic struts 66; the other of the struts providing no resistance.

For usc for seated row, a user grasps and pulls on handles 64 contracting minor/triceps brachii/anterior deltoid muscles whereupon the arms 58 pivot rearwardly in a vertical arc about horizontal axle6O, to compress the other of the hydraulic struts 66; the one of the struts providing no resistance.

Pivoting the arms independently and providing each with pair of unidirectional hydraulic struts having piston rods pivoted to paired opposed cranks, each pivoted to rotate with one of the arms, would enable separate use of the arms, to provide independent resistance in either rotational direction.

A shoulder press/lat. pull module comprises an inverted J-shapcd fixed upwards extension 72 at the rear of the framework 12. A C-shaped box section 74 is pivoted to the top of extension 72 about a horizontal axis 76. A handlebar 78, shaped like a bicycle drop handle bar, having grips 80 includes a circular mounting 82 that is pivoted horizontally to the top 84 of box section 74. The piston 86 of one hydraulic strut 88 is pivoted to the circular mounting with the strut body pivoted to the top of extension 72. The piston 90 of another hydraulic strut 92 is pivoted to the circular mounting with the strut body pivoted to box section 74 with the piston body pivoted to the body of inverted J-shaped fixed upwards extension 72.

In use for shoulder press exercise, the user grasps and pushes the handles 78 contracting deltoid muscles, the handlebar 78 rotates in vertical are upwards about horizontal axel 76 against the resistance of strut 88.

In use for lat. pull exercise, the user grasps and pulls the handles 78 contracting lattisimus dorsi muscles, the handlebar 78 rotates in vertical arc about horizontal axel 76 downwards against the resistance of strut 92.

A leg extension and curl module comprises a swing arm 94 horizontally pivoted to the front of framework 12. Padded cross leg-bars 96 and 98 pivot horizontally about the forward end of swing arm 94 and a further padded cross leg-bar 100 is fixed horizontally across the front of framework 12. A bell crank 102 is horizontally pivoted to inverted J-shaped fixed upwards extension 72. A pushrod 104 is pivoted at one end to the swing arm 94 and at the other end to bell crank 102. A pair of unidirectional hydraulic struts 106 and 108 have piston rods 110 and 112 pivoted to opposed ends of bell crank 102 and the strut bodies are pivoted to the base 10.

In use for leg extension exercise, a user sits on seat 16 with knees hooked over crossbar 100 and ankles threaded between crossbars 96 and 98. Contracting the posterior thigh muscles (hamstring) rotates the lower leg about cross-bar 100 in an upwards vertical arc against cross-bar 96 and against the resistance of strut 106.

In use for leg extension exercise, a user sits on seat 16 with knees hooked over crossbar 100 and ankles threaded between leg-bars 96 and 98. Contracting the quatricep Lemons muscles rotates the lower leg about leg-bar 100 in a downwards vertical arc against leg-bar 98 and against the resistance of strut 108.

The exercise machine is also provided with a computer-controlled display 114. The computer is programmed to display a range of exercise routines, the routines at least specifying exercising modules to be used and exercise routine appropriate settings for the struts. A user physiological characteristic sensor, such as blood pressure or pulse monitor, having a link to the computer-controlled display may be provided and the computer-controlled display is programmed to monitor the user physiological characteristic and modify a displayed exercise routine in accordance therewith. For example, a blood pressure monitor could be linked for display of heart rate in relation to exercise intensity for particular exercises or groups of exercises.

Claims

<claim-text>Claims: 1. An exercise machine comprising an operating member arranged to be movable in a generally horizontal arc about a generally vertical axis against resistance and in a generally vertical arc about a generally horizontal axis against resistance; thereby to provide both rotational reciprocal movement for rotary torso and abdominal crunch exercises.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resistance is frictional, elastic or fluidic.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein: i) the frictional resistance is provided by friction pads; ii) elastic resistance is provided by elastic rubber bands or coil springs; iii) fluidic resistance is provided by pneumatic or hydraulic struts 4. An exercise machine as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 and comprising separate exercising modifies arranged and configured to respectively exercise torso and major muscle groups against unidirectional fluidic resistance; the muscle group exercising modules being disposed to be operated by a user from a single station.5. An exercise machine as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4 and comprising-:-i) a rotary torso module wherein a handlebar is arranged to be movable in a generally horizontal arc about a generally vertical axis against unidirectional fluidic resistance; ii) an abdominal crunch module wherein a handlebar is arranged to be movable in a generally vertical arc about a generally horizontal axis against unidirectional fluidic resistance; iii) a chest press/seated row modidc wherein a pair of handles are each arranged to be movable in a generally vertical arc about a generally horizontal axis against unidirectional fluidic resistance, the arms may be separately moveable; iv) a shoulder press/lat. pull module wherein a handlebar is rotatable in generally vertical plane about a generally horizontal axis against unidirectional fluidic resistance; and, v) a leg extension and curl module wherein a leg-bar is rotatable in generally vertical plane about a generally horizontal axis against unidirectional fluidic resistance.6. An exercise machine as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5 and comprising a frame and five exercise modules, each module comprising a carrier pivoted to the frame, unidirectional uluidic resistance means acting between the carrier and another carrier or the frame and an operating member attached to the carrier; each operating member being shaped to be operated by a user appropriate to the muscle group to be exercised.7. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein the operating member is a handlebar, handles or a leg-bar.8. An exercise machine as claimed in any of claims 3 to 7, wherein the unidirectional fluidic resistance is provided by adjustable hydraulic or pneumatic struts.9. An exercise machine as claimed in any of claims I to 8 and provided with a computer-controlled display.10. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 9 as dependent upon claim 8, wherein the computer is programmed to display a range of exercise routines, the routines at least specif'ing exercise modules to be used and exercise routine appropriate settings for the struts.11. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein a user physiological characteristic sensor is linked to the computer-controlled display and the computer-controlled display is programmed to monitor the user physiological characteristic and modi' a displayed exercise routine in accordance therewith.Amendments to the claims have filed as follows Claims v(9) 1. An exercise machine comprising a series of separate exercising modules: a) cach comprising an operating member arrangcd, configured and constraincd to move: i) in a generally horizontal arc about a generally vertical axis, or ii) in a generally vertical arc about a generally horizontal axis, or iii) in a generally vertical plane about a generally horizontal axis, and b) a series of bidirectional, fluidic, resistive modules, each arranged and C\J configured to resist either direction of reciprocal movement of a respective operating member; and 0) o c) each exercising module arranged and configured to: CJ i) enable a given muscle to be exercised against a tailored resistance; ii) enable the muscles of torso, abdominal, chest, shoulder or leg muscle gmups to be cxcrciscd in opposition; and, iii) be operable by a user without moving from a single station.
2. An exercise machine as claimed in claim I, wherein the adjustable, bidirectional, fluidic resistive module is a pair of oppositely-acting, adjustable, unidirectional hydraulic or pneumatic stnxts.
3. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 2 comprising: i) a framc; ii) five exercising modules, each module: Claims v(9) a) comprising a carrier pivoted to the frame, b) a pair of oppositely acting unidirectional hydraulic or pncumatic struts bi-directionally operative: ci) between the carrier and the frame, or I') between the carrier and another carrier, c) an operating member attached to the carrier, d) each operating member being shaped to be operated by a user appropriate to the muscle group to be exercised.
4. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 3, comprising: (\J i) a base (10) carrying a fixed seat (16); [page 6 line 25-page 7 line 1] ii) an upright (18) behind the seat generally horizontally, rotatably reciprocable C about a generally vertical shaft (22) journalled in the base and operatively linked to a resistive module; [page 7 lines 1-2] r ni) a first handlebar operating member (34,36) generally vertically, arcuately reciprocable about a generally horizontal axel (34) at a top portion of the upright and operatively linked to a restive module (48), the first handlebar being arranged, configured and constrained to move in accordance with claim 1 features a)iii) and a)i) respectively; [page 7 lines 3-51 iv) a pair of generally vertical arm operating members (58) each vertically, arcuately rcciprocable about a horizontal axel (60) journalled to the base in front of the seat and operatively linked to a resistive module (66), the vertical arms being arranged, configured and constrained to move in accordance with claim 1 feature a)iii); [page 8 lines 7-9] v) an upwards extension (72) at the rear of the based, behind the seat, a second handlebar operating member (78) generally vertically, arcuately reciprocable Claims v(9) about a generally horizontal axis (76) at a top portion of the extension and operatively linked to a resistive module (8892), the second handlebar being arranged, configured and constrained to move in accordance with claim 1 feature a)ii); [page 8 lines 23-30] vi) a swing arm operating member (94) horizontally pivoted at the front of the base and carrying a pair of cross leg-bars (96.98) generally vertically, arcuately reciprocable about a horizontal axis towards forward end of the swing arm and operatively linked to a resistive module (106,108), the leg-bars being arranged, configured and constrained to move in accordance with claim 1 feature a)iii); whereby, with a user remaining seated: a) resisted rotary horizontal movement of the first handlebar (34,36) can provide rotary torso exercise and resisted arcuatc vertical movement of the first handlebar (34,36) can provide abdominal crunch exercise; 0) b) resisted vertical arcuate movement of the arms (58) can provide chest press and seated row exercise; (1 r c) resisted vertical movement of the second handlebar (78) can provide shoulder press and lateral pull exercise; and, d) resisted vertical arcuate movement of the leg-bars (96.98) can provide leg extension and curl exercise.
5. An exercise machine as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 and provided with a computer-controlled display; the computer for which is programmed to display a range of exercise routines, the routines at least specifying exercise modules to be used and exercise routine appropriate settings for the adjustable, bidirectional, fluidie resistance.
6. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein: i) a user physiological characteristic sensor is linked to the computer-controlled display: Claims v(9) and ii) the computer-controlled display is programmed to monitor the user physiological characteristic and modify a displayed exercise routine in accordance therewith. a, (1 r</claim-text>