WO2004060498A2

WO2004060498A2 - An exercise machine

Info

Publication number: WO2004060498A2
Application number: PCT/GB2003/005698
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony Tudor Jones
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-01-04
Filing date: 2003-12-23
Publication date: 2004-07-22
Anticipated expiration: 2005-07-04
Also published as: GB2396826A; WO2004060498A3; GB2396826B; AU2003295165A1; GB0300170D0; CA2549374A1

Abstract

An exercise machine, comprising a frame having two members vertically spaced from one another, with a first member engaging the ground and a second member on which, in use, the operator's body rests and two displaceable arms each with a hand-engaging region at one extremity and each mounted to the first member and engage at their other extremity the second member so that when the operator grasps the handles and pushed downwards, the members displace as the operator's body if lifted to perform press-ups, alternatively the second member engages the ground and the first member becomes the member upon which, in use, the operator's body rests, and the arms can be grasped by the operator to perform pull-ups. Further aspects of the invention include the arms being foldable within the envelope of the machine, the members displace telescopically, the arms allow adjustment of the arms leverage and incorporates corner posts.

Description

AN EXERCISE MACHINE

Field of the Invention

The invention is related to exercise machines which in use lift the operator's body as the operator's muscles are exerted in a body building motion. The invention is particularly concerned with exercise machines which are at least capable of push-up motions.

Prior Art known to the Applicant(s)

The closest prior art known to the applicants is presented in international patent application referenced PCT FR00/02445 which concerns a muscle- building machine for doing push-ups. This prior art machine comprises a frame which rests on the floor and has two vertical posts supporting two articulated mobile arms with handles. The motion of the mobile arms is transmitted via two mobile legs to a bearing plate supporting a cushion. The arms, are pivoted about the vertical posts so that when an operator displaces these arms the cushion is lifted along with the operator.

This prior art machine is exclusively designed for carrying out push-ups. One of the objectives of the present invention is to present a machine with two different modes of use. Thus, it aims to provide an altogether more versatile machine. One of the objectives of the present invention is to present a machine which may be used to carry out pull-ups as well as - or instead of - push-ups.

A further objective of the present invention is to present a machine which when not in use can be mistaken for an ordinary stool. One particular object of this invention is therefore to create a machine which when not in use is altogether more compact and can more readily be incorporated into an ordinary operator's living space.

The present machine will also be particularly versatile as it will incorporate means to adjust the level of exercising difficulty. Not only is the level of exercising difficulty adjustable but the inventive configuration may do away with the usual requirement of removable pins necessary in conventional adjustable exercise machines to allow the settings to be changed.

Summary of the Invention

The six following independent inventive aspects generally form part of the same inventive concept which is concerned with reducing the level of strain to which an operator's body is submitted during a given activity.

In a first broad independent aspect, the inventive exercise machine comprises a frame which in a first mode of use has two members vertically spaced from one another, with a first member engaging the ground and a second member on which, in use, the operator's body rests and two displaceable arms each with a hand-engaging region at one extremity and each mounted to the first member a d engage at their other extremity the second member so that when the operator grasps the handles and pushes downwards, the members displace as the operator's body is lifted; characterised in that,

a) the first and second members and the mechanism connecting them, are so sized and distributed that the machine can operate in a second mode of use where the second member engages the ground and the first member becomes the member upon which, in use, the operator's body rests, and

b) when in that second mode, the arms can be grasped by the operator to perform pull-ups.

This configuration presents an exercise machine which is particularly versatile as it allows exercises to be carried out in different modes of use. This machine will assist its operator in carrying out a more complete workout. Also, since the operator's body rests on a member of the machine and when an exercising motion is carried out, the operator's body is lifted so as to limit any stress build up which could lead to undue pain or even injury in muscle tissue which is not intended to be developed by the exercise machine. Therefore, the present exercise machine is particularly advantageous in the manner in which it achieves varied, safe and altogether healthier exercising.

In a second broad independent aspect, the invention covers an exercise machine for carrying out push-ups, comprising a frame having a first member, which, in use, engages the ground and a second member spaced from the first member in the vertical direction on which, in use, the operator's body generally rests, and two displaceable arms each having a hand-engaging region at one extremity, wherein the arms are mounted to the first member and engage the second member so that when the arms are actuated the members displace as the operator's body is lifted, characterised in that the arms are foldable to allow them to be folded within the envelope of the machine.

This configuration is especially advantageous as it allows the machine to be particularly practical due to its compactness when it is not in use.

In a third broad independent aspect, the inventive exercise machine for carrying out push-ups, comprises a frame having a first member, which, in use, engages the ground and a second member spaced from the first member in the vertical direction on which, in use, the operator's body generally rests, and two displaceable arms each having a hand-engaging region at one extremity, wherein the arms are mounted to the first member and engage the second member so that when the arms are actuated the members displace as the operator's body is lifted, characterised in that the first and second members displace telescopically.

This configuration renders the exercise machine particularly stable and safe to operate as compared to conventional scissor mechanisms in which fingers may be inadvertently trapped by the operator.

In a fourth broad independent aspect, the invention presents an exercise machine for carrying out push-ups, comprising a frame having a first member, which, in use, engages the ground and a second member spaced from the first member in the vertical direction on which, in use, the operator's body generally rests, and two displaceable arms each having a hand-engaging region at one extremity, wherein the arms are mounted to the first member and engage the second member so that when the arms are actuated the members displace as the operator's body is lifted, characterised in that the arms incorporate means to allow the adjustment of the arms' leverage.

This inventive aspect is particularly versatile as it allows the operator to adjust the machine to its particular requirements and exercising routines. The machine may therefore readily be used by various different operators each with their own specific requirements.

In a fifth broad independent aspect, the invention is embodied in an exercise machine for carrying out push-ups, comprising a frame having a first member, which, in use, engages the ground and a second member spaced from the first member in the vertical direction on which, in use, the operator's body generally rests, and two displaceable arms each having a hand-engaging region at one extremity, wherein the arms are mounted to the first member and engage the second member so that when the arms are actuated the members displace as the operator's body is lifted, characterised in that the frame incorporates corner posts. This latest aspect is particularly advantageous because it is advantageously stable either when the exercise machine is used for carrying out exercises or simply as a stool or the like.

In a subsidiary aspect in accordance with any of the preceding broad independent aspects, the arms are rendered foldable by a lost motion connection.

Providing such a connection allows the arms to be folded rapidly by the operator and does away with any requirement of removing a pin which is often present in the conventional exercising machines.

In a further subsidiary aspect according to any preceding aspect, the arms incorporate a first section pivoted about the first member and a second section engaging the second member, the first and second sections being releasably mounted through a ratchet arrangement which allows the leverage to be adjusted by the operator, and wherein a tensioning means is incorporated between the first section of the arm and the second member of the frame.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the first and second sections to remain in engagement during exercises while allowing their relative positioning to be adjusted. It is also advantageous because it will prevent the first and second members of the frame coming apart when the exercise machine is moved such as when it is up-ended. This configuration also presents an improvement over the prior art as it does away with the usual requirement of removable pins.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the arms incorporate a first section pivoted about the first member and a second section engaging the second member, the first and second sections being releasably mounted through a ratchet arrangement which allows the leverage to be adjusted by the operator, and wherein a spring is incorporated between the first section of the arm and its second section. This configuration is beneficial to the engagement of the first section of the arm with its second section, particularly as it does away with the usual requirement of a removable pin.

Included within the scope of the invention is an exercise machine substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by an appropriate combination of the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a partial perspective view of the inventive exercise machine.

Figure 2A presents a perspective view of the exercise machine.

Figure 2B shows a detailed view of the ratchet arrangement of the exercise machine.

Figure 2C shows a detailed side elevation of a section of an exercise machine arm.

Figure 3A shows a schematic representation of a locking mechanism for use with a telescopic mechanism.

Figure 3B shows a schematic side view of one side of the locking mechanism for use with a telescopic mechanism.

Figure 3C shows a schematic side view of one side of the locking mechanism for use with a telescopic mechanism and the method by which the mechanism engages with portion 16.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows an exercise machine generally referenced 1 with a first member 2 which engages the ground when the machine is in the position presented in this figure. The exercise machine presents a second member vertically spaced from the first member and referenced 3. The elements of both the first and second members 2 and 3 are beams which are hollow and rectangular in cross-section. This characteristic of the exercise machine frame allows it to be particularly light weight. The first and second members are formed of four beams welded together at their extremities and extend generally in the horizontal direction when in use. From these horizontal beams, four further beams extend from each member in the vertical direction such as those referenced 4 and 5. The diameters of beams 4 and 5 are selected so that beam 5 may be inserted into beam 4 and displaced telescopically relative to one another.

The present exercise machine incorporates two displaceable arms each with a handle 6. The arms are also connected by a sfrengthening number (6A) which increases the rigidity of the handle 6. As the operator displaces region 6 in the direction indicated by the arrow, the second member 3 will be lifted. The detailed mechanism required to transmit this motion is not shown in Figure 1 for clarity. Figure 1 primarily shows in detail how the frame of the exercise machine is assembled.

Additional extension pieces (not shown) may be supplied which connect to the handle 6, such that a longer lever is formed reducing the force required to displace handle 6 in the direction indicated by the arrow, which results in the second member 3 being lifted.

Once the vertical beams 5 are located within vertical beams 4, the two members of the frame may be maintained in engagement by a tension spring 7 stretching from projection 8 of the second member to a section 9 of one of the arms. The tension spring may be attached to projection 8, or even to an upper extremity 10 of an arm. The specific location of the attachment of the tension spring 7 will be readily selected by the person skilled in the art. The particular configuration shown in Figure 1 will assist in retaining the first and second member in engagement during use of the exercise machine or even during its removal from one location to another. It will be clear that alternative tensioning means can be used as elasticated means.

A cushion 11 may be located on the second member 3 of the exercise machine and retained therein by means readily selected by the person sldlled in the art from known alternatives.

The frame of the exercise machine and the length of the arms is so selected as to allow the exercise machine to be up-ended and used with member 3 engaging the ground and member 2 receiving cushion 11.

Figure 2 shows exercise machine 1 in more detail with similar components being designated by identical reference numbers. Machine 1 has two oppositely extending arms generally referenced 12 and 13 whose operation is essentially the same and will therefore be described with reference to arm 12.

Arm 12 has a handle 6 joining the two halves 14 and 15 of arm 12. Half 14 incorporates three portions 16, 17 and 18. Portion 16 engages handle 6 at its upper extremity and the first member 2 of the exercise machine and portion 17 at its lower extremity and by so doing constitutes a pivot point 19 which will be described in more detail in the context of Figure 2C.

When the handle 6 is displaced in a downward motion beyond a certain point, motion is transmitted into portion 17 and portion 18 into a vertical displacement of the second member 3 of the exercise machine. The engagement of portion 17 and 18 may be adjusted by the operator by locating the lower extremity 20 of portion 18 in any one of the receiving means provided along the length of portion 17. This configuration will allow the user to vary the leverage of the arm. As the portion 18 is located further towards extremity 21 of portion 17, greater will be the required force to lift member 3.

Figure 2B shows a particularly advantageous form of engagement of portion 18 with portion 17. In this configuration portion 17 incorporates a series of teeth 22 defining between them a receiving means 23 for the pin 24 of portion 18. This system becomes particularly advantageous when the spring 7 draws portion 17 towards portion 18 so as to prevent them from inadvertently disengaging during the operation of the machine.

Figure 2C presents a so-called lost motion connection which allows arms 14 and 15 to be displaced without resistance into the envelope of the exercise machine when it is stowed away. Portion 16 transmits rotation by a pivot 19 to portion 17 only when end surface 25 contacts end surface 26 either side of hinge 27.

Reference is now made to figures 3a to 3c which show the mechanism, used in an alternative embodiment, to lock the arms (31) of the telescopic mechanism

(31) in their extended position. The mechanism comprises a handle (32) the ends of which (33 shown by a dotted line) insert into hollow cylindrical ends (39) of the telescopic arms (31).

The telescopic arms (31) are extended by pulling on the handle (32) away from, and parallel to, the length of portion 16, until the arms (31) reach the limit of their permitted extension, as determined by the movement of the screws (40) in the slots (42). The handle (32) is then twisted such that the shorter prongs (36) project through slots (43) in the telescopic arms (31). The longer prongs (35) prevent the ends distal to the handle ends (33) of projections (34) from coming completely out of the slots (42) when the handle

(32) is turned. Pressure applied on the handle towards, and parallel to, the length of portion 16, causes the curved region (44) to abut the end (45) of portion 16 thus locking the telescopic arms (31) in their extended position. In order to reinsert the telescopic arms into portion 16 the arms are pulled until they reach the limit of their permitted extension using handle (32), the handle (32) is then twisted such that the shorter prongs (36) retract from the slots (43) and pressure applied to the handle towards, and parallel to, the length of portion 16, results in the telescopic arms retracting into portion 16.

There are at least three modes in which the machine can be used. First, with the operator lying chest-downwards and with his upper body on the cushion 11; to perform push-ups.

Second, with the operator sitting on the cushion 11 with his legs outstretched; and again pushing down on the handles 6 to lift himself.

Third, with only one handle, with the operator kneeling on the cushion 11, and pushing down on a single handle to lift himself, with the second handle displaced into the envelope of the exercise machine.

Four, with the machine up-ended from its illustrated position (so that cushion 11 locates in member 2), again lying chest downwards across cushion 11 ; this time pulling upwards on handles 6 in the manner of a 'butterfly' swimmer.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the invention described herein without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims

1. An exercise machine, comprising a frame which in a first mode of use has two members vertically spaced from one another, with a first member engaging the ground and a second member on which, in use, the operator's body rests and two displaceable arms each with a hand-engaging region at one extremity and each mounted to the first member and engage at their other extremity the second member so that when the operator grasps the handles and pushes downwards, the members displace as the operator's body is lifted; characterised in that,

2. A machine according to claim 1, wherein the arms are rendered foldable by a lost motion connection.

3. A machine according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the arms incorporate a first section pivoted about the first member and a second section engaging the second member, the first and second sections being releasably mounted through a ratchet arrangement which allows the leverage to be adjusted by the operator, and wherein tensioning means is incorporated between the first section of the arm and the second member of the frame.

4. A machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the arms incorporate a first section pivoted about the first member and a second section engaging the second member, the first and second sections being releasably mounted through a ratchet arrangement which allows the leverage to be adjusted by the operator, and wherein a spring is incorporated between the first section of the arm and its second section.

5. A machine according to any preceding claim, wherein a mechanism is provided to lock telescopic arms in an extended position by means of twisting a handle to engage a locking mechanism.

6. An exercise machine substantially as described with reference to and/as illustrated by any appropriate combination of the accompanying drawings.

7. An exercise machine for carrying out push-ups, comprising a frame having a first member, which, in use, engages the ground and a second member spaced from the first member in the vertical direction on which, in use, the operator's body generally rests, and two displaceable arms each having a hand-engaging region at one extremity, wherein the arms are mounted to the first member and engage the second member so that when the arms are actuated the members displace as the operator's body is lifted, characterised in that the arms are foldable to allow them to be folded within the envelope of the machine.

8. An exercise machine for carrying out push-ups, comprising a frame having a first member, which, in use, engages the ground and a second member spaced from the first member in the vertical direction on which, in use, the operator's body generally rests, and two displaceable arms each having a hand-engaging region at one extremity, wherein the arms are mounted to the first member and engage the second member so that when the arms are actuated the members displace as the operator's body is lifted, characterised in that the first and second members displace telescopically.

9. An exercise machine for carrying out push-ups, comprising a frame having a first member, which, in use, engages the ground and a second member spaced from the first member in the vertical direction on which, in use, the operator's body generally rests, and two displaceable arms each having a hand-engaging region at one extremity, wherein the arms are mounted to the first member and engage the second member so that when the arms are actuated the members displace as the operator's body is lifted, characterised in that the arms incorporate means to allow the adjustment of the arms' leverage.

10. An exercise machine for carrying out push-ups, comprising a frame having a first member, which, in use, engages the ground and a second member spaced from the first member in the vertical direction on which, in use, the operator's body generally rests, and two displaceable arms each having a hand-engaging region at one extremity, wherein the arms are mounted to the first member and engage the second member so that when the arms are actuated the members displace as the operator's body is lifted, characterised in that the frame incorporates corner posts.