U.S. patent application number 10/559648 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-03 for physical exercise apparatus and footrest platform for use with the apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Flexiped AS. Invention is credited to Ziad Badarneh, Benedict J.M Hansen, Torbjorn Mollatt.
Application Number | 20060172862 10/559648 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33514998 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060172862 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Badarneh; Ziad ; et
al. |
August 3, 2006 |
Physical exercise apparatus and footrest platform for use with the
apparatus
Abstract
A physical exercise apparatus equipped with upwardly and
downwardly movable bars on which footrest platforms are mounted,
and having grip poles that are fixed or movable as part of an
exercise, wherein the platforms are tiltable to both sides
transverse to an axis that extends along the length of the bars.
The platforms each have a tilting mechanism that is steplessly or
stepwise adjustable from a locked position to a tilting function
state, and the platforms have a means for engagement with a guide
track and/or articulated arms that are fastened to the fitness
apparatus frame, whereby the platform is cause to be slidably
guidable along the bars, and that the movement is a function of the
vertical movement of the bars.
Inventors: |
Badarneh; Ziad; (Oslo,
NO) ; Hansen; Benedict J.M; (Oslo, NO) ;
Mollatt; Torbjorn; (Oppegard, NO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Charles B. Rodman;Rodman & Rodman
7 South Broadway
White Plains
NY
10601
US
|
Assignee: |
Flexiped AS
Ovre Vollgate 6
Oslo
NO
NO-0158
|
Family ID: |
33514998 |
Appl. No.: |
10/559648 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
June 4, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NO04/00159 |
371 Date: |
March 27, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 ;
482/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/001 20130101;
A63B 2022/206 20130101; A63B 23/08 20130101; A63B 23/0429 20130101;
A63B 22/0056 20130101; A63B 22/16 20130101; A63B 21/225 20130101;
A63B 2022/0038 20130101; A63B 23/03575 20130101; A63B 22/0046
20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/052 ;
482/057 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/04 20060101
A63B022/04; A63B 22/06 20060101 A63B022/06; A63B 69/16 20060101
A63B069/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 5, 2003 |
NO |
20032568 |
Sep 17, 2003 |
NO |
20034150 |
Oct 10, 2003 |
NO |
20034585 |
Oct 23, 2003 |
NO |
20034754 |
Oct 31, 2003 |
NO |
20034884 |
Nov 13, 2003 |
NO |
20035059 |
Jan 21, 2004 |
NO |
20040290 |
Claims
1. A footrest platform device for use in apparatus for physical
exercise, preventive exercise and rehabilitation, characterised in
that the platform is limitedly tiltable to both sides transverse to
the longitudinal axis of the platform, and that the platform's
degree of tiltability is stepwise or steplessly adjustable through
the use of an, optionally lockable, adjusting mechanism. (FIGS. 1-6
and FIGS. 27, 28)
2. A device as disclosed in claim 1, characterised in that the
adjusting mechanism consists of a spring bit surrounded by a spring
tightener device movable along the bit, and that the spring
tightener is in movable engagement with a threaded rod which at one
end thereof is fastened to a means for causing a rotational
movement of the threaded rod.
3. A device as disclosed in claim 2, characterised in that said
means is an electrically controllable motor.
4. A platform device as disclosed in claim 3, characterised in that
the platform is set in a fixed, neutral position when the apparatus
is not in use.
5. A device as disclosed in claim 1, characterised in that the
platform has a fastening device that is movable and lockable in
different positions along the length of an upwardly and downwardly
movable bar on the apparatus.
6. A device as disclosed in claim 1, characterised in that the
platform is tiltably supported on a platform frame or a pair of
platform carriages.
7. A device as disclosed in claim 1, characterised in that each
platform is mountable on an upwardly and downwardly movable bar on
the apparatus, said bar being designed to be tiltable to both sides
transverse to an axis that extends along the longitudinal axis of
the bar.
8. A device as disclosed in claim 1, characterised in that the
adjusting mechanism consists of a wheel having an elliptical or
progressive circumference, where the outer circumference of the
wheel exerts pressure on a cylinder that moves a spring towards a
movable part having at the opposite end a V-shaped piece that
enters a V-shape in another part that is fastened to the underside
of the platform. (FIG. 7)
9. A device as disclosed in claim 8, characterised in that the
wheel is level with the axis of rotation of the platform and
between the underside of the tiltable platform and the platform
frame on which the platform is tiltably supported.
10. A device as disclosed in claim 1, characterised in that between
the platform and the frame there are arranged replaceable or
adjustable, preferably elastically yielding, elements that
determine the degree of movement of the platform. (FIG. 8)
11. A device as disclosed in claim 5, characterised in that said
movement is dependent upon the vertical movement of the bar.
12. A physical exercise apparatus equipped with upwardly and
downwardly movable bars on which are mounted footrest platforms and
having grip poles and grip handles that are fixed or movable as
part of an exercise, characterised in that the platforms are
tiltable to both sides transverse to an axis that extends along the
length of the bar. (FIGS. 9-12)
13. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 12, characterised in that
the platforms each have a tilting mechanism that is steplessly or
stepwise adjustable from a locked position to a tilting function
state.
14. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 12, characterised in that
the platforms have a means for engagement with a guide track and/or
articulated arms that are fastened to the frame of the fitness
apparatus, whereby the platform is caused to be slidably guidable
along the bars, and that the movement is a function of the vertical
movement of the bars.
15. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 14, characterised in that
said poles or handles are movably fastened to the fitness apparatus
frame and are articulatedly connected to the bars of the apparatus
so that the movement of the poles or handles at least partly
follows the movement of the bars.
16. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 14, characterised in that
the poles or handles are in addition limitedly movable transverse
to their primary movement.
17. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 12, characterised in that
the upward and downward movement of the bars has adjustable
resistance to movement.
18. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 12, characterised in that
guide tracks are secured to an upright frame part between the
platforms, and that the tracks have a curved shape which causes the
sliding movement of the platforms along said bars on vertical force
actuation of said platforms and bars. (FIG. 11)
19. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 12, characterised in that
the bars are connected to a tilting device that controls the
mutually opposite vertical direction of travel of the bars. (FIG.
12)
20. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 19, characterised in in that
the tilting device is mounted in the frame between the bars and has
length-adjustable articulated arms connected to the bars.
21. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 20, characterised in that
the tilting device has a means for adjustable tilt resistance.
22. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 12, characterised in that
the bars are connected to motion dampers.
23. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 12, characterised in that
each bar is of a spring material and consists of a forward and a
rear part which respectively are connected to a forward and a rear
part of the platform. (FIG. 13)
24. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 23, characterised in that
the said forward and rear parts are each constructed
telescopically, and that the telescopic extent of each part is
adjustable for regulating its elasticity.
25. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 12, characterised in that
the rear end of the bars is connected to a crank and a rotating
wheel, that the platforms run on tracks in the bars, and that
articulated arms are connected to the fitness apparatus frame and
bars, said articulated arms being designed to pull and push the
platforms along the bars when the crank and rotating wheel are set
in motion. (FIG. 14)
26. A physical exercise apparatus as disclosed in claim 13,
characterised in that the articulated arms that are connected to
the platforms are length-adjustable for adjusting the platforms'
extent of movement along the bars.
27. A physical exercise apparatus equipped with upwardly and
downwardly movable bars, and having footrest platforms mounted
thereon, and with grip poles or grip handles that are fixed or
movable as part of an exercise, characterised in that each bar at
its rear end is pivotally connected to a rotating wheel or crank,
that at the other end the bars are connected to articulated arms
that cause a see-saw movement of the bars, and that the platforms
are tiltable to both sides transverse to an axis that extends along
the longitudinal axis of the bars. (FIGS. 15-18)
28. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 27, characterised in that
the platforms are slidable along the length of the bars, that
vertical forces which are applied to the bars cause the platforms
to describe a circular movement path relative to the apparatus
frame, and that articulated arms connected to the frame and the
platforms move the platforms in a sliding movement along the
bars.
29. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 28, characterised in that
the platforms are slidably movable along the bars in tracks, and
that the tracks have one or a combination of at least two of the
following shapes: linear path curved path path with several curves
convex path concave path convex and concave path.
30. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 29, characterised in that
the apparatus poles have their tilt axis adjustably arranged on the
apparatus frame for adjustability of the extent of tilt of the
poles or handles.
31. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 27, characterised in that
the step length of the platform is by means of an adjusting device
adjustable as a function of the rotational speed of the rotating
wheel. (FIGS. 19-20)
32. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 27, characterised in that
the nominal step length of the platform is adjustable by an
apparatus user, and that the adjustment of the step length takes
place automatically with the aid of an adjusting mechanism
connected to articulated arms for control of the sliding function
of the platform.
33. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 32, characterised in that
the adjusting mechanism consists of a carriage to which articulated
arms are fastened, that the carriage is movable along a track upon
rotation of a connected threaded rod, and that the rotation of the
threaded rod is operated by a motor, the position of the carriage
along the track determining the step length of the platforms.
34. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 32, characterised in that
the adjusting device consists of a carriage to which articulated
arms are fastened, that the carriage is movable along a track, and
that the positioning of the carriage along the track is adjustable
by means of a hydraulically controllable device.
35. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 27, characterised in that
said poles or handles have at least one portion thereof running in
curved tracks for giving, when the fitness apparatus is in use,
said poles or handles a curved movement towards and away from the
apparatus user, and that the movement of said poles or handles is a
function of the sliding movement of the platforms. (FIGS. 21,
22)
36. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 35, characterised in that
the sliding movement of the platforms is transmitted via two sets
of articulated arms which at their respective ends run in tracks on
the frame to wire guides that are connected to further articulated
arms which at an end thereof run in tracks, and where these
articulated arms are connected to said poles or handles. (FIG.
21)
37. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 27, characterised in that
each of the poles or handles consists of two telescopically
cooperating parts, and that the length of the pole or handle is
designed to vary as a result of the sliding movement of the
platform along the bars. (FIG. 22)
38. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 37, characterised in that an
upper part of the two telescopic parts in sliding engagement with a
track that is fixed to the frame, that the movement of the
apparatus bars upwards and downwards is designed to transmit
movement to the poles or the handles, a grip piece on said upper
part being designed to slide in said track, whereby the pole or the
handle is given varying length as a result of its movement in the
track.
39. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 12, characterised in that on
the underside between each bar and frame there is mounted a
cylinder damper that acts against the downward vertical movement of
the bars, that the movement of the bars is controlled by a rod
mounted on the apparatus frame transverse to the longitudinal
direction of the bars at a point in association with the tilt point
of the bars, that when the rod at a first end position thereof and
about a pivot point thereon is pushed in one direction by a first
link on one of the bars, the rod will turn so that the other bar
moves in the opposite direction of the first bar, a link on the
second bar being in engagement with a second end of the rod. (FIGS.
23, 24)
40. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 39, characterised in that
the link on the bar is articulatedly connected to a lower portion
of the associated pole or handle, so that downward movement of a
bar with attached platform causes forward movement of the
associated pole or handle, and so that upward movement of a bar
with attached platform causes backward movement of the associated
pole or handle.
41. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 27, characterised in that
the driving wheel in cooperation with a flywheel that can be
equipped with a motion braking device. (FIGS. 25a, 27a)
42. An apparatus as disclosed in claim 27, characterised in that
each of said poles or handles is pivotally supported on an upright
portion of the apparatus frame and at a lower portion pivotally
supported on a forward portion of the respective bars; and that the
platform movable along the bar is connected to a pair of
articulated arms, wherein a first of the articulated arms between
its ends it pivotally supported at said forward portion of the bar,
at an upper end is designed to run in a guide in said upright
portion and at its lower end is articulatedly connected to a first
end of the second articulated arm, a second end of the second
articulated arm being articulatedly connected to said platform.
(FIG. 25a and FIG. 26).
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for strengthening
and rehabilitating a person's muscles and is especially based on
embodiments related to the principle of controlled exercise by
having to balance/control instability during physical exertion.
More precisely, the invention relates to a device as disclosed in
the preamble of the attached independent claims.
[0002] PCT Application Publ. No. WO00/68067 describes a pedal
device for physical exercise, for example, a bicycle or exercise
apparatus, wherein the device comprises a first pedal that is
rotatably attached to a pedal shaft which at the free end thereof
can be rigidly mounted to the crank arm, and wherein the first
pedal has a pedal engagement face for use in the performance of
conventional exercise, and wherein the device is made having a
second pedal tiltably attached to the first pedal about an axis
that extends transversely through a longitudinal axis of the pedal
shaft.
[0003] From what is previously known, exercise under controlled
instability will have a positive health effect on a person's
muscles, tendons and balance, both in the case of strength training
and during rehabilitation after injury. It is important that the
degree of movement of the devices which provide instability in an
exercise apparatus can easily be adjusted and that this adjustment
is stepless from a lockable position. This will spare a first-time
user from experiencing a movement of the exercise apparatus for
which he was unprepared.
[0004] The earlier solutions for instability in exercise and sports
equipment have limited areas of application. The pedals described
earlier will typically be suitable for bicycles and stationary
exercise bicycles, and are not suitable for use in fitness
apparatus such as step machines and different exercise apparatus
for combined leg and arm exercises. The object of the present
invention is to solve the problem of how instability can be
implemented in other exercise apparatus and exercise methods than
those previously known. The characteristic features of the
invention are set forth in the attached independent claims.
Additional embodiments of the device are set forth in the
associated dependent claims. Thus, the invention comprises
solutions in connection with footrests that have a tilting function
and adjustment thereof, and where the footrests can be adapted to
suit different exercise apparatus. There will also be described
apparatus equipped with footrests which in addition to a tilting
function also have a sliding function, and that the exercise
apparatus have different solutions for arm movements which include
the use of poles and handles. The invention also comprises a number
of solutions for manual and automatic adjustment of the tilting
function of footrests and the length of the sliding function
thereof.
[0005] The application will describe the invention split into three
main groups: [0006] footrests with a tilting function and
adjustment of the degree of tilt and locking mechanisms therefor,
and how these are adapted to and work in conjunction with different
exercise apparatus; [0007] exercise apparatus which provide stride
and step exercises with footrests that have both a sliding movement
and a tilting movement; and [0008] exercise apparatus which provide
a simulated walking and running motion with footrests that have
both a sliding movement and a tilting movement.
[0009] The invention will now be described in more detail with
reference to the attached drawings:
[0010] FIGS. 1a and 1b show footrests equipped with a device for
tilting function.
[0011] FIGS. 2a and 2c are sectional views through the adjusting
mechanism for the tilting function of the footrests as indicated in
FIG. 2b.
[0012] FIGS. 3a and 3b show an exercise apparatus for stepping
exercises in which bars have mounted thereon footrests for tilting
function;
[0013] FIGS. 4a and 4b show an exercise apparatus for circular leg
exercises and arm movements, wherein bars have mounted thereon
footrests for tilting function.
[0014] FIG. 5 shows an exercise apparatus for stepping exercises
wherein bars have a tilting function.
[0015] FIG. 6 shows an exercise apparatus for circular leg
exercises and arm movements, wherein bars have a tilting
function.
[0016] FIGS. 7a-7h show footrests with a further arrangement for
adjusting the tilting function.
[0017] FIGS. 8a-8c show an alternative arrangement for adjusting
the tilting function of footrests.
[0018] FIGS. 9a-9c show an exercise apparatus equipped with
tiltable footrests, where exercises may consist of a stepping,
sliding and tilting function for legs, and wherein the exercise
apparatus has poles for arm movements.
[0019] FIGS. 10a-10c show the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 9,
but with flexible poles.
[0020] FIGS. 11a-11d show yet another variant of an exercise
apparatus with tiltable footrests, and poles for arm movements.
[0021] FIG. 12 shows detail XII of the exercise apparatus shown in
FIG. 11.
[0022] FIGS. 13a-13d show a variant of an exercise apparatus for
the performance of circular leg exercises and arm movements,
wherein footrests are in operation with adjustable spring bars.
[0023] FIGS. 14a-14b show yet another variant of an exercise
apparatus for the performance of circular leg exercises and arm
movements, wherein the footrests have a sliding function relative
to movable bars.
[0024] FIGS. 15a-15b show a variant of an exercise apparatus for
the performance of circular leg exercises and arm movements,
wherein the footrests have a curved slide path.
[0025] FIGS. 16a-16f outline different forms of slide paths and
tracks for footrests.
[0026] FIGS. 17a and 17b are perspective views from in front and
from behind (from the underside) of the exercise apparatus shown in
FIG. 15, and FIGS. 17c and 17d show details XVIIc and XVIId of
links and adjusting mechanism.
[0027] FIG. 18 is yet another figure of the exercise apparatus
shown in FIGS. 15, 17a and 17b.
[0028] FIGS. 19a, 19b and 19e show an exercise apparatus with an
automatic adjusting mechanism of step length, and FIGS. 19c and 19d
show sections XIXe and XIXd.
[0029] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of elements that control the
automatics of the adjusting mechanism.
[0030] FIGS. 21a-21c show an exercise apparatus with handles that
have a sliding movement.
[0031] FIGS. 22a and 22b show an exercise apparatus with poles that
are telescopic, and FIG. 22c shows section XXIIc.
[0032] FIGS. 23a, 23b, 24a and 24b show a variant of the exercise
apparatus shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. 23c shows section XXIIIc in
FIG. 23a.
[0033] FIG. 25a is a perspective view of a variant of the exercise
apparatus with a mechanism for adjusting step length shown in FIG.
19, and FIG. 25b shows section XXVb.
[0034] FIG. 26a shows an adjusting mechanism in the exercise
apparatus shown in FIG. 25, and FIG. 26b shows the section
XXVIb-XXVIb.
[0035] FIG. 27a is a top perspective view of the exercise apparatus
shown in FIG. 25, and FIG. 27b shows a detail section XXVIIb of the
footrest.
[0036] FIG. 28 shows a footrest where the individual parts for
adjustment of the tilting movement are shown.
[0037] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a footrest consisting of a platform 1
that is configured for the positioning of a user's foot, with or
without a shoe. The platform is mounted on a frame 2 which at the
back edge is suspended on a shaft 4 and at the front edge is
fastened to a device 6 for adjustment of a tilting movement. This
tilting movement, illustrated by arrow 9, runs transverse to the
longitudinal axis 7 of the platform. As can be seen from FIG. 2a,
the footrests have shaft 10 in which is mounted a spring bit 12.
Arranged around bit 12 is a spring catch 13. The catch can be
pushed along the length of the spring bit, illustrated by arrow 15.
Positioning the spring catch 13 right against the shaft 10 will
prevent the shaft and thus the platform 1 from tilting. Moving the
spring catch 13 from the shaft 10 and the mounting of the spring
bit 12 will allow a gradual twisting of the shaft 10 and a tilting
of the platform 1 to be obtained. A threaded rod 18 is in
engagement with the spring catch 13. A wheel 20 is mounted axially
at one of the ends of the rod 18. Upon rotation of the wheel 20,
the spring catch 13 will move in one direction or the other along
the spring bit 12. Thus, by rotating the wheel, a user will easily
be able to adjust step by step the degree of tiltable instability
of the platform. As shown in connection with FIG. 2c, the
embodiment allows the adjusting wheel to be replaced by an
electromotor 11, which is controlled using a switch 14 with the
foot, or that a switch, or the control medium, for example a
multifunctional switch (which can also serve other functions in the
exercise apparatus) may be located at other points on the exercise
apparatus with a cable connection, or a wireless connection (for
example, Bluetooth.TM.), on the frame, handles or a control
panel.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows an exercise apparatus that is used for stepping
exercises, a so-called "step" apparatus or stepper. The user will
stand on step beams or bars 22, 22' and hold handles 23, 23' in
order to then force the bars downwards using the force of his legs,
as indicated by arrows 24, 24'. The counter-force is generated by
dampers 33, 33'. Footrests 26, 26' are mounted on the bars as shown
in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. The user can adjust the degree of
tilting either before he/she mounts the apparatus, or once he/she
is standing on the footrest platforms. The wheel used for
adjustment of tilting can also be rotated using the foot. FIG. 3b
indicates the position of switches 14', 14'', 14''' for operation
of the tilting mechanism, where control takes place either
electrically by cable transmission, by wireless signal
transmission, or by a mechanical solution using wires. The
footrests are mounted in grooves which means that the user is can
adjust the platforms along the bars and thus provide a variation of
the force that is necessary for movement thereof. This is
illustrated by arrows 25, 25'.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows an exercise apparatus on which a user can
perform oval-circular movements of his feet and thus his legs and
at the same time a push-and-pull exercise with his arms. The user
stands on bars 28, 28' and steps downwards and backwards, which
movement is then replaced by an upward and forward movement,
illustrated by FIG. 4b, 29. The bars are in engagement with a wheel
35 that has adjustable resistance. The bars are also in engagement
with handles 32-32' which move back and forth as illustrated by
arrows 36-36'. The tilting platforms 27-27' are adjustable along
bars 28-28', for example, along a groove 30 with stepwise or
steplessly adjustable engagement, or in another known way. The
oval-circular movement will be variable according to where the
footrests are positioned along the longitudinal direction of the
bars as illustrated by arrows 31, 31'.
[0040] As mentioned in connection with FIG. 1, it is conceivable
that adjustment of the footrest tilting function of the platforms
can be done in other ways than by using a rotatable wheel. It can
be done by having an electromotor that is connected to the threaded
rod, thereby replacing the rotatable wheel as shown in FIGS. 1 and
2. For operation, switches 14', 14'' are positioned on the exercise
apparatus so as to be within easy reach of the user, for example,
on handles, or on a panel 34 as shown in FIG. 4. One advantage of
having a motor connected for adjustment of the extent of tilt is
that the platform can be positioned in a neutral, level and fixed
position when not in use. This is so that the user will not be
surprised by tilting movement when he/she first mounts the exercise
apparatus, but can adjust the extent of tilt gradually as required.
In connection with the platform there could be sensing devices in
the form of sensors or switches that will register whether the
apparatus is in use or not. When the apparatus is not in use, a
sensing device will give a signal to the motor so that it actuates
the platform to move into a neutral, level and fixed position.
[0041] Another mechanical solution is to replace, or connect the
rotating wheel to a wire and pulley solution which will actuate the
spring tightener. The other end of the wire can thus be arranged on
the exercise apparatus handles 23, 23' (FIG. 3) or 32, 32' (FIG. 4)
so as to be close to the user's hands. Thus, the technology used
here can be taken from the technology that is used in a gear shift
on an ordinary bicycle. The content of this paragraph is, however,
not illustrated in the figure, but should be so well known that the
skilled person will immediately see how it can be implemented.
[0042] Modern and advanced exercise apparatus will have a panel
with a display for various items of information about the apparatus
and the performance of the exercise. This may be information about
time, resistance, performance, pulse, stamina, apparatus settings,
memory of earlier achievements and so on. The exercise apparatus
may also contain technology for processing data and exchanging the
data with various exercise programs and competitors who use similar
exercise apparatus and systems.
[0043] The exercise apparatus as shown in connection with FIGS. 3
and 4 can also be made so that the bars on which the user stands
have a direct suspension that is adjustably tiltable as a
replacement for the footrests described above. In connection with
FIG. 5, links 40, 40' which have adjustable torsional resistance
can be fastened to bars 42, 42' to be able to tilt the bars
transverse to the centre axis 44, 44' of the bars. The technical
solution used here may be like that shown in connection with FIGS.
1 and 2, but alternatively a torsion bar solution may be used which
by an adjustment of its degree of torsion can adjust the extent of
tilt. Alternatively, other known technical solutions may be used
and will therefore not be described in more detail.
[0044] In connection with FIG. 6, bars 46, 46' can be connected to
a spinning wheel 50 and arms 52, 52' can be connected in links 53,
53' and 54, 54', which renders the bars 46, 46' adjustable and
tiltable relative to the longitudinal groove 55 of the bars. The
bars may have a suspension similar to that shown in connection with
the footrest illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, where one of the links 53,
53' has a shaft and an adjusting mechanism at the other link 54,
54'.
[0045] As mentioned in connection with FIG. 5, a skilled person
will, in the light of what has been described, be able to use
various technical solutions in order to obtain the tilting effect
that the present invention exhibits.
[0046] Movement of footrests as shown in, inter alia, FIG. 1 will,
within the scope of the invention, have various technical
solutions. FIG. 7 shows a further solution for control and
adjustment of the movement of footrest 60. Movement of the platform
is indicated by arrow 65. The platform (upper part of the footrest)
61 is mounted on a frame 62 and is movable about shafts 63 and 64,
i.e., about axis 69. Located between the platform and the frame are
the devices that adjust the degree of tilt of the platform. This is
clear from FIGS. 7c and 7d. Fastened to the platform is a block 66
which at one end has a v-profile 67. Another block 68 has an
inverse profile which rests under pressure against a block 66. The
block 68 exerts a pressure against block 66 that is generated by a
spring 70. The spring 70 is tightened in that a cylinder 71 exerts
pressure against the spring with the aid of a rotating wheel 72.
The rotating wheel 72 has an elliptical form. Rotation of the wheel
72 will actuate the cylinder 71 to tighten or slacken the spring
70, which in turn provides a pressure from the block 68 against the
block 66 for adjustment of the degree of movement of the platform.
FIG. 7f shows the wheel 72 in a position where a spring exerts
least force against block 68. On rotation of the wheel in one
direction or the other as indicated by arrow 75, for example
towards point 74 on the wheel, the pressure from block 68 against
the profile in block 66 will increase. It should be understood that
the frame of the footrests can be adapted so that it can be
fastened to different variants of exercise apparatus.
[0047] FIG. 8 shows another solution for adjustment of the degree
of tilt of the footrest platform as described, inter alia, in
connection with FIG. 1 and FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows a frame 80 where
platform 61 as shown in FIG. 7 is indicated in the broken line 81.
The platform is tiltable about shaft 82 and will rest against and
be movable on bearings 85, 86. To be able to adjust the movement
the platform will have about shaft 82, blocks 88-91 are provided
between the platform 61 and the frame 80. The blocks will, because
of their substance, determine the degree to which the platform can
be moved. If a rigid material, e.g., metal or hard plastic is used,
the platform will be allowed to tilt. A less rigid material in the
blocks will provide the platform with a movability. The blocks are
made so as to be easily replaceable. Thus, the possibility exists
of being able to adjust the degree of tilting movement of the
platform by having replaceable blocks of varying rigidity.
[0048] In substitution for blocks of a rigid substance, air-filed
chambers 96, 96' could be arranged between the tilting platform and
frame as shown in FIG. 7c. The degree of possible tilt of the
platforms could then be adjusted by adjusting the air pressure in
the chambers.
[0049] The reference numerals 92, 95 indicate wheels fastened to
the frame which render the footrests slidable and adjustable to the
fitness apparatus on which they are to be used.
[0050] The following will describe an exercise apparatus that uses
the footrests and solutions for instability as described above.
FIG. 9 shows an exercise apparatus wherein footrests 96, 97 have a
tilting function transverse to the longitudinal direction of the
platform and the bars on which the footrests are mounted. The
footrests may preferably have a design as described above. The
footrests are slidably mounted on bars 98, 99. Mounted on the
footrest frame are wheels (see FIG. 8) that run in tracks 101, 102
that are a part of the bars 98-99. At one end, the bars are movably
fastened to frame 100 by swivel joint 110, 111. This renders the
step arms movable as indicated by arrow 112. The movement is
limited by articulated arms or guides 114, 115 which at one point
of attachment are attached to the underside of the bars 98, 99 and
at another point of attachment are movably fastened via shaft 117
to the frame. The degree of movement of the shaft is limited by a
cylinder 118. This is a damper/resistance cylinder of an oil or gas
type. This provides inertia of movement of the bars 98, 99.
Adjustment of the movement of the cylinder is effected by screw
head 119 and gives a variation of the resistance that must be
overcome when using the exercise apparatus. Movement of the bars is
transmitted to the poles 120, 121 by means of articulated arms 122,
123. A downward movement of one bar will result in the associated
pole moving forwards and in the opposite direction when the bars
have an upward movement, indicated by arrow 124. As mentioned, the
footrests are movable along said bars in tracks. Articulated arms
128, 129 are mounted from frame 100 to each of the footrests. When
the bars 98, 99 move, the articulated arms 128, 129 will guide the
footrests along the tracks as indicated by arrow 126.
[0051] The exercise apparatus described here in connection with
FIG. 9 thus has the following mode of operation: a person stands on
the footrests and holds onto both poles and with one leg exerts
downwards force which results in the footrest and its bar moving
downwards and in that the footrests in addition move backwards
whilst the associated pole on the same side moves forwards. When
maximum downward pressure has been reached on one of the footrests,
the person transfers force to the other footrest. The result is
that an alternating movement between arms and legs of the person
using the apparatus is achieved. The person must in addition hold
each platform in balance, but as described earlier, this movement
is adjustable from being fixed to having a tilting function.
[0052] FIGS. 10a-10c show an additional function for fitness
apparatus 130 as shown and described in connection with FIG. 9. The
solution is meant to provide a function for training the arms of
the person using the machine. Handles or poles 131, 132 can be set
to move sideways in towards the apparatus or in the opposite
direction, as indicated by arrows 134, 135; that is to say,
transverse to the primary direction of movement of the various
parts of the apparatus.
[0053] The handles can be used for exercise either when the person
is standing on the footrests of the apparatus or when the person is
standing on the floor. Here, spring poles 136, 137 are shown which
consist of an elastically yielding material such as metal used in
torsion bars, or an assembly of parts, e.g., such as a spring bank.
The handles as shown here can be set in steps 138 and locked by a
spring pin 139. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that
the actual technical solution can be achieved in a number of ways,
and the solution shown here should not be understood as being
limiting for the invention. The elastically yielding part of the
pole may be the lowermost part of the pole 140 or higher up as
indicated by 140'. The design is such that the spring pole 136, 137
cannot be stretched towards the person exercising, i.e., in the
longitudinal direction of the apparatus, but will follow the
primary function of the apparatus as described earlier.
[0054] FIG. 11 shows yet another variant of the exercise apparatus
shown and described in connection with FIGS. 9 and 10. The
footrests 150 and 151 are tiltable sideways relative to a frame or
carriage 152 and 153, each of which is slidable in respective
tracks 154 and 155 on bars 156 and 157. A central frame 158 has
tracks 159 and 159' with which the carriages 152 and 153 are in
connection. The tracks have a curved shape. The frame has a height
x, see reference 165, which gives the track a backward and downward
path. When the bars are set in motion, as indicated by arrow 162,
the platforms will move in the trackway 160 and along the bars as
indicated by arrows 163 and 164. Resistance cylinders 168 and 169
that are fastened between frame part 170 and the bottom of the bars
provide resistance on movement of the bars. Movement of the bars is
also controlled by tilting part 172. As can be seen from FIG. 12,
this tilting part is mounted on the central frame 158 and is
tiltable about a shaft 173. Mounted at each end of the tilting part
are articulated arms or guides 174 and 175 that are movably
articulated to the underside of the bars. The length of the
articulated arms can be adjusted by a screw cylinder 176 and 177,
which will affect the movement of the bars. The tilting part
ensures that when one of the bars is lowered the other will be
raised. Resistance in the movement of the different components of
the exercise apparatus is adjusted by a tensioning mechanism in
connection with tilting part 172. A friction disc or braking
element 180 exerts pressure on the tilting part and is adjusted by
screw part 181. Handles or poles 166 and 167 are articulatedly
connected to the bars as shown in connection with FIG. 9.
[0055] This exercise apparatus will give a longer step length than
is possible with the exercise apparatus shown in connection with
FIG. 9 and will give the same or longer step length than is
possible for elliptical trainers with larger rotating wheels and
crank.
[0056] An exercise apparatus that gives an elliptical movement of
the legs of the person exercising has been described above, see
FIGS. 4 and 6. Another embodiment as indicated by the reference
numeral 200 in connection with the footrests is shown in FIG. 13.
Here, each footrest 201, 201' has a shaft 204, 205 in respectively
the front edge and back edge and that is torsionally secured to
spring member 206, 207. The spring members 206, 207 give the
footrests a more cushioned movement than if they were secured to a
fixed bar. FIG. 13c shows a variant where spring members 210 and
211 are constructed "telescopically". This allows the hardness of
the springs to be set. FIG. 13d indicates a method where a
through-going tensioning screw 212 can be moved and tightened to
set the length of the spring as indicated by arrow 213, in order to
adjust the degree of spring cushioning, although this solution as
shown should not be understood as limiting for the invention.
[0057] In connection with exercise apparatus that give a circular
movement of the feet and legs of a user, referred to as
"elliptical" in this application, the rotating wheel or crank to
which bars for the footrests are attached will determine the length
and height of the elliptical movement the user endeavours to
achieve during exercise. The "elliptical" exercise apparatus on the
market today are dependent on the size of the rotating wheel and
crank with the result that these exercise apparatus are often very
large. However, the height displacement of the foot platforms does
not seem to be the main reason for the size of the rotating wheel,
but rather its horizontal movement. The rotating wheel of the
elliptical exercise apparatus on the market today is often 50 cm in
diameter in order to give a movement of the bars which in turn
gives step lengths from 40-50 cm. The present invention seeks to
obtain an elliptical exercise apparatus that can be more compact
than today's solutions, but still give at least as good an exercise
experience and effect. FIG. 14 shows an exercise apparatus that
does not require a particularly large rotating wheel or crank, but
which will still provide the apparatus footrests with a desired
step length in a horizontal movement.
[0058] The exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 14 consists of a frame
230 which has a flywheel 231 with associated crank 232. The crank
is movably connected to bars 233, 234 which in turn are mounted on
movable articulated arms 236 and 237. The articulated arms are
mounted on shaft 238 which runs through the forward part 230' of
the frame. The footrests 240, 241 are tiltably mounted on carriages
242 and 243 which in turn are arranged slidably on the bars. The
footrests are described in connection with, inter alia, is FIGS. 1,
7 and 8 and also have a movement relative to the bars as shown in
connection with FIG. 9. The movement of the platforms along the
bars is controlled through use of articulated arms 236, 237 which
have further associated articulated arms 246, 247 articulatedly
connected to the footrest carriages. The length of these
articulated arms determines the displacement of the carriage along
the bars. If the length indicated by 236', 237' is adjusted, the
carriages and thus the footrests will change this displacement.
This length 236', 237' can be made adjustable; however, this is not
shown in the figure, but will be easy for the skilled person to
implement. The exercise apparatus also has handles or poles 250,
251 which are movably connected to respective bars 233, 234 by
links 252, 253. The poles 250, 251 are preferably throughgoingly
movable in these links. The poles are movably suspended through
shaft 254 in the frame where the position of the shaft in the
vertical direction 255 will determine the displacement of the poles
independent of the movement the bars give. This can be done
adjustably, and an embodiment is shown in connection with FIG.
17.
[0059] The figures do not show how resistance in movement of the
exercise apparatus components is solved. However, this is known
from elliptical exercise apparatus on the market today. Here,
various forms of brake technology of the flywheel are used such as
slip belts, indicated by 256, or brake pads or a magnetic brake
device 257.
[0060] The slide path in which the footrests run on the exercise
apparatus shown in FIGS. 9 and 14 is completely linear. To obtain a
movement of the footrests that is most similar to the movement of
the foot in a walking or running situation, ordinary elliptical
fitness apparatus have fairly large wheel/crank solutions. Exercise
apparatus as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 have a limited
wheel/crank which in a practical embodiment is no larger than about
25 cm. This gives a limited horizontal movement, but with the
sliding function of the footrests the desired step length will
still be obtained. The vertical movement and the angle of the
footrests will still be limited by a wheel/crank of this size. In
order to obtain a varied movement of the footrests, it will be
understood that the invention comprises a solution where the slide
paths of the footrests have a curved shape.
[0061] FIG. 15 shows an exercise apparatus like the exercise
apparatus shown and described in connection with FIG. 14. Footrests
260, 261, including associated carriages, run along respective bars
262, 263 in tracks 264, 265. FIG. 15a shows footrest 260 in the
foremost position, whilst FIG. 15b shows footrest 260 in the
rearmost position. As can be seen in the figure, the angle of the
footrest will change from the rearmost position to the foremost
position. The actual curvature of the tracks and bars as shown in
the figure should not be understood as limiting for the invention.
The track itself may be shaped as indicated in FIGS. 16a-16f
without this being understood as limiting for the invention.
Different curvatures of the tracks will give the footrests a
movement and an angling for desired operation of the exercise
apparatus according to the invention. Articulated arms 270-273
guide the footrests along the tracks 264, 265 on the bars. The
length of the articulated arms in combination with the size of the
wheel/crank 266 dictates the length of the movement of the platform
which in its turn dictates the step length 267 of the exercise
apparatus. Variation of the length of the articulated arms 270-273
will thus give a variation in the step length. An adjustment of the
step length is possible for this exercise apparatus by changing the
working point 274, 275 between the articulated arms 270-273. This
can be seen in FIGS. 17c and 17d. In this figure, tracks 278 and
279 that are attached to the articulated arms 270 and 271 are
visible. The end of the articulated arms 272 and 273 is secured to
the tracks 278, 279 via bolts 280, 281 which are slidable in the
tracks 278, 279 and which can be locked in desired positions along
the tracks for desired step length, e.g., by using a locking
handle, such as handle 281'. As can be seen from FIG. 17, the
exercise apparatus has grip poles 282, 283 which are movably
connected to respective bars via links 284 and 285. The poles 282,
283 are throughgoingly movable in these links. The poles are
movably mounted through shaft 287 in the frame 290 as can be seen
clearly in FIG. 18. The position of the shaft 287 in the vertical
direction 288 is adjusted by a locking screw in an adjusting
mechanism 289, as indicated in FIG. 18. The height adjustment will
determine the extent of movement of the poles as a result of the
distance between links 284, 285 and the position of the shaft 287
on the frame 290.
[0062] It should be stressed that exercise apparatus as shown in
connection with FIGS. 9 and 11, also within the scope of the
invention, may have a slide path and tracks which are not linear,
but which may, for example, have a curvature as indicated in FIG.
15 or FIG. 16. Although these apparatus do not have bars connected
to a rotating mechanical device, a curved slide path will give the
footrests a larger variation of angle with a subsequent larger
movability for the user in use.
[0063] In connection with exercise apparatus which have footrests
with a sliding function as shown, inter alia, in connection with
FIGS. 9, 11, 14 and 15, a further function will now be described
with reference to FIG. 19. These apparatus have a fixed step length
irrespective of the exercise speed. When a person exercises
moderately, the step length will be like a step length at walking
speed. However, the step length will normally be greater at running
speed. The step length for the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 15
is as described adjustable. However, the adjustment must be made
before an exercise session begins and cannot be adjusted as the
speed of the person exercising increases. The exercise apparatus
shown in FIG. 19 is very similar to that shown in FIGS. 15-18,
apart from a mechanism that adjusts the step length according to
the rotational speed of the flywheel/crank. FIG. 19a shows an
exercise apparatus with frame 300, flywheel 301 with crank, to
which bars 302, 303 are secured. The bars 302, 303 have tracks or
grooves 304, 305 in which the footrests with associated carriages
can move. Movably attached to the bars 302, 303 are poles/handles
308 and 309 which on movement of said bars are given a tilting
movement as indicated by arrow 310. Connected to the platforms are
articulated arms 312, 313, 314 and 315 which draw the footrests
along the bars during use of the exercise apparatus. The
articulated arms 314, 315 move slidably through guides 316, 317
fastened to the bars 302, 303. The distance between the points of
suspension 318, 319 of articulated arms 314 and 315 and the
respective guides 316, 317 determines the length the footrests can
move in the grooves on the bars and thus the step length as
indicated by the reference numeral 320 and as explained in
connection with FIG. 15.
[0064] As mentioned above, this exercise apparatus has a stepless
adjustment of the step length. Moving the points of suspension at
318, 319 as indicated by arrow 320 will affect the degree of
movement of the bars and the footrests connected thereto. This can
be done by the user manually, for example, using a push/screw
device, or by using a servo/motor or a hydraulic system. In
connection with FIG. 19c, a system will be described which
automatically sets the step length for the exercise apparatus,
although this exemplary embodiment should not be regarded as
limiting for the invention.
[0065] The system described in connection with FIG. 19 will allow
stepless adjustment of the step length as desired by a user, or
according to the speed of the wheel/crank 301 with associated bars,
bars 302, 303, articulated arms 312-315 and poles 308, 309.
Articulated arms 314, 315 are fastened to a carriage 322 which runs
along a linear guide 323 with the aid of a threaded rod 324 which
is operated by a motor 325. The end positions are monitored by end
switches or proximity switches 326 and 327. These switches may be
of the inductive sensor type, mechanical switch type or other type
which will be known to the skilled person, although the type of
switch should not be regarded as limiting for the invention. The
position of the carriage is given by counting pulses given on
rotation of a threaded rod 324 which has a marker pin 321 of, for
example, steel, where a proximity switch (counter) 328 is arranged
to count the number of rotations of pin 321. The rotational speed
of the wheel 301 is measured by a sensing device, in this case the
revolution sensor 329. The position of the carriage 322 is
calculated as a function of the speed of the rotating wheel.
[0066] The following is an example of how this may work. It is
assumed that the wheel/crank has a diameter of about 300 mm,
displacement of the carriage along the threaded rod is about 165 mm
and the step length is variable between about 300 mm and 500 mm as
limited by the length of the bars. The pitch of the threaded rod is
equal to 1.5 mm per revolution of the wheel/crank which gives one
pulse per 0.75 mm, as the threaded rod 324 has the throughgoing
steel pin 321 which the proximity counter 328 measures. It is
assumed that there is a desire that a speed of the wheel/crank of
60 rpm should give a step length of 400 mm. This means that the
carriage will have to be about 100 mm from the switch 326. This is
achieved in that the motor 325 is activated and operates the
wheel/crank until about 130 pulses have been measured by the
counter 328. The ratio of step length to speed is regulated through
a proportional integral derivative (PD) controller 330.
[0067] As outlined in FIG. 20, a microprocessor 332 must be
included in the system as described for the calculation and
monitoring of the signals generated by pulse, position and speed
sensors. The reference numeral 334 refers to a device for manual
adjustment of step length. If a user does not want the step length
to be adjusted automatically according to speed, it is conceivable
that this function can be disconnected and that the user is able to
adjust the step length himself, for example, on an associated panel
of switches or touch screen as indicated by 335 in FIG. 19e.
[0068] As mentioned, the technology for setting the step length can
be provided in many ways. For example, a sliding potentiometer
could be used to measure the position of the carriage. Optics can
be used for measuring positions and rotation together with speed
calculation. Electromagnetic devices may also be used for measuring
speed of the flywheel or the crank. For movement of bars for
adjusting step length, an alternative solution may be to use
hydraulics instead of electronic motor technology.
[0069] The handles or poles that are described and attached to the
apparatus in question are of more or less prior art. They have a
tilting movement about a shaft where the handles describe a concave
curve that runs to and from the person using the exercise
apparatus. See, for example, FIG. 19a. However, this movement is
not natural for a person running or cross-country skiing. The
following description in connection with FIGS. 21a-21c shows an
exercise apparatus with handles which seek to provide as natural a
movement as possible of the arms of a person working out using the
exercise apparatus.
[0070] A natural arm movement for a person running or cross-country
skiing describes something close to a curve as indicated by the
arrow 351 in FIG. 21a. This is obtained in that handles 354, 355
run in curved tracks 356, 357 that are fastened to an upward
projecting part of the exercise apparatus frame 360. The handles
are movably fastened to ends of articulated arms 362 and 363 which
at the other ends 364, 365 of the bars' articulated arms run in
tracks 366 and 367. This can be seen most clearly in FIG. 21c. The
movement of the handles is generated by the footrests 352 and 353
being set in motion. The movement and design of the exercise
apparatus footrests are the same as described in connection with
FIG. 19. The sliding movement of the footrests is transmitted to
the handles via articulated arms and wires 368, 369 arranged on
either side of the frame as indicated by FIG. 21a The ends 364, 365
of the articulated arms are fastened to wires which run around the
wheels 372-379. A slider 380 that runs in track 382 is also
fastened to wire 368. Although only slider 380 and track 382 can be
seen in the figures, there is a similar slider and track on the
opposite side of the apparatus frame. Movably attached to the
guides are articulated arms 384, 385 (hidden) which at the other
end are mounted movably in links 386, 387 (hidden). These links
join together bars for movement of the footrests as, inter alia,
shown and described in connection with FIG. 19. On movement of the
footrests, the articulated arms such as 384, 385 will move sliders
382 and 383 which pull the wires and which in turn pull the
articulated arms 362 and 363 along the tracks 366 and 367. These
articulated arms will in turn actuate the handles so that they move
in the tracks 356 and 357. The shape of the tracks determines the
movement of the handles. As can be seen in particular from FIG.
21a, a curved shape of the tracks will give the handles a curved
movement for the user. A straight shape of the tracks will be a
correspondingly straight movement of the handles.
[0071] FIG. 22 shows an alternative design of the handles or the
poles for the exercise apparatus as shown and described in
connection with FIGS. 19 and 21. The poles 390 and 391 have a
telescopic construction where the upper parts, i.e., grip portions,
392 and 393 slide into the lower parts 394 and 395. The grip
portions have pins 396 and 397 which, through openings 398 and 399
in the lower pole parts, run in tracks 402 and 403 that are
fastened to the frame 401. When the poles are moved back and forth,
as indicated by arrow 400, the grip portions will be pushed
telescopically relative to the lower parts as a is result of the
movement of the pins in the tracks. Wheels will be arranged on the
pins which will give a smooth movement in the tracks. The tracks
have a curved shape which means that the upper part of the poles
and thus the grip portions have a downward curved movement in the
direction of the user. Thus, the shape of the tracks determines the
movement of the poles, as illustrated by arrow 400. By comparison,
a straight track will give a straight movement path.
[0072] In connection with an exercise apparatus as shown in FIGS.
9-12, another variant will now be described in connection with
FIGS. 23 and 24. The exercise apparatus has two footrests 412 and
413, preferably of a tiltable type, as for instance shown in FIGS.
1 and 7-8. These rest on tracks that are mounted on bars 414 and
415. The bars are mounted to be tiltable relative to the frame 416.
Articulated arms 418 and 419 are mounted from the frame to the
bottom of each footrest. These guide the footrests back and forth
along the tracks when the bars are tilted, as shown in previously
mentioned figures. The embodiment is very similar to that
previously shown, but the present embodiment has no adjustment of
resistance. The resistance is provided by two dampers 420 and 421,
mounted between each bar and the frame. The dampers must thus
contain the right resistance when mounted, or be of an adjustable
type. Between the bars that are torsionally mounted on the frame,
there is a rod 422 transverse to the direction of the bars. The rod
422 is in contact with each of the bars via pins 424 and 425. When
one of the bars, for example, the bar 414 is set in motion, the rod
422 will turn to force the other bar 415 in the opposite direction
of bar 414. The exercise apparatus has handles or poles 426 and 427
that are tiltably fastened to the bottom of the frame. The movement
of the bars is transmitted to the poles via articulated arms 428
and 429 which are hinged to the bars and to the poles. The poles
consist of two parts and are telescopically interconnected for
adjustment of their length. The reference numeral 430 indicates a
display for the apparatus which, connected to sensing devices, will
be able to count the number of movements made and give a user, for
example, times and energy consumption in the course of an exercise
session.
[0073] FIGS. 25-27 will now be described. The solution of the
exercise apparatus shown here is a variant of that shown in
connection with FIG. 19. The exercise apparatus consists of a frame
450 which has a wheel or crank 451 that is connected to bars 452,
453 which support footrests 456 and 457. The bars are curved and
have tracks or grooves 455 in which the footrests run. The bars
452,453 are hinged to handles 458, 459 by links 462 and 463. The
handles are tiltably mounted on an upwardly projecting part of the
frame by links 464 and 465. Articulated arms 466 and 467 are
fastened to the footrests 456, 457 and these in turn are hinged to
articulated arms 468 and 469. The articulated arms 468 and 469 run
through guides 472 and 473 and are fastened to shaft 474. The shaft
runs in grooves and guides 476, 477 in the upward projecting part
of the frame which is hollow and tubular. The articulated arms
466-469 control the movement of the footrests along the bars. The
position of the articulated arms as shown in FIGS. 25-27 gives the
footrests a maximum displacement along the bars. Displacement of
the articulated arms 468 and 469 upwards in grooves 476 and 477, as
indicated by arrow 478, shortens the slide path of the footrests
along the bars. Shaft 474 is in engagement with a threaded rod 479
that is connected to a motor 480 and which together are located
inside the tubular frame. On actuation of the motor, the shaft will
be forced by the threaded rod 479 along the grooves in the frame
and moved by the articulated arms which in turn control the freedom
of movement of the footrests along the bars. As shown in FIG. 19
there are sensing devices and/or switches associated with the
system along the grooves 476 and 477 to stop the motor in the end
positions of the shaft, and to inform the user of its position.
Like the apparatus shown and described in connection with, inter
alia, FIG. 19, this exercise apparatus will have a screen and a
panel 482 for providing information to the user and for control of
the apparatus. The motor and sensing devices will via a central
processing unit (CPU) related hardware and software be connected to
the screen and, if the screen is not a touch screen, also to a
panel. The exercise apparatus thus offers the user the possibility
of adjusting the step length during use and whilst the user is
standing on the footrests. The apparatus also has means for
resistance and adjustment thereof. This is done by using prior art
where a flywheel 485 is connected to a wheel 486 via a belt 487.
The flywheel is of metal and can be actuated by an electromagnet
488, where a variation of the magnetic field which can be obtained
here will give desired resistance of the flywheel and thus the
crank that a user must work against via stepping exercises on the
footrests and arm movements of the handles. The user panel will,
with the aid of known means, be connected to the electromagnet and
thus give the user a simple way of adjusting exercise
resistance.
[0074] An exercise apparatus as shown in connection with FIGS.
25-27 is shown with footrests which in addition will be described
in more detail with reference to FIG. 28. In connection with FIGS.
1-8 there are shown and described footrests with a tilting function
of an upper platform and various techniques for adjusting and
locking this function. FIGS. 27 and 28 show a further variant
wherein the footrest consists of a platform 490 which at each end
parallel to its longitudinal direction has shafts 491, 492. Two
frame parts 493, 494 are mounted movably on the shafts 491, 491 at
each end of the platform. The frame parts 493, 494 have wheels 495,
495' which in turn run in tracks on the exercise apparatus bars.
Thus, when the footrests are mounted on the bars, the platform will
be tiltable transverse to the longitudinal direction of the
platform where a bolt 496 runs in a groove 497 on the platform that
limits the movement. This solution of the footrest advantageously
has a locking mechanism consisting of a spring-loaded locking bolt
498 which in one position is in engagement with the platform, as
shown in FIG. 27b, but which when lever 500 is turned as indicated
by arrow 499 will force the locking bolt 498 out of engagement with
the platform.
[0075] FIG. 25 shows positioned above the user panel a fan 502 that
is mounted so it can turn in a bracket 503. The fan can be turned
relative to the bracket as indicated by arrow 504, and also the
bracket is movable relative to the exercise apparatus as indicated
by arrow 505. The fan is in a known manner connected to the
exercise apparatus and the user panel and gives the user a further
service that can be used during an exercise session.
* * * * *