U.S. patent application number 13/295799 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-15 for exercise machine.
Invention is credited to Andrew Robert LOACH.
Application Number | 20120065034 13/295799 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36178823 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120065034 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LOACH; Andrew Robert |
March 15, 2012 |
EXERCISE MACHINE
Abstract
An improved exercise apparatus is described. The apparatus
comprises a cylindrical element and a flexible member associated
with the cylindrical element. The flexible member is movable
between a wound configuration, in which the member is wound around
the cylindrical element, and an unwound configuration, in which the
member is unwound from the cylindrical element. The apparatus
further comprises a recoil means biased to move the flexible member
to the wound configuration and a resistance means that resists
movement of the flexible member from the wound to the unwound
configurations. The resistance means comprises an energy storage
device, which is in a geared relationship with the cylindrical
element. In a preferred embodiment the energy storage device is a
flywheel.
Inventors: |
LOACH; Andrew Robert;
(Spital, GB) |
Family ID: |
36178823 |
Appl. No.: |
13/295799 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12281122 |
Aug 28, 2008 |
8070657 |
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PCT/GB2007/000363 |
Feb 2, 2007 |
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13295799 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/116 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4015 20151001;
A63B 22/20 20130101; A63B 21/0055 20151001; A63B 21/157 20130101;
A63B 22/0076 20130101; A63B 21/15 20130101; A63B 21/153 20130101;
A63B 21/225 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 21/1636 20130101;
A63B 2022/0079 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 21/154
20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 2220/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/116 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/015 20060101
A63B021/015 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 28, 2006 |
GB |
0603869 9 |
Claims
1. A portable exercise apparatus comprising a pull-cord unit and a
pull cord, the pull-cord unit comprising: a chassis; a drum mounted
to rotate relative to the chassis, the pull-cord being movable
between a wound configuration in which it is substantially wound
around the drum and an unwound configuration in which it is at
least partially unwound from the drum, the pull cord unit further
comprising: a recoil means cooperating with the chassis and the
drum to rotationally bias the drum to move the pull-cord towards
the wound configuration; a flywheel mounted to rotate relative to
the chassis, the flywheel being coupled to the drum by a one-way
transmission such that the flywheel rotates in a constant direction
at a rotational speed greater than that of the drum as the
pull-cord is unwound; a resistance mechanism adapted to apply a
resisting torque to the flywheel, wherein the portable exercise
apparatus further comprises: a first handle connectable to the pull
cord unit and means for affixing the pull-cord to a second handle
or fixture at, or towards, a free end of the pull cord, wherein, in
use, a user grips said first handle and moves the pull-cord unit
such that the pull-cord unwinds against the action of the resisting
torque.
2. The portable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the first and second handles are detachably affixable to the
chassis and pull cord, respectively.
3. The portable exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the pull-cord unit further comprises a performance measuring
means.
4. The portable exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
the performance measuring means comprises a speed sensor that
senses the rotational speed of the flywheel.
5. The portable exercise apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
the speed sensor comprises a Hall sensor.
6. The portable exercise apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
the speed sensor provides a speed sensor output corresponding to
the speed of the flywheel, and the pull-cord unit further comprises
a processor for calculating exercise data based on the speed sensor
output.
7. The portable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising: a radio or wireless data transmitter.
8. The portable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein
the radio or wireless data transmitter transmits the exercise data
to an external device.
9. The portable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein
exercise data is transmitted to a mobile phone, the mobile phone
being programmed to receive and process the data such that exercise
parameters are displayed to the user.
10. The portable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further
comprising: a receiving device programmed to receive and process
the data such that exercise parameters such as speed, distance, and
power can be displayed to a user.
11. The portable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein
the radio or wireless data transmitter comprises a Bluetooth
transceiver.
12. The portable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the one-way transmission comprises a one-way clutch.
13. The portable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the resistance mechanism comprises an eddy current resistance
mechanism comprising a magnet adapted to interact with the
flywheel, wherein rotation of the flywheel relative to the magnet
causes eddy currents to be set up.
14. The portable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein
the flywheel comprises at least one electrically conductive
element, such as copper or brass.
15. The portable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein
the position of the magnet relative to the flywheel is
adjustable.
16. The portable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the flywheel is operatively coupled to the drum via a gear
assembly.
17. The portable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the flywheel is operatively coupled to the drum via an epicyclical
gearbox.
18. The portable exercise apparatus as claimed to claim 1, wherein
the flywheel comprises radially extending features such that upon
rotation of the flywheel air is forced radially outwards, resulting
in an increased rate of heat dissipation from the flywheel.
19. The portable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the portable exercise apparatus is of a size and shape so as to be
convenient to carry in hand-baggage during travel and easy to store
in a cupboard or drawer in the home.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/281,122, filed on Oct. 8, 2010, which
claims priority from PCT Application No. PCT/GB2007/000363, filed
on Feb. 2, 2007, which claims priority from United Kingdom
Application No. GB0603869.9, filed on Feb. 28, 2006, the
disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their
entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an improved exercise
machine, particularly but not exclusively to a portable exercise
machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Most existing forms of exercise apparatus are too large or
heavy to be easily transported or stowed. Examples include weight
lifting equipment, rowing machines, and exercise cycles. Some
portable strength-building equipment is available, such as elastic
cords, but there is little portable equipment available that allows
convenient indoor aerobic exercise.
[0004] It is advantageous to monitor and record the performance of
the user during exercises. This is commonplace in gym equipment
where performance monitors are fitted to most forms of aerobic
exercise apparatus. Such a facility is uncommon in low cost
portable exercise equipment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided an exercise apparatus comprising: [0006] a cylindrical
element; [0007] a flexible member associated with the cylindrical
element, the flexible member movable between a wound configuration
in which the member is wound around the cylindrical element and an
unwound configuration in which the member is unwound from the
cylindrical element; [0008] a recoil means biased to move the
flexible member to the wound configuration; and [0009] a resistance
means that resists movement of the flexible member from the wound
to the unwound configurations, the resistance means comprising an
energy storage device, the energy storage device being in a geared
relationship with the cylindrical element.
[0010] There is a need for compact and lightweight exercise
apparatus that allows the user to perform a variety of
strength-building and aerobic exercises. Such apparatus would be
convenient to carry in hand-baggage during travel, and also easy to
store in a cupboard or drawer in the home.
[0011] In order to achieve an apparatus of low weight and compact
size an embodiment of the invention includes a high-speed flywheel
driven by a high ratio gear arrangement. For the avoidance of
doubt, by "geared relationship" it is meant any form of interaction
between two objects in which variation of the speed of one object
results in the variation in speed of the other. The interaction
between the objects is not limited to engagement of teeth on the
objects, the interaction can, for example, be through a frictional
engagement. By "cylindrical element" it is meant an element
providing a surface around which a flexible element can be
coiled.
[0012] Preferably, the energy storage device is a flywheel. For the
avoidance of doubt, by "flywheel" it is meant an element that
continues to rotate throughout periods of varying energy input to
the system.
[0013] It is desirable that exercise machines such as rowing
machines include some form of energy storage device because it
allows energy dissipation to occur throughout the exercise rather
than in bursts and results in a smoother transition between pulling
and return strokes. Typically, some form of flywheel is used to
store the kinetic energy imparted on the system by the motions of
the user while a resistance mechanism causes energy dissipation
from the flywheel. A device with a high level of energy storage is
desirable because it results in a smoother motion experienced by
the user when compared with a similar device with a lower level of
energy storage but the same level of energy dissipation.
[0014] Gymnasium exercise machines such as rowing machines and
exercise cycles will typically include flywheels with a mass in
excess of 6 kg and diameter in excess of 200 mm. The flywheel is
typically driven by the cylindrical element via a one-way clutch
means. Using a high ratio of gearing between the cylindrical
element and the flywheel to greatly increase the speed of rotation
of the flywheel allows a smaller flywheel, with a mass as low as
200 g, to be used to achieve the same level of energy storage in a
lightweight and compact unit. This high gear ratio and high speed
of rotation results in the additional advantage of a lower
resisting torque being applied to the flywheel for equivalent
energy dissipation-hence a lightweight resistance mechanism can be
employed.
[0015] Preferably the exercise apparatus includes a one-way clutch
arrangement that decouples the flywheel from the cylindrical
element during recoil. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,
this decoupling is achieved by a simple arrangement of support
elements and a spring. This is advantageous because the cost of
manufacture of such an arrangement is less than that of typical
devices.
[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided an exercise apparatus comprising: [0017] a frame;
[0018] a cylindrical element; [0019] a flexible member associated
with the cylindrical element, the flexible member movable between a
wound configuration in which the member is wound around the
cylindrical element and an unwound configuration in which the
member is unwound from the cylindrical element; [0020] a recoil
means biased to move the flexible member to the wound
configuration; [0021] a resistance means that resists movement of
the flexible member from the wound to the unwound configurations;
and [0022] attachment means adapted to receive a user's feet [0023]
wherein said frame further comprises at least one rolling element
adapted to permit said frame to roll on a floor while supporting
the user's feet.
[0024] Such an arrangement is beneficial because, in one embodiment
of the invention, it provides a compact apparatus that allows the
user to perform both strength building and aerobic exercise while
being lightweight and possible to arrange into a more compact form
for storage or transport. This is in contrast to typical exercise
machines in which relatively large and heavy structures are used to
support the weight of the user. The frame positions part of the
apparatus at a distance above the feet of the user. This allows the
user to perform comfortable pulling and return strokes where the
handle does not have to be lifted greatly during the stroke to
avoid the user's knees. Typical rowing exercise machines comprise a
relatively bulky and heavy frame that supports a sliding seat.
[0025] Preferably, the apparatus includes means for enabling the
user to perform a rowing type exercise, as shown in FIG. 1. A
pull-cord unit 1 can be fixed to a wheeled frame 2 and a handle 3
can be attached to the end of the pull-cord 4. The user may sit on
the floor or a fixed seat, secure his/her feet to the frame and
perform rowing strokes with the frame rolling on the floor to allow
a smooth leg extension action. Alternatively a handle may be fixed
to the body of the pull-cord unit, with the end of the pull-cord
being secured to the user's feet or a rolling frame. The body of
the pull-cord unit is then pulled towards the user while the user's
legs are extended. Optionally, a number of rollers may be fitted to
the user's feet to allow the feet to roll smoothly on the
floor.
[0026] According to a third aspect of the present invention there
is provided an exercise apparatus comprising: [0027] a cylindrical
element; [0028] a flexible member associated with the cylindrical
element, the flexible member movable between a wound configuration
in which the member is wound around the cylindrical element and an
unwound configuration in which the member is unwound from the
cylindrical element; [0029] a recoil means biased to move the
flexible member to the wound configuration; [0030] a resistance
means that resists movement of the flexible member from the wound
to the unwound configurations; and [0031] wireless transmission
means that is adapted to transmit exercise data to an external
computing device such as, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a
PDA, an MP3 player, a games console, or a personal computer.
[0032] Such an arrangement is beneficial because, in one embodiment
of the invention, a pull-cord unit 1 includes performance measuring
means and a radio transmission means that can wirelessly transmit
performance data to an external computing device with appropriate
radio receiver means. By using the processing, data storage and
display capabilities of external devices, complex computing and
display functionality does not need to be incorporated into the
exercise apparatus. This greatly reduces the cost of manufacture
while not inconveniencing the typical user who is unlikely to be
often without an appropriate external computing device such as
his/her mobile phone. Additionally, the processing, data storage,
and display capabilities of up-to-date mobile electronic devices
and personal computers are typically well in excess of those
capabilities of the performance monitors of even high-end exercise
equipment. It is also possible that the external computing device
could record and display heart-rate information in addition to
exercise performance measures, the heart-rate signal being
transmitted to the device from a heart-rate sensor module, such as
those worn around the chest, by wireless means.
[0033] Wireless protocols such as Bluetooth or Wifi may be
used.
[0034] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there
is provided an exercise apparatus comprising: [0035] a cylindrical
element; [0036] a flexible member associated with the cylindrical
element, the flexible member movable between a wound configuration
in which the member is wound around the cylindrical element and an
unwound configuration in which the member is unwound from the
cylindrical element; [0037] a recoil means biased to move the
flexible member to the wound configuration; a resistance means that
resists movement of the flexible member from the wound to the
unwound configurations; [0038] mounting means to enable the user to
arrange the apparatus such that arm-curl or pull-down exercises can
be performed.
[0039] Such an arrangement is beneficial because, in one embodiment
of the invention, it enables the user to perform a variety of
strength-building exercises such as arm-curls, as shown in FIG. 2,
shoulder pull-downs, as shown in FIG. 3, and leg swings. These are
enabled by fixing the pull-cord unit to a secure fixing point such
as a doorframe or a fixture on which the user stands. The user then
pulls, using a handle means or foot-attachment means, the pull-cord
from the pull-cord unit body. Alternatively, the end of the
pull-cord may be fixed to a secure fixing point and a handle means
fixed to the body of the pull-cord unit such that the user pulls on
said handle means, this action causing the pull-cord to be unwound
from the pull-cord unit.
[0040] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there
is provided a recoil device for an exercise machine comprising
[0041] a cylindrical element; [0042] a flexible member associated
with the cylindrical element, the flexible member movable between a
wound configuration in which the member is wound around the
cylindrical element and an unwound configuration in which the
member is unwound from the cylindrical element; [0043] a first
rotating element being coupled to the cylindrical element by a
torque transmission means such that said first rotating element
rotates in the opposite direction to the cylindrical element; and
[0044] a coupling means adapted to provide a torsional coupling
between the first rotating element and the cylindrical element that
results in an torque exerted on the cylindrical element that acts
to rotate the cylindrical element in the direction necessary to
wind the flexible member onto the cylindrical element.
[0045] This method of recoil, wherein, in an embodiment of the
invention, a flywheel is coupled to a drum in order to cause
rotation of the drum that results in the winding of a pull-cord
onto the drum once the pulling force is below a minimum level, is
advantageous over the typical method of using a spring element to
rewind the cylindrical element because it is potentially more
compact and more reliable. Typically, a coil spring would be used.
It is very difficult to produce coil springs in a suitably compact
form that can store sufficient energy to recoil a pull-cord through
many turns and survive many coiling and uncoiling cycles. Even the
best examples of such springs typically fail after less than
200,000 cycles which could result in failure of an exercise machine
after less than 100 hours of use. Coil springs are also relatively
difficult to fit and are a potentially dangerous form of energy
storage.
[0046] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there
is provided a cable recoil device for an exercise machine
comprising a cable that is wound around a drum, a rotating element
fitted coaxially with the drum and being coupled to the drum by a
torque transmission means such that it rotates in the opposite
direction to the drum, a torque transmission means that couples the
rotating element to a rotating element that acts as a flywheel with
it being possible that rotating elements are combined such that
they are the same part, a one directional coupling means being a
component of the torque transmission means such that the torque
transmission means can only transfer torque between the drum and
rotating element in one direction of rotation of the drum, and a
coupling means that provides a torsional coupling between the
rotating element and the drum that results in an torque exerted on
the drum that acts to rotate the drum in the direction necessary to
rewind the cable onto the drum.
[0047] Other preferred features are set out in the subsidiary
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with
reference to accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0049] FIG. 1 shows a general arrangement of the apparatus in a
configuration that allows the user to perform a rowing type
exercise.
[0050] FIG. 2 shows a general arrangement of the apparatus in a
configuration that allows the user to perform an arm curling or
lifting exercise.
[0051] FIG. 3 shows a general arrangement of the apparatus in a
configuration that allows the user to perform a pull-down exercise
beneath a door frame.
[0052] FIG. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the apparatus
configured to allow the user to perform a rowing type exercise.
[0053] FIG. 5 shows components of the apparatus disassembled and
arranged in a compact form for storage or transport.
[0054] FIG. 6 shows details of a mechanism that fixes the double
roller assembly 10 to the base frame 8 and allows the double roller
assembly to be mounted in two different orientations, one
orientation being useful for operation of the apparatus and the
other orientation being useful for storage and transportation of
the apparatus.
[0055] FIG. 7 shows the generic components that make up the
foot-rest assembly 13 and the heel-rest assembly 11.
[0056] FIG. 8 shows a preferred embodiment of the apparatus
configured to allow the user to perform an arm curling or lifting
exercise.
[0057] FIG. 9 shows a preferred embodiment of the apparatus
configured to allow the user to perform a pull-down exercise
beneath a door frame. Only a section of the top of the door frame
is shown.
[0058] FIGS. 10 and 11 show a preferred embodiment of the pull-cord
unit 5 without external casing.
[0059] FIG. 12 is a general schematic of the wireless interface
circuit.
[0060] FIGS. 13 and 14 show an alternative embodiment of the
pull-cord unit 5. FIG. 13 is a sectional view.
[0061] FIG. 14 is an exploded view.
[0062] FIG. 15 is a general schematic of a drum recoil system that
is driven by a flywheel element. Positional relationships between
components should not be inferred from this figure.
[0063] FIG. 16 is a general schematic of an alternative embodiment
of a wireless interface circuit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0064] A pull-cord unit 5, shown in FIG. 4, includes a pull-cord 6
that is wrapped around the inner circumference of a channel that is
formed in a drum 7. This pull-cord unit includes a resistance means
that resists the pulling of the pull-cord from the drum, and a
recoil means that causes the coiling of the pull-cord back on to
the drum once the pulling force is reduced.
[0065] The pull-cord unit can be used with various accessories to
enable the user to perform a variety of strength building, toning,
and aerobic exercises.
[0066] An exercise frame, shown in FIG. 4, consists of a base frame
8, a single roller 9 fixed at one end of the base frame, a double
roller assembly 10, a heel-rest assembly 11, an extension bar 12, a
foot-rest assembly 13, and an attachment fixture 14 for mounting
the pull-cord unit 5. A handle 15 can be fitted to the end of the
pull-cord.
[0067] The exercise frame enables the user to perform a rowing
simulation exercise, as shown in FIG. 1, whereby the user sits on
the floor or a cushion or static seat, rests his/her heels on the
heel rest and fixes his/her feet to the foot-rest assembly using
foot straps 16. The user then pulls the handle 15 away from the
pull-cord unit while pushing the exercise frame away from his/her
body using his/her legs.
[0068] The exercise frame supports the pull-cord unit at a distance
above the feet of the user. This allows the user to perform a
comfortable rowing stroke where the handle does not have to be
lifted greatly during the pulling stroke to avoid the user's
knees.
[0069] The rollers allow the exercise frame to roll smoothly along
the floor while supporting the feet of the user. The pull force
that the user exerts on the pull-cord produces a moment acting
about the mounting position of the foot-rest assembly 13 that acts
to rotate the exercise frame. The single roller 9 is positioned a
suitable distance away from the mounting position of the foot-rest
assembly such that this rotation is resisted by the moment
resulting from the reaction of the single roller 9 with the floor
acting about the mounting position of the foot-rest assembly. If
this distance were too small then the exercise frame could tip over
during exercise.
[0070] Alternatively, the handle 15 may be fixed to the body of the
pull-cord unit 5, with the end of the pull-cord 6 being secured to
the user's feet or a fixture, such as the rolling frame 8. For
example, the handle 15 may be fixed to the attachment feature 14.
The body of the pull-cord unit 5 is then pulled towards the user
while the user's legs are extended.
[0071] The exercise frame can be disassembled for storage and
transport, as shown in FIG. 5. The handle 15 can be easily fitted
and removed from the pull-cord 6 by passing the handle through a
loop 17 in the end of the pull-cord. The exercise frame can be
disassembled by removing a fixing pin 18 and pulling the extension
bar 12 away from the base frame 8. This allows the exercise frame
to be arranged into a compact form.
[0072] The double roller assembly 10 is fitted to the exercise
frame such that it may rotate about a pivot pin 19 fixed to the
base frame 8. FIG. 6 shows this arrangement. Rollers 20 are fixed
to a mounting block 21. The pivot pin is fitted through a bore in
the mounting block and fixed to the base frame. A compression
spring 22 fitted around the pivot pin ensures that the mounting
block stays in contact with the base frame. Fixing pins 23 fitted
to the base frame can locate in two of four locating bores 24 in
the mounting block. This allows the mounting block to be orientated
in one of two positions, one position being a position suitable for
operation of the apparatus such that the axis of the rollers is
parallel to the axis of the single roller 9 and the other position
being a position suitable for storage and transport of the
apparatus such that the axis of the rollers is perpendicular to the
axis of the single roller. It is possible for the user to move the
mounting block and rollers between the two positions by pulling the
mounting block away from the base frame such that the fixing pin is
withdrawn from the locating bores. The compression spring ensures
that the mounting block is pushed back over the fixing pin once the
fixing pins are aligned with the locating bores corresponding to
the new position.
[0073] The heel-rest assembly 11 and foot-rest assembly 13 can be
assembled and disassembled as shown in FIG. 7. This allows these
assemblies to be easily demounted from the exercise frame to allow
storage or transport of the apparatus in a more compact form. Each
assembly consists of a first block 25, a support bar 26, and a
second block 27. One end of the support bar is permanently fixed
within the first block. The second block can be fitted to the other
end of the support bar. A spring clip 28 is fitted in an external
groove formed near the end of the support bar. A bore within the
second block includes an internal groove. The internal groove
accepts the spring clip when the support bar is pushed into the
bore of the second block. This results in the second block being
held in position on the support bar by the spring clip. The user
can remove the second block from the support bar by pulling the
second block away from the support bar with sufficient force to
deform the spring clip. Both the heel-rest and foot-rest assemblies
are fitted to the exercise frame by fitting the support bar through
holes in the exercise frame and then pushing the second block onto
the support bar until the spring clip engages the internal groove
of the second block.
[0074] The extension bar 12 may be detached from the base frame 8
by removing the fixing pin 18. FIG. 8 shows the apparatus in an
arrangement that enables strength building exercises whereby the
user stands on the foot-rest assembly 13 and pulls the handle 15
upwards away from the pull-cord unit 5. FIG. 2 shows this
arrangement in use with a user performing an arm-curl exercise.
Alternatively, the handle 15 may be fixed to the body of the
pull-cord unit 5, with the end of the pull-cord 6 being secured to
the user's feet or a fixture, such as the foot rest assembly 13.
For example, the handle 15 may be fixed to the attachment feature
14. The body of the pull-cord unit 5 is then pulled towards the
user while the user's legs are extended.
[0075] FIG. 9 shows the apparatus in an arrangement that enables
strength building exercises whereby the user stands, sits or kneels
below a doorframe and pulls the handle 15 downwards away from the
pull-cord unit 5, as shown in FIG. 3. The pull-cord unit is fixed
to a cross bar 28. A fixed hook 29 is fitted to one end of the
cross bar and an adjustable hook 30 is fitted to the opposite end
of the cross bar. The cross bar fits through a slot in the
adjustable hook such that the hook may slide along the length of
the cross bar. The fixed hook and adjustable hook can be fitted
over the top ledges 31 of a doorframe 32. Moving the adjustable
hook along the length of the cross bar allows the apparatus to be
fitted to doorframes of various thicknesses. Rubber pads 33 fitted
to the ends of the fixed hook and the adjustable hook protect the
doorframe from damage at the points of contact.
[0076] Alternatively, the end of the pull-cord 6 may be fixed to a
secure fixing point, such as the cross bar 28. The handle 15 is
fixed to the body of the pull-cord unit 5 such that as the user
pulls on the handle 15, this action causes the pull-cord 6 to be
unwound from the pull-cord unit 5.
[0077] FIGS. 10 and 11 show the pull-cord unit 5 with the external
case removed. The pull-cord 6 is fitted at one end with a length of
hook-type fastening tape such that said length of tape can wrap
once around the circumference of the channel of the drum 7. The
drum is fitted with corresponding loop-type fastening tape. This
arrangement allows easy attachment and detachment of the pull-cord
from the drum. This is useful both for initial manufacture and for
replacement of a worn pull-cord by the user. This fastening tape
arrangement also limits the force that may be applied to the drum
by the pull-cord if the user pulls the pull-cord until it is fully
unwound from the drum. The pull-cord can be wrapped around the drum
several times while being contained within the channel.
[0078] The drum 7 is supported by a bearing that runs on a shaft
34. The shaft is supported by two support arms 35. The support arms
are supported by a pin 36 that allows the support arms to pivot
about the axis of the pin. The pin is supported by a chassis
37.
[0079] A flywheel 38 is fixed to a driveshaft 39 that is supported
by a bearing 40 that is fixed in the chassis 37. Application of a
pulling force on the pull-cord 6 causes the drum 7 to be pulled
towards and into contact with the driveshaft 39. The outer rims 41
of the drum make tangential contact with the driveshaft. The
positions of the support arms 35 ensure that while the pulling
force is great enough to hold the drum in contact with the
driveshaft and the pull-cord remains within a certain angular range
relative to the long edges of the support arms, the centre position
of this range being the position where the pull-cord is
perpendicular to the long edges of the support arms, the reaction
force between the outer rims of the drum and the drive shaft will
always be great enough to ensure that the contact friction is great
enough such that no slipping occurs at this contact. Hence rotation
of the drum results in rotation of the driveshaft and the flywheel.
While no slipping occurs at the contact, the ratio of the angular
speed of the flywheel to the angular speed of the drum is the same
as the ratio of the radius of the drum to the radius of the
driveshaft at the point of contact. Hence a high effective gear
ratio is possible. A high effective gear ratio is desirable because
it results in a high angular speed of the flywheel. This results in
the kinetic energy stored in the flywheel being equal to the
kinetic energy stored in a heavier or larger flywheel that is part
of a system with a lower effective gear ratio.
[0080] At the opposite end of the driveshaft 39 to the flywheel 38,
a small pulley wheel 42 is fitted. A large pulley wheel 43 is
fitted to run freely on the shaft 34. The large pulley wheel is
coupled to the small pulley wheel by an elastic drive-band 44. The
large pulley wheel is fitted with a number of magnets 45 at equal
radii from the centre of the large pulley wheel. There is a
corresponding number and positioning of magnetic steel plates
fitted to the drum 7 such that they face the magnets with a small
gap separating them. This arrangement results in a limited maximum
coupling torque between the large pulley wheel and the drum. The
tension in the drive-band is sufficient such that the drive-band
will not slip on either pulley wheel while the torque acting on the
large pulley wheel is at or below this maximum coupling torque.
This coupling between the drum and the large pulley wheel is mostly
elastic in that relative rotation between the large pulley wheel
and the drum does not result in a significant net dissipation of
energy when the effect is averaged over a number of full rotations
of one body relative to the other. The coupling has the effect of
applying a torque to the drum in a direction that acts to rotate
the drum in the direction necessary to recoil the pull-cord 6 onto
the drum.
[0081] A torsion spring 46 is fitted such that it acts to move the
support arms 35 such that the drum 7 moves away from contact with
the driveshaft. Hence when the pulling force applied to the
pull-cord 6 drops below a certain level, the drum will move away
from contact with the driveshaft 39. In this case the only
significant coupling that acts between the driveshaft and the drum
is that due to the magnetic coupling between the magnets 45 fixed
to the large pulley wheel 43 and said magnetic steel plates fixed
to the drum. This results in the rotation of the drum in a
direction that will recoil the pull-cord onto the drum while the
flywheel 38 continues to rotate.
[0082] It is advantageous that the ratio of the diameter of the
large pulley wheel 43 to the diameter of the small pulley wheel 42
is less than the ratio of the radius of the drum rims 41 to the
radius of the drive shaft 39 at the point of contact. This helps to
ensure that the large pulley wheel will not turn so fast that it is
unable to accelerate the drum in the recoil direction.
[0083] A braking magnet 47 is a permanent magnet magnetized such
that opposite poles are formed on the opposite flat parallel sides,
one such side being parallel to the flat face of the flywheel 38.
The flywheel is made of a conductive metal such as copper or brass.
Rotation of the flywheel results in eddy currents being set up
within the flywheel. These eddy currents produce magnetic fields
that act to oppose the motion that caused them, hence a braking
force is exerted on the flywheel. This braking force increases with
the speed of the flywheel and therefore provides a convenient
speed-dependent resistance to the pulling of the pull-cord 6. The
eddy currents produce Ohmic heating within the flywheel. Channels
48 within the flywheel force air to move radially over the outer
surface of the flywheel and hence result in a greater rate of heat
dissipation from the flywheel.
[0084] The fly wheel is designed to be light weight and operate at
high speed in order to have the desire energy storage capacity.
Preferably the flywheel will have a mass of less than 1 kg, a
diameter of less than 200 mm and be capable of operating at speeds
of over 1000 RPM in normal use.
[0085] The pull-cord unit 5 is fitted with a case. This can be seen
in FIG. 4. Air intake vents 49 are positioned close to the centre
of the flywheel and air exhaust vents 50 are located around the
perimeter of the case. This arrangement allows air to be drawn in
through the air intake vents and then accelerated within the
channels of the rotating flywheel 38 before exiting through the air
exhaust vents.
[0086] The braking magnet 47 is mounted on an adjustment pin 51.
The adjustment pin passes through a hole in the braking magnet and
features a threaded end that screws into a threaded hole 52 in the
chassis 37. The braking magnet rests against a flat surface 53 of
the chassis such that it cannot rotate. A compression spring 54 is
fitted between the braking magnet and the chassis such that the
braking magnet is pushed against a shoulder of the adjustment pin.
Thus the radial position of the braking magnet relative to the
flywheel 38 may be adjusted by rotation of the adjustment pin. This
adjustment mechanism allows the user to change the level of damping
that the braking magnet applies to the flywheel and hence change
the intensity of the exercise.
[0087] The pull-cord unit 5 is fitted with a wireless transmission
unit that transmits information to an external computing device
110. The external computing device 110 is a mobile phone, according
to one embodiment (as shown in FIG. 2). Components of this wireless
transmission unit are shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 12 shows a
general circuit schematic. The wireless transmission unit comprises
a power supply circuit, a sensing circuit, and a radio transmission
module 60. A coil 55 is fitted to a circuit board 56. Magnets 57
are fitted to the flywheel 38 at a radius such that they pass close
to the coil during rotation of the flywheel. Movement of the
magnets past the coil induces an electric current in the coil. The
power supply circuit connects the coil to the input terminals of a
bridge rectifier 58. A large capacitance storage capacitor 59 is
connected across the output terminals of the bridge rectifier to
smooth the rectified output and provide energy storage for
operation of the radio transmission module and the sensing circuit.
A voltage regulator module 65 provides a regulated voltage output
to the radio transmission module and the sensing circuit.
[0088] The sensing circuit provides a voltage pulse to the radio
transmission module 60 every time one of the magnets 57 passes the
coil 55. A capacitor 61 couples one end of the coil to one input of
an operational amplifier 62. A potentiometer 63 provides a
threshold voltage at the other input of the operational amplifier.
The operational amplifier acts as a comparator such that a voltage
occurs at the output once the voltage produced by the coupling to
the coil rises above the threshold voltage. A resistor 64 ensures
that charge from the coupling capacitor can drain between
pulses.
[0089] The radio transmission module 60 is an integrated module
that includes a radio transceiver and a microprocessor. The module
allows radio transmission using the Bluetooth protocol. This
protocol allows information to be sent to any device with a
suitable Bluetooth interface fitted. Bluetooth interfaces are
commonly fitted in mobiles phones, personal-digital-assistants
(PDAs), and personal computers. The output from the operational
amplifier 62 of the sensing circuit is connected to a digital input
of the radio transmission module. The radio transmission module is
powered by the power supply circuit. The radio transmission module
is programmed to record the time periods between pulses from the
sensing circuit. These time period data are transmitted in a radio
signal using the Bluetooth protocol. A suitable receiving device
can be programmed to receive and process the data such that
exercise parameters such as speed, distance, and power can be
displayed to the user.
[0090] FIGS. 13 and 14 show an alternative embodiment of a
pull-cord unit for the apparatus. A pull-cord 66 is fitted at one
end with a length of hook-type fastening tape such that said length
of tape can wrap once around the circumference of a channel formed
in a drum 67. The drum is fitted with corresponding loop-type
fastening tape. This arrangement allows easy attachment and
detachment of the pull-cord from the drum. The pull-cord can be
wrapped around the drum several times while being contained within
the channel.
[0091] The drum 67 is mounted on a bearing 68 that is fitted to a
driveshaft 69. The inner race of a spragg type one-way bearing 70
is fitted to the drum such that the rotation axes of the one-way
bearing and the drum are collinear. The one way bearing only allows
transmission of torque from the inner race to the outer race in one
direction of relative rotation between the races. The outer race of
the one-way bearing is fixed to an internal gear 71. The internal
gear forms the annulus of an epicyclic gear arrangement that
provides a high ratio torque transmission between the drum and the
driveshaft. The planet gear assemblies 72 of this epicyclic gear
arrangement are mounted on bearings 73 that are fitted to shafts
74. These shafts are fixed to an endplate 75 of the pull-cord unit.
This endplate is part of the external casework of the pull-cord
unit and does not rotate. Each planet gear assembly consists of a
double spur gear with a small diameter gear, that meshes with the
internal gear, being fixed and concentric to a larger gear that
meshes with a sun gear 76. Use of double spur gears allows for a
larger gear ratio than would be possible by only using single
planetary gears. The sun gear is fixed to the driveshaft. A
flywheel 77 is also fixed to the driveshaft. Hence rotation of the
drum in one direction results in the rotation of the driveshaft and
flywheel in the opposite direction at a much greater speed. The
driveshaft is supported within the casework of the pull-cord unit
by bearings 78 fitted at each end of the driveshaft.
[0092] Rod magnets 79 are fixed to the drum 67 such that they face
the flywheel 77 and are arranged in a regular circular pattern
about the rotation axis of the drum. Rotation of the drum results
in a counter-rotation of the flywheel at a higher speed. The
flywheel is made of an electrically conductive metal such as copper
or brass. The rotation of the flywheel relative to the rod magnets
results in eddy currents being set up in the flywheel. These eddy
currents produce magnetic fields that act to oppose the motion that
generated them. Hence the motion of the flywheel is damped by eddy
current action. The size of the eddy currents is proportional to
the relative speed of rotation of the flywheel and the rod magnets.
The user therefore experiences a speed-dependent resistance to the
pulling of the pull-cord 66 from the pull-cord unit. The torque
reaction between the flywheel and the rod magnets is low relative
to the torque reaction in the magnetic resistance mechanisms used
in typical exercise machines because the gear ratio produced by the
epicyclic arrangement is so high. For this reason, smaller or less
powerful magnets can be used. It should also be noted that a
suitable pull-cord unit may include braking pads that produce a
frictional coupling between the drum and the flywheel. It is
however advantageous to use a magnetic coupling because a
frictional coupling will result in wear of the braking pads that
necessitates periodic replacement of the braking pads, and a higher
noise level during operation.
[0093] The eddy currents produce Ohmic heating within the flywheel
77. Channels 80 within the flywheel force air to move radially over
the internal surfaces of the flywheel and hence result in a greater
rate of heat dissipation from the flywheel.
[0094] The flywheel 77 and rod magnets 79 remain coupled by eddy
currents while there continues to be relative rotation between the
flywheel and drum 67. This coupling acts to move the drum in a
direction that recoils the pull-cord 66 onto the drum and will
result in the recoiling of the pull-cord once the pulling force on
the pull-cord is reduced to a low enough level. Once the rotation
speed of the flywheel drops below a certain level, the size of the
coupling torque, due to eddy currents between the flywheel and the
rod magnets will no longer be sufficient to move the drum in the
recoil direction. For this reason, a number of steel pins 81 are
fitted to the flywheel such that they pass close to the rod magnets
during rotation of the flywheel. This results in an additional
magnetic coupling between the flywheel and rod magnets that is
sufficient, even at low speeds of flywheel rotation, to cause the
drum to rotate in the recoil direction.
[0095] FIG. 16 shows a general schematic of an alternative circuit
for a wireless transmission unit. The circuit is powered by a
battery 101. A switch 102 connects the battery to the rest of the
circuit. A Hall-sensor module 103 is fitted such that the magnets
57, shown in FIG. 11, pass close to it during rotation of the
flywheel 38. The Hall sensor module is an integrated circuit that
produces a voltage output that is dependent upon the magnetic flux
passing through the Hall sensor module. Hence as the magnets move
past the Hall sensor module the voltage output changes. The voltage
output from the Hall sensor is connected to one input of an
operational amplifier 104. The other input of the operational
amplifier is connected to a potentiometer 105 that produces a
threshold voltage. When the output voltage from the Hall sensor
module rises above this threshold voltage the output of the
operational amplifier switches. The output of the operational
amplifier is connected to an input of a Bluetooth transceiver
module 106. The Bluetooth transceiver module is an integrated
module that includes a radio transceiver and a microprocessor. The
Bluetooth transceiver module is programmed to record the time
periods between pulses from the operational amplifier output. These
time period data are transmitted in a radio signal using the
Bluetooth protocol. A suitable receiving device can be programmed
to receive and process the data such that exercise parameters such
as speed, distance, and power can be displayed to the user.
[0096] The invention is not limited to the precise details of the
embodiments described above.
* * * * *