U.S. patent number 3,708,167 [Application Number 05/099,101] was granted by the patent office on 1973-01-02 for exercising apparatus.
Invention is credited to Jacobus Daniel Potgieter.
United States Patent |
3,708,167 |
Potgieter |
January 2, 1973 |
EXERCISING APPARATUS
Abstract
This invention relates to a body exercising apparatus for
execution of a very large number of different exercises. The
apparatus comprises a single upright post with a platform extending
from one side of the bottom end and having pulley means on the top
engaged by a cable of variable effective length. The cable is
connected with one end in movement adjustable fashion to a weight
carrying lever attached to the post on a side opposite to the
platform side whereas the opposite end of the cable is connectable
to any one of a plurality of separate devices for engagement by a
person on the platform for exercising purposes. Additional pulleys
for optional engagement by the cable, rigid bar members and means
for locking of the lever are also associated with the post.
Inventors: |
Potgieter; Jacobus Daniel
(Riettontein, ZA) |
Family
ID: |
22272714 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/099,101 |
Filed: |
December 17, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/100; 482/91;
482/41; 482/138 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
21/0615 (20130101); A63B 21/4047 (20151001); A63B
21/4035 (20151001); A63B 21/08 (20130101); A63B
2208/12 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
21/06 (20060101); A63b 021/08 (); A63b
023/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;272/81,79R,79A,79B,79C,79D,80,82,83R,83A,58,DIG.4,DIG.5 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
735,331 |
|
May 1966 |
|
CA |
|
1,124,173 |
|
Jun 1956 |
|
FR |
|
372,658 |
|
Dec 1906 |
|
FR |
|
167,621 |
|
Feb 1906 |
|
DD |
|
Other References
Marcy Gym Equipment Company Catalog No. 69, Glendale, California.
Pages 20, 31, 32, and 40. .
Iso-Ciser Kit, New York Times, week of July 14-20, 1963..
|
Primary Examiner: Oechsle; Anton O.
Assistant Examiner: Kramer; Arnold W.
Claims
I claim:
1. Apparatus for isotonic and isometric body exercising comprising
an elongated flexible element of changeable effective length which
is lead over elevated pulley means and connected to weight mounting
means by one end and any one of a number of different parts adapted
for engagement by the exerciser, and a horizontal platform on which
the exercises are performed, including, in combination:
a single upright post of changeable height and having a top and and
a bottom end of which the bottom end engages a base to which the
platform is also attached in a radially extending position;
a horizontal beam across the top of the post having tandem arranged
pulleys at the ends for said element whereby opposite end portions
of the element are at opposite sides of the post;
a lever pivotally attached by one end to an intermediate portion of
the post in a vertically adjustable fashion and from which it
extends in a direction opposite to the direction of extension of
the platform whereas a weight is attached to an opposite end
portion of the lever;
additional pulleys on the post at changeable positions and
selectively engageable by the flexible element for the latter to
extend outwardly from the post at different selected positions and
at different angles;
an additional lever device pivotally connected at adjustable
positions on the upper intermediate portion of the post on the same
side as the platform;
a number of separate attachment parts for selective connection to
the flexible element and including different bar-like members and a
head harness each having a connecting device for ready connection
to the end of the flexible element on the platform side of the
post;
a lockable winch device adjustably and lockably mounted on the said
lever at any position between the pivoted end of the lever and the
weight whereas the end portion of the flexible element is wound on
said winch device whereby the leverage and the effective length of
the flexible element is readily and infinitely variable for
changing the position of any one of the attachment parts to the
flexible element and readily varying the load against which
different exercises are isotonically performed; and
a means for immovably coupling the lever for isometrically
performing exercises with any one of the attachment parts.
2. An apparatus for body exercising as claimed in claim 1 wherein
the platform comprises a rectangular member pivotally connected by
a transverse end to the base element about a horizontal axis and
being lockable substantially at right angles to the post by a
sloping brace frame having one end connected to the platform and
the opposite end to a slidable and lockable part on a lower portion
of the post, said platform including a number of rigid coplanar
panels of which a center panel is displaceable to and lockable in
any one of a number of sloping positions.
3. An apparatus for body exercising as claimed in claim 1 wherein a
horizontally disposed wide U-shaped bar is adjustably fixable in
vertical directions on the post for parallel limb portions thereof
to extend in the direction of projection of the platform, said bar
being provided with downwardly projecting rigid hooks adjacent the
end of the parallel limb portions.
4. An apparatus for body exercising as claimed in claim 1 wherein a
tubular part is provided on the platform side portion of the beam
across the top of the post projecting horizontally and transverse
to said beam, said tubular part being adapted to retractably locate
a rigid horizontal bar.
5. An apparatus for body exercising as claimed in claim 1 wherein
the additional lever device comprises a substantially Y-shaped
rigid part of which the end of the leg portion is pivotally
connected to a bracket which in turn is adjustably fixable onto the
post whereas arm portions of said part are located in parallel
spaced relationship and being provided with inline horizontally and
outwardly protruding handle-forming extensions on the ends, said
leg portion mounting an adjustable clamp member having a connecting
device for disengageable coupling of one end of the flexible
element.
6. An apparatus for body exercising as claimed in claim 1 wherein a
separate attachment device for connection to the end of the
flexible element at the platform side of the post includes a rigid
elongated part having a pair of flexible material loop-forming
straps attached to end portions thereof whereas on the center
portion a connecting eye device is provided for disconnectible
connection to the flexible element.
7. An apparatus for body exercising as claimed in claim 1 wherein a
separate attachment device for connection to the end of the
flexible element at the platform side of the post includes a rigid
elongated part of which the center portion is of keen V-shape and
having a connecting eye device at the apex thereof for
disconnectible connection of the flexible element.
8. An apparatus for body exercising as claimed in claim 1 wherein a
rigid elongated part is provided having end portions of V-shape
formation which project in the same direction whereas at the center
of the part a connecting eye device is provided for disconnectible
connection of the flexible element, said eye device being arranged
to project in a direction opposite to the direction of projection
of the V-shape formations, said formations being in addition
provided at the apexes with coupling devices for attachment of a
further flexible element.
9. An apparatus for body exercising as claimed in claim 1 wherein a
horizontal bar is mounted transversely across the lower end portion
of the post and transversely to the platform.
10. An apparatus for the body exercising as claimed in claim 1
wherein radial stabilizing arms are pivotally connected to the base
about horizontal axes and being lockable substantially at right
angles to the post by sloping braces having ends slidable and
lockable on the lower portion of the post.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Exercising apparatus are known employing displacable weight means.
These known apparatus are of a complex nature and either require a
substantial structure or require parts to be connected or attached
to a permanent structure such as walls, doors ceilings of a
building or the like. In addition the number of exercises which are
capable of being executed is usually limited.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a simple, inexpensive and
self supporting apparatus on or with which a very large number of
exercises may be performed isometrically and isotonically. Another
object is to provide an apparatus which is readily adjustable to
suit the requirements of adults and children and is also suitable
for use by handicapped people. A further object is to provide a
readily erectable and dismountable exercising apparatus which
occupies a small space when in use and which may be packed to form
a small package for transportation and storage.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a body exercising apparatus for muscle
development, body building, therapeutic exercising and like
purposes.
This invention relates to an apparatus for exercising of the body.
More particularly the invention relates to a readily adjustable
exercising apparatus for muscle development, body building,
therapeutic exercising, and like purposes and which is readily
adaptable to suit a large number of different exercises and being
suitable for use by children and adults.
According to the invention an apparatus for body exercising, muscle
development and like purposes is provided which includes a base
part, a post mounted in an upright position on the base part,
pulley means at the top end of the post, an elongated flexible
element passing movably over the pulley means and having end
portions on opposite sides of the post, connecting devices on the
flexible element, a lever on one side of the post and pivotally
connected by one end to a lower portion of the post and carrying
changeable weight means at an opposite end portion, additional
pulley means attached to the post for movable engagement by the
flexible element, an additional lever device on the opposite side
of the post and pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of
the post, horizontal bars fixable to the post at changeable
positions, a number of separate bar-like members, complementary
connecting devices on the lever, the additional lever device and
the bar-like members for engagement by the connecting devices of
the flexible element; the said lever having one end of the flexible
element connected thereto at variable positions between the ends
whereas any one of the bar-like members or the additional lever
device is connectable to the opposite end of the elements whereby a
large member of different exercises can be performed.
The exercises are performed against a movable resistance, presented
by the weight on the lever, whereby isotonic tension occurs when
the muscles re-act against such movable resistance while the angle
of the particular joint changes continuously. The invention also
includes means for holding and locking the lever with the weight
means against movement so that isometric tension occurs when the
muscles re-act against such immovable resistance while the angle of
the particular joint remains unchanged.
The post is preferably of extendable and retractable construction
and has the bottom end disengageably attached to the base. For
rigid erect location of the post a number of spaced radially
disposed stabilizing arms and brace bars are attached to the base
and a lower region of the post.
A platform is also provided which is attached to the base and from
which it extends horizontally and from that side of the base
opposite to the side from which the lever with the weights extends
from the post. The platform includes a part which is mountable in
any one of a number of sloping positions.
The stabilizing arms and the platform are preferably foldably or
readily removably attached to the base and the post to present a
collapsible and/or dismountable apparatus.
The platform is advantageously of rectangular shape and has
associated with it a retractable extension part having foothold
formations which are required for certain exercises.
With the platform and the lever with the weight means on opposite
sides of the apparatus all the exercises, which are performed on
and/or with the platform, are performed away from the weight means
so that accidents and injury by dropping of the weights is
eliminated.
Said weight carrying lever is of the third order having one end
pivotally connected to the post, the weight means on the opposite
end portion while the elongated flexible element is connected to
the lever at an intermediate position, said latter position being
preferably changeable. The weight means is preferably also fixable
to the lever at different positions. With such changeability the
effort required to lift the weight may be varied.
The fulcrum of the weight carrying lever is supported on a bracket
which is clampingly secured on the post at any desired position
along a lower portion of the post.
On the upper region of the post circumferential socket-like clamp
brackets are provided for fixing at any desired position along the
post. Such brackets provide radial arms for rotatably supporting
pulleys, the additional lever device and a horizontal bar.
The flexible element preferably comprises a cable. The cable is
preferably of adjustable length. For adjustment of the effective
length of the cable, winch-like means may be adjustably mounted on
the weight carrying lever while such winch means is provided with
locking devices for locking it in any desired position. By changing
the position of the winch-like means the moment of the effort arm
of the leverage is readily changed.
The pulley means at the top of the post, and more particularly on
the top end of an upwardly extendible part of the post,
advantageously comprises a pair of spaced grooved pulleys mounted
in spaced tandem fashion on the ends of a horizontal beam fixed by
a center portion across the post. Said beam provides a part for
mounting a bar-like member in a horizontal position and
transversely thereto.
The bar-like members, which are used separately, are engaged and/or
held by the hands, legs, feet, shoulders or other parts of the body
of a person using the apparatus. Such bar-like members include: a
T-shaped part of which the leg limb is provided with a connecting
device; a short bar having on a center portion a connecting device;
a short bar having a connecting device at one end; a bar having a
coupling device at the center and a V-shaped notchlike formation at
each end which project in directions opposite to the direction of
projection of the coupling device; a bar having inline end portions
and a wide V-shaped intermediate region mounting a coupling device
on the apex; and a short bar having a loop forming connecting
device connected to the end regions. In addition a head harness is
provided which comprises a loop forming strap having the ends
connected by a cord while an endless strap is connected to
intermediate portions of the limb forming parts of the first
mentioned strap and having between the connections a connecting
device. Other devices may be provided for attachment to the post
and the lever member with the aid of the flexible element.
Additional pulleys may be provided on the post at any desired and
preferably changeable positions for engagement by the flexible
element for performing various exercises.
The aforesaid additional lever comprises a substantially rigid
Y-shaped part of which the end of the leg is pivotally connected to
the post by a socket-like clamp bracket while on the ends of the
arms inline outwardly protruding extensions, forming handles, are
provided. On the leg forming limb of the additional lever a
connecting device is adjustably attached for engagement by
connecting device of the flexible element.
The invention also provides means for locking of the lever so that
with the said devices the exercises may be performed
isometrically.
In order that the invention may be clearly understood and carried
into effect reference will now be made to the accompanying sheet of
drawings.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of an apparatus for body exercising,
muscle development and like purposes, constructed according to the
invention; and
FIGS. 2 to 9 are pictorial views of eight different parts or
accessories for use with the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
The apparatus shown consists of a tubular post 10 which has an
upwardly extendible telescopic upper and inner slidable part 10.1.
The part 10.1 is provided with a number of spaced holes 12
selectively engageable by a pin 12.1. The pin 12.1 is engaged in
holes in both the parts of the post to lock the height of the post
as may be required.
The bottom end of the post 10 engages in a socket 14 provided in a
horizontal pedestal forming base 16. For stable erect location of
the post 10 radially extending stabilizing arms 18 are swingably
attached to the base 14. The arms are rigidly held by brace bars 20
which are pivotally attached by opposite ends to the arms 18 and a
sleeve 22 which is adjustably fixable to the lower portion of the
post. Also attached to the base 14, and about a horizontal axis, is
a platform 24. The platform also forms stabilizing means for the
erect location of the post while substantially all the exercises
are performed on or with the aid of parts incorporated in the
platform. A frame 26 of the platform 24 is connected to the base 16
and also by brace bars 20.1 to the sleeve 22.
On the frame 26 three rigid platform panels or boards 28 are
located. The center panel 28 is displaceable from its co-planar
position with the other panels to variable sloping positions. For
such purpose a strut frame 30 is hingedly connected to the under
face of said panel while the opposite end is engageable in notch
forming formation 32 presented on intermediate members of the frame
26. One end of the panel 28 is tiltably engageable with or hingedly
attached to a transverse member of the frame 26.
With the frame 26 an auxiliary frame 34, having foot rests 36, is
extendably associated for performing certain exercises.
Across the top end of the upper part 10.1 of post 10 a horizontal
beam 37 is rigidly fixed. On each end said beam mounts a pulley
44.
On the post 10 five circumferential socket-like clamp brackets 38,
38.1, 38.2, 38.3 and 38.4 are provided for variable fixing. On the
post part 10.1 a further and similar bracket 38.5 is provided. Each
bracket is provided with a pair of spaced radial arms 40 mounting a
horizontal pin 42. On the pins 42 of brackets 38, 38.1, 38.4 and
38.5 a grooved pulley 44 is freely rotatably carried. The pulleys
44 of brackets 38, 38.1, 38.4 are on one side of the post while the
pulley of bracket 38.5 is on the opposite side of the post. Bracket
38.2 provides for rigid mounting of a horizontal wide U-shaped bar
48 of which the parallel limbs 50 form handles which are required
for use when certain exercises are to be performed.
On the brace bars 20.1 a horizontal bar 46 is rigidly fixed at a
position to the connection of these brace bars to the sleeve
22.
On bracket 38.3 a lever device 54 is pivotally attached. The lever
device is of approximately Y-shape. The end of the leg portion 56
of lever device 54 is attached by the free end to the bracket 38.3
while parallel arm portions 58 thereof provide inline handles 60 on
their free ends.
Pivotally connected to bracket 38.1 is a lever 62 which is of the
third order. On the free end portion of lever 62 circular weights
64 are mountable between collar clamps 66. The weights 64 are
provided with central holes 67 for threading onto the lever 62.
Adjustably fixed along the lever is a lockable winch 68 on which a
cable 70 is wound. The cable 70 extends from the winch and over
pulley 44 on bracket 38.5, and the pulleys 44 on beam 37. On the
beam 37 cable guides may be provided to prevent the cable from
jumping the pulleys 44. The portion of the cable 70 extending from
the platform end of the beam 37 may be passed over any one or more
of the pulleys 44 of brackets 38.4 or 38 to permit particular
exercises to be performed. The positions of the fixing of the
brackets 38, 38.4 may be changed along the post 10 to suit the
exercises to be performed and also the tallness of the person doing
exercises.
On the free end of cable 70 a connecting device, in the form of a
hook 72, is provided for hooking onto an eye connector of a clamp
74 circumferentially engaging the leg portion 56 of the lever
device 54, or an eye connected on the parts shown in FIGS. 2 to
7.
On the end region of beam 37, projecting in the same direction as
the platform 24, a transverse socket 76 is rigidly secured for
threadingly receiving therethrough of a rigid bar which is not
shown.
The brackets 38, 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 38.4 and 38.5 are slidable on the
post 10 and clampingly fixable thereon by hand screws 78.
A resilient material pad is preferably also provided to act as a
shockabsorber when the weight 54 is dropped. Alternatively a
resilient material tyre may be provided on the weights for said
purpose.
Parts to be used with the apparatus for various and different
exercises comprise: a bar 80 (FIG. 2) having loop forming flexible
material straps 82 on the ends and a centrally positioned
connecting eye 86; a bar 84 (FIG. 3) having an eye 86 at its center
while the end portions are substantially V-shaped as at 88, said
shaping being in the direction opposite to the direction of
projection of eye 86 while at the apexes of said shapings hooks 89
are provided for a flexible element, strap or cord 90; a long bar
92 (FIG. 4) of which the center portion is of wide V-shape, as at
94, and having an eye 86 on the apex; at least one short bar 96
(FIG. 5) having a loop forming element 98 attached at its ends; and
a short bar 100 (FIG. 6) having an eye 86 at one end.
A head harness 102 (FIG. 7) is also provided comprising a loop
forming strap 104 having eyes 106 on the ends for a cord 107, and
an endless (and if required adjustable) strap 108 attached to
intermediate portions of strap 104 and having an eye or ring
86.
With the apparatus numerous different exercises can be performed
for developing, rectifying, improving muscles, limbs or parts of
the body of a person. The apparatus has many uses, such as to
assist in training for various forms of sport, physical education,
gymnasia, recreation, physiotherapy, etc.
The apparatus may be readily taken apart or collapsed and erected,
and is thus also portable. It may also be stored in a confined
space.
By way of example a number of exercises which may be performed with
the apparatus will now be indicated. While standing on the platform
24 and when using the cable 70 for lifting of the weights 64, with
or without passing the cable over any of the pulleys 44 on brackets
38, 38.4 as may be necessary, and attachment of any of the bar-like
accessory parts the following exercises may be performed: bent arm
pull down, straight arm press down (narrow overgrasp and wide
grasp), arm inward pull (kneeling), trunk bending sideways, bending
("good morning"), angle standing back strengthening, erect rowing
(narrow grip), one hand erect rowing, bent over rowing (elbows
inward and outward), dead lift (straight legs), shoulder shrug,
arms forward raise, one arm lateral raise, bent over one arm
lateral raise, straight arm inward pull, press down behind neck
(standing and seated), two hands standing press (from eye level),
vertical press (wide grip), two arm pull down, two arm press down,
triceps press ("French curl"), horizontal dips, two arm curl
(standing and seated- wide and narrow undergrasp), one arm curl,
two arm curl (overgrasp), wrist rolling (overgrasp), wrist curl
(undergrasp), one hand sideways wrist curl, full squat, back squat,
full squating with extended hips, and heel raising. While lying on
the platform the following exercises may be performed: bench press
from supine position (normal and wide grasps), incline bench press,
leg press, leg curl, ankle press, ankle curl.
With the aid of the head harness 102 connected to the cable neck
flexion and neck extension exercises may be performed.
With the center platform panel 28 in a sloping position and with
the cable passing over the pulley of bracket 38 and connected to a
short bar straight arm pull over, bent arm pull over (undergrasp
and overgrasp) exercises may be performed.
Exercises which may be performed on the apparatus, without the use
of the weight and cable system the following may be: situps (feet
low down and elevated), trunk twisting situps, leg raise, leg raise
from hanging, straight leg sitting down, arm extension from bent
arms support (dips and elbows outward).
With the platform panel in a sloping position and with the use of
the weight and cable system exercises such as straight arm pull
over and bent arm pull over (undergrasp and overgrasp) may be
performed.
As aforesaid these exercises are only indications of some of a very
large number of exercises which can be performed with the aid of
the apparatus according to the invention.
Exercises, causing raising of the weight means, are executed
isotonically. For the exercises to be executed isometrically the
weight means is held or locked against movement and for such
purpose a link 110 (FIG. 9) is provided. The link 110 presents an
eye 112 on one end for engaging over the free end portion of lever
62 while on the opposite end two inwardly directed spaced and
inline nibs 114 are provided for engaging into opposite ends of a
transverse horizontal hole provided in a protruding part on the
base 16. The nibs are outwardly displacable against the resiliency
of material for engaging of the nibs into or disengagement from the
said transverse hole. Said link may comprise a metallic rod doubled
upon itself and suitably shaped to form the eye 112, a shank
portion 116 and the inline nibs 114.
The aforesaid winch 68 comprises a U-shaped bracket 120 of which
the transverse part forms a bush 122 which slidably engages the
lever 62 and adjustably fixable thereto by a clamping hand screw
78. Within the bracket 120 a drum 124 is rotatably supported and
onto which one end of the cable 70 is connected. One flange of the
drum 124 is lockingly engageable by a shoe (not shown) which is
drawn onto the said flange by a bolt and wing nut combination 126
for locking the drum against movement.
* * * * *