U.S. patent number 3,792,860 [Application Number 05/272,907] was granted by the patent office on 1974-02-19 for pivotal platform training apparatus with selectively connectible components.
Invention is credited to Arnold Selnes.
United States Patent |
3,792,860 |
Selnes |
February 19, 1974 |
PIVOTAL PLATFORM TRAINING APPARATUS WITH SELECTIVELY CONNECTIBLE
COMPONENTS
Abstract
A training apparatus comprising a framework, two platforms, one
end of each platform being pivotally connected to the framework,
the platforms being substantially parallel to one another and being
pivoted at adjacent ends, a supporting member, adjustable in
length, being located between the substantially parallel platforms
and being pivotally connected at one end to the framework, a
crossbar being detachably fitted at the other end of the supporting
member and one or more force-transmitting or tractive means for
retaining the supporting member in different desired angular
positions and/or movably interconnecting the two platforms and/or
connecting through the crossbar to a displaceable device, when the
training apparatus is in use.
Inventors: |
Selnes; Arnold (Oslo 2,
NO) |
Family
ID: |
23041780 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/272,907 |
Filed: |
October 17, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/95; 482/51;
482/72; 482/80; 482/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
23/0355 (20130101); A63B 2208/12 (20130101); A63B
21/068 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
23/035 (20060101); A63B 21/06 (20060101); A63B
21/068 (20060101); A63b 021/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;272/58,72,79R,80,57D,81,82,83R,83A |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Pinkham; Richard C.
Assistant Examiner: Stouffer; R. T.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Nolte, Jr.; Albert C. Hunter;
Edward B. Hamburg; C. Bruce
Claims
I claim:
1. A training apparatus comprising a framework, two platforms, one
end of each platform being pivotally connected to the framework,
the platforms being substantially parallel to one another and being
pivoted at adjacent ends, a supporting member, adjustable in
length, being located between the substantially parallel platforms
and being pivotally connected at one end to the framework, a
crossbar being detachably fitted at the other end of the supporting
member and one or more selectively connectable means for retaining
the supporting member in different desired angular positions, for
movably interconnecting the two platforms whereby pivotal movement
of one platform in one direction will simultaneously move the other
platform in the opposite direction, or for connecting through said
crossbar to a displaceable device whereby tractive force by a user
will displace said device.
2. A training apparatus according to claim 1, in which said
selectively connectible means comprises adjustable stays for
retaining the supporting member in different desired angular
positions.
3. A training apparatus according to claim 1, in which said
selectively connectible means comprises adjustable cords for
connection to the crossbar to movably interconnect the two
platforms.
4. A training apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising
hooks connected to the cords and lugs which are fastened to the
underside of the handlebars of the platforms, the hooks and lugs
being adapted to engage to form a connection.
5. A training apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising
means detachably pivotally connecting the crossbar to the
supporting member for pivoting in both the horizontal and vertical
direction.
6. A training apparatus according to claim 1, in which the
supporting member and the platforms are collapsible to lie in the
plane of the framework.
7. A training apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising
handlebars integral with the platforms.
8. A training apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising
means including transverse axles pivotally connecting the platforms
and the supporting member.
9. A training apparatus according to claim 1, in which said
selectively connectible means comprises cords and the apparatus
further comprises a rolling seat constituting the displaceable
device, pulleys attached to the crossbar for receiving the cords
and a foot support adapted to be detachably mounted on the
supporting member.
Description
The present invention concerns a training apparatus, especially
intended for indoor use.
Several different training apparatuses are known which are intended
for indoor use. However, the majority of these apparatuses are very
specialized in that it is only possible to carry out a single
exercise on each apparatus. Additionally such apparatuses are often
very noisy in operation.
Another disadvantage of the known training apparatuses is that they
are usually very heavy and occupy a large space and in certain
cases require a special room. Accordingly, such apparatuses cannot
be used, for instance, in a room of a house. Further, such
apparatuses occupy the same space whether in use or not.
Another inconvenience with these prior art apparatuses is that they
possess one or more forms of friction-elements, brakes and
cog-wheels etc. These apparatuses are also very expensive to
purchase and maintain.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a training
apparatus which minimizes the above-mentioned disadvantages and
drawbacks.
By using the apparatus of the present invention it is possible to
carry out approximately 60 different exercises. Moreover, for each
individual exercise a number of intermediate exercises are
possible.
The apparatus of the invention makes little noise and is intended
for use by any person, e.g. for athletes, handicapped people,
people who are convalescing, children and average people, etc.
The apparatus of the invention is small and lightweight and
reasonably priced. There are no friction elements, brakes or
cog-wheels, etc. Moreover, the apparatus can be folded up when not
in use to enable easy storing thereof to be effected.
The apparatus of the present invention is so constructed that it
can be utilised by any person without complex instructions being
necessary.
According to the present invention, there is provided a training
apparatus comprising a framework, two platforms, one end of each
platform being pivotally connected to the framework, the platforms
being substantially parallel to one another and being pivoted at
adjacent ends, a supporting member, adjustable in length, being
located between the substantially parallel platforms and being
pivotally connected at one end to the framework, a crossbar being
detachably fitted at the other end of the supporting member and one
or more force-transmitting or tractive means being provided for
retaining the supporting member in different desired angular
positions, and/or for movably interconnecting the two platforms
and/or for connecting via the crossbar to a displaceable device,
when the training apparatus is in use.
The appended drawings show schematically some examples of how to
make use of the apparatus. It will be apparent from the drawings
how the apparatus can be used placed on the floor, as well as how
it can be used hanging up on a wall. The apparatus can also be
adjusted and used for walk-and-run training, rowing apparatus,
gymnastic apparatus, push and stretch apparatus, swing or playing
apparatus for children, besides constituting an excellent body
exercising apparatus for both adults and children. However, it is
not possible to mention all the different possibilities of the
apparatus. Therefore, the description is primarily aimed at
explaining the principle of the construction of the apparatus and
some examples of how it functions. At all times it is one's own
body weight that constitutes the direct resistance in the
apparatus.
The apparatus is in principle based on utilizing a balance
arrangement. The performer can decide for himself how strenuous the
exercises are to be and what groups of muscles are to be trained,
accordingly from zero effort to a maximum effort can be applied. By
means of the apparatus of the invention is is possible to train
different groups of muscles of the body by utilizing the various
different exercises possible.
The invention will be further illustrated, by way of example, with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention,
adjusted for a walk/run or body exercise;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention in a
collapsed condition;
FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the apparatus of the invention
placed on the floor and being utilized for a body exercise.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention
placed on the floor and being used as a rowing apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention
hanging on a wall and being utilized for pull-push exercises;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention
hanging on a wall and being utilized as a swing and for
body-raising and lowering exercises;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention
placed on the floor and being utilized for walk/run exercises;
FIG. 8 is a side view of the apparatus of the invention placed on
the floor and being utilized for therapy exercises by a
convalescing or handicapped person;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view and FIG. 10 is a side view of the
apparatus of the invention hanging on a wall and being utilized for
different body exercises; and
FIGS. 11 and 12 are enlarged fragmentary views showing
constructional details of the apparatus of the invention.
The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is built up on a base or framework 1,
and is preferably constructed of steel tubes. Two platforms 3 are
pivotally connected to the framework 1 by axle 2. The platforms 3
are movably and adjustably interconnected by means of adjustable
cords 5, a crossbar 10, and a supporting member 7,8 adjustable in
length. The supporting member 7,8, is located between the platforms
3 and is retained in different desired positions by means of
adjustable supporting stays 12. The crossbar 10 is detachably
pivotally connected at 9 to the supporting member 7,8, via
revolvable bolt 17 in revolvable and rockable manner.
The cords 5 are removably attached to the platforms 3 by means of
hooks 4 which pass through lugs fixed to the underside of
handlebars 14. In this manner, the cords or hooks cannot fall out
in training. Nevertheless, they may be easily removed when the
apparatus is to be disassembled or is to be altered for other
exercises. The supporting stays 12 can be fixed in the same
manner.
The supporting member 7,8 is pivotally connected to the framework 1
by axle 6. The axle 6 is rotatably located in the framework 1, and
mounted thereon by means of an angle iron 15, fixed to the
framework and equipped with lugs 16 that can be bent inwards (shown
in detail in FIGS. 11 and 12).
The framework 1 can be made in two parts (as shown in the drawings)
or as a single piece. The cords 5, and the supporting stays 12, may
be made of nylon or chain-cable, etc. and in known manner they can
be made adjustable by means of lock-blocks or hooks etc. The
platforms 3 are each equipped at their free end with a handlebar 14
for different arm-and body exercises. The supporting member 7,8,
can be adjusted in length and fixed by means of a bolt. The
crossbar 10 can be provided with movable collars 13 in order to fix
the cords 5 thereto or to act as fastening elements for rolling
blocks or castors, according to requirements.
FIG. 2 shows the apparatus of the invention in a collapsed
condition when not in use. The crossbar 10 and part of the
supporting member 8 may be positioned on opposite sides of the
framework 1.
FIG. 3 shows the apparatus of the invention being utilized for a
body exercise.
The apparatus as shown in FIG. 4 may be used as a rowing apparatus,
in which case the supporting member 8 is equipped with a
foot-support 11. The collars 13 on the crossbar 10 are then
equipped with a pulley arrangement 21 and the cords 20 pass from
the operator via the crossbar 10, to a rolling-seat 18 equipped
with wheels. On the back edge thereof, the seat may have an
elevated back section, or a suitable belt 19 which is fastened to
the seat 18 to act to counteract the forces produced during the
exercise. In this way the participant is prevented from sliding on
the seat. It is up to the participant how much force he wants to
apply in the rowing action since the resistance offered depends on
the foot-force applied.
The same cords and crossbar may be used for different exercises,
e.g. when the apparatus is hung up on a wall (FIG. 5), -- in this
case-- with a connected cord 23.
The seat 18 may also be used for other exercises. It is possible to
repose on the seat, and in the traditional way to roll with same
forward and back. When the apparatus is used as a gymnastic
apparatus, the cords can be freed from contact with the platforms,
and be equipped with a crossbar in the same way as when it is used
as a swing. When the apparatus is used as a swing, the cords are
provided with a seat 24 (FIG. 6). The cords run then through
castors, and they are equipped with handle-bars, so that the
participant can raise and lower the body.
FIGS. 7,8, 9 and 10 show various forms of exercise possible with
the apparatus of the invention.
All cords and stays, as well as the supporting member are
adjustable in length. It is possible to rotate the crossbar in the
horizontal as well as the vertical direction, and it is removably
connected to the supporting member.
* * * * *