GB2509920A - A compact rowing machine providing additional exercises - Google Patents

Abstract

An exercise device comprising a seat 3, a foot rest 6 at one end and two arms 9, whereby the seat may move along a first axis in relation to the foot rest and the arms are articulated to allow displacement in relation to the first axis and along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, wherein movement of both the seat and arms is limited and affected by a user-variable resistance mechanism 50. 360 degree swivel handles 2 are provided to accept a plurality of holding positions during different exercises. Foot rest 6 can be removed and central hinge 11 released for compact storage. Furthermore, extension bench (30) may be attached to the seat for use during laying down exercises.

Description

AN EXERCISE DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an exercise device, more particularly but not exclusively an exercise device for whole body conditioning.

Background

Regular exercise is essential for good health and well being. Often people may use equipment in order to exercise such as a rowing machine or fixed weights in order to condition the body.

Commonly exercise equipment is designed to focus on particular parts of the body or types of exercise for example cardiovascular training on the rowing machine and separate resistance machines for toning and strength work.

Traditionally such equipment is provided in a gymnasium or gym being generally large and often heavy pieces of equipment. Some exercise equipment has been developed for use in the home wherein the exercise machine may be compacted to fit in a smaller space such as the home.

However, multiple pieces of equipment may still be required in order to provide full body exercise and in particular to include both cardiovascular and resistance training.

Additionally resistance training often requires use of weights which are typically required to be stacked on the machine so that resistance may be altered by changing the number of weight used therefore making the machine heavy and bulky.

Prior Art. a

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted United states patent US 7 981 010 (WEBBER et al) discloses an exercise machine, comprising: a stationary main frame; a user support frame pivotally mounted relative to the main frame for rotation between a start position and an end position during an exercise; the user support frame having a primary support and at least one secondary support which engage different parts of a user's body, the primary support supporting the majority of a user's weight in the start position of the support frame and the secondary support being fixed at a predetermined angular orientation and not moving relative to the primary support throughout an exercise movement; at least one multi-function user engagement device movably mounted relative to the frames which is engaged by the user in performing exercises, the multi-function user engagement device having at least a first mode of operation which is used for performing a first exercise which exercises a first muscle or muscle group and a second, different mode of operation which is used for performing a second exercise independently from the first exercise, the second exercise exercising a second muscle or muscle group distinct from the first muscle or muscle group, the user engagement device being switchable between the first and second modes of operation without adding any parts to the machine or removing any parts from the machine; a conhecting linkage which translates movement of the user engagement device in the first and second modes of operation to movement of the user support frame; the secondary support moving together with the primary support at said predetermined fixed angular orientation throughout the first and second exercises; a load for resisting movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage in both the first and the second mode of operation of the user engagement device; and the connecting linkage comprising a multiple part connecting linkage.

Granted United States patent US 7 563 211 (WU) discloses a multi-function exercise apparatus comprising: a support platform; a pair of footboards with two respective pedals attached to said support platform; a sliding seat assembly having a seat cushion fastened to a sliding section, and said sliding section slidingly mounted to said support platform, said sliding section provides with a sliding base mounted on said support platform and a fastening section disposed on said base which includes tw separate protrusions extending from both sides of said base and a pivotal socket connected to an outer edge of each said protrusion; two spring devices respectively secured to both sides of said sliding seat assembly and each of which comprising a spring, a first stem affixed to a top end of said spring and a second stem attached to a lower end thereof; said second stem connected to said sliding seat assembly: said spring device is installed to said pivotal socket: and a seat back pivoted to said two first stems of said spring devices to bend said spring while imparting a supine force to said seat back, by which a resistant force can be generated against said supine force further wherein each said protrusion has a pivotal plate disposed thereon and said seat back has two respective braces fastened to bottoms of said two arms; each said brace forms a slot at its distal end so as to contact with said pivotal plate.

Granted United States patent US 8 043 198 (ZHO(J) discloses a multi-function sit-up apparatus includes a frame a seat and a back pad. The seat and the back pad are disposed on the frame. The back of the back pad is provided with a pair of arm pull devices. By the arm pull devices, the user sits on the seat and lies on the back pad with his/her hands to pull the pull handles to strengthen the abdominal muscles, arms and pectoral, providing a multi-function exercise effect.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an exercise device for multiple exercise regimes comprising: a seat arranged in use for movement back and forth along a first axis, wherein said movement is limited and affected by user-variable resistance means; a foot rest, wherein said movement of said seat along said first axis is in reference to the foot rest; and two arms, wherein said arms are articulated to allow their displacement at least in part in relation to the first axis, and articulated such that displacement is along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and wherein said displacement is limited and affected by a user-variable resistance mechanism.

In some embodiments said user variable resistance means and said user variable resistance mechanism are analogous, similar or combined.

Typically the embodiments of the device comprise: a moveable seat mounted on runners, a frame supporting said seat; two moveable arms attached to said frame and wherein the arms are displaceable in different orientations so as to allow varied exercises, and in which the arms are jointed so as to be capable of being bent; and whereby movement of the seat and arms is limited by resistance means so as alter intensity required by a user to move the arms or seat.

Said seat may be a bench seat. The arms may be attached to said frame by joints.

In this way the exercise device may be arranged to perform various exercises, for example simulating rowing as a form of cardiovascular workout and facilitating resistance training by use of the arms and/or the seat in alternative orientations.

In preferred embodiments the frame comprises an elongate body with at least two legs, preferably being substantially trapezoid in appearance for maximal stability.

Ideally the legs include feet to reduce slippage of the device in use and damage to flooring. Typically the feet may be formed from a resiliently deformable material such as rubber.

Additionally the frame may be arranged in use to support an adjustable foot rest at one end so as to enable the user to position their feet in the optimal position for exercising. Preferably the foot rest is arranged so as to be angled in an alternative plane to that of the body, ideally near perpendicular to the body and wherein the foot rest may be tilted away from the user. Typically the foot rest includes defined locations for each foot wherein each foot may be secured in position by means of an adjustable strap to limit movement during exercise.

Preferably the body may be formed from two parts that may be displaced from one another in order to reduce size when not in use. It may be envisaged that the parts may be hinged so as to allow folding or may be removably attached from one another.

In preferred embodiments the frame is tubular when preferably the tubes are square although alternatives such as circular, ovaloid or rectangular tubes may be used for all or parts of the frame.

In some embodiments the frame length may be adjustable so as to be adapted to different heights of user. For example the two parts of the main body may fit together concentrically wherein amount of concentric overlap is variable so alter frame length.

Typically the two parts may include increments so as to guide the user to particular lengths of the frame.

In preferred embodiments the frame supports the arms and the seat which are moveable parts. Ideally each moveable part is associated with resistance means so as to be able to alter ease with which each part moves.

Preferably the seat is associated with a belt wherein the belt creates optional one directional resistance for the user when sliding the seat backwards. For example the user may carry out a reclined leg press by pushing themselves back against the footrest in order to use their legs to move the seat backwards against the resistance of the belt. Ideally the belt tension, or in other embodiments pressure from pistons, can be adjusted so as to alter resistance. Whilst rowing the belt may be set to a low tension or disconnected completely in order to allow unrestricted movement backwards and forwards. In some embodiments the belt may be replaced by a damper.

Ideally the main body includes at least one runner adapted to accept the seat to enable the seat to slide along the frame length therefore enabling the user to simulate rowing or carry out resistance training on the user's lower body. The resistance belt therefore alters the amount of force required by the user to push the seat away from the foot rests.

Additionally the seat may be locked out at various locations along the runner so that the seat becomes fixed in use in order to perform some exercises such as a simulated *bench press wherein the user lies on the seat and pushes the arms upwards.

In preferred embodiments a removable seat extension is provided so as to be arranged in use to increase the seat length thereby allowing the user to lie down on the frame and be supported by the two seats.

Furthermore the frame may be arranged in use to accept a sprung head rest which may be used to support the users head in use and also to perform neck exercises wherein the user pushes their head against the sprung head rest in order to displace it, typically using the neck muscles to achieve this In some embodiments the sprung mechanism is provided by roller bearings so as to enable free movement. Ideally the tension may be adjusted to alter intensity of the neck exercise.

Preferably the seats include a base and a top wherein base is rigid and specifically dimensioned in order to be fitted to the runner(s) and the seat top and sides are padded for user comfort. Ideally the seats are padded with wipe clean cushioning such as synthetic coated cellular structure, so as to enable them to be readily cleaned.

In preferred embodiments the arms are attached by sockets to either side of the frame at the opposite end to the foot rests so that they are able to be moved in a plurality of directions.

Preferably each arm is associated with separate resistance means. Ideally each arm is connected to one damper to provide bidirectional resistance wherein the damper may be adjusted to alter resistance, Typically the dampers may be mounted under the frame forming a cross so that they operate substantially perpendicular to the elongate body wherein the arms are arranged or arrangeable to move substantially orthogonally or wherein resistance is channelled via pivots, levers and belts. It may be envisaged that this resistance means may be removable so as to enable easier storage of the exercise device.

Ideally the arms are arranged in use to be fixed on the frame at desired angles or particular planes dependant on the exercise to be carried out. Additionally the arm may be capable of being bent at the joint to provide further exercise options. It may be envisaged that in some embodiments the arm may be bent at the joint and fixed or alternatively the arm may be free to bend at the joint in response to forces applied by the user, as well as moving about the socket to provide greatest adjustability.

Typically the joint includes a locking means so as to allow or prevent bending. For example the joint may include a screw thread which may be manually tightened by the user to prevent movement at the joint during some exercises.

Preferably the arms are formed from a strong, durable material capable of repeated use such as a metal or metal alloy. Ideally part, or all, of the arm may include a coating to protect the arm from wear and for user comfort. For example the coating may be a cellular structure such as synthetic plastic foam, or rubber.

In preferred embodiments the dampers may be adjusted by the user so as to generate bidirectional so that for example the user, experiences equal resistance when pulling and pushing the arms or to be one-directional resistance for example to only exert a pulling force. Furthermore the dampers may be removable so as to be changed to alter resistance or if damaged and to assist with storage.

Preferably each arm includes a distally mounted handle adapted to be grasped by the user. Typically the handle may be dimensioned to enable the user to be able to wrap their fingers around the handle. Ideally the handles may be removable so as be changed for alternative handles for different exercises.

In some embodiments the handles may swivel in use so as to allow the user to.

maintain grasp during use without having to change their grasp during exercise.

In some embodiments the exercise device may include a panel to compute and display data, for example time and resistance. It is envisaged that the panel may include a power source such as a wired mains supply or a battery. In other embodiments the panel may be powered by the belt which converts the power input from the user to a power supply for the panel when in use.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the device; Figures 2 show a view from above and below of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 3 show side views of the embodiments shown in Figure 1; Figures 4 show end views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the device; Figures 6 show a view from below and above of the embodiment shown in Figure 5; Figures 7 show end views of the embodiment shown in Figure 5; And Figure 8 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures, there is provided: Stretch-out bar 1 Swivel handle 2 Rower seat 3 with potential Extension bench 30 Resistance adjuster 4 Resistance belt 5 or side pistons 50

Adjustablefootret

Square frame rails 7 Anti-slip and/or adjustable feet 8 Rower arm 9 with articulations and adjustment 90 Resistance damper 10 Central hinge 11 Crossover piston resistance 12 The seat experiences resistance from the belt 5 or piston 50 dependent on embodiment.

To adjust the resistance in belted embodiments, a roller is tightened against the belt to provide varying degrees of difficulty.

The foot rests 6 can extend from a low rowing position to a high leg exercise position, as well as pivoting forwards and back for the optimum feet position.

The arms 9 can be fixed at the desired angle, as well as one section rotating about the other to provide the greatest adjustability. The arms include internal resistance provided by adjustment 90 and friction. Further embodiments may include internal or central wires or sinews, capable of tensioning.

The resistance dampers 10 can be adjusted for force exerted on both the outward and return strokes.

The handles 2 swivel 360 degrees or more particularly include a central spoke that swivels within a circumference, and ideally rotate about the connecting arms 9.

To make the device compact enough1 the foot rests 6 can be removed, the arms 9 tucked in, extension bench removed, and the central hinge 11 released to fold in half.

For rowing exercise regimes, a one-directional resistance belt or piston is included for movement of the seat during rowing and two-directional dampers for push and pull movements e.g. chest, shoulders, biceps, triceps and back. This is appropriate for lower body regimes for forward and backward movements e.g. legs, calves and stomach.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.