MX2007007997A - Exercise equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention concerns exercise equipment, intended for training upper body mussels by imitating the movement that is conducted in conjunction with paddling. The exercise equipment is equipped with a moveable handle that is connected to at least one energy-accumulating unit. The energy-accumulating unit is preferably comprised of an elongated elastic element consisting of a stretchable material. When using the exercise equipment the handle is moved in the axial direction of the equipment thereby accumulating energy in the energy-accumulating unit. Through the continuing motion the accumulated energy is released from the elongated elastic element and thereby returned to the person exercising. Use of the exercise equipment in accordance with the invention is a more effective way to develop upper body muscles than using traditional walking poles. Furthermore, a positive side effect is created when tensions on leg muscles are reduced.

Description

EXERCISE EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention in question has to do with a type of exercise equipment, intended primarily for supplementary training along with the walk. More specifically, the invention relates to a type of exercise equipment equipped with a movable handlebar, which is connected to at least one energy storage unit. When using the equipment, the handlebar moves in the axial direction of the equipment, thus accumulating energy in the energy accumulation unit. Through continuous movement, the accumulated energy is released from the unit of energy accumulation and is returned to the person who is exercising. Along with exercise, where the muscles of the lower body are mainly exercised, for example when walking, it has proven, from a training point of view, to be effective in the exercise of upper body muscles. Previously, as walkers sought to increase the exercise of the muscles of the upper body, they have been limited to different forms of gymnastics or to the use of ski poles, poles, weights and similar ordinary utensils. Originating in Finland, it has become increasingly common since the late 1990s to use walking sticks or canes specially developed in relation to walking. Although the use of walking sticks has proven to have a positive effect on exercise with total training results improved as a result, studies show an improvement in effectiveness of between 10% to 30%, still has the disadvantage that the walker does not carry out no effective dynamic movement with the upper body muscles along with the walk. A disadvantage of existing walking sticks is that they are not equipped with an effective energy storage device that harnesses the energy produced by the upper body muscles, and then be able to return the energy after it accumulates in such a way that A more effective dynamic exercise for the upper body muscles is achieved. The advantages of rowing as a training method have proven to be a superior method for exercising upper body muscles. Therefore, the purpose of the invention is to create exercise equipment that exercises upper body muscles to a greater degree than traditional walking sticks. The equipment such as canes and similar devices that contain an elastic element, is already known. Accordingly, patent document GB 2359498 discloses a shock absorber for a cane that includes at least one externally placed spring, applied to the lower part of a walking support. By pushing the walking support on the ground, a spring is compressed, thus producing a damping effect. The elastic force of the elastic components can be selectively varied. The equipment includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust the length of the cane. The cane differs significantly from the invention in question. Patent application GB 2340402A discloses an accessory for different types of supports for walking, consisting mainly of a pressure spring placed externally in the lower part of the pole. The construction consists of a pressure spring that fits between an internal and an external tube. During use, the spring is compressed, thus producing a damping effect. The design differs greatly from the invention in question. Patent document US 5484361 A describes a ski pole loaded with a spring for an improved exercise effect together with the ski. The design includes a pressure spring placed in a cap on the top of the cane. The design is held together by a rod which is placed in the center of the spring and which is connected to the upper end of the cap and also articulated in bearings to the upper edge of the stick. The lid is placed in a close proximity to the handlebar. The cane is intended primarily to exercise the muscles of the upper body. The construction differs significantly from the invention in question and does not include a handlebar that moves to any degree in relation to the length of the pole. In the international patent application 0 03034859 Al a buffer is described, for example canes, ski poles, walking poles and the like. The shock absorber consists of a spring package that is placed inside the cane, in the middle of two parts that slide separately. The spring pack consists of a spiral-shaped pressure spring in line with a cylindrical substance of an elastomeric material. The design, which constitutes a shock absorber, differs significantly from the intention, which is described with the invention in question. In the Swedish patent document SE 522840, a cane is described which is to be used on bare ground, as well as on snow or ice. The design consists of an external and an internal tube, which moves and telescopes to a suitable length for the cane. In addition, the design includes a handlebar on the upper end of the cane as well as a wrist rest design to fit the handlebar. The telescopic fixation of the inner tube is coupled to a spring system that provides a certain elasticity of the inner tube inside the outer tube when the cane is kept on the ground / snow / ice. The invention is characterized in that the internal and external tubes are approximately of the same length, and because they have a specific shape which implies that the rod has a relative low weight in the downward direction. Furthermore, the invention is characterized in that the tubing of the upper rod is formed with a reduced diameter that adapts to a suitable, relatively thin handlebar. The design described in SE 522840 differs significantly from the invention in question. Although the above designs serve each for their own purposes, none of these contain the intention of the invention in question for exercise equipment, to be used in conjunction with the paddle, which imitates the movement that occurs when paddling. Furthermore, none of the above designs contains a handlebar that is capable of moving in relation to the main part of the length of the exercise equipment, and connected to at least one energy accumulating unit that accumulates energy that can be released and You can return to the person who is exercising and therefore provide more effective training. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be described in detail in the following with reference to the attached schematic drawings, which for the purpose of exemplification displays the current preferred designs of the invention. Figure 1-3 shows the essence of the intention of the invention. Figure 4 shows, from a side angle, the first alternative design of the exercise equipment with the handlebar in the upper end position. Figure 5 shows, from a side angle, the first alternative design of the exercise equipment with the handlebar in the lower extreme position. Figure 6 shows a second alternative design of the invention. Figure 7 shows a third alternative design of the invention that includes a rope attached to the elastic element. Figure 8-9 shows a fourth alternative design of the invention. Figure 10 shows a fifth alternative design of the invention. Figure 11 shows a sixth alternative design of the invention. Figure 12-13 shows a variation of the invention, where the movable handlebar can be fixed to the upper part of the exercise equipment. Figure 14 shows a variation with a handlebar in the form of a glove. Figure 15 shows a variation and alternative positioning of the brake wheel. Figure 16 a-b shows a variation with an articulated tip and a tip consisting of a suction device respectively. Figure 17 shows an exercise apparatus with a force sensitive device. Figure 18 shows a variation of the elongated object with longitudinal sliding guides. The Figure 19 shows a variation of the invention including a pre-tightening device for pre-tightening the spring element. Figure 20 shows how the energy storage unit may consist of a unit of compressed air. Figure 21-22 shows how the exercise equipment can be adjusted with several handlebars. Figure 23 shows how the upper end of an exercise equipment can be adjusted with a dumbbell. Figure 24 shows the described movement of the handlebar during a movement cycle, including the placement of the cane in the ground, the energy charge, the release of the same and the leverage of the ground. Figure 25-42 shows alternate exercise methods with the exercise equipment. With reference to the illustrations 1-3, the basic idea of the exercise equipment 1 is shown according to the invention in question. The exercise equipment consists of an elongated object 2 of suitable material, such as plastic, composites, metallic materials or the like. Preferably, the elongate object has a round shape, alternatively, the elongated object consists of an oval section, semi-round, triangular, square, multi-edged or similar. The elongate object is more adequately made of a solid or hollow material. The handle 3 fits the elongate object 2, which moves axially in relation to the axial direction of the elongated object. A plug 4 is fitted to one end of the elongate object, for example with glue, by pressing, screwing, with a tap or other suitable method for joining parts. The plug 4 also acts as an interruption for the upward axial movement of the handlebar and prevents it from detaching from the elongated object. The shape of the plug also allows the rod-like exercise equipment to be used as a fixed cane. The plug can be made in a number of different variations and shapes. For example, a plug in the shape of a knob is shown in the illustration.

The handle 3 is connected to at least one energy accumulation unit 5. The energy storage unit is connected to the elongated object 2 by, for example, a joint 6. Alternatively, the joint 6 can be located in a different place inside (if it is hollow) of the elongated object to which it is shown in the illustration. The energy storage unit 5 is not limited to the schematic execution and placement according to the illustration 1. The energy storage unit 5 can, for example, consist of an elongated elastic element, of a compressed air unit, of a tension spring, or other energy storage unit that can quickly accumulate and release energy back to the handlebar 3. When applying force to the handlebar 3, the handlebar slides along the elongated object 2, thus accumulating energy in the unit 5 of energy accumulation. When the force on the handle 3 is reduced, the energy stored in the energy accumulation unit is released, thus causing the handle 3 to return to its original position. In illustration 1 the handlebar is in its upper end position. In illustration 2 the handlebar moves partially along the elongated object. In illustration 3 the handlebar moves to its lower extreme position.

With reference to illustrations 4 and 5, the first alternative design of the exercise equipment is shown. As in the variation described above, the exercise equipment includes an elongated object 2 with a plug 4 placed on top of the exercise equipment 7. In the illustration, the retainer consists of a knob. The energy accumulation unit in this variation is made of at least one elastic element 5. The elastic element is more appropriately constituted by an elastic cord, spring, or similar rubber products or other suitable elastic materials. The elastic element preferably has a round, square or rectangular cross section. The elastic element 5 fits on a handle 3, which, in its simplest form, can be constituted by a tube of suitable length, which fits the elongate object 2. The internal shape of the handle 3 is chosen in such a way that it is mainly in such a way that it essentially corresponds to the external shape of the attached elongated object. Between the elongated object and the handlebar, there must be space for the elastic element. The handlebar can be adjusted with bearings to the elongated object in such a way that it can easily run axially along the length of the elongated object. The bearings may consist of a traditional sliding bearing, which, in its simplest form, is formed from the interior of the handlebar. The bearings may consist of inserts in the form of inserts (not shown) that fit inside the tube. In addition, the bearings may consist of other known types of bearings for axial bearings. The handlebar is preferably made of a suitable material of some type of plastic, composite, metallic material, or other suitable material. By applying force to the handle 3, the handlebar slides along the elongated object, thus accumulating energy in the elastic element 5 during the simultaneous extension of the previous one. When the force is reduced, the accumulated energy of the elastic element will be released and will cause the handle 3 to return to its original position. A strap 8 for the hand or similar to the handlebar can be attached. The strap 8 for the hand is to facilitate the handling of the exercise equipment as well as to improve the handling of the exercise equipment. Furthermore, the hand strap 8 implies that the transition of the strength of the person exercising the equipment and vice versa is improved. The size of the hand strap 8 can be fixed or adjusted more appropriately to the wearer's wrist. To provide a good fixation on a hard surface, such as asphalt, concrete or rock, the cane can be adjusted with a tip 9 at its lower end, made of a hard material, such as tungsten, some form of carbide or hard metal. For use in snow, the cane can be easily adjusted with a snow disk or a snow ring (not shown in the illustration). In Figure 6, another alternative design is shown, where the elongated object is in two pieces and is hollow. The elongated object consists of an internal profile 11 and an external profile 11 that can be inserted into each other. A locking mechanism 14, of known technology, allows the inner profile 10 and the outer profile 11 to be telescopically connected with one another in a firm manner. Alternatively, the length of the exercise equipment can be adjusted in other ways, for example a succession of holes in the tubes (not shown in the illustration) that fit together so that a desired length in the tube is reached. equipment similar to a cane. After adjusting the length, the inner and outer tubes are interlocked by a locking pin or the like. At least one elastic element fits the tip 13 at the lower end 14 of the tube from where the elastic element runs through the tube from the tip to the upper end 7 of the tube beyond the tube through the opening 15. and outside the handlebar 3. The elastic element is adjusted to the handlebar with a knot or with the help of some type of joining element. The illustration shows how the elastic element runs along at least one pulley 16. The pulley is attached to the upper end of the elongated object in relation to the opening 15. The distance between the axial center of the elongate object and the center The rotation of the pulley can vary significantly. The placement of the pulley in relation to the axial direction of the elongated object can vary significantly. In addition, the diameter of the pulley can be freely chosen according to the specific design of the exercise equipment. Figure 7 shows a variation of the invention including an elongate object 2 through which at least one elongated elastic element 5, of which one end is connected to the tip 13. The other end of the elongated object is connected to a rope 17 running through an opening 15 in the elongated object 2 along at least one pulley 16 to the handle 3. The rope is adjusted to the handlebar in a suitable manner with, for example, a knot or some type of known joint element. Alternatively, the rope may consist of a wire or the like. With reference to illustrations 8 and 9, a fourth alternative design of the invention is shown. The illustrations show how the handle 3 moves along the length of the elongate object 2, from the plug 4 (in this way the plug 4 consists of the pulleys 6) at the upper end downward or at the tip 13 of the end bottom of the elongated object. The handlebar is adjusted with four elastic elements 5 that run inside the tube from the tip to the pulleys 6 to the handle 3. The elastic element is preferably constituted by a rubber cord or the like. In Figure 10, a fourth alternative design of the present invention is shown. In this design, an end 18 of the handlebar 3 has an extending joint 19, which is intended to join the elastic element 5 with the help of a connecting element 20. The joint 19 can also be attached to the upper end (not shown in the illustration) of the handlebar 3, alternatively at a different place along the ring (not shown in the illustration). An extending joint 21 is attached to the pole at the upper end of the elongated object with a suitable joining method, such as a joining element 22 consisting of a locking pin, tap, or other equal method. Preferably, the union consists of an elbow. The elastic element can be adjusted with a locking pin, screw or similar. Alternatively, the elastic element can run in and out of the elongated object through the joint. In Figure 11 an alternative way of positioning the elastic element 5 is shown. In this way, a joint 23 is connected to a suitable point in the external profile 11 of the two-part elongated object. At the joint, at least one elastic element 5 is fitted. The other end of the elastic element 5 was fitted to the handle 3. By means of a pulley 16, mainly in relation to the axial direction of the elongated object, with radial bearings, which are fitted to an upper end of the exercise equipment, the elastic element runs from the joint 23 to the handle 3. Illustrations 12 and 13 show how the exercise equipment can be provided with a locking device 46 with which the handle 3 is fixed on the upper end 7 of the elongated object 2. The locking device consists of a locking arm with bearings 24 joined in a similar suitable manner with an axis 25 alternatively a pin, tap or similar to the handlebar. Figure 12 shows the locking device in an open position. Figure 13 shows how the locking arm 24 was changed to a position at the upper end 7 of the elongate object 2. Through this fixation, exercise equipment can be used as a traditional walking stick. In addition, the handlebar can be adjusted with a hand strap (not shown). The illustration 14 shows a seventh design version of the invention, where the handlebar is constituted in some form of glove 26. The glove is adjusted in a suitable, integrated or similar manner, to at least one unit 5 of energy accumulation in shape of a rubber rope or spring, or similar elastic material. When training with the exercise equipment equipped with a handlebar in the form of a glove, the elongate object is held with the aid of a glove 26 after which the glove, during training with the equipment, slides along the elongated object . When it returns upward, the glove is attached to plug 4. Figure 15 shows a variation of the pulley placement. The variation consists of an elongated object 2 preferably hollow in which the handle 3 runs. The handlebar is adjusted with a sturdy elastic element. The resilient elastic element runs from the handlebar along a pulley 16 fitted to the joint 27 by the shaft with bearings 28. The elastic element then runs towards an elongate object along one, not shown in the illustration, of tip or other device of union. The elastic element is adjusted to, for example, a tip (e.g., position 13 in illustrations 6 and 7). Figure 16 shows how the tip consists of an articulated design 29. The articulated design 29 consists of a balloon-shaped part 30 running in a bowl-shaped part 31. The balloon-shaped part can be provided with a form of immersion shoe 32 that is provided with a larger contact surface in a flat, round or the like. This design has the advantage that it can be used to reduce adversities in the underlying surface as well as to provide a quieter walk. Figure 16b shows a variation of a tip consisting of a suction device 33. The suction device 33 is especially suitable for internal use. The bowl-shaped part 31 can be provided with an adapter (not shown in the illustration) for the attachment of at least one elastic element. With reference to illustration 17, it is shown how a sensor unit 34 can be connected to the exercise equipment. The sensor unit 34 which is connected to the movable handle 3 detects the tensile force of the elastic element 5. The sensor unit 34, which is based on known technology, may contain a device for storage, processing and transmission of information to a PC or similar. Figure 18 shows a cross section of a variation of the elongate object 2. In the variation, the elongated object 2 is shaped in such a way that at least one sliding guide 35 (in the illustration four sliding guides are shown) is stretched along part or the entire length of the pole. In the illustration, handlebar 3 is also shown. Illustration 19 shows a pre-tightening device 36 to allow regulation of the force required to stretch the elastic member. The pre-tightening element is adjusted in such a way that the elastic element is tensioned to a suitable level according to the requirements of the person being trained. The design consists of an elongated object 2 in which a movable handle 3 is adjusted. A pre-tightening device 36 is fitted on the movable handlebar. On this, at least one elastic element is fitted. The elastic element runs through an opening 15 in the elongate object 2. The other end of the elastic element is attached inside the elongated object to a tip (not shown in the illustration) at the lower end of the cane. In addition, the cane is provided with a fixed upper handle 37. The pre-tightening device consists of a spiral that joins an axis with bearings 39. A ratchet wheel 40 is attached to the shaft 39, which is fixed with the ratchet. By turning the handle 42 which is located on the shaft with bearings 39, the elastic element can be preset to a suitable degree for the person exercising. Figure 20 shows an eighth design version of the invention, wherein the elastic unit consists of a unit 43 for accumulating compressed air energy. The unit 43 for accumulating compressed air energy can, for example, be constituted by some type of pressure cylinder 44 inside the shaft, where the elastic effect is achieved with the help of compression air or similar means. In relation to the movement of the handle 3 in a downward direction, an overpressure is created in the pressure cylinder. The overpressure builds up in a pressure vessel that is connected to the pressure cylinder. Illustrations 21-22 show an exercise equipment that has two upper handlebars. A fixed handle 37 that also functions as a plug 4. Further, it has a movable handle 3 that moves along the outer profile 11. As described above, the design is provided with a movable handlebar that connects to at least one energy storage unit (not shown in the illustrations) according to some of the designs described above. This design has the advantage that it can be used as an "ordinary" walking stick if the upper handlebar is used. The exercise equipment is of the telescopic type, where the internal profile 10 extends in relation to the external (upper) profile 11. The external profile is fixed to the internal profile with a blocking device 12. The upper profile is provided with a handlebar 45 fixed at its lower end, which, in its simplest form, can even be constituted by rewinding the tape or the like. The lower part 10 (internal profile) of the exercise equipment is provided with a handle 45, which also, in its simplest form, can be constituted by a tape winding. In addition, the exercise equipment can be provided with a standing 46 tightening, where the foot can be placed allowing the exercise equipment to remain on the ground. Figure 23 shows an exercise equipment, which, at its upper end, is provided with a 47 weight (which also functions as a plug). The weight can be placed in such a way that its center of gravity coincides mainly with the axial center of the cane. Alternatively, the center of gravity of the weight may be located outside the axial center of the pole. The weight can be fixed in relation to the axial center of the pole or it can be erected in such a way that the center of gravity of the weight can be adjusted to the center of the pole. In the illustration, a hand is drawn which tightens the movable handle 3 which is connected to an elongated elastic element 5. The elongate elastic element is also connected to the upper end of the elongated object 2. When training with an exercise equipment according to the invention in question, a unit of equipment is held in each hand. During the walk, the team moves in such a way that they advance in turns. Training with the elongated object can be described as a consequence, which is described in illustration 24. When training with the exercise equipment, the handlebar will present a movement that corresponds mainly to the thick line of the graphic representation. The sequence describes the movement of the elongated object during an exercise cycle. The exercise equipment gets up and moves forward (swinging). The equipment is kept on the ground at an appropriate angle in relation to the length of the exercise equipment and the duration of the person being trained. When the cane is closed in the vertical line of the cane, the walker pushes the movable handle down, thus accumulating energy in the energy accumulation unit. When the cane passes the vertical line of the walker, the inclination of the cane rises accordingly. In this connection, the handle is formed to move upwardly along the elongated object towards the stopper at the upper end of the pole during the simultaneous energy release of the energy accumulation unit. The force of the energy accumulation unit will cause the body to be pushed forward when the traction arm remains straight. At an angle, depending on the length of the exercise equipment in relation to the duration of the person being trained, the cane will lose contact with the ground. To summarize, Figure 24 shows a large dynamic movement that ends in a static, prolonged position that affects the extended arm in which the strength of the user of the equipment is returned. Through this procedure the team attenuates the stress of the leg muscles, while helping to push the body forward. Through this procedure a movement pattern is achieved, which resembles that used when rowing. Illustrations 25-43 show how exercise equipment can be used for alternative types of training. When training, according to the illustrations, the exercise equipment is preferably used in accordance with that described with reference to illustration 21. When using the exercise equipment, the external profile 11 and the internal profile 10 are not fixed together by the locking device 12, but can move independently of each other. Illustrations 25-26 show how the cane can be used for exercising the upper body muscles. The exercise equipment is maintained by the upper fixed handlebar and the movable handlebar. The handlebars are separated in the directions of the arrows. Illustrations 27-28 show how the lower parts of the cane in a similar way can be squeezed and exercised with it. Illustrations 29-30 describe how to squeeze the movable handlebar with one hand. Illustrations 31-36 show alternate training movements with the exercise equipment. Illustrations 37-40 show how exercise equipment can be used to train when the person training is sitting in a chair. In the illustrations, a long movement is shown where the total length of the exercise equipment is used. Illustrations 41-42 show how exercise equipment can be used for training, where the person being trained stands on their knees. The person being trained pushes the handlebar down through which it moves axially along the elongated object. Alternatively, some of the other handlebars can be used to achieve an equivalent effect as in the illustrations described above. Although some preferred designs have been described in detail, variations and modifications within the scope of the invention may be apparent to professionals in the field, and all are considered to fall within the framework of the requirements of the following patent. For example, the elastic element, the elongated object, etc., can be designed according to a number of different variations that are obvious to the average professional in the field. In addition, the specified designs of the invention can be combined and varied in a number of different variations that are described in this patent application, which are all included in the intention of the invention and subsequent patent requirements.

Claims (14)

1. CLAIMS 1. An exercise equipment, intended to exercise the upper muscles by imitating the movement that is carried out in relation to the rowing, includes an elongated object, equipped with a movable handlebar, designed to move, totally or partially, from a plug along the length of the elongated object, whose handlebar is connected to at least one energy storage unit connected to the handlebar and to the elongated object whose energy storage unit is designed to accumulate energy during the movement of the handlebar in the direction of the plug along the longitudinal direction of the elongated object, and that the energy accumulation unit is designed to release energy in the movement of the handlebar in the direction of the plug along the longitudinal direction of the elongate object characterized in that the energy storage unit consists of at least one elongated elastic element, whose first end is adjusted to the handlebar and the other end fits the elongated object. The exercise equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the elongate elastic element consists of at least one stretched elongated material. 3. The exercise equipment according to claims 1-2, characterized in that the elongated stretching material consists of an elastic band or rope preferably made of rubber. 4. The exercise equipment according to claims 1-3, characterized in that the elongated object consists of an internal profile and an external profile that can be inserted one into the other and that are telescopically adjusted. 5. The exercise equipment according to claims 1-4, characterized in that the elongated object is equipped with a tip. 6. The exercise equipment according to claims 1-5, characterized in that one end of the elastic element is joined to the tip and because the elastic element runs from the tip through the hollow inside the elongated object and subsequently out to through an opening in the elongated object and joins the handlebar. 7. The exercise equipment according to claims 1-6, characterized in that the elastic element runs on a pulley with bearings fitted to the upper end of the cane 8. The exercise equipment according to claims 1-7, characterized in that the handlebar consists of a glove that fits the end of the elastic element. The exercise equipment according to claims 4-8, characterized in that the elongate object, alternatively the external profile, contains at least one longitudinal sliding guide. The exercise equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that the elastic element runs along the longitudinal sliding guide. The exercise equipment according to claims 1-11, characterized in that the handlebar is provided with a locking device that can fix the handlebar to the upper end of the elongated object. The exercise equipment according to one or more of claims 5-12, characterized in that the tip is joined. 13. The exercise equipment according to claims 1-13, characterized in that the elastic element is connected to a sensor unit for measuring the energy that accumulates in the elastic element. 14. The exercise equipment according to claims 1-14, characterized in that the handlebar can be moved from the plug along the entire length of the elongated object.