Muscle Activation Assembly System And Method

Abstract

A muscle activation system including: an inclined platform for a user to stand on; a rigid upper body user support frame attached to the inclined platform for supporting the upper body of a user standing on the inclined platform; a base, coupled to the inclined platform, the coupling allowing relative orientation motion between the base and inclined platform. The platform adapted to undergo a precession like motion around a central point so as to circumferentially move a user's upper body, when supported by the rigid upper body user support frame, substantially through an arc around a central point.

Claims

1-46. (canceled)

47. A muscle activation system comprising: an inclined platform for a user to stand on; a rigid upper body user support frame attached to and mounted on the inclined platform for partially surrounding and supporting the upper body of a user standing on, or supported by, the inclined platform; a base, coupled to the inclined platform, said coupling allowing relative orientation motion between the base and inclined platform; the inclined platform adapted to undergo a precession like motion around a central point so as to circumferentially move a user's upper body, when supported by the rigid upper body user support frame, substantially through an arc around a central point.

48. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 47, further wherein: said inclined platform includes a first circumferential rim; said system further includes: a roller bearing for rolling along the rim and the roller bearing being driven around the first circumferential rim in a substantially horizontal plane by a drive motor; the roller bearing acting to guide the portion of the first circumferential rim to which it is engaged in a first substantially horizontal level; the inclination of the platform thereby being set by the roller bearing guide of the portion of the first circumferential rim and the coupling between the base and inclined platform.

49. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 47, wherein said base is coupled to the inclined platform by a universal joint.

50. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 49 wherein, during operation, the platform is substantially supported by said circumferential rim and said universal joint.

51. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 47, wherein the inclination of the inclined platform is altered though the raising or lowering of the coupling between the base and inclined platform.

52. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 47, wherein said platform is generally planar and a normal axis to the platform undergoes a rotation around a central point.

53. The muscle activation system as claimed claim 47, wherein said rigid upper body user support frame is of a cage like structure having a plurality of hand holds for the user to hold onto during operation.

54. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 53, wherein said support frame further includes lower arm holds for structurally supporting the user's lower arms.

55. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 47, wherein said support frame includes a back support.

56. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 55 wherein, in use, the back support engages with the back of a user so as to force the user off a vertical axis position when using the system.

57. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 47 further comprising: automated platform driving means for driving the inclined platform through its motion.

58. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 56, wherein said automated platform driving means comprises an electric motor interconnected to a rotational plate having a series of circumferential bearings which engage with the platform to drive the motion of the platform.

59. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 47 wherein the platform does not substantially rotate during operation.

60. A muscle activation system further comprising: a platform for a user to stand on or sit on or lie on; a support base for supporting the platform; a flexible coupler, coupling the platform to said support base, said coupling allowing relative orientation motion between the base and inclined platform; a first electric drive unit located between the platform and support base, said drive unit including at least one engagement unit for engaging with the bottom surface of the platform and a corresponding surface of the support base to keep them at a predetermined orientation apart from one another, whilst the engagement unit rotates around the flexible coupler.

61. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 60 wherein the at least one engagement unit includes a first bearing engaging the bottom surface of the platform and a second bearing engaging the support base, with the first and second bearing being rigidly interconnected.

62. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 61 further comprising a flexible coupler elevation unit, for raising and lowering the vertical position of the flexible coupler.

63. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 62, wherein said flexible coupler elevation unit comprises a worm drive.

64. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 63, wherein the number of engagement units is at least two, with each engagement unit engaging an outer portion of the bottom platform surface.

65. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 64, wherein said first electric drive unit engages with a bottom surface of the platform so as to elevate or incline a portion of the platform relative to is surrounds.

66. The muscle activation unit as claimed in claim 64, wherein said at least one engagement unit, engages a lip on the bottom of the platform to push it down.

67. The muscle activation unit as claimed in claim 60, further comprising: a rigid upper body user support frame attached to and mounted on the platform supporting at least the back of the upper body of a user standing or lying on the inclined platform.

68. A muscle activation assembly comprising: a base adapted to tilt about a substantially central point in 360 of motion; and a support associated with the base and adapted to support a user of the muscle activation assembly; wherein, in use, a user of said muscle activation assembly is in a substantially static position relative to the base and is tilted about 360 of motion, or part thereof, thereby imparting forces on the body of said user.

69. The muscle activation assembly according to claim 68, wherein said base plate is tiltable at an angle of from about 0 to 25 to the horizontal.

70. The muscle activation assembly according to claim 68, wherein said base plate is tiltably mounted on a mount comprising: a substantially central universal joint; and a plurality of rollers on which a running surface of an outer portion of said base plate bears.

71. The muscle activation assembly according to claim 68, further comprising a height adjustment mechanism, adapted to raise and lower said base plate thereby varying the degree of tilt of the base plate.

72. The muscle activation assembly as claimed in claim 68, wherein said base plate includes a circumferential track depending from the circumference thereof, said circumferential track receiving said plurality of rollers and defining said running surface.

73. The muscle activation assembly according to claim 70, wherein said base plate includes a substantially central fixed pivot and wherein, in use, an outer perimeter of said base plate bears a surface on which said muscle activation assembly rests.

74. The muscle activation assembly according to claim 75, wherein said fixed pivot is height adjustable.

75. The muscle activation assembly according to claim 69, wherein said support includes a frame extending from the base, the frame includes a body support and at least one handle.

76. The muscle activation assembly according to claim 68, wherein said body support of said frame includes an upright extending from said base.

77. The muscle activation system as claimed in claim 68, wherein said support includes a strap system that safely retains the user at approximately the thigh region to maximise muscle activation in the core and back.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0047] To further clarify various aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by references to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It should be appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting on its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the accompanying drawings in which:

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a muscle activation assembly according an embodiment of the invention.

[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the muscle activation assembly of FIG. 1.

[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view (A-A) of the base of the muscle activation assembly of FIG. 1.

[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a muscle activation assembly of FIG. 1 in an alternate orientation.

[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the muscle activation assembly of FIG. 4.

[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view (B-B) of the base of the muscle activation assembly of FIG. 4.

[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a muscle activation assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, including various tilt pivots.

[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of the muscle activation assembly of FIG. 7.

[0056] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a muscle activation assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, including a universal joint pivot assembly.

[0057] FIG. 10 illustrates a sectional view (A-A) of the muscle activation assembly of FIG. 9.

[0058] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the base of the muscle activation assembly of FIG. 9.

[0059] FIG. 12 illustrates front view of the base of the muscle activation assembly of FIG. 9.

[0060] FIG. 13 illustrates a sectional view (B-B) of the base of FIG. 12.

[0061] FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of a muscle activation assembly according to an embodiment of the invention in an extended orientation.

[0062] FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the muscle activation assembly of FIG. 14 in a retracted orientation.

[0063] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the muscle activation assembly of FIG. 14.

[0064] FIG. 17 illustrates a side perspective view of a further muscle activation assembly in a first position;

[0065] FIG. 18 illustrates a side perspective view of a further muscle activation assembly in a second position;

[0066] FIG. 19 illustrates a side perspective model of the base mat;

[0067] FIG. 20 illustrates a side perspective view of base mat and steel frame;

[0068] FIG. 21 illustrates a side perspective view of the base moulding;

[0069] FIG. 22 illustrates a side perspective view of the base moulding and matt;

[0070] FIG. 23 illustrates a close up of a portion of FIG. 23;

[0071] FIG. 24 illustrates a side plan view, partly in section, of the stem assembly;

[0072] FIG. 25 illustrates a side perspective view of the stem assembly;

[0073] FIG. 26 illustrates a side perspective view of the base assembly;

[0074] FIG. 27 illustrates an exploded perspective of the top of the base assembly;

[0075] FIG. 28 illustrates a side perspective view of the top assembly;

[0076] FIG. 29 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the top assembly;

[0077] FIG. 30 illustrates a side perspective view of the top of the top assembly;

[0078] FIG. 31 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the top of the top assembly;

[0079] FIG. 32 illustrates a perspective view of the back pad;

[0080] FIG. 33 illustrates a side perspective view of the insertion of the bottom assembly through the platform;

[0081] FIG. 34 illustrates a side perspective view of the interconnection of the bottom assembly and platform;

[0082] FIG. 35 illustrates a side perspective view of the bottom assembly and platform and base;

[0083] FIG. 36 illustrates a close up view of the attachment of the universal joint;

[0084] FIG. 37 illustrates a side perspective view in disassembled form of the upper frame assembly;

[0085] FIG. 38 illustrates a side perspective view of the insertion of the upper frame assembly into the stem assembly;

[0086] FIG. 39 to FIG. 41 illustrate the attachment of the frame assembly to the stem assembly;

[0087] FIG. 42 illustrates a further alternative form of the muscle exercise machine;

[0088] FIG. 43 illustrates a first sectional view through the base of the alternative muscle exercise machine;

[0089] FIG. 44 illustrates a first sectional view through the base of the alternative muscle exercise machine;

[0090] FIG. 45 illustrates a CAD side view of the base portion of the alternative muscle exercise machine;

[0091] FIG. 46 illustrates a further CAD side view of the base portion of the alternative muscle exercise machine;

[0092] FIG. 47 illustrates a further CAD sectional view of the base portion of the alternative muscle exercise machine;

[0093] FIG. 48 illustrates a further CAD sectional view of the base portion of the alternative muscle exercise machine;

[0094] FIG. 49 illustrates a further CAD sectional view of the base portion of the alternative muscle exercise machine;

[0095] FIG. 50 illustrates a further CAD sectional view of the base portion of the alternative muscle exercise machine;

[0096] FIG. 51 illustrates a further CAD sectional view of the lower portions of the alternative muscle exercise machine;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0097] Hereinafter, this specification will describe the present invention according to the embodiments. It is to be understood that limiting the description to the embodiments of the invention is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a muscle activation assembly 100 is illustrated. The assembly 100 includes a base 110 and a frame 120 connected thereto. According to this embodiment; the base 110 includes a base plate 111 having an upper surface 112 on which a user of the assembly 100 stands, generally in an upright position. The base 110 also includes a fixed pivot 113 that is centrally located on an under side of the base plate 111. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pivot 113 extends to provide a tilt angle of about 6 from the horizontal when the outer perimeter 114 of the base plate 111 bears on the surface on which the assembly 100 rests.

[0099] The frame 120 illustrated in this embodiment includes an upright 121, which in use supports the back or chest of a user, and two spaced generally elliptical handles 122. The elliptical handles 122 are shaped such that a user can grasp them at any location, to some extent depending on the muscles to be activated. Struts 123 are provided to connect the elliptical handles 122 to the upright 121.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the assembly of FIGS. 1 to 3 is again illustrated, but in this instance the fixed pivot 113 is in an extended orientation. The orientation of the pivot 113 illustrated provides in a tilt angle of about 12 from the horizontal, which results in a more strenuous session for a user of the assembly 100.

[0101] FIGS. 7 and 8 provide side and front views of a muscle activation assembly 700 that, again, includes a base 710 and a frame 720. In this instance, the pivot 713a-c is adaptable to provide a 6 tilt (713a), 9 tilt (713b) and 12 tilt (713c).

[0102] FIGS. 9 to 13 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a muscle activation assembly 900 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the assembly 900 includes a base 910 that is mechanised. Specifically, the base 910 includes a base plate 911 having an upper surface 912. The base 911 is mounted on a central universal joint 913 that replaces the fixed pivot of the previous embodiments. The universal joint 913 is associated with a jack 914, in this embodiment a threaded jack, which is adapted to raise and lower the base plate 911.

[0103] A plurality of rollers 915 is provided. The rollers in this embodiment bear on an outer circumferential portion of the underside of the base plate 911. However, in a preferred embodiment the base plate 911 includes a track (not shown) that depends from the circumferential edge of the base plate 911. The track, which is substantially U-shaped, receives the rollers 915 such that the rollers 915 are always closely associated with the base plate 911. Each of the rollers 915 is associated with a secondary roller 916.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, an alternate embodiment of a muscle activation assembly 1400 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the base 1410 is a substantially circular base plate 1411 having an upper surface 1412 and a fixed pivot 1413. It will be appreciated that the base configuration may be interchanged with any previously described configuration.

[0105] In this embodiment, the frame 1420 includes an upright 1421 and two elliptical handles 1422. The upright 1421 is adjustable between an extracted orientation (FIG. 14) and a retracted orientation (FIG. 15) by virtue of inner and outer telescopic parts 1423, 1424 respectively. A plurality of apertures 1425 are provided to facilitate locking of the upright using, for example, a pin. A back/chest rest 1426 is provided. A user may stand with his or her back or chest against the rest 1426, depending on the muscles to be primarily activated. The rest 1426 is positioned such that when a user of the assembly 1400 bears their chest or back against the rest 1426, their body is substantially axially aligned with the pivot 1413.

[0106] The frame 1420 may be gripped by a user at any location about the substantially elliptical handles 1422. Additional handles 1427 are also provided if desired. Furthermore, crossbars 1428 may also be provided as additional holding points for the user.

[0107] Turning to FIG. 17, there is illustrates a further embodiment 1700. The embodiment is mounted on a safety mat 1701, and includes a steel chassis assembly 1702 (not shown) under base moulding assembly 1703. A platform composite assembly for standing on is provided 1704. An upper space frame assembly 1706 is attached to the platform via a stem assembly 1705. The upper space frame includes back support structure 1710 and arm support structures 1712 and 1714. The space frame assembly provides support for a user and is designed to rotate around a central pivot point.

[0108] FIG. 18 reveals the embodiment in a different position revealing the attachment universal joint 1708 around which platform 1704 pivots and upper frame undergoes a precession like motion.

[0109] The construction of the arrangement 1700 will now be discussed. Initially, as illustrated in FIG. 19, a safety matt 1701 is formed as an optional floor base. Turning to FIG. 20, on top of the matt is places a steel chassis frame 1702. The frame can be levelled by a series of optional spacing discs 1716. On the chassis 1702 is bolted a spacer 1718 and a universal joint 1720. The arrangement can be bolted using joint bolts.

[0110] Turning to FIG. 21, the base moulding 1703 is next mounted over the steel frame. The base moulding includes a base slip ring 1730 by means of a series of M6 screws in holes in the base.

[0111] FIG. 21a shows an insert having the base holes 1732, 1734 for mounting.

[0112] FIG. 22 shows the partially assembled arrangement, with FIG. 23 showing a closeup of the universal joint with a boot covering. The base moulding 1703 being firmly attached to the chassis by means of threaded screws.

[0113] Next, the stem assembly 1705 of FIG. 17 is assembled. FIG. 24, illustrates a side view, partly in section of the stem assembly, with FIG. 25 showing a further side perspective view.

[0114] The stem assembly is formed from two major columns, being the base extrusion assembly 1752 and top extrusion assembly 1754 which mate together in a telescopic structure to provide adjustable height characteristics. The adjustment is provided by control knob and dampener 1758.

[0115] FIG. 27 illustrates the assembly of the control knob. The control knob is designed to lock the top extrusion assembly to the base extrusion assembly.

[0116] FIG. 28 shows the top extrusion assembly in an assembled form. FIG. 29 shows the top extrusion assembly in an exploded perspective form. Turning to FIG. 29 the top extrusion assembly includes extruded stem 1782, support structure 1784, collar 1786, telescopic dampener rod 1789 and fixing bolts 1792, 1790.

[0117] The top 1800 of the extrusion assembly includes a slot for the mounting of the frame or cage 1706 (FIG. 17). The top of the extrusion assembly is shown in more detail in FIG. 30. The mounting bracket includes lateral and inline clamping parts as shown in exploded perspective in FIG. 31. These are used to support and clamp the cage.

[0118] Mounted on the end 1801 (FIG. 30) of the top of the extrusion assembly is the back pad 1710. The backpad is shown in more detail in FIG. 32, including back pad chassis 1711 and mounting screws 1713.

[0119] As illustrated in FIG. 33, the stem assembly 1705 is inserted through a slot 1820 in platform 1704 with the plate portion 1822 being bolted to the underside of base 1704 with the result being as illustrated in FIG. 34. The stem assembly can be inserted by taking the pre-assembled Stem and removing the Back Pad, and other parts from the top of the stem. The Stem Assembly is fed through the slot in the Platform or base until the Stem Base Plate locates over the threaded studs of the Platform. The stem is adjusted to the desired position. The initial setting should be fully rearwards as shown in the figures. The stem is secured into place by applying and tightening two M10 Nyloc Nuts on the rear studs.

[0120] Next, as illustrated in FIGS. 35 and 36, the Platform 1704 and Stem 1705 subassembly is connected to the Universal Joint by pushing the Uni Joint Boot down and aligning the four front studs with the holes in the top of the Universal Joint 1824, threading on the 4 OFF 958 M10 Nyloc Nuts onto studs. 3. The Stem is fixed into place by tightening up four nuts 1826 onto the studs using a ring spanner.

[0121] Next, the upper frame assembly can be formed. An example of the upper frame assembly is shown in FIG. 37 in an exploded perspective view 1706. The upper frame assembly includes caps 1840, handle sleeves 1842, screw e.g. 1844, left and right arm pad assemblies 1712, 1714, guide plats 1848 and large caps 1846.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 38, the assembled upper frame assembly 1706 is then mated with the stem assembly 1705 and bolted thereto. This can be done by lifting the frame and sliding the two guide plates into the top of the stem.

[0123] FIG. 39 shows the process of assembling the Lateral and Inline Clamps joining the Frame to the Stem loosely. FIG. 40 shows the assembly of the Back Pad into place. The bottom two screws are adjusted so they slide snuggly into their keyhole slots. The top two screws are firmly tightened. Next, FIG. 41, the tower stem cap 1802 is tapped into place.

[0124] Other versions are possible. For example, the rotation of the base may be electrically controlled under the control of a computer device. FIG. 42 illustrates one such device which operates in a similar manner to the previous devices

[0125] Electrically Controlled EmbodimentEVE

[0126] Turning to FIG. 42, the electrical version of the exercise machine is shown 4200. This machine includes a platform 4201 on which the user stands, holding a supporting cage 4206 and using backreset 4207 for either back or stomach support. The platform is connected to base 4202 and interposed is a shroud 4203. A lower stem assembly 4204 interconnects an upper stem assembly 4205, which in turn supports the cage 4206. Electronic control is provded by a touch sensitive computer tablet type device 4208. The tablet 4208 provides a series of exercise type programs for activation by the user. The arrangement 4200 is designed to be driven automatically and electrically with the platform undergoing a precession like movement and angled at predetermined degree depending on user settings.

[0127] The arrangement 4200 therefore contains to aspect over the manual system. The first is a controlled angle of operation of the platform and the second is the controlled precession of the platform. The implementation of these two additions will now be discussed with reference to the schematic illustrations in FIG. 43 and FIG. 44. In the example embodiment, the angle of inclination of the platform is controlled by a screw drive and the precession motion is controlled by a series of wheel bearings.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 43, the platform 4301 is connected to a universal joint 4302 which in turn is mounted on top of a worm drive 4304 which can raise and lower the platform under electrical control. FIG. 43 shows the platform in a lowered state, with FIG. 44 showing the platform in an inclined state after raising of the worm drive 4304.

[0129] The platform is also supported by bearings e.g. 4308 which are interconnected to bearings 4309 and rotate on support/guide 4307 and is driven by plater 4312. The plater 4312 rotates under the control of an electric motor drive (not shown) and in turn drives the bearings 4308 and 4309 around on platter 4312, thereby causing the platform 4301 to undergo a precession like motion.

[0130] The platform 4301 can include a circumferential lip 4310 and a further perpendicular lip 4303 which engages with the bottom surface of bearing 4308 during operation.

[0131] The net effect experienced by the user is a controlled precession at a predetermined inclination, and predetermined precession rate, with most of the user's weight being supported by the universal joint 4392.

[0132] Turning now to FIG. 45, there is illustrated the first of a series of CAD generated views of the prototype of FIG. 42. The view 4500 is of the prototype in an inclined position, and illustrates the base 4202, platform 4201 and lower assembly 4204. The universal joint 4501 is driven to an elevated position by a worm drive (not shown). The worm drive can in turn be driven by a belt drive.

[0133] A platter 4502 is driven by a second belt drive and includes 4 bearing units 4504, 4506, 4508, and 4510. The bearing units run on track 4512. The two bearing units 4506, 4504, support one end of the platter 4514. The two bearing units 4508 and 4510 include a first bearing for support on track 4512, and a second outer bearing which engages with the lip of the rim 4517 so as to couple the platform 4501 to the platter 4514, in conjunction with the universal joint 4501.

[0134] Turning to FIG. 46, which shows a CAD generated view of the prototype, again in an inclined position, more clearly showing the bearing unit 4514, which includes inner and outer bearings 4516, 4518, with the inner bearing 4514 engaging with the surface of the support track 4512 and the second bearing engages with the rim 4517.

[0135] Turning to FIG. 47, there is illustrated a CAD generated sectional view thorough the base of the prototype, again illustrating teh bearing unit 4514, having inner bearing 4518 and outer bearing 4516, with the inner bearing running along track 4212, and the outer bearing 4516, running along track 4510 of the platform 4201. FIG. 47 also illustrates the inner portions of the worm drive 4702 ultilised in the raising and lowering of the universal joint

[0136] FIG. 48 illustrates a similar sectional view to FIG. 47. However, in this case the worm drive 4702 has been lowered to its base position and the platform 4201 is also lowered. The bearings engage the lip 4510 to maintain the platform in the lowered position.

[0137] FIG. 50 illustrates a different sectional view similar to that of FIG. 48. FIG. 49 illustrates a sectional similar to that of FIG. 47.

[0138] Further FIG. 51 illustrates a further sectional view through the base and lower support member.

[0139] A number of refinements are possible. For example, the upper cage could include a movable or flexible joint in its connection to the upper assembly. The joint could be motorised to be controlled to synconise with the precession like movement of the platform so as to further enhance movement of the user's upper body.

[0140] Unless the context requires otherwise or specifically stated to the contrary, integers, steps or elements of the invention recited herein as singular integers, steps or elements clearly encompass both singular and plural forms of the recited integers, steps or elements.

[0141] It will be appreciated that the foregoing description has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention and that all such modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons of skill in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.