Exercise machine with load rolling simulation

Abstract

Exercise machine with load rolling simulation substitutes training in the open air in which a load is rolled or pushed. The exercise machine comprises a continuous moving track (2) of adjustable incline. Above the housing (1) and in front of the continuous moving track (2) is mounted a wheel (4) with paddles (5). The paddles (5) on the outer circumference of the wheel (4) are performed in the shape of teeth, ribs, panels or bars. The wheel (4) is connected by a transmission (20) with the track (2). The track (2) is connected with the brake system (32) for change of resistance to motion of the track (2), and thereby also to turning of the wheel (4). The control panel (6) with display contains commands for adjusting and monitoring the inclination of the track (2) and the resistance to turning of the wheel (4) and for monitoring the velocity and travelled distance of the moving track (2), as well as the duration of the training on the continuous track (2). The exercise machine is used in at least three ways of exercising, it has exceptional ergonomic characteristics, and enables safe training.

Claims

1. Exercise machine with simulation of load pushing by hand, comprising: a pair of cylinders including a front cylinder and a rear cylinder; a base with lateral masks; a continuous moving track mounted on the pair of cylinders, of adjustable incline in respect to the base; a housing, where a front end of the continuous moving track is fitted into the housing; a control panel with display affixed to the housing; a transmission; a brake system operated through the control panel; wherein the front cylinder is connected by the transmission to the brake system; a support structure of the exercise machine, the support structure including a plurality of supports, wherein the supports are placed at an approximately right angle in respect of the continuous moving track; a wheel with a shaft pivotally mounted to the plurality of supports, the wheel including a ring and a plurality of spokes coupling the shaft to the ring; paddles circumferentially disposed about an outer surface of the ring of the wheel, where the wheel with the paddles is located in front of the continuous moving track and above the housing, wherein the paddles are configured to be pushed by hands of a user; and a mechanical transmission connecting the wheel with the continuous moving track such that the continuous moving track and the wheel rotate in opposite directions.

2. Exercise machine with simulation of load pushing by hand according to claim 1, wherein the paddles on the outer surface of the ring of the wheel are formed in the shape of teeth, where the cross section of one tooth is a three sided geometrical image with curvilinear sides and at least one rounded vertex.

3. Exercise machine with simulation of load pushing hand according to claim 1, wherein the paddles on the outer surface of the ring of the wheel are formed in the shape of transversal flat panels or transversal ribs or transversal bars.

4. Exercise machine with simulation of load pushing hand according to claim 1, wherein the brake system is used for changing a resistance to turning the wheel, wherein the brake system includes a mechanical brake system, magnetic brake system or electromagnetic brake system.

5. Exercise machine with simulation of load pushing by hand according to claim 1, further comprising a motor, wherein the control panel with display is connected by electronic components to the motor for changing an inclination of the track and to the brake system for changing a resistance to turning the wheel, and wherein the control panel with display includes commands for adjusting and monitoring the inclination of the moving track and the resistance to turning of the wheel with the paddles and monitoring a duration of the training session and travelled distance on the continuous moving track.

6. Exercise machine with simulation of load pushing by hand according to claim 1, wherein in the housing is located a drive motor for adjusting an inclination of the track in respect of the base.

7. Exercise machine with simulation of load pushing by hand according to claim 1, further comprising legs, wherein the legs have mounted casters for relocation of the exercise machine.

8. Exercise machine with simulation of load pushing by hand according to claim 1, wherein the transmission includes a pulley.

9. Exercise machine with simulation of load pushing by hand according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical transmission includes a combined chain gear transmission.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS OF THE INVENTION

(1) The exercise machine with simulation of load rolling in accordance with the invention is shown on the following drawings. The drawings represent a depiction of one embodiment of the invention and they do not limit the scope of protection defined by the patent claims. The drawings do not depict some elements and constructions which the expert in the corresponding technical field may perform in a manner generally known in the technical field. The drawings depict the following.

(2) FIG. 1 depicts in isometry the exercise machine with simulation of load rolling in accordance with the invention.

(3) FIG. 2 depicts in side view the exercise machine with simulation of load rolling in accordance with the invention.

(4) FIG. 3 depicts in frontal view the exercise machine with simulation of load rolling in accordance with the invention.

(5) FIG. 4 depicts in plan or view from above the exercise machine with simulation of load rolling in accordance with the invention.

(6) FIG. 5 depicts in cross section one embodiment of the paddle of the exercise machine with simulation of load rolling in accordance with the invention.

(7) FIG. 6 depicts in a simplified manner, schematically, in oblique projection, the transmission between the wheel shaft and the moving track and the brake system of the exercise machine with simulation of load rolling in accordance with the invention.

(8) FIG. 7 depicts in a simplified manner in side view the device for adjustment of track inclination of the exercise machine with simulation of load rolling in accordance with the invention.

(9) The invention is described below in detail, with reference to the above drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(10) FIG. 1 depicts in isometry one embodiment of the exercise machine with load rolling simulation. The exercise machine has a continuous moving track 2 the incline of which can be adjusted. Adjustment of the moving track 2 ranges from flat position (zero incline) over a position corresponding to a mild uphill slope to a position corresponding to a steeper uphill slope. The front, higher end of the continuous track is located in the housing 1. The continuous moving track 2 is placed on two rotating cylinders 21, one of which is a drive cylinder 21. It is preferable for drive cylinder 21 to be the front, higher cylinder 21. The cylinders 21 are mounted in the supporting structure of the machine, which is covered for safety and aesthetical reasons by lateral masks 12 located along both longitudinal sides of the continuous track 2, housing 1 and masks 10 of the supporting structure. The drive cylinder 21 is, with the aid of the transmission 20, primarily the combined chain gear, connected with the wheel 4 with paddles 5. The transmission 20 is also connected with the control panel 6 with display of electronic elements. In one preferred embodiment at one end of the drive cylinder 21 of the track 2 is located the driven gear wheel 29 which together with the pinion 28 comprises the gear coupling. The gear coupling is connected, via two chain couplings, with the shaft 11 of the wheel 4. The first, drive sprocket 23 of the first chain coupling is mounted on the shaft 11 of the wheel 4. This chain coupling can also have a sprocket 25 for adjusting the taughtness of the chain. The driven sprocket 24 is on the same shaft as the driven sprocket 26 of the next chain coupling. The driven sprocket 27 of the second chain coupling is on the same shaft as the drive gear wheel 28 of the gear coupling, while the driven gear wheel 29 is firmly connected to the front cylinder 21 on which the track 2 is mounted. The track 2 itself is constructed of known materials, used in this technical field, and the transmission 20 and drive of the track 2 via the wheel 4 are performed in any of the ways known in the technical field and can be comprised of elements that are available on the market. The transmission ratio of the transmission 20 and circumference of the wheel 4 can be adjusted so that the peripheral velocity of a point on the rim of the wheel 4 is approximately equal to the speed of the continuous track 2 or in other words, so that the travelled distance of the point on the rim of the wheel 4 corresponds to the travelled distance of a point on the continuous track 2. This transmission ratio and circumference of the wheel 4 contribute to better simulation of rolling of a load in the open air when the user travels the same distance as a point on the circumference of the rolled object. The transmission 20 i.e. drive of the track 2 is with the help of the wheel 4 located in the housing 1 and behind the mask 10 of the support. The exercise machine according to the invention also has a brake system32 for adjusting the resistance to turning of the wheel 4. Different braking devices known from the technical field can be used, i.e. friction, electromagnetic, and other and they are connected with the control panel 6 with display. In one proffered embodiment of the invention, on the other end of the drive cylinder 21 of the track 2 is located a pulley 30 which together with the pulley 31 comprises the belt couple of the brake system 32, e,g. mechanical brake system 32 with electromotor, which is connected to the control panel 6. Activation of this system 32 leads to braking of the drive cylinders 21 of the track 2 and this obstructs the turning of the wheel 4 which drives the track 2. The lateral masks 12 of the track 2 are flat on top, as depicted on the drawings, and their top surfaces are protected against slippage of the user's footwear during one of the ways of exercising on the machine according to the invention.

(11) Above the housing 1 on two supports is pivotally mounted the wheel 4. In this example, the wheel 4 is performed as a wheel 4 with rim and spokes. In other embodiments of the invention, not shown on the drawings, the wheel 4 can be performed as a drum or in another preferred way. The shaft 11 of the wheel 4 is on both sides mounted on the supports, which represent a part of the supporting structure of the exercise machine and are not shown on the images, as they are located for safety and aesthetical reasons behind the mask 10 of the support. On one end of the shaft 11 of the wheel 4 is located a sprocket 23 of the transmission 20 for the drive of the track 2. Along the outer circumference of the wheel 4 are performed the paddles 5. In the shown embodiment, the paddles 5 are performed in the shape of teeth whose cross section corresponds to a three-sided geometrical image with curvilinear sides and at least one rounded vertex, as shown in FIG. 5. The paddles 5 in the shown example of the embodiment are constructed of several segments. Roughly speaking, the cross section of the paddles 5 in the shape of teeth is reminescent of a right angled triangle whose smaller cathetus is turned towards the user who by pushing it, rolls the wheel 4, thereby achieving simulation of outdoor exercise by pushing or rolling a load. This shape of paddle 5 has excellent ergonomic characteristics and is well adapted to the shape of the hands of the user. The shown shape of the paddles 5 corresponds to the illustrative embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, but other embodiments of the paddles 5 are possible, e.g. in the form of transversal flat panels, transversal bars, etc.

(12) As can be seen in images 1 and 2, the continuous moving track 2 with its front, higher part enters the housing 1 above which is mounted the wheel 4 with paddles 5. In the part of the housing 1 which is turned towards the moving track 2 in the field of view and within reach of the user who is located on the track 2 is mounted a control panel 6 with display. Inside the housing 1 is located the middle part of supporting structure of the fitness machine, the part of the device for changing the inclination of the track 2, such as the electromotor, and transmissions for activating the track 2 by turning of the wheel 4, the brake system 32 for adjusting resistance to turning of the wheel 4, and electronic equipment. The mentioned elements are located in the housing 1 and are completely sheltered by the housing 1 for safety and aesthetic reasons. The supporting structure can be in the shape of a latticed constuction of welded steel sections. The housing 1 can be performed of metal sheet, plastic, some other suitable material or combination of such materials.

(13) Drawings 1 and 3 show the control panel 6 with display. With the help of the control panel 6 adjustments are made to the inclination of the continuous track 2, strength of resistance to turning the wheel 4 with paddles 5; duration of exercising, velocity of the track 2 and travelled distance of the track 2 are read and recorded. Control panel 6 with display is part of the electronic operational and recording system for the exercise machine according to the invention. All components of this system can be obtained on the market and are known to the expert in this technical field.

(14) In FIG. 2 are shown the front leg 8 and the back leg 9 of the exercise machine according to the invention. The back legs 9 are mounted on the supporting structure in the area of the hind, accessible part of the continuous track 2. In the embodiments shown in the drawings the back stands 9 are performed as casters. The front stand 8 is performed as part of the device for adjusting the inclination of the continuous track 2 and in the depicted example of the embodiment it consists of bars rotated in respect of the supporting structure of the exercise machine and represents part of the device for adjusting the inclination of the track 2. The device for adjusting the inclination of the track 2 can be performed as a device with threaded connection driven by motor 45, preferably electromotor, as known in the state of the art, and it is connected to the control panel 6 with display. The front and back legs 8, 9 may have casters which facilitate relocation of the equipment inside the gym. One embodiment of the device for adjusting the inclination of the track 2 is shown in a simplified way in FIG. 7. The device for adjusting the inclination of the track 2 has a threaded spindle 43 and screw nut 44. The threaded spindle 43 is driven by motor 45 and their construction is connected with the supporting structure. During rotation of the threaded spindle 43, the screw nut 44 moves with a translatory motion along the threaded spindle 43, while the threaded spindle 43 and motor 45 maintain their position in respect of the structure carrying the track 2. Since the screw nut 44 is firmly connected with the holder 42 which is firmly connected with the front leg 8, the front leg 8, due to the motion of the screw nut 44, is turned around the joint 41 through which it is connected with the rest of the supporting structure. At the same time, the caster of the front leg 8 moves along the base increasing or decreasing the distance between the leg 8 and the supporting structure with track 2. Since the back leg 9 remains on the base, the track 2 increases or decreases its inclination in respect of the base.

(15) Below is a brief description of the application of the exercise machine according to the invention. The user stands on the continuous moving track 2 and with the help of the command panel 6 with display chooses the incline of the track 2. By activating the motor 45 with the device for adjusting the incline, whose most important parts according to the illustrative embodiment are the indicated motor 45, threaded spindle 43, screw nut 44 and joint 41 whereby the front leg 8 is connected to the supporting structure, the incline of the continuous track 2 is changed and adjusted. Thereafter, through the control panel 6, with the help of the brake system 32 the resistance to turning the wheel 4 with paddles 5 is chosen. Once the exercise parameters have been chosen, the user pushes the paddles 5 by rolling the wheel 4 and through the mechanical transmission 20 activates the continuous track 2. As already stated, the mechanical transmission 20 may be comprised of two chain couplings and one gear coupling, where the first sprocket 23 of the chain coupling is on the shaft 11 of the wheel 4, and the last element of the transmission 20 i.e. the driven gear wheel 29 of the gear coupling is at one end of the upper, or drive cylinder 21 of the track 2. With simultaneous pushing of the paddles 5 the user is moving on the continuous moving track 2. During the training session, the user monitors the duration of the training session, velocity of the track 2 and travelled distance on the control panel 6, and has an overview of the chosen parameters of the training session. During the training session, the user can adjust the incline of the track 2 through the control panel 6 or change the force of resistance to turning of the wheel 4 by activating the brake system 32. In addition to this way of exercising, two additional ways of exercising on the machine with track 2 are available. The user can just walk or run on the horizontal or inclined track 2 without turning the wheel 4. During this kind of exercise when the track 2 is inclined, there is movement of the wheel 4 with paddles 5, even though the user is not turning the wheel 4 with his hands.

(16) The next way of exercising on the machine according to the invention is turning the wheel 4 without moving on the track 2. The user stands on the lateral masks 12 of the track 2, whose surfaces are protected from slippage, and pushes the paddles 5 by hand. The track 2 is activated by the motion of the wheel 4. Because of the housing 1, the masks 10 of the supporting structure, and the masks 12 on the lateral sides of the moving track 2, the user is protected from injury. After completing the training session, the user turns the machine off via the control panel 6. The location inside the gym of the exercise machine according to the invention can easily be changed because of the casters on the legs 8, 9.

(17) The described invention presents a modern and safe exercise machine with simulation of load pushing, which not only replaces exercising in the open air, but also, by application of high technology and electronics, enables adjustment of training parameters and monitoring of results. As can be seen in the illustrative embodiment, the exercise machine has exceptionally good ergonomic features and aesthetical qualities. Because of this, its use is not limited to sportists only, i.e. the machine can successfully be applied also in recreational and physical therapy. As stated for each part separately in the description, the parts of the exercise machine can be constructed by known technologies from available materials, and some of the parts are available on the market as finished products.

(18) For realization of the machine according to the invention, constructions known in the state of the art were used, which are subject to numerous variations and modifications, as is obvious to the expert in the corresponding field. Also, certain elements of the invention are subject to modification, without exceeding the scope of claimed protection which is defined by the attached patent claims.