Base for a modular exercise system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a base for a modular exercise system comprising: a ground element for locating the base on a surface; a resistance apparatus mounted on the ground element; an attachment means for receiving and connecting an interchangeable exercise device to the base; and at least one first sensor which is operative to detect and identify the interchangeable exercise device when connected to the base and to communicate with a processor when the resistance apparatus is engaged with a drive mechanism on the interchangeable exercise device.

Claims

1. A base for a modular exercise system comprises: a ground element for locating the base on a surface; a resistance apparatus mounted on the ground element; an attachment means for receiving and connecting an interchangeable exercise device to the base; and at least one sensor which is operative to detect and identify the interchangeable exercise device when connected to the base and is operative to communicate with a processor when the resistance apparatus is engaged with a drive mechanism on the interchangeable exercise device.

2. A base according to claim 1 wherein the at least one sensor or a second sensor is operative to transmit a signal to a receiver in communication with the processor confirming when the resistance apparatus is being driven by the drive mechanism on the interchangeable exercise device.

3. A base according to claim 1 wherein the processor is provided as part of an electronic device that has a transmitter, a receiver and a display.

4. A base according to claim 1 wherein the interchangeable exercise device includes a control means which communicates with the resistance apparatus and enables a user to vary a force applied by the resistance apparatus.

5. A base according to claim 4 wherein the processor is operatively connected with the control means.

6. A base according to claim 1 includes at least one second sensor which senses a force applied through the drive mechanism; and the processor derives a signal indicative of an amount of work done by a user.

7. A base according to claim 1 wherein a transmitter is provided on the base which is operative to transmit a signal to a receiver in communication with the processor indicative of at least one of: a force applied by a user; a level of resistance provided by the resistance device; an exercise start time; an exercise end time and total energy expended (kJ or kcal).

8. A base according to claim 1 wherein the resistance apparatus has an adjustment means for varying its resistance.

9. A base according to claim 1 wherein the attachment means includes a bracket for receiving the interchangeable exercise device.

10. A base according to claim 9 wherein the bracket includes a first finger with a tube that receives a pin and a second finger for receiving the exercise device and a distal end of the pin.

11. A base according to claim 10 wherein the first finger is adapted to support a first hub of the resistance apparatus.

12. A base according to claim 11 including a dog clutch for engaging a first engagement surface on the first hub of the resistance apparatus, with a second engagement surface on a second hub on the interchangeable exercise device.

13. A base according to claim 12 including a switch to engage and disengage the first and second engagement surfaces of the dog clutch.

14. A base according to claim 11 including a one-way freewheel clutch for engaging the first hub of the resistance apparatus with the second hub of the interchangeable exercise device.

15. A base according to claim 11 including a pin with at least one spline that engages with the first hub of the resistance apparatus and a second hub on the exercise device by means of at least part of inner faces of the first and second hubs which each have a toothed profiles so that the first and second hubs rotate in unison when engaged with the spline of the pin.

16. A base according to claim 15 wherein a distal end of each spline on the pin is angled for engagement with the first and second hubs.

17. A base according to claim 1 wherein the attachment means is connected to the resistance apparatus.

18. A base according to claim 1 wherein the resistance apparatus has a connector for receiving a driveshaft that is connected to the drive mechanism of the interchangeable exercise device.

19. A base according to claim 1 wherein the ground element is adjustable in height/orientation.

20. A system comprising the base according to claim 1, an exercise device mounted thereupon with at least one sensor, and an electronic device that houses a processor, a transmitter, a receiver and a control means.

21. An interchangeable exercise device for use with the base according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1A shows a side view of a first embodiment of the base;

(2) FIG. 1B shows a rear view of the first embodiment of the base;

(3) FIG. 1C shows a cross section of the first embodiment of the base;

(4) FIG. 1D shows an isometric view of the first embodiment of the base;

(5) FIG. 1E shows a plan view of the first embodiment of the base;

(6) FIG. 1F shows a close up view of the second drive wheel;

(7) FIG. 2A shows a side view of the first embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device;

(8) FIG. 2B a rear view of the first embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device;

(9) FIG. 2C shows a cross section of part of the first embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device;

(10) FIG. 2D shows an isometric view of the first embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device;

(11) FIG. 2E shows a plan view of the first embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device;

(12) FIG. 2F shows an isometric cross section of part of the first embodiment of the base connected to part of the exercise device;

(13) FIG. 3A shows a side view of a second embodiment of the base;

(14) FIG. 3B shows a cross section A-A of the second embodiment of the base;

(15) FIG. 3C shows a rear view of a second embodiment of the base;

(16) FIG. 3D shows a rear isometric view of the second embodiment of the base;

(17) FIG. 3E shows a plan view of the second embodiment of the base;

(18) FIG. 4A shows a side view of a second embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device;

(19) FIG. 4B shows a rear view of a second embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device;

(20) FIG. 4C shows a rear isometric view of the second embodiment of the base connected to a part of an exercise device;

(21) FIG. 4D shows a cross section A-A of the second embodiment of the base;

(22) FIG. 4E shows a close up of part of the cross section shown in FIG. 4D;

(23) FIG. 5A shows an end view of a pin for use with the second embodiment of the base;

(24) FIG. 5B shows a side view of the pin;

(25) FIG. 5C shows the spline of the pin;

(26) FIG. 5D shows a cross section A-A of the pin;

(27) FIG. 5E shows an isometric view of a cross section A-A of the pin;

(28) FIG. 5F shows an isometric view of the pin;

(29) FIG. 6A shows a rear view of a third embodiment of the base;

(30) FIG. 6B shows a side view of a third embodiment of the base;

(31) FIG. 6C shows a close up of the resistance unit of a third embodiment of the base;

(32) FIG. 6D shows a plan view of a third embodiment of the base;

(33) FIG. 6E shows an isometric view of a third embodiment of the base;

(34) FIG. 7A shows a rear view of a third embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device;

(35) FIG. 7B shows a side view of a third embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device;

(36) FIG. 7C shows a close up of the resistance unit of a third embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device;

(37) FIG. 7D shows a plan view of a third embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device;

(38) FIG. 7E shows an isometric view of a third embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device;

(39) FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the base;

(40) FIGS. 8B and 8C show a cross section of the resistance unit of the fourth embodiment of the base;

(41) FIG. 8D shows a right side view of the fourth embodiment of the base;

(42) FIG. 8E shows a rear view of the fourth embodiment of the base;

(43) FIG. 8F shows a left side view of the fourth embodiment of the base;

(44) FIG. 9A shows a side view of the fourth embodiment of the base connected to an exercise device that is only part shown;

(45) FIG. 9B shows a cross section of FIG. 9A along line B-B;

(46) FIG. 9C shows the pin with angled teeth;

(47) FIGS. 10A and 10B show an example of a folding base; and

(48) FIG. 11 shows a diagrammatic view of communication between sensors and the processor of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

(49) FIGS. 1A to 1F and 2A to 2F show a first embodiment 100 of the invention with a ground element 10 with three legs 11. Each leg 11 having a foot 12 that spaces the leg from the surface.

(50) The ground element 10 is formed from metal, such as steel, and the feet 11 are adjustable elements to enable the feet 12 to be adjusted to compensate for an uneven surface.

(51) Two of the legs 11A are hinged at pivots 13 to enable the legs 11A to be splayed as shown in the FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1D and 1E or stowed (not shown) wherein the two legs 11A are arranged to fold inwards to be parallel to the third leg 11B.

(52) The ground element 10 has a pair of wheels 14 mounted on an edge to enable the base 100 to be wheeled to assist with movement from one location to another.

(53) The resistance apparatus 20 comprises first and second drive wheels 21, 22 connected by a belt 23 and the first drive wheel 21 is connected to a resistance unit 24. The first drive wheel 21 has adjustable resistance as it is connected to the resistance unit 24. The second drive wheel 22 has a hub 22A through which a pin 30 is received.

(54) The resistance apparatus 20 which is made up of two drive wheels 21, 22, the belt 23 and the resistance unit 24, is arranged on an arm 40 that extends from the ground element 10. The arm 40 provides location points for both drive wheels 21, 22 and for the resistance unit 24.

(55) The first drive wheel 21 and resistance unit 24 are arranged coaxially on a shaft (not visible).

(56) The second drive wheel 22 is arranged on a finger 41 extending from the arm 40 and the second drive wheel 22 is further secured and engaged by inserting of a pin 30 that passes through the first finger 41 engages with a second finger 42 that extends from the arm 40.

(57) The first finger 41 is a tube that is arranged perpendicular to the plane of the arm 40.

(58) The resistance unit 24 includes electromagnetic resistance means to enable electronic adjustment of resistance to alter ease of rotation of the first drive wheel 21 and thereby the second drive wheel 22 that is connected to the drive mechanism on the exercise device 500.

(59) Resistance applied to the first drive wheel 21 can be adjusted by changing the magnetic field created by the electromagnets in the resistance unit 24.

(60) The pin 30 is received through the first finger 41 and a distal end 31 of the pin 30 is connected to the second finger 42 by a screw thread connection (not shown).

(61) The attachment means 50 is provided by the pin 30 and the fingers 41, 42. The first finger 41 is a tubular extension through which the pin 30 is received. The second finger 42 provides a distal end for receiving the exercise device.

(62) The pin 30 enables the exercise device 500 to be connected to the resistance apparatus 20 and the fingers 41, 42 provide a support bracket for receiving and supporting the exercise device during use. In this way the exercise device 500 can be easily arranged on the base 100 and securely connected to the base 100.

(63) When the exercise device 500 is mounted on the base 100 a dog clutch 60 enables engagement of the hub 22A of the second drive wheel 22 with the drive mechanism (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the exercise device 500.

(64) The dog clutch 60 has two engagement surfaces 61, 62. The first engagement surface is mounted on a spring 63 so that when the spring 63 is released the first engagement surface 61 connects with the second corresponding engagement surface 62 on the exercise device so that the dog clutch 60 is engaged. When the dog clutch 60 is engaged the connected parts on the base and exercise device rotate in unison.

(65) A switch 64 is provided to lock and release the first and second engagement surface 61, 62. When the spring 63 is compressed the first and second engagement surfaces 61, 62 are separated (see FIG. 2C). When the spring 63 is released the first and second engagement surfaces are engaged. The switch 64 is provided on the second finger 42.

(66) The hub 22A of the second drive wheel 22 is coaxial with a hub 501 provided on the exercise device 500, so that both hubs 22A, 501 rotate about the pin 30 and the dog clutch 60 enables engagement surfaces 61, 62 to be engaged so that both parts (drive wheels of resistance apparatus and hub of exercise device that is connected to the drive mechanism) rotate in unison when driven by a user activating the drive mechanism.

(67) FIGS. 3A to 3E and 4A to 4E show a second embodiment of the base 200. In FIGS. 4A to 4E part of an exercise device 500 is shown. Like parts have like references.

(68) The second embodiment 200 has the same arm 40 and fingers 41, 42 configuration, but the exercise device 500 is engaged in a different way.

(69) In the second embodiment 200 the pin 30 is adapted to engage the hub 501 of an exercise device 500 with the second drive wheel 22 of the resistance apparatus 20.

(70) The pin 30 has a distal end 32 that connects to the second finger 42. The pin 30 also has a spline 33 that when inserted through the first tubular finger 41 and located on the second finger 42 positions the spline 33 so that it engages with inner surfaces of the second drive wheel hub 22A and the hub 501 of the exercise device 500 (see FIG. 4E). In this way when the spline 33 is inserted and engaged with both hubs 22A, 501 they rotate in unison so that input from a user through the drive mechanism of the exercise device 500 is in communication with the resistance apparatus 20.

(71) In the pictured embodiments shown in FIGS. 3B to 3E the second drive wheel 22 includes magnets (not shown) to locate the spline 33 into the hub 22A of the second drive wheel 22.

(72) The pin 30 also provides a quick and easy means for connecting the exercise device 500 to the base 200 by forming part of the attachment means 50 that is a combination of the pin 30 and the fingers 41, 42.

(73) FIGS. 5A to 5F show an example of the pin for the second embodiment of the base 200 that enables quick connection.

(74) The pin 30 has a spline 33 that rotates freely on needle bearings 34 about the pin 30 so that the main body of the pin does not rotate in use, only the spline 33 (see FIG. 5D). The spline 33 has a toothed outer surface that engages with toothed inner faces of the hub of the second drive wheel 22A and the hub 501 of the exercised device 500. In this way both hubs 22A and 501 rotate in unison and are connected to the resistance apparatus 20 and to the drive mechanism (not shown) of the exercise device.

(75) FIGS. 6A to 6E and 7A to 7E show a third embodiment of the base 300. Like parts have like references. In the pictured embodiment the arm 40 projects from the ground element 10 with a two fingers 41, 42 that both extend upwards in the same configuration. The fingers 41, 42 support a resistance unit 24 that has a connector 25 for receiving a drive shaft 503 provided on the exercise device 500. The exercise device 500 has a bevel box 504 that enables rotary motion generated through the drive mechanism (pedals 502) to be changed through 90 degrees to rotate the drive shaft 503 that is connected to the resistance unit 24.

(76) The fingers 41, 42 also act as a bracket for receiving and supporting the exercise device 500.

(77) The connector 25 is adapted to receive an end of a drive shaft 503 that extends from the drive mechanism 502 of exercise device 500 (see FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7D, 7E). As a user (not shown) drives the drive mechanism 502, by pedalling on the exercise device 500, rotary motion is transmitted by 90 degrees though the bevel box 504 on the exercise device 500 to the driveshaft 503 rotates which enables rotary motion to be transmitted coaxially along the driveshaft by means of the resistance unit 24.

(78) The resistance unit 24 also includes a speed up gearbox 26 that increases rotational speed of the rotating element (not shown) of the resistance unit 24.

(79) The resistance unit 24 has an electromagnetic resistance means to enable a user to quickly and easily adjust resistance.

(80) FIGS. 8 to 9 show a fourth embodiment of the base 400. Like parts have like references.

(81) The fourth embodiment 400 of the base has a one way clutch 60 with angled teeth 65 that receive a pin 30 with corresponding distal ends 35 of the splines 33 of the pin 30 and an exercise device 500 with corresponding angled teeth 505 on the hub 501.

(82) The advantage of the angled teeth 505, 65 that engage with the distal ends 35 of splines 33 is to aid with smooth engagement between the parts even when the teeth may not be directly aligned. The angling of the teeth when used with a one way clutch also means that the coupling between the clutch and pin, the coupling between the clutch and exercise device, are uni-directional and will disengage when rotation is reversed.

(83) On the pin 30 shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C the distal end 32 of the pin 30 has a step 32A. The step 32A engages with the receiving part of the exercise device 500 to correctly secure the base 100, 200, 400 with the exercise device 500. In use the step 32A is pressed against the frame 506 of the exercise device 500 by the engagement of the distal end 32 into the second finger 42. The hub 501 is arranged on the frame 506 so as to rotate in use.

(84) In FIGS. 8E and 9B the position of a sensor 150 on the resistance apparatus 24 is indicated. In FIG. 9B the position of a sensor 550 on the exercise apparatus 500 is shown. The positions shown are only an example of where the sensors may be positioned and the sensors may be located at any suitable position.

(85) FIG. 8E therefore shows an embodiment 400 with all the preferred features of the invention comprising: a ground element 10 for locating the base 400 on a surface; a resistance apparatus 24 mounted on the ground element 10; an attachment means 42 for receiving and connecting an interchangeable exercise device (not shown, refer to FIG. 9B) to the base 400; and a sensor 150 which is operative to detect and identify the interchangeable exercise device when connected to the base 400 and that is also operative to communicate with a processor when the resistance apparatus is engaged with a drive mechanism on the interchangeable exercise device.

(86) Sensor 150 includes an RFID reader arranged on a wall of the resistance apparatus 24. The RFID reader 150 receives signals from an RFID tag 550 provided on each exercise device 500. When the exercise device 500 is mounted on the base (not fully shown in FIG. 9B) a signal transmitted from the RFID tag 550 is detected by the RFID reader 150. Upon identification of the exercise device 500 a resistance profile can be selected for the user.

(87) Sensor 150 is also operative to communicate with the processor when the resistance apparatus is engaged with a drive mechanism on the interchangeable exercise device. Sensor 150 therefore includes means to detect when the resistance apparatus and drive mechanism are engaged which may be achieved for example by detecting resistance created by the resistance apparatus by a force sensor and/or detecting movement when the drive mechanism by a movement sensor. It is therefore appreciated that sensor 150 may combine a plurality of sensing means to detect different parameters.

(88) In FIGS. 8B and 8C there is shown the resistance unit 24 which includes a resistance coil 27 and magnets 28 for generating resistance during rotation. In this embodiment there is no requirement for two drive wheels connected by a belt, instead resistance is generated by the resistance unit 24 that has a hub that receives the pin 30 and has a clutch 60. The base 400 has a first finger 41 and a second finger 42 that provided insertion points for the pin 30. The pin 30 passes through the first tubular finger 41 and the threaded distal end 32 of the pin 30 is connected to a threaded aperture in the second finger 42.

(89) In FIGS. 10A, 10B a mechanism for deploying the legs 11 of the ground element 10 is shown. The legs 11 are pivotable by a pivot formed from worm gears 13. The worm gears 13 are driven by a motor 15 or can be driven manually by a turning a threaded post 16 that is in communication with the worm gears 13. In this way the legs 11 can be folded together for stowage and adjusted to accommodate an uneven surface during use.

(90) In all embodiments 100, 200, 300, 400 at least one sensor 150 (see FIG. 9B that includes an example location) is provided. The at least one sensor may be externally mounted or may be internally mounted, for example inside the arm 40.

(91) FIG. 11 shows a diagrammatic example of a preferred example of the system having a base 100, an exercise device 500 and an electronic device 600 that includes the processor. The base 100 has a sensor 150 and the exercise device 500 has a sensor 550. Both sensors 150, 550 communicate to detect if the exercise device 500 is connected to the base 100.

(92) Sensor 150 is configured to detect presence of the exercise device 500 and determine the type of exercise device upon receipt of one or more signals from the exercise device sensor 550. In this example the exercise device sensor 550 transmits a signal to the base sensor 150 that confirms presence and type of exercise device. In this example one sensor transmits a signal and the other sensor receives the signal and therefore both sensors do not transmit and receive. It is appreciated that a signal to identify the exercise device may also confirm receipt of the exercise device onto the base. For example the base sensor 150 may receive a signal from the exercise device sensor 550 that confirms presence and data, such as a code, relating to the type of exercise device. A signal is then transmitted from the base sensor 150 to the processor on the electronic device 600 where the signal can be analysed and corresponding events may occur, such as provision of a resistance force map training program.

(93) At least one of sensor 150 or 151 operative to communicate with the processor when the resistance apparatus is engaged with a drive mechanism on the interchangeable exercise device.

(94) For example when presence of the exercise device and type of exercise device is detected by sensor 150 a signal may be transmitted to the processor.

(95) It is appreciated that the base 100 may have one sensor 150 that has multiple sensing means so that one sensor could be capable of detect presence of an exercise device, identifying the exercise device and sense data relating to resistance applied by the resistance apparatus.

(96) For the purposes of the example shown in FIG. 11, sensor 151 is arranged on the resistance apparatus (not shown in FIG. 11) of the base 100 to communicate with the processor when the resistance apparatus is engaged with the drive mechanism on the exercise device. Sensor 151 senses data relating to resistance.

(97) Sensor 551 is in communication with the drive apparatus (not shown) on the exercise device 500 and detects parameters relating to drive, such as revolutions per minute/force applied. Sensor 551 is an example of an additional sensor that may communicate with the processor to provide further information that can be used to provide more exercise related data for a user and may also assist with recorded hours of use of the exercise device that may be useful when considering maintenance of the exercise device.

(98) The processor is able to receive and transmit signals, indicated by arrows showing two way communication with the sensors 150, 151, 550, 551.

(99) It is appreciated that a sensor may only transmit a signal, may only receive a signal, or may both transmit and receive a signal.

(100) Signals transmitted from a sensor to the processor are analysed and under certain conditions the processor will generate command signals to be sent from the processor to the resistance apparatus to alter resistance. Signals transmitted from a sensor to the processor are also analysed to provide information for a user relating to exercised perform and this information may be stored and/or displayed on the electronic device.

(101) A preferred embodiment of the system comprises any one of the pictured or described bases 100, 200, 300, 400, with at least one sensor as described above, an exercise device 500 mounted thereupon with at least one sensor as described above and an electronic device 600 that houses a processor, a transmitter, a receiver and the control means.

(102) 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 as defined by the claims.