Training apparatus

• US 7,833,129 B2
• Filed: 03/16/2010
• Issued: 11/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Benedict J.M. Hansen, Campbell Ellis, Torbjorn Mollatt, Ziad Badarneh
• Original Assignee: Benedict J.M. Hansen, Campbell Ellis, Torbjorn Mollatt, Ziad Badarneh
• Inventors: Mollatt, Torbjorn, Ellis, Campbell, Hansen, Benedict J. M., Badarneh, Ziad
• Primary Examiner(s): RICHMAN, GLENN E
• Application Number:
  US12/724,855
• Publication Number:
  US 20100222183A1
• Time in Patent Office: 245 Days
• Field of Search: 482 1- 9, 482/51, 482/57, 482/61, 482 63- 65, 482900-902, 434/247
• US Class Current: 482/5
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0641 enabling a lateral movement of the exercising apparatus, e.g. for simulating movement on a bicycle
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0051 using eddy currents induced in moved elements, e.g. by permanent magnets
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/012 using frictional force-resisters electromagnetically-controlled brakes A63B21/0056
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/225 with flywheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0023 the inclination of the main axis of the movement path being adjustable, e.g. the inclination of an endless band
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0233 in 90/90 position, like on a chair
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 26/003 for improving balance or equilibrium balance beams A63B4/00; apparatus for rope dancing A63B7/08; balancing drums, balancing boards or the like A63B22/16

Abstract

Training apparatus for physical exercise, preventive exercise and rehabilitation of injuries and increased balance, the apparatus designed as a stationary bicycle, similar to ergometer bikes or spinning bikes. The apparatus consist of a first lower stable frame configured to be supported on a floor and a second upper frame tiltable relative to the lower frame. The upper frame has an adjustable tilt movement relative the lower frame crosswise the flywheel'"'"'s revolving motion. A steering gear is guided through the upper frame where a prolonged part of the steering gear is in contact with the floor, the part having a wheel suspension like design, consisting of barlinks, dampers, springs and wheels. Stabilizing of the upper frame is done by movement of the steering gear.

Claims

1. Training apparatus for physical exercise, preventive exercise and rehabilitation of injuries and increased balance, the apparatus designed as a stationary exercise bicycle, similar to ergometer bikes or spinning bikes, where the apparatus consist of a first stable frame configured to be supported on a floor and a second frame tiltable relative to the first frame wherein;

a. the second frame is connected with the first frame in order to allow the second frame to tilt relative to the first frame crosswise the overall length of the frames;

b. the second frame having a flywheel attached with means for transmission of motion from a crank device with pedals, and means for resistance and adjustment thereof;

c. the second frame having a seat and a steering gear with means for controlling the tilt movement of the second frame, the steering gear guided through the second frame where a prolonged part of the steering gear such as a rod, has a part which is in contact with the floor, the part having a wheel suspension like design;

the steering gear, rod and wheel suspension rotational turnable relative to the first and second frame, the rod slideable relative to the second frame.

2. A training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the said part of the steering gear which is in contact with the floor has a wheel suspension like design, and consists of two bar linkages with means for rotational movement against the floor, where the bar linkages are connected to the rod independently of each other, and connected with dampers which again are connected to said rod, making the bar linkages vertically movable, the means for rotational movement against the floor connected with the bar linkages are a pair of wheels, swivel wheels or balls.

3. A training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein dampers are of hydraulic type or of gas type.

4. A training apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the dampers of an hydraulic type is connected to an hydraulic system which consists of a tank and a pump through hoses which are connected with the dampers in such a way that the pressure in the dampers is variable in order to adjust the degree of movability of the second and upper frame.

5. A training apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the hydraulic system is connected with a motor, preferably electric, which is coupled to a pump, and where the system has an activator connected to the motor and a return valve where activator also is connected to a CPU which is connected with an interface console with visual means, thus preferably a touch screen, the interface console located on the steering gear, the adjustment of the exercise apparatus and system is performed from the interface control.

6. A training apparatus according claim 1 wherein tilting of the upper second frame in a first direction will shorten one of the dampers to a point where twisting the steering gear in the same direction as the tilt movement gives a resistance within the mentioned damper which forces the second frame in the opposite direction of the first direction and in an upright position.

7. A training apparatus according claim 1 wherein the first frame has means for adjusting the angle of the second frame relative to the floor where it is supported by the first frame in the front and rear of the frames points of connection, the angle of adjustment being parallel and vertically to the length of the apparatus, the means of adjustments being threaded cylinders preferably motor assisted, or of hydraulic type coupled to pumps of manual or motorized type.

8. A training apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the hydraulic cylinders for adjusting the angle of the second frame are connected to the said hydraulic system and interface console within the apparatus.

9. A training apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the CPU has software, which enables user input and control of the apparatus modes of resistance upon drive means and pedals and tilt functions of the second frame ranging from fixed stable position to a full unsupported tilt function.

10. A training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the CPU has software of which enable a plurality of choices regarding the incline or decline angle of the second frame or which enables an active angle control of the second frame during usage of the exercise apparatus for simulating terrain and up- or down-hill situations as part of an exercise program.

11. A training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the exercise apparatus has a mechanism for performing resistance to the flywheel, the mechanism connected with the CPU which through an interface console and screen can be adjusted by the user for wanted resistance of exercise, the said mechanism at least chosen from;

a. braking device consisting of a belt with a tightening mechanism around the flywheel;

b. braking device consisting of brake shoes which are adjustable forced against the flywheel;

c. braking device consisting of an electromagnet, which affects the flywheel freedom of rotation.

12. A training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the exercise apparatus has a sensor which measures the revolutions of the flywheel, and which is connected to the CPU for calculating the revolutions as a simulation of distance within a time unit.

13. A training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the exercise apparatus has pedals fixed to the crank, the pedals having a tilt function of one of the step surfaces, the tilt function acting transverse the normal rotational axis.