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:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention at hand concerns a type of exercise equipment, mainly intended for supplementary training in conjunction with walking. More specifically, the invention refers to a type of exercise equipment fitted with moveable handle, which is connected to at least one energy-accumulating unit. When using the 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 energy-accumulating unit and returned to the person exercising. 
       TECHNICAL BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    In conjunction with exercise where mainly the mussels of the lower body are exercised, for example when walking, it has from a training point of view proved to be efficient to also exercise the mussels of the upper body. Previously, as walkers sought to increase exercising mussels of the upper body, they have been limited to different forms of gymnastics or the use of regular skiing poles, canes, weights and similar tools. 
         [0003]    Originating in Finland, it has become increasingly common since the end of the 1990s to use specially developed walking poles in connection to walking. Even though the use of walking poles have proved to have a positive effect on exercise with improved total training results as a consequence, studies have shown an efficiency improvement of between 10-30%, it still has the disadvantage that the walker does not carry out any effective dynamic movement with the upper body mussels in conjunction with walking. 
         [0004]    A disadvantage with existing walking poles is that they are not equipped with any efficient energy accumulating device which harnesses the energy that the upper body mussels produce, and is then able to return the energy after accumulation in such a way that a more efficient dynamic exercise for the upper body mussels is achieved. 
         [0005]    The positives of paddling as a training method have proved to be a superior method for exercising the upper body mussels. The purpose of the invention is therefore to create exercise equipment that exercises upper body mussels to a greater extent than traditional walking poles. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0006]    Equipment like poles and similar devices that contain an elastic element are already known. Accordingly, a shock absorber for a pole including at least one external placed spring, applied on the lower part of a walking aid, is described in the patent document GB 2359498. When pushing the walking aid to the ground a spring is compressed, thereby producing a cushioning effect. The elastic components&#39; elastic force can be varied selectively. The equipment includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the pole. The pole differs significantly from the invention at hand. 
         [0007]    An accessory to different kinds of walking aids, mainly consisting of an externally placed pressure spring on the lower part of the pole, is described in patent application GB 2340402A. The construction consists of a pressure spring that is fitted between an inner and an outer tube. During use, the spring is compressed thereby producing a cushioning effect. The design to a large extent differs to the invention at hand. 
         [0008]    The patent document U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,361 A describes a spring loaded skiing pole for improved exercise effect in conjunction with skiing. The design includes a pressure spring placed in a cap in the top part of the pole. The design is held together by a rod which is placed in the centre of the spring and connected to the top end of the cap and also journalled in bearings to the upper edge of the pole. The cap is placed in close proximity to the handle. The pole is mainly intended for exercising the mussels of the upper body. The construction differs significantly from the invention at hand as it does not include a handle which is moveable to any greater extent in relation to the length of the pole. 
         [0009]    In the international patent application WO 03034859 A1 a shock absorber for example canes, skiing poles, trekking poles, and similar, is described. The shock absorber consists of a spring package that is placed inside the pole in-between two separately slideable parts. The spring package 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 at hand. 
         [0010]    In the Swedish patent document SE 522840, a pole to be used on bare ground as well as on snow and ice is described. The design consists of an outer and an inner tube, which are telescopically moveable and lockable to a suitable length for the pole. Furthermore, the design includes a handle at the top end of the pole as well as a wrist hold designed to be fitted to the handle. The telescopic lock of the inner tube is docked to a spring system which gives a certain resilience of the inner tube inside the outer tube when the pole is held to the ground/snow/ice. The invention is characterised by the inner and the outer tubes being of about the same length, and that these have a specific form which entails that the pole has a reduced relative weight in the downwards direction. Furthermore, the invention is characterised by the upper pole piping being shaped with a reduced diameter in adaptation to a suitable, relatively thin, handle. The design described in SE 522840 differs significantly from the invention at hand. 
         [0011]    Even though the designs above each serve their purposes on their own, none of these contain the intent of the invention at hand for exercise equipment, for use in conjunction with walking, which imitates the movement that is produced when paddling. Furthermore, none of the designs above contain a handle which is movable in relation to the main part of the length of the exercise equipment, and connected to at least one energy accumulating unit which accumulates energy that can be released and brought back to the exercising person and hence provide for more efficient training. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
         [0012]    The invention is going to be described in detail below with reference to the enclosed schematic plans which in exemplifying purpose displays the current preferred designs of the invention 
           [0013]    Illustration  1 - 3  shows the essence of the intent of the invention 
           [0014]    Illustration  4  shows, from a side angle, the first alternative design of the exercise equipment with the handle in the upper end position 
           [0015]    Illustration  5  shows, from a side angle, the first alternative design of the exercise equipment with the handle in the lower end position 
           [0016]    Illustration  6  shows a second alternative design of the invention 
           [0017]    Illustration  7  shows a third alternative design of the invention including a rope connected to the elastic element 
           [0018]    Illustration  8 - 9  shows a fourth alternative design of the invention 
           [0019]    Illustration  10  shows a fifth alternative design of the invention 
           [0020]    Illustration  11  shows a sixth alternative design of the invention 
           [0021]    Illustration  12 - 13  shows a variation of the invention where the mobile handle can be locked to the upper part of the exercise equipment 
           [0022]    Illustration  14  shows a variation with a handle in the form of a glove 
           [0023]    Illustration  15  shows a variation and alternative placement of the break wheel 
           [0024]    Illustration  16   a - b  shows a variation with a jointed tip and a tip consisting of a suction device respectively 
           [0025]    Illustration  17  shows an exercise appliance with a force sensitive device 
           [0026]    Illustration  18  shows a variation of the elongated object with longitudinal tracks 
           [0027]    Illustration  19  shows a variation of the invention including a pre-tightening device for pre-tightening of the spring element 
           [0028]    Illustration  20  shows how the energy-accumulating unit can consist of a pneumatic unit 
           [0029]    Illustration  21 - 22  shows how the exercise equipment can be fitted with several handles 
           [0030]    Illustration  23  shows how the upper end of the exercise equipment can be fitted with a weight 
           [0031]    Illustration  24  shows the described movement of the handle during a movement cycle, including putting the pole to the ground, charging of energy, release of the same, and leverage from the ground 
           [0032]    Illustration  25 - 42  shows alternative exercise methods with the exercise equipment 
       
    
    
       [0033]    Referring to illustrations  1 - 3  the basic idea of the exercise equipment  1  is shown according to the invention at hand. The exercise equipment consists of an elongated object  2  of suitable material, like plastic, composite, metallic materials, or similar. Preferably the elongated object has a round shape, alternatively the elongated object consists of a section with oval, semi-round, triangular, square, multi-edged, or similar. The elongated object is most suitably made from solid or hollow material. 
         [0034]    To the elongated object  2  a handle  3  is fitted which is axially moveable in relation to the axial direction of the elongated object. 
         [0035]    To one end of the elongated object, a stopper  4  is fitted, e.g. with glue, pressing, bolting, screw plate, or other suitable method of joining the parts. The stopper  4  also acts as a stop for the upwards axial movement of the handle and prevents it from coming loose from the elongated object. The shape of the stopper also allows the pole-like exercise equipment to be used as a fixed pole. The stopper can be made in a number of different variations and shapes. For example, in the illustration a knob shaped stopper is shown. 
         [0036]    The handle  3  is connected to at least one energy-accumulating unit  5 . The energy-accumulating unit is connected to the elongated object  2  by, for example, an attachment  6 . Alternatively the attachment  6  can be placed in a different place inside (if hollow) on the elongated object than what is shown in the illustration. The energy-accumulating unit  5  is not limited to the schematic execution and placement according to illustration  1 . The energy-accumulating unit  5  can, for example, consist of an elongated elastic element, a pneumatic unit, pulling spring, or another energy-accumulating unit which rapidly can accumulate and release energy back to the handle  3 . 
         [0037]    By applying force to the handle  3  the handle will glide along the elongated object  2  thereby accumulating energy in the energy-accumulating unit  5 . When the force on the handle  3  is reduced, the stored energy in the energy-accumulating unit will be released thereby making the handle  3  retract to its original position. 
         [0038]    In illustration  1  the handle is in its upper end position. In illustration  2  the handle is partly moved along the elongated object. In illustration  3  the handle is moved down to its lower end position. 
         [0039]    Referring to illustrations  4  and  5 , the first alternative design of the exercise equipment is shown. Like the previously described variation, the exercise equipment includes an elongated object  2  with a stopper  4  placed on the upper part of the exercise equipment  7 . In the illustration the stopper consists of a knob. The energy-accumulating unit is in this variation made of at least one elastic element  5 . The elastic element is most suitably constituted of an elastic rope, string, 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  is fitted in a handle  3 , which in its simplest form can be constituted by a tube of suitable length, which is fitted to the elongated object  2 . The inner shape of the handle  3  is chosen so that it is mainly of such shape that it essentially corresponds to the outer shape of the enclosed elongated object. Between the elongated object and the handle, there should be space for the elastic element. The handle can be fitted with bearings to the elongated object so that it can easily run axially along the length of the elongated object. The bearings can consist of a traditional gliding bearing, which in its simplest form is constituted of the inside of the handle. The bearings can consist of bearings in the form of insets (not shown) which are fitted to the inside of the tube. Furthermore, the bearings can consist of other known types of bearings for axial bearings. The handle is preferably made from a suitable material of some sort of plastic, composite, metallic material, or other suitable material. By applying force to the handle  3  the handle will glide along the elongated object thereby accumulating energy in the elastic element  5  during the simultaneous extension of the latter. When force is reduced, the accumulated energy of the elastic element will be released and make the handle  3  retract to its original position. 
         [0040]    A wrist strap  8  or similar can be attached to the handle. The wrist strap  8  is meant to facilitate handling of the exercise equipment as well as improving the handling of the exercise equipment. Furthermore, the wrist strap  8  entails that the transition of force from the exercising person to the equipment and vice versa is improved. The size of the wrist strap  8  can be fixed or more suitably adjustable to the hand of the user. 
         [0041]    In order to provide a good grip on a hard surface such as tarmac, concrete, or rock, the pole can be fitted with a tip  9  on its lower end, made from a hard material such as wolfram, some form of carbide or hard metal. For use in snow, the pole can easily be fitted with a snow disc or snow ring (not shown in illustration). 
         [0042]    In illustration  6  another alternative design is shown, where the elongated object is in two pieces and hollow. The elongated object consists of an inner  10  and an outer  11  profile which can be inserted into each other. A locking mechanism  14 , of technology already known, enables the inner profile  10  and the outer profile  11  to be telescopically connected to each other in a firm manner. Alternatively the length of the exercise equipment can be adjusted in other ways, e.g. a succession of holes in the tubes (not shown in illustrations) which are fitted to each other so that a desired length on the pole-like equipment is attained. After the adjustment of the length, the outer and the inner tube are locked together by a locking pin or similar. 
         [0043]    At least one elastic element is fitted to 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 and further on out of the tube through opening  15  and out to the handle  3 . The elastic element is fitted to the handle with a knot or with the help of some sort of attachment element. It is shown in the illustration how the elastic element runs along at least one pulley  16 . The pulley is attached to the upper end of the elongated object in connection to the opening  15 . The distance between the axial centre of the elongated object and the rotation centre of the pulley can vary significantly. The placement of the pulley in relation to the axial direction of the elongated object can vary significantly. Furthermore, the diameter of the pulley can be chosen freely according to the specific design of the exercise equipment. 
         [0044]    Illustration  7  shows a variation of the invention including an elongated 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  which runs out through an opening  15  in the elongated object  2  along at least one pulley  16  to the handle  3 . The rope is fitted to the handle in a suitable fashion with, for example, a knot or some sort of known attachment element. Alternatively the rope can consist of a wire or similar. 
         [0045]    Referring to illustrations  8  and  9  a fourth alternative design of the invention is shown. The illustrations show how the handle  3  is moveable along the length of the elongated object  2 , from the stopper  4  (in this form the stopper  4  consists of the pulleys  6 ) in the upper end down towards or over the tip  13  of the lower end of the elongated object. The handle is fitted with four elastic elements  5  which run inside the tube from the tip to the pulleys  6  to the handle  3 . The elastic element is preferably constituted by rubber rope or similar. 
         [0046]    In illustration  10  a fourth alternative design of the invention is shown. In this design one end  18  of the handle  3  has an extending attachment  19  which is intended for connecting the elastic element  5  with the help of an attachment element  20 . The attachment  19  can also be attached to the upper end (not shown in illustration) of the handle  3 , alternatively in a different place along the handle (not shown in illustration). An extending attachment  21  is attached to the pole on the upper end of the elongated object with a suitable attachment method, like an attachment element  22  consisting of a locking pin, screw plate, or other equal method. Preferably, the attachment consists of a bent tube. The elastic element can be fitted with a locking pin, screw, or similar. Alternatively, the elastic element can run in and out of the elongated object through the attachment. 
         [0047]    An alternative form of placement of the elastic element  5  is shown in illustration  11 . In this form an attachment  23  in connected to a suitable spot on the outer profile  11  of the two-parted elongated object. In the attachment at least one elastic element  5  is fitted. The other end of the elastic element  5  is fitted to the handle  3 . Via a mainly, in relation to the axial direction of the elongated object, pulley  16  with radial bearings, which is fitted to the upper end of the exercise equipment, the elastic element runs from the attachment  23  to the handle  3 . 
         [0048]    Illustrations  12  and  13  show how the exercise equipment can be provided with a locking device  46  with which the handle  3  can be fixed at the top end  7  of the elongated object  2 . The locking device consists of a locking arm with bearings  24  attached in a suitable fashion like with an axel  25  alternatively a split pin, screw plate, or similar to the handle. Illustration  12  shows the locking device in an open position. Illustration  13  shows how the locking arm  24  has been turned into a position over the upper end  7  of the elongated object  2 . By this lock, the exercise equipment can be used as a traditional walking stick. Furthermore, the handle can be fitted with a (not shown) wrist strap. 
         [0049]    Illustration  14  shows a seventh. version of design of the invention where the handle is constituted of some form of glove  26 . The glove is fitted in a suitable manner, sown on or similar, to at least one energy-accumulating unit  5  in the form of a rope or string of rubber, or similar elastic material. When training with the exercise equipment equipped with a handle in the form of a glove, the elongated object is gripped with the help of the glove  26  after which the glove, during training with the equipment, glides up and down the elongated object. When returning upwards the glove meets the stopper  4 . 
         [0050]    Illustration  15  shows a variation of the placement of the pulley. The variation consists of a preferably hollow elongated object  2  on which a handle  3  runs. The handle is fitted with a resilient elastic element. From the handle the resilient elastic element runs over a pulley  16  fitted to the attachment  27  via the axel with bearings  28 . The elastic element then runs into the elongated object down to a, not shown in the illustration, attachment in the form of a tip or other attachment device. The elastic element is fitted to, for example, a tip (e.g. position  13  in illustration  6  and  7 ). 
         [0051]    Illustration  16  shows how the tip consists of a jointed design  29 . The jointed design  29  consists of a ball shaped part  30  which runs in a bowl shaped part  31 . The ball shaped part can be provided with a form of dipping shoe  32  which is provided with a larger contact surface in a flat, round or similar shape. This design has the advantage that it can be used to reduce adversities on the underlying surface as well as provide a quieter walk. Illustration  16   b  shows a variation of a tip consisting of a suction device  33 . The suction device  33  is especially suitable for indoor use. The bowl shaped part  31  can be provided with a fitting (not shown in illustration) for attachment of at least one elastic element. 
         [0052]    Referring 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 moveable handle  3  senses the pulling power of the elastic element  5 . The sensor unit  34 , which is based on known technology, can contain a device for storing, processing, and transmission of information to a PC or similar. 
         [0053]    Illustration  18  shows a cross section of a variation of the elongated object  2 . In the variation the elongated object  2  is shaped in such a way that at least one track  35  (in the illustration four tracks are shown) stretches along part of or all of the length of the pole. In the illustration the handle  3  is also shown. 
         [0054]    Illustration  19  shows a pre-tightening device  36  for enabling regulation of the force which is required to stretch the elastic element. The pre-tightening device is adjusted so that the elastic element is tightened to a suitable level according to the training person&#39;s requirements. The design consists of an elongated object  2  on which a moveable handle  3  is fitted. On the moveable handle a pre-tightening device  36  is fitted. Onto this at least one elastic element is fitted. The elastic element runs via an opening  15  in the elongated object  2 . The other end of the elastic element is attached inside the elongated object to a tip (not shown in illustration) at the lower end of the pole. Furthermore, the pole is provided with an upper fixed handle  37 . The pre-tightening device consists of a coil  38  which is attached with an axel with bearings  39 . To the axel  39  a catch wheel  40  is attached, which is locked with the catch  41 . By turning the handle  42  which is situated on the axel with bearings  39  the elastic element can be pre-tightened to a level suitable for the person exercising. 
         [0055]    Illustration  20  shows an eighth version of design of the invention where the elastic unit consists of a pneumatic energy accumulating unit  43 . The pneumatic energy accumulating unit  43  can for example be constituted of some sort of pressure cylinder  44  inside the pole where the elastic effect is attained with the help of compression of air or similar mediums. In connection to the movement of the handle  3  in a downwards direction, an overpressure will be created in the pressure cylinder. The overpressure is accumulated in a pressure vessel, which is connected to the pressure cylinder. 
         [0056]    Illustration  21 - 22  shows an exercise equipment which has two upper handles. One fixed handle  37  which also functions as a stopper  4 . Furthermore, it has a moveable handle  3  that is moveable along the outer profile  11 . As described above, the design is provided with a moveable handle which is connected to at least one energy accumulating unit (not shown in illustrations) according to some of the previously described designs. This design has the advantage that it can be used as a “regular” walking stick if the upper handle is used. 
         [0057]    The exercise equipment is of a telescopic kind, where the inner (lower) profile  10  is extensible in relation to the outer (upper) profile  11 . The outer profile is locked to the inner profile with a locking device  12 . The upper profile is provided with a fixed handle  45  at its lower end, which in its simplest form could even be constituted by winding of tape or similar. The lower part. (inner profile)  10  of the exercise equipment is provided with a handle  45 , which also in its simplest form can be constituted by a wound tape. Furthermore, the exercise equipment can be provided with a foot grip  46  where feet can be placed allowing the exercise equipment to be held to the ground. 
         [0058]    Illustration  23  shows an exercise equipment which at its top end is provided with a weight  47  (which also functions as a stopper). The weight can be placed so that its centre of gravity mainly coincides with the axial centre of the pole. Alternatively the weight&#39;s centre of gravity can lie outside of the axial centre of the pole. The weight can be fixed in relation to the axial centre of the pole or be constructed so that the weight&#39;s centre of gravity can be adjusted to the centre of the pole. In the illustration a hand is drawn which is gripping the moveable handle  3  which is connected to an elongated elastic element  5 . The elongated elastic element is also connected to the upper end of the elongated object  2 . 
       Description of the Use of the Elongated Object in Conjunction With Exercise. 
       [0059]    While training with exercise equipment according to the invention at hand, one unit of the equipment is held in each hand. During walking, the equipment is moved so that they are moving forward in turns. Training with the elongated object can be described as a sequence which is described in illustration  24 . When training with the exercise equipment the handle will present a movement which mainly corresponds to the thick line of the graphic representation. The sequence describes the movement of the elongated object during an exercise cycle. The exercise equipment is lifted and moved forward (oscillating). The equipment is held to the ground at an angle suitable in relation to the length of the exercise equipment and the length of the training person. When the pole closes in on the vertical line of the pole, the moveable handle is pushed downwards by the walker, thereby accumulating energy in the energy-accumulating unit. 
         [0060]    When the pole has passed the vertical line of the walker, the inclination of the pole will rise accordingly. In connection to this the handle will be made to move upwards along the elongated object towards the stopper at the upper end of the pole during simultaneous energy release from the energy accumulating unit. The force from the energy accumulating unit will entail the body to be pushed forward when the pulling arm is held straight. At an angle, depending on the length of the exercise equipment in relation to the training person&#39;s length, the pole will break contact with the ground. 
         [0061]    To sum up, illustration  24  shows a large dynamic movement which ends in a static, prolonged position which affects the stretched arm at which a return of the force to the user of the equipment is made. Through this procedure the equipment relieves the leg mussels of stress, at the same time as it helps push the body forward. Through this procedure a movement pattern is achieved which resembles that which is used in paddling. 
         [0062]    Illustrations  25 - 43  show how the exercise equipment can be used for alternative types of training. When training according to the illustrations the exercise equipment is preferably used according to the one that is described with reference to illustration  21 . When using the exercise equipment the outer profile  11  and the inner profile  10  are not locked together by the locking device  12  but can be moved independent of one another. 
         [0063]    Illustrations  25 - 26  show how the pole can be used for training of the upper body mussels. The exercise equipment is held by the upper fixed handle and the moveable handle. The handles are pushed apart in the directions of the arrows. Illustrations  27 - 28  show how the lower parts of the pole in a similar way can be gripped and exercised with. Illustrations  29 - 30  describe how the moveable handle is gripped with one hand. Illustrations  31 - 36  show alternative training movements with the exercise equipment. 
         [0064]    Illustrations  37 - 40  show how the exercise equipment can be used for training where the training person is sitting on a chair. In the illustrations a long movement is shown where the full length of the exercise equipment is used. 
         [0065]    Illustrations  41 - 42  show how the exercise equipment can be used for training where the training person is standing on his or her knees. The training person pushes the handle down through which it is moved axially along the elongated object. Alternatively, some of the other handles can be used in order to achieve an equivalent effect as in the previously described illustrations. 
         [0066]    Even though some preferred designs have been described in detail, variations and modifications within the frame of the invention might become evident for professionals in the field, and all such are regarded to fall within the frame of the following patent requirements. For example, the elastic element, the elongated object etc may be designed according to a number of different variations that are obvious to the average professional in the field. Furthermore, the specified designs of the invention may be combined and varied in a number of different variations which are not described in this patent application which are all included by the intent of the invention and subsequent patent requirements.