EXERCISE MACHINE

Abstract: An exercise machine having a frame (78-83), a microprocessor control means (51) and a user interface (1-50) which can be moved allowing the users to exercise their muscles whereby, in use, the control means (51) can move the user interface (1-50) relative to the frame (78-83), by a rectilinear moving means (55-75) which is attached to the frame (78-83). The user interface (1-50) includes pivotally-mounted handles (33, 50) for rotary motion. Components (1-14, 52-54) comprise a universal mounting for vertical and rotary movement. Electric motors (11, 21, 23, 38, 40, 53, 69) provide the various motions under control of the microprocessor (51).

Description: Title: EXCERCISE MACHINE This invention relates to improvements in a physical exercise machine or device. It is specifically designed to integrate exercise for the spinal column and the associated muscle groups and also for the exercise of all muscles. The disadvantages of other exercise machines and techniques. Insufficient importance is attached to the central role of the spinal column in all bodily or physical activity. Nerve impulses are transmitted from the brain via the spinal cord to nerve trunks emanating between each vertabrae on either side. There is an extremely complex set of muscles that directly support the spinal column. If these muscles operate inefficiently interference and nerve pinching may occur and therefore there may be a resulting decline in all other muscular activity. This is so as the nerve trunks service all muscles and glands. Many exercise machines and techniques place undue stress upon the spine. Many exercise machines feature support for various exercises. These supports may be used a fulcrums for action. There are major faults with this approach. For instance in the seated position the centre of gravity moves forward and this places extra stress on the base of the spine. If the spine is subjected to the extra imposition of stress caused by moving weight additional stress may reach the spine with the potential for injury. In real life there are rarely available similar - devices for use as fulcrums thus risking developing muscle that is inappropriate or cannot be used effectively. Al almost all spinal injuries occur in the upright posture variations of it. Since there is no external support the upright posture it is good sense to develop the body own support system. This includes those muscles whi directly support the spine and as many other muscles possible as all muscles have shock absorption capacity This is because muscles have the ability to contract expand progressively. The more muscles there are to sha lϋ force or loading and the more efficiently they do so t less force that will actually be applied to the spine This highlights the need to develop not only the maj muscle groups but the shock absorption capability of a muscles and also muscle tone and to develop t inter-relationships between muscle groups. Any form support will interfere in the natural relationships betwe muscle groups. Any restriction of movement by suppo limits the number of joint interactions that can ta lace. 2. U In short these exercise devices and techniques do n mobilise the joints and may in fact interfere in t interactions and mobility of joints.. Alternating action is the most common form of acti and the most efficient generally. This is because utilises the potential and kinetic energy in rotary circular action. Continuous motion utilises this for energy in the most efficient manner. The interacti between joint and muscular activity uses curved action actions of joints in conjunction with muscular activity achieve motion. Another fault is the concentration particular muscle groups and insufficient attention is pa to the interaction between them therefore there is a ne for a large number of machines also to exercise the who body. The use of weights affects portablility and t environment in which the machine can be used. There a dangers inherent in using weights due to the necessity overcoming inertia to get the weight moving initially This is in effect a sudden application of force which m cause spinal problems. There are mechanical methods overcoming this problem but they suffer from the inhere weakness than once a' ' weight is up it must come dov/n wi the potential for injury. As a large number of exerci machines require changing between machines and t adjustment of weights or resistance this prevents consta and smooth activity. Constant application of effo develops the user's aerobic ability, thus when exercis take the form of repetitions and pauses between the repetitions there is not a constant level of aerob reaction. In constant motion the user must breathe hil effort is being applied. Further to this previous point there is no interfa between two or more separate exercises on particular musc groups. That is, there is no transition between t exercises. This is unlikely if adjustment must take pla in the position of the body and or means of exercise. Another problem with supported exercise is th interference to the body in not allowing natural balanc adjustments which would occur without support. Balance is vital for the efficient output of energy. Balance is als highly important in preserving the spine from undue stress. For instance the inefficient response of the body due t the stress of gravity and any other loads is increased i the person has poor balance. Frequently two limbs are engaged in lifting or dealin with a particular resistance. This has the inherent dange of the stronger side taking more loading than the othe thus placing unequa^ pressures on either side of the spine. This is a potential recipe for displacement of vertabrae o discs. Thus the ideal^are separate and equal loadings an the same shape or path of exercise for each side performe in an alternating manner. Timing is an important facto rarely used. If the same exercise or an equal or opposit enercise is performed in the same period of time on bot sides smoothness and consistency of effort is ensured. The objectives of this exercise machine or device ar to minimise the problems associated with other forms o exercise as outlined in the previous paragraphs. This is the preferred means of producing the motion and conditions t ' o overcome the faults and difficulties o other exercise machines and techniques. The first part the following description is component by component wi descriptions of motions produced by mechanical componen and the grouping of components for the explanation of the function or functions. Figure 1 is a perspective view the whole machine. Figure 2 is an under side view of t left hand assembly. Figure 3 is an under side view of t right hand assembly. Figure 4 is a perspective view of t two rails 62 and 64 with the suitable means attached to i Figure 5 is a top view of the whole machine. Figure 6 is perspective view of the whole machine with numbered arro to indicate he motions and planes that may be produced the machine. The motors 23 and 40 on the left and rig assemblies respectively are shown as they would opera when the plates 20 and 37 are horizontal. Figure 7 is flow chart giving some of the electronic procedures th are foreseen on the machine. This concerns primarily t set up and checking procedures before the user commences use the machine. Some detail is provided for actions the microprocessor whilst the user is using the machine. Components 1 to 3 are castors or other suitable mea which rotate and swivel on the floor and are attached suitable means to the horizontal members 4 to 6. These a attached by suitable means to the legs 7 to 9. These a preferably vertical tubes or other suitable means and a attached by suitable, means to a horizontal flat plate 10 An electric motor 11 is attached by suitable means to horizontal flat plate 12. At either end of the flat pla 12 are two holes positioned such that the legs 7 and 8 may be secured in these holes by suitable means. The output shaft 13 of the motor 11 rotates vertically through a hole in a horizontal flat, plate 12 and rotates in a threaded hole in a horizontal flat plate 14. This has two holes in similar positions as the plate 12 but moves up or down the legs 7 and 8 thus when the motor 11 is in action the horizontal flat plate 14 and the components attached to it will move vertically up or down depending on the direction of motor rotation. The components which move in conjunction with the horizontal flat plate 14 are numbered 15 to 50 inclusive. Two tubes numbered 15 and 16 are attached by suitable means to the base of the horizontal flat plate 14 under the holes at either end and each has an internal diameter similar to the outer diameter of legs 7 and 8 and move over the legs 7 and 8 to provide stability and smoothness for the vertical movement initiated by motor 11. These components are divided into two sections numbered 17 to 50 which are designated as left and right hand assemblies. The left hand assembly consists o.f components 17 to 33 and the right hand assembly 34 to 50. These operate in a like manner and with like components,, but as they are independently operated may operate differently. The left hand assembly is attached by suitable means to the horizontal flat-plate 14 by means of a tube 17 which may be moved horizontally towards the output shaft 13 or away from it. Attached by suitable means to the horizontal tube 17 is a worm wheel 18 fixed in a vertical position. The tube 17 passes through the centre of the worm wheel 18 and is secured in the bearing of the bearing block 19 which is attached by suitable means to the base of the flat plate 20. Please see figure 2 for the components 19 and 26 to 30. The electric motor 21 is attached by suitable means to the top face of the flat plate 20 and attached by suitable means to the output shaft of the motor 21 is a worm drive 22 rotating on the worm wheel 18. As the worm wheel is fixed in position the rotation of the motor 21 causes the flat plate 20 and the associated components 19 to 33 to rotate vertically. Please see figure 6 arrow 85. The electric motor 23 is attached by suitable means to the top plate of the flat plate 20 and has a worm drive 24 attached by suitable means to the output shaft of the motor 23. A worm wheel 25 is rotated when the motor 23 is in action. The axle 26 of the worm wheel 25 passes through to the base of the flat plate 20 and is secured in a suitable bearing in or on the flat plate 20. A flat plate 27 which is held flush on the bottom face of the flat plate 20 by the axle 26. The axle 26 is attached by suitable means to the flat plate 27. The flat plate 27 has two components attached to it by suitable means and these are a bearing block 29 and an electric motor 28. The electric motor 28 may also function as either a generator or an electronically controlled brake as well. The motor shaft 30 of the electronic motor 28 rotates through the bearing block 29. It projects externally from flat plate 20 such that the rotation of the components 30 to 33 by the motor 23 and it's associated components is unimpeded apart from tube 17. The flat plate 27 and it's attached components 27 to 33 rotate parallel with worm wheel 25. The axle 30 has a fitting at it's external end whic secures a tube 31 secured in it at right angles to the axle 30. At the opposite end of the tube 31 a bearing 32 is secured in the tube 31 by suitable means and has a triangular handle 33 or another suitable type attache secured in bearing 32. The right hand assembly is attached by suitable mean to the horizontal flat plate 37 by means of a tube 33 an may be moved horizontally towards the output shaft 13 o away from it. Attached by suitable means to the horizontal tube 34 is a worm wheel 35 which is fixed in a vertica position. The tube 34 passes through the centre of wor wheel 35 and is secured in the bearing of the bearing bloc 36 which is attached by suitable means to the base of th flat plate 37. Please see figure 3 for the components 37 and 43 to 47. The electric motor 38 is attached by suitable means t the top face of the flat plate 37 and is attached b suitable means to the output shaft of the motor 38 is worm drive 39. The worm drive 39 rotates on the worm whee 35. As the worm wheel 35 is fixed the rotation of th motor 38 causes the flat plate 37 and the associate components 36 to 50 to rotate vertically. Please se figure 6 arrow 87. The electric motor 40 is attached b suitable means to the top face of the flat plate 37 and ha a worm drive 41 attached by suitable means to the outpu shaft of motor 40. A worm wheel 42 is rotated when th motor 40 is in action. The axle 43 of the worm wheel 4 passes through to the base of the flat plate 37. The fla plate 37 has on the bottom face another flat plate 44 t which the axle 43 is attached by suitable means. The fla plate 44- has two components attached by suitable means an these are a bearing block 46 and an electric motor 45 o other suitable means. The motor shaft 47 of the electri motor 45 passes through a bearing of the bearing block 46. It projects externally from plate 37 such that the rotatio of the components 44 to 51 caused by the motor 40 and it associated components is unimpeded. The plate 44 and i associated components 45 to 50 rotate parallel with wor wheel 42. The axle 47 has a fitting at its external en which secures a tube 48 at right angles to the axle 47. A the opposite end of the tube 48 a bearing 49 is secured i the tube 48 by suitable means and has a triangular handl 50 or another suitable type attached securely in bearin 49. Component 51 is a microprocessor for the electri motors and for various other functions. These include slot in the microprocessor for a pre-programmed memor module series of movements for the motors and also othe facilities such as a timer device. In the case of motor 28 and 45 the microprocessor is used for monitoring th shaft speeds of the two handles and their axles 30 for t left hand side and 47 for the right hand side. It has audible timing device and a visual display. These m operate singly or in conjunction. The microprocessor 51 is attached by suitable means the horizontal flat plate 10. An electric motor 53 attached by suitable means to the horizontal flat plate The output shaft 52 of the motor 53 passes vertical through a hole in the horizontal flat plate 54 and by mea of a key secured in the output shaft 52 passes through hole with a keyway in the horizontal flat plate 10. motor action is initiated in motor 53 rotation components 1 to 51 may be achieved. The components 1 to and the components 52 to 54 can be said to be a univers mounting. The radius of this rotation by the motor 53 indicated in figure 6 by the arrow 89. The horizontal fl plate 54 is attached by suitable means to a tube 55 other suitable means which passes through a support bb a is secured in the holder 57. The support 56 is secured the horizontal flat plate 68 and holder 57 is secured the block 58. The components numbered 55 to 75 inclusi are the components of two axes operating at right angles each other and will be described or can be said to be rectilinear actuator or moving means. Components 55 to 71 comprise the first axis to described. This gives horizontal movement forward backwards parallel with the horizontal tubes 76 and 7a The block 58 has a horizontal rod 59 passing througn a secured in it and at each end of the rod 59 a bearing attached by suitable means. The numbers o these bearin are 60 and 61. Please see figure 4 for the abo components. These bearings 60 and 61 move in two suitab shaped horizontal railings 62 and 63. Railings 62 and are secured on opposite sides of block 64 and the opposi ends are secured to the horizontal flat plate 68 Two r 65 and 66 pass horizontally through the block 64 and h two bearings attached at their ends. These bearings run a suitably shaped railing 67 which is similar to raili 62 and 6-3. Please see figure 5 for these bearings a railing. An electric motor 69 is attached by suita means to the horizontal flat plate 68. The output shaft passes through a horizontal threaded hole in block 58 is secured in a bearing 71 in block 64. An electric motor 72 is attached by suitable means a square tube 79 and the output shaft 73 rotates i threaded hole in component 74 which is attached to the b of component 68 by suitable means and the output shaft then secured in a bearing block 75 which in turn attached to the square tube 76 by suitable means. Th components 72 to 75 comprises the axis which produ movement horizontally across forwards or backwards paral with tne square tubes 79 and 77. Components 76 to 79 four horizontal tubes. Components 80 tυ 83 are f vertical tubes attached by suitable means to components 76 to 79. These tubes 76 to 83 are described as the frame and have the rectilinear actuator secured to it. The four vertical members may be deleted and components 76 to 79 attached to a wall or any other suitable surface. This is a summary of motions and actions of motors means. Please see figure 6. The electric motor 11 causes vertical action to occur as in arrow 84. The electric motor 21 produces rotation vertically and is shown when it is in a horizontal position and is indicated as arrow 85 in figure 6. The motor 38 causes motion as in the arrow numbered 87. The electric motor 40 causes motion parallel with the worm wheel 42 and is shown as it would act when the plate 37 is in a horizontal position. This would be as indicated in arrow 86. The electric motor 23 causes horizontal movement parallel with the worm wheel 25. The electric motor 53 rotates components 1 to 51 as indicated in arrow 89. The dimension of the radius as it would affect the user is taken from the centre of the output shaft 52 to the handle 33 of the radial arm. The electric motor 69 initiates motion forwards or backwards as indicated in the arrow numbered 90 in figure 6. The electric motor 72 and its associated components 73 and 74 produces motion across in either direction as indicated in arrow 91 on figure 6. The motors 28 and 45 drive their respective handles 33 and 50 if this is desired. They also monitor the speed of rotation of the radial arms and thus the handles 33 and 50. They may also be used to generate electricity when they are not involved in braking their respective axles 30 and 47 which are also the output shafts of the motors 28 and 45. When resistance by motor 28 and 45 is applied to the output shafts in a contrary direction to handle rotation this causes resistance to 30 and 47 and thus at the handes 33 and 50. Explanation of Figure 7. The processor checks for the presence of the memory module and if so re-locates motors if it is required by the memory module. Timing may be set by the memory module, if not it branches to a keying function.. The user may overide but the memory module may or may not accept it and a visual display will result if the memory module does not accept this option. The input module and display module are part of the microprocessor. All input module commands which are keyed in are routed via the memory module to check if the commands are viable on the particular memory module. Selection of dual or single handle use is a function performed at the input module. If programmed motion of the handles occurs a sensor indicates whether there is a user at the handle or handles and branches back to the micro processor if there is not. If there is no programmed rotation of the handles and programmed resistance the user may use the handles. If there is no programmed resistance it is set by manual input. When there is motion at the user interface there a comparison with the timing device and if they are n similar action will be taken at the motor means of the us interface to correct this tendency. The advantages of the exercise machine as described the preceding paragraphs. It is designed to require t minimum adjustment by the user such that exercise can performed without interuption. That is, it is performed a constant manner. It should move in such a manner switch between emphasis on a particular muscle group another and for there to be a transitional exercise betwe particular muscle groups. It is designed to give extremely wide range of exercise on one machine. It designed to avoid as much as possible the need to have overcome inertia and also to provide variable a controlled resistance whilst exercising. It is unsupport exercise apart from the fact that you are standing on t ground and the rotational movement of the radial arms a handles. It is exercise that requires the body to chan its physical location whilst exercising, provided that a of the motors 72, 69 and 53 are in motion and to a less degree any of the other motors may cause changes location of the radial handles and thus the user is caus • to move also. Another requirement satisfied is . the separation left and right sides but with similar resistance and sa modes or paths of travel in an alternating fashion and wi other resistance values if this is required. Other mode of action other than alternating are also available. Th machine provides a wide variety of possible modes or path of travel such that the resistance is applied to the radi arms and the handles can be altered at will by remo control during exercise. A further objective satisfied i the provision of three dimensional exercise. Anoth desirable objective is to promote similar development contractile and extensile abilities of muscle use a rotational exercise involves constant interchanging betwe these two activities. The actions of motors 53, 69 and 72 and the associated components will change the location components 1 to 51. The action of the electric motor 11 and its associat components will cause vertical movement up or down th requiring the person using the device to alter the level which they are using the machine. This in turn involv altered muscle use and transition between particular musc groups. The actions of electric motors 72, 69 and 11 wh operating constitute three dimensional movement. The actions of -electric motors 21 and 23 may provi three dimensional action to the left hand assembly and t electric motors 38 and 40 may provide three dimension action to the right hand side. The motions produced at the radial arms and the handles will be the cumulative effect of the number of motions produced by however many electric motors and their associated components are in action. That is any motor may operate in conjunction with as many electric motors as is desired or in any combination of electric motors desired. The electronic control of the motors 72, 69, 53, 11, 21, 23, 38, 40 r and the two motors 28 and 45 ensure highly accurate motions and control of the said motions. This firstly ensures that the left and right sides are operating in similar conditions if this is desired or whatever conditions are programmed. Each part of a rotation of the radial arms and handles 33 and 50 may be monitored and variable braking applied by means of the two electric motors 28 and 45 during a revolution or by means of increasing or decreasing resistance by multiples of revolutions if this is required. The radius of the arms and handles 33 and 50 may be altered manually or by the action of electric motors 72, 69, 53, and 11 and their associated components depending on the plane of operation of the radial arms and handles 33 and 50. The speed of rotation of radial arms and handles 33 and 50 in relation to motion induced by motors will affect the actual end motion at the radial arms and handles 33 a 50. Thus, by varying the speed of rotation of the radi arms and handles 33 and 50 different muscular effects m be obtained in relation to a particular motion of t machine produced by the motors. The best way to use the machine is to place t appropriate programmed memory module or other suitab means in the appropriate slot in the microprocessor 51 This or other suitable means may be used. Set t resistance level to the desired or indicated level and al set the timing device at the appropriate setting on t microprocessor 51 if necessary and set resistance level Place the left hand on component 33. Place the right ha on component 50 and rotate in the direction indicated a try to time the rotations to the audible timing devic Follow the motions of the radial arms as produced by t action or actions of whatever motor or motors are in acti is as balanced, smooth and consistent manner as possible.

Claims: These are the claims defining the invention: Claim 1. An exercise machine having a frame, a control means and a user interface which can be moved allowing the user to exercise their muscles whereby in use the control means can move the user interface relative to the frame of the rectilinear moving means. Claim 2. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the user interface includes a pair of pivotally mounted handles each of which is capable of motion by the user in a rotary fashion. Claim 3. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 2 wherein the radius of the cycle of the handles may be varied by the control means. Claim 4. An exercise machine in claim 3 wherein the handles are connected to motor means. Claim 5. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 4 wherein the motor means can move the handles. Claim 6. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 5 wherein the user interface handles may provide power means in conjunction with the main supply or part thereof. I S Claim 7. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 6 wherein the motor means of the handles are each attached to a universal mounting capable of rotational and vertical movement. Claim 8. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein the universal mounting is connected to a rectilinear moving means. Claim 9. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 8 wherein the control means comprises a microprocessor togethe with a memory module containing predetermined control movements. Claim 10. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 9 wherein the manual setting of the timing means may alter the relationship of the handle movements to the movements caused by the control means.

Inventors: PIPER DAVID JOHN, PIPER, DAVID, JOHN
Applicants: PIPER DAVID JOHN, PIPER, DAVID, JOHN
Application year: 1985
Main classification: A63B23
IPC codes: A61H1