Abstract:
A device suitable for providing a workout for surfers and as a general exercise device includes a platform on which a user may kneel, sit, lie, or stand. The platform is mounted on a support frame including legs for supporting the top of the frame above ground level. A rod is mounted on the support frame and extends away from the platform. At least one resistance and a handle are provided on the rod, which can be grasped by a user and pulled against the resistance. The platform is mounted on the support frame by a mounting which allows the platform to tilt, particularly laterally from side to side about an axis which is parallel or co-axial to the axis of the rod. The mounting is adjustable to allow the degree of instability of the platform to be adjusted.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2012901612 filed on 24 Apr. 2012, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference and is a continuation-in-part of PCT/AU2013/000423 filed on 23 Apr. 2013. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to an exercise/training machine, and in particular to a machine that can be used to train surfers but which can also be used in other applications for exercise, strength training including core strength, cardiovascular fitness, balance and the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are many different types of exercise machine available on the market which promise fitness and health benefits if used properly including treadmills, stationary cycles, cross-trainers, rowing machines and the like. Devices such as the “Bosu” and exercise balls are also commonly used to provide exercises to improve a person&#39;s balance and core strength. 
     A number of exercise machines have been proposed that are more specifically directed to water sports including, for example, swimming training machines. Such machines are typically unsuited to training surfers and while they do provide some exercise benefits if used correctly, do not typically improve a person&#39;s core strength or balance and are usually quite limited in the exercises that can be performed using the devices. 
     Surfing is a popular sport in Australia and elsewhere. However surfers need to understand the ocean and how to ride waves to be successful. Particular muscles are used. It is a major challenge for surfers to get and maintain surf fitness so that when the waves are good, they can take advantage of them. 
     This is a particular issue for novice and trainee surfers, and surf schools which rely on good easy conditions to teach beginners to surf. As the ocean can be dangerous, many surf instructors can spend more time ensuring the safety of their students than teaching them to surf. 
     It would be advantageous therefor to provide an exercise/training machine that can successfully provide a workout for surfers, that could be used to teach novice surfers and which may advantageously also be used as general exercise device to improve a user&#39;s fitness and strength, particularly paddle fitness and core strength, but which can also provide health and fitness benefits for non-surfers. 
     Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. 
     Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first broad aspect of the present invention there is provided an exercise/training device comprising:
         a platform on which a user may kneel, sit, lie, stand or the like in use;   a support frame on which the platform is mounted, the support frame including legs for supporting the top of the frame above ground level;   a rod or other similar member mounted on the support frame and extending away from the platform and at least one resistance means such as a pulley or the like and a handle or the like, provided on the rod, which can be grasped by a user and pulled against a resistance and   wherein the platform is mounted on the support frame by means of a mounting which allows the platform to tilt, particularly laterally from side to side about an axis which is parallel or co-axial to the axis of the rod.       

     The mount may also allow longitudinal tilting, although typically this will be more limited than the lateral tilting. 
     Preferably the mounting is adjustable to allow the degree of instability of the platform to be adjusted and controlled. 
     In one embodiment, the resistance may be provided by a pulley or the like and springs. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the resistance may be provided by stretchable cords or elastomeric materials such as shock cords. 
     In one embodiment, where a pulley and springs are used, a series of pulley wheels may be provided to change the mechanical advantage and thereby alter the resistance to movement of the handle. This enables the device to operate smoothly and allows for three dimensional movement patterns of the user&#39;s arms. 
     The rod is preferably adjustable in length, typically telescopically, to move the pulley towards or away from the platform to provide adjustment to suit the user. 
     The platform will typically be in the shape or form of a surfboard, or simulation thereof. 
     Advantageously, the platform may be moveable/collapsible between an elevated position, typically about 400 to 600 mm above ground and a lowered/collapsed position, typically by movement of the legs. 
     To enable this, the legs may be pivotally mounted to the top of the support frame, an arranged so that they cam be positioned at an angle of about 100° to the top of the support frame in the elevated position and general parallel to and contiguous with the top of the support frame in the lowered position. 
     Stabilisers may be provided and deployed when the support frame is in the lowered position. 
     Advantageously, the device may be used for exercise in both positions, with the higher position being used for e.g. simulating paddling and the lower position for e.g. doing squats. The collapsed position may also be used for storage/transportation of the device. 
     Advantageously, the present invention may provide an exercise device that can be used to simulate the experience of paddling a surfboard due to the adjustable instability of the mount, while at the same time providing a full body resistance workout and cardio-vascular workout on a variable/unstable platform which also provides core strength benefits. 
     In addition to the resistance means for a user&#39;s arms, a leg press may also be provided at or spaced from the opposite end of the platform to the pulley and handles. A bar may be provided which can be moved (e.g. pushed away) by the user&#39;s legs against a resistance means similar to the first resistance means. The bar may also be stationary. It is also envisaged that a mechanism could be provided to allow for translational (forwards and backwards) movement of the platform and/or rotational (spinning) movement about a vertical axis. Where such movement is possible, locking means may be provided to disable it temporarily. 
     In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an exercise/training device comprising:—
         a platform on which a user may lie or stand in use;   a support frame on which the platform is mounted, the support frame including legs for supporting the top of the frame above ground level;   wherein the platform is mounted on the support frame by means of a mounting which allows the platform to tilt, particularly from side to side about an axis which is parallel or co-axial to the axis of the rod; and including means for controllably adjusting the degree of instability of the mounting of the platform to the support frame to control the forces required to tilt the platform.       

     Typically the instability is provided by shaped elastomeric elements sandwiched between two outer plates either side of a central plate. The assembly may be held together by compressing the components together with a bolt or the like. The outer plates may be attached to the platform. The elastomeric elements may be generally U-shaped having a base and projections. The degree of instability of the mounting of the platform may be accurately controlled by compressing the assembly and in particular the elastomeric elements. The greater the compression, the more stable the mounting. Compression may be provided by a simple threaded nut and bolt arrangement or by a ratchet based system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, in which:— 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of an exercise/training device; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the device shown in  FIG. 1  in a collapsed/lowered position; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an end view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the device shown in  FIG. 1  showing a platform/board on top of the device tilted to one side; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the device shown in  FIG. 1  in a collapsed/lowered position; 
         FIG. 7  is a section on A-A shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a section on B-B shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a section on C-C shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a rear end view of the device of  FIG. 1   
         FIG. 11  is a rear end view of the device of  FIG. 1  showing a platform/board on top of the device tilted to one side; 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of a pulley based resistance means of the device with a cover removed to show a pair of springs; 
         FIG. 13  is a section on B-B shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a section on A-A shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an isometric view of the pulley based resistance means shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a part exploded view of the pulley based resistance means shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of the pulley based resistance means shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIGS. 18 to 20  show the pulley based resistance means set to provide differing levels of resistance; 
         FIG. 21  schematically illustrates an alternative way of providing resistance using “shock cord”; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates the “shock cords” and hand grips; 
         FIG. 23  is a plan view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 24  is an end view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a detail on “E” shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a detail on “F” shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a detailed view similar to  FIG. 26  but from a reverse angle; 
         FIG. 28  is a side view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 29  shows a section on B-B shown in  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 30  shows a section on C-C shown in  FIG. 28 ; and 
         FIG. 31  shows a variant of the exercise trainer incorporating a variant of the instability assembly; 
         FIG. 32  shows the frame of the variant of  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 33  shows an exploded view of the components of part of the instability assembly; 
         FIG. 34  is a top plan view of part of the instability assembly; 
         FIG. 35  is a side view of part of the instability assembly shown in  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  is an end view of part of the instability assembly shown in  FIG. 34 ; and 
         FIGS. 37 to 39  show a plan view, side view and a section through a rubber bushing forming part of the instability assembly; 
         FIG. 40  is a side view of a yet further variant of an exercise trainer; 
         FIG. 41  is an enlarged view illustrating a ratchet based system for compressing the elastomeric instability assembly; and 
         FIG. 42  is an enlarged view illustrating the ratchet based system for compressing the elastomeric instability assembly from an opposite side of the device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows an exercise/training device  10  which is particularly suited for use as a surf trainer and for attaining and maintaining surf fitness. The device includes a support frame  12 , on top of which is mounted a platform  14 , shaped like a surfboard, via a mounting  16  which provides instability, described in more detail below. A rod  18  extends to one side of the support frame on the end of which is mounted a pulley arrangement  20  as a part of a resistance means, described in more detail below. 
     The support frame  14  includes an upper bar  50  having a generally oval cross-section (best illustrated in  FIG. 7 ). At either end of the bar there are brackets  52 ,  54  to each of which a leg  56 ,  58  is pivoted. As shown each leg  56 ,  58  is oriented at an angle of about 100° to the upper bar. Stops  60 ,  62  are provided to maintain the angle of the legs to prevent the frame from collapsing. The rear leg  58  is slightly shorter than the front leg  56 , so that in use the surfboard/platform slopes downwards to the rear. At the base of each leg there is a foot in the form of a cross-piece  64  to provide stability when the device is in an elevated position as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     A pair of arms  66 ,  68 , which are about half the length of the leg, are pivotally mounted to the top of each leg. In certain embodiments these may be omitted. 
     The frame may be used in an elevated position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , or be lowered/folded for storage or used at a lower level for e.g. standing exercises such as squats, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6 , in which case the arms  66 ,  68  are extended outwards to provide stability for the support frame. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the rod  18  is telescopically mounted within the upper bar  50  of the support frame. The pulley arrangement  20  is mounted at the distal end of the rod. The pulley arrangement is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 12 to 20 . The pulley arrangement includes two relatively large diameter pulleys  102 ,  104 , having covers  105 . The large pulleys are fixed on respective shafts  106 ,  108  each of which define three pulley wheels of decreasing size,  110 ,  112  and  114 . The two shafts are not connected and move independently of one another. A cord  116 ,  118  is fixed to each large pulley, wrapped around it several turns and extends away to a handle/grip  120 . Pulling on the handle turns the large pulley about its axis turning its respective shaft and pulley wheels  110 - 114 . 
     Resistance to movement of the pulley/cord is provided by two springs  122 ,  124 , which are connected by cord or wire to the one of the pulleys  110 ,  112  or  114 . the springs are housed in the rod  18  and/or upper bar  50  of the frame. A switching mechanism  130  is provided to run the cord around as is best shown in  FIGS. 18 to 20 . It will be appreciated that there is a mechanical advantage in converting the rotation of the large pulley wheels  102 ,  104 , to a rotation of one of the smaller pulleys. The different pulleys  110 ,  112 ,  114  provide different levels of resistance, with the smallest pulley  114  providing the least resistance to pulling on the handles  120  and the largest pulley  110 , the most. 
     In a variant (not illustrated) additional resistance means for a user&#39;s legs, such as a leg press may also be provided at or spaced from the opposite end of the platform to the pulley and handles. A bar is provided which can be moved (e.g. pushed away) by the user&#39;s legs against a resistance means similar to the first resistance means. In a variant discussed below, where the platform is able to move backwards and forwards on the frame, the bar may be fixed. 
     The assembly  16  by which the platform is unstably mounted to the support frame is best illustrated in  FIGS. 7 to 9 . In the centre there is a first metal plate  250 . Located on either side of the central plate  250  are two pairs of two elastomeric/rubber elements  252 . Each elastomeric element has a generally channel shaped cross-section having a flat base  254  and two rounded projections  256  which extend from the ends of the base. The elastomeric elements are arranged in opposed pairs either side of the plate with the projections facing and contacting the plate. A washer plate  258  locates in the gap between the projections of each element  252 . Two further outer plates  260  sandwich the elements  252 . The plates  260  are bent to define sections  262  at 90° to the plate for fixing the plates to the underside of the platform  14 . The assembly is held together by bolts  264  which extend through the three plates and through the centres of each opposed pair of elastomeric elements. The instability of the mounting is provided by deformation of the elastomeric elements. The degree of resistance to deformation can be controlled by moving the outer plates  260  together and compressing the elastomeric elements using levers  266  which tighten the bolts  264 . In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the elastomeric elements may be compressed by a ratchet system illustrated in more detail in  FIGS. 40 to 42 . 
     In use, as illustrated by comparing  FIGS. 10 and 11  in particular, the platform can move/rock from side to side providing instability while resistance to movement of one&#39;s arms is provided by the pulley assembly so can be used to simulate paddling on a surfboard for training and/or general exercise. The device can also be used to simply provide instability, without using the pulley assembly. It will be appreciated that many different exercises can be carried out using the device and the device is not limited to use for the exercises described herein. 
       FIGS. 21 to 30  illustrate a variant of the invention in which the pulley assembly and springs are replaced with stretchable cords  200  (sometimes known as “shock cords”) to provide resistance to movement of the handles/grips  120 . In this embodiment four (two pairs of two) shock cords  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216  having different degrees of resistance to stretching have one end fixed near the end the tube  18  which is nearest the handles  120  and extend inside the tubes  18  and  50  to an array of pulleys  218  and back to the handle end of the tube around further arrays of pulley wheels  230 ,  232  either side of the tube for subsequent connection to one of the two handles  120 . The end of each of the four cords has a clip  220  for attaching it to a handle  120 . Each handle can be connected to either one of the two cords or both of them. As the cords provide differing resistance to stretching, that provides for three different resistance levels. 
       FIGS. 31 to 39  illustrate a variant of the trainer  310  including a variant  316  of the instability assembly. The assembly includes a central adjustable fitting  318  and two supporting elastomeric cones  320  spaced either side of the central fitting along the length of the frame  312 . As is best shown in  FIG. 32 , two vertical plates  322  are welded to either side of the top of the frame. Each plate defines an aperture  324 . 
       FIGS. 33 to 36  illustrate the part of the instability assembly that attaches to the platform  14 . In particular there is a rectangular plate  326  from which depends a semi-circular relatively perpendicular plate  328 . Two tracks  330  extend away from either end of the plate  326 . The assembly is mounted to the underside of the platform  10  using screws  331 . Two flexible elastomeric cones  332  with rounded ends are mounted in the tracks and can be moved along the tracks to adjust the stability of the mounting and the degree of pitch possible. In a variant (not shown) the cones could be mounted to the frame with their tips pointed upwards. This has the advantage that they are less likely to lose contact with the platform which has a larger surface area than the top of the frame. The cones may be fixed or mounted on a track and moveable. 
     A rubber bushing  352  having a circular base  354  and raised perimeter  356  having a rounded end/top is sandwiched between one plate  322  and the depending plate  328  and compressed using a handle  360  and shaft  361  drawing the plates together. The more the bushing is compressed the more rubber contacts the plate  322  and the more stability is provided. 
       FIGS. 40 to 42  show a further variant of an exercise/training machine  10   a .  FIG. 40  shows in particular the machine in a lowered state and flexible elastomeric cones  332  which are mounted on rails  400  which are located on top of the support frame  412 . The narrow ends of the cones face upwards and contact the underside of the platform  14 . As shown the rails  400  define a series of spaced through holes  402  positioned along the rail to which the cones may be secured using a pin  404 . The pin may be removed to move the cone closer or towards the centre of the platform to adjust the instability of the platform and inserted in a different hole. The Figures also show the legs  56   a ,  58   a , extendible rod  18   a  (shown in a retracted position) and pulley  20   a  to provide a resistance. As with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the legs  56   a  and  58   a  can be positioned to lie generally parallel to ground as shown in  FIG. 40  for storage or used at a lower level for e.g. standing exercises such as squats. 
       FIGS. 41 and 42  in particular illustrate a geared ratchet based system for 15 adjusting the instability of the mounting. In particular a handle/wheel  450  turns a coaxial small toothed cog  452  which meshes with a larger diameter toothed wheel  454  which in turn compresses or de-compresses the elastomer by turning an axial threaded rod  456  either clockwise or anti-clockwise. The toothed wheels provide a mechanical advantage which allows the elastomer to be compressed with less torque applied to the handle.  FIGS. 41 and 42  also show plates  460  and  462  between which the elastomer is mounted. The embodiment of  FIGS. 40 to 42  may use the same handle  120  as is shown in  FIGS. 26 to 30 . 
     Other variants are possible. For example it is envisaged that the platform may be attached to the base in such a manner that it can travel backwards and forwards. There are a number of ways that this can be achieved, for example by the use of a channel or channels and rollers disposed between the bottom of the assembly  16  and the support frame. Rollers could be mounted to the sides of the assembly  16  and run along the channel or channels. It is also envisaged that in a further variant that the assembly could be mounted to the support frame via a turntable to allow the platform to spin through 360°. Locking means could be provided to permitting or preventing spin/forward and backwards movement as required. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.