Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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1
EXERCISE APPARATUS
TECI3NICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an apparatus for so-called slot-in exercise
in a workplace
environment, or for warming-up before taking part in athletics or sports, and
comprising a
resistance device disposed to exercise resistance to a movement to which it is
subjected by a
user, the resistance device having a gripping member by means of which it is
activated by the
user.
BACKGROUND ART
An infinite number of different types of exercise equipment is previously
known in the art. A
large proportion of these are designed in such a manner that they are
exclusively for use in a
gymnasium environment.
People who exercise at a gymnasium often do so for the purpose of
bodybuilding, improving
fitness or to lose weight. Such people are often highly motivated and are
quite happy to
devote considerable time to both travel to and from the gymnasium as well as
time in the
actual exercise at the gymnasium.
The present invention does not relate to exercise of the type which is
normally carried on in a
gymnasium environment or possibly in the home using exercise kits which are
basically
designed for the gymnasium environment.
Instead, the present invention relates to a different type of exercise or
rather muscle-loading,
which can be called slot-in exercise and whose purpose is to increase
oxygenation, blood
circulation and the removal of waste products, which may cause pain,
inflammation in
muscles and tendons. The muscles which may come into consideration for this
type of
exercise are muscles which suffer from, or are in the process of suffering
from permanent
strain syndromes.
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Strain syndromes occur if a muscle or muscular group carries out monotonous,
repetitive
working movements with quite slight muscle loading and where the same working
phase is
repeated for lengthy periods of time.
Paradoxically, the above-described problems have increased at the same rate as
attempts have
been made to create ever better ergonomics in the labour environment. Improved
ergonomics
entails often that the musculature is relaxed, i.e. that the loading become
less and that the
muscular movements become shorter or smaller, in other words conditions which
generate
strain syndrome.
The problems that lie behind the formation of strain syndrome entail that,
already after a short
period of repetitive, low stress movements because of insufficient blood
circulation and
oxygenation, waste products and inflammatory substances accumulate in the
musculature.
This entails that the musculature is not capable of maintaining the precision
that is often
required. The body then reacts in that the musculature is tensed in order to
regain precision,
which in turn results in various forms of muscular contraction pain.
In order to remedy the above-outlined problems, it is more important that the
relevant muscle
groups actually are made to carry out stress work, which differs from the
monotonous work
movements, than to carry out exercise movements which are carefully adapted
for
bodybuilding, increasing fitness or losing weight. It is also of great
importance that the stress
movements can be carried out as soon as fatigue symptoms occur in the strained
muscles,
which in practice means several times during a normal working day. There is no
time for
travel to a gymnasium, change of clothing, shower etc., in this type of
exercise, so-called slot-
in exercise. Ready access to the slot-in exercise is thus an imperative
requirement.
Those stresses that are applied to muscles or muscle groups should not be too
great and
clearly less than that which is relevant to exercise for improving fitness,
bodybuilding or
losing weight.
So-called pause gymnastics are also previously where work is briefly
discontinued and a short
period of gymnastics is carried out. However, such a period of gymnastics does
not give the
requisite stress level on the pertinent muscles and muscle groups.
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Another type of injury occurs when the person executes large repetitive muscle
movements in
a forward leaning position. The large muscle groups take up the large forces
and the person
gets the incorrect balance and structure in the skeleton and musculature. The
person often
becomes bent forward and the shoulders lower down in a slightly forward
slanting posture.
The person often experiences discomfort in the back and shoulders. The general
posture
deteriorates, which results in pain and reduced mobility.
These problems have become aggravated at the same rate as people are in
considerably poorer
shape compared with previously and, as a result, are less capable of managing
repetitive
movements over a lengthy period of time. The problems have also become
aggravated
because working duties are more monotonous than before.
As one example of position and strain, mention might be made of a person
digging with a
spade. This is a forward bent position where the large muscles of the front of
the body and the
large lumbar muscles are subjected to considerable strain. Other professional
groups that
suffer are assembly workers in mass production, hairdressers, cleaners and
even sportsmen
and women such as, for example, golfers.
In the practice of sports and athletics, it often happens that the
sportsman/woman involved
begins activities while insufficiently warmed-up or softened. The risk of
injury is obvious.
There are already a huge number of dismountable exercise implements and kits
available on
the market for exercise equipment that can be mounted on furniture, such as
tables and chairs.
The exercise equipment, which can be employed on chairs in an office
environment and
various other labour environments are disclosed, for example in USPS
6,099,445; USPS
6,013,014 and USPS 5,324,243. These prior art exercise devices and kits
consist of many
different parts and are difficult to both assemble and use, for which reason
they do not
constitute a ready alternative when a large number of relatively short periods
of exercise are
to be carried out during a working day.
PROBLEM STRUCTURE
The present invention has for its object to design the apparatus intimated by
way of
introduction such that it obviates the shortcomings in the prior art
technology. In particular,
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the present invention has for its object to design the apparatus such that it
will be simple,
economical and versatile and that it may conveniently be used several times a
working day by
being readily available at each individual worksite.
SOLUTION
The objects forming the basis of the present invention will be attained if the
apparatus
intimated by way of introduction is characterised by a spacer of a
predetermined length at
least during use, the resistance device being connected to a first end region
of the spacer and
l0 an abutment which is disposed at an opposing end region of the spacer and
which is disposed
to be brought into contact with the user and transfer thereto at least a part
of the reaction
forces that are transferred to the spacer from the resistance device.
In a first embodiment, the spacer is in the form of a bar.
L5
This embodiment is economical and simple to manufacture and may readily be
stowed away
between periods of use.
In a second embodiment, the spacer consists of an item of furniture, in
particular a table top.
~0
In this embodiment, the exercise apparatus according to the present invention
may be readily
available in order to be able to be used conveniently on any desired occasion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Z5
The present invention will now be described in greater detail hereinbelow,
with reference to
the accompanying Drawings. In the accompanying Drawings:
Fig. 1 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, a first
embodiment of
30 the present invention;
Fig. 2 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, a second
embodiment of
the present invention;
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Fig. 3 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, a third
embodiment of
the present invention;
Fig. 4 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, a fourth
embodiment of
5 the present invention;
Fig. 5 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, the apparatus
according
to the present invention mounted on a table,
Fig. 6 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, one embodiment
where a
table top forms a spacer included in the apparatus according to the present
invention;
Fig. 7 shows, straight from the side, one embodiment where the table top forms
the
spacer, partly in the lowered, inactive state and partly in the raised, active
exercise state;
Fig. 8 shows two views corresponding to those of Fig. 7 showing a modified
embodiment;
Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 shows, straight from the side, a modified embodiment corresponding to
the
embodiment of Fig. 8;
Fig. 11 shows, straight from the side, a modified embodiment corresponding to
the
embodiment of Fig. 7;
Fig. 12 shows, straight from the side, a modified embodiment corresponding to
the
embodiment of Fig. 7;
Fig. 13 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, a further
development of
the embodiment of Fig. 3;
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Fig. 14 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, a second
embodiment of
the apparatus according to the invention mounted on a table;
Fig. 15 shows, straight from the side and straight from above, the embodiment
of Fig.
14 in a passive position of non-use.
Fig. 16 shows one embodiment of the present invention disposed on a mobile
unit, in
this case a cleaning trolley;
Fig. 17 shows one embodiment of the present invention disposed on a mobile
unit, in
this case a golf cart; and
Fig. 18 shows one embodiment of the present invention disposed on a mobile
unit, in
this case a golf bag.
LS
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In the following description, directional and positional disclosures will be
made. These relate
to a situation which is normal for the use of the apparatus according to the
present invention
?0 during exercise.
In its most generic embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus
for so-called
slot-in exercise, which entails a relatively large number of short periods of
exercise
distributed throughout a working day, and where the intensity or strain level
of the exercise is
?5 low. Such an apparatus has a spacer which, in its one end, or possibly
movably along its
length, supports a resistance device with a gripping member and which, in its
opposing end,
has an abutment in the form of a plate or bar which is intended for abutment
against the body
of the user. The resistance device has the property of exercising resistance
against an exercise
movement where, for example, the user pulls the gripping member secured in the
resistance
i0 device. In that the reaction forces from pulling in the gripping member are
transferred to the
spacer and via this to the resistance device, the reaction forces will be
absorbed by the user.
This implies that the apparatus according to the present invention does not
need to be fixed in
such a manner that its anchorage can take up the forces that are generated
during the exercise.
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Regardless of the exact embodiment, the resistance device may be an
elastically stretchable
line which, with its one end, is secured in the spacer and, with its opposing,
free end, supports
the gripping member.
Further, the resistance device may, regardless of the exact embodiment, be
formed in such a
manner that it includes in itself a weight loading which exercises the above-
mentioned
resistance against the movement to which the gripping member of the resistance
device is
subjected during exercise.
Finally, the resistance device may also include a brake member which gives the
requisite
movement resistance on exercise.
Regardless of the embodiment, the resistance force which the abutment
exercises on use is
suitably adjustable.
In Fig. 1, the above-considered spacer has been given reference numeral l, the
resistance
device which, in this embodiment, is doubled, has been given reference numeral
2 and the
abutment has been given reference numeral 3. In addition, the gripping member
has been
given reference numeral 4.
In a practical embodiment, the resistance device 2 is, in this case, produced
in the form of an
elastically stretchable rubber rope which, by means of an anchorage 5, is
secured in the one
end region of the spacer 1. Possibly, the anchorage 5 may be displaceable in
the longitudinal
direction of the spacer towards the abutment 3. It will further be apparent
from the Figure that
the gripping member 4 is in the form of an approximately rectangular loop
which is secured in
the opposing end of the elastically stretchable resistance device 2.
From the upper part figure, it is apparent that the spacer 1 is of a
predetermined length at least
during use, and that this length is greater than the length of the resistance
device 2 when this
is in the unloaded state. In addition, the length of the spacer 1 is, at least
during use,
substantially constant and independent of the force to which it is subjected
under the action of
the resistance device 2 during exercise. In one practical embodiment, the
spacer 1 is designed
as a bar or rod of plastic, wood or metal, possibly tubular in cross section.
Thea spacer may
also be of an adjustable length, for example be telescopic.
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It will be apparent from the lower part of Fig. 1 that the abutment 3 is
designed as a bar which
is transverse in relation to the longitudinal direction of the spacer 1. It
may also be in the form
of a plate which roughly has its plane of extent vertically oriented. The
abutment 3 is placed
so as to be able to abut against the body of the user, preferably in the area
of the abdomen or
thigh region of the user. The area level with the navel of the user may also
come into
consideration.
In order that the apparatus according to Fig. 1 may readily be held in a
position which is
suitable for exercise, it is supported by or secured or securable on a support
member 6 which
has a bottom portion 7 intended to rest on a substrate, preferably the floor
in the premises
housing the workplace and the place of exercise.
The support member 6 is shown in Fig. 1 as a device whose only purpose is to
keep the
apparatus according to the present invention in a position suitable for use.
However, the
support member 6 may also be an item of furniture or part thereof, and as a
result serve
additional functions, see Figs. 5 and 6 below.
In the illustrated embodiment, the support member includes a vertical column ~
which is
secured or securable in the central region of the spacer 1. The lower end of
the column ~ is
provided with the bottom portion 7 which, in the illustrated embodiment,
includes a first bar 9
and a second bar 10. The two bars 9 and 10 form a cross where the first bar 9
is disposed
approximately parallel with but a distance beneath the spacer 1, while the
second bar 10 is
approximately parallel with the abutment 3.
Fig. 2 shows a modified embodiment of the exercise apparatus shown in Fig. 1.
In this
embodiment, the spacer is disposed inclined, but, in the same manner as in
Fig. l, is in bar
form. At the lower end, i.e. at that end which is turned to face away from the
user, the spacer
1 has an anchorage 5 for the resistance device 2 with its gripping member 4.
In its upper end,
the spacer 1 has the abutment 3 which also in this embodiment is designed as a
bar which is
transversely directed in relation to the longitudinal direction of the spacer
1.
This embodiment is also provided with a support member 6 which has a bottom
portion 7.
The support member 6 includes a substantially vertical column 11 and the
bottom portion is in
the form of an approximately rectangular plate 12.
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With its upper end, the vertical column 11 is secured or securable on the
spacer 1 so that the
spacer, in the longitudinal direction, is divided approximately in a ratio of
1:2, where the
shorter section is located most proximal the abutment 3. The lower end of the
vertical column
11 is connected to the centre point of that edge of the plate 12 which is
turned to face in a
direction towards the anchorage 5 of the resistance device 2. Also in this
embodiment, the
resistance device 2 is in double form.
The joining between the spacer 1 and the vertical column 11 is suitably
divisible and
adjustable so that the angle between these two components is varied in
accordance with the
wishes of the user.
The plate 12 is located in such a manner in relation to the abutment 3 that
the user may
conveniently stand on the plate at the same time as the abutment 3 abuts
against the user's
body.
Fig. 3 shows one embodiment which largely coincides with the embodiment
according to Fig.
2. The most essential difference is however that the spacer 1 is disposed with
an inclination
which is opposite to that illustrated in Fig. 2. This inclination is also
suitably adjustable.
Also in this embodiment, the plate 12 is placed in such a manner that the user
may
conveniently stand on the plate at the same time as the abutment 3 abuts
against the user's
body.
Fig. 4 shows a somewhat modified embodiment. In this embodiment, the spacer 1
is
horizontal, designed as an elongate rod, and has anchorages for the resistance
device 2 and the
abutment 3 at its opposing ends. Also in this embodiment, the anchorage of the
resistance
device 2 in the spacer may be adjustable in its longitudinal direction.
At the anchorage 5 of the resistance devices 2 (which are doubled in this
embodiment) in the
spacer 1, there is provided an additional anchorage device 13 by means of
which the
apparatus according to the present invention may be secured to a wall 14.
The anchorage device 13 which, for example, may consist of a magnet
attachment, a
velcrotape~ union or the like, is not intended to absorb the forces which are
generated on
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exercise using the apparatus according to the present invention. The sole
purpose of the
anchorage device 13 is to hold the apparatus according to the present
invention in such a
position that it may conveniently be used. Thus, like the above-described
embodiments, the
reaction forces which act from the resistance devices 2 on the spacer 1 will
be absorbed by the
5 user as a result of the contact of the abutment 3 against the user.
The embodiment according to Fig. 4 also displays a support member 6 with a
bottom portion
7. In this embodiment, the support member 6 consists of a vertical rod 15 in
whose lower end
a transverse rod 16 is disposed approximately parallel with the abutment 3.
The rod 15 may
l0 be of adjustable length for vertical adjustment of the abutment 3.
Fig. 5 shows an embodiment where the spacer 1 is placed on the upper side of a
table top 17.
In this embodiment, the table proper may be described as constituting the
support member 6.
l5 The anchorage 5 of the spacer 1 for securing the resistance device 2 has an
engagement
member 18 which is disposed in engagement with the one edge of the table top
17, in this
case the distal edge. The engagement member 18 is designed in such a manner
that it permits
securing the spacer at this edge of the table.
~0 At the opposing end of the spacer 1, there is disposed, as was mentioned
above, the abutment
3 which, in this embodiment, is designed as a plate which has, on its side
facing towards the
user, a padding 19.
At the connection of the abutment 3 to the spacer l, there is a second
engagement member 20
~5 which is disposed in engagement with the front edge of the table top 17.
The engagement
member 20 is designed in analogy with the engagement member 18, for which
reason the
apparatus according to the present invention may readily be mounted on the
table top, but just
as simply be removed from it.
30 In one variation of the embodiment according to Fig. 5, the engagement
member 20 is absent.
Instead, the engagement member 18 is designed in such a manner that the rod
may be freely
supporting on or over the table top 17. By pivoting the rod 15 in the
engagement member 18
it is possible to realise a vertical adjustment of the abutment member 3.
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In certain exercise movements it is important that the abutment member 3 and
also the
resistance device 2 are located so high above the table top that the hands of
the user can swing
in without hindrance over the table top.
In the embodiment according to Fig. 6, the table top 17 constitutes the spacer
proper while
the table in its entirety can be described as constituting a support member 6.
The anchorage 5
of the resistance device 2 has, in this embodiment, a first engagement member
18 which
corresponds to the first engagement member in the embodiment according to Fig.
5.
Also in this embodiment, the abutment 3 is designed as a plate which is
provided with a
padding 19. The abutment 3 has a second engagement member 20 which is
analogous with
the engagement member illustrated in Fig. 5 with the same reference numeral.
Also in the embodiment according to Fig. 7, the table top 17 constitutes the
spacer according
to the invention. For securing the resistance device 2, the table top has an
anchorage 5 which
is placed at the edge of the table top facing away from the user. The
anchorage 5 is designed
in such a manner that the resistance device 2 may simply be hooked into and
unhooked from
the anchorage. Possibly, the anchorage 5 may be designed to permit simple
adjustment of the
anchorage of the resistance device 2 in a direction towards the opposing edge
of the table top
~0 17.
The abutment 3 in this embodiment is designed as a plate which has a padding
19 on its front
side. The plate 3 is connected to the table top 17 by the intermediary of a
linkage 22 which is
designed in such a manner that the plate may be located pivoted in beneath the
underside of
Z5 the table top 17 in a passive, non-operative position and be pivoted up to
approximately
vertical position in an active position of use.
The embodiment according to Fig. 8 and 9 is analogous with the embodiment
according to
Fig. 7, apart from the fact that the abutment 3, which is in the form of a
plate which in its turn
30 constitutes a part of the table top 17, is pivotal to an inactive position
where the plate is
retracted in the table top (as shown in the upper part view). In the position
of use, as shown in
the lower view, the plate is pivoted over the upper side of the table top so
that it makes an
angle therewith. The pivot angle may, if desired, be as large as approximately
90°.
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12 .
If a lower abutment area against the body of the user is desired, it is also
possible to cause the
plate to be pivoted downwards on the underside of the table top 17.
Fig. 10 shows an embodiment which is largely analogous with the embodiment
according to
Figs. 8 and 9. The difference in this case is that the anchorage 5 of the
resistance device 2 is in
turn secured in an anchorage 23 disposed in the under side of the table top 17
and by means of
which the anchorage of the resistance device 2 is retractable to an inactive
position under the
table top 17.
The abutment 3 also has an anchorage 24 on the under side of the table top 17.
By means of
this anchorage 24, the abutment 3 is switchable between an upwardly directed
position of use
according to the lower part view and an inactive position where the abutment 3
is located on
the under side of the table top 17.
Also in this embodiment, the table top naturally constitutes the spacer
proper.
Fig. 11 shows an embodiment where the table top 17 constitutes the spacer and
where the
anchorage 5 of the resistance device 2 is secured in the upper side of an open-
and-close lid 25
to a box 26 disposed on the under side of the table top 17. The box 26 is
intended for storing
the resistance device or devices 2 when not in use.
Securement of the abutment 3 designed as a plate is put into effect in the
same manner as in
the embodiment according to Fig. 7.
Fig. 12 shows an embodiment where the table top 17 constitutes the spacer. The
anchorage 5
for the resistance device 2 is secured on a pivotal flap 27 which, in an
inactive position,
constitutes a part of the table top (see the upper part view) and which, in
the active position of
use, is pivoted upwards to make an angle with the table top 17.
The abutment 3 is of a design which is analogous with the embodiment according
to Figs. 8
and 9.
In the foregoing, it was described how certain components included in the
apparatus
according to the present invention may be adjustable. In order to optimise and
individually
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13
adapt the muscular loading exercise which is carried out according to the
invention, the
apparatus according to the invention may be adjustable to a considerably
greater degree than
that described above. Figs. 13 to 1 S show such embodiments.
Fig. 13 shows one embodiment which may be considered as a further development
of the
embodiment according to Fig. 3. The embodiment includes a support member 6
with a base
plate 12 and a vertical or upwardly directed column 11 which, according to the
double-headed
arrow 28, is adjustable stepwise or continuously in the vertical direction to
a lockable vertical
adjustment position.
0
At the upper end of the column 1 l, there is disposed a lockable pivot 29 in
which a rod 32,
corresponding to (or constituting a part of) the spacer 1, is secured. As will
be apparent from
the arrows 30 and 31, the rod 32 is adjustable in both the longitudinal
direction (the arrow 31)
and in the vertical direction by rotating the pivot 29 (the arrow 30). The
resistance device 2
5 and the gripping member 4 are designed in analogy with the above-described
embodiments.
The position of the anchorage 5 along the rod 32 is also adjustable.
A slight distance beneath the pivot 29, there extends, in a direction away
from the rod 32 and
approximately at right angles to the rod 11, a short stub shaft 33 which is
longitudinally
0 adjustable in accordance with the double-headed arrow 34 and in its free end
carries the
abutment 3. The stub shaft 33 can also be pivotal-so that extra vertical
adjustment of the
abutment 3 is possible.
Fig. 14 shows a position of use and Fig. 15 a passive, non-use position of an
embodiment
5 where a table with a table top 17 fulfils the function of support member 6.
Apart from the
support member, this embodiment has fundamental similarities with the
embodiment
according to Fig. 13. Consequently, the same reference numerals will be
employed as in Fig.
13.
3 At the one edge of the table top, there is disposed a releasable anchorage
35 which has a
double joint 36 with horizontal pivot axis. In the double joint 36 there is
adjustably secured an
upwardly directed arm or rod 32 which is wholly analogous with that
illustrated in Fig. 13.
Further, there is secured in the double joint 36, a short arm or stub shaft 33
which is
analogous with that shown in Fig. 13, but which in addition is pivotal in the
vertical direction
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in accordance with the arrow 37 and also supports the abutment 3 in its free
end. Also in this
embodiment, the anchorage 5 for the resistance device 2 may be displaceable in
the
longitudinal direction of the rod 32.
Fig. 15 shows the above-described embodiment collapsed to a passive, non-use
position of
rest. It will be apparent from the Figure that both arms 32 and 33 are pivotal
so far from their
positions of use shown in Fig. 14 that they are located below the level of the
table top 17 and
are preferably substantially downwardly directed.
According to the present invention, there may be included in the apparatus a
number of
sensors for sensing and registering, for example counter force and protraction
length of the
resistance device 2, the number of protractions and their registration time,
etc., in other words
parameters that show that a user has correctly completed a predetermined
exercise
programme, or that may be employed for producing statistics.
l5 The sensors also suitably include such as are employed for sensing and
registering selected
individual settings where the apparatus according to the present invention is
individually
adapted or optimised.
The information gathered by the sensors which may be registered and stored in
a computer at
?0 the workplace may, for example, be employed for rewarding a user who has
correctly
completed his or her exercise programme or for facilitating adjustment
(individual adaptation)
of one example of the apparatus according to the present invention.
In the embodiments according to Figs. 16 to 18, the subject matter of the
present invention is
?5 applied on or includes a mobile unit. Also in these embodiments, the same
reference numerals
have been used as in the above-described embodiments.
According to Fig. 16, a spacer 1 is disposed on a cleaning trolley which
serves the function of
support member 6. The spacer is applied at the handle area of the cleaning
trolley via a pivot
30 by means of which the spacer can be pivoted to an inactive position along
the cleaning trolley.
The pivot 38 also serves for vertical adjustment of that end of the spacer
which is provided
with the abutment 3 of the embodiment.
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Also in this embodiment, the resistance device 2 has a gripping member in its
one end and is
connected via an anchorage 5 to the spacer 1. As is apparent from the arrows,
the anchorage 5
is movable along the longitudinal direction of the spacer. This may suitably
also be of
adjustable length, as is intimated by means of a double-headed arrow.
5
The employment and function of this embodiment of the present invention are
wholly
analogous with that described above.
According to Fig. 17, the subject matter of the present invention is applied
on or includes as
10 mobile unit a golf cart which serves the function of support member 6. In
this embodiment,
the spacer 1 is secured via a pivot in the upper end region of the golf cart
so that the spacer
can; on the one hand, be adjusted in the vertical direction and, on the other
hand, be pivoted to
a position of non-use where it extends along and under the golf cart.
15 Also in this embodiment, the spacer is suitably of adjustable length and
has, at its end located
at the pivot 38, an anchorage 5 for the resistance device 2 which has a
gripping member at its
free end.
In the embodiment according to Fig. 18, the subject matter of the present
invention is
ZO disposed on or includes a golf bag which serves the function of support
member 6. Otherwise,
this embodiment is analogous with that described with reference to Figs. 16
and 17.
