Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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EXERCISE EQUIPMENT
Technical Field
The invention at hand concerns a type of exercise equipment, mainly intended
for supplementary
training in conjunction with wallting. 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Prior Art
Equipment like poles and similar devices that contain an elastic element are
already lrnown.
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' 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.
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.
The patent document US 5484361 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.
In the international patent application WO 03034859 Al a shock absorber for
example canes,
slciing 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.
In the Swedish patent document SE 522840, a pole to be used on bare ground as
well as on snow
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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.
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.
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Description of the invention
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
Illustration 1 - 3 shows the essence of the intent of the invention
Illustration 4 shows, from a side angle, the first alternative design of the
exercise
equipment with the handle in the upper end position
Illustration 5 shows, from a side angle, the first alternative design of the
exercise
equipment with the handle in the lower end position
Illustration 6 shows a second alternative design of the invention
Illustration 7 shows a third alternative design of the invention including a
rope connected
to the elastic element
Illustration 8 - 9 shows a fourth alternative design of the invention
Illustration 10 shows a fifth alternative design of the invention
Illustration 11 shows a sixth alternative design of the invention
Illustration 12 - 13 shows a variation of the invention where the mobile
handle can be locked to
the upper part of the exercise equipment
Illustration 14 shows a variation with a handle in the form of a glove
Illustration 15 shows a variation and alternative placement of the break wheel
Illustration 16 a-b shows a variation with a jointed tip and a tip consisting
of a suction device
respectively
Illustration 17 shows an exercise appliance with a force sensitive device
Illustration 18 shows a variation of the elongated object with longitudinal
tracks
Illustration 19 shows a variation of the invention including a pre-tightening
device for pre-
tightening of the spring element
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Illustration 20 shows how the energy-accumulating unit can consist of a
pneumatic unit
Illustration 21-22 shows how the exercise equipment can be fitted with several
handles
Illustration 23 shows how the upper end of the exercise equipment can be
fitted with a
weight
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
Illustration 25 - 42 shows alternative exercise methods with the exercise
equipment
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.
To the elongated object 2 a handle 3 is fitted which is axially moveable in
relation to the axial
direction of the elongated object.
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.
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
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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.
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.
In illustration I 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.
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 lmown 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.
A wrist strap 8 or similar can be attached to the handle. The wrist strap 8 is
meant to facilitate
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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.
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).
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 loclcing 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.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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 elen-ient can run in and out of the elongated
object through the
attachment.
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.
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
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be used as a traditional walking stick. Furthermore, the handle can be fitted
with a (not shown)
wrist strap.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Illustration 18 shows a cross section of a variation of the elongated object
2. In the variation the
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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.
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'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 axe139 a
catch whee140 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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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'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'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.
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.
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
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the exercise equipment in relation to the training person's length, the pole
will break contact with
the ground.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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