Exercise apparatus with movable belt or chain

Abstract

A pilates shaping instrument includes a frame having at least one longitudinal guide rail (102) extending between a first support member and a second support member (106), a carrier (108) of a support platform movable along the at least one guide rail, and at least one movable belt or chain (105) attached to the carrier, movement of the at least one belt or chain is controlled by a motor (109) to impart resistance to movement of the carrier along the at least one longitudinal rail.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved exercise machine, particularly but not exclusively a Pilates machine. Background Art

[0002] The Pilates machine was invented by Pilates founder Joseph Pilate and is typically composed of a rectangular bed-like frame supporting a pair of parallel rails extending in the longitudinal direction of the device, the rails supporting a slidable carriage that can roll back and forth within the frame on wheels. The carriage is attached to one end of the machine by a set of replaceable springs that can be removably attached between the carriage and one end of the frame to create a variable resistance on the carriage that the user of the machine must overcome in order for the carriage to slide along the rails. Because the carriage is pulled by the springs, most exercises on the machine involve pushing or pulling the carriage or holding it steady during the exercise, allowing a wide range of exercises to increase strength, flexibility, and balance.

[0003] There are a large number of different types of Pilates machines currently on the market that are variations on the above themes, and these types of machines are becoming increasingly popular in providing full body training and conditioning. However, existing machines do have their limitations. Springs provide only limited resistance variability, and the need to hook and unhook the springs on the frame can be cumbersome and can lead to injuries. It can also be difficult to effectively monitor the resistance applied using the springs, making it even more difficult to accurately monitor the user's performance while using the exercise machine.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved exercise machine which overcomes or at least alleviates the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides an exercise machine comprising a frame having at least one longitudinal rail extending between a first support member and a second support member, a carrier having a support platform movable along the at least one rail, and at least one movable belt or chain attached to the carrier, movement of the at least one belt or chain being controlled by a motor to apply resistance to movement of the carrier along the at least one longitudinal rail.

[0006] Preferably, the at least one movable belt or chain is a continuous loop with each end of the loop mounted on a pulley. The carriage is attached to the belt by suitable means such as a connector which preferably extends through a slot in the longitudinal rail or in a gap provided between two rails. The voltage supplied to the motor controls the resistance to movement of the carriage along the at least one rail.

[0007] It will be appreciated that different types of belts or chains may be incorporated into the exercise machine to provide resistance to movement of the carrier. A toothed belt or a link belt may be provided.

[0008] In an alternative embodiment, the at least one movable belt or chain comprises a drive belt or chain connected to a return belt or chain, the return belt or chain being anchored to the apparatus. In one embodiment, the return belt or chain may comprise, for example, an elastic cord or the like wound around one or more pulleys.

[0009] Preferably, the apparatus is provided with one or more suitable sensors to monitor the applied resistance, such as a position sensor, an encoder on the motor or a load cell. The motor is preferably provided with a torque arm to measure the applied torque. A spring with controllable stiffness may be attached to the torque arm to allow the displacement to be measured. In another embodiment, the belt and motor arrangement may be mounted on a support having a force measuring device such as a spring.

[0010] The motor may be provided with additional gear ratios. The drive belt may be geared, for example by providing a gearbox or toothed belt mounted on a pulley of the drive belt, wherein the toothed belt is controlled by the motor. Additionally or alternatively, a worm gear arrangement may be provided between the motor and the drive belt to prevent the belt from reversing.

[0011] A guide member associated with the carrier may be provided to guide movement of the carrier relative to the at least one guide rail. In a preferred embodiment, the guide member may comprise a plurality of wheels, for example, provided on top of the at least one guide rail. The wheels may be received within the track. However, the guide member may be provided elsewhere, such as on or within the at least one guide rail, or laterally arranged relative to the guide rail.

[0012] The platform supported by the carrier may include a seat or footrest.It will be appreciated that a plurality of carriers and platforms may be provided if desired, ideally with the resistance of each carrier and platform being controlled by their own movable belt or chain.

[0013] Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least one cord extending from the carrier to an end of the apparatus, preferably to the first or second support member and back to the carrier via a pulley mechanism, so that a user can move the carrier by pulling on the at least one cord. More preferably, one end of the cord is wound around a spool provided in a recoil unit attached to the carrier and the other end of the cord terminates in a handle or ferrule, the cord passing around a first pulley provided at the end of the apparatus.

[0014] In one embodiment, the resistance to the movement of the at least one rope may also be provided by the movement of at least one belt or chain, the at least one belt or chain being controlled by a motor. In this way, the carrier and the rope(s) may be controlled individually.

[0015] The exercise machine according to the present invention may include other components to increase its versatility. For example, the frame may include one or more support plates and / or a removable shoulder rest. The machine may also include a leg exerciser attached to one end of the frame. Preferably, the leg exerciser includes a crossbar pivotally connected to the frame by at least one pivot arm, more preferably, the pivot arm is spring-loaded. Preferably, the at least one rope can extend around the crossbar to apply resistance thereto. A pulley system, each including a first and a second pulley, is preferably provided on each side of the end of the frame.

[0016] Alternatively, the leg exerciser may have its own resistance to movement. This may be provided by conventional resistance springs or by movement of at least one belt or chain controlled by a motor.

[0017] To this end, a second aspect of the present invention provides an exercise device, which includes: a frame having at least one longitudinal guide extending between a first support member and a second support member; a carrier of a support platform movable along the at least one guide; at least one movable belt or chain attached to the carrier, the movement of the at least one belt or chain being controlled by a motor to apply resistance to the movement of the carrier along the at least one longitudinal guide; a cross bar pivotally connected to an end of the frame by at least one pivot arm; and at least one rope extendable from the carrier or platform of the frame via at least one pulley around a portion of the cross bar, wherein the at least one rope is selectively positionable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, movement of the rope affects movement of the carrier, and in the second position, movement of the cross bar affects movement of the carrier.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one cord terminates in a handle or ferrule.Preferably, a pair of cords are provided, each cord extending between the carrier or platform and one end of the crossbar.

[0019] Each end of the crossbar may be provided with a pulley over which the rope is always passed. In this way, the rope can be used to move the carriage against resistance (i.e., the "first position"), or the rope can be located on the carriage (i.e., the "second position") and the crossbar moved to affect movement of the carriage against resistance.

[0020] The crossbar may comprise a T-shaped member pivotally attached to the frame, or the crossbar may be attached to two arms that are each pivotally attached to the frame.

[0021] Optionally, the at least one rope is selectively positionable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the rope extends back toward the carrier around a first set of pulleys mounted on the frame and pulleys on the crossbar, so that the carrier is moved by a user pulling on the rope to apply tension on the rope. In the second position, the rope or hoop can be hooked onto the carrier so that the crossbar is moved and thus the carrier is moved. In this way, when the rope is in the second position, generally downward movement of the crossbar is resisted by the rope. The rope / hoop can be used to move the carrier against resistance, or the hoop can be located on the carrier and the cross member moved to achieve movement of the carrier against resistance.

[0022] The variable resistance to movement of the carriage may be provided by at least one retaining spring or band attached to the carriage, the at least one retaining spring or band being selectively attachable to the frame. However, according to the present invention, the variable resistance to movement of the carriage is provided by at least one band or chain, the movement of which is controlled by a motor to apply resistance to movement of the carriage along the at least one longitudinal rail.

[0023] The first and second support members provided at each end of the apparatus preferably form two legs at each end of the frame, which stabilize the apparatus. Thus, the width of the support members should be greater than the width of the at least one guide rail. Preferably, the width of the support members is substantially the same as the width of the platform.

[0024] Sensing of the position of the carriage along the platform, measurement of torque and resistance on the belt or chain and speed of travel enables an interface to be provided detailing performance, such as training efficiency and energy consumption. Preferably, a controller is provided to control and monitor the voltage and current supplied to the at least one movable belt to control the resistance applied to the movement of the carriage and / or rope. These electrical measurements in combination with sensing of the position of the motor (e.g. using an encoder) can be used to provide performance data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] For a better understanding of the invention and in order to more clearly show how the invention may be implemented, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1is a side view of an example Pilates body shaping machine according to the prior art;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a belt and pulley arrangement for applying variable resistance to movement of a carrier according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the belt and pulley arrangement within a beam mounted on a support leg as shown in;

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an alternative belt and pulley arrangement according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a belt and pulley arrangement disposed in a support member;

[0031] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a belt and pulley arrangement of the present invention as incorporated into a Pilates machine, showing a partial internal view of the components;

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an apparatus wherein the belt and pulley arrangement is completely enclosed;

[0033] Figure 8 is another embodiment of a belt and pulley arrangement according to the invention;

[0034] Fig. 9 is yet another embodiment of a belt and pulley arrangement according to the invention;

[0035] Fig.10 A further embodiment of a belt and pulley arrangement according to the invention, wherein for simplicity only a portion of a Pilates machine is shown;

[0036] Fig.11 is another embodiment of a multiple belt and pulley arrangement according to the present invention, wherein for simplicity only a portion of a Pilates machine is shown;

[0037] Fig.12 is a side end view of a Pilates machine according to another embodiment of the present invention showing how resistance may be applied to a leg exercise portion of the machine, wherein the side end view is shown with the pulley covers removed;

[0038] Fig.13 for Fig.12 an isometric view of the end of the Pilates Reformer shown in ; and

[0039] Fig.14 for Fig.12, wherein the side view is shown with the pulley cover attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention provides a Pilates bodybuilding machine that does not rely on resistance springs or retaining straps to apply resistance to movement of machine parts, particularly the carrier and / or cables.

[0041] In the attached figure Figure 1 An example of a Pilates machine according to the prior art is shown. The machine 1 comprises a frame having a central support spine 2 extending between front and rear support members 4 and 6 disposed at the ends of the spine. Each support member comprises two legs extending outwardly beyond the perimeter of the spine to stabilize the machine. A slidable carriage 8 supporting a flat platform 9, which may be padded for comfort, is connected around the spine and can run along the length of the spine. In addition, a series of retaining springs ( Figure 1 The machine also includes a foot bar 20 connected to the underside of the spine and selectively slidable along the length of the spine, and a support plate 15, 17 is provided at each end of the frame, and an exercise rope 19 extends from the platform 9 around a pulley mechanism 40 provided at the end support plate 17, and extends back to the platform 9, where the rope terminates in a handle or hoop 44.

[0042] The carrier and ropes act as resistance to perform movements targeting specific muscle groups. Movement is achieved by applying a certain force to overcome the weight of the object and the resistance applied by the springs. The retaining springs, which may also include elastic bands, provide variable resistance to the movement of the carrier and platform, the degree of resistance being determined by the type of springs engaged with the carrier. This enables the user of the apparatus to select the amount of resistance applied to the movement of the carrier depending on the type of exercise being performed and the intensity of training desired.

[0043] Spring resistance varies widely between manufacturers, so springs are often classified as light, medium, and heavy, often color-coded. However, it would be desirable to provide a more accurate, specific resistance to movement, and to be able to adjust and monitor that resistance throughout a person's training. Using resistance springs is a challenge. Furthermore, the hardness or spring rate is set for a specific spring, but it would be desirable to vary the resistance in a controlled manner throughout the travel of the carrier.

[0044] The present invention uses different mechanisms to provide variable resistance to the movement of the carrier and / or cables of the Pilates machine. Figure 2The basic components of the mechanism are shown in . Instead of pulling the carrier 108 along the rails with resistance to its movement applied by retaining springs, the carrier 108 is attached to a belt drive 105 running on a pulley 107 having an axle 111. Rotation of the belt by the pulley and axle arrangement is assisted or resisted by a motor or engine 109. Any suitable conveyor may be used to move the carrier, but toothed belts or chain belts are preferred.

[0045] Thus, the applied voltage can be used to control the movement of the belt, which in turn determines the resistance applied to the carrier. In this way, the Pilates machine effectively uses a "digital" or "electrical" spring that can be carefully controlled and monitored.

[0046] In the attached figure Figure 3 Show Figure 2 106 to provide the basic components of a body sculpting machine. Slots 104 are provided for passage of connectors between the belt and the carrier to allow the carrier to slide along the length of the beam, wherein the amount of resistance applied is controlled by motor / motor 109. It will be appreciated that this arrangement may be incorporated into any type of Pilates body sculpting machine, such as a Figure 1 The Pilates Reformer shown in .

[0047] Controlling the resistance in this way allows for precise control and rapid automatic adjustment. Additional features such as position sensors and / or encoders may be incorporated into the system to enable measurement and monitoring of training efficiency and energy expended. Figure 4 In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , a torque arm 122 is attached to the motor / engine 109 to measure negative or positive torque. The spring 120 represents a controlled stiffness that allows displacement to be measured. However, it should be understood that other measurement devices, such as a load cell, may be used. Figure 5 A similar arrangement is shown but with the belt and pulley arrangement 105, 107 mounted on a support member 124 having a force measuring device such as a pair of springs 130. The support member 124 should be mounted on a low friction support, which may be flexible.

[0048] In the attached figure Figure 6 and Figure 7Further details are shown of how the electrical resistance mechanism of the present invention may be incorporated into a Pilates bodybuilding machine. The belt and pulleys 105, 107 are housed in a beam 102 having a slot 104 for the passage of a connector of a carrier 108. A crossbar 150 is provided at the front of the beam, and a draw cord or rope 19 extends from the carrier around the end of the crossbar and terminates in a hoop 44, which may also serve as a support handle. A seat or foot support may be attached to the top of the carrier to enable a user to sit on the seat or stand on the foot support. The user can then perform a Pilates exercise by placing their hands in the hoop 44 to move the rope 19, with the desired resistance to the movement of the carrier being applied by means of the motor / engine 109. Applying more or less voltage or a controlled voltage to the coil enables the resistance provided by the belt 105 to be quickly and easily adjusted. In the embodiment shown, the carrier wheels that guide the movement are shown as running on top of the beam 102, but may also be provided elsewhere in or on the beam and may also have a sideways position.

[0049] Additional components may be included in the belt and pulley arrangement according to the present invention to allow further control and monitoring of the resistance applied by the apparatus. Figure 8 In one embodiment shown in , the motor is provided with an additional transmission ratio, such as a toothed belt 140. Alternatively, a gearbox (not shown) may be used. Fig. 9 An embodiment is shown that includes a worm gear arrangement 142 that provides resistance to the arrangement being back-driven. In this regard, it is difficult to use a motor to maintain position without consuming energy, which is undesirable. The provision of a worm gear arrangement prevents back-driving to address this problem.

[0050] Fig.10 and 11 Further embodiments of belt and pulley arrangements for incorporation into a Pilates machine are shown according to the present invention. In these embodiments, the belt is not continuously around the pulley, but is attached to a second pulley 172 having a fixed end A and a rope 170 mechanism, which acts as a return belt drive device to return the belt in one direction. In the embodiment shown, the second rope 170 is a bungee rope wrapped around two pulleys 172. The motor / engine 109 is also provided with a load measuring device in the form of a flexible mount 160, which operates with a deflection measuring device (that is, relative to a rigid mount or spring - not shown) to provide digital resistance. Alternatively, bearings and load cells may be used. In this embodiment, the belt 105' is shown as being narrower, which shows that different shapes and sizes can be incorporated into the device as required.

[0051] Fig.11 Shown with Fig.10The arrangement shown in is essentially the same arrangement as that shown in , but two separate resistive force mechanisms 200, 300 are provided to separate the resistance applied to the carrier via mechanism 200 and the resistance applied to the drawstring via mechanism 300, wherein the drawstring passes around a separate pulley system 350. The two mechanisms can be independently controlled using their own motors, and / or one of the mechanisms can be disabled so that only one function of the apparatus is used (i.e., the carrier or the drawstring). With such an arrangement, the drawstrings can be retracted so that they do not interfere with the operation of the device, or the carrier can be locked in place and only the drawstrings can be used. Likewise, both can be equipped with appropriate measuring devices, such as load cells, to measure and monitor the training performed on the apparatus.

[0052] The apparatus may also include a leg exerciser 400 attached to one end of the frame, such as in the form of a rotatable crossbar 402, such as Figures 12 to 14 , wherein a variable resistance can be applied to the rotation of the crossbar. The resistance can be provided by, for example, a spring, a rope and a pulley arrangement, or by at least one belt or chain controlled by a motor. In the illustrated embodiment, the crossbar 402 comprises a T-shaped member pivotally attached to the frame. Alternatively, the crossbar can be attached to two arms, each of which is pivotally attached to the frame. Each end of the crossbar is provided with a pulley 404, around which a rope 406 is passed.

[0053] In more detail, the rope 406, which may terminate in a hoop (not shown) that may be used as a hand grip, is passed between rollers before passing over the first pulley 410. The rope then passes under the second pulley 412 and around the pulley 404 on the end of the crossbar 402. The rope then returns under the second pulley 412 and passes over the third, final pulley 414 and is connected to a carrier or platform that can slide along the main rail 500 of the machine. Cover plates 418, 420 may be fixed over the pulleys (see Fig.14 ) to improve the safety and appearance of the device.

[0054] It should be understood that the two cords 406 pass through the same type of pulley arrangement provided on each end of the crossbar 402. Each cord is selectively positionable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the cord extends back toward the carrier around the pulleys 410, 412, 414 and the pulley 404 on the crossbar so that tension is applied to the cord 406 to move the carrier. In the second position, the hoop is hooked onto the carrier so that the crossbar is moved and in turn the carrier is moved. In this way, when the cord is in the second position, the generally downward movement of the crossbar is blocked by the cord. Thus, in the first position, the user actively pulls on the hoop to move the carrier via the pulley system against resistance, while in the second position, the hoop can be located on the carrier (e.g., hooked around a shoulder pad provided on a platform attached to the carrier), and the leg exerciser (crossbar) is used to move the carrier via the pulley system, thereby achieving movement of the carrier against resistance.

[0055] Variable resistance to movement of the carrier is provided by suitable means, for example by at least one retaining spring or band attached to the carrier, which is selectively attachable to the frame. Alternatively, variable resistance to the carrier may be provided by at least one band or chain, which is controlled by a motor to apply resistance to movement of the carrier along at least one longitudinal rail, as discussed with respect to earlier embodiments of the invention.

[0056] Further modifications may be made to the belt and pulley arrangements used to provide a digital / electrical resistance mechanism for a Pilates reformer without departing from the principles embodied in the examples described and illustrated herein.

Claims

1. An exercise machine comprising a frame having at least one longitudinal rail extending between a first support member and a second support member, a carrier supporting a platform movable along the at least one rail, and at least one movable belt or chain attached to the carrier, movement of the at least one belt or chain being controlled by a motor to apply resistance to movement of the carrier along the at least one longitudinal rail.

2. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one movable belt or chain is a continuous loop with each end of the loop mounted on a pulley.

3. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The carrier is attached to the belt by a connector that extends through a slot in the longitudinal rail or in a gap provided between two rails.

4. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, wherein: A voltage supplied to the motor controls the resistance to movement of the carrier along the at least one rail.

5. An exercise machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least one movable belt or chain is selected from a toothed belt and a link belt.

6. The exercise apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The at least one movable belt or chain comprises a drive belt or chain connected to a return belt or chain anchored to the exercise machine, preferably wherein the return belt or chain comprises a bungee cord wrapped around one or more pulleys.

7. An exercise machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one sensor is provided to monitor the applied resistance.

8. The exercise apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one sensor is selected from at least one of a position sensor, an encoder on the motor, and a load cell.

9. An exercise machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The motor is provided with a torque arm to measure the applied torque, preferably wherein a spring with controllable stiffness is attached to the torque arm to allow measurement of the displacement.

10. An exercise machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The belt and motor arrangement is mounted on a support with a force measuring device, such as a spring.

11. An exercise machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The motor is provided with additional gear ratios.

12. An exercise machine according to claim 11 as appended to claim 6, wherein: The transmission belt is gear-driven.

13. The exercise machine of claim 12, further comprising a gear box or a toothed belt mounted on a pulley of the drive belt, the toothed belt being controlled by the motor.

14. An exercise machine as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising a worm gear arrangement provided between the motor and the drive belt to prevent reverse rotation of the belt.

15. An exercise machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The guide member is disposed in association with the carrier to guide movement of the carrier relative to the at least one guide rail.

16. An exercise machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Further comprising at least one rope extending from the carrier to an end of the exercise machine, preferably to the first support member or the second support member and back to the carrier via a pulley mechanism, so that a user can move the carrier by pulling the at least one rope.

17. The exercise apparatus of claim 16, wherein: One end of the cord is wound around a spool provided in a recoil unit attached to the carrier, and the other end of the cord terminates in a handle or ferrule, the cord passing around a first pulley provided at the end of the exercise machine.

18. An exercise machine according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein: Resistance to movement of the at least one rope is provided by movement of at least one belt or chain controlled by a motor, preferably wherein the carrier and ropes are individually controlled.

19. An exercise device comprising: a frame having at least one longitudinal rail extending between a first support member and a second support member; a carrier supporting a platform movable along the at least one rail; at least one movable belt or chain attached to the carrier, the movement of the at least one belt or chain being controlled by a motor to apply resistance to movement of the carrier along the at least one longitudinal rail; a crossbar pivotally connected to an end of the frame by at least one pivot arm; and at least one rope capable of extending from the carrier or platform of the frame via at least one pulley around a portion of the crossbar, wherein the at least one rope is selectively positionable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position movement of the rope affects movement of the carrier and in the second position movement of the crossbar affects movement of the carrier.

20. The exercise apparatus of claim 19, wherein: A pair of ropes are provided, each rope extending between the carrier or platform and one end of the crossbar, preferably wherein each end of the crossbar is provided with a pulley, the ropes always passing around the pulley.

21. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein: The crossbar is selected from a T-shaped member pivotally attached to the frame and a member attached to two arms, each of which is pivotally attached to the frame.

22. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein: In the first position, the rope extends around a first set of pulleys mounted on the frame and pulleys on the crossbar back toward the carrier so that the carrier can be moved by a user pulling on the rope to apply tension on the rope, while in the second position, the rope or hoop can be hooked onto the carrier so as to move the crossbar and thereby move the carrier.

23. An exercise machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Sensing of the position of the carrier along the platform, measurement of torque and resistance on the belt or chain and speed of travel enables an interface to be provided detailing performance including at least one of training efficiency and energy expenditure.

24. An exercise machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: A controller is further included to control and monitor the voltage and current supplied to the at least one movable belt to control the resistance applied to the movement of the carrier and / or rope.

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