Foldable exercise apparatus with locking function

Abstract

The invention relates to an exercise apparatus (1) for exercising muscles, which allows to simplify the operation in the transport and / or in the exercise with lockable or locked resistance elements, in particular in the pull-up. The exercise apparatus according to the invention can be folded into a compact form and / or has a locking function which facilitates the conversion of the exercise apparatus for a specific exercise. By means of the new locking element, incorrect operation can be ruled out. Thus, on the one hand, the risk of injury to the user is reduced, on the other hand, defects and / or damage to the exercise apparatus are prevented. Thus, the operation of the exercise apparatus is improved in both aspects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise device for exercising muscles, which allows for simplified operation in terms of transportation and / or in exercises employing lockable or fixed resistance elements (such as pull-ups in particular).

[0002] The exercise apparatus according to the invention can be folded into a compact form and / or has a locking function that facilitates reconfiguration of the apparatus for specific exercises. The novel locking element prevents accidental operation. This reduces the risk of injury to the user and avoids defects and / or damage to the exercise apparatus. Therefore, the operation of the exercise apparatus is improved in two ways. Background Technology

[0003] WO 2016 / 091330 discloses a device for exercising muscles, comprising a power arm with an actuating element at a first end, and a second end of the power arm disposed in a first end region of a support element, such that it is pivotable about a pivot axis via a first hinge. A compression spring element for generating resistance is hinged to the power arm at a first pivot point via a first end region, wherein the pivot point is adjustable along an adjustment region of the power arm, and is hinged to the support element at a second pivot point via a second end region. Furthermore, a locking element in the form of a slotted hollow cylinder can be placed on a piston rod in which the compression spring element is fully extended, such that the power arm is locked in this state.

[0004] If the instructions are not followed and the power arm is locked near the first hinge, the slotted hollow cylinder may deform under long-term stress. This not only means that the locking function is no longer guaranteed, but also poses a danger to the user of the device; for example, the user may slip while performing pull-ups.

[0005] Based on existing technology, the object of this invention is to provide an exercise device for muscle training that is further simplified in operation and improved in safety. On the one hand, the exercise device should be easier to transport; on the other hand, it should be easily and safely converted into a locked-in power arm for pull-ups and similar exercises, while ensuring protection against malfunctions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by an exercise device for exercising muscles, the exercise device comprising: a) A power arm having a first end that can be equipped with an actuating element and a second end; b) A retaining element having a first end region thereon a first hinge and a second end region thereon, wherein the second end of the power arm is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis via the first hinge; c) A compression spring element having a piston rod for generating resistance, the power arm being actuated against the resistance, wherein the compression spring element is detachably connected to the power arm at a first pivot point via a first end region, and detachably connected at a second pivot point via a second end region to a second end region of the retaining element, wherein the first pivot point is adjustable along the power arm via an adjustment region; and d) Locking element.

[0007] The exercise device according to the invention now has an improved retaining element and / or an improved locking element. In a preferred embodiment, it has both an improved retaining element and an improved locking element.

[0008] The improved retaining element is formed by two parallel side members defining an intermittent space between them, within which the power arm can be at least partially accommodated. The two side members are preferably connected to each other by a suitable connecting device. This allows the exercise device of the present invention to be brought into a folded position. In particular, the size of the intermittent space is configured such that, in the folded position of the exercise device, the power arm (including the plate attached thereto), separated from the compression spring element, is at least partially accommodated therein. In the folded position, the exercise device has a compact form, thus being a space-saving unit, making it easier to transport and store.

[0009] The improved locking element can be mounted on the compression spring rod, and is characterized in that its end region is designed such that it can be slidably mounted along a travel path between a first starting position near the pivot axis and a second ending position at the end of the adjustment area. In this case, the path is designed such that after disengagement from the power arm and positioning of the locking element, the compression spring element automatically moves to the second ending position, regardless of its initial position. This displacement path runs along a corresponding shaped surface formed on the underside of the power arm.

[0010] Axially aligned with the travel path are two plates, which can be arranged on opposite sides of the power arm and will not contact the improved locking element. Therefore, these plates do not restrict the travel path of the locking element. Preferably, these two plates also provide adjustment areas. The plates may have a grid pattern on their respective bottom sides, specifically a plurality of first engagement surfaces with a first curvature, allowing adjustment of the first pivot point via the provided adjustment areas. By adjusting the pivot point toward the first hinge or in the opposite direction, the leverage ratio changes, which affects the force required to move the power arm.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the first end region of the compression spring element includes a second engagement surface having a second curvature, the second engagement surface being configured to be compatible with a first engagement surface located at the adjustment area of ​​the power arm, such that the second engagement surface of the first end region of the compression spring element can be brought into operative engagement with the corresponding first engagement surface. In particular, the hinge device providing the second engagement surface can be provided in the form of a pin. Here, the two protruding ends of the pin form the second engagement surface, which can engage with the first engagement surface.

[0012] According to one embodiment, an additional element is provided for pressing the power arm against a first end region of the compression spring element, such that the mating surfaces of the two operatively connected components remain in contact. This additional element may be a resilient elongated element (such as, for example, a cable or strip) that provides a tensionable connection between the power arm and the retaining element. In one embodiment, the resilient elongated element is detachably or permanently attached to the power arm at one end and to the retaining element at the other end, preferably in the pivot point region. Alternatively, one end of the resilient elongated element may be attached to a second end region of one side component of the retaining element, wherein this end passes, for example, through a through-hole in the retaining element and is secured in the through position by a fastener or knot. After passing through an opening in the power arm, the other end of the resilient elongated element is clamped in a clamping device on the opposite side component of the retaining element and held in place by a locking member. Thanks to the resilient properties of the elongated element, the locking mechanism between the first and second mating surfaces can be easily released. Of course, other elements may also be provided to maintain the functional connection between the first and second mating surfaces.

[0013] These plates, together with the lower surface of the power arm, define a downwardly opening receptacle that extends between a first starting position near the first hinge and a second ending position at the end of the adjustment area. The second ending position is preferably designed as a stop. The lower surface of the power arm provides a shaped surface along which the shaped surface of a sleeve-shaped locking element is slidable between the first starting position and the second ending position. Therefore, a compression spring element detached from the power arm and equipped with a sleeve moves autonomously toward the second ending position by gravity, regardless of its location in the travel path or on the shaped surface at the lower end of the power arm. The second ending position is configured such that the independent movement of the sleeve is stopped at this position, for example, by a protrusion formed thereon. In other words, in another preferred embodiment, a protrusion mounted between the two plates prevents the locking element or sleeve from moving toward the user of the exercise equipment beyond the end of the adjustment area. To reconfigure the exercise equipment, the compression spring element equipped with the attached sleeve can be removed from the receptacle through an opening provided in the receptacle, so that the exercise equipment is ready for use during exercise, in which the power arm moves against the adjustable resistance of the compression spring element.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the power arm and the compression spring element can be separated from each other at a first pivot point, so that not only can the resistance be adjusted, but the power arm can also resist the pivoting of the holding element, thereby allowing the exercise equipment to be stored in a space-saving manner when not in use.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compression spring element is designed as a gas spring, such as a pneumatic cylinder internally housing a movable part like a piston rod, resulting in a simple device design and a variety of adjustment options. Of course, other types of resistance elements are also conceivable.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the locking element is configured as a sleeve with a shaped end, which can be fitted onto the sliding member (e.g., piston rod) of the compression spring element when fully extended. The sleeve has an outwardly curved end surface at its shaped end, i.e., a convex shape or other suitable configuration, which allows the sleeve to slide along the shaped surface of the receiving portion with almost no friction. Therefore, a stop surface with a curvature complementary to the curved end surface can be formed at the second termination position.

[0017] In another embodiment, the locking element is configured as a sleeve that is at least partially cylindrical, wherein a through-hole in the form of a slot is provided in the upper end region, i.e., the region where the annular opening of the compression spring element is located. Furthermore, the upper end region of the sleeve may have a shape deviating from the generally cylindrical form, such as a convex or concave surface, which improves the sliding and guiding of the resistance plate within the housing. The resulting low-friction sliding of the compression spring element within the housing ensures that the compression spring element reliably moves to the second termination position on its own.

[0018] The length L from the end of the upper end region of the sleeve / locking element to the end of the through hole opposite the end region of the sleeve / locking element is set such that when the sleeve / locking element is in place and positioned in the receiving portion, the hinge mechanism of the compression spring element can be released from effective engagement with the first engagement surface within the adjustment zone of the power arm. In this case, the shaped end of the locking element abuts against the shaped surface of the receiving portion, causing the movable mechanism of the compression spring element to return from the fully extended position, thereby severing the operative connection between the first and second engagement surfaces and locking the power arm in this state. This ensures that the compression spring element will never accidentally lock into any position within the adjustment zone when the locking element is in use.

[0019] The retaining element is preferably designed to be mountable on an unspecified support structure and / or slidably mounted along the support structure. Therefore, the retaining element can be connected to the support structure via a rotary joint to allow it to rotate about a rotational axis in the plane of the support structure and lock in a corresponding rotational position, wherein the rotational axis extends perpendicularly to the axis of the rotary joint. Thus, the rotary joint itself acts as a support for attaching the exercise device to the support structure. This arrangement creates a lightweight exercise device that can rotate from 0° to 360° about the rotational axis, allowing the power arm to be adjusted to any position. This enables the exercise device to be oriented in any desired direction on the support structure.

[0020] Thanks to the highly adjustable nature of the exercise equipment, the ability to rotate the power arm relative to the support structure, and the capacity to lock it in any set position, the power arm can be positioned in almost any orientation. In addition to vertically moving the power arm against resistance at any height, exercises such as pull-ups can also be performed by locking the resistance element in place.

[0021] In an alternative implementation, the retaining element is not connected to the support structure via a rotary joint, but has a hook on the side away from the power arm that can hook into a correspondingly shaped support structure, which includes at least one rod-like element, such as a guide rail or crossbar.

[0022] The exercise apparatus according to the invention may be equipped with various actuating elements, such as, for example, a barbell, on which various exercises can be performed to exercise muscles against the resistance of the resistance element, or may be equipped with a fixed resistance element.

[0023] The exercise apparatus according to the present invention simplifies the operation of the locking element while maintaining its portability. Furthermore, compared to locking elements known in the prior art, the stability of this locking element is improved. Additionally, malfunctions during the locking process are prevented.

[0024] Further details of the invention will be set forth below in the description of preferred embodiments of the exercise apparatus according to the invention, which are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings. This description reveals further advantages of the invention, as well as modifications and suggestions regarding how to alter or further develop the subject matter of the invention within the scope of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 6 Each illustrates different details of the same exercise apparatus according to the invention.

[0026] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of an exercise device with a compression spring element locked is shown; Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of a locking element for locking the compression spring element of the exercise device of the present invention is shown in particular, wherein the end region of the locking element is located at a second end position at the end of the adjustment region. Figure 4 It shows the relationship with Figure 3 The same locking element, except that the end region of the locking element is located in a first starting position close to the pivot axis; Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of the exercise equipment in its folded position is shown; Figure 6 A preferred embodiment of the locking element is shown, which is designed as a sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1 An exercise device 1 for muscle training is shown, comprising a power arm 2. One end region 3 of the power arm 2 is designed to allow insertion of an actuating element 18 in a known manner, thereby allowing a trainee to perform various exercises. The other end region 4 of the power arm 2 is mounted on a retaining element 6, allowing it to pivot about a pivot axis 5. At a first pivot point 7, one end region 8 of a compression spring element 9 is pivotally connected to the power arm 2. This first pivot point 7, and therefore one end region 8 of the compression spring element 9, is adjustable along an adjustable region 10 on the power arm 2. The other end region 11 of the compression spring element 9 is hinged to the retaining element 6 at a second pivot point 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the compression spring element 9 is formed as a gas spring with a device 13 (e.g., a piston rod) slidably accommodated in a compression cylinder.

[0028] To exercise the muscles, the power arm 2 can pivot about the pivot axis 5, where the compression spring element 9 provides a reaction force to the actuation force and pushes the power arm 2 back to its original position, which is achieved when the fully extended center 13 (i.e., the piston rod) is reached.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the adjustment zone 10 is formed by two plates 30 and 30', which are laterally arranged on the power arm 2 and have multiple second engagement surfaces 37 and 37' on their underside (see...). Figure 3 The second engagement surface can be brought into contact with the first engagement surface 36 of the compression spring element 9 (see...). Figure 3 The parallel, spaced-apart plates 30, 30' and the shaped surface 38 (not shown) on the bottom side of the power arm 2 form a downwardly open and therefore three-sidedly limited receiving portion 39.

[0030] Therefore, the first end region 8 of the compression spring element 9 is effectively engaged with one of the second engagement surfaces 37, 37' via the first engagement surface 36. The first engagement surface 36 and the second engagement surface 37 are pressed against each other by an additional element 20 (in the illustrated embodiment, an elastic elongated element, such as a rope or elastic band), thereby keeping the first engagement surface 36 and the second engagement surface 37 in operative connection in contact with each other.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the exercise device includes a locking element 21, which is essentially in the shape of a hollow cylinder or sleeve 22. In various embodiments, this hollow cylinder or sleeve is designed such that it can be fitted onto a sliding member 13 (i.e., a piston rod) in its fully extended position. Figure 1 As shown, the sleeve 22 has a curvature at its upper end region 26, which can slide along the shaped surface 38 within the receiving portion 39.

[0032] Figure 2 The space 32, defined by the side members 31, 31' which serve as retaining elements, is shown in particular.

[0033] like Figure 3 As seen, the first end region 8 of the compression spring element 9 includes a first engagement surface 36 having a first curvature, while along the power arm 2, a series of second engagement surfaces 37, 37' having corresponding second curvatures are arranged above the adjustment region 10; these second engagement surfaces are designed to complement the first curvature. The end region 26 of the locking element 21, which is formed here as a sleeve 22, is located here in a second termination position 28 at the end of the adjustment region 10. The displacement path 17 is shown here in dashed lines.

[0034] like Figure 4As shown, the end region 26 of the locking element 21, which is formed as sleeve 22, is located at a first starting position 27 near the pivot axis 5. The displacement path 17 of the locking element 31 is shown here in dashed lines. Once force is applied, the locking element 21 will slide along the shaped surface 38 or the displacement path 17 toward the user of the exercise equipment, entering... Figure 3 The location shown.

[0035] exist Figure 5 In the folded state of the exercise equipment shown, the first engagement surfaces 36, 36' are clearly visible, especially from the protruding ends 35, 35' of the pins attached to the movable member 13 of the resistance element (or compression spring element 9).

[0036] Figure 6 Details of the sleeve 22 are shown, which is preferably used as the locking element 21. (See attached image.) Figure 6 a) and Figure 6 As shown in d), the sleeve 22 is cylindrical and has a longitudinal slot 24 on its first longitudinal side 23, which extends along the length of the sleeve 22. On the second longitudinal side 25 opposite to the first longitudinal side 23, it has a through hole 19 through which the first end region 8 of the compression spring element 9 can be guided (see also...). Figure 6 b). Figure 6 a) and Figure 6 b) The curvature 33 of the upper end region 26 of the sleeve 22 or locking element 21 is clearly shown, which facilitates sliding along the shaped surface 38 or displacement path 17.

[0037] List of reference numerals 1. Exercise equipment 2. Power Boom 3. The first end of the power arm 4. The second end of the power arm 5 Pivot axis 6. Holding element 7 First pivot point 8. First end region of the compression spring element 9. Compression Spring Element 10 Adjustment Zone 11. Second end region of the compression spring element 12. The second pivot point of the second end region of the retaining element. 13 Piston rod 14. First end region of the retaining element 15. Second end region of the retaining element 16. The first hinge in the first end region of the retaining element 17. Displacement path of the locking element 18 Actuating elements 19 Through Holes 20 Elastic Slender Elements 21 Locking element 22 sleeve 23. The first longitudinal side of the sleeve 24 Longitudinal slots 25 The second longitudinal side of the sleeve 26. End area of ​​locking element 27 First starting position 28 Second termination position 29 End of the through hole 30, 30' plate 31, 31' Side components 32. Gap between side components 31 and 31' 33. Curvature of the upper end region of the locking element or sleeve 34 Protrusions 35, 35' pin protruding end area 36, 36' First mating surfaces 37, 37' Second mating surfaces 38. Formed surface on the underside of power arm 2 39. Reception Department L is the length from the end 29 of the through hole (opposite to the end of the locking element) to the end of the upper end area 26.

Claims

1. An exercise device (1) for exercising muscles, comprising: a) A power arm (2) having a first end (3) and a second end (4), the first end being equipped with an actuating element (18). b) A retaining element (6) having a first end region (14) and a second end region (15), a first hinge (16) being arranged on the first end region, and the second end (4) of the power arm being pivotally mounted about a pivot axis (5) via the first hinge; c) A compression spring element (9) having a piston rod (13) for generating resistance, the power arm (2) being actuated against the resistance, wherein the compression spring element (9) is detachably connected to the power arm (2) at a first pivot point (7) via a first end region (8), and detachably connected at a second pivot point (12) via a second end region (11) to a second end region (15) of the retaining element, wherein the first pivot point (7) is adjustable along the power arm (2) via an adjustment region (10); and d) Locking element (21); The retaining element (6) is formed by two parallel side members (31, 31') that define a space (32) between them, in which the power arm (2) can be at least partially accommodated. and / or The end region (26) of the locking element (21) that can be mounted on the piston rod (13) is configured such that the end region (26) is slidably received along a shaped surface (38) formed on the power arm (2) between a first starting position (27) near the pivot axis (5) and a second ending position (28) at the end of the adjustment region (10), wherein the shaped surface (38) is configured such that the compression spring element (9) automatically moves to the second ending position (28) after disengaging from the power arm (2) and after the locking element (21) is positioned, regardless of the starting position of the compression spring element (9).

2. The exercise device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The forming surface (38) is located on the bottom side of the power arm (2) within the area of ​​two plates (30, 30') arranged on opposite sides of the power arm.

3. The exercise device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plates (30, 30') are configured as adjustment areas (10) for compressing the spring element (9), and in particular the plates (30, 30') have a grid pattern on their respective bottom sides, and in particular a plurality of first engagement surfaces (36, 36') with a first curvature, such that the first pivot point (7) can be adjusted above the set adjustment area (10).

4. The exercise device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first end region (8) of the compression spring element (9) includes a second engagement surface having a second curvature, the second engagement surface being configured to be compatible with a first engagement surface (36, 36') disposed on the adjustment region (10) of the power arm, such that the second engagement surface on the first end region (8) of the compression spring element (9) can be brought into operative engagement with the corresponding first engagement surface (36, 36') on the first end region (8) of the compression spring element (9).

5. The exercise device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second engagement surface is provided by a hinged element in the form of a pin, wherein the two protruding end regions (35, 35') of the pin form the second engagement surface, which is capable of engaging with the first engagement surface.

6. The exercise apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The locking element (21) is generally formed as a partially cylindrical sleeve (22) having a shaped upper end region (26).

7. The exercise device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sleeve (22) has a longitudinal groove (24) on a first longitudinal side (23) that extends at least partially along the length of the sleeve (22) and a through hole (19) on a second longitudinal side (25) opposite to the first longitudinal side (23) through which a first end region (8) of the compression spring element (9) can be guided.

8. The exercise device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The length of the sleeve (22) is such that the length L from the end of the through hole (29) opposite to the end region of the locking element to the end of the upper end region (26) is large enough that the first end region (8) of the compression spring element cannot engage with the adjustment region (10).

9. The exercise apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The upper end region (26) of the locking element (21) has a curvature (33).

10. The exercise apparatus (1) according to one or more of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that, A protrusion is formed between the plates (30) and (30') to prevent the upper end region (26) of the locking element from moving beyond the end of the adjustment region (10).

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