A base for a modular exercise system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a base for a modular exercise system comprising: a ground plate 10 for locating the base on a surface; a resistance apparatus 20 mounted on the ground plate; an attach

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a base for a modular exercise system, in particular a base with a resistance apparatus that can receive different types of exercise devices that each engage with the resistance apparatus when connected. Background When training for a particular sport or activity it is often necessary to perform exercises that targets different muscle groups. Typically this may involve use of multiple exercise devices which take up considerable space and therefore it may not be easy or possible to train and store the equipment at home and instead equipment may be provided at a gym or training centre. Additionally, when training on different equipment it is often necessary to change the parameters measured or the training goals to be achieved on a particular device so that training data can be analysed, or training zones set. Usually a user will manually select training settings from a menu for each device they use to reflect the training device. This can take time which reduces training time and may make it harder to compare activities. The present invention overcomes these problems. Prior Art Smart turbo trainers provide a base with a resistance means that is adapted to receive a bicycle and simulate cycling in an indoors environment. The smart turbo trainer can link with software on an electronic device. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a base for a modular exercise system comprising: a ground plate for locating the base on a surface; a resistance apparatus mounted on the base; an attachment means for receiving and connecting interchangeable exercise devices to the base; and at least one sensor which is operative to detect and identify the interchangeable exercise device, when connected to the base, and to communicate with a processor when the resistance apparatus is engaged with a drive mechanism on the interchangeable exercise device. In this way the same base can be used with a number of different exercise devices to perform different exercises without the requirement for multiple different standalone exercise devices; and without the requirement to manually configure resistance settings for different devices, since the type of exercise device attached is identified and settings can be automatically activated for the particular exercise device. It is appreciated that both the base and the interchangeable exercise device may be adapted to be arranged in a first configuration for a use, and in a second compact configuration, for stowage to minimise the amount of space required for storage. One way to achieve this is that both the base and interchangeable exercise device preferably have folding parts which may be lockable when deployed. The ground plate is for locating the base on a surface. In preferred embodiments the ground plate includes at least three legs to provide a stable ground plate that takes up minimal space. Preferably the legs are foldable so that they can be splayed in use and stowed when not in use to enable easy storage of the base when it is not in use. In some embodiments the ground plate includes feet to enhance grip of the ground plate against the surface and to minimise any movement during use. The feet may be formed from or coated in a resiIiently deformable material, such as rubber or silicone. In some embodiments the feet may also be adjustable so that the ground plate can be stabilised on an uneven surface. The ground plate may be weighted so assist with maintaining position of the base during use. The resistance apparatus is mounted on the ground plate. The resistance apparatus is connected to the drive mechanism in use, so that variation of resistance apparatus changes the amount of input force required by the user. The resistance apparatus ideally has an adjustment means for selectively varying its resistance so that a user can make changes during use. The resistance apparatus preferably has at least one rotating component wherein rotational resistance of at least one component can be altered. For example, the resistance apparatus may include a drive train with at least two drive wheels connected by a belt and a resistance unit, wherein at least one of the drive wheels is connected to the resistance unit so that resistance applied to the drive wheel is adjustable. Advantageously the use of a configuration including drive wheels and a belt provides a quiet, clean and low maintenance mechanism. In another embodiment the resistance apparatus may comprise a rotating resistance unit that is adapted to receive a shaft that connects to the drive means and the resistance unit can be adjusted to change ease of rotation. In preferred embodiments the resistance unit has means to provide magnetic resistance to provide a reliable way to accurately and quickly adjust resistance by altering the strength or orientation of a magnetic field. Preferably the resistance unit may include electromagnets enabling adjustment using a control means such as a control panel to transmit electronic signals, rather than using a manual dial that may delay changes or limit transitions to the time it takes a user to manually alter the dial. In preferred embodiments the control means are provided on the interchangeable exercise devices so that a user can adjust resistance easily whilst using the device. The resistance unit is adapted to receive signals and adjust resistance in response to the signals. The control means in communication with the resistance unit, for example to adjust the electromagnetic resistance. Preferably signals are transmitted wirelessly from the control means to the resistance unit. The control means may comprise a selection of buttons, a touch pad, display screen or rocker switch to enable a user to easily toggle between selecting increasing or decreasing resistance. Ideally the control means are ergonomically positioned on the exercise device to optimise the workout by causing minimal effort and change of position to perform adjustment using the control means. In some preferred embodiments the resistance unit includes a speedup gearbox that is connected to the resistance unit to increase the rotational speed of the rotating element of the resistance unit. The base has at least one sensor which is operative to detect and identify the selected interchangeable exercise device when connected to the base. In this way the exercise device that is connected is automatically identified so that training can commence immediately with the correct corresponding resistance map. For example each exercise device may include a microchip with identification details so that the sensor on the base detects the microchip and obtains data pertaining to the identification of the exercise device. Data obtained from at least one sensor is relayed to a processor. The at least one sensor is also adapted to communicate with the processor when the resistance apparatus is engaged with a drive mechanism on the interchangeable exercise device so that resistance settings can be obtained and this data can be combined with data related to the drive mechanism, such as revolutions of a pedal, to determine user output. Preferably at least one sensor is provided on the base to sense a force applied by the interchangeable exercise device, in particular by the drive mechanism, and the processor derives a signal indicative of an amount of work done. Preferably at least one force sensor is provided on the resistance apparatus. Advantageously this removes the requirement for separate force sensors on each exercise device, making the exercise system more affordable as the sensors are provided on the base that can be used for all interchangeable exercise devices. In preferred embodiments the processor is also operative to transmit a signal to a receiver confirming when the resistance apparatus is being driven by the drive mechanism on the interchangeable exercise device. This enables periods of activity to be accurately measured. In some embodiments the receiver has a display for displaying data for a user. In preferred embodiments a transmitter is provided on the base which is operative to transmit a signal to a receiver indicative of at least one of: a force (power) applied by the user; a level of resistance provided by the resistance device; an exercise start time; an exercise end time and total energy expended (kJ or kcal). Measuring these parameters enables exercise exertion feedback to be provided to the user. Typically the feedback may be provided by an electronic device with a screen that can be observed whilst using the base and exercise device. The electronic device may be integrated with the exercise device, or the exercise device may include a holder for receiving a displaceable electronic device such as a tablet or smart phone. The attachment means is for receiving and connecting an interchangeable exercise device to the base so that different exercise devices can be easily connected and disconnected to the base. The attachment means extends from the ground plate. In some embodiments the attachment means may be combined with parts of the resistance apparatus. In preferred embodiments an arm extends from the ground plate and the arm has at least one figure for receiving the exercise device. For example a pair of fingers may provide a bracket that receives the exercise device. In a preferred embodiment the attachment means includes a bracket with a means for receiving a pin to enable coaxial connection with a hub on the exercise device and connection with the resistance apparatus. In this way attachment of the exercise device can simultaneously engage the resistance apparatus and thereby the drive mechanism. In another embodiment an engagement means is provided to engage a hub on the exercise device with the resistance apparatus. For example, in a preferred embodiment a dog clutch is provided for engaging the hub on the exercise device with the resistance apparatus so that when the exercise device is mounted on the base and secured by the attachment means, the hub of the exercise device is selectively engaged with the resistance apparatus when ready for use. In some embodiments the pin is adapted to link the hub on the exercise device and a drive wheel on the resistance apparatus so that the components are linked and are driven in unison by a user driving the drive mechanism. For example, a toothed pin may be received through the hub and through a toothed coaxial drive wheel on the resistance apparatus to engage the toothed pin with drive wheel. An inner face of at least part of the hub has a toothed surface and an inner face of at least part of the drive wheel has a toothed surface so that the hub and drive wheel are locked together by the toothed pin and will rotate in unison. In another embodiment the resistance apparatus has a connector for receiving a driveshaft that is connected to the drive mechanism of the interchangeable exercise device. For example the exercise device may include a bevel box connected to the drive mechanism to enable the driveshaft rotation to be transferred from a first plane to a second plane. In this way the drive mechanism is rotated in a first plane by the user driving the bevel box which causes rotation of the drive shaft in a second plane. Advantageously the use of a bevel box enables power to be distributed through a defined angle, such as 90 degrees which can assist with making the base and exercise device more compact and therefore more easily stored. Furthermore the use of a driveshaft connected to the resistance means provides a quiet, clean and low maintenance mechanism. Preferably the interchangeable exercise device includes a control means in communication with the resistance apparatus for a user to vary a force applied by the resistance apparatus. Ideally the control means is arranged at a location close to a user’s hands when exercising so that they can easily select the chosen resistance. One of the interchangeable exercise devices may be a cycling exercise device with pedals driving a hub that is connected to the resistance apparatus, a seat and a handlebar in order to simulate a cycling exercise. In this embodiment the control means is located on the handlebar region of the cycling exercise device for ease of use and to reflect where controls are positioned on a bicycle. Another one of the interchangeable exercise devices may be a grinding exercise device with pedestal handles driving a hub that is connected to the resistance apparatus in order to simulate grinding exercise. For this device the control means may be located on a handle grip region of the grinding exercise device for ease of use during exercise. Yet further interchangeable exercise devices may include a rowing machine and resistance units for weight training. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which: Brief Description of Figures Figure 1A shows a side view of a first embodiment of the base; Figure 1B shows a rear view of the first embodiment of the base; Figures 1C shows a cross section of the first embodiment of the base; Figure 1D shows an isometric view of the first embodiment of the base; Figure 1E shows a plan view of the first embodiment of the base; Figure 1F shows a close up view of the second drive wheel; Figure 2A shows a side view of the first embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device; Figure 2B a rear view of the first embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device; Figure 2C shows a cross section of part of the first embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device; Figure 2D shows an isometric view of the first embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device; Figure 2E shows a plan view of the first embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device; Figure 2F shows an isometric cross section of part of the first embodiment of the base connected to part of the exercise device; Figure 3A shows a side view of a second embodiment of the base; Figure 3B shows a cross section A-A of the second embodiment of the base; Figure 3C shows a rear view of a second embodiment of the base; Figure 3D shows a rear isometric view of the second embodiment of the base; Figure 3E shows a plan view of the second embodiment of the base; Figure 4A shows a side view of a second embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device; Figure 4B shows a rear view of a second embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device; Figure 4C shows a rear isometric view of the second embodiment of the base connected to a part of an exercise device; Figure 4D shows a cross section A-A of the second embodiment of the base; Figure 4E shows a close up of part of the cross section shown in Figure 4D; Figure 5A shows an end view of a pin for use with the second embodiment of the base; Figure 5B shows a side view of the pin; Figure 5C shows the spline of the pin; Figure 5D shows a cross section A-A of the pin; Figure 5E shows an isometric view of a cross section A-A of the pin; Figure 5F shows an isometric view of the pin; Figure 6A shows a rear view of a third embodiment of the base; Figure 6B shows a side view of a third embodiment of the base; Figure 6C shows a close up of the resistance unit of a third embodiment of the base; Figure 6D shows a plan view of a third embodiment of the base; Figure 6E shows an isometric view of a third embodiment of the base; Figure 7A shows a rear view of a third embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device; Figure 7B shows a side view of a third embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device; Figure 7C shows a close up of the resistance unit of a third embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device; Figure 7D shows a plan view of a third embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device; and Figure 7E shows an isometric view of a third embodiment of the base connected to part of an exercise device. Detailed Description of Figures Figures 1A to 1F and 2A to 2F show a first embodiment 100 of the invention with a ground plate 10 with three legs 11. Each leg 11 having a foot 12 that spaces the leg from the surface. The ground plate 10 is formed from metal, such as steel, and the feet 11 are adjustable plates to enable the feet 12 to be adjusted to compensate for an uneven surface. Two of the legs 11A are hinged at pivots 13 to enable the legs 11A to be splayed as shown in the Figures 1 A, 1B, 1D and 1E or stowed (not shown) wherein the two legs 11A are arranged to fold inwards to be parallel to the third leg 11B. The ground plate 10 has a pair of wheels 14 mounted on an edge to enable the base 100 to be wheeled to assist with movement from one location to another. The resistance apparatus 20 comprises first and second drive wheels 21, 22 connected by a belt 23 and the first drive wheel 21 is connected to a resistance unit 24. The first drive wheel 21 has adjustable resistance as it is connected to the resistance unit 24. The second drive wheel 22 has a hub 22A through which a pin 30 is received. The resistance apparatus 20 which is made up of two drive wheels 21, 22, the belt 23 and the resistance unit 24, is arranged on an arm 40 that extends from the ground plate 10. The arm 40 provides location points for both drive wheels 21,22 and for the resistance unit 24. The first drive wheel 21 and resistance unit 24 are arranged coaxially on a shaft (not visible). The second drive wheel 22 is arranged on a finger 41 extending from the arm 40 and the second drive wheel 22 is further secured and engaged by inserting of a pin 30 that passes through the first finger 41 engages with a second finger 42 that extends from the arm 40. The first finger 41 is a tube that is arranged perpendicular to the plane of the arm 40. The resistance unit 24 includes electromagnetic resistance means to enable electronic adjustment of resistance to alter ease of rotation of the first drive wheel 21 and thereby the second drive wheel 22 that is connected to the drive mechanism on the exercise device 500. Resistance applied to the first drive wheel 21 can be adjusted by changing the magnetic field created by the electromagnets in the resistance unit 24. The pin 30 is received through the first finger 41 and a distal end 31 of the pin 30 is connected to the second finger 42 by a screw thread connection (not shown). The attachment means 50 is provided by the pin 30 and the fingers 41,42. The first finger 41 is a tubular extension through which the pin 30 is received. The second finger 42 provides a distal end for receiving the exercise device. The pin 30 enables the exercise device 500 to be connected to the resistance apparatus 20 and the fingers 41,42 provide a support bracket for receiving and supporting the exercise device during use. In this way the exercise device 500 can be easily arranged on the base 100 and securely connected to the base 100. When the exercise device 500 is mounted on the base 100 a dog clutch 60 enables engagement of the hub 22A of the second drive wheel 22 with the drive mechanism (not shown in Figures 1 and 2) of the exercise device 500. The dog clutch 60 has two engagement surfaces 61, 62. The first engagement surface is mounted on a spring 63 so that when the spring 63 is released the first engagement surface 61 connects with the second corresponding engagement surface 62 on the exercise device so that the dog clutch 60 is engaged. When the dog clutch 60 is engaged the connected parts on the base and exercise device rotate in unison. A switch 64 is provided to lock and release the first and second engagement surface 61, 62. When the spring 63 is compressed the first and second engagement surfaces 61, 62 are separated (see Figure 2C). When the spring 63 is released the first and second engagement surfaces are engaged. The switch 64 is provided on the second finger 42. The hub 22A of the second drive wheel 22 is coaxial with a hub 501 provided on the exercise device 500, so that both hubs 22A, 501 rotate about the pin 30 and the dog clutch 60 enables engagement surfaces 61, 62 to be engaged so that both parts (drive wheels of resistance apparatus and hub of exercise device that is connected to the drive mechanism) rotate in unison when driven by a user activating the drive mechanism. Figures 3A to 3E and 4A to 4E show a second embodiment of the base 200. In Figures 4A to 4E part of an exercise device 500 is shown. Like parts have like references. The second embodiment 200 has the same arm 40 and fingers 41, 42 configuration, but the exercise device 500 is engaged in a different way. In the second embodiment 200 the pin 30 is adapted to engage the hub 501 of an exercise device 500 with the second drive wheel 22 of the resistance apparatus 20. The pin 30 has a distal end 32 that connects to the second finger 42. The pin 30 also has a spline 33 that when inserted through the first tubular finger 41 and located on the second finger 42 positions the spline 33 so that it engages with inner surfaces of the second drive wheel hub 22A and the hub 501 of the exercise device 500 (see Figure 4E). In this way when the spline 33 is inserted and engaged with both hubs 22A, 501 they rotate in unison so that input from a user through the drive mechanism of the exercise device 500 is in communication with the resistance apparatus 20. In the pictured embodiments shown in Figures 3B to 3E the second drive wheel 22 includes magnets (not shown) to locate the spline 33 into the hub 22A of the second drive wheel 22. The pin 30 also provides a quick and easy means for connecting the exercise device 500 to the base 200 by forming part of the attachment means 50 that is a combination of the pin 30 and the fingers 41, 42. Figures 5A to 5F show an example of the pin for the second embodiment of the base 200 that enables quick connection. The pin 30 has a spline 33 that rotates freely on needle bearings 34 about the pin 30 so that the main body of the pin does not rotate in use, only the spline 33 (see figure 5D). The spline 33 has a toothed outer surface that engages with toothed inner faces of the hub of the second drive wheel 22A and the hub 501 of the exercised device 500. In this way both hubs 22A and 501 rotate in unison and are connected to the resistance apparatus 20 and to the drive mechanism (not shown) of the exercise device. Figures 6A to 6E and 7A to 7E show a third embodiment of the base 300. Like parts have like references. In the pictured embodiment the arm 40 projects from the ground plate 10 with a two fingers 41,42 that both extend upwards in the same configuration. The fingers 41, 42 support a resistance unit 24 that has a connector 25 for receiving a drive shaft 503 provided on the exercise device 500. The exercise device 500 has a bevel box 504 that enables rotary motion generated through the drive mechanism (pedals 502) to be changed through 90 degrees to rotate the drive shaft 503 that is connected to the resistance unit 24. The fingers 41, 42 also act as a bracket for receiving and supporting the exercise device 500. The connector 25 is adapted to receive an end of a drive shaft 503 that extends from the drive mechanism 502 of exercise device 500 (see Figures 7A, 7B, 7D, 7E). As a user (not shown) drives the drive mechanism 502, by pedalling on the exercise device 500, rotary motion is transmitted by 90 degrees though the bevel box 504 on the exercise device 500 to the driveshaft 503 rotates which enables rotary motion to be transmitted coaxially along the driveshaft by means of the resistance unit 24. The resistance unit 24 also includes a speed up gearbox 26 that increases rotational speed of the rotating element (not shown) of the resistance unit 24. The resistance unit 24 has an electromagnetic resistance means to enable a user to quickly and easily adjust resistance. In all embodiments 100, 200, 300, at least one sensor (not shown) is provided on the base 10. The at least one sensor may be arranged within the base, for example inside the arm 40, or the at least one sensor may be arranged on a surface of the base 10. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A base for a modular exercise system comprises: a ground plate for locating the base on a surface; a resistance apparatus mounted on the ground plate; an attachment means for receiving and connecting an interchangeable exercise device to the base; and at least one sensor which is operative to detect and identify the interchangeable exercise device when connected to the base and to communicate with a processor when the resistance apparatus is engaged with a drive mechanism on the interchangeable exercise device.

2. A base according to claim 1 wherein the processor is operative to transmit a signal to a receiver confirming when the resistance apparatus is being driven by the drive mechanism on the interchangeable exercise device.

3. A base according to claim 2 wherein the receiver has a display.

4. A base according to any preceding wherein the interchangeable exercise device includes a control means which communicates with the resistance apparatus and enables a user to vary a force applied by the resistance apparatus.

5. A base according to any preceding claim includes at least one second sensor which senses a force applied through the drive mechanism; and the processor derives a signal indicative of an amount of work done.

6. A base according to any preceding claim wherein a transmitter is provided on the base which is operative to transmit a signal to a receiver indicative of at least one of: a force applied by the user; a level of resistance provided by the resistance device; an exercise start time; an exercise end time and total energy expended (kJ or kcal).

7. A base according to any preceding claim wherein the resistance apparatus has an adjustment means for varying its resistance.

8. A base according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment means includes a bracket for receiving the interchangeable exercise device.

9. A base according to claim 8 wherein the bracket includes a first finger that is a tube that receives a pin.

10. A base according to claim 9 including a second finger for receiving the exercise device and a distal end of the pin.

11. A base according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the first finger is adapted to support a first hub of a drive wheel that is part of the resistance apparatus.

12. A base according to claim 11 including a dog clutch for engaging a first engagement surface on a first hub of a drive wheel of the resistance apparatus with a second engagement surface on a second hub on the interchangeable exercise device.

13. A base according to claim 12 including a switch to engage and disengage the engagement surfaces of the dog clutch.

14. A base according to any of claims 9 to 11 including a pin with a spline that engages with the first hub of the first drive wheel of the resistance apparatus and a second hub on the exercise device by means of at least part of the inner faces of the first and second hubs having a toothed surface so that the first and second hubs rotate in unison when engaged with the spline of the pin.

15. A base according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment means is connected to the resistance apparatus.

16. A base according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the resistance apparatus has a connector for receiving a driveshaft that is connected to the drive mechanism of the interchangeable exercise device.

17. A base according to any preceding wherein the interchangeable exercise device includes a control means which communicates with the resistance apparatus and enables a user to vary a force applied by the resistance apparatus.

18. A base according to any preceding claim wherein the interchangeable exercise device is a cycling exercise device with pedals on hub that is connected to the resistance apparatus, a seat and a handlebar in order to simulate a cycling exercise.

19. A base according to claim 18 when dependant on claim 17 wherein the control means is located on the handlebar region of the cycling exercise device.

20. A base according to any of claims 1 to 17 wherein the interchangeable exercise device is a grinding exercise device with pedestal handles on hub that is connected to the resistance apparatus in order to simulate grinding exercise.

21. A base according to claim 19 when dependant on claim 16 wherein the control means is located on a handle grip region of the grinding exercise device.

22. An interchangeable exercise device for use with the base according to any of claims 1 to 17.

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