The invention relates to a portable exercising apparatus according to the generic
part of claim 1.
[0001] Known equipment for exercising and strengthening various muscle groups include the
commonly known hand-held squeezing devices for exercising muscles of the hands and
lower arms.
[0002] More complex devices use weights, springs, or other pre-set resistances to movement.
Such devices require the user to use only that amount of strength necessary to move
the device through a weakest part of any movement.
[0003] Other devices have been developed which offer resistance at a level adapting automatically
to the user's abilities and providing resistance at a level the same or nearly the
same as the force applied throughout the entire range of an exercise stroke. Such
equipment is typically referred to as "isokinetic" exercising equipment. Many isokinetic
exercise devices are relatively large, complex, expensive and require frequent maintenance
and positioning at a stationary location.
[0004] Examples of isokinetic exercising equipment are disclosed in US-A-4,249,725. More
recently, a new isokinetic exercise device has the form of a cane, which is relatively
portable and capable of movement from location to location. This device is particularly
advantageous for handicapped individuals.
[0005] Although the cane provides substantial advantages over other known exercising equipment,
the number and variety of different exercises that can be performed for muscle/skeletal
groups in a particular body region is limited. For example, the variety of exercises
available for muscle/skeletal groups in the shoulder region is limited when the user
must grip the exercising apparatus with both hands, or when the apparatus does not
provide any supporting structure for the user's arm region so as to gain leverage.
[0006] One type of known exercise apparatus at least partially overcoming these disadvantages
and specifically directed to exercises for shoulder and wrist muscle/skeletal groups
employs a bell crank coupled to a sleeve-like slide. The slide is friction-mounted
to a horizontal stationary tube connected to opposing ends of a supporting structure.
Rotation of the bell crank is opposed in an isokinetic manner by the resistance to
the movement of the slide in an axial direction with respect to the tube.
[0007] Exercises for muscle/skeletal groups in the hip regions are limited when the exercising
apparatus does not provide any arrangement for supporting or securing different parts
of the legs during exercise. One type of known exercise apparatus specifically directed
to exercises for the muscle/ skeletal groups in the hip regions and incorporating
a leg supporting device includes a base support and an exercise bar pivotally coupled
to the base support. A slide is friction-mounted to the bar, and includes a saddle
assembly for securing the patient's leg during exercise.
[0008] The cane-like arrangement also is not particularly suited to exercises associated
with muscles in the knee and lower leg regions. One type of known exercise apparatus
specifically directed to exercises for the muscle/skeletal groups in the knee joint
regions employs a base support and an exercise bar pivotally coupled to a pair of
tubular bars extending downwardly from the base support. A slide is friction-mounted
on the bar, and includes a saddle assembly for securing a patient's leg during exercise.
[0009] The scope of exercises for muscles in the ankle region is limited when the apparatus
does not include any devices for securing the user's ankle. In addition, the variety
of exercises available for muscle/skeletal groups in the back and abdomen regions
are limited when the exercising apparatus does not include any supporting structure
for exerting forces against the structure by using back and abdomen muscles.
[0010] It is also advantageous if exercising apparatus is not only adapted for exercising
of various muscles/skeletal groups, but also includes devices to measure forces exerted
by the user during exercise. One type of exercising device employing a force measuring
mechanism is disclosed in US-A-3,971,255.
[0011] This document discloses an exercise bar having a sleeve mounted to an elongated tube
and slidable with respect to the tube. Bushings within the tube provide a friction
slide between the sleeve and the tube, and handles are provided on the sleeve and
at one end of the tube. Resistance of the sleeve on the tube is provided through a
flat-headed pin and an adjustable tension spring which exerts forces on the pin. A
force measuring device is provided by a coil spring positioned between the outer end
of the sleeve and an internal bushing. A gauge mounted on the sleeve indicates the
amount of force applied by the user.
[0012] Although US-A-3,921,255 describes this mechanism as measuring instantaneous forces
applied by the user, the mechanism is not a true force-measuring mechanism during
movement of the sleeve with respect to the tube. This mechanism can be characterized
as an "isotonic" device in that during movement of the sleeve the device presents
an unchanging resistance to forces exerted by the user. The object to be solved by
the invention is to provide an apparatus which has an "isokinetic" characteristic
in that the resistance is proportional to the forces applied by the user.
[0013] This object is solved for a portable exercising apparatus of the kind mentioned in
the introductory clause by the characterizing features of the main claim. Advantageous
further developments are specified in the subclaims.
[0014] In accordance with the invention, a portable exercise apparatus to exercise various
muscle groups includes an exercise bar assembly comprising an elongated tube, a slide
member mounted on the tube and means providing frictional resistance to relative sliding
movement between the member and the tube. Force-measuring means mounted to the tube
measure and visually indicate frictional force between the slide member and the tube.
The force-measuring means includes a reactive member mounted to allow linear movement
between the reactive member and the tube. Means resiliently bias the reactive member
and tube to neutral positions.
[0015] The means of providing frictional resistance to relative sliding movement between
the slide member and tube includes means for providing a varying kinematic resistance
to the sliding movement. The amount of frictional resistance during movement is dependent
on the magnitude of force applied to the bar assembly by the user.
[0016] The force-measuring means further comprises a rotatable force indicator and a rack
and pinion assembly comprising a gear mounted to the tube and coupled to the rotatable
force indicator. A rack is coupled to the reactive member within the elongated tube
and is engagable with the gear. With this arrangement, the relative displacement between
the elongated tube and the reactive member is proportional to the magnitude of force
applied to the exercise bar assembly by the user.
[0017] The reactive member includes an elongated member partially received within the tube
and secured to the rack. The gear includes a pinion gear mounted to the tube and rotatably
engaged with the rack. The resilient biasing means includes compression spring means
mounted to the tube to exert increasing resistance to relative movement of the tube
and reactive member. The force-measuring means includes spring cup means to allow
sliding movement between the spring cup means and tube to support the rack and one
end of the compression spring means.
[0018] The compression spring means includes first and second compression springs within
the tube. Axial movement between the reactive member and tube in one direction causes
compression of the first compression spring, and axial movement in the other direction
causes compression of the second compression spring.
[0019] The force-measuring means includes a spring cup slidably positioned within the tube,
and the rack is mounted to the spring cup with the first compression spring extending
axially within the tube and secured at one end to the spring cup. A slide rod extends
axially through the spring cup at least partially through the tube and is secured
at one end to the reactive member.
[0020] The force-measuring means includes a dial face mounted on the tube and visible to
the user. A pointer is rotatably mounted on the dial face to visually indicate applied
forces. Means are provided to adjustably limit relative movement between the slide
member and the tube. The means includes rings slidably mounted on the tube on each
side of the slide member. The slide member can be limited to movement along the entire
length of the tube down to no movement at selected positions along the tube for isometric
strength testing and isometric exercise. Lubrication rings on the tube can decrease
frictional resistance to axial movement between the slide member and tube.
[0021] For muscle groups in the shoulder regions, the apparatus includes a portable structural
frame to provide a fixed base support, and body-positioning means to position one
portion of a user's body. Means mount a first end of the tube to the frame, and body-engaging
means on the slide member or body-positioning means restrain movement of a user body
member with respect to the slide member or body-positioning means during axial movement
of the slide member on the tube. The frame and body-positioning means provide a reactive
relationship to axial movement of the slide member on the tube. The body-engaging
means includes means to selectively connect to different frame portions. The tube
mounting means includes means to pivotably connect the tube to the frame.
[0022] For muscle groups in the hip and upper leg regions, the body-engaging means can be
mounted to receive one of the user's legs to restrain leg movement during axial movement
of the slide member on the tube. The body-positioning means can include a cushion
on which the user may sit or lie in a prone position, and the body-engaging means
can include a U-shaped saddle mounted to the slide member, with means mounted to the
saddle to releasably retain the leg within the saddle.
[0023] For exercise of muscle groups in the knee and lower leg regions, the apparatus can
include elongated means connected to the frame to offset the location of the tube
from the frame. Means are connected to a second end of the elongated means to pivotably
mount the first end of the tube to the elongated means. The elongated means includes
a pair of tubular bars, each having one end connected to the frame and another end
located downwardly from the frame and connected to the pivotable mounting means.
[0024] For exercising muscle groups in the wrist, lower leg and ankle regions, the apparatus
includes a slide-actuating member rotatably mounted to a portable structural frame
and coupled to the slide member to translate rotational movement of the slide-actuating
member to linear motion of the slide member on the tube. The user moves the slide
member along the tube by rotation of the slide-actuating member.
[0025] Pedal means can be mounted to the slide-actuating member and are operable by rotation
of an ankle of the user. Crank means releasably mountable to the slide-actuating member
allow the user to move the slide member by wrist rotation. Handle means releasably
securable to the slide-actuating member allow the user to move the slide member by
axial arm rotation. The apparatus can also include a goniometer mounted to the slide-actuating
member to indicate the degree of rotation of the slide-actuating member.
[0026] For exercise of various muscle groups, the apparatus can include force-applying means
for selectively bearing against the user's upper frontal region, back or upper legs,
or to be releasably gripped by the user to exert axially-directed forces on the tube
relative to the slide member. The force-applying means includes releasably secured
strap means so that the user can move the tube through the slide member by exerting
forces against the strap means through his or her back. The force-applying means can
include handgrips.
[0027] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portable exercising apparatus in accordance with
one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view of the apparatus showing the force-measuring mechanism
and taken along lines 2-2 of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a sectional view of the force-measuring mechanism taken along lines 3-3
of Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is a sectional view of the apparatus showing a friction mounting of the power
slide to the tube and taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 1;
Figure 5 depicts use of the apparatus for ankle plantar flexion;
Figure 6 depicts use for scapular abduction and outward rotation;
Figure 7 depicts use for scapular elevation;
Figure 8 depicts use for shoulder flexion;
Figure 9 depicts use for shoulder extension;
Figure 10 depicts use for shoulder horizontal abduction;
Figure 11 depicts use for shoulder lateral and medial rotation;
Figure 12 depicts use to provide shoulder flexion involving pectoralis major and deltoid
muscles;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with the invention and
adapted for exercising muscles/skeletal groups in the shoulder region;
Figure 14 is a plan view of the apparatus depicted in Figure 13;
Figure 15 depicts use of the shoulder apparatus for shoulder internal and external
rotation;
Figure 16 depicts use for shoulder lateral and medial rotation;
Figure 17 depicts use for elbow flexion and extension;
Figure 18 is a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with the invention for
exercising muscle/skeletal groups in the hip joint regions;
Figure 19 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Figure 18;
Figure 20 is a sectional view of the force-measuring mechanism of the apparatus taken
along lines 20-20 of Figure 18;
Figure 21 depicts use for'hip flexion and extension;
Figure 22 depicts use for hip abduction and adduction;
Figure 23 depicts use for exercises whereby the patient's leg is raised while fully
extended;
Figure 24 is a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with the invention for
exercising muscle/skeletal groups in the knee joint regions;
Figure 25 is a plan view of the knee joint exercising apparatus shown in Figure 24;
Figure 26 depicts use for knee flexion and extension while the person is in a sitting
position;
Figure 27 is a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with the invention for
exercising muscle/skeletal groups in the wrist and ankle regions;
Figure 28 is a rear view taken along lines 28-28 of Figure 27;
Figure 29A depicts a handle assembly alternatively employed with the apparatus shown
in Figure 27;
Figure 29B depicts an alternative handle assembly;
Figure 29C depicts a foot pedal assembly alternatively employed with the apparatus
shown in Figure 27;
Figure 30 depicts use for forearm rotation;
Figure 31 depicts use for wrist flexion and extension with the handle assembly shown
in Figure 29B;
Figure 32 depicts use for wrist flexion and extension with the alternative handle
assembly depicted in Figure 29A;
Figure 33 depicts use for ankle flexion with employment of the foot pedal assembly;
Figure 34 depicts use for lower leg rotation, with employment of the foot pedal assembly;
Figure 35 is a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with the invention for
exercising muscle/skeletal groups in the shoulders, back, abdomen and arms;
Figure 36 depicts use with the patient in a seated, upright position to exercise muscle/
skeletal groups in the back and abdomen regions;
Figure 37 depicts use of with the patient in a supine position to exercise muscle/skeletal
groups in the back and abdomen regions while limiting weight loading on the spine;
Figure 38 depicts use with the patient in a seated, upright position, to exercise
muscle/ skeletal groups in the shoulder region; and
Figure 39 depicts use with the patient in a seated, upright position, and with the
bar mechanism angled so that the patient will exercise bicep and tricep muscle groups
in the arm regions.
[0028] Certain principals of the invention are disclosed in a portable exercise bar apparatus
10 depicted in Figures 1-4. Apparatus 10 is used by individuals as a stand-alone unit
to exercise various muscles/ skeletal groups. Apparatus 10 is simple in design, lightweight,
and portable, thereby particularly advantageous for use by handicapped individuals
or other patients undergoing rehabilitative exercise therapy. Apparatus 10 provides
resistance to movement during an exercise stroke, thereby requiring strengthening
forces to be exerted by the patient. Apparatus 10 includes force-measuring means to
provide a visual indication of the forces exerted by the user during exercise.
[0029] Referring to Figure 1, apparatus 10 includes an elongated outer tube 12 preferably
constructed of a lightweight but durable metal. Mounted to the tube 12 are a pair
of adjustable control rings 14. Each of control rings 14 includes a thumb-screw 17
to allow the user to secure rings 14 at selected positions along the radial outer
surface of tube 12. A pair of lubrication rings 15 are mounted on tube 12 inwardly
of rings 14. Lubrication rings 15 can be made of leather or similar material, and
impregnated with a lubricant.
[0030] Positioned between rings 14 and received on tube 12 is a power slide 16 comprising
a sleeve 18 and slide handle 20 radially extending from sleeve 18. A friction mounting
is provided between sleeve 18 and tube 12 so that sleeve 18 is slidable along tube
12, but with force required to generate the sliding movement. The friction mounting
can provide a substantially higher frictional resistance to movement of sleeve 18
in one direction relative to the axial length of outer tube 12 than in the opposite
direction. Ordinarily, a friction-mounting arrangement works in an isotropic manner.
The friction mounting can provide a frictional resistance directly proportional to
the linear forces exerted by the user and applied to sleeve 18 relative to tube 12.
[0031] One friction-mounting arrangement comprising several of these features and suitable
for use with apparatus 10 is depicted in Figure 4. Referring thereto, sleeve 18 of
power slide 16 comprises a tubular member 100 concentric with the axis of tube 12.
The inner diameter of member 100 is larger than the outer diameter of tube 12 so that
an annular space is provided there-between. Annular shoulders 102 are formed in the
inner surface of member 100. Member 100 is supported on tube 12 by annular frictionless
bushings 104 and 106. Bushings 104 and 106 are maintained on member 100 through connecting
means, such as set screws, staking or adhesive connections.
[0032] Slide handle 20 comprises a tubular handle 108 secured to member 100 by rigid means
such as welds. Alternatively, handle 108 can be releasably secured to member 100.
A rubber covering 110 is bonded to handle 108 to provide a firm gripping surface.
[0033] A pair of brake mechanisms 112 are mounted within member 100 adjacent frictionless
bushings 104 and 106, and in abutting relationship with corresponding shoulders 102.
Brake mechanisms 112 each comprise an elongated annular bushing, preferably made of
plastic and having an internal ramped or conical surface 114. A pair of rubber O-rings
116 are slidably mounted on tube 12, each fitting within an end of a corresponding
brake mechanism 112. The inner diameter of each O-ring 116 is only slightly smaller
than the outer diameter of tube 12 so that there is some frictional resistance between
each O-ring 116 and tube 12. Any suitable rubber or synthetic rubbery material can
be used for O-rings 116.
[0034] In operation, the user can grip handle 20 and move it, for example, to the right
as viewed in Figure 4. Rubber covering 110 on handle 20 provides a secure gripping
surface. As handle 20 is moved to the right, as shown in Figure 4, frictional resistance
between 0-ring 116 on the right and tube 12 causes right-side O-ring 116 to ride up
on corresponding and adjacent ramp surface 114, thereby increasing frictional resistance
between O-ring 116 and tube 12. The extent of movement of right-side O-ring 116 and
the extent of frictional forces between right-side O-ring 116 and tube 12 depends
on the forces applied by the user to handle 20. The harder the forces, the greater
the frictional resistance of sleeve 18. Thus, sleeve 18 provides a varying kinematic
resistance to movement along tube 12, the amount of frictional resistance being dependent
on the amount of force applied to sleeve 18 with respect to tube 12.
[0035] During movement of sleeve 18 to the right as viewed in Figure 4, left-side O-ring
116 moves into abutting relationship with corresponding bushing 104. In this position
of left-sided O-ring 116 with respect to surface 114 of corresponding brake mechanism
112, little or no frictional resistance is applied by left-side 0-ring 116 on tube
12. However, movement of sleeve 18 to the left as viewed in Figure 4 will cause left-side
0-ring 116 to ride up on ramp surface 114 of corresponding left-side brake mechanism
112. In the same manner as previously described for movement of sleeve 18 to the right,
the amount of frictional resistance between sleeve 18 and tube 12 is dependent on
the amount of forces applied to sleeve 18 with respect to tube 12. Although Figure
4 depicts a particular friction mounting between power slide 16 and tube 12, other
types of friction mounting arrangements can be employed with apparatus 10.
[0036] Referring again to Figure 1, positioned at one end of tube 12 is an end handle 22
comprising a hand grip 23 constructed of a rubber covering or other means to provide
a firm gripping surface. Hand grip 23 is coupled to a handle rod 24 through an attached
bracket 25.
[0037] Mounted to tube 12 adjacent end handle 22 is a force-measuring mechanism 26. Referring
to Figures 1, 2 and 3, force-measuring mechanism 26 includes a circular gauge housing
28 rigidly mounted to tube 12 by means of a gauge bracket mounting 30. Bracket mounting
30 includes an angled bracket 40 secured to the bottom of gauge housing 28 and one
of two straight brackets 42 through screws 44. At the upper portion of tube 12, housing
28 is directly mounted to tube 12 by screws 44 connected through a second one of brackets
42.
[0038] Mounted within housing 28 is a dial face 32 having spaced apart markings to provide
a visual indication of forces exerted by the user. Rotatably mounted immediately above
dial face 32 is a dial pointer 34. Dial pointer 34 is secured to a gear shaft 50 by
screw 46 and stationary washer plate 48. Mounting of dial pointer 34 above dial face
32, and mounting of gear shaft 50 through dial gauge housing 28 and dial face 32,
allows shaft 50 to rotate relative to dial face 32, thereby correspondingly rotating
dial pointer 34 to indicate magnitudes of extended forces.
[0039] Gear shaft 50 extends downwardly relative to the position of tube 12 depicted in
Figure 2. Rigidly mounted to gear shaft 50 at its lower end is a pinion gear 52 having
a series of gear teeth 66. As shown in Figure 3, teeth 66 extend into a slot 68 located
in the radial surface of tube 12.
[0040] As also shown in Figure 3, a stop and guide block 54 is mounted in the end of tube
12 adjacent to end handle 22. Handle rod 24 extends inwardly from end handle 22 into
tube 12 through the guide block 54. The end of handle rod 24 extending into tube 12
includes a recessed area conforming to the shape of a slide rod 56. One end of slide
rod 56 is rigidly secured to handle rod 24 by a cotter pin 58 or other suitable connecting
means. Slide rod 56 extends at least partially along the axial length of tube 12,
is centrally positioned therein, and supported by a stationary guide block 74 rigidly
secured to tube 12 through screws 76.
[0041] Located within tube 12 and intermediate guide block 74 and the end of slide rod 56
received within handle 24 is a spring cup 60 as depicted in Figure 3. Spring cup 60
includes a cylindrical aperture in which slide rod 56 is axially received. Slide rod
56 is secured in a stationary position relative to spring cup 60 by a pin 62 or similar
connecting means.
[0042] Spring cup 60 can be cylindrical in shape and includes rack teeth 64. Rack teeth
64 are positioned within tube 12 slot 68, and pinion gear teeth 66 are positioned
to engage rack teeth 64.
[0043] Spring cup 60 includes a centrally located slot 70 open on one end and extending
partially through the axial length of the spring cup 60. Mounted within slot 70 and
extending outwardly around slide rod 56 to guide block 74 is a compression spring
72. Bearing against the opposing surface of guide block 74 from compression spring
72 is a second compression spring 82. Compression spring 82 is also positioned around
the radial surface of slide rod 56 and supported at opposing ends by guide block 74
and washer 78 fixed in stationary position relative to slide rod 56 by a roll pin
80 or similar securing means.
[0044] As power slide 16 moves along tube 12, the tube 12 will move axially with respect
to slide rod 56 in direct proportion to the frictional force between sleeve 18 and
12. Movement of slide rod 56 relative to the tube 12 results in corresponding movement
of spring cup 60 relative to tube 12. Movement of spring cup 60 relative to tube 12
causes rotational movement of pinion gear 52 through engagement of pinion gear teeth
66 with rack teeth 64. Rotation of pinion gear 52 causes corresponding rotation of
dial pointer 34 coupled through gear shaft 50.
[0045] Resistance of the movement of slide rod 56 with respect to tube 12 is directly proportional
to the frictional force of power slide 16 on tube 12. As slide rod 56 moves in the
upward direction in Figure 3 relative to tube 12, compression spring 72 is increasingly
compressed, thereby requiring increasing forces to continue movement of spring cup
60 and slide rod 56 relative to tube 12. As the slide rod 56 is moved in a direction
toward the bottom portion of the view in Figure 3 relative to tube 12, compression
spring 82 will be compressed against stop block 74, thereby requiring increasing forces
to provide further movement. Thus, movement of pointer 34 is proportional to the frictional
force between sleeve 18 and tube 12.
[0046] An additional pointer (not shown) can be rotatably mounted on gear shaft 50 or on
the inside face of a cover (not shown) to indicate maximum force obtained in a given
direction. The additional pointer can be coupled to dial pointer 34 so that it moves
therewith, but only in one direction. Thus, dial pointer 34 can move the additional
pointer in one direction as forces are applied to power slide 18. When the force is
released, dial pointer 34 will return to zero, but the additional pointer will stay
at the maximum value obtained.
[0047] Exemplary exercises performed by a patient 90 with apparatus 10 are depicted in Figures
5-12. It should be noted that the magnitude of resistance required to move power slide
16 with respect to tube 12 can be decreased by providing lubrication on tube 12 through
lubricating rings 15. Similarly, resistance can be increased by removing lubrication
from the outer surface of tube 12, and variable resistance can be provided over a
particular range of motion by selectively lubricating or removing lubrication from
various portions of tube 12. It should also be noted that rings 14 provide a means
for limiting the range of motion of sleeve 18 relative to tube 12. In addition, moving
rings 14 inward so that motion of power slide 16 is blocked will allow isometric exercise
and isometric testing of muscle strength of the user.
[0048] Referring to Figure 5, apparatus 10 provides an exercise involving ankle plantar
flexion. Patient 90, while maintaining a sitting position, holds apparatus 10 with
one hand gripping end handle 22 and the other hand gripping slide handle 20 of power
slide 16. Power slide 16 is positioned so that it is initially maintained against
the top of the knee area while the patient's heel is flat against a floor surface.
End handle 22 is maintained in a stationary position and patient 90 raises his or
her heel from the floor surface through a desired range of motion.
[0049] As the heel is raised, power slide 16 correspondingly moves toward end handle 22.
Because of the frictional mounting arrangement between power slide 16 and tube 12,
tube 12 will move toward end handle 22. Referring to Figure 3, this particular exercise
will result in tube 12 moving toward the bottom of the Figure 3 view, with slide rod
56 maintaining a stationary position.
[0050] As tube 12 moves, pinion gear 50 will rotate through engagement of rack teeth 64.
Rotation of pinion gear 52 will be in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure
3 and causes dial pointer 34 to rotate, thereby resulting in a visual indication of
forces exerted by patient 90 through movement of dial pointer 34 relative to dial
face 32. Correspondingly, compression spring 72 will be compressed increasingly through
movement of guide block 74 relative to spring cup 60. Similarly, compression spring
82 will be unloaded, resulting from movement of guide block 74 further away from washer
78. Both of springs 82 and 72 will be unloaded when pointer 34 is at zero on the dial
face 32. The structural relationship between spring cup 60, guide block 74 and washer
78, and the particular compression characteristics of compression springs 72 and 82
can be selected so as to provide a requisite amount of exerted forces to be exerted
during exercise.
[0051] In accordance with the foregoing, rotation of the patient's heel from the floor surface
will provide an exercise for ankle plantar flexion. Preferably, patient 90 should
rotate the heel through a 40° range of motion to obtain full plantar flexion.
[0052] Figure 6 depicts an exercise for shoulder therapy involving scapular abduction and
outward rotation. Patient 90 maintains a standing, sitting, or prone position. End
handle 22 is held in one hand against the chest area. The other hand is positioned
on the handle of power slide 16. Power slide 16 is initially positioned on tube 12
so that the patient's arm is fully extended.
[0053] Patient 90 then exerts a forward movement of the shoulder to push power slide 16
along tube 12 away from handle 22. Referring to Figure 3, with end handle 22 held
in a stationary position, movement of power slide 16 results in tube 12 moving toward
the right away from handle 22. Accordingly, compression spring 82 is increasingly
compressed as guide block 74 moves toward washer 78. With this exercise requiring
shoulder movement in a forward direction by patient 90, abduction of the scapula is
provided.
[0054] Figure 7 depicts an exercise for scapula elevation. Patient 90 remains in a standing
or sitting position with apparatus 10 held so that tube 12 is in a vertical position.
End handle 22 is held in one hand adjacent the patient's opposite shoulder. The other
hand is maintained on side handle 20 of power slide 16. In an initial position, power
slide 16 is positioned so that the patient's arm extending adjacent to tube 12 is
in a fully extended position. Scapula elevation is provided by the patient pulling
upwardly on power slide 16, with the arm remaining extended and the shoulder correspondingly
being raised. This movement substantially corresponds to the patient exhibiting a
"shrugging" action with his shoulder. With this exercise, power slide 16 moves toward
handle 22 similar to that described with respect to Figure 5.
[0055] Shoulder flexion is provided by use of apparatus 10 as depicted in Figure 8. Patient
90 maintains a standing position and grips handle 22 with one hand near the hip area
and with the corresponding arm crossing over the body. The patient's other hand grips
handle 20. Elongated tube 12 is initially positioned in a horizontal plane, with the
patient's arm gripping power slide 16 in a downwardly-extending position. With handle
22 maintained stationary, patient 90 moves his or her arm in a forward direction,
thereby resulting in an arc movement of power slide 16, and corresponding flexion
of the shoulder.
[0056] An exercise for shoulder extension is depicted in Figure 9. Patient 90 remains in
a standing position and grips handle 22 and power slide 16 similar to that depicted
in Figure 8. However, in contrast to the actual exercise shown in Figure 8, tube 12
is initially maintained in a horizontal plane but extends rearwardly. With patient
90 maintaining his or her arm gripping power slide 16 in a fully extended position,
shoulder extension is provided by moving the arm in a rearward direction, thereby
moving power slide 16 away from handle 22. Substantial shoulder extension is provided
by moving the arm through an arc of up to 90° from the initial vertical position.
[0057] An exercise providing shoulder horizontal abduction is depicted in Figure 10. Patient
90 maintains a standing position and grips handle 22 with one hand adjacent the abdominal
area. The hand of the other arm grips the handle 20 so that the patient's arm is fully
extended and power slide 16 is adjacent the hip. With tube 12 initially in a horizontal
plane and extending laterally, patient 90 maintains handle 22 stationary and moves
his or her arm gripping power slide 16 sideways up to the patient's shoulder level
and back again.
[0058] An exercise to provide lateral and medial rotation is depicted in Figure 11, with
patient 90 maintaining a sitting position (the patient can also maintain a standing
position) and end handle 22 held in one arm adjacent the abdominal area. The patient's
other arm is utilized to grip power slide 16 so that the other arm is bent, with the
patient's elbow at his side. The patient's forearm is maintained in a horizontal plane
with tube 12 initially extending laterally. Patient 90 rotates his or her forearm
through a range of motion up to 90° from the initial position, while maintaining a
horizontal plane with the forearm. During the initial forearm rotation, power slide
16 is moved toward handle 22. This exercise provides lateral and medial rotation of
the shoulder.
[0059] An exercise for shoulder flexion involving pectoralis major and deltoid muscles is
shown in Figure 12, with patient 90 maintaining a prone position on his or her back
with both arms bent at the elbows. A stationary board 92 is positioned rearward of
the patient's head and utilized to rigidly secure end handle 22. Connection between
handle 22 and board 92 can be made by any conventional connecting means. End handle
22 is secured to the board 92 at a location so that the tube 12 is maintained in substantially
a horizontal plane with patient 90 flexing his or her arms at the elbows and gripping
power slide 16 with both hands. With patient 90 maintaining his or her torso in a
substantially stationary position, power slide 16 is moved alternately forward and
away from handle 22. Movement of power slide 16 away from handle 22 will cause the
arms to be extended, while movement of power slide 16 toward handle 22 will cause
greater arm flexure. This exercise provides flexure of a variety of shoulder-associated
muscles, including the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles.
[0060] Other exercises employing apparatus 10 also fall within the scope of the invention.
One configuration to exercise the deltoid, pectoralis major and abdomen muscles can
be achieved by having the patient 90 maintain end handle 22 in a stationary position
and held between the patient's legs adjacent the groin area. Tube 12 can extend upward
at a forward angle, with patient 90 gripping handle 20 in both hands, and with both
arms fully extended at substantially shoulder level. Patient 90 initially pulls downward
on 16 while maintaining the arms in a fully extended position. After reaching a downward
position limited by one of rings 14, the patient can then continue the exercise by
pulling upward, again maintaining the arms in a fully extended configuration.
[0061] Other exercises similar to those described above and employing apparatus 10 can be
utilized by the patient 90 in accordance with the invention. During performance of
each of these exercises, patient 90 can grip power slide 16 and handle 22 so that
dial face 32 of force measuring mechanism 26 is visually perceptible by patient 90,
thereby providing a relative numerical indication of forces exerted on apparatus 10
during exercise. Dial face 32 is easily visible throughout the full scope of exercises,
making it easier to see the force applied to power slide 16.
[0062] The means for converting relative linear motion between tube 12 and rod 56 can be
a friction drive mechanism or a cable wheel mechanism. In a friction drive, a wheel
with an outer rubber surface would replace pinion gear 52 and a friction surface would
replace rack teeth 64. In a cable wheel mechanism, a pulley wheel would replace pinion
gear and a cable would be would 360° around the pulley. The ends of the cable would
be secured to ends of spring cup 60 and rack teeth 64 would be eliminated.
[0063] Although the exercise bar apparatus 10 provides a variety of exercises for different
muscle/ skeletal groups, it is advantageous to provide even a broader spectrum of
exercises for each muscle/skeletal grouping. Known exercise equipment typically requires
separate and distinct equipment components for different exercises associated with
different muscle/skeletal groupings. In accordance with the invention, however, the
principal components of the exercise bar apparatus 10 are adapted for use with various
bracket structures of relatively simple and inexpensive design to provide several
equipment configurations, each particularly suited for exercises associated with one
or more specific muscle/skeletal groups.
[0064] For example, a shoulder exercise apparatus 200 in accordance with the invention is
shown in Figures 13 and 14 for use as a stand-alone unit to exercise muscles in the
shoulder regions. Features of apparatus 10 are incorporated in apparatus 200. Referring
to Figures 13 and 14, apparatus 200 includes a rectangular bracket 202 having a pair
of long side members 204 perpendicularly connected at their ends to a shorter pair
of side members 206. A saddle assembly 208 includes a short stem 209 is receivable
in any one of several saddle sockets 210 positioned at various locations around bracket
202. Saddle assembly 208 includes a U-shaped saddle 211 having stem 209 mounted to
an exercise bar assembly 216 having components similar to previously described apparatus
10. With like numerals referring to like elements of bar assembly 216 and apparatus
10, the bar assembly 216 includes an end handle 220 connected to the rectangular bracket
202 through a clevis assembly comprising a pair of flanges 218 so that the angle assembly
216 relative to the plane of bracket 202 is adjustable.
[0065] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, bar assembly 216 includes an elongated outer tube
12. Mounted to tube 12 is a power slide 16 comprising a sleeve 18 and slide handle
20 extending radially outward from sleeve 18. Power slide 16 can be friction mounted
to tube 12 in a manner similar to that described with respect to apparatus 10 and
shown in Figure 4.
[0066] Apparatus 200 also includes adjustable control rings 14 received on the tube 12 on
opposing sides of slide 16. Intermediate each of rings 14 and slide 16 is a lubrication
ring 15. Rings 14 and 15 are functionally similar to those of apparatus 10.
[0067] A force measuring mechanism 26 having a housing 28 is mounted to tube 12 for visually
indicating the amount of force exerted in tube 12 relative to end handle 220. End
handle 220 is connected to a handle rod 24 received within tube 12. Handle rod 24
is slidably interconnected to the outer tube 12 and force measurement mechanism 26
in a manner similar to like numbered components of apparatus 10.
[0068] Exercises employing shoulder exercise apparatus 200 will now be described with respect
to Figures 15-17. Referring to Figure 15, for shoulder internal and external rotation,
a patient 90 maintains a sitting position with an upper arm laterally extended and
supported within the saddle assembly 208. Bracket 202 is maintained in a horizontal
plane and saddle assembly 208 is inserted into socket 210 so that the relative location
of bar assembly 216 to saddle assembly 208 is as shown in Figure 13.
[0069] The elbow of the patient's arm supported within saddle assembly 208 is bent at a
90° angle. Power slide 16 is positioned so that the patient's forearm is pointed upward
when patient 90 grips handle 20. With bracket 202 stationary, patient 90 rotates the
forearm forward from its vertical position, thereby moving power slide 16 toward end
handle 220. To obtain full rotation, patient 90 can move the forearm forward and back
through a 90° range of motion.
[0070] An exercise for lateral and medial rotation is shown in figure 16. Patient 90 maintains
a sitting position, with bracket 202 positioned in a vertical plane. The patient's
upper arm is strapped into saddle assembly 208, with assembly 208 located in a socket
210 position so as to be positioned as depicted in Figure 13. The patient's upper
arm is disposed downwardly and the elbow is bent at a 90° angle, with the patient's
forearm extending laterally from the side. With patient 90 gripping power slide 16
as shown in Figure 16, the forearm is rotated forward, thereby moving power slide
16 toward end handle 220. To obtain full lateral and medial rotation, the forearm
is rotated and forward and backward through a 90° range of motion.
[0071] An exercise for elbow flexion and extension is shown in Figure 17. Patient 90 maintains
a sitting position with apparatus 200 in a horizontal plane directly in front. Patient
90 secures an upper arm in saddle assembly 208 with the upper arm also in a horizontal
plane. This exercise requires the saddle assembly 208 to be moved to a saddle socket
210 located in the short side member 206 opposing the side member 206 to which bar
assembly 216 is mounted. The patient then grips power slide 16 with the fingers pointed
either upwardly or downwardly. The upper arm is maintained stationary and power slide
16 is moved along tube 12, thereby alternately bending and straightening the patient's
elbow. To provide full elbow flexion and extension, power slide 16 is moved so that
the angle of the forearm ranges from 0° to 160°. Apparatus 200 can also be used for
other types of exercises, depending upon the particular rehabilitative needs of the
patient.
[0072] Principal components of apparatus 10 can also be employed with other structures similar
to shoulder exercise apparatus 200 but adapted for a variety of exercises for other
muscle/skeletal groups. For example, hip joint exercising apparatus 300 depicted in
Figures 18-20 is suited for exercise of muscle groups surrounding the hip joint regions.
[0073] Referring to figures 18 and 19, apparatus 300 includes a rectangular base 302 and
a cushion 304 to provide comfort. Embedded within cushion 304 and secured to base
302 is a horizontal plate 306 attached on one side to a vertical support plate 308.
Plates 306 and 308 form an end support bracket 310 utilized to pivotably secure an
exercise bar assembly 312. Exercise bar assembly 312 comprises components functionally
similar to exercise apparatus 10. Bar assembly 312 is connected to end support bracket
310 by a pivot connection 314 comprising a pair of flanges 316 extending inwardly
from plate 308. Flanges 316 are connected to an end handle 318 comprising a pivot
axle 320 extending through apertures (not shown) of flanges 316 to provide an adjustably
pivotable connection to adjust the angle of assembly 312 relative to the plane of
cushion 304. End handle 318 comprises a handle bracket 322 mounted to pivot axle 320,
and a handle rod 324 rigidly secured handle bracket 322.
[0074] With like numerals referring to similar components of apparatus 10, the bar assembly
312 includes an elongated outer tube 12, with handle rod 324 received within one end
thereof. Bar assembly 312 also includes a force measuring mechanism 26 comprising
a circular gauge housing 28 and gauge mounting bracket 30 secured to the distal and
of outer tube 12.
[0075] As shown in Figure 19, mounted to tube 12 is a power slide 16 comprising a sleeve
18 friction mounted on tube 12. A leg saddle assembly 326 is releasably connected
to sleeve 18 by a connector stem 328. Saddle assembly 326 comprises a U-shaped saddle
330 having an inner volume of sufficient size to receive the patient's leg. Mounted
to the outer surface of U-shaped saddle 330 is a flexible strap 332 releasably secured
to a buckle 334 so as to secure the patient's leg during exercise. Leg saddle assembly
326 is similar to upper arm saddle assembly 208 of shoulder exercising apparatus 200.
Also, control rings 14 and lubrication rings 15 are mounted on tube 12 on each side
of power slide 16. Power slide 16 can be friction mounted to tube 12 as shown in Figure
4, with connector stem 328 substituted for handle 20.
[0076] As previously described, hip joint exercising apparatus 300 includes a force measuring
mechanism 26 which operates in a substantially identical manner to mechanism 26 of
apparatus 10 as shown in Figures 2 and 3. However, unlike exercising apparatus 10
and shoulder exercising apparatus 200, the force measuring mechanism 26 of the hip
joint exercising apparatus 300 is positioned at an opposing end of tube 12 relative
to an external handle assembly.
[0077] Referring again to Figures 18 and 19, mechanism 26 includes a circular gauge housing
28 rigidly mounted to tube 12 by gauge mounting bracket 30. Mounting bracket 30 includes
an angled bracket 40 secured to the bottom of gauge housing 28 and to the top portion
of tube 12 through brackets and screws (not shown) in a manner substantially identical
to the connecting arrangement shown in Figure 2. Although not specifically shown on
the drawings directed to the hip joint exercising apparatus 300, mounted within the
gauge housing 28 and maintained stationary relative thereto can be a dial face having
spaced apart marks to provide a visual indication of forces exerted by the patient
during use of apparatus 300. In a manner similar to that described with respect to
Figure 2, rotatably mounted immediately in front of the dial face can be a dial pointer,
with the dial pointer secured to a gear shaft 50 shown in sectional view in Figure
20. The mounting of the dial pointer in front of the dial face, and the mounting of
gear shaft 50 through the housing 28 and the dial face can allow the shaft 50 to rotate
relative to the dial face, thereby correspondingly rotating the dial pointer to indicate
magnitudes of externally exerted forces.
[0078] As shown in Figure 20, rigidly mounted to the shaft 50 is a pinion gear 52 having
a series of gear teeth 66. Pinion gear teeth 66 extend into into a slot 68 located
in the radially surface of tube 12. Handle rod 324 extends inwardly from the end of
tube 12 adjacent end handle 318. Unlike apparatus 10 hip joint exercising apparatus
300 employs a force measuring mechanism 26 which is positioned at an opposing end
of tube 12 relative to the external handle assembly. Referring to Figure 20, with
reference numerals corresponding to those of similar functional components shown in
Figures 2 and 3, a stop and guide block (not shown) is inserted in the corresponding
end of tube 12 adjacent handle 318 and is similar to the stop and guide block 336
shown in Figure 20 as inserted into the distal end of the tube 12, except that unlike
block 336, a central aperture is included in the block adjacent end handle 318 to
allow insertion of rod 324. The end of rod 324 extending into tube 12 includes a recessed
area conforming to the shape of a slide rod 56. One end of slide rod 56 is rigidly
secured to rod 324 by a cotter pin 58.
[0079] Slide rod 56 extends through the axial length of tube 12, is centrally positioned
therein, and supported by a stationary guide block 74 rigidly secured to tube 12 through
screws 76. Located within the outer tube 12 and intermediate guide block 74 and the
distal end of slide rod 56 is a spring cup 60. Spring cup 60 includes a cylindrical
aperture in which slide rod 56 is axially received. Slide rod 56 is secured in a stationary
position relative to spring cup 60 by a pin 62 or a similar connecting means. The
spring cup 60 is cylindrical and includes peripheral rack teeth 64. Rack teeth 64
are positioned within tube 12 adjacent slot 68, and pinion gear teeth 66 are positioned
so as to engage rack teeth 64.
[0080] Spring cup 60 includes a centrally located slot 70 open at one end and extending
partially through the axial length of spring cup 60. Mounted within slot 70 and extending
outwardly around rod 56 to guide block 74 is a first compression spring 72. Located
on the opposing surface of guide block 74 from first compression spring 72 is a second
compression spring 82. Second compression spring 82 is also positioned around the
radial surface of slide rod 56 and supported at opposing ends by guide block 74 and
a washer 78 fixed in a stationary position relative to rod 56 by a roll pin 80 or
similar securing means.
[0081] During use of apparatus 300, handle rod 324 and slide rod 56 remain stationary except
for pivotable movement relative to the plane of cushion 304. When power slide 16 is
moved along tube 12 away from handle rod 324, tube 12 will move to the right as viewed
in Figure 20. With handle rod 324, slide rod 56 and spring cup 60 remaining stationary,
movement of the tube 12 causes pinion gear 52 to rotate clockwise as depicted in Figure
20. Accordingly, a visual indication of exerted forces are provided to the patient.
Correspondingly, with tube 12 moving to the right, first compression spring 72 is
increasingly compressed as the axial distance between guide blocks 74 and spring cup
60 is decreased. Similarly, movement of tube 12 to the left as viewed in Figure 20
causes second compression spring 82 to be increasingly compressed as guide block 74
moves toward washer 78. The resistance of movement of tube 12 with respect to slide
rod 56 is proportional to the frictional force of the power slide 16 on the outer
tube 12. Movement of the dial pointer is therefore be proportional to the frictional
force between the power slide sleeve 18 and the outer tube 12.
[0082] Exercises employing apparatus 300 will now be described with reference to Figures
21, 22 and 23. One exercise to provide hip flexion and extension is shown in Figure
21. Patient 90 maintains a prone position on cushion 304, with one leg secured within
saddle assembly 326 so that saddle 330 is secured around the patient's thigh immediately
above the knee. With the knee bent, patient 90 moves the knee toward and away from
the chest area, thereby moving power slide 16 relative to end handle 318.
[0083] An exercise for hip abduction and adduction with patient 90 in a sitting position
with legs positioned transversely across cushion 304 is depicted in Figure 22. One
leg is strapped into saddle 330 at the knee joint, and the leg is moved laterally
in a sideways motion. For complete hip abduction and adduction, while precluding over-
extension or straining of the muscle groups, the leg should be moved through an arc
of approximately 30.
[0084] A "straight leg raise" is shown in Figure 23 to provide an opposing resistance to
leg movement. Patient 90 maintains a prone position on cushion 304, with one leg secured
to saddle 330 in the calf region with the leg fully extended. While maintaining the
leg in a fully extended position, patient 90 alternately raises and lowers the leg.
One particular advantage to use of exercising apparatus 300 for leg raise exercises
is the existence of resistive forces to movement, even during downward motion of the
leg.
[0085] Other exercises for lateral and medial rotation can be provided by having the patient
maintain a sitting position on a table, with the legs extending downwardly below the
table surface. Apparatus 300 is positioned so that one of the patient's legs is secured
in saddle assembly 326 at the ankle region. With the patient's knee stabilized in
some manner to prevent abduction and flexion of the hip, patient 90 laterally rotates
the hip by laterally moving the foot associated with the secured leg.
[0086] An exercising apparatus employing the principal components of exercise apparatus
10 and particularly suited for rehabilitative exercises of muscle groups in the knee
joint and lower leg regions is the knee joint exercising apparatus 400 as depicted
in Figures 24 and 25. Apparatus 400 includes a rectangular base 402 and a mounted
cushion 404 to provide comfort to the patient during exercise. Cushion 404 includes
a recessed area 406 at one end thereof. Within recessed area 406, a pair of downwardly-curved
tubular bars 408 extend outwardly and downwardly from cushion 404 as depicted in Figure
24. Tubular bars 408 are mounted to rectangular base 402 by any suitable connecting
means, such as nut and bolt assemblies 410. A pair of leg straps 412 are mounted to
the lower portion of base 402 at opposing sides thereof. A common strap 414 is secured
by to base 402 within recessed area 406, and includes a buckle 416 for selectively
strapping and securing either of the patient's legs by means of straps 412.
[0087] At the lower terminating ends of bars 408 are a pair of forwardly-extending flanges
418. A pivot connection 420 is formed by a pivot axle 422 secured to flanges 418 and
connected in a clevis- type connection to an end handle comprising a handle rod 424
coupled to an exercise bar mechanism 426. Exercise bar assembly 426 includes principal
components of the apparatus 10, and bar assembly 312 of the previously- described
apparatus 300. Pivot connection 420 allows bar assembly 426 to be adjustably angled
relative to curved bars 408 and cushion 404.
[0088] With like numerals referring to similar elements of apparatus 10, bar assembly 426
includes an elongated outer tube 12, control rings 14, and thumb screws 17 threaded
therein to secure rings 14 in a selectively adjusted position. Lubrication rings 15
are mounted on the outer tube 12 inwardly of the control rings 14. A leg saddle assembly
428 is releasably connected to tube 12 by a connector stem 430 and includes a U-shaped
saddle 432. Mounted to the outer surface of saddle 432 is a flexible strap 434 which
can be secured to a buckle 436 to strap the patient's leg during exercise.
[0089] A power slide 16 is friction mounted on tube 12 similar to the friction mounting
arrangement shown in Figure 4, with connector stem 430 substituted for handle 20.
Power slide 16 therefore provides a varying kinematic resistance to movement along
tube 12, with the amount of frictional resistance being dependent upon the amount
of force applied to slide 16 with respect to tube 12.
[0090] Referring again to Figures 24 and 25, and with like numerals referring to like elements
of apparatus 10, apparatus 400 also includes a force measuring mechanism 26 mounted
to the distal end of tube 12. Mechanism 26 includes a circular gauge housing 28 rigidly
mounted to tube 12 by the mounting bracket 30. The view of mechanism 26 taken along
section lines 2-2 of Figure 25 substantially corresponds to the view of mechanism
26 of apparatus 10 as shown in Figure 2. However, unlike apparatus 10, mechanism 26
of apparatus 400 is positioned at an opposing end of tube 12 relative to an external
handle assembly comprising handle rod 424. Coupling between handle rod 424 and tube
12 substantially corresponds to the view shown in Figure 20 for similar components
of apparatus 300.
[0091] An exercise employing apparatus 400 is depicted in Figure 26, with patient 90 maintaining
a sitting position on cushion 404. The patient's legs are secured within leg straps
412 and extend downwardly with the knees bent at approximately a 90° angle. Saddle
assembly 428 secures one of the patient's legs at the ankle region, with one leg stabilized
with leg straps 412. Patient 90 then moves the leg forward to move power slide 16
and saddle assembly 428 toward the distal end of tube 12. This exercise provides knee
flexion and extension.
[0092] To provide full flexion and extension patient 90 moves his or her foot upwardly from
the initial position and back through an arc of approximately 130°.
[0093] Another exercise apparatus employing principal components of apparatus 10 is the
wrist/ankle exercising apparatus 500 depicted in Figures 27 and 28. Referring specifically
to Figure 27, apparatus 500 comprises a rectangularly-shaped and portable frame 502
having front and rear members 504 interconnected by perpendicular cross-members 506.
Mounted to frame 502 is a saddle assembly 508 having a U-shaped saddle 510 releasably
mounted to frame 502. A flexible strap 512 is attached to the outer surface of saddle
510. A buckle 514 is provided for securing the patient's arm or leg within saddle
510. For of mounting assembly 508 to frame 502, a short stem (not shown) can be mounted
to the outer surface of the bight portion of saddle 510 and received in socket 516
located on one of the cross-members 506. Saddle assembly 508 can also be mounted to
other portions of frame 502, such as the mounting arrangement shown in Figure 27 whereby
saddle 510 is releasably secured to front member 504 of frame 502.
[0094] Rigidly mounted to rear member 504 is a vertically disposed plate 518 having a handle
assembly 520 releasably secured thereto. Handle assembly 520 includes a handgrip 522
and a bracket 524 rotatably secured to plate 518. Referring to Figure 28, handle assembly
520 includes a rotating axle 526 extending through plate 518 and secured to a pulley
wheel 528. The interconnection between plate 518, handle assembly 520 and pulley wheel
528 can be through any of several conventional structures so that rotation of handle
assembly 520 relative to plate 518 results in corresponding rotation of pulley wheel
528. A goniometer 530 comprising a dial face 532 and a pointer 534 are provided on
plate 518 to indicate the extent of rotation of handle assembly 520. Dial face 532
is rigidly mounted to plate 518, and pointer 534 is mounted to rotating axle 526 so
as to move in correspondence therewith.
[0095] Apparatus 500 also includes an exercise bar assembly 536 having principal components
similar to components of apparatus 10. With like numerals referring to similar elements
of apparatus 10, bar assembly 536 includes an elongated outer tube 12 having a force
measuring mechanism 26 mounted to one end of tube 12.
[0096] Mounted to tube 12 near the center portion thereof is a power slide 16 comprising
a slidable sleeve 18. Power slide 16 is friction-mounted to the tube 12 in a manner
similar to that with respect to exercise bar apparatus 10 and shown in Figure 4. However,
the configuration of apparatus 500 is somewhat different from the corresponding arrangement
for apparatus 10 in that bar assembly 536 includes a pair of cable support
[0097] brackets 538 mounted to each end of sleeve 18 and having a cable support function
as subsequently described herein. Support brackets 538 are mounted to sleeve 18 so
as to move in correspondence with the sleeve 18 relative to tube 12.
[0098] Force measuring mechanism 26 includes a circular gauge housing 28 rigidly mounted
to the outer tube 12 by means of gauge bracket mounting 30. The structural interconnection
between the force measuring mechanism 26 and the outer tube 12 of apparatus 500 substantially
corresponds to the interconnection of like numbered components of apparatus 10 as
shown in Figure 2. Referring again to Figures 27 and 28, a stationary rod 540 is rigidly
secured to an end bracket 542 mounted to an outer one of cross-members 506. Stationary
rod 540 extends inwardly from end bracket 542 into tube 12. The structural and functional
interconnection of stationary rod 190, outer tube 12 and force measuring mechanism
26 of apparatus 500 corresponds to the interconnection of similar components of apparatus
10 as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
[0099] As power slide 16 exerts forces along tube 12, the tube 12 moves axially with respect
to stationary rod 540 in direct proportion to the frictional force between sleeve
18 and tube 12. Resistance of the movement of tube 12 with respect to rod 540 can
be directly proportional to the frictional force of power slide 16 on tube 12. Force
measuring mechanism 26 indicates the frictional forces exerted between the sleeve
18 and tube 12.
[0100] Referring to Figure 28, apparatus 500 also includes a pair of adjustable control
rings 14 (only one being shown in Figure 28) received on tube 12 on opposing sides
of power slide 16. Each control ring 14 includes a thumb screw 17 threaded therein
to secure the associated ring 14 in a selectively adjusted position. Intermediate
each of control rings 14 and power slide 16 is a lubrication ring 15 (again, only
one being shown in Figure 28). The structure and function of control rings 14 and
lubrication rings 15 of apparatus 500 corresponds to the structure and function of
control rings 14 and lubrication rings 15 of the apparatus 10.
[0101] Apparatus 500 includes a pair of cable support brackets 538 connected to power slide
16 and mounted on tube 12. A cable 544 is connected at its ends to each of cable support
brackets 538 and wound around pulley wheel 528 intermediate brackets 538. The power
slide sleeve 18 and associated cable support brackets 538 received on tube 12 are
slidable on rear frame member 504 by means of a U-shaped slide member 546 rigidly
secured to sleeve 18 and slidably mounted on member 504.
[0102] Exercises employing apparatus 500 are initiated by rotation of handle assembly 520,
which correspondingly rotates pulley wheel 528 through rotation of axle 526. As pulley
wheel 528 rotates, cable 544 mounted to cable support brackets 538 causes corresponding
movement of power slide 16. The frictional mounting between power slide 16 and tube
12 results in axial movement of power slide 16 along tube 12 and movement of tube
12 relative to the stationary rod 540. Movement of the elongated tube 12 relative
rod 540 results in rotation of a dial pointer 34 mounted on force measuring mechanism
26 to indicate a quantitative measurement of applied forces.
[0103] Although handle assembly 520 is adapted for use to perform particular exercises,
other types of handle assemblies and similar structures can be utilized with apparatus
500. As depicted in Figure 29A, handle assembly 520 can be removed from plate 518
and an offset handle assembly 548 can be substituted therefore. Like handle assembly
520, handle assembly 548 includes a handgrip 550 and bracket 552. However, handle
assembly 548 also includes an offset axle 554 which can be inserted through vertical
plate 518 and rigidly secured to pulley wheel 528 to provide an offset between a central
axis extending radially handgrip 550 and bracket 552 relative to an axis extending
through offset axle 554.
[0104] Other types of assemblies can also be utilized with wrist/ankle exercising apparatus
500. For example, handle assemblies 520 and 548 include handgrips 522 and 550, respectively,
each of which lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of interconnection to pulley
wheel 528. In contrast, handle assembly 234 shown in Figure 29B includes an axial
handgrip 558 having a central axis extending parallel to the axis of interconnection
with pulley wheel 528. Specifically, handle assembly 556 includes a bracket 560 offsetting
axial handgrip 558 from an interconnected axle 562 which can be rigidly secured to
pulley wheel 528.
[0105] Apparatus 500 is also adapted to provide exercises associated with rehabilitative
therapy of muscle groups involving lower leg and ankle regions. To provide such exercises,
a foot pedal assembly 564 as shown in Figure 29C is utilized in place of handle assembly
528. Foot pedal assembly 564 includes a horizontally-disposed base portion 566 having
a rectangular configuration. A vertically-disposed bracket 568 is attached to one
side of base 566 and offset from the center area thereof. An axle 570 extends outwardly
from bracket 568 on the opposing side of the bracket surface attached to base 566,
thereby providing a means for inserting assembly 564 through plate 518 and securing
assembly 564 to pulley wheel 528. To provide a means for securing a foot on the assembly
564, a flexible strap 572 can be attached to a buckle 574.
[0106] Figures 30-34 depict exercises using apparatus 500 and employing different ones of
handle assemblies and the foot pedal shown in Figures 27 and 29A-29C. To provide an
exercise with forearm rotation, patient 90 maintains a sitting position with apparatus
500 disposed in a horizontal plane adjacent the upper torso of the patient 90 as depicted
in Figure 30. With patient 90 in a sitting position, the upper arm is maintained at
the patient's side, and the forearm is extended forward and strapped within saddle
assembly 508, with assembly 508 mounted in the front member 504. The patient's hand
grips the handgrip 522 of handle assembly 520 depicted in Figure 27.
[0107] From an initial position with handgrip 522 in a vertically-disposed plane, patient
90 rotates the hand through an arc of 180 to provide full forearm rotation. Rotation
of handle assembly 520 causes rotation of pulley wheel 528. Through cable 544, rotation
of pulley wheel 528 exerts forces on cable support brackets 538, thereby resulting
in movement of sleeve 18 relative to tube 12. As previously described, movement of
tube 12 relative to rod 540 results in a visual indication of forces exerted by patient
90 through movement of a dial pointer on force measuring mechanism 26.
[0108] One exercise utilizing handle assembly 556 provides wrist flexion and extension as
depicted in Figure 31. Patient 90 maintains a sitting position at the side of frame
502. Utilizing handle assembly 556, patient 90 maintains his or her upper arm at the
side and extends the forearm forward so as to be securely strapped within saddle assembly
508. Saddle assembly 508 is moved from front member 504 and releasably secured in
socket 516 of cross-member 506 depicted in Figure 27. The patient's hand to grips
axial handgrip 558, with fingers pointed in either an upward or downward direction.
To provide full wrist flexion and extension, the patient 90 rotates the hand through
an arc of 70°.
[0109] Another exercise to provide wrist flexion and extension is depicted in Figure 32.
Patient 90 maintains the position previously described with respect to Figure 31.
However, patient 90 also utilizes offset handle assembly 548 depicted in Figure 29A
with handgrip 550 initially disposed in a vertical plane. Patient 90 generates a wrist
flexion movement to provide exercise to the wrist muscle/skeletal group. To provide
full wrist flexion and extension, the wrist is flexed through a 90° arc.
[0110] Apparatus 500 is also adapted to provide exercises for the ankle region. One exercise
utilizing foot pedal assembly 564 provides for ankle flexion of the plantar muscle
group as shown in Figure 33. Patient 90 maintains a standing, sitting or prone position,
with foot pedal assembly 564 employed in place of handle assembly 520. The patient's
foot is releasably secured on assembly 564, with the toes pointing towards the end
of frame 502 opposing the bracket end adjacent patient 90. The patient's foot is then
rotated upwardly, thereby providing ankle flexion of the plantar muscle group. To
provide full ankle flexion, the foot is rotated through an arc of 45°.
[0111] An exercise for lower leg rotation is shown in Figure 34. Patient 90 maintains a
prone position on his or her side with one leg extended and bent at the knee region.
The leg is releasably secured in saddle assembly 508 mounted to frame 502 in the location
depicted in Figure 27. The patient's foot is strapped within foot pedal assembly 564.
Patient 90 then rotates the foot through an arc of up to 70° for full lower leg rotation.
Apparatus 500 also provides other exercises, depending on the particular rehabilitative
needs of the patient.
[0112] An apparatus in accordance with the invention and utilizing principal components
of the exercise apparatus 10 to exercise muscle groups in the shoulder, abdomen, hip,
leg, back and arm regions is apparatus 600 shown in Figure 35. Apparatus 600 includes
a rectangular base 602 and a mounted cushion 604. Base 602 can be positioned on a
table or like surface so that the user's legs can extend downwardly of base 602. Cushion
604 includes a recessed area 606 at one end thereof. Within recessed area 606, a pair
of tubular bars 608 are rigidly mounted to an upper surface of base 602 by suitable
connecting means, such as the nut and bolt assemblies 610. Tubular bars 608 extend
outwardly and upwardly from rectangular base 602, with reinforcing plate 612 interconnecting
the bars 608 to provide suitable rigidity and strength.
[0113] Apparatus 600 also includes a pair of leg straps 614 mounted to the lower portion
of base 602 on opposing sides thereof. A common strap 616 is secured to base 602 within
recessed areas 606 and includes a buckle 618 for selectively strapping and securing
either or both of the patient's legs by means of leg straps 614. At the upper end
of bars 608, a crossbar 620 is pivotably coupled by means of conventional pivot connections
622 (only one of which is shown in Figure 35). Rigidly mounted to crossbar 620 is
an exercise bar assembly 624 having components substantially identical to those of
the exercise apparatus 10. With like numerals referring to substantially identical
components of apparatus 10, bar assembly 624 includes an elongated outer tube 12.
Mounted to tube 12 are a pair of adjustable control rings 14 with thumb screws 17.
Lubrication rings 15 are mounted on tube 12 inwardly of rings 14. Control rings 14
and lubrication rings 15 of apparatus 600 are structurally and functionally identical
to control rings 14 and lubrication rings 15 of apparatus 10 previously described
herein.
[0114] Positioned between rings 14 and received on tube 12 is a power slide 16 comprising
a sleeve 18 secured by any suitable connecting means to crossbar 620. Friction mounting
between sleeve 18 and tube 12 of apparatus 600 can be substantially structurally and
functionally identical to the friction mounting between sleeve 18 and tube 12 of apparatus
10 as shown in Figure 4, but with slide handle 20 removed.
[0115] Positioned at one end of bar assembly 624 is a handle 626 comprising a pair of handgrips
628 constructed of a rubber covering or other suitable means to provide a firm gripping
surface. Handgrips 628 are received on opposing ends of an elongated bar 630. Rigidly
secured to the central portion of elongated bar 630 is a handle rod 632 slidably received
within one end of tube 12. Rigidly secured to handle 626 with clamps 634 is a support
block 636. Block 636 provides a means to exert pushing forces on bar assembly 624
to provide exercises for muscle groups in the back and abdomen regions.
[0116] Apparatus 600 also includes an adjustable back supporting strap 638 having a buckle
640 for adjusting the length of strap 638. Coupled to the ends of supporting strap
638 are a pair of releasable hook locks 642. Hook locks 642 are securable to holes
644 in the ends of elongated bar630. Strap 638, hook locks 642 and holes 644 provide
back supporting means and means to exert pulling forces on tube 12 relative to sleeve
18. Supporting strap 638 can also be used around the knee region during an exercise
wherein the patient is in a supine position.
[0117] Mounted to tube 12 adjacentthe interconnection of bar assembly 624 to handle 626
is a force measuring mechanism 26. Force measuring mechanism 26 includes a circular
gauge housing 28 and is structurally and functionally identical to measuring mechanism
26 previously described with respect to apparatus 10 and shown in Figure 2. The interconnection
of handle rod 156 with tube 12 and the force measuring mechanism 26 can be substantially
structurally and functionally identical to the interconnection of handle rod 24, elongated
outer tube 12 and force measuring mechanism 26 of apparatus 10 as depicted in Figure
3, with handle rod 632 substituted for handle rod 24.
[0118] An exercise using apparatus 600 is depicted in Figure 36. Patient 90 maintains a
seated upright position on cushion 604 with the legs secured within leg straps 614
and extending downwardly with the knees bent at approximately a 90° angle. Patient
90 then secures himself or herself within apparatus 600 by strapping back supporting
strap 638 around the back and securing strap 638 to handle 626 with hook locks 642.
Patient 90 then exerts pushing forces against block 636 adjacent the sternum region
to move tube 12 forward relative to sleeve 18. Patient 90 can also exert pulling forces
on the outer tube 12 by pushing backwards against strap 638, thereby moving tube 12
rearward relative to sleeve 18. Thus, tube 12 is reciprocally moved through sleeve
18 by rotational movement of the upper body with respect to the seat.
[0119] Another exercise using apparatus 600 is depicted in Figure 37. Patient 90 maintains
a supine position on the cushion 604, with upper leg regions bent vertically upward
at a 90° angle and knees bent forwardly at a 90° angle. The patient's legs are secured
within the supporting strap 638 adjacent the knee region. The under portion the legs
adjacent the upper knee region are then positioned against the support blocks 636
or the handle 626. Patient 90 can exert pushing forces to move tube 12 forward relative
to sleeve 18. Patient 90 can also exert pulling forces on tube 12 by pulling backwards
against strap 638, thereby moving tube 12 rearward relative to sleeve 18. Thus, tube
12 is reciprocally moved through sleeve 18 by rotational movement of the user's upper
leg region with respect to his or her seat.
[0120] The afore-described exercise will involve the various muscle groups of the back and
abdomen, and can also strengthen muscles in the upper leg. In addition, however, although
the exercise position shown in Figure 36 for exercising back and abdomen muscle groups
can be used by many patients, it can be important to someone with a spinal or similar
injury to avoid any weight loading on the spine. Such weight loading would occur if
patient 90 were in the seated upright position as shown in Figure36. However, with
patient 90 in the supine position, muscle groups in the back and abdomen can be exercised
without weight loading on the spine.
[0121] Another exercise using apparatus 600 is depicted in Figure 38. Patient 90 maintains
a seated upright position on cushion 604 with the legs secured within straps 614 and
extending downwardly with knees bent at approximately a 90° angle. Patient 90 maintains
a position with his or her arms extended outwardly in a straight configuration. Patient
90 can exert downward forces through handle 626 to move tube 12 downward relative
to sleeve 18. Patient 90 can also exert upward forces on tube 12 by pulling upwardly
on handle 626, thereby moving tube 12 upward relative to sleeve 18. Accordingly, tube
12 is reciprocally moved through sleeve 18 by rotational movement of the patient's
arms relative to the shoulder region. This type of exercise will strengthen various
muscle/skeletal groups in the arm, shoulder and abdomen regions.
[0122] Still another exercise employing apparatus 600 is shown in Figure 39. Patient 90
maintains a seated upright position on cushion 604, with the legs secured within straps
614 and extending downwardly with the knees bent at approximately a 90° angle. Patient
90 will grip handgrips 628 with the arms bent at the elbow regions at a desired angle.
Patient 90 can grip handle 626 with the palms of the hands in either a forward or
rearward direction. In Figure 39, the palms are facing rearward. Patient90 then exerts
pushing or pulling forces on tube 12 by exerting forces through handle 626. With apparatus
600 used in this manner, muscle groups such as the biceps and triceps of the arm region
can be strengthened.
[0123] The afore-described types of movement and other exercising movements can provide
a variety of different types of exercises for the patient's shoulder, arm, back, abdomen
and leg regions. The pivotable coupling of crossbar 620 to bars 608 provides a means
for adjustment of the position and angle of exercise bar assembly 624 relative to
cushion 604 to accommodate patients of different sizes.
[0124] The principles of the invention are not limited to the specific exercising apparatus
10,200,300,400, 500 and 600 as described herein. For example, positioning of the force
measuring mechanism 26 can be moved to various locations relative to tube 12.
1. A portable exercise apparatus for use by a userto exercise a variety of muscle/skeletal
groups and comprising:
an exercise bar assembly (12,16,112) comprising an elongated tube (12), a slide member
(16) mounted on said tube, and means providing frictional resistance to relative sliding
movement between said slide member (16) and said tube (12);
force-measuring means (26) mounted to said elongated tube (12) to measure and visually
indicate frictional force between said slide member (16) and said tube (12), said
force- . measuring means (26) including a reactive member (24) mounted so as to allow
linear movement between said reactive member (24) and said tube (12); and
means (72, 82) resiliently biasing said reactive member (24) to a neutral position
with respect to said tube (12), or said tube (12) to a neutral position with respect
to said reactive member (24);
characterized by said means providing frictional resistance to relative sliding movement
between said slide member (16) and said tube (12) comprising means (112, 116) for
providing a varying kinematic resistance to said relative sliding movement so that
the amount of frictional resistance during said relative sliding movement is dependent
on the magnitude of force applied to said exercise bar assembly (12, 16, 112) by said
user, and said force-measuring means further comprising:
a rotatable force indicator (34);
a rack and pinion assembly (52, 60) comprising a gear (52) coupled to said rotatable
force indicator (34) and mounted to said elongated tube (12), and a rack (64) coupled
to said reactive member (24) within said elongated tube (12) and engagable with said
gear (52), so that the relative displacement between said elongated tube (12) and
said reactive member (24) is proportional to the magnitude of force applied to said
exercise bar assembly (12, 16, 112) by said user, and the relative displacement between
said elongated tube (12) and said reactive member (24) is translated into proportional
rotational movement of said force measurement indicator (34) visible to said user.
2. A portable exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 1 (52, 60) wherein:
said reactive member (24) comprises an elongated member at least partially received
within one end of said tube (12) and rigidly secured to said rack (64) of said rack
and pinion assembly (52, 60);
said rack and pinion assembly (52, 60) gear comprises a pinion gear (52) mounted to
said tube (12) and rotatably engaged with said rack (64);
said resilient biasing means (72, 82) comprises compression spring means mounted within
said tube (12) for exerting increasing resistance to relative movement of said tube
(12) and said reactive member (34); and
said force-measuring means (26) further comprises spring cup means (60) positioned
within said tube (12) so as to allow relative sliding movement between said spring
cup means (60) and said tube (12) for supporting said rack and at least one end of
said compression spring means.
3. A portable exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein said compression
spring means (72, 82) comprises first and second compression springs coaxially positioned
within said tube (12), and wherein relative axial movement between said reactive member
(24) and said tube (12) in one direction causes compression of said first compression
spring (72), and relative axial movement of said tube (12) and said reactive member
(24) in an opposing direction causes compression of said second compression spring
(82).
4. A portable exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein said force-measuring
means (26) further comprises:
a spring cup slidably positioned within said tube (12), wherein said rack (64) is
mounted to said spring cup (60) and said first compression spring (72) extends axially
within said tube (60) and is secured at one end to said spring cup (60); and
a slide rod (56) extending axially through said spring cup (60) at least partially
through said tube (12) and secured at one end to said reactive member (24).
5. A portable exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said force-measuring
means (26) comprises a dial face (32) mounted on said tube (12) and visible to said
user, and a pointer (34) rotatably mounted on said dial face (32) to visually indicate
forces applied to said slide member (16) by said user.
6. A portable exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 1 and further comprising
means (14) to adjustably limit relative movement between said slide member (16) and
said tube (12), wherein said slide member (16) can be limited to movement along the
entire length of said tube (12) down to no movement at selected positions along the
length of said tube (12) for isometric strength testing and/or isometric exercise
at any position within the range of movement of said slide member (16) on said tube
(12).
7. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 1 and further comprising lubrication
rings (15) slidably received on said elongated tube (12) for decreasing the frictional
resistance to relative axial movement between said slide member (16) and said elongated
tube (12).
8. A shoulder exercise apparatus (200) comprising an exercise apparatus in accordance
with claim 1 and adapted to exercise selected muscle/ skeletal groups in the shoulder
regions and further comprises:
a portable structural frame (202) providing a fixed base support while said exercise
apparatus (200) is in use and having body-positioning means (210) to position one
portion of said user's body;
said tube (12) having first and second ends;
means mounting said first end of said tube (12) to said frame (202);
body-engaging means on one of said slide member (16) and said body-positioning means
(112) to restrain movement of a user body member (16) with respect to said slide member
or said body-positioning means, respectively, during axial movement of said slide
member (16) on said tube (12);
whereby said frame and body-positioning means (210) provide a reactive relationship
to the axial movement of said slide member (16) on said tube (12).
9. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein:
said body-engaging means (208) is mounted on said body-positioning means (210) and
further comprises means to selectively connect said body-engaging means (208) to different
portions of said frame; and
said tube mounting means (118) comprises means for pivotably connecting said tube
(12) to said frame (202) so that said tube (12) can pivot with respect to said frame
(202) as said user moves said slide member (16) relative to said tube (12).
10. A knee and lower leg exercise apparatus (300, 400) comprising an exercise apparatus
in accordance with claim 1 and adapted to exercise selected muscle/skeletal groups
in the knee and lower leg regions, and further comprising:
a portable structural frame (306, 402) providing a fixed base support while said exercise
apparatus (300, 400) is in use, and having body-positioning means (304, 404) to position
one portion of said user's body;
said tube (12) having first and second ends; elongated means (316, 408) having a first
end connected to said frame (306, 402) for offsetting the location of said elongated
tube (12) from said frame (306 402).
means (314, 420) connected to a second end of said elongated means (316, 408) for
pivotably mounting said first end of said tube (12) to said elongated means (316,
408);
body-engaging means (326, 428) mounted to said slide member (16) and adapted to receive
one of said user's legs below the knee joint so as to restrain movement of said leg
with respect to said slide member (16) during axial movement of said slide member
(16) on said tube (12); and
whereby said frame (306, 402) and said body-positioning means (304, 404) provide a
reactive relationship to the axial movement of said slide member (16) on said tube
(12).
11. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 10 wherein said elongated means
comprises a pair of tubular bars (408), each having one end connected to said frame
(402) and another end located downwardly therefrom and connected to said pivotable
mounting means (420).
12. A wrist, lower leg and ankle exercise apparatus (500) comprising an exercise apparatus
(500) in accordance with claim 1 and adapted to exercise selected muscle/skeletal
groups in the wrist, lower leg and ankle regions, and further comprising:
a portable structural frame (502) providing a fixed base support while said exercise
apparatus (500) is in use;
said tube (12) being mounted to said frame (502);
a slide-actuating member (528) rotatably mounted to said frame (502) and coupled to
said slide member (16) to translate rotational movement of said slide-actuating member
(528) to linear motion of said slide member (16) on said tube (12); and
whereby a user may move said slide member (16) along said tube by rotation of said
slide-actuating member (528).
13. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 12 and further comprising pedal
means (564) mounted to said slide-actuating member (528) and operable by said user
through rotation of an ankle of said user.
14. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 12 and further comprising crank
means (556) releasably mounted to said slide-actuating member (528) so that said user
can move said slide member (16) along said tube by rotation of a wrist.
15. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 12 and further comprising handle
means (520, 548) releasably secured to said slide-actuating member (528) so that said
user can move said slide member (16) along said tube by axial rotation of an arm.
16. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 12 and further comprising a goniometer
(530) mounted to said slide-actuating member (528) for indicating to said user the
degree of rotation of said slide-actuating member during rotation thereof.
17. A multi-purpose exercise apparatus (600) comprising an exercise apparatus in accordance
with claim 1 and adapted to exercise selected muscle/skeletal groups in the back,
abdomen, shoulder, hip, leg and arm regions, and further comprising:
a portable structural frame (602) for providing a fixed base support while such exercise
apparatus (600) is in use, and having body-positioning means (604) to position one
portion of said user's body;
means for mounting said tube (12) to said frame (602); and
force-applying means (628, 636, 638) adapted to be selectively positioned relative
to said user so as to bear against said user's upper frontal region, back or upper
legs, or to be releasably gripped by said user's hands for exerting axially-directed
forces on said tube (12) relative to said slide member (16) in response to forces
exerted by said user.
18. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 17 wherein said force-applying
means (628, 636, 638) comprises releasably secured strap (638) means so that said
user, while maintaining a seated upright position on said body-positioning means,
can move said tube (12) through said slide member (16) by exerting forces against
said strap means (638) through his or her back.
19. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 17 wherein said force-applying
means (628, 636, 638) comprises a flat surface adjacent one end of said tube (12)
and located in a perpendicular plane relative to said tube (12).
20. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 17 wherein said mounting means
(622) comprises means for pivotably mounting said slide member (16) to said frame
(602) and further provides for said tube to be angled relative to said frame.
21. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 17 wherein said force-applying
means (628, 636, 638) comprises handgrips (628) extending laterally from said tube.
22. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 17 wherein said force-applying
means (628, 636,638) comprises a strap (638) which is adapted to be releasably secured
around the chest of said user for movement of said tube (12) by reciprocal rotational
movement of said user's upper body with respect to the seat (604) thereof.
1. Tragbares Übungsgerät zum Trainieren verschiedener Muskel- und Knochengruppen eines
Benutzers, umfassend eine Ubungsstangenanordnung (12, 16, 112) mit einem länglichen
Rohr (12), einem auf dem Rohr angeordneten Schieber (16) und Mittel zum Erzeugen eines
Reibungswiderstandes, welcher der Schiebewegung zwischen dem Schieber (16) und dem
Rohr (12) Rohr (12) entgegenwirkt; einen auf dem länglichen Rohr angeordneten Kraftmesser
(26) zum Messen und sichtbaren Anzeigen von Reibungskräften zwischen dem Schieber
(16) und dem Rohr (12), wobei der Kraftmesser (26) ein Reaktionsteil (24) hat, das
so angeordnet ist, daß eine lineare Bewegung zwischen dem Reaktionsteil (24) und dem
Rohr (12) erfolgt;
und eine Vorrichtung (72, 82) zum elastischen Vorspannen des Reaktionsteils (24) in
eine neutrale Position bezüglich des Rohrs (12) oder zum Vorspannen des Rohrs (12)
in eine neutrale Position bezüglich des Reaktionsteils (24), dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß zum Erzeugen eines Reibungswiderstands, welcher der Schiebebewegung zwischen dem
Schieber (16) und dem Rohr (12) ent gegenwirkt, Elemente (112, 116) zum Erzeugen eines
variierenden, der jeweiligen Schiebebewegung entgegenwirkenden kinematischen Widerstandes
vorgesehen sind, so daß die Größe des während der relativen Schiebebwegung erzeugten
Reibungswiderstandes von der vom Benutzer auf die Übungsstangenanordnung (12, 16,
112) aufgebrachten Kraft abhängt, und daß der Kraftmesser ferner umfaßt einen drehbaren
Kraftanzeiger (34); einen Zahnstangentrieb (52, 60) mit einem mit dem drehbaren Kraftanzeiger
(34) gekoppelten und an dem länglichen Rohr (12) befestigten Zahnrad (52) und einer
innerhalb des länglichen Rohrs (12) mit dem Reaktionsteil (24) gekoppelten und in
das Zahnrad (52) eingreifenden Zahnstange (64), so daß die relative Verschiebung zwischen
dem länglichen Rohr (12) und dem Reaktionssteil (24) proportional der Größe der vom
Benutzer auf die Übungsstangenanordnung (12, 16, 112) aufgebrachten Kraft ist und
die relative Verschiebung zwischen dem länglichen Rohr (12) und dem Reaktionsteil
(24) in eine für den Benutzer sichtbare proportionale Drehbewegung des drehbaren Kraftanzeigers
(34) übersetzt wird.
2. Tragbares Ubungsgerät (52, 60) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Reaktionsteil (24) ein
längliches, zumindest teilweise in das eine Ende des Rohrs (12) aufgenommenes und
starr mit der Zahnstange (64) des Zahnstangentriebs (52, 60) verbundenes Teil hat,
wobei das Zahnrad der Zahnstangengenanordnung (52, 60) ein an dem Rohr (12) befestigtes
Ritzel (52) ist, das drehbar in die Zahnstange (64) eingreift, wobei die Vorrichtung
(72, 82) zum elastischen Vorspannen eine in dem Rohr (12) befestigte Druckfedervorrichtung
hat, deren steigender Widerstand der relativen Bewegung des Rohrs (12) und des Reaktionsteils
(34) entgegenwirkt, und wobei der Kraftmesser (26) ferner eine in dem Rohr (12) angeordnete
Federbüchsenvorrichtung (60) hat, die in dem Rohr (12) verschiebbar ist und die Zahnstange
und mindestens ein Ende der Druckfedervorrichtung aufnimmt.
3. Tragbares Übungsgerät nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Druckfedervorrichtung (72, 82)
eine erste und zweite, in dem Rohr (12) koaxial angeordnete Druckfeder hat, und wobei
die in eine Richtung verlaufende relative axiale Bewegung zwischen dem Reaktionsteil
(24) und dem Rohr (12) zum Zusammendrücken der ersten Druckfeder (72) und die in entgegengesetzte
Richtung verlaufende relative axiale Bewegung zwischen dem Rohr (12) und dem Reaktionsteil
(24) zum Zusammendrücken der zweiten Druckfeder (82) führt.
4. Tragbares Übungsgerät nach Anspruch 3, wobei der Kraftmesser (26) ferner eine in
dem Rohr (12) verschiebbar angeordnete Federbüchse (60), in der die Zahnstange (64)
und die axial in dem Rohr (12) liegende erste Druckfeder (72) mit einem Ende befestigt
ist, sowie eine Schiebestange (56) umfaßt, die in axialer Richtung durch die Federbüchse
(60) und zumindest teilweise durch das Rohr (12) verläuft und mit einem Ende an dem
Reaktionsteil (24) befestigt ist.
5. Tragbares Übungsgerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Kraftmesser (26) eine an dem Rohr
(12) befestigte und für den Benutzer sichtbare Skala (32) aufweist, auf der ein Zeiger
(34) drehbar befestigt ist zum sichtbaren Anzeigen der vom Benutzer auf den Schieber
(16) ausgeübten Kraft.
6. Tragbares Übungsgerät nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend Mittel (14) zum Einstellen
der Relativbewegung zwischen dem Schieber (16) und dem Rohr (12), wobei der Schieber
(16) auf eine Bewegung entlang der Gesamtlänge des Rohrs (12) bis hin zur Nullbewegung
an bestimmten Positionen entlang des Rohrs (12) eingestellt werden kann zur isometrischen
Kräftemessung und/oder zu isometrischen Übungen an jeder beliebigen Position innerhalb
des Bewegungsbereichs des Schiebers (16) auf dem Rohr (12).
7. Übungsgerät nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend verschiebbare, auf dem länglichen
Rohr (12) angeordnete Schmierringe (15) zur Verringerung des Reibungswiderstandes,
welcher der relativen axialen Bewegung zwischen dem Schieber (16) und dem Rohr (12)
entgegenwirkt.
8. Schulterübungsgerät (200) mit einem Übungsgerät nach Anspruch 1 zum Trainieren
bestimmter Muskel- und Knochengruppen im Schulterbereich, ferner umfassend einen tragbaren
Rahmen (202), welcher als feste Grundstütze bei Benutzung des Übungsgerätes (200)
vorgesehen ist und Mittel (210) zum Positionieren eines Körperteils des Benutzers
hat, ein Rohr (12) mit einem ersten und einem zweiten Ende, Mittel zum Befestigen
des ersten Rohrendes am Rahmen (202), Mittel zur Aufnahme eines Körperteils auf dem
Schieber oder den Mitteln (210) zum Positionieren eines Körperteils, um eine Bewegung
eines Körperteils des Benutzers bezüglich des Schiebers (16) oder der Mittel (210)
zum Positionieren eines Körperteils während einer axialen Bewegung des Schiebers (16)
auf dem Rohr (12) zu behindern, wobei der Rahmen und die Mittel (210) zum Positionieren
eines Körperteils eine Reaktionsbeziehung zu der axialen Bewegung des Schiebers (16)
auf dem Rohr (12) schaffen.
9. Übungsgerät nach Anspruch 8, wobei die Mittel (208) zur Aufnahme eines Körperteils
an den Mitteln (210) zum Positionieren eines Körperteils angeordnet sind und ferner
Mittel aufweisen zum wahlweisen Anbringen der Mittel (208) zur Aufnahme eines Körperteils
an verschiedenen Rahmenstellen, und wobei die Mittel zur Rohrbefestigung (218) Mittel
zum schwenkbaren Verbinden des Rohrs (12) mit dem Rahmen (202) enthalten, so daß das
Rohr (12) bezüglich des Rahmens (202) bei Bewegung des Schiebers (16) auf dem Rohr
(12) durch den Benutzer schwenkbar ist.
10. Knie- und Unterschenkelübungsgerät (300, 400) mit einem Ubungsgerät nach Anspruch
1 zum Trainieren bestimmter Muskel- und Knochengruppen im Knie- und Unterschenkelbereich,
ferner umfassend einen tragbaren Rahmen (306, 402), welcher als feste Grundstütze
bei Benutzung des Übungsgerätes (300, 400) vorgesehen ist und Mittel zum Positionieren
eines Körperteils (304, 404) des Benutzers hat, ein Rohr (12) mit einem ersten und
einem zweiten Ende, eine längliche Vorrichtung (316,408), deren eines Ende mit dem
Rahmen (306, 402) verbunden ist und die das längliche Rohr (12) gegenüber dem Rahmen
(306, 402) versetzt hält, mit dem zweiten Ende der länglichen Vorrichtung (316, 408)
verbundene Mittel (314, 420) zum schwenkbaren Halten des ersten Endes des Rohrs (12)
an der länglichen Vorrichtung (306, 408), und am Schieber (16) befestigte, zur Aufnahme
eines Beines unterhalb des Kniegelenks des Benutzers vorgesehene Mittel (326, 428)
zur Einschränkung einer Bewegung des Beines gegenüber dem Schieber (16) während einer
axialen Bewegung des Schiebers (16) auf dem Rohr (12), so daß der Rahmen (306, 402)
und die Mittel (304, 404) zum Positionieren eines Körperteils eine Reaktionsbeziehung
zu der axialen Bewegung des Schiebers (16) auf dem Rohr (12) schaffen.
11. Ubungsgerät nach Anspruch 10, wobei die längliche Vorrichtung ein Paar rohrförmiger
Stangen (408) hat, deren eines Ende am Rahmen (402) befestigt und deren anderes Ende
darunter angeordnet und mit den Mitteln (420) zum schwenkbaren Halten verbunden ist.
12. Ubungsgerät (500) für Handgelenk, Unterschenkel und Fußgelenk mit einem Übungsgerät
nach Anspruch 1 zum Trainieren bestimmter Muskel- und Knochengruppen im Bereich des
Handgelenks, Unterschenkels und Fußgelenks, ferner umfassend einen tragbaren Rahmen
(502), welcher als feste Grundstütze bei Benutzung des Übungsgeräts (500) vorgesehen
ist, ein am Rahmen (502) befestigtes Rohr (12), und ein am Rahmen (502) drehbar befestigtes
Schiebebetätigungselement (528) welches mit dem Schieber (16) gekoppelt ist zum Umsetzen
seiner eigenen Drehbewegung in eine lineare Bewegung des Schiebers (16) auf dem Rohr
(12), so daß ein Benutzer den Schieber (16) durch Drehung des Schiebebetätigungselements
(528) entlang des Rohres (12) bewegen kann.
13. Ubungsgerät nach Anspruch 12, ferner umfassend ein Pedal (564), welches am Schiebebetätigungselement
(528) befestigt ist und durch Drehung des Fußgelenks des Benutzers betätigt wird.
14. Ubungsgerät nach Anspruch 12, ferner umfassend eine an dem Schiebebetätigungselement
(528) lösbar befestigte Kurbel (556), so daß der Benutzer den Schieber (16) durch
Drehung eines Handgelenks entlang des Rohres (12) bewegen kann.
15. Ubungsgerät nach Anspruch 12, ferner umfassend am Schiebebetätigungselement (528)
lösbar befestigte Griffe (520, 548), so daß der Benutzer den Schieber (16) durch eine
axiale Drehung eines Armes entlang des Rohrs (12) bewegen kann.
16. Ubungsgerät nach Anspruch 12, ferner umfassend ein am Schiebebetätigungselement
(528) befestigtes Goniometer (530), welches dem Benutzer den Grad der Drehung des
Schiebebetätigungselements (528) anzeigt.
17. Vielzweckübungsgerät (600) mit einem Übungsgerät nach Anspruch 1 zum Trainieren
bestimmter Muskel- und Knochengruppen im Bereich von Rücken, Unterleib, Schulter,
Hüfte, Bein und Arm, ferner umfassend einen tragbaren Rahmen (602), welcher als feste
Grundstütze bei Benutzung des Übungsgerätes (600) vorgesehen ist und Mittel zum Positionieren
eines Körperteils (604) hat, wobei ein Körperteil des Benutzers in eine bestimmte
Lage gebracht wird, Mittel zum Befestigen des Rohrs (12) am Rahmen (602), und Mittel
(628, 636, 638) zur Krafteinwirkung, welche wahlweise so relativ zum Benutzer positioniert
werden können, daß sie am Oberkörper, am Rücken oder am Oberschenkel des Benutzers
anliegen oder lösbar mit den Händen des Benutzers festgehalten werden können, um axial
gerichtete Kräfte abhängig von vom Benutzer ausgeübten Kräften auf das Rohr (12) relativ
zum Schieber (16) auszuüben.
18. Ubungsgerät nach Anspruch 17, bei dem die Mittel (628, 636, 638) zur Krafteinwirkung
einen lösbar befestigten Riemen (638) haben, so daß der aufrecht auf den Positioniermitteln
sitzende Benutzer durch die von seinem/ihrem Rücken gegen den Riemen (638) ausgeübte
Kraft das Rohr (12) durch den Schieber (16) hindurch bewegen kann.
19. Übungsgerät nach Anspruch 17, bei dem die Mittel (628, 636, 638) zur Krafteinwirkung
eine flache, an das Ende des Rohrs (12) angrenzende Oberfläche haben und in einer
zum Rohr (12) lotrechten Ebene angeordnet sind.
20. Übungsgerät nach Anspruch 17, bei dem die Mittel (622) zum Befestigen Mittel zum
schwenkbaren Halten des Schiebers (16) am Rahmen (602) haben und das Rohr (12) in
einem Winkel relativ zum Rahmen halten.
21. Übungsgerät nach Anspruch 17, bei dem die Mittel (628, 636, 638) zur Krafteinwirkung
seitlich von dem Rohr (12) abstehende Handgriffe (628) umfassen.
22. Übungsgerät nach Anspruch 17, bei dem die Mittel (628, 636, 638) zur Krafteinwirkung
einen Riemen (638) umfassen, welcher lösbar um den Brustkorb des Benutzers herumgelegt
werden kann, um das Rohr (12) durch ein Hin- und Herdrehen des Oberkörpers relativ
zum Sitz (604) zu bewegen.
1. Appareil d'exercice portable pour une utilisation par un utilisateur en vue d'exercer
une variété de groupes musculaires/osseux comportant:
- un assemblage de barre d'exercice (12, 16, 112) comprenant un tube allongé (12),
un organe coulissant (16) monté sur ce tube et des moyens réalisant une résistance
de friction à un mouvement de coulissement relatif entre l'organe coulissant (16)
et le tube (12);
- des moyens dynamométriques (26) montés sur le tube allongé (12) pour mesurer et
indiquer visuellement la force de friction entre l'organe coulissant (16) et le tube
(12), les moyens dynamométriques (26) comprenant un organe réactif
(24) monté de façon à permettre un mouvement linéaire entre l'organe réactif (24)
et le tube (12);
- des moyens (72, 82) rappelant élastiquement l'organe réactif (24) vers une position
neutre par rapport au tube (12), ou le tube (12) vers une position neutre par rapport
à l'organe réactif (24);
caractérisé en ce que les moyens réalisant une résistance de friction au mouvement
de glissement relatif entre l'organe coulissant (16) et le tube (12) comportent des
moyens (112, 116) pour réaliser une résistance cinématique variable au mouvement de
glissement relatif de façon que l'intensité de la résistance de friction durant ce
mouvement de glissement relatif dépende de l'intensité de la force appliquée à l'assemblage
de barre d'exercice (12,16,112) par l'utilisateur, et en ce que les moyens dynamométriques
comportent en outre:
un indicateur de force (34) rotatif;
un assemblage de pignon et crémaillère (52, 60) comprenant un engrenage (52) couplé
à l'indicateur de force rotatif (34) et monté sur le tube allongé (12), et une crémaillère
(64) couplée à l'organe réactif (24) à l'intérieur du tube allongé et pouvant entrer
en contact avec l'engrenage (52) de façon que le déplacement relatif entre le tube
allongé (12) et l'organe réactif (24) soit proportionnel à l'intensité de la force
appliquée à l'assemblage de barre d'exercice (12, 16, 112) par l'utilisateur et que
le déplacement relatif entre le tube allongé (12) et l'organe réactif (24) soit transformé
en un mouvement de rotation proportionnel de l'indicateur de mesure de la force (34)
visible par l'utilisateur.
2. Appareil d'exercices portable selon la revendication 1, où:
- l'organe réactif (24) comporte un organe allongé contenu au moins en partie dans
une extrémité du tube (12) et assujetti rigidement à la crémaillère (64) de l'assemblage
de pignon et crémaillère (52, 60);
- l'engrenage de l'assemblage de pignon et crémaillère (52, 60) comporte un pignon
(52) monté sur le tube (12) et engrenant en rotation la crémaillère (64);
- les moyens de rappel élastiques (72, 82) comportent des moyens de ressort de compression
montés à l'intérieur du tube (12) pour exercer une résistance croissante au mouvement
relatif entre le tube (12) et l'organe réactif (34); et
- les moyens dynamométriques (26) comportent en outre des moyens de coupelle à ressort
(60) positionnés dans le tube (12) de façon à permettre un mouvement relatif entre
les moyens de coupelle à ressort (60) et le tube (12), pour supporter la crémaillère
et au moins une extrémité des moyens de ressort de compression.
3. Appareil d'exercices portable selon la revendication 2, où les moyens de ressort
de compression (72, 82) comportent un premier et un second ressorts de compression
positionnés coaxiale- ment à l'intérieur du tube (12), et où un mouvement axial relatif
entre l'organe réactif (24) et le tube (12) dans une direction provoque la compression
du premier ressort de compression (72), et un mouvement axial relatif entre le tube
(12) et l'organe réactif (24) dans une direction opposée provoque la compression du
second ressort de compression (82).
4. Appareil d'exercices portable selon la revendication 3, où les moyens dynamométriques
(26) comportent en outre:
une coupelle à ressort positionnée, de façon pouvoir coulisser, dans le tube (12),
la crémaillère (64) étant montée sur la coupelle à ressort (60) et le premier ressort
de compression (72) s'étendant axialement dans le tube (12) et étant assujettie à
une extrémité à la coupelle à ressort (60); et
une tige coulissante (56) traversant axialement la coupelle à ressort (60), au moins
partiellement le tube (12) et assujettie à une extrémité à l'organe réactif (24).
5. Appareil d'exercices portable selon la revendication 1, où les moyens dynamométriques
(26) comportent un cadran (32) monté sur le tube (12) et visible pour l'utilisateur,
et une aiguille (34) montée, de façon à pouvoir tourner, sur le cadran (32) pour indiquer
visuellement les forces appliquées sur l'organe coulissant (16) par l'utilisateur.
6. Appareil d'exercices portable selon la revendication 1, comportant en outre des
moyens (14) pour limiter de façon réglable le mouvement relatif entre l'organe coulissant
(16) et le tube (12), le mouvement de l'organe coulissant (16) pouvant être limité
sur toute la longueur du tube (12), jusqu'à ètre nul, en des positions sélectionnées
sur la longueur du tube (12) pour un test de force isométrique et/ou un exercice isométrique
en toute position comprise dans la plage de mouvement de l'organe coulissant (16)
sur le tube (12).
7. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 1, comportant en outre des bagues de
lubrification (15) disposées de façon à pouvoir coulisser sur le tube allongé (12)
pour réduire la résistance de friction au mouvement axial relatif entre l'organe coulissant
(16) et le tube allongé (12).
8. Appareil (200) d'exercices pour les épaules comportant un appareil d'exercices
selon la revendication 1 et adapté à exercer des groupes musculaires/osseux sélectionnés
dans les régions des épaules, comportant en outre:
un cadre de structure portable (202) réalisant un support de base fixe lorsque l'appareil
d'exercices (200) est en cours d'utilisation et ayant des moyens (210) de positionnement
du corps pour positionner une partie du corps de l'utilisateur;
le tube (12) ayant une première et une seconde extrémités;
des moyens pour monter la première extrémité du tube (12) sur le cadre (202);
des moyens de contact avec le corps disposés sur l'organe coulissant (16), ou sur
les moyens (210) de positionnement du corps pour retenir le mouvement d'un membre
du corps de l'utilisateur par rapport à l'organe coulissant ou par rapport aux moyens
de positionnement du corps, respectivement, lors du mouvement axial de l'organe coulissant
(16) sur le tube (12);
de sorte que le cadre et les moyens (210) de positionnement du corps réalisent une
relation réactive par rapport au mouvement axial de l'organe coulissant (16) sur le
tube (12).
9. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 8, où:
les moyens (208) de contact avec le corps sont montés sur les moyens (210) de positionnement
du corps et comportent en outre des moyens pour connecter sélectivement les moyens
(208) de contact avec le corps aux différentes parties du cadre; et
les moyens (218) de montage du tube comportent des moyens pour connecter, de façon
pivotante, le tube (12) au cadre (202) de façon que le tube (12) puisse pivoter par
rapport au cadre (202) lorsque l'utilisateur déplace l'organe coulissant (16) par
rapport au tube (12).
10. Appareil (300, 400) d'exercices pour le genou et la partie inférieure de la jambe
comportant un appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 1 et adapté à exercer des
groupes musculaires/ osseux sélectionnés dans les régions du genou et de la partie
inférieure de la jambe, comportant en outre:
un cadre de structure (306, 402) portable réalisant un support de base fixe lorsque
l'appareil d'exercices (300, 400) est en cours d'utilisation et ayant des moyens (304,
404) de positionnement du corps pour positionner une partie du corps de l'utilisateur;
le tube (12) ayant une première et seconde extrémités;
des moyens allongés (316, 408) ayant une première extrémité connectée au cadre (306,
402) pour décaler la position du tube allongé (12) à partir du cadre (306, 402);
des moyens (314, 420) connectés à la seconde extrémité des moyens allongés (316, 408)
pour monter, de façon pivotante, la première extrémité du tube (12) sur les moyens
allongés (316, 408);
des moyens (326, 428) de contact avec le corps montés sur l'organe coulissant (16)
et adaptés à saisir une des jambes de l'utilisateur au-dessous de l'articulation du
genou de façon à retenir le mouvement de cette jambe par rapport à l'organe coulissant
(16) lors du mouvement axial de l'organe coulissant (16) sur le tube;
de sorte que le cadre (306, 402) et les moyens (304, 404) de positionnement du corps
réalisant une relation réactive par rapport au mouvement axial de l'organe coulissant
(16) sur le tube (12).
11. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 10, où les moyens allongés comportent
une paire de barres tubulaires (408), ayant chacune une extrémité connectée au cadre
(402) et une autre extrémité disposée en contrebas de celui-ci et connectée aux moyens
(420) de montage pivotants.
12. Appareil (500) d'exercices pour le poignet, la partie inférieure de la jambe et
la cheville selon la revendication 1, adapté à exercer des groupes musculaires/osseux
sélectionnés dans les régions du poignet, de la partie inférieure de la jambe et de
la cheville, comportant en outre:
un cadre de structure (502) portable réalisant un support de base fixe lorsque l'appareil
(500) d'exercice est en cours d'utilisation;
le tube (12) étant monté sur le cadre (502);
un organe d'actionnement de coulissement (528) monté, de façon à pouvoir tourner,
sur le cadre (502) et couplé à l'organe coulissant (16) pour transformer le mouvement
de rotation de l'organe d'actionnement à coulissement (528) en un mouvement linéaire
de l'organe coulissant (16) sur le tube (12);
de sorte qu'un utilisateur peut déplacer l'organe coulissant (16) le long du tube
en faisant tourner l'organe d'actionnement à coulissement (528).
13. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 12, comportant en outre des moyens
de pédale (564) montés sur l'organe d'actionnement de coulissement et mis en fonctionnement
par l'utilisateur par la rotation d'une cheville de l'utilisateur.
14. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 12, comportant en outre des moyens
de manivelle (556) montés de façon démontable, sur l'organe d'actionnement de coulissement
(528) de façon que l'utilisateur puisse déplacer l'organe coulissant (16) le long
du tube par la rotation d'un poignet.
15. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 12, comportant en outre des moyens
de poignée (520, 548) assujettis, de façon démontable, à l'organe d'actionnement de
coulissement (528) de façon que l'utilisateur puisse déplacer l'organe coulissant
(16) le long du tube par une rotation axiale d'un bras.
16. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 12, comportant en outre un goniomètre
(530) monté sur l'organe d'actionnement de coulissement (528) pour indiquer à l'utilisateur
l'angle de rotation de l'organe d'actionnement de coulissement durant sa rotation.
17. Appareil (600) d'exercices multi-usages comportant un appareil d'exercices selon
la revendication 1, adapté à exercer des groupes de musculaires/osseux sélectionnés
dans les régions du dos, de l'abdomen, des épaules, des hanches, des régions de jambes
et de bras, comportant en outre:
un cadre de structure (602) portable, pour réaliser un support de base fixe lorsque
l'appareil (600) d'exercices est en cours d'utilisation, ayant des moyens (604) de
positionnement du corps pour positionner une partie du corps de l'utilisateur;
des moyens pour monter le tube (12) sur le cadre (602); et
des moyens (628, 636, 638) d'application de force adaptés à être positionnés sélectivement
par rapport à l'utilisateur de façon à porter contre la région frontale supérieure,
le dos ou la partie supérieure des jambes de l'utilisateur ou à être saisis, de façon
à pouvoir être relâchés, par les mains de l'utilisateur pour exercer des forces dirigées
axialement sur le tube (12) par rapport à l'organe coulissant (16) en réponse aux
forces exercées par l'utilisateur.
18. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 17, où les moyens (628, 636, 638)
d'application de force comportent des moyens de sangle (638), assujettis de façon
à pouvoir être détachés, de façon que l'utilisateur, tandis qu'il se maintient en
position assise droite sur les moyens de positionnement du corps, puisse déplacer
le tube (12) à travers l'organe coulissant (16) en exerçant des forces contre les
moyens de sangle (638) par l'intermédiaire de son dos.
19. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 17, où les moyens d'application de
force (628, 636, 638) comportent une surface plane adjacente à une extrémité du tube
(12) et logée dans un plan perpendiculaire au tube (12).
20. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 17, où les moyens de montage (622)
comportent des moyens pour monter de façon pivotante l'organe coulissant (16) sur
le cadre (602) et permettent en outre au tube d'être placé à l'oblique par rapport
au cadre.
21. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 17, où les moyens (628, 636, 638)
d'application de force comportent des poignées (628) s'étendant latéralement par rapport
au tube.
22. Appareil d'exercices selon la revendication 17, où les moyens (628, 636, 638)
d'application de force comportent une sangle (638) qui est adaptée à être assujettie,
de façon détachable, autour de la poitrine de l'utilisateur pour un mouvement du tube
(12) provoqué par un mouvement de va-et- vient rotatif du haut du corps de l'utilisateur
par rapport à son siège (604).