SUMMARY
[0001] The invention concerns
a riding fitness machine for full-body training. In accordance with the
invention, a force for muscle training that is typically linearly directed
is converted by means of a so-called pantograph into torques used for driving,
where the freely movable end (force arm) of the pantograph is movable by
the operator in one dimension or two dimensions.
[0002] The invention concerns
a riding fitness machine for full-body training Conventional-design fitness
machines are generally in fixed locations in fitness studios or in the
residence of a user. The energy expended by the user is still so-to-speak
"wasted."
[0003] In addition to this,
individual machines for different muscle groups are combined into complete
stations. In this connection, each individual machine provides only one
direction of motion for training.
[0004] Each individual muscle
group (agonist) is also trained individually, that is without stressing
its opposing muscle groups (antagonists) with reversed movement sequences.
[0005] In addition to this,
in order to train all muscle groups of a person, previous fitness machines
would require a known high mechanical and equipment expense.
[0006] There have long existed
stationary simple devices which permit only certain, relatively few, different
exercises, but they never train all muscle groups and even then only to
a small extent, although their advertising states otherwise.
[0007] The bicycles known
generally as "outdoor fitness devices" or rowboats indeed serve for riding,
but provide training by stressing only some individual muscle groups, for
example, on the bicycle the leg stretching muscles are trained, or in the
rowboat, the arm bending muscles, the leg extending muscles and the back
are trained.
[0008] Also known is a "rowing
bicycle" from the USA, which almost transfers the motions typical of rowing
to the street and is relatively complicated to manage, because it must
be held vertical by means of the balance of the rider. With this device,
as well, only agonists are trained, and, as a maximum, only those that
are stressed when rowing a boat.
[0009] Training machines
for the disabled (called "hand bikes") can be moved only by means of cranks.
Wheelchairs with connecting rod drives, indeed, provide two directions
of motion, but only in one plane of movement, therefore only a monotonous
"back-and-forth" motion. Furthermore, these are not fitness devices.
[0010] Furthermore, on previous
fitness machines, only one person can train using its full power per machine
or per station. Incentives and competition directed to the relative strength
of the trainees is practically impossible.
[0011] The problem to be
solved by this invention is to create a fitness machine that uses training
energy for locomotion, so as to provide the highly regarded "fun and fresh
air," where, with the machine, all muscle groups of the human body can
be trained with the lowest possible equipment expense and without the time-wasting
conversion work found with the previously known movement sequences of strength
training. Simultaneously, it should be made possible to provide an incentive
and an immediately comparable competition (similar to bicycle racing or
rowboat racing) for the relative strength and stamina of the persons training.
[0012] In accordance with
the invention, this problem is solved by means of a fitness machine with
the characteristics of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the fitness machine
in accordance with the invention are shown in sub-claims 2 through 18.
[0013] With this fitness
machine, it is not only the problems posed at the beginning that are solved.
The fitness machine can be used by almost any body size or body shape without
adaptation or conversion in an advantageous manner.
[0014] The new machine can
provide aerobic and anaerobic as well as isometric training. The fitness
machine is to be used and controlled in such a manner that the person training
can concentrate on his training even at full speed, without having to exercise
balance.
[0015] Similarly, the machine
trains both agonist and antagonists in each exercise, in each individual
repetition (complete lunge movement, for example, "lat pulling" and "pressing"
and "biceps curl" and triceps curl").
[0016] At the same time,
a coasting function is provided, so that the person training can, as needed,
coast the machine downhill, or can coast before stopping, or in the case
of short breaks.
[0017] Using this fitness
machine, disabled persons can also train more muscles than previously with
hand bikes.
[0018] Using the brakes
that are provided, the vehicle can be stopped slowly or even in an emergency
with little strength.
[0019] The machine can be
made to break down easily, and therefore is transported easily and stored
compactly.
[0020] The machine can be
controlled on at least three wheels, like a tricycle, or on four wheels,
like an automobile, and with foot or body weight steering by the person
sitting on it. Since the force exercised by the person in training is used
for locomotion, so-called "outdoor training" is possible.
[0021] The speed that can
be reached and the range are determined not solely by the muscle mass,
but rather from the relative strength and Stamina of the person training
Thus; even people of different body sizes and mass may enter into competition
with each other.
[0022] A linkage in the
shape of a pantograph, that is a scissors-grid-type linkage that is called
in the claims a pantograph, drives the fitness machine only forward upon
each training movement, regardless of direction and displacement, in cooperation
with a rotational direction rectifier. This assures the agonist-antagonist
training in each exercise repetition, even for persons of different body
size.
[0023] The mechanical system
of the fitness machine can also roll when the pantograph-type driving linkage
is not moved. This can be attributed to the coasting mechanism provided.
[0024] The fitness machine
can be driven with a low level of force and can be braked safely, since
the gear ratio of the wheel drives can be shifted with even a small amount
of force or the brakes of the fitness machine can be activated. The shifting
of the ratio of the wheel drives makes it possible to achieve a slower
or faster speed with the same displacement movement of the pantograph-type
driving linkage.
[0025] As a result of the
pantograph-type driving linkage, almost any one- or two-dimensional movement
of the power arm in almost any position can be converted, through the rotational
direction rectifier, into forward movement. As a result, any force vector
significant for full-body training for persons of differing body size can
be represented without conversion or readjustment.
[0026] The adjustable gear
ratio has the effect that the machine-depending upon the inclination of
the road or according to wind resistance or according to training requirements-can
be moved faster with more force exertion or slower with less force exertion.
[0027] Similarly, the quick
disconnect fasteners on the wheels, the folding mechanism of the frame
and the folding back of the seat promote the uncomplicated disassembly
of the machine and therefore compact storage and easy transport.
[0028] The springy, shock
absorbing suspension of the wheels serves to enhance riding and therefore
also training comfort.
[0029] A lap seatbelt can
be attached to the seat so that the person training can train the latissimus
dorsi (with gymnastic movements) according to his maximum strength without
having to limit his application of power to his body weight.
[0030] The seat can be fastened
so as to roll in the direction of travel. Foot straps can be mounted on
the pedals so that the person training can, for example, use his leg bending
muscles to move forward in the case of (reversed) rolling motions. The
lap belt and foot straps also serve to secure the seat of a handicapped
person (with crippled legs). In any event, the seat is movable only in
the direction of travel and the machine is controlled by means of body
weight by tilting the seat along the longitudinal axis.
[0031] The handgrip on the
power arm of the pantograph-type driving linkage can be installed with
different degrees of bending and different lengths in order to meet the
various exercise requirements. The handgrips that are not being used are
always carried along fastened to clamping devices on the frame of the machine.
[0032] The above-stated
characteristics and advantages provide various applications for the fitness
machine:
[0033] Alternative fitness
machine for "outdoor training" for anyone who wishes to tone his body and
lose weight.
[0034] Street rowing machine
as a replacement for water rowing machines.
[0035] Endurance training
machine for serious athletes.
[0036] Machine for cross
and alternative training for any athlete.
[0037] A sports machine
for handicapped persons as a supplement to previous types of handicapped
sports.
[0038] Convalescent sports
machine.
[0039] A new type of competitive
racer.
[0040] Further details and
advantages of the invention are explained in greater detail using the following
sample embodiments of the invention.
[0041] 1st Sample Embodiment:
The training party carries out "double rowing training"
[0042] In one direction
of motion, the person training pulls on the handgrip of the pantograph-type
driving linkage, bracing his legs on the pedals, in order to push the rolling
seat rearward. This provides training effect to the arm bending muscles,
the entire back and the leg stretching muscles.
[0043] In the opposite direction
of motion, he pushes the handgrip, moves the upper body forward and, with
his leg bending muscles, pulls the seat forward and then moves his upper
body rearward. Here, the arm stretching muscles, chest, lower abdomen and
leg bending muscles are trained.
[0044] 2nd Sample Embodiment:
Depending upon the grip (back of the hand or comb grip), the person training
trains the outer and inner parts of the biceps and triceps
[0045] In one direction
of motion, he pulls on the handgrip of the pantograph-type driving linkage
and places his legs against the pedals. As a result, especially bending
muscles, and to a lesser extent back and leg stretching muscles, are trained..
In the opposite direction, he pushes the handgrip. As a result, especially
the arm stretching muscles, and to a lesser extent chest and lower abdomen
as well as leg bending muscles, are trained.
[0046] 3rd Sample Embodiment:
The person training trains similarly to gymnastics and "pressing"
[0047] In one direction
of motion, the person training pulls on the handgrip of the pantograph-type
driving linkage from above downward, therefore pressing the extended pantograph-type
driving linkage together and downward, while he is held in the seat with
the lap belt. Here, the arm bending muscles and especially the latissimus
are trained.
[0048] In the opposite movement,
he pushes the handgrip upward, therefore pulling the pantograph-type driving
linkage back apart. As a result, the arm stretching muscles and especially
the front and upper shoulder muscles are trained.
[0049] 4th Sample Embodiment:
The person training trains similarly to the so-called "slanted bench pull"
and the "bench press"
[0050] In one direction
of motion, he pulls the handgrip of the pantograph-type driving linkage
from diagonally upward toward his chest, where he is held in the seat by
the lap belt. As a result, the arm bending muscles and especially the latissimus
as well as the lower abdomen are trained.
[0051] In the opposite movement,
he pushes the handgrip obliquely upward and forward, as a result of which
the arms stretching muscles and especially chest and the front shoulder
muscles are trained.
[0052] 5th Sample Embodiment:
The person training trains similar to the "pull-on" and "tearing"
[0053] The person training
keeps his arms stretched. In one direction of motion, he pulls the handgrip
of the pantograph-type driving linkage from above forward, therefore pressing
the stretched pantograph-type driving linkage together and forward while
being held in the seat with the lap belt. Through this, the latissimus,
the chest musculature and the rear shoulder musculature are trained.
[0054] In the opposite motion,
he presses/pulls the handgrip back upward, with his arms still stretched
out, therefore pulling the pantograph-type driving linkage apart again.
As a result of this, the front and side shoulder musculature, as well as
the trapezius, is trained.
[0055] In all exercises,
the subject stresses almost the entire body, because the handgrip of the
pantograph-type driving linkage is freely movable in two directions and
converts almost any exercise motion into forward drive, which is equivalent
to a training with free weights.
[0056] In the following,
further exercise examples amount to embodiments are reflected. Depending
on direction of motion and depending upon the handgrip used, all exercises
can be carried out and refined in their performance.
[0057] On the basis of the
coasting effect of the machine, the subject-to the extent he wishes-can
also training only agonists, by actively and powerfully carrying out a
movement in one direction (with the effect of forward motion), but then,
with the movement in the opposite direction, moving the handgrip more slowly
back to the starting position.
[0058] Even isometric training
can be carried out easily if the subject tenses the muscles to be trained
isometrically (and holds them in their position) and moves the machine
with all other-muscles.
[0059] An example of this:
The handgrip is held with the arms at chest height and fixed (isometric
training for arms, shoulders, upper back and chest). With the legs and
the lower back and abdomen, the person training holds and pushes the seat
backwards and forwards.
[0060] In the same manner,
the machine can be used as follows for aerobic (stamina) and anaerobic
(maximum strength) training:
[0061] For aerobic training,
the subject rides with relatively low application strength and therefore
at a moderate speed. In this manner, he can travel long distances and therefore
carries out very many "exercise repetitions."
[0062] In anaerobic training,
he rides with full exertion of strength until he is tired, indeed rapidly,
but only for a short stretch, then pauses (coasting) and repeats this training
over and over.
[0063] It can be concluded
from what is mentioned above and from prior experience, that a warm-up
training can be combined immediately with maximum strength training and/or
with stamina training without the necessary of converting or leaving the
machine.
[0064] It can also be concluded
from what is stated above and from prior experience that the machine is
suitable both for beginners and for tour riders, since at medium speeds
of 10 to 15 km/h distances of 20 to 30 km can be traveled effortlessly.
[0065] Further details and
advantages of the invention are explained on the basis of a sample embodiment
represented in the drawing. The following are shown:
[0066] FIG. 1: a schematic
representation of the riding fitness machine in accordance with the invention
and
[0067] FIG. 2: the schematic
representation of a rotational direction rectifier of the riding fitness
machine in accordance with FIG. 1 in detail.
[0068] In FIG. 1, 1 represents
a joint on the front axle that can be steered by means of two steering
pedals 2.3 shows a pantograph-type driving linkage with handgrip, which
works together with a shiftable wheel drive 4 with rotational direction
rectifier. The frame 5 of the fitness machine is represented here only
greatly simplified. In the rear area of the frame, there are two rear wheels
6 and an integrated transmission. A seat 7 is placed in such a manner that
it can roll or, if appropriate, so that it can rock for control by a handicapped
person. The seat has a folding back that is not shown in greater detail.
[0069] On the basis of FIG.
2, especially the effect of the shiftable wheel drive 4 with rotational
direction rectifier can be explained. The lower arm of the pantograph-type
driving linkage 3 is here designated as pantograph-type driving linkage
arm 10 and is moved, for example, by the rowing motion ("pull") clockwise,
so that the drive wheel connected to the load arm of the wheel drive 20
also moves clockwise. 31, 32, 41 and 42 designate sprocket wheels of the
rotational direction rectifier. The first sprocket wheel 31 of the rotational
direction rectifier is connected solidly by its shaft to the second sprocket
wheel 32, while the first sprocket wheel is connected through a subsidiary
chain 61 in the same direction to a sprocket wheel 41. The second sprocket
wheel of the rotational direction rectifier is connected by means of a
main chain 62, which also runs in the opposite direction through the wheel
drive 20, to the sprocket wheel 42. Both the third sprocket wheel 41 and
the fourth sprocket wheel 42 are connected through a clamp roll clutch
and shaft in the same direction to a sprocket wheel 50, which is simultaneously
the drive wheel of the rotational direction rectifier, which are connected
through a chain 70 to the rear wheels 6 (not represented in FIG. 2).
[0070] The function of this
wheel drive results from the fact that the wheel drive 20 converts the
relatively small rotation that is introduced by the pantograph-type driving
linkage arm 10 into the wheel drive 20, due to multiple rotations of the
sprocket wheel 50 of the wheel drive, where the rotational direction is
simultaneously reversed.
[0071] The sprocket wheels
31 and 32 now rotate clockwise as a result of the chain position of the
main chain 62.
[0072] The sprocket wheel
42 rotates counter clockwise, the associated clutch engages and through
a shaft rotates the sprocket wheel 50, which moves the machine forward.
[0073] The clutch of the
sprocket wheel 41 turns freely because the sprocket wheel 41 is currently
rotating counter to the direction of sprocket wheel 42, because it is rotated
clockwise through the auxiliary chain 62 by the sprocket wheel 31.
[0074] If the pantograph-type
driving linkage arm 10 is moved counter clockwise (for example, in the
case of "push"), the sprocket wheels 31 and 32 also rotate counter clockwise.
[0075] The clutch in 41
now engages and drives the sprocket wheel 50. The clutch in 42 now runs
free, because 42 is rotating clockwise.
[0076] Thus, the sprocket
wheel 50 always "forward" and the clutches assure coasting for "training
breaks," described above in greater detail. |
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