GB2300817A

GB2300817A - Canoe-action exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2300817A
Application number: GB9509883A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Pickersgill; Christine Ann Watson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-05-16
Filing date: 1995-05-16
Publication date: 1996-11-20
Also published as: GB9509883D0

Abstract

An exercise machine is described which simulates the action of canoeing with a double-bladed paddle. The machine may be static, or mounted on a wheeled chassis for use out-of-doors.

Description

UPPEB BODY EXERCISE MACHINE This invention relates to a contraption to exercise the upper body. It can be used out-of-doors mounted on a wheeled chassis or indoors on a stabilising base to improve and maintain upper body muscle tone, suppleness and strength.

There are many types of exercise machines to affect various muscle groups. Some of these are simulations of machines used out-of-doors (eg: a cycling machine is an indoor substitute for a bicycle and a rowing machine for a rowing boat). There are few exercise machines that can be used statically indoors and made mobile for use outside. Those used indoors generally involve prolonged repetitive use in the same surroundings. Boredom sets in, and it is this boredom which causes many would-be exercisers to give up before they start seeing any physical benefits from their efforts. The present machine therefore fills a niche in the market for a versatile exercise contraption which concentrates on the upper body muscle groups.

The present invention relies on specially-shaped handles which revolve in a manner which simulates the use of a double-bladed canoe paddle. A form of variable resistance to the turning of these handles provides muscle stimulation. The contraption may be used separately on a static base or mounted on a wheeled chassis and driven by the revolving handles.

While th-re are a number of forms the contraption, and especially the chassis and drive mechanism, may take, a chain-driven example is described in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows the general shape of the handles, which would be long enough for one hand to be almost fully outstretched as the other describes an arc at about hip depth. The dashed horizontal section represents the axis of the mechanism where it joins the drive system/resistance device/upright support.

Figure 2 illustrates one form of handgrip designed to provide maximum wrist flexibility. An alternative would be a ball-and-socket jointed handgrip.

Figure 3 shows in side view one possibility for the mounted contraption.

Figure 4 illustrates how easily the invention could be mounted on a simple base, for use indoors.

Figure 5 illustrates a chain-driven version of the contraption (gears simplified) mounted on a simple wheeled chassis.

Figure 6 shows a plan view of the same vehicle.

Figure 7 shows a simple drive mechanism, where 8 is the upright of the exercise machine and 7 is the central horizontal strut of the chassis. In this version, the exercise machine would be demountable at the point where the upright joins the central strut of the chassis - perhaps by a replaceable link in the drive chain.

KEY TO FIGURES 1) Gear system on connecting chain between handles and drive chain (simplified).

2) Connecting cog between connecting chain and drive chain.

3) Drive chain.

4) Revolving barrel on handle.

5) Handles.

6) Strap on end of handle.

7) Chassis.

8) Connecting upright between handles and chassis.

9) Front wheel.

10) Rear wheel.

11) Rear drive cog.

12) Bolt securing demountable exercising machine from chassis.

13) Pivot for footrest/front axle.

14) Mounting for front axle and footrest/brake.

15) Circumference of handle movement.

16) Axle for gears and front drive cog.

17) Front axle.

18) Rear axle mounting.

19) Moulded seat - integral with exercise machine and demountable from chassis.

20) Chain guard for drive chain.

21) Stabilising base for demounted exercise machine.

22) Moulded body and seat integral with exercise machine.

Claims

CLAINS

1 An exercise machine/contraption in which the shape of the handles simulate the action of a double-bladed canoe paddle by being directly opposite each other, attached at a central axis to a stabilising upright, and with some form of resistance working ultimately on the axis of the handles to provide muscle stimulation.

2 An exercise contraption as in Claim 1, the last section of the handles consisting of a revolving barrel and a sturdy integral strap to be held in the hand to provide a firm, comfortable grip with maximum wrist flexibility (Figure 2).

3 An exercise machine as in Claim 1, with the final section of the handle attached to a handgrip by means of a ball and socket joint.

4 An exercise machine as in Claim 1, mounted on a static base for use indoors, and either fixed, capable of folding in on itself by means of hinges or other (unspecified) fastening, or capable of being unfastened or released from the base.

5 An exercise machine as claimed in Claim 1, mounted on a wheeled chassis and driven by means of the revolving handles.

6 An exercise machine as in Claim 5 with a safety brake operated by the feet or hands.

7 An exercise machine as previously claimed (Claim 5), demountable from its chassis so that it may be used indoors on a simple stabilising base, with an appropriate resistance effector to provide the necessary muscle stimulation.