WO2007053884A1

WO2007053884A1 - Isometric exercise device

Info

Publication number: WO2007053884A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/001657
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruce James Munns
Original assignee: Bruce James Munns
Priority date: 2005-11-08
Filing date: 2006-11-07
Publication date: 2007-05-18

Abstract

A handheld isometric exercise device (10) comprising first and second elongate tension members (12a, 12b) mounted within a common elongate outer housing (14). Each tension member (12a, 12b) is mechanically coupled within the outer housing (14) to respective first and second coupling means (16a, 16b). The device (10) further comprises first and second handles (18a, 18b) provided at an outer end respectively of each of said first and second tension members (12a, 12b). The device further includes an electronic force sensor (22) mechanically coupled to said first and second coupling means (16a, 16b) for sensing a force generated between said coupling means, as well as a visual display means (24) operatively connected to said force sensor to provide a visual display of the force sensed.

Description

"ISOMETRIC EXERCISE DEVICE"

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an isometric exercise device, preferably used for performing an upper body exercise programme.

Background to the Invention

Many people, convinced of the benefits of regular physical exercise, have joined a local gym in order to commence an exercise regime that typically includes some weight training and aerobic exercises. Unfortunately many do not maintain their initial enthusiasm and soon become irregular in their attendance or cease visiting the gym altogether. There are a number of reasons for this, but one of the most common is the lack of time available to most people for regular physical exercise.

Other people choose to purchase exercise equipment they can use in the comfort of their own home. Less expensive versions of most gym equipment can be purchased for home use, as well a range of smaller personal exercise devices. However like gym membership, much of this home exercise equipment soon falls into disuse and ends up cluttering up the lounge room, bedroom or study floor. Once again, the most common problem is the lack of time available to most people for regular physical exercise.

For the time-starved person, an isometric exercise programme may be a particularly attractive alternative. Isometrics is a system of physical exercise in which the muscles are caused to act against each other or against a fixed object. The muscle develops tension and hence is exercised, whilst being prevented from contracting. This technique has been found to build muscles just as effectively as weight training, but in less time.

The present invention was developed with a view to providing an isometric exercise device that is portable and easy to use. References to prior art in this specification are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be taken as an admission that such prior art is part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a handheld isometric exercise device comprising:

first and second elongate tension members mounted within a common elongate outer housing, each tension member being mechanically coupled within the outer housing to respective first and second coupling means;

first and second handles provided at an outer end respectively of each of said first and second tension members;

an electronic force sensor mechanically coupled to said first and second coupling means for sensing a force generated between said coupling means; and,

a visual display means operatively connected to said force sensor to provide a visual display of the force sensed;

whereby, in use, when a tension force is applied to said tension members by pulling on said first and second handles, said first and second coupling means apply a corresponding force to said force sensor, and said visual display means provides a visual display of the force generated.

Advantageously said handles are pivotally connected to the outer ends of said first and second tension members respectively. Preferably said tension members are made from a flexible, substantially inextensible material. Advantageously said tension members are slidably mounted in the outer housing so that the length of each tension member extending from the outer housing can be adjusted. Typically the inner ends of said tension members within the outer housing overlap, so that the distance between the handles on the outer ends of the tension members can be more than doubled. Alternatively the inner ends of said tension members are wound on respective first and second spools, so that the distance between the handles on the outer ends of the tension members can be varied by unwinding or winding-up the tension members on the spools.

In one embodiment said exercise device further comprises first and second elongate inner housing members, said inner housing members being coaxially mounted within said common outer housing. Typically said inner housing members and said outer housing are all substantially cylindrical in shape. Preferably said first and second coupling means comprise first and second coupling members provided on the inner ends of the first and second inner housing members respectively. In the presently preferred embodiment the first and second coupling members are U-shaped members arranged in an interlocking configuration with said force sensor mounted between them.

Preferably said tension members are mechanically coupled to said first and second coupling means via said first and second inner housing members respectively. Typically said inner housing members are provided with respective releasable gripping means for gripping said first and second tension members respectively. Preferably said releasable gripping means comprises a pair of grip elements pivotally mounted within each inner housing member, each grip element being pivotal between a gripping position, in which the grip elements together grip the tension member, and a release position in which the grip elements release the tension member so as to be slidably adjustable within the inner housing members.

Advantageously said exercise device can be used in a compression mode as well as a tension mode. In a preferred embodiment said outer housing is provided with first and second end caps at each end, said first and second end caps being coupled to said first and second handles respectively.

Preferably said first and second end caps are movable between a compression position in which they are received on the respective ends of the outer housing, and a tension position in which they are separated from the respective ends of the outer housing. Preferably the electronic force sensor is provided in connection with at least one of said ends caps wherein, when the said end caps are in the compression position and a compression force is applied thereto against the outer housing, said force sensor can measure the compression force generated between said at least one end cap and the outer housing. Preferably when the ends caps are in the compression position, said first and second handles are received within respective cavities provided in each end of the outer housing.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The nature of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the isometric exercise device, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the isometric exercise device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the exercise device of Figure 1 in a first exercise position;

Figure 3 is a side elevation of the exercise device of Figure 1 in an intermediate position;

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the exercise device of Figure 1 in a second exercise position;

Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-section view showing the central workings of the exercise device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the central workings of the exercise device of Figure 1; Figure 7 is another enlarged perspective view of the central workings of the exercise device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the isometric exercise device according to the invention in tension mode; and,

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the exercise device of Figure 8 shown in compression mode.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

A first embodiment of the isometric exercise device 10 according to the present invention, as illustrated in Figure 1 , comprises first and second elongate tension members 12a and 12b mounted substantially collinearly within a common outer housing 14. Each tension member 12 is mechanically coupled within the outer housing 14 to respective first and second coupling means 16a and 16b. First and second handles 18a and 18b are provided at an outer end respectively of the first and second tension members 12a and 12b. The tension members are preferably made from a flexible, substantially inextensible material such as, for example, a fibre-reinforced polyurethane material. In the illustrated embodiment the tension members 12 are mechanically coupled to the coupling means 16 via first and second inner housing members 20a and 20b respectively, as will be described in more detail below.

The isometric exercise device 10 further comprises an electronic force sensor 22 mechanically coupled to the first and second coupling means 16a and 16b for sensing a force generated between the coupling means. A visual display means 24 is operatively connected to the force sensor 22 to provide a visual display of the force sensed. Preferably the visual display means is a low power LCD which displays the force generated in Kg or Lbs. In use, when a tension force is applied to the tension members 12 by pulling on the first and second handles 18a and 18b, the first and second coupling means apply a corresponding force to the force sensor 22, and the visual display means 24 provides a visual display of the force generated. Preferably, a small off-the- shelf integrated circuit (IC - not shown) is provided to convert the signal generated by the force sensor 22 into a suitable display signal for the LCD. Advantageously, because of the low power requirements of the LCD and the IC, a small solar panel (not shown), similar to that used in some electronic calculators, is provided in the outer housing 14 to produce sufficient electrical power for the device.

As can be seen most clearly in Figures 2 to 4 the tension members 12 are slidably mounted in the outer housing 14 so that the length of each tension member extending from the outer housing can be adjusted. In the illustrated embodiment the inner ends of the tension members 12 within the outer housing 14 overlap, so that the distance between the handles 18 on the outer ends of the tension members 12 can be more than doubled. This means that the length of the device can be adjusted for different types of isometric exercises, as well for people with different arm reaches. The handles 18a and 18b are preferably pivotally connected to the outer ends of the first and second tension members 12a and 12b respectively. This also facilitates a variety of ways in which the device can be used for different types of isometric exercises, eg. across the chest, behind the shoulders, etc.

In the illustrated embodiments, both the inner housing members 20 and the outer housing 14 are all substantially cylindrical in shape. However, it will be appreciated that the housing of the device may be constructed with any desirable cross-sectional shape. The first and second elongate inner housing members 20 are coaxially mounted within the common outer housing 14. The inner housing members 20 are in fact slidably mounted within the outer housing 14, although in practice they barely move, for reasons that will become evident below. In this embodiment the first and second coupling means 16 comprise first and second coupling members 16a and 16b provided on the inner ends of the first and second inner housing members respectively. In the presently preferred embodiment the coupling members 16 are U- shaped members arranged in an interlocking configuration with the force sensor 22 mounted between them, as can be seen most clearly in Figures 5 to 7.

The first U-shaped coupling member 16a is fixed to the inner end of the first cylindrical inner housing member 20a, whereas the second U-shaped coupling member 16b is fixed to the inner end of the second cylindrical inner housing member 20b. The first U-shaped coupling member 16a is rotated 180° with respect to the second U-shaped coupling member 16b, so as to be configured substantially perpendicularly thereto and thus forming a cavity within which the force sensor 22 is located. In this embodiment the force sensor 22 is a pressure sensor, or electronic weight gauge, which generates an electrical signal proportional to a compression force applied to the sensor. A central, rectangular aperture 26 is provided through both the U-shaped coupling members 16 and the force sensor 22 to allow the tension members 12 to pass freely there through. The force sensor 22 is virtually incompressible and therefore in practice the inner housing members 20 will barely move when a tension force is applied thereto, being constrained by the interlocking U- shaped coupling members at their inner ends.

The inner housing members 20a and 20b are provided with respective releasable gripping means 30a and 30b for gripping the first and second tension members 12a and 12b respectively. The releasable gripping means 30 each comprise a pair of grip elements 32a and 32b pivotally mounted within each inner housing member 16, each grip member 32 being pivotal between a gripping position (as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4), in which the grip elements 32 together grip the tension member 12, and a release position (as shown in Figure 3), in which the grip elements 32 release the tension member 12 so that it is slidably adjustable within the inner housing members 20. Preferably the grip elements 32 are biased to the gripping position by a small spring (not visible), but can be pivoted to the release position with minimal force. Each grip element 32 has teeth provided on its end for gripping into the soft, outer surface of the tension members 12.

The grip elements 32 can be released by sliding the tension members inwardly towards each other by the handles 18. This causes the grip elements 32 to pivot outwards as shown in Figure 3 and release the tension members 12. When the tension members 12 have a tension force applied to them, by pulling on the handles 18, the grip elements 32 pivot inwards and the teeth bite into the sides of the tension members 12 to inhibit further sliding movement of the tension members 12. Thus the grip elements 32 effectively lock the tension members 12 to the inner housing members 20 in the gripping position. In this way, the tension members 12 are mechanically coupled to the first and second U-shaped coupling members 16, via the first and second inner housing members 20 respectively.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrated a second embodiment of a handheld isometric exercise device 50 in accordance with the present invention. This embodiment of the exercise device is adapted to operate in both a tension mode and a compression mode. The exercise device 50 comprises first and second elongate tension members 52a and 52b mounted within a common, elongate outer housing 54. Each tension member 52 is mechanically coupled within the outer housing 54 to respective first and second coupling means 56a and 56b. First and second handles 58a and 58b are provided at an outer end respectively of the first and second tension members 52a and 52b. The tension members are preferably made from a flexible, substantially inextensible material such as, for example, a fibre-reinforced polyurethane material. In this embodiment the tension members 52 are mechanically coupled to the coupling means 56 via first and second spools 60a and 60b respectively, as will be described in more detail below.

The isometric exercise device 50 further comprises an electronic force sensor 62 mechanically coupled to the first and second coupling means 56a and 56b for sensing a force generated between the coupling means. A visual display means 64 is operatively connected to the force sensor 62 to provide a visual display of the force sensed. Preferably the visual display means is a low power LCD which displays the force generated in Kg or Lbs. In use, when a tension force is applied to the tension members 52 by pulling on the first and second handles 58a and 58b, the first and second coupling means apply a corresponding force to the force sensor 62, and the visual display means 64 provides a visual display of the force generated.

The tension members 52 are wound onto the spools 60, which are mounted in the outer housing 14, so that the length of each tension member extending from the outer housing can be adjusted. In this embodiment the inner ends of the tension members 52 are wound for several turns on the respective spools 60, so that the distance between the handles 18 on the outer ends of the tension members 12 can be varied. This means that the length of the device can be adjusted for different types of isometric exercises, as well for people with different arm reaches. Each spool 60 is provided with a ratchet mechanism 66a and 66b respectively, which is designed to lock the respective spool in position when activated so as to prevent the spool 60 from unwinding while tension is applied to the tension members 52. Each ratchet mechanism 66 can be released by pressing on the push button 68. The spools 60 are preferably self-winding so that when the ratchet mechanisms 66 are released the tension members 52 are automatically wound back onto the spools 60.

The handles 58a and 58b are preferably pivotally connected to the outer ends of the first and second tension members 52a and 52b respectively, as in the previous embodiment. Preferably first and second end caps 70a and 70b are provided at each end respectively of the elongate housing 54. In this embodiment the end caps 70 are hemispherical in shape and are of the same diameter as the outer diameter of the housing 54. End caps 70a and 70b are attached to the respective handles 58a and 58b, and can be pivoted with the handles. The first and second end caps 70a are movable between a compression position, as shown in Figure 9, in which they are received on the respective ends of the outer housing 54, and a tension position, as shown in Figure 8, in which they are separated from the respective ends of the outer housing 54. An electronic force sensor 72 is provided in connection with one end of the housing 54, as shown in Figure 9. When the end cap 70a is in a compression position and a compression force is applied thereto against the end of the outer housing 54, the force sensor 72 can measure the compression force generated between the end cap and the outer housing. When the ends caps 70 are in the compression position, the first and second handles 58a and 58b are received within respective cavities 74a and 74b provided in each end of the outer housing 54. Preferably, a small off-the-shelf integrated circuit (IC - not shown) is provided to convert the signal generated by the force sensor 72 into a suitable display signal for the LCD 64.

The isometric exercise device of the invention may be fitted with additional features such as a micro-chip and/or appropriate software to allow information to be downloaded onto an appropriate facility such as a computer. In this way, the user of the device may keep a record of their usage and results from using the device.

Now that preferred embodiments of the isometric exercise device have been described in detail it will be evident that it provides a number of advantages over prior art exercise devices, including the following:

(i) It is simple to use and can be readily adjusted to facilitate different types of isometric exercises, as well to suit people with different arm lengths.

(ii) It is portable and can be easily packed away in a brief case or bag, and carried to work or with the person while they are travelling.

(iii) It facilitates the implementation of an isometric exercise regime, which provides a reduced workout time and improved results compared to conventional exercise machines which depend on repetition.

(iv) The visual display of the force generated enables the user to gradually increase the force applied during the exercise programme and to measure their progress with increased strength. (v) The pivoting handles allow a large variety of isometric exercises to be performed.

It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic

inventive concepts of the present invention. For example, it would be relatively straight forward to redesign the coupling means so that they interact in such a way to apply a tension force to the force sensor (rather than a compression force), and the sensor could then be replaced with an electronic tension measuring device. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A handheld isometric exercise device comprising: first and second elongate tension members mounted within a common elongate outer housing, each tension member being mechanically coupled within the outer housing to respective first and second coupling means; first and second handles provided at an outer end respectively of each of said first and second tension members; an electronic force sensor mechanically coupled to said first and second coupling means for sensing a force generated between said coupling means; and, a visual display means operatively connected to said force sensor to provide a visual display of the force sensed; whereby, in use, when a tension force is applied to said tension members by pulling on said first and second handles, said first and second coupling means apply a corresponding force to said force sensor, and said visual display means provides a visual display of the force generated.

2. A handheld isometric exercise device according to claim 1, wherein said handles are pivotally connected to the outer ends of said first and second tension members respectively.

3. A handheld isometric exercise device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said tension members are made from a flexible, substantially inextensible material.

4. A handheld isometric exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tension members are slidably mounted in the outer housing so that the length of each tension member extending from the outer housing can be adjusted.

5. A handheld isometric exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner ends of said tension members within the outer housing overlap, so that the distance between the handles on the outer ends of the tension members can be more than doubled.

6. A handheld isometric exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner ends of said tension members are wound on respective first and second spools, so that the distance between the handles on the outer ends of the tension members can be varied by unwinding or winding-up the tension members on the spools.

7. A handheld isometric exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said exercise device further comprises first and second elongate inner housing members, said inner housing members being coaxially mounted within said common outer housing.

8. A handheld isometric exercise device according to claim 7, wherein said inner housing members and said outer housing are all substantially cylindrical in shape.

9. A handheld isometric exercise device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein said first and second coupling means comprise first and second coupling members provided on the inner ends of the first and second inner housing members respectively.

10. A handheld isometric exercise device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second coupling members are U-shaped members arranged in an interlocking configuration with said force sensor mounted between them.

11. A handheld isometric exercise device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein said tension members are mechanically coupled to said first and second coupling means via said first and second inner housing members respectively.

12. A handheld isometric exercise device according to any one of claims 7 to 11 , wherein said inner housing members are provided with respective releasable gripping means for gripping said first and second tension members respectively.

13. A handheld isometric exercise device according to claim 12, wherein said releasable gripping means comprises a pair of grip elements pivotally mounted within each inner housing member, each grip element being pivotal between a gripping position, in which the grip elements together grip the tension member, and a release position in which the grip elements release the tension member so as to be slidably adjustable within the inner housing members.

14. A handheld isometric exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said outer housing is provided with first and second end caps at each end, said first and second end caps being coupled to said first and second handles respectively.

15. A handheld isometric exercise device according to claim 14, wherein said first and second end caps are movable between a compression position in which they are received on the respective ends of the outer housing, and a tension position in which they are separated from the respective ends of the outer housing.

16. A handheld isometric exercise device according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the electronic force sensor is provided in connection with at least one of said ends caps wherein, when the said end caps are in the compression position and a compression force is applied thereto against the outer housing, said force sensor can measure the compression force generated between said at least one end cap and the outer housing.

17. A handheld isometric exercise device according to claim 16, wherein when the ends caps are in the compression position, said first and second handles are received within respective cavities provided in each end of the outer housing.

18. A handheld isometric exercise device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.