The invention concerns a modular exercise system having a first support frame module having a plurality of frame members, each member being joined to an adjacent frame member and oriented in a common plane such that the first support frame is two-dimensional in form. The modular exercise system further requires a weight source mounted on the first support frame, a plurality of pulleys mounted to different frame members of the first support frame, and a cable running from the weight source over the pulleys to connect the weight source to one or more manual actuator for performing a resistance exercise in use. The first support frame has one or more attachment formation for selective attachment to one or more further support frame module. The further support frame module is also two-dimensional in form and attachable to the first support frame in an orientation within the common plane, wherein the further support frame module has one or more further manual actuator.

The present invention relates to exercise equipment, and in particular to home exercise equipment, such as, for example, resistance weight machines.
Many people take part in weight training or aerobic exercise in order to improve fitness, increase strength and improve muscle tone. People may choose to exercise at a public gym or health club, or alternatively may choose to install gym equipment within their own property. Owning home gym equipment may be preferable for many people as it provides the user with the convenience of exercising at home, thereby avoiding the cost, travel and social implications of exercising at a communal gym.
A disadvantage associated with conventional home gym equipment is its size. For example, a bench press, a rowing machine or a chest press require a large amount of floor space. In order for a personal home gym to comprise a sufficient variety of equipment, it is often required that an entire room in a person's house is dedicated to being a home gym. Even then, the average garage or spare room within a typical home is often not large enough to safely house a wide variety of exercise machines.
The space available to accommodate exercise equipment in different dwellings can vary considerably.
In an attempt to overcome the problem of the large amount of room and floor space required for a home gym comprising a large variety of gym equipment, so-called multi-gyms have become well known in the prior art. Multi-gyms generally provide a variety of weight resistance apparatus in one single machine. However, multi-gyms themselves are large and generally take up a significant amount of floor space and room, typically approximately two to three cubic metres or more. This is at least in part due to the need for a multi-gym to accommodate a weight stack safely, thereby requiring a frame with sufficient spacing between its feet so as to be stable. The spacing between the feet causes conventional multi-gyms to have a large footprint, thereby eating into the available floor space within a room.
Multi-gyms are commonly designed for a user to move around different pieces of equipment in a circle or circuit, performing different exercises at the different pieces of equipment. This results in unused space at various locations around a multigym to accommodate a user located at each station, thereby demanding greater available floor space in a typical rectangular room with planar walls.
If a multi-gym is intended to accommodate various seated or reclining exercise positions, then this typically incurs a significant spatial penalty.
There is an increasing trend in the use of so-called garden rooms as exercise/workout spaces. Garden rooms typically comprise freestanding, e.g. timber frame, structures, separate from a main dwelling. Whilst such spaces are well suited to home gym equipment, the use of conventional multigyms detracts from any potential alternative uses of the space.
The applicant's co-pending international patent application PCT/GB2016/050402 (PCT publication WO 2016/132132) discloses multipurpose exercise equipment mounted to a frame with a particularly small depth, such that it can be installed in a recess, wall cavity or the like, without consuming significant floor space.
It is an object of the present invention to provide exercise or resistance weight training equipment offering a relatively small form factor, whilst providing the opportunity to customise the equipment to suit a variety of different exercises and/or installation constraints.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a modular exercise system comprising: a first support frame module having a plurality of frame members, each member being joined to an adjacent frame member and oriented in a common plane such that the first support frame is two-dimensional in form; a weight source mounted on the first support frame; a plurality of pulleys mounted to different frame members of the first support frame; and a cable running from the weight source over the pulleys to connect the weight source to one or more manual actuator for performing a resistance exercise in use; the first support frame comprising one or more attachment formation for selective attachment to one or more further support frame module, the further support frame module also being two-dimensional in form and attachable to the first support frame in an orientation within the common plane, wherein the further support frame module comprises one or more further manual actuator.
The one or more further support frame module may comprise second and third support frame modules, each being two dimensional in form. One of the further support frame modules may be attachable on one side of the first support frame. Another of the further support frame modules may be attachable on an opposing side of the first support frame.
The first support frame may comprise an upright frame member on opposing lateral sides thereof. The weight source and/or pulley(s) may be located between the upright frame members.
Either or both upright frame member may comprise at least one attachment formation.
The first and further support frame may be attached together such that an upright frame member of the first support frame is adjacent to and/or parallel with an adjoining upright frame member of the further support frame. The first and further support frames may be substantially vertically oriented in use.
The first support frame module may comprise one or more fixing points for fixing the first support frame in an upright orientation to a support structure, such as a wall or other upright/vertical support structure. The fixing points may comprise a foot, pedestal, bracket or the like. The, or each, further support frame module may comprise one or more fixing points for fixing the further support frame in an upright orientation to the support structure, e.g. a common support structure with the first support frame. The, or each, support frame may be attached to the support structure by one or more fasteners, such as bolts or the like.
The first support frame module may be useable as exercise equipment in its own right, e.g. offering a limited number of exercise options and/or manual actuator configurations based on the cable and pulley system within the first support frame module structure. Thus the first support frame module can offer exercise equipment for fitment within a relatively confined space. However the modular nature of the system allows a second and, optionally, third support frame module to be attached thereto where the available area for mounting the exercise system is larger.
The one or more further support frame modules may comprise at least one further pulley. The one or more further support frame modules may comprise a plurality of further pulleys, and the pulleys of the first and further support frames may be oriented in a common plane with the frame members of the first and/or further support frames. The cable may be a common cable, e.g. a common length of cable, arranged to pass around the pulleys of the first and further support frame modules, e.g. so as to define a common cable and pulley system or common cable circuit. The cable may extend around a first pulley wheel towards a second and/or subsequent pulley wheels so as to define a cable circuit, e.g. an open-ended circuit, defining a force path from the weight stack to an opposing end of the cable. The pulleys may comprise one or more cable guide.
The first and/or further support frames may comprise one or more cable opening, e.g. to allow the cable to pass through a frame member such as an upstanding frame member. The cable may pass to the exterior of the frame member or else from one support frame into an adjoining/adjacent support frame of the system via the cable opening.
The cable may follow a path over at least a first pulley of the first support frame, followed by one or more further pulley of the further support frame module and subsequently a second pulley of the first support frame. If second and third support frame modules are used, the cable may pass from the first frame module over pulleys of the second and third support frame modules, e.g. before terminating at the first frame module.
The cable may terminate at the first support frame module, e.g. at or adjacent a pulley of the first support frame or at a connector on the first support frame. The cable may terminate at an actuator, e.g. a manual actuator, of the first support frame module.
The first and/or further support frame may comprise a plurality of pulley mounting points, and the pulleys may be removably receivable on the pulley mounting points so as to define a selectively reconfigurable pulley array and/or cable path.
The, or each, further support frame module may have a plurality of frame members, each member being joined to an adjacent frame member and oriented in a common plane.
The pulley wheels of the first and/or further support frames may be oriented in a common plane with the weight source and the frame members of the first and/or further support frames, in either or both of a storage and usage configuration of the exercise system.
The manual actuators may be connected at fixed spaced locations along the path defined by the cable length and may be actuatable in a direction away from the common plane when in use. The weight source may thus be actuated by the cable and pulley system in a direction within the common plane during use, e.g. within a vertical plane. This, in combination with the support by a support structure, allows the exercise apparatus to be accommodated in a very small depth, such that it can stand flat against, or parallel with, the support structure.
The first and/or further support frame may comprise a plurality of angled frame members, e.g. perpendicular frame members. The plurality of frame members may be rigidly/permanently affixed within the planar alignment. The entire exercise system comprising the first and further support frame modules be aligned with the common plane, e.g. at least in a storage condition.
The exercise system including the first and further support frame modules, and their respective components, may be beneficially thin in profile, e.g. having a depth dimension of less than 500 mm. The depth may be less than 400 mm, 300 mm or even less than 200 mm, e.g. in the region of, or less than, 150 mm or 100 mm. A range of 50-200 mm depth or 80-100 mm is entirely practical using the present invention. Thus the distance by which the exercise system protrudes into a room, at least when not in use, from a suitable supporting structure, such as a wall, is beneficially small.
The first and/or further support frame may comprise a cover, which may be planar in form. The cover may be attachable or attached to the frame. The cover may be releasably attached to the frame, for example by a latch, clip or one or more magnets. Magnets in the cover may be aligned with metal frame members or metal portions of the frame members. The cover may be held flat against the frame module in a storage condition by magnets.
The cover may be laid flat when the first and/or further support frame is in use to provide a mat, e.g. a floor mat. The cover may be pivotably attached to the frame, e.g. a base of the frame. Additionally or alternatively, the cover may be releasably attachable to a base portion of the frame.
The cover may comprise a rigid backing and a softer cover layer, e.g. of a textile or foam or other resiliently deformable material.
Each of the first and further support frames may have an individual cover, or a common cover may be provided for the combined first and further support frames. If a plurality of covers are provided, each cover may be attachable, e.g. releasably to an adjacent cover in a coplanar configuration.
A common/single weight source of the first support frame module may be provided to accommodate the further support frame module. The cable and pulley system may thus be common to both/all modules. The manual actuator(s) of the further support frame module(s) may act on the common cable and weight source of the first support frame module.
A plurality of types of manual actuator may be provided. The manual actuators may comprise any or any combination of a pull bar, having two spaced handle/grip portions on a common bar, a handle, a stirrup, a loop or a two spaced handle/grip portions coupled to a common location on the cable. A linear actuator or a pivoting/rotating actuator, such as a lever, could be provided. One manual actuator may comprise a rowing action actuator. One manual actuator may comprise a pulldown bar or T-bar.
Each actuator may be individually or collectively connected to the weight source, e.g. in series or parallel. A plurality of manual actuators may be connected at differing lengths/locations along the cable, e.g. at different cable length spacing from the weight source. Different/adjacent manual actuators may be spaced by one or more pulley wheel. This may allow each manual actuator to apply tension to the cable in a different direction or orientation or at a different height from one or more further manual actuator.
Each module may comprise a plurality of manual actuators or manual actuator types.
The manual actuators may be releasably connectable to the cable at various connection locations along the length of the cable. Multiple actuators may be attachable to a single/common cable of the exercise system. The manual actuators may be releasably connectable to the cable, e.g. in order that a user may selectively add/remove actuators or change the position of the actuators on the cable.
The further manual actuator may not be connected to the cable. Where the further manual actuator is not connected to the cable, the further support frame may comprise a resistance mechanism arranged to resist motion of the manual actuator in use.
The cable may comprise a plurality of manual actuator connection locations or formations along its length. The connection formations may or may not comprise any of eyes, links, clips, loops or the like. The connection locations may allow bifurcation of the cable, i.e. a common cable section connecting to the weight source, for example by providing one or more junction to a branching cable section.
One or more swivel connector may be provided in the cable. The swivel connector may comprise adjacent eye formations connected by a swivel pin. The one or more swivel connector may be provided part-way along the cable length, e.g. with one cable section depending from one eye formation and an adjacent cable section depending from the other eye formation so as to a single elongate cable having connected adjoining sections. The one or more swivel connector may provide the connection location for a manual actuator. The swivel connector may prevent twisting of the cable, e.g. part-way along the cable length. Adjacent cable sections may be connected by swivel connectors at locations between adjacent pulley wheels. A swivel connector may be provided at the junction between the common cable and one or more branch sections.
Any, any combination, or all of the manual actuators of the first and/or further support frame modules may be directly/indirectly attached to a fixed point on the cable.
Any, any combination, or all of the manual actuators may be connected to a branching cable section, e.g. midway along its length or at an end thereof. A branching cable section may be connected to the common cable section at one end and to any of a manual actuator, a location on the first/further support frame or a hanging counterweight at an opposing end.
The cable may comprise or consist of a cord. The cable may comprise or consist of a chain.
The/each pulley typically comprises a wheel mounted to a bracket via an axle and/or bearings.
A first end of the cable may be attached to the weight source. An opposing end of the cable may be attached to a manual actuator.
A plurality of the pulley wheel(s) may have an axis of rotation this is substantially perpendicular to the common plane of the first and/or further support frame module. A pulley wheel that is adjacent a manual actuator, e.g. at the cable end, may be angularly offset from one or more further pulley wheel in use.
The at least one pulley wheel may be pivotable about an axis that is in the common plane, e.g. in order that the pulley wheel may rotate out of the common plane for use. One or more pulley may be mounted to the support frame by a pivotable/hinged bracket or arm.
There may be provided cable guides on the first and/or further support frame, for example rollers, hooks or eyes which may extend at least partially around the cable. The cable guides may provide a location around which the cable may bend when a user pulls on an actuator, thereby providing the location from which the cable, e.g. a common or branching portion thereof, is pulled out of the common plane of the first/further support frame. The position of the guides relative to the support frame may be variable, in order that a user may pull the cable from different locations on the support frame. The guides may be selectively repositionable along a frame member. Additionally or alternatively, the cable guides may serve to maintain the correct orientation of the cable within the common plane, e.g. adjacent a pulley wheel or part/mid way between spaced pulley wheels.
In use, a user may pull one or more manual actuator in a direction that is in the common plane or out of the common plane.
The exercise system may comprise one or more counterweight attached to the cable. A counter weight may be located within the first and/or further support frame, e.g. within the common plane. The first and/or further support frame may comprise a counterweight guide or guard, which may be hollow so as to enclose/constrain the counterweight. The counterweight guide may comprise an elongate tube, e.g. within which the counterweight can rise and fall in use. The counterweight may serve to maintain a desired tension in the cable. The counterweight may be suspended on the cable by a further pulley, and the counterweight and the further pulley may be located in the further support frame.
The first or further frame module may comprise a bench or seat, e.g. mounted to one or more frame member thereof. The seat may be pivotably mounted to the first/further support frame, e.g. such that the seat can pivot between a storage condition in which the seat is aligned with the common plane and a usage condition in which the seat is angularly oriented, e.g. substantially perpendicular, relative to the common plane. The seat may be a sliding seat, for example the seat of a rowing machine. The seat may be fixed or lockable and may be for the user to sit when undertaking certain weight exercises. The seat may comprise one or more leg, e.g. a foldable leg, to support the seat on/above the ground when in use. The seat may comprise a beam on which the seat is supported relative to the leg.
The, or each, further support frame may comprise further exercise apparatus that may be attached to the support frame. For example, the manual actuator of the further support frame may comprise a stepper/treadle that may fold out of the frame. The further exercise apparatus that may not form part of the cable/pulley system and may comprise a separate weight or resistance source.
The first or further support frame module may comprise a manual actuator in the form of a lever arm, e.g. a pair of lever arms. The one or more lever may be pivotally mounted to the support frame, e.g. to a lower frame member or base of the relevant support frame. The pivotal mounting may allow actuation of the lever arm for manual exercise in use and/or pivoting of the lever arm(s) between storage and usage conditions. In the storage condition, the lever arm(s) may extend in a direction within the common plane, e.g. within the perimeter of the support frame. In a usage condition, the lever arm(s) may extend away from the common plane.
The pair of lever arms may be connected by a coupling at a location along the lever arm spaced from the pivotal mounting with the support frame. The coupling may comprise a flexible elongate member, such as a chain, strap, cord or a further cable. The coupling may be held in tension between the lever arms by an intermediate coupling guide, which may be mounted above the lever arms on the support frame. The guide may or may not comprise a gear wheel. The guide may comprise friction mechanism for resisting free movement of the coupling, such as a friction block, roller, brake or the like. The resistance may be user adjustable.
The one or more lever may comprise a foot plate, e.g. at a distance spaced from the pivoting connection with the support frame and/or towards a free end of the lever arm.
The exercise equipment may be embedded/mounted within the surface of a wall or affixed against an interior or exterior wall surface of a building. The wall or wall surface may provide a planar support structure.
The exercise equipment may comprise a cover, for example a blind or removable panel, such that it is hidden from view when not in use. The cover may be formed of a plurality of cover sections. The cover may comprise a plurality of adjacent cover sections. Each cover section may comprise a rigid board material and a softer cover material applied over at least one side of the rigid board material.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided exercise apparatus comprising: a weight source operably connected to a plurality of manual actuators by a cable and pulley system comprising a plurality of pulley wheels, a supporting frame for the weight source and pulley wheels, and a cable defining a force path from the weight source over the pulley wheels wherein the pulley wheels and frame are provided in a common plane with the weight source at least when the exercise apparatus is not in use, the apparatus further comprising a cover arranged to lie flat against the frame in a storage condition, the cover being actuatable to a usage condition wherein the cover lies flat on a support surface by the frame in a usage condition so as to provide an exercise mat for a user.
Any optional features described in relation to any one aspect of the invention may be applied to any other aspect, wherever practicable.
Turning firstly to FIG. 1, there is shown an individual module 10 of a modular exercise equipment system. The module 10 comprises a generally rectangular outer support frame 12 comprising a series of elongate frame members 14, which may take the form of bars or narrow panels/leaves, and which are oriented so as to extend in the same plane. The frame members 14 comprise a pair of opposing upright members 14a, 14b and a pair of generally perpendicular frame members 14c, 14d. The upright pair 14a, 14b are generally parallel so as to define side walls of the support frame 12 and the horizontal pair 14c, 14d are generally parallel so as to define a base and upper member respectively.
The rectangular frame 12 defines a perimeter or outer wall of the module 10, i.e. such that the exercise equipment can be mounted within the module perimeter.
The frame is not self-supporting in this example and instead requires attachment to a suitable support structure. For this purpose, the frame 12 comprises fixing formations 15 mounted to the frame such that the frame can be attached to a suitable support using bolts or other conventional fasteners. In this example the frame is bolted to a wall such that the common plane of the frame is parallel with that of the wall. In this arrangement, the equipment lies flush against a wall and takes up minimal internal room space.
The frame may be attached to a wall at its four corners or at any suitable locations on the frame structure, typically at multiple locations about the perimeter of the frame and/or intermediate frame members. In some examples, the frame 10 may be located within a recess 17 in a wall, such as an alcove or else by removal of a section of an interior wall leaf, such that frame becomes embedded in the wall and does not protrude beyond the wall surface. Suitable brackets may be provided for mounting the frame to the wall or structural components within the wall such as wall studs, posts, beams or similar members. Fixings may be provided through the plane of the support frame or else laterally through the frame members as necessary.
In the example shown the lower frame member 14c rests on the floor 19 but could be elevated above the floor by one or more foot/pedestal if required.
The frame structure comprises a plurality of cross members 16a and 16b, which span the width of the frame structure between opposing upright frame members 14a and 14b. The cross members provide additional rigidity and mounting points for pulley wheels and/or cable guides as will be described herein. The cross members described are preferably planar or plate-like in form, i.e. in the form of panels, lying in the plane of the support frame. However the panel 16b supporting the weight stack may take the form of a beam or shelf.
The frame members disclosed herein may be formed of metal, such as steel, aluminium or similar and may be treated to provide a suitable surface finish, e.g. by a coating method, such as powder coating. The metal frame members are rigidly connected together, e.g. by welding, or else using another conventional fastening/fixing method. In other examples the frame members, particularly the outer frame members 14 could be formed of timber, of the frame could comprise a mix of timber and metal frame members.
The exercise equipment comprises a weight source 18 which is made up of a stack of individual weights 20, i.e. a so-called weight stack. The weight stack 18 may be conventional in form having a central opening, through which a selector pin member extends. The required weight to provide a desired resistance for a particular exercise may be selected by the user in a conventional manner by inserting a pin at the desired location in the selector member so as to include/exclude the desired number of weights from the weight stack in the force path connected to the cable. A pair of weight guides 21 pass through corresponding openings in the weights to maintain the alignments of the weights when stacked or lifted in use. The guides 21 are attached between the cross members 16a and 16b.
The weight stack 18 is generally centrally aligned within the frame, e.g. to allow positioning of exercise equipment on either side thereof, although this is not essential. Preferably the weight stack 18 is within the perimeter of the frame.
The weights 20 are bespoke to the present design, being of reduced depth dimension, the depth of the weights being sufficiently small that they do not protrude at all or to any significant extent beyond the depth of the frame 12. The depth of the weights and weight stack as a whole from front to back is preferably less than 150 mm or 120 mm and ideally of 100 mm or lower depth.
A cable 22 is attached to the weight stack at one end and extends around one or more pulley 24 part way along its length. In FIG. 1 a first length of cable is shown which terminates at a connector 26, such that one or more additional length of cable can be attached to the connector 16 to define varying cable lengths between the weight stack and the opposing end of the cable 22. The opposing end of the cable has a connector 26 for selective attachment of a manual actuator 28, which takes the form of a pull bar in this example. However the cable in FIG. 1 is not arranged for use and the varying cable length allows various cable and pulley circuits to be defined such that the exercise equipment is configurable to many different exercise types according to user preference.
Pulley wheels 24 are mounted to cross members 16 such that they are rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the cross member 16 and/or support fame 12. In the example shown, one or more central pulley 24a is arranged to receive the cable directly above the weight stack 18 and defines the first pulley in the cable and pulley system. A pair of first pulleys 24a are provided side by side on cross member 16a such that the cable could optionally pass over the left or right hand pulley initially according to different usage configurations.
A plurality of outer pulley wheel are mounted laterally of the central pulley(s) 24a towards/adjacent a respective side frame member 14a. Two outer pulley wheels 24b are mounted to cross member 16a, with one on each side of the central pulley wheel(s) 24a.
Two further outer pulley wheels 24c are mounted to lower cross member 16b, i.e. towards/adjacent frame members 14a and 14b and/or beneath pulley wheels 24b. The use of upper and lower outer pulley wheels permits a cable path which passes alongside respective upright frame members 24b, e.g. around or towards the frame perimeter. The cable path can thus pass around/beneath the weight stack in this example. The opposing upright cable portions within a single support frame module is beneficial in providing additional manual actuator locations for different exercises as shown in FIG. 2.
Additional pulley wheels 30 and 32 are provided at respective upper and lower sections of the frame 12. These pulley wheels 30 and 32 are intended to provide options for a final pulley wheel in the cable circuit, adjacent a free end of the cable 22 in certain usage configurations. The pulley wheels 30 and 32 are intended to be used in an orientation in which the pulley wheel is perpendicular to the plane of the support frame 12 and/or pulley wheels 24. The axis of rotation of pulley wheels 30, 32 in use may thus be parallel with the plane of the support frame.
In order to allow the pulley wheels 30 between storage and usage conditions, the wheels 30, 32 are mounted to respective hinged/pivoting brackets 34, 36, e.g. in the form of arms. The brackets 34, 36 are mounted to respective upper and lower cross members of the frame by a hinge but could otherwise be mounted to frame members 14c, 14d in other examples, e.g. by a pivot/pin mount. The brackets 34 and 36 can pivot between a storage condition in which the pulley wheels 30, 32 are aligned with the plane of the support frame and a usage condition in which the pulley wheels 30, 32 protrude outwardly from the frame for use.
The pulley wheel 30 provides for attachment of a pulldown bar (e.g. for a lat pull down exercise), whereas the pulley wheel 32 provides for attachment of a bar or other manual actuator intended to be pulled upwards in use (e.g. for a bicep curl exercise or similar). The provision of both pulleys 30 and 32 allows for multiple exercise options but either of those pulleys could be provided without the other in different examples of the invention.
It can be seen in FIG. 1 that the weight stack 18 is raised above the lower edge of the frame on cross member 16b so as to leave a lower region below the weight stack for mounting pulley 32, e.g. including pivoting bracket 36. This arrangement is advantageous in ensuring the minimal depth of the structure, whilst ensuring a full range of exercise options for the user.
In the storage condition, the operational members of the equipment are beneficially contained only within the frame perimeter but also within the frame depth. This allows the frame to provide a mounting surface to which a cover can be attached over part, or all, of the frontal area of the frame when the equipment is not in use. A cover of this kind is described in further detail below.
Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown cable path and actuator options for use of the module 12. Although not shown in FIG. 1, there are provided formations on the upright frame members 14a and 14b for accommodating cable guiding members such as any or any combination of pulley wheels, guide blocks and/or rigid attachment points. The formations comprise openings in this example.
According to various examples of the invention, one or more openings may be provided along the length of either or both upright frame member 14a and 14b in order to receive a fastener. In the example of FIG. 2, a plurality of openings are shown comprising discrete openings 38a and 38b for mounting of a pulley wheel 40 and cable fixing point 42, such as an eye or hook formation. Such openings may receive a pin, bolt or similar fastener to hold the relevant cable and pulley system component relative to a fixed point on the frame.
FIG. 2 also shows a range-taking opening in the form of a slot 44 (shown in phantom) in each upright frame member 14a and 14b. The slot allows a further component 46 such as a cable guide or pulley to be attached at a desired location along the length of the corresponding frame member. Such a component 46 is height-adjustable to suit a given user or exercise. The component can be provided with a manual fastener 48 on the opposing side of the frame member for tightening/loosening the component, i.e. for selectively fixing or releasing/adjusting the position of the component along the frame member slot. A threaded bolt or similar releasable mechanism may be used to selectively fix/release the component 46.
In the configuration shown, the cable 22 passes upwards from the weight stack over the central pulley 24a followed by the outer pulley wheel 24b. The cable then passes downwards adjacent the inside edge of the upright frame member 14b and over left-hand pulley 24c such that it can pass beneath the weight stack to the other side of the module and over the other outer pulley wheel (i.e. right hand wheel 24c). From there the cable runs upwards so as to form a circuit around the weight stack 18.
From right-hand pulley 24c, the cable could pass over the adjustable pulley/guide 46 and terminate at a manual actuator in the form of handle 48. Thus a user could raise and lower weights 20 of the weight stack using the handle 48 at a height that is suited to the user's own height, or else a desired exercise type.
In another mode of use, the cable could pass up over the upper pulley 30 and a pulldown bar 28 could be attached at the free end of the cable. Alternatively, the cable could pass from upper pulley 30 around lower pulley 32 before terminating at a manual actuator.
Any of the features or cable system components shown on the right-hand side of the frame could additionally or alternatively be provided on the left hand side of the frame 12. Thus manual actuator 48 could be provided on either or both sides of the support frame. In order to permit flexibility in the system cable connectors (i.e. variable cable take-off points) are provided so that the length of the cable can be suitably adjusted by adding the required length of cable to the weightstack 18.
The module 10 is thus configurable for multiple different exercises and/or cable take-off points within a single frame. It is noted that the position of the pulley 40 or the pulley/guide 46 could be adjusted to permit different cable circuits as required by the user. The perpendicular orientation of the pulley 40 and/or pulley/guide 46 is therefore a beneficial feature of certain examples of the invention. Similarly the mounting of the pulley 40 and/or pulley/guide 46 to an upright frame member, e.g. using a suitable opening in the frame member may be beneficial (i.e. in addition to the pulleys 24 mounted to cross members).
As well as being useable as a single module of exercise equipment in its own right, the module 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be attachable to one or more further module as will be described below to allow additional exercise options. For this purpose, the support frame 12 comprises a plurality of fixing formations 49 for attachment of a further module onto either or both upstanding frame member 14a or 14b. Such formation in this example comprise openings 49, which are align-able with corresponding openings in an adjacent frame module to allow a common fastener, such as a bolt to pass through the adjacent frame members. Thus two or more frame modules can be attached in a side-by-side arrangement with the adjacent upright frame members of each module held in an abutting relationship for use.
Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown an example of a second module 100 comprising a second support frame 112. The second support frame is of construction that generally matches the first support frame 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus the peripheral frame members (including any openings therein), the cross members and pulley wheels are not described again for brevity. It is noted that any or any combination of such features may also apply to the second support frame and like numerals are used in FIG. 3, but with the prefix '1', where like features are shown.
A key difference between the second support frame 112 and the first support frame 12 is that the second support frame is not required to support a weight stack 18. Instead the second support frame can comprise an extension to the cable and pulley system of FIGS. 1 and 2, i.e. such that a common length of cable 22 can pass from the first to the second module so that the weight stack can be actuated selectively by manual actuators in either the first or second module.
In this regard it is generally not required to duplicate certain features such as upper and lower pulley wheels 30 and 32 from the first module. Similarly, it is not required to duplicate the central pulleys 24a of the first module in this example, although alternative pulley wheel positions can be implemented for other examples of second, or further, support frames as desired.
The absence of the weight stack in the centre of the second support frame 112 allows for the location of additional exercise equipment, whilst still retaining the desired depth profile of the overall frame structure.
In this example, the second frame module comprises a rowing machine 150. The rowing machine comprises a bar or bench 152 with feet 154 and a sliding seat 156 that may slide along the bench 152, e.g. along a runner therein. The seat may have rollers/casters on the underside thereof to permit motion of the seat along the bench.
When the exercise equipment is in a storage configuration, the rowing machine 150, e.g. the bench 152 and/or feet 154, may be folded upright such that it is stored flat within the frame. The feet 154 are mounted to a pivoting let 158 for this purpose. The leg is mounted to the underside of the bench at a hinge 160. In use, the rowing machine 150 may be folded out by lowering the upper end of the bench 152 such that the leg pivots downward and the feet 154 engage with the floor. A user may sit on the sliding seat 156, facing the frame 112 in a rowing position. The leg 158 may be freely-hingedly mounted to the bench and may fold down, e.g. such that it swings down under the action of gravity, as the bench 152 is lowered for use. The leg/feet could be manually actuated and/or locked in position for use as required.
It can be seen that the bench 152 is spaced from the hinged attachment with cross member 162 by arms 164. The arms 164 are spaced to provide a gap there-between such that a further pulley 166 can be located in the gap. The arms are oriented in a V-shape in this example.
The pulley 166 is for use with the rowing machine and is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the support frame in this example.
As with the first frame module of FIGS. 1 and 2, all components of the frame module 100 in FIG. 3 fit within the depth of the frame itself when stored. Thus a cover member can be applied to the frame, or immediately in front of the frame, to hide the equipment when not in use.
Turning now to FIG. 4, there is shown the first 10 and second 100 frame modules connected side by side such that the frame structures lie in a common plane. Bolts 50 pass through the common fixing openings 49, 149 on the adjacent frame members 14a and 114a, so as to provide a rigid frame system comprising the two frame modules 10 and 110 that can be commonly mounted to a support such as a wall, as described above. The rigid connection between the support frames 12, 112 means that it may not be necessary to attach all of the fixing formations 15 and 115 to the wall. For example, a subset of the of those fixing formations may be used, comprising a plurality of formations 15 of the first module and a plurality of formations 115 of the second module.
In use it can be seen that the cable 22 passes from the first module to the second module by a common opening 38/138 in each of the adjacent upright frame members 14a and 114a.
In this example, it can be seen that the cable 22 passes over pulleys 24a and 24b of the first module before passing over, in order, pulleys 124b and 124c of the second module. Thus the cable forms a similar path to that shown in FIG. 2 but this time around the second module, rather than the first module. The cable 22 thus passes around the rowing machine 150 and follows the direction of two or three adjacent frame members of the rectangular frame.
The manual actuators 148 are thus provided as part of the second frame module.
The cable 22 comprises a cable connector 26 acting as an optional connection point for a cable section 22a associated with the left hand manual actuator 148. Thus a connector 26 on the cable section 22a can be optionally connected to the connector 26 on the common cable 22 for use of the handle 148. A corresponding connector and optional cable section may be provided on the right hand side of the second module as shown in FIG. 4.
During use of the rowing machine 150, a cable connector 26c can be clipped around the cable 22 in-between the pulleys 124c this provides a slidable/moveable connection point for attachment of a rowing machine actuator, e.g. similar to the pullbar 28 shown in FIG. 1 such that a cable section associated with the actuator passes from connector 26c over pulley 166 for use. The actuator for the rowing machine 50 can thus act on a sliding connector on the main cable 22 between the two pulleys 124c.
The cable 22 in this example could terminate at a cable fixing point 142 on the frame or else could pass over right hand pulley 124b and pass back into the first module 10 to terminate at an alternative location.
Turning now to FIG. 5, there is shown a third module 200 for optional use as part of a modular exercise system according to an example of the present invention. The third support frame is of construction that generally matches the first support frame 10 and/or second support frame 100. Thus the peripheral frame members (including any openings therein), the cross members and pulley wheels are not described again for brevity. It is noted that any or any combination of such features may also apply to the third support frame.
Whilst the third module 200 can be configured as a further extension to the common cable and pulley system in various examples of the invention, i.e. with manual actuators and/or cable sections of type similar to those of the first and/or second module, this example of the third module is used to show on potentially new/different features.
An example of a cable counter weight or tensioning system is shown in FIG. 5, which comprises at least one fixed pulley 324b and a floating pulley wheel 325 arranged to be suspended by the common cable 22 mid-way along its length. The floating pulley comprises a pulley housing 327 such that the pulley wheel 325 is rotatable relative to the housing on a pin/axle. The cable passes beneath the pulley wheel 325 in use.
A counter weight 368 is suspended from the pulley housing 327 by a cord 370. The counter weight 368 is held within a hollow guard or guide member 372 such that its motion is constrained, e.g. to generally vertical motion in use. The tension of the hanging mass 368 serves to dampen motion of the cable and to maintain correct positioning of the cable on the pulleys. Maintaining sufficient tension in the cable may help to prevent any twisting or looping in the cable and to prevent the cable becoming accidentally hooked onto parts of the equipment or dislodged from the pulley wheels. As an alternative to a counter weight, a spring or other elastic member could be used to maintain tension in the cable.
Also shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is the option of mounting additional gym equipment to a frame module, which does not require connection to the weight stack via the cable and pulley system. In this example a treadle system 374, e.g. a stepper, is connected to the support frame 312. The treadle system comprises a pair of lever arms 376 hingedly mounted to a cross member of the support frame at a horizontal spacing The arms 376 a pivotable about a horizontal axis such that the free end of each arm can raise and lower in a vertical direction.
Each arm has a foot plate 378 mounted thereon towards its free end. Between the foot plate and the connection to the frame, each arm 376 has a coupling 380 attached thereto. The coupling 380 takes the form of a chain in this example although a cord or cable could otherwise be used.
The chain passes from one arm through a resistance mechanism 382 to the other arm. The resistance mechanism comprises one or more wheel, in this example a pair of wheels, attached to a friction member/plate. The degree of friction between the wheel and plate can be adjusted by suitable mechanism, e.g. comprising a handle using a screw thread tightening arrangement, to alter the resistance to relative motion between the arms 376.
In the example shown, using a chain as the coupling 380, a toothed/gear wheel will be used in the resistance mechanism 382. During exercise a user will transfer force and relative motion between the foot plates 378 via the resistance mechanism 382. The lever arms 376 can pivot in use to allow stepper motion but can also pivot up into an upright configuration as shown in FIG. 5 to allow storage. The depth of the lever arms 376 is such that the stepper/treadle system can be maintained entirely within the depth of the frame 312 when stored.
The module 220 of FIGS. 5 and 6 also comprises a bar 384 attached to the opposing upright members of the frame 312 at pivot points 386. The bar is spaced form the pivot points by arms 388 at opposing ends thereof such that the bar can be raised and lowered between storage usage conditions. In the storage/upright condition, the bar 384 and arms 388 lie completely within the depth of the frame 312. One or more stops may be provided to hold the bar in its lowered condition for use, i.e. such that the arms 388 extend forwardly, out from the plane of the frame in use.
In this example the bar is generally at waist height for a user (i.e. approximately mid-way up the frame height) and provides a grip for a user when using the stepper 374. However in other examples, the bar 384 could be raised and lowered to permit other exercises. For example, a bar provided close to the base of the frame may be used as a grip for use when performing press-ups or else as a foot stop when performing sit-ups. A bar located higher on the frame could be used for chin-up exercises or similar.
Turning now to FIG. 6, the combined first 10, second 100 and third 200 modules are provided as a singular exercise system in a stored condition with each module being securely attached to the adjacent module in a side-by-side relationship. The upstanding frame members 14a and 14b of the first module 10 are in an abutting relationship with the adjacent upstanding frame member of each of the flanking modules 100, 200. Thus the first module and associated weight stack 18 is provided centrally in the system with the second and third module on opposing sides thereof. All support frames of the modules thus lie in a common plane so that the exercise equipment occupies a minimal depth dimension into a room.
In FIG. 6, it can be seen that the cable 22 passes up from the first weight stack and over the right hand central pulley 24a and right-hand outer pulley wheel 24b before passing through aligned openings in the frame members 14b and 114a so as to pass into the second module 100. The cable then passes around the second module 100 in the manner described above in relation to FIG. 3. In one example, the cable could terminate in the second module 100 but in this example, it passes over the right hand outer pulley wheel and through the first module (i.e. through openings in the relevant frame members) into the third module 200. The cable 22 passes over the pulleys 234b and 325 in the third module 200 before passing back into the first module 10, where the cable passes over the left hand central pulley 24a and up to the pulley 30.
This cable and pulley configuration can allow a significant variety of exercises to the user. The manual actuators in the second module 100 can be attached onto suitable connectors on the cable directly or can be attached by a branching cable as described above at a suitable take-off point. In the event that further exercise options are desired, it will be appreciated that additional pulley wheels could be added to either of the first 10 or third modules 200 to accommodate further options from the common weight stack 18. Alternatively, if the rowing machine 150 is not desired, it will be appreciated that the stepper 374 could be mounted in its place without connection to the cable system in either a two or three module system.
Using the system described above, various options for pulley placement are made available simply by providing optional pulley location points in the relevant frame members. Suitable pulley location points may comprise simple threaded holes/opening, to which pulleys can be affixed e.g. by the end user. The modular units may be manufactured to a common design with various options for cable-and-pulley configurations available to the end user by providing predetermined pulley location points. Alternatively each system may be customised for a particular setup by applying only pulley location points at the specified pulley location points for that system.
Whilst the arrangements of FIGS. 4-6 show specific pulley wheel arrangements, it will be appreciated that any of the pulley and/or cable guide locations of FIG. 1 or 3 could be applied to any of the first 10, second 100 and/or third 200 modules if desired.
Also shown in FIG. 6, is an optional roller blind or rolling screen 390, such that the blind can be lowered to conceal the exercise system when stored. It is generally preferred to allow the equipment to be exposed in use so that a user can alter the cable/pulley circuit as desired. However in other examples, the entire system could be maintained behind a more rigid covering, such as a board, panel or the like, with openings at predetermined locations to expose only the specific regions in which user access is required. Thus the moving cable and pulleys could be generally concealed in use if required. In examples of the invention wherein the exercise equipment is mounted inside a wall cavity, there may be provided openings in the wall surface through which actuators may depend from the pulley system. Alternatively, openings may be provided in a panel that covers the exercise equipment, through which actuators may be attached to the pulley system. In another embodiment, which is in many ways preferred, the entire system is provided with a removable/actuatable cover member, which may serve as an exercise mat when the equipment is in use.
Turning to FIG. 7, there is shown an example of the system in use with the frame modules exposed and the cable passing from the upper pulley 30 in the first module over the lower pulley wheel 32 before terminating at a connection to the pull bar 28.
FIG. 7 shows an optional additional module 300 intended for equipment storage. Thus the module 300 comprises any or any combination of hangers, hooks, pins, or the like mounted to the frame members, such as the upright and/or cross members of the support frame. The additional module 300 may allow storage of any of the manual actuators, spare pulley wheels, cable clips and/or cable sections described herein. In this example, there is also shown a collapsible stool/seat 392, which may be stored in collapsed form so as to fit within the desired depth profile of the frame system.
Whilst the arrangements of FIGS. 4, 6 and 7 show a specific order/arrangement of modules, it will be appreciated that the first and third module could be used together, e.g. in absence of the second module, or else that the relative position of the second, third and/or fourth module on either side of the first module could be changed if desired. Thus the modular system is fully customisable to individual requirements. Certain accessory storage features could be provided in any of the first, second and/or third modules subject to space constraints, if a dedicated storage module 300 is not desired.
Within the various configurations of the invention, the various pulley wheels are typically oriented in the common plane of the support frame, with the possible exception of the final pulley wheel preceding a manual actuator connection to the cable, for which the pulley wheel may be generally perpendicular to the pulley wheels in the common plane.
The cable connectors described herein may comprise any or any combination of an eye, loop, hook or a releasable connector such as a carabiner connector or similar.
Additional cable guides could be provided on the support frame of any module of the equipment at locations according to the positions of the manual actuators and/or pulley wheels. Such guides could serve to constrain the motion of the cable where necessary, e.g. to prevent unwanted cable displacement during exercise.
It has been found that the support frame and exercise system is sufficiently thin as to lend itself to mounting within a wall, i.e. between embedded within a surface of a wall structure. Thus according to various aspects of the invention, the exercise system is characterised by its reduced depth such that it is not self-supporting and requires fixing to a suitable support structure such as the wall of a building.
Turning to FIG. 8, there is shown a cover system that may be applied to any individual frame module, or combination of frame modules, as desired. In this example, each frame module 10, 100, 200, 300 has associated therewith a cover 400. The cover 400 may be a flexible sheet/mat material, such as a foam, polymer or textile material. However in this example, the cover comprises a rigid board material. The board may be formed of wood, fibreboard, composite, cardboard or similar material. In this example, the board has a softer cover material, e.g. a foam, polymer/elastomer or textile, over at least one face of the board.
The cover 400 for each frame module is formed in a plurality of sections 402-408, e.g. joined by the softer cover material, which allows each section to pivot/fold relative to the adjacent section when not attached to the frame.
Each cover is attached flat against the frame in the storage condition using a releasable attachment means. In this example, magnets 410 are embedded in the cover, which are spaced so as to align with the upright and/or horizontal frame members. The cover can be held magnetically on the metal frame members, or on metal/magnetic inserts on the frame members in the event that a timber or non-ferromagnetic frame is used. Rare earth magnets may be used if necessary to hold the cover in place.
As shown in FIG. 8, the individual cover sections may each have magnets/fasteners thereon so they can individually attach to the frame if required. If magnets are not used, other releasable fastenings could be used, such as clips, poppers or hook and eye/loop fasteners.
Also shown in FIG. 8 is an additional attachment between the lower edge of the cover 400 and the lower/base portion of the frame. in this example a permanent hinged attachment 412 is used such that the cover can pivot relative to the frame module to which it is attached. The cover can be lowered to floor when the frame module is being used. In other examples, the cover may simply clip onto, or magnetically attach to the lower region of the frame when the frame module is in use.
As can be seen in FIG. 8, the cover for individual frame modules can be lowered for use as desired. When lowered, the cover lies flat on the floor in from the respective frame module and serves as an exercise mat. This provides a safe exercise surface for standing exercises but can also provide cushioning for floor exercises as desired. The cable system through each frame modules can beneficially operate even when the relevant frame module is covered. Thus a user only needs to lower the cover for a given exercise. In other example, instead of individual cover sections for each module, a single cover for the entire frame system could be provided.
When individual cover sections are used, the sections lie immediately adjacent on the floor, when serving as an exercise mat. Thus a substantially continuous exercise mat is provided. In some embodiments, adjacent sections could be provided with mating formations, e.g. tabs and recesses or similar, to ensure correct alignment.
Whilst mounting of the system in the interior of a building, i.e. an internal room is envisaged as being more common, it will also be appreciated that the frame and exercise equipment could be mounted on an exterior supporting structure or wall if preferred. If mounted on the exterior surface of a building, the cover may protect the apparatus from the elements.
In other examples of the invention, the rigid frame structure of the invention could be mounted to other planar support structures which may be static or moveable between different modes of operation. For example the frame could be mounted in a generally horizontal condition to the underside of a bed or the like, which could be elevated/raised to an upright configuration in the event that it is desired to use the gym equipment. A lock latch would thus be required to maintain the support structure in an upright configuration when exercising.
The invention may allow different configurations of exercise equipment offering different exercise options to be installed in rooms with varying available wall space, and without occupying a detrimental volume of the room, e.g. allowing the room to provide an additional function other than being purely used as an exercise room.


An acoustic transducer 1 has a first cylindrical portion 1A and a second hemispherical portion 1B on which a plurality of transducer elements 10a, 10b are arranged. The transducer elements on the cylindrical portion are arranged to have six nearest neighbors. The arrangement may be such that the six transducer elements surrounding a given element describe the vertices of a regular hexagon. The hexagons thus described may be aligned so that two of their sides are parallel to the axis of the cylinder. The elements on the hemispherical portion may be arranged so that some elements have five nearest neighbors and others have six (the neighboring elements describing, for example, the vertices of hexagons and pentagons respectively). An underwater sounding apparatus may be constructed using the transducer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an acoustic transducer and an underwater sounding apparatus for detecting underwater objects, such as fish schools, by use of ultrasonic waves.
2. Description of the Related Art
Scanning sonars are conventionally known acoustic apparatuses for obtaining information on underwater objects, such as fish schools, distributed in a wide underwater area. A scanning sonar is provided with a transducer for transmitting an acoustic sounding beam in specific directions underwater and receiving echoes returned from underwater targets. There exist various types of sonar transducers, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, for example.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cylindrical transducer 50 used in a full-circle scanning sonar. The transducer 50 includes a large number of transducer elements 51 arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns on a cylindrical side surface of the transducer 50. The full-circle scanning sonar simultaneously transmits ultrasonic waves through the transducer elements 51 to form an acoustic sounding beam having an umbrellalike beam pattern directed obliquely downward at a specific tilt angle in all directions (360°) around the transducer 50 and receives echoes returned from a specific search area by scanning through the umbrellalike beam pattern. While the full-circle scanning sonar can sound a wide area not only horizontally but also vertically by electronically varying the tilt angle of the transducer 50, the full-circle scanning sonar has a disadvantage that it is impossible to sound straight down below a ship. This is because the sounding beam formed by the transducer elements 51 arranged on only the side surface of the transducer 50 can not be directed vertically downward.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a generally semicylindrical transducer 60 used in a half-circle scanning sonar. The transducer 60 includes a large number of elongate transducer elements 61 arranged side by side along a longitudinal direction of the transducer 60 on a generally semicylindrical side surface thereof which is formed as if by cutting part of a cylindrical shape. The half-circle scanning sonar simultaneously transmits ultrasonic waves through the transducer elements 61 to form an acoustic sounding beam having a fanlike beam pattern covering a half-circle (180°) area and receives echoes returned from a search area by scanning through the fanlike beam pattern. Designated by the numeral 62 is a training mechanism for horizontally rotating the transducer 60 in a direction marked by "H" in FIG. 11 by means of a motor (not shown) to direct the acoustic beam in a desired horizontal direction (bearing). Designated by the numeral 63 is a tilt mechanism for turning the transducer 60 in a direction marked by "V" in FIG. 11 by means of a motor (not shown) to adjust the direction (tilt angle) of the acoustic beam in a vertical plane. While the half-circle scanning sonar can sound across a wide area including a region straight down below a ship by mechanically varying the tilt angle and bearing of the transducer 60, the half-circle scanning sonar has a disadvantage that it is impossible to adjust vertical beam angle or sub-level of the acoustic beam by weighting in a direction perpendicular to the fanlike beam pattern. This is because each of the transducer elements 61 is not vertically divided into small segments.
It would be possible to overcome the aforementioned problem if both the cylindrical transducer 50 of FIG. 10 for full-circle scanning and the semicylindrical transducer 60 of FIG. 11 for half-circle scanning are installed on the hull of a ship. This approach is however impracticable from a viewpoint of cost and installation space, especially on a small ship. A scanning sonar employing a spherical transducer offering both full-circle and half-circle scanning features is made available for practical use today. For example, later-described Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 2000-162308 and 2001-343450 disclose examples of spherical transducers.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a spherical transducer 70 used in a scanning sonar. The transducer 70 includes a large number of elongate transducer elements 71 arranged on a spherical surface of the transducer 70. The scanning sonar transmits ultrasonic waves through the individual transducer elements 71 in specific directions and receives echoes by scanning through a search area. Since the transducer elements 71 are arranged on side and bottom areas of a spherical body of the transducer 70, the scanning sonar can sound across a wide area including a region straight down below a ship by using the single transducer 70 with a weight control capability. The transducer elements 71 of the spherical transducer 70 are not vertically arranged in straight lines like the cylindrical transducer 50 of FIG. 10, and directions in which radiating faces of the transducer elements 71 are oriented go further away from a horizontal plane toward the top and bottom of the spherical body of the transducer 70. For this reason, the spherical transducer 70 has a disadvantage that the intensity of a horizontal beam is rather low so that a large detection range is not achieved in horizontal directions and resolution in a vertical direction is relatively low.
One approach to aforementioned problems of the prior art would be to configure a transducer as a combination of a cylindrical portion and a hemispherical portion. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-343450 includes mention of a transducer having an upper cylindrical portion and a lower hemispherical portion. Taking advantage of the cylindrical transducer 50 of FIG. 10 and the spherical transducer 70 of FIG. 12, the transducer of this prior art Publication can sound a wide underwater area including a region straight down below a ship without sacrificing horizontal detection range or resolution in the vertical direction.
Manufacture of this kind of transducer having an upper cylindrical portion and a lower hemispherical portion requires some consideration of the arrangement of transducer elements. For example, it is necessary to minimize element-to-element interval in the vertical direction in order to suppress grating lobes which develop in the vertical direction during horizontal scanning. It is also necessary to give continuity to the transducer element arrangement on the upper cylindrical portion and the lower hemispherical portion in order to minimize deviation of directivity. There is no mention of such a transducer element arrangement in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-343450. On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-162308 describes a configuration of a spherical transducer in which transducer elements are located at vertices of a regular polyhedron inscribed in a spherical surface as well as at midpoints of individual sides of each regular polygon constituting the regular polyhedron such that the transducer elements are located at substantially equal spacings from one another. According to the Publication, the transducer thus configured can minutely sound across an underwater search area in all directions at high speed with the transducer elements arranged uniformly and closely. While the Publication deals with the spherical transducer, it does not make any mention of an arrangement of transducer elements on a cylindrical portion of a transducer or continuity in the transducer element arrangement between the cylindrical and hemispherical portions. Thus, the aforementioned problems concerning the arrangement of transducer elements on the cylindrical and hemispherical portions for minimizing grating lobes and deviation of directivity still remain to be solved.

Acoustic transducer and underwater sounding apparatus


A harness-wiring system is provided that includes a wire harness extending from the body of an automobile to a sliding door thereof. The sliding door include a harness housing with a guiding slot. A portion of electrical cables forming the wire harness is passed through a net-like sheath knitted from resin threads, and this portion is folded into the harness housing, so as to form a U-shaped configuration in the harness housing. The system includes a first clamping device having a mount. This first clamping device fixes the net-like sheath onto the electrical cables, while fixing itself to the harness housing. The system further includes a second clamping device having a guide. The second clamping device fixes the net-like sheath onto the electrical cables, while fitting the guide with the guiding slot. The construction of the wire harness connection between the car body and the sliding door is thus simplified.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally pertains to a wiring system for a wire harness, with applications for electrically connecting electrical devices depending from a sliding door of a vehicle to the main body portion. Such a sliding door is commonly found in some types of road vehicles, e.g. automobiles.
2. Description of Background Information
A sliding door system is frequently adopted in a single-volume (or xe2x80x9cmonospacexe2x80x9d) car, RV car (recreational vehicle), or van. The door slides freely in front-to-rear and rear-to-front directions (along the vehicle""s length direction). Such a sliding door is usually equipped with various electrical devices such as touch sensors for preventing door-pinching, loudspeaker systems for an audio system, and the like. In order to supply power to these electrical devices, a wire harness is extensively wired from the body of a vehicle into its sliding door, and is then taken inside the sliding door in an appropriate manner.
FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show a commonly adopted wiring system for a vehicle sliding door wire harness. The sliding door 2 moves forward and backward along the vehicle""s length. A door is opened (giving access to a door opening 1a) or closed, in accordance with its sliding displacement. The inside lower end 2a of the sliding door 2 is provided with a box-like harness housing 3 including a guiding channel 3a. Alternatively, the harness housing 3 may be installed in the vehicle""s body 1, depending on the type of a vehicle.
The wire harness is led from inside the vehicle""s body 1 through to inside the sliding door 2. For this purpose, a first group of electrical cables W1 is wired from the body 1 to the sliding door 2. The former is then fitted with an end portion A of a flat harness C. The flat harness C is folded over itself in the harness housing 3 to form a U-shaped loop portion, so as to provide sufficient spare length therein. Another end portion B of the flat harness C is connected to a second group of electrical cables W2, which is wired into and inside the sliding door 2. The first group of electrical cables W1 and the flat harness C are connected through a first harness connector CA, while the second group of electrical cables W2 and the flat harness C are connected through a second harness connector CB. The first harness connector CA carries a sliding device which engages with the guiding channel 3a of the harness housing 3 in a freely slidable way. The second harness connector CB is fixed to the harness housing 3.
FIG. 2A shows the condition of the above wiring system harness when the sliding door 2 is closed. The first group of electrical cables W1, wired between the body part 1 and the sliding door 2, is positioned at the rear side of the sliding door 2, while the second harness connector CB, contained in the sliding door 2, is placed in the front side relative to the first harness connector CA. The flat harness C is then maintained in a U-shaped looped configuration. FIG. 2B shows a condition when the sliding door 2 is opened. In this case, as the sliding door 2 is being opened, the harness housing 3 moves rearward relative to the first harness connector CA connected to the body part 1. In the harness housing 3, the first harness connector CA is placed forward, relative to the second harness connector CB. In this manner, the flat harness C changes its shape in the harness housing 3 with the opening and closing movements of the sliding door 2.
In a known wire harness system applied to a vehicle sliding door, a flat harness is folded and provided with a looped extra-length portion, so that the latter can follow the opening and closing movements of the sliding door. However, problems arise because there is little space available between the top and bottom faces of the sliding door. The flat harness must therefore have a very high bending capacity. It must also have a high wear resistance, because the opening and closing of the sliding door has a rubbing action. For these reasons, a so-called xe2x80x9cflat cablexe2x80x9d is used in place of the flat harness. FIGS. 3A and 3B shows another arrangement for a flat cable Cxe2x80x2, which may be adopted as a function of the type of vehicle. In this case, the flat cable Cxe2x80x2 folded in a U-shape loop portion is turned sideways, and the ex portion is extended or folded as the door 2xe2x80x2 opens or closes. A harness housing 3xe2x80x2 may have an open base, depending on the housing used.
However, when a flat harness or a flat cable is used for a folded extra portion, end portions of the flat harness or flat cable must be connected through first and second harness connectors respectively to a first group of electrical cables at the side of the vehicle""s  body part and to a second group of electrical cables at the side of the sliding door. Such a construction requires a number of component parts, and results in troublesome mounting operations. Moreover, the connector-fitting portions must often be reinforced by molding, in order to ensure reliable connections and secure a waterproof quality. This molding step increases operational steps and incurs higher costs.
The present invention was contemplated to solve such problems, and provides an integrated wire harness system ranging from the vehicle""s body to inside the sliding door, in which system the folded portion can be folded flexibly and possesses a high wear resistant property.
To this end, there is provided a harness-wiring system, in which a wire harness, including electrical cables, electrically connects a body of a vehicle to a sliding door thereof, one of the body and the sliding door including an enclosure, the wire harness including a lengthwise portion stored in the enclosure such as to form a folded portion having first and second enclosed end portions, so that the wire harness can follow opening and closing movements of the sliding door by changing the shape of the folded portion.
The above wire harness extends, as a joint-less continuous unit, from the body to the sliding door via the folded portion, and has first and second cable ends. The first cable end is adapted to fit with a body-side connector, while the second cable end is adapted to fit with a door-side connector. The wire harness is then placed inside a net-like sheath (net tube) for at least that part of folded portion. Such a net-like sheath is formed by knitting resin threads.
Alternatively, the wire harness may be placed inside the net-like sheath extending substantially from the body-side connector to the door-side connector.
Suitably, the folded portion further includes an elastic band, laid along the electrical cables at least at one locus of inside the net-like sheath and outside the net-like sheath.
Preferably, the system further includes a first clamping device including a pair of fixing pieces respectively including a semicircular recess, so that, when the fixing pieces are connected, both of the semicircular recesses form a holder. A hinge portion that pivotally connects the pair of fixing pieces is provided at one end of the pair of fixing pieces, and locking mechanism is located at the other end of the pair of fixing pieces, distal to the hinge portion, so that the first clamping device holds the first enclosed end portion of the wire harness by the pair of fixing pieces, and is locked by the locking mechanism.
Typically, the enclosure includes a first fitting device and the first clamping device includes a second fitting device, so that the first clamping device is fixed to the enclosure by fitting the first fitting device to the second fitting device.
Preferably yet, the system further includes a second clamping device including a pair of fixing pieces respectively including a semicircular recess, so that, when the fixing pieces are connected, both of the semicircular recesses form a holder. A hinge portion that pivotally connects the pair of fixing pieces is provided at one end of the pair of fixing pieces, and locking mechanism is located at the other end of the pair of fixing pieces, distal to the hinge portion, so that the second clamping device holds the second enclosed end portion of the wire harness by the pair of fixing pieces, and is locked by the locking mechanism.
Typically, the enclosure includes a first guide, and the second clamping device includes a second guide, so that the second clamping device is fitted to the enclosure by fixing the second guide to the first guide in a freely movable manner.
Preferably, the net-like sheath includes knitted resin threads.
The enclosure having the first guide may be a case or box including a slot which serves as a guide rail or channel. The case may be fixed to a sliding door or to a part of the vehicle body. Conversely, the enclosure may be prepared by transforming a panel, incorporating the panel into a part of the body or sliding door, and then forming a guide in the enclosure.
The wire harness according to the invention may be formed of electrical cables, continuously wired from the body of a vehicle to a sliding door. The same electrical cables form an extra-length portion folded in U-shape. This folded portion must satisfy a flexibility or foldability requirements. These requirements can be satisfied by providing the electrical cables, and wrapping them with a flexible and stretchable cylindrical net-like sheath. Moreover, this net-like sheath is resistant to wear, so that the electrical cables included therein do not suffer from wearing actions and ensuing damage.
The net-like sheath may be formed by knitting resin threads, e.g., nylon or PET, into a cylindrically shaped net structure. However, it can also be formed by making openings in a resin tube. The net-like sheath thus produced is stretchable. The sheath expands diametrically when pressed in a longitudinal direction, thereby facilitating the insertion of the electrical cables. The net-like sheath has sufficient flexibility to be flexed into a tight curve. Moreover, the resin threads and the portion covered therewith have a high level of hardness and anti-wear property, so that rubbing in the harness case does not create problems.
As the electrical cables are passed through the net-like sheath, the former is bundled and contained in the harness case while maintaining its foldability. The net-like sheath folded in a U-shape can change its shape smoothly, following the opening and closing movements of the sliding door. The inventive structure thus confers to the wire harness a flexibility and wear resistance at least equivalent to that obtained for known flat harnesses or flat cables. As a result, a wire harness, extending from the body to the sliding door, can be constituted only by continuously extending electrical cables. This can thus obviate the need for connectors hitherto used for connecting the flat harness and the electrical cables. Consequently, assembly steps and the number of component parts can be greatly reduced, and production costs are lowered.
Preferably, the electrical cables are placed inside the net-like sheath, continuously from the body-side connector to the door-side connector.
In such a construction, not only the folded portion, but the entire length of the electrical cables is covered with the net-like sheath. Thus, there is no need to use another protecting means e.g. a corrugated tube or a vinyl chloride tube. Assembling operations are thus simplified and can be effected efficiently.
Preferably, the folded portion includes an elastic band, e.g. a spring or resilient metal band, laid therealong, at least at one locus of the inside and the outside of the net-like sheath. When the resilient metal band is installed outside the net-like sheath, the metal band is preferably fixed to the net-like sheath by taping.
A droop tends to occur at the curved edge of the U-shaped folded portion. When the elastic metal band is extended along the electrical cables, this droop can be avoided. Nonetheless, the electrical cables and elastic metal band, passed through the net-like sheath, can still change their shape in conjunction with sliding door""s movements. Particularly, when the U-shaped folded portion is placed horizontally, instead of vertically, the curved edge of the folded portion tends to droop or hang down more easily. This droop creates friction with the harness case. If the bottom of the harness case is open, the droop will extend beyond the bottom of the sliding door. In such cases, the elastic metal band, aligned with the electrical cables, tends to reinforce the rigidity of the latter, and prevent such droop very efficiently.
Preferably, the system includes a first clamping device including a pair of fixing pieces which form a through hole when superposed, a hinge that pivotally connects the pair of pieces being located at one end of the pair of pieces, and locking mechanism located at the other end thereof, distal to the hinge. The first clamping device holds either the net-like sheath and the electrical cables together, or the cylindrical tube, the resilient band and the electrical cables together, by the pair of fixing pieces, and is locked by the locking mechanism.
In such construction, the net-like sheath is installed easily and securely. Alternatively, the net-like sheath can be fixed onto the electrical cables by taping.
The first clamping device used for fixing the net-like sheath onto the electrical cables may include a mount and a guide. This construction avoids having to prepare an extra clamp with a mount to be hooked with the harness housing, or another clamp with a guide to be applied to the electrical cables. The number of component parts is thus reduced, and mounting operations of the sliding door are simplified.
Furthermore, the system may include a second clamping mechanism having a second guide, the folded portion of the electrical cables having first and second ends. The first clamping device then clamps the first end of the folded portion from above the net-like sheath, and the second clamping device clamps the second end of the folded portion from above the net-like sheath, so that the second guide fits with the first guide in a freely movable manner.
Further yet, the system includes a first clamping device with a fitting mount, and the enclosure is fixed to the sliding door. The electrical cables, which are contained in the net-like sheath having first and second ends, are stored inside the enclosure in a U-shaped configuration. The first clamping device then clamps the electrical cables from above the first end of the net-like sheath, while the fitting mount is fitted with the enclosure may further include a second clamping device having a second guide, and the second clamping device clamps the electrical cables from above the second end of net-like sheath, so that the second guide is fitted with the first guide in a freely movable manner.

Harness-wiring system for a sliding door of vehicles


A flexible display device includes a wire embedded layer that has flexibility and has a first principal surface, a thick wire embedded in the wire embedded layer so as to be substantially flush with the first principal surface of the wire embedded layer, an extraction lower electrode electrically connected to the thick wire and disposed on the first principal surface of the wire embedded layer, an emitting layer disposed on the extraction lower electrode, and an upper electrode disposed on the emitting layer. The flexible display device is suitable for large-screen devices and offers high productivity.

1. Field
This disclosure relates to a display device and a method for manufacturing the display device. In particular, it relates to a passive-type display device and a method for manufacturing the passive-type display device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, various types of flat panel displays have been developed. Generally, a flat panel display includes a display medium constituted by elements that use liquid crystals, organic electroluminescence (EL), electrophoresis, or the like.
A display device is manufactured by forming thin-film wires by vacuum process (for example, sputtering) and photolithography on an insulating substrate such as glass and then forming an image displaying unit such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) on the substrate and the thin-film wires.
According to such a method for manufacturing a display device, productivity is not satisfactory if a large-screen display device is to be formed.

Display device and method for manufacturing the same

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.