WO2012025756A2

WO2012025756A2 - Outdoor fitness centre and associated apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2012025756A2
Application number: PCT/GB2011/051605
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon Beer; Michael Miller
Original assignee: The Great Outdoor Gym Company Limited
Priority date: 2010-08-25
Filing date: 2011-08-25
Publication date: 2012-03-01
Also published as: GB201114690D0; GB2483161A; GB201014192D0; WO2012025756A3

Abstract

Disclosed is an outdoor fitness centre comprising; at least one exercise station, having an exercise apparatus which, when used by one or more individuals to exercise, generates useful electrical energy; an electrical connection which connects the exercise apparatus to an electricity consuming facility within the fitness centre and/or to an external electricity grid supply to enable the electrical energy to be consumed at a remote location; and an electrical energy monitor to monitor the amount and/or rate of energy generated by one or more users of the exercise apparatus.

Description

577.01/G

Title: Outdoor Fitness Centre and associated Apparatus Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, inter alia, to an outdoor fitness centre, especially an environmentally- friendly outdoor fitness centre or gym, and to a method of generating and utilising electrical power.

Background of the Invention

There is increasing recognition and acceptance that it is desirable to reduce levels of energy consumption, and to find improved methods of electrical power generation which do not rely on use of fossil fuels.

When humans exercise in fitness centres they perform work, and convert chemical energy to produce kinetic energy and heat, which are usually wasted. It can require typically up to 2,500 Watts to power a piece of conventional exercise apparatus. In addition, a typical gym will frequently comprise electric lighting, heating and/or air conditioning, television and music systems. The carbon footprint of such a gym is therefore very large.

It is known to provide pieces of exercise equipment such as exercise bikes, having an LCD or LED display in which at least some of the electrical energy used to power the display is generated by an individual using the exercise equipment, which can help slightly to reduce the energy consumption of the gym.

US 2009/0271336 (Franks) discloses the idea of providing a fitness centre in which energy generated from exercise machines in an exercise facility is collected and used to operate (together with a locally-generated renewable source of electrical power) the exercise facility. Surplus power may be sold to an electrical utility company. The document also suggests providing a system to encourage users of the exercise facility to "track their individual contributions to ... the energy self-sufficiency" of the exercise facility. 577.01/G 2

US 2009/0271336 further discloses the idea of promoting or encouraging use of the facility by means of a competition, offering prizes for patrons based on their levels of production of electrical power.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides in a first aspect, an outdoor fitness centre comprising; at least one exercise station, having an exercise apparatus which, when used by one or more individuals to exercise, generates useful electrical energy;

an electrical connection which connects the exercise apparatus to an electricity consuming facility within the fitness centre and/or to an external electricity grid supply to enable the electrical energy to be consumed at a remote location;

and an electrical energy monitor to monitor a parameter regarding the amount ansd/or rate of energy generated by one or more users of the exercise apparatus.

The electrical connection between the exercise apparatus and the electricity- consuming facility and/or an external grid need not be (and indeed preferably is not) direct. Thus, for example, in preferred embodiments, the electrical connection from the exercise apparatus may be initially to an intermediate energy store, such as a capacitor.

A fitness centre is considered to be located outdoors, for present purposes, if it comprises at least one piece of exercise apparatus, preferably a plurality of pieces of such apparatus, which are not fully enclosed by both permanent upstanding walls and a roof. An outdoor fitness centre may though, for example, possess a canopy and/or a climbing wall or a tennis wall. An outdoor fitness centre is highly advantageous, in terms of reduced carbon footprint, since it can make optimum use of natural ambient light, and does not require air conditioning or other cooling system.

Whilst locating a fitness centre outdoors provides considerable advantages in reducing the "carbon footprint" compared to that of a conventional indoor centre or gym, the outdoor location presents a number of technical challenges. The exercise equipment, and any associated apparatus, accessories and the like, must be substantially vandal- proof and weather-proof. Such weather-proofing requires resistance to high winds 577.01/G 3 e.g. gusts of up to 50 or 60 miles per hour, resistance to damage by precipitation (rain, snow, hail, sleet) - e.g. by being made substantially water-proof; and resistance to damage by exposure to extremes of temperature (e.g. from -5° to 30°C). Preferably all of the outdoor exercise apparatus in the outdoor fitness centre complies with European standards EN 1176 and EN 957, or the equivalent safety standard in other jurisdictions.

In addition, indoor centres have relatively low, and constant, light levels, whilst outdoor facilities will be subject to widely varying, and generally higher, ambient light levels. As a result a typical display unit useful in an indoor gym may not be bright enough to be seen in normal conditions in an outdoor fitness centre.

It is preferred for the fitness centre to comprise a plurality of pieces of exercise equipment, so that several individuals can exercise simultaneously, and to increase the rate at which electrical power can be generated.

Preferably the fitness centre will comprise a plurality of exercise stations, each exercise station having a piece of exercise apparatus which, when used, generates electricity, the plurality of exercise stations being connected in a 'ring' which feeds generated electricity to a common energy collecting module, or "energy bank". Advantageously up to five exercise stations may be connected in a single ring, which number allows the use of simple cabling, of the type conventionally used in domestic wiring (e.g. 4mm² cross-section 6242Y twin and earth cable). Most preferably the ring comprises five exercise stations.

More than one ring may be connected to the common energy collecting module. For example, two, three, four, five or more rings may be connected to the energy- collecting module, depending on the number of exercise stations in the fitness centre.

In a preferred embodiment, each piece of exercise apparatus comprises a generator, preferably a simple motor. In order to prevent a motor, being used as a generator at a first station, to cause a motor at a connected second station to turn (thereby consuming some of the electrical energy generated at the first station), it is preferred that each 577.01/G 4 exercise station will also comprise a power control unit associated with the exercise apparatus. A preferred power control unit comprises a Shottky Bridge rectifier, which gives very high efficiency and a very low voltage drop.

Preferably the power control unit will also perform the function of ensuring that the polarity of the voltage generated is not in the opposite sense if the exercise apparatus is used in an opposite direction. (Since, an exercise apparatus which has an essentially rotatory action, such as, a hand-bike, recumbent bike or cross-trainer can be rotated in either of two opposed directions). Again, this function can be performed by the preferred power control unit comprising a Shottky Bridge rectifier.

The energy collecting module will desirably comprise one or more capacitors to store electrical energy generated at the exercise stations in the attached ring or rings. Desirably the energy-collecting module or energy bank also performs additional functions, besides collecting energy. Such a module may therefore be termed a multifunctional module or energy bank.

Preferably a multi-functional module comprises a monitor to monitor at least one parameter of the energy generated at the exercise stations in the attached ring or rings. Conveniently, the monitor will monitor several parameters of the energy (e.g. one or more of peak voltage, peak current, instantaneous voltage, instantaneous current). In a preferred embodiment, the module comprises a 'shunt' and the monitor monitors the voltage drop across the shunt.

Preferably the multi-functional module will comprise a computer, microprocessor or the like, to perform calculations, e.g. to calculate the total electrical power (e.g. in kilowatt hours) generated by the attached ring or rings, to calculate the instantaneous rate of power generation, and so on. Conveniently the computer or processor will process information from the monitor to, for example, calculate the current and/or power generated.

Preferably the multi-functional module will comprise a memory means (e.g. a digital electronic memory) to store data, such as the total electrical power generated. 577.01/G 5

Conveniently, this memory will comprise a non-volatile memory (i.e. one in which the stored data is not lost when no power is supplied to the memory - such as when there is no-one exercising on the connected exercise apparatus).

Preferably the multi-functional module will comprise one or more displays. The displays may display information about the amount and/or rate of energy generated, and/or the charging status of the apparatus, and/or information about the one or more parameters monitored by the monitor.

Conveniently, each of a plurality of pieces of exercise apparatus is connected in parallel (which is the preferred arrangement), or in series, or in a combination of parallel and series connections, and the display will display information about the pooled data for the plurality of pieces of apparatus e.g. total pooled power generated, or average rate of power generation. In one embodiment, there are at least two separate pluralities of connected pieces of apparatus, each of which plurality is monitored and at least one pooled parameter for each plurality is displayed on the display. In this way, it is possible to have a competition between two individuals or teams, to see which individual or team can generate, for example, the most electrical energy over a given time period. Such competitions will serve to incentivise and motivate users of the fitness centre to work harder, thereby not only improving their fitness but also generating more electrical energy.

Preferably the module will comprise at least two displays. One display will typically show the total energy generated by the ring or rings attached to the module. A second display may typically show the instantaneous rate of power generation. Either display may be numeric, alphanumerical or graphical, or a combination thereof, but in a preferred embodiment the first display is numeric and the second display is graphic.

The graphic display will advantageously include a graphic display that can display information in a non-verbal and non-numeric form e.g. such as a one or more bar charts, pie charts or graphs. These conveniently will display in real time, information about the electrical energy being generated by the fitness centre. 577.01/G 6

One embodiment of a second display comprises a series or array of illuminating elements, arranged so as to indicate an increasing or decreasing rate of power generation. For example, as power generation increases, an increasing number of illuminating elements may be lit. Optionally, the illuminating elements may be of different colours, with a first block of elements being of a first colour, a second block or series of elements being of a second colour, and further blocks or series of elements being further colours. In this way, the displays can provide an indication of the rate of power generation to a user in a simple intuitive manner in the form of a bar graph or the like. If desired, fixed values or a scale of some kind can be presented on the module adjacent to the display. These may be numerical values (e.g. a range from 10 watts to 1 kilowatt) and/or may include visual representations of everyday objects which typically consume certain levels of electrical power (e.g. a low energy light bulb for 10 watts; a conventional incandescent light bulb for 60 watts; a computer tower for 200 watts; a large flat screen television for 500 watts; and a domestic microwave oven for 1 kilowatt).

The inventors have encountered and solved particular problems in devising a suitable display for use in connection with the fitness centre of the present invention. In particular, fitness centres located, or used, outdoors, will be exposed to high levels of ambient light, especially in sunny conditions. Typically, in order to allow for this, conventional outdoor displays are very bright. However, this requires high energy consumption, which is incompatible with the present invention, where the display means is typically powered solely, or at least predominantly, by electrical energy generated by people using the fitness centre.

Accordingly, the present inventors have had to utilise a display which is suitable for use, and provides a visible display, in outdoor ambient light levels in daytime but which has low power consumption.

In a preferred embodiment, the one or more displays comprises an LED, preferably a doped gallium arsenide LED. 577.01/G 7

Advantageously the multi-functional module may comprise one or more relays, and especially one or more relays which are activated by a monitored parameter (such as voltage or current) of the generated electricity falling outside certain predetermined limits (e.g. a relay triggered by low voltage and a relay triggered by a high voltage). In one embodiment actuation of an over-voltage relay causes dumping of excess electrical energy to a resistor element to protect the electronics of the module.

In some embodiments, the fitness centre of the first aspect of the invention, may be provided with one or more bicycle docking stations. These are "empty" generator units operably attached to the fitness centre, into which an individual may dock their own bicycle, and generate electricity.

In the outdoor fitness centre of the first aspect, there is no limitation on the number of pieces of apparatus, but the fitness centre will typically comprise between ten and thirty exercise stations, each station having a respective piece of exercise apparatus.

The exercise apparatus used in the first aspect of the invention may comprise: exercise bikes, recumbent bikes, hand bikes (i.e. apparatus having handles in place of pedals), cross-trainers, and the like which have an essentially rotatory action. Such rotatory action is generally to be preferred, as lending itself to operation of a generator. Other exercise apparatus which may be present in the fitness centre may include resistance machines such as "lat" pull downs (i.e. machines which are operated by working the latissimus dorsi muscle of the back) or shoulder press machines, which exercise the deltoids, which apparatus has a reciprocating action. In principle, any apparatus which possesses kinetic energy when utilised could be used to create electrical power. The exercise bikes will normally be intended for use by a single person, but 'tandems' or other arrangements can be envisaged. Preferably the fitness centres of the invention will comprise at least one hand bike, at least one cross-trainer, and at least one exercise bike and/or recumbent bike, so as to enable an individual to perform different exercises and utilise different muscle groups when exercising. In addition, once an individual has fatigued one set of muscles, they can continue to generate electricity by switching to a different exercise apparatus and utilising different muscles. 577.01/G

The monitor present in the fitness centre of the first aspect of the invention may monitor, for example, the amount of energy generated by a single piece of apparatus, and/or, more preferably, may monitor the total pooled amount of energy collectively generated by all the pieces of apparatus.

The monitor may monitor one or more, or all of, the following: instantaneous, average or peak voltage; instantaneous, average or peak current; instantaneous, average or peak power or (typically measured in Watts); and total or cumulative electrical power generation (typically measured in Kilo Watt hours).

Electrical Power Storage

In a preferred embodiment, the fitness centre of the first aspect of the invention will typically comprise a storage component for temporary or semi-permanent storage of electrical power generated in the fitness centre. Conveniently the storage component may comprise one or more batteries, or one or more capacitors, or a combination of batteries and capacitors. The applicants prefer that the storage component comprises one or more capacitors, rather than batteries. The storage component is preferably located in a multi-functional energy bank module, common to or shared by a plurality of exercise stations. Whilst capacitors are relatively bulky compared to batteries, they require very little maintenance and can be both charged and discharged very quickly. In addition, they have an almost unlimited charging/discharging cycle, and can go through this cycle millions of times in a 10-12 year life cycle, are efficient (95% or higher efficiency) and have low impedance. Arrangements for storage of energy are described in greater detail in US 2009/0271336, the content of which is specifically incorporated herein by reference.

A typical bank of capacitors useful in the present invention will be rated at 32V and have a capacitance of up to 25,000 Farads.

Because of the electrical current requirements, preferred batteries for use in the present invention are lead acid batteries, which have very good charge/discharge characteristics and an exceptionally long service life. 577.01/G

If the fitness centre of the first aspect of the invention is provided with batteries, they are preferably batteries that can have enormous amounts of energy pushed into it very quickly and then huge amounts of energy pulled out of it very quickly. There are not many batteries designed to work under these arduous conditions. The mechanical construction of the battery must be able to withstand these large changes in its electrolyte's physical state. This type of battery is known as a 'deep charge' battery. The electrolyte is held as a gel or paste.

One particularly suitable type of battery is known as a VRLA (valve regulated lead acid) battery because it is sealed and has a small blowout valve that will allow gas to escape if it is overcharged/discharge. These use an AGM technology (Absorbent Glass Mat) which consists of a fibreglass mat, soaked in the electrolyte and flush mounted between the plates. The fibreglass mat stays wet with the electrolyte through capillary action which gives an exceptionally low internal resistance enabling the battery to deliver very high terminal currents.

The rate of self discharge with this type of battery is also extremely low, typically 2% per month at 20°C. The self discharge rate doubles for every 10° increase in temperature. This may be relevant if the equipment is stored over the winter.

The number of 'charge cycles' (i.e. charged and then discharged) that the battery may be subjected to and required to withstand will be in the order of 1500, but this is only so if the discharge current is limited and if the battery is used within its design parameters.

A preferred battery embodiment comprises two batteries wired in series (24 Volts).

As mentioned previously, in preferred embodiments, the storage component comprises one or more capacitors. These can be charged and discharged extremely quickly, because they do not require a chemical reaction to take place, unlike a battery. However, they cannot hold charge for long periods of time. In effect the capacitor would store the instantaneous energy that was being produced for a 577.01/G 10 relatively short period of time. As the energy is generated, so it would be used; but excess energy would not be stored for long periods.

When the capacitor is fully charged the exercise apparatus would become much easier to use. The harder people work, the faster the capacitor will be charged. Ideally, when the capacitor is fully charged it would then be 'dumped' very quickly into an external grid (e.g. the National Grid) typically via a grid tie inverter. Some type of system could be produced whereby the energy delivered to the grid could be quantified and an equal amount consumed in some other location for free, or else a cash value for the amount of energy delivered to the grid can be calculated and provided as a credit e.g. to the users of the fitness centre.

Exercise Apparatus

The actual exercise apparatus used in the fitness centre of the invention can be largely conventional, although will require modification so as to be suitable for generation of electricity. Exercise apparatus suitable for use outdoors of course requires modification relative to conventional indoor exercise apparatus, so as to be weatherproof, vandal resistant, and resistant to abuse and misuse. Generally speaking, the apparatus has to be more robust, and safer, than the indoor equivalent. Desirably the exercise apparatus complies with European Standards EN1176 and EN957, or equivalent safety standards in other jurisdictions. Outdoor exercise apparatus is available from The Great Outdoor Gym Company. US 2009/0271336, cited above, discloses exercise apparatus modified to generate electricity. Human power generators for educational purposes are available from Windstream Power LLC, as are power monitors intended for use with the generator, which can measure e.g. current, voltage, and watts.

In general the exercise apparatus will be provided with a chain or, more preferably, a belt drive (especially a toothed belt) which is operated by turning the handles or pedals, as appropriate, of the exercise apparatus. The apparatus will conveniently comprise one or more flywheels to increase angular inertia and thus smooth the rate of power generation, by reducing the effect of momentary lapses of effort by the individual using the apparatus or when there is an exchange of persons using the 577.01/G 11 apparatus. The drive belt or chain will generally cause rotation of a smaller pulley wheel (the reduction in size causing an increase in speed of rotation - typically a ratio of between 1 :3 and 1 : 10 i.e. one rotation of the pedal or handle through one complete cycle will cause between three and 10 rotations of the driven pulley). The pulley will cause rotation of a shaft to which it is attached. This preferably is fed through one or more gear wheels to cause a further increase in angular velocity, typically about 1 : 10, the output from the gears turning a dynamo or motor to generate electricity. As a combined result of the different in size between the initial input wheel and the driven pulley, and as a result of the gears, one rotation of the input wheel will typically produce about 30 to 35 revolutions of the dynamo or motor.

Whilst bikes and cross-trainers represent preferred examples of electricity-generating apparatus for use in the various aspects of the present invention, and other types of machine motion could be used to generate electricity e.g. rack and pinion arrangements, pulleys, levers.

Electrical Power Generation

In one embodiment, the 'generator' used in the exercise apparatus comprises a simple motor. A preferred embodiment has a permanent (cobalt) magnet and a coiled armature which is rotated within the magnetic field of the permanent magnet (as a result of the work done by the person exercising), and is fitted with a commutator to provide a pulsing DC output. The inventors have conducted trials with such equipment and established that useful amounts of electrical power can be generated. For present purposes, "useful" power output typically means an output of at least 10 Watts, preferably at least 50 Watts. Outputs at these levels can easily be sustained by an individual for long periods (30 minutes or more) and peak power outputs from 150 to about 300 Watts are achievable for shorter periods (5 minutes or less).

The inventors have found that generating an output at 12 volts or 24 volts is readily feasible but that a 24 volt output is preferred. This is because, at least in part, a higher voltage (and therefore, by Ohm's Law, a lower current) is required to prevent overloading the preferred, commercially available, charge regulators (described in greater detail below), when more than about 8 pieces of exercise equipment are being 577.01/G 12 used simultaneously. For fitness centres comprising fewer than eight pieces of exercise equipment, 12 volts may be a preferred output voltage. The voltage output is readily altered by altering the winding of the coil in the motors used in the exercise equipment.

Multiple Generators

The following discussion is in terms of generation using an exercise bike, but it will be apparent that the features described relate equally to other forms of exercise apparatus (e.g. cross-trainers or hand bikes). There are additional considerations that must be borne in mind when combining a plurality of generators within a single electrical charging circuit or ring. For example, if a user physically rotates a motor using the pedals on an exercise bike it will produce electricity, but fundamentally it is still a motor. Accordingly, if two motors are connected together, using two bicycles and one person gets on one bicycle and starts to pedal, the pedals on the other bicycle will start to rotate. This is because as one motor is generating electricity, and it is directly connected to the other motor/generator, the second device has no option but to rotate. Clearly this is not desirable, as the electricity generated by the first generator/motor is not being put to good use.

In order to prevent this, one preferred solution is that the generators are provided with a diode mounted in series with the positive supply. This will enable a generator to push energy through the diode, but no energy will be able to pass backwards into a motor/generator that is not being used.

However the forward breakdown voltage of a conventional diode is typically 0.6 of a volt. In addition, heavy power diodes, such as would be required, use multiple diode paths to overcome difficulties with junction temperature that increase when passing high currents. This leads to undesirable efficiency losses.

There is however a different type of diode technology known as a Schottky bridge rectifier that is used in high-speed switching applications such as switching mode power supplies. These are single barrier devices that can be used to create bridge rectifiers having a total forward voltage drop of only 0.6 of a volt and yet are able to 577.01/G 13 withstand surge currents of up to 50 Amps. Although these are more costly than a standard bridge rectifier having a voltage drope of 3.2V, they are preferable to minimise voltage drop and to maximise the available power output.

An additional problem considered by the inventors is if the pedals or handles of the exercise apparatus are rotated backwards. This would tend to produce a voltage that has a reverse polarity and is potentially troublesome to the recovery process as well as wasteful because it will effectively not generate any power.

In order to overcome this problem it is advantageous to fit a full bridge diode array so that whichever way the motor/generator is rotated, the output voltage is always correctly polarised.

Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, each piece of exercise apparatus will advantageously be associated with a respective "power control unit". The purpose of the power control unit is to ensure that the polarity of each generator is always correct, regardless of the direction of rotation of the generator, and to ensure that electrical energy (e.g. from another generator in the same 'ring') cannot 'back feed' into the generator, causing it to act as an electric motor. A preferred power control until comprises a Shottky Bridge rectifier.

In preferred embodiments, the fitness centre will comprise a multi-functional module, known for simplicity as an "energy bank". The multi-functional module or energy bank comprises: (i) one or more electrical power storage elements (preferably a plurality of capacitors); (ii) a monitor to monitor the amount and/or rate of electrical energy generated and/or saved in the power storage elements; and (iii) at least one display to show, in quantitative and/or qualitative terms, information about one or more of the parameters monitored by the monitor.

Desirably the energy bank will be operably associated with a plurality of pieces of exercise apparatus, typically 4-5 pieces of apparatus, and preferably 5 pieces of apparatus. The plurality of pieces of apparatus connected to the multi-functional module may be referred to as a 'ring', although of course the physical configuration of 577.01/G 14 the pieces exercise apparatus is not necessarily circular, and indeed may be any convenient configuration. The exercise apparatus in a ring may be of the same type (e.g. 5 hand-bikes, or 5 cross trainers), [which is generally to be preferred] or the ring may comprise a mixture of two or more different types (e.g. a mixture of hand bikes, recumbent bikes and cross trainers).

The fitness centre may conveniently comprise a plurality of rings (e.g. two, three, four, five or more), depending on the number of pieces of exercise apparatus contained in the fitness centre. Desirably, each of the rings feeds to a common energy bank module. Thus, a single energy bank module may be operably associated with a plurality of rings, each ring comprising a plurality of exercise stations.

Charge Regulation

It is advantageous for the fitness centre of the invention to comprise one or more charge regulators to regulate the amount of voltage and current presented to the battery, if the centre comprises a battery to store electrical power. Batteries are extremely sensitive to over-voltage or over-current conditions.

A rechargeable battery fundamentally converts electrical energy into chemical energy, which is how the energy is stored, and then the chemical energy is reconverted into electrical energy, which is how we get the electricity back.

During both of these processes, heat and gas are produced inside the battery. Usually this gas is recombined in the chemical process. Should it produce too much gas, a vent opens and the gas escapes to atmosphere. The gas is lost and so the battery has lost some of its ability to store energy. If a battery is charged too rapidly large quantities of gas are generated, which, in extreme cases can cause severe damage to the battery.

The use of a charge regulator prevents this. Suitable charge regulators are readily available commercially.

As mentioned above, the fitness centre of the first aspect may, in some embodiments or operating modes, feed electricity into a supply grid for consumption at a remote 577.01/G 15 location. The outdoor fitness centre may use electricity generated by exercising individuals to run a power-consuming facility in the fitness centre. The power- consuming facility may comprise one or more of the following: a light source; a display screen; music or public address system, optionally including at least one loudspeaker; and a monitor for monitoring at least one characteristic of the electricity generated at the fitness centre. The music system may comprise an MP3 player or other digital music file format player, typically inserted into a dock by a person using the exercise apparatus. Additionally, or alternatively, the music system may comprise a turntable, CD player and/or DVD player, and may comprise an amplifier.

The light source will typically comprise a plurality of light sources. These may comprise incandescent bulbs or, more preferably, a more efficient light source such as a low energy light bulb, a fluorescent tube, or a plurality of LEDs. The light sources can, if desired, include a combination of one or more of the foregoing.

The fitness centre of the first aspect of the invention may comprise one or more light sensors to detect the intensity of light in the environment of the fitness centre. Thus, for example, on a bright sunny day there will be ample ambient light, which will be detected by the one or more light sensors.

These will send a signal to a CPU or similar microprocessor, indicating that additional lighting is unnecessary. All electrical power generated at the fitness centre can then be diverted to other uses e.g. music system, or else stored in a storage device.

In preferred embodiments, the fitness centre of the invention will be essentially self- sufficient in terms of energy consumption, i.e. any and all energy consumed is obtained from integral sources within the facility. In preferred embodiments the integral source of electrical energy consists solely of electricity generated by people exercising in the apparatus. It is possible however (but not preferred) that this source may be augmented by one or more additional integral generators run from renewable sources. Thus, for example, the fitness centre may have an integral solar or wind- powered generator means. 577.01/G 16

In a second aspect, the invention provides a multi-functional energy bank module for use in the fitness centre of the first aspect of the invention, the energy bank module comprising:

a housing; and within the housing: electrical connections to cabling attaching the module to a plurality of exercise stations, one or more energy storage devices (preferably capacitors) to store energy generated at the attached exercise stations; a monitor to monitor at least one parameter regarding the amount and/or rate of energy generated at the attached exercise stations; and at least one display to display information about the amount and/or rate of energy generated at the attached exercise stations.

Preferably the module will additionally comprise any one or more of the following: a computer or microprocessor, one or more relays, and a 'ballast' resistor to which excess energy may be dumped.

Desirably the energy bank module is substantially water proof and vandal-resistant. Conveniently the module may comprise a separate ground-engaging anchor or plug, to which the housing is fastened.

Typically the energy bank module will be connected to a ring of exercise stations, preferably five such stations. The module may advantageously be connected to a plurality of rings, each of which will preferably comprise five exercise stations.

In a third aspect the invention provides a method of making a fitness centre in accordance with the first aspect defined above, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a least one piece of exercise apparatus, which when used by one or more individuals to exercise, generates useful electrical energy;

(b) providing an electrical connection between the exercise apparatus and an electricity-consuming facility within the fitness centre, and/or to an external electricity grid supply to enable the electricity to be consumed at a remote location; and

(c) optionally, providing a monitor to monitor the amount of energy generated by the one or more individuals. 577.01/G 17

Preferably the method of making the fitness centre includes the step of installing a multi-functional energy bank module according to the second aspect defined above, and electrically connecting a plurality of pieces of exercise apparatus to the energy bank module.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of generating electricity, the method comprising the step of:

(a) exercising using an exercise apparatus in a fitness centre according to the first aspect defined above, so as to generate electricity.

The method may further include the steps of:

(b) using the electricity so generated to run at least one energy-consuming facility in the fitness centre; and/or

(c) storing the electricity so generated in a storage component such as a battery or a capacitor; and/or

(d) supplying the electricity so generated to a electricity supply grid.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method of raising money for a charitable cause, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) arranging for a plurality of persons to utilise a fitness centre according to the first aspect of the invention defined above; and

(b) monitoring a characteristic of the electricity generated in step (a), the people being sponsored, at least in part, according to the value or magnitude of the monitored characteristic.

The monitored characteristic may be, for example, the power generated, the peak output power, the average power, the peak or average voltage, the peak or average current, and so on. The persons utilising the gym may, if desired, be organised into two or more teams which may compete against each other, with a prize or additional charitable donation being awarded to the best performing team. The persons may be sponsored as individuals or as teams. If sponsored as individuals, it may be advantageous for a solitary individual to use the fitness centre at any one time, so that 577.01/G 18 the performance of that individual can more readily be monitored; with a succession of individuals, one after the other.

In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a method of raising money for a charitable cause, the method comprising the steps of:

(b) using at least some of the electricity generated in step (a) to supply a utility company or other entity, the amount of electricity so supplied being monitored, and wherein the utility company or other entity so supplied makes a contribution to the selected charity, the size of which contribution is at least party proportional to the amount of electricity supplied.

For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby stated that the features described herein as "preferred", "preferable", "convenient", "advantageous" and the like may be present in the invention in isolation, or in any combination with any one or more other such features so described, unless the context dictates otherwise. In addition, features which are described as "preferred", "preferable", "convenient", "advantageous" or the like in relation to the one aspect of the invention will normally be applicable to the other aspects of the invention, unless the context dictates otherwise.

The invention will now be further described by way of illustrative example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a sectional view of one embodiment of a generator drive unit suitable for use in exercise apparatus intended for use with the fitness centres of the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, but through a plane at 90° to the section shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in figures 1 and 2; 577.01/G 19

Figure 4 is a perspective view (to a different scale) of a second embodiment of a generator drive unit suitable for use in exercise apparatus intended for use with the fitness centre of the first aspect of the invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of part of one embodiment of a power control unit, comprising a Shottky Bridge rectifier, of use in a fitness centre in accordance with the invention;

Figures 6 & 7 are schematic diagrams of one embodiment of a multi-functional energy bank module in accordance with the second aspect of the invention and of use in a fitness centre in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figures 8 & 9 are schematic illustrations showing embodiments in which one plurality and four pluralities, respectively, of exercise stations are connected to a common multi-functional energy bank module of the kind illustrated in Figures 6 & 7;

Figure 10 is a schematic representation showing how a multi-functional energy bank module of the kind illustrated in Figures 6 & 7 is electrically connected to a plurality of exercise stations and is anchored in the ground; and

Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of the connections between one representative piece of exercise apparatus, forming part of a ring, and a connected common multifunctional energy bank module of the kind illustrated in Figures 6 & 7.

Examples

Example 1

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, a generator drive system for incorporation in exercise apparatus for use in the fitness centres of the invention typically comprises an upright hollow member (2) with a transverse horizontal bore at the upper end thereof. In an exercise bike or cross-trainer, the upright hollow member (2) may form part of the exercise apparatus chassis, typically formed from steel. Within the transverse 577.01/G 20 horizontal bore is located a steel shaft (4), on either end of which is attached a cranked plate (6) with the projecting cranks (8) 180° out of phase with each other. Each crank plate (6) comprises a 12 mm thick circular disc. The cranks (8) can be covered with, or attached to, pedals or handles (10) denoted by dotted lines in Figure 1, as appropriate, depending on the design on the exercise apparatus. The crank plates (6) act as flywheels, with high angular inertia, to smooth the rotation of the shaft (4). To assist in this, it may be desired to concentrate the mass of the crank plates (6) towards the outer periphery thereof. One or more apertures may be provided near the central portion of the crank plates (6) to assist in this connection.

Also mounted on the shaft (4), on one side thereof and internal of the crank plate (6), is a circular drive pulley (12). This is best seen in Figure 2, which is a section at 90° to the section illustrated in Figure 1 , and with the crank plates omitted for clarity.

In the illustrated embodiment, the drive pulley is formed from four essentially identical 90° sectors, which are keyed together with a jigsaw type connection to make the complete drive pulley. The joins between the sections are denoted by reference numeral (13). (In other embodiments the drive pulley may be formed as a single component.) The drive pulley has two raised flange portions around its periphery, which flange portions define the side walls of a shallow channel. The channel is toothed, to engage with a toothed drive belt (14). The drive pulley components are formed from extruded aluminium which are hard anodised to resist wear. The drive pulley (12) is clamped or otherwise attached to the crank plate (6).

To maximise the electrical energy generated, it is desirable that the crank bearings have low friction coefficients. Accordingly a rolling element bearing, such as ball bearings, are preferred.

The drive belt (14) is formed from polyurethane and has a pitch of 5mm and a width of between 15 and 20mm. The drive belt passes over an idler bearing (16) (shown in dotted lines in Figure 1) and around a toothed driven pulley (18). The idler bearing (16) helps in maintaining and adjusting the tension of the drive belt (14), but other methods of achieving this (e.g. by rotating motor/generator unit (22)) are 577.01/G 21 contemplated. The drive pulley (12) has 184 teeth, whilst the driven pulley (18) has 19 teeth, creating a drive ratio of 9.7: 1. Other drive ratios may of course be employed.

The driven pulley (18) is keyed to a shaft (20) which turns a gear wheel, (providing a further drive ratio), which in turn rotates a motor/generator unit (22).

As seen in Figure 3, the entire generator drive unit is enclosed within a metal housing (24), to make the unit weatherproof and vandal-resistant, suitable for use outdoors.

Example 2

Figure 4 illustrates a second embodiment of a generator drive unit suitable for use in a fitness centre in accordance with the invention. Components which have the same function as those illustrated in Figures 1-3 are denoted by common reference numerals.

The arrangement is generally similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-3, with crank plates (6) turning a drive pulley (12). The toothed drive pulley (12) engages with a toothed drive belt (14), which turns a driven pulley (18). The driven pulley is keyed to a shaft (20) which turns a gear wheel (providing a further drive ratio increase), which forms an integral component of motor/generator unit (22).

The drive pulley (12) has 105 teeth, and the driven pulley has between 30 to 35 teeth, giving a ratio of about 3: 1 to 3.5:1. The gearbox provides a further 10: 1 drive ratio, so that the overall ratio is about 30 to 35:1 (i.e. 1 revolution of the crank plate produces 30 to 35 revolutions of the generator).

Example 3

Figure 5 shows a circuit diagram for a power control unit useful in the fitness centre of the first aspect of the invention. The power control circuit comprises a 50 amp Shottky Bridge rectifier (26), and an 15 amp blade fuse (28): each unit is individually 577.01/G 22 fused to protect against fault conditions. The unit also has connections (30) to the generator associated with the exercise apparatus. Connections (30) take the form of a waterproof 3pin XLR connector, although other connectors may be used. The Shottky Bridge rectifier component both prevents an unloaded generator from acting as a motor, and also acts to share the load as each generator exceeds the quiescent voltage on the shared circuit. This has the advantage that the exercise apparatus can be wired simply in parallel.

Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of a multi-functional module or "energy bank" useful in the fitness centre of the invention, and Figure 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of the energy bank. Common reference numerals are used in Figures 6 & 7 to denote identical or equivalent components. Referring to Figure 6, the module comprises an outer housing (32), about 2m high, 60cm wide, and 60cm deep. The housing is made from double-folded steel composite sheet, welded along the mating faces. Although not shown, the housing preferably has a conical top or raised lid to prevent standing water settling on top of the housing.

The module is anchored, below ground level, to a concrete footing. Conventional electrical cabling, clad in PVC insulation, connects the module to a 'ring' of five pieces of exercise apparatus. The cabling from the exercise apparatus runs underground and enters the module from beneath, where it feeds into junction boxes and bus bars 34. The module comprises a shunt 36 - a very low value resistor, with an accurately calibrated and known resistance. Measuring the voltage drop across the shunt allows the determination of the current (by Ohm's Law) flowing through the shunt. As all the current from the attached exercise apparatus flows through the shunt, the total current being generated in the 'ring' can be measured in Amps. Multiplying the measured voltage by the calculated current in turn allows identification of the electrical power (in Watts) being generated by the ring.

The module further comprises a computer/processor 38 which measures the voltage across the shunt 36 and calculates the current and power, up to 30 times a second, and outputs the cumulative results to an eight digit, seven segment, LED display 40, which displays accumulated kilowatt hours. The kilowatt hour displays use high 577.01/G 23 efficiency doped gallium arsenide LEDs in 'light pipes' to produce intense light output with excellent contrast ratios whilst still only requiring a modest power consumption.

The contrast ratio is increased by putting a matt acrylic bezel over the front of the displays.

By using the same system of calculation, it is also possible to measure the instantaneous energy being generated (as opposed to the energy being generated over one hour). This instantaneous energy is displayed using 15 discrete LED lamps to indicate how much power all of the pieces of exercise apparatus are generating at any moment in time. This information is fed to a separate "instantaneous" LED bargraph display (42).

The bargraph display is dynamic and soon as the peddling (or other exercise) stops the display will collapse. The kilowatt hour metres however continually store their totalised readings and when everybody stops peddling or exercising, and there is no longer any energy to illuminate the displays, the last value is saved into non- volatile memory as the power is lost.

The bargraph technology is LED/phosphor having a relatively narrow beam angle and producing an intense true coloured light output. The stored energy meter will also use this type of technology. The kilowatt hour and charge status displays are mounted behind thick acrylic panels which are bolted onto the rear surface of the front panel using hidden welded studs.

It is possible to measure the ambient lighting level, and increase or decrease the amount of energy emitted by the displays, as appropriate, to conserve energy.

The acrylic panels are then sealed with silicon sealant before being bolted onto the front panel. This provides an exceptionally good waterproof interface while maintaining excellent mechanical durability. 577.01/G 24

The displays (40, 42) on the multi-functional module may include numerical displays, but may also preferably comprise a qualitative display. One embodiment comprises a series or array of illuminating elements, arranged so as to indicate an increasing or decreasing rate of power generation. For example, as power generation increases, an increasing number of illuminating elements may be lit. Optionally, the illuminating elements may be of different colours, with a first block of elements being of a first colour, a second block or series of elements being of a second colour, and further blocks or series of elements being further colours. In this way, the displays can provide an indication of the rate of power generation to a user in a simple intuitive manner in the form of a bar graph or the like. If desired, fixed values or a scale of some kind can be presented on the module adjacent to the display. These may be numerical values (e.g. a range from 10 watts to 1 kilowatt) and/or may include visual representations of everyday objects which typically consume certain levels of electrical power (e.g. a low energy light bulb for 10 watts; a conventional incandescent light bulb for 60 watts; a computer tower for 200 watts; a large flat screen television for 500 watts; and a domestic microwave oven for 1 kilowatt).

The power consumption by the displays on the module is low. Assuming a constant input by users over a full hour the power consumption of the displays would be expected to be between 20 and 40 W hours. If power is generated for less than a full hour, the rate of power consumption by the displays would be less.

Referring again to Figure 6, the module comprises a plurality of capacitors (44), to store the electrical power generated by the exercisers using the exercise apparatus in the ring connected to the module. When the module contains sufficient charge, power can be taken from the 'energy bank' to supply an external grid or energy-consuming item via connector (45). The charge state of the apparatus can be shown on a further "charge state display" (41).

Referring to Figure 7, the module contains a progressive level comparator (46) which, depending on the amount of power being generated, can trigger a low voltage relay (48) or an over voltage relay (50). The over voltage relay (50) can 'dump' energy to the overcharge ballast resistors (52). 577.01/G 25

Example 4 Connecting the exercise apparatus to the multi-functional module

As shown in Figure 7, five pieces of exercise apparatus, A-E, are in a ring which feeds into the multi-functional 'energy bank' module. This is in order to minimise voltage drop and the size of the interconnecting cables. The ends of the 'ring' will be connected together inside the energy bank.

So, for example, an outdoor fitness centre with ten pieces of exercise equipment connected to one display would therefore require two electrical 'rings' of cable. Twenty pieces of equipment would have four 'rings' and thirty pieces of equipment would have six 'rings'.

The energy bank module provides a durable power gathering system as well as a standard power 'interconnection unit' for design planning and installation.

The 'ring' cable has two conductors; (one positive and one negative). Each cable also has a safety earth drain wire that bonds all the metallic components of the exercise equipment together and ultimately is connected to 'ground'.

The power collecting cables are individually insulated with a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) sheath and both cables and the unsheathed earth drain wire are encased in an overall PVC sheath. The installed cable is mechanically durable and has a long operational life.

Each conductor has a cross-sectional area of 4 mm² with a nominal single ended capability of 40 Amps. Each electrical 'ring' is capable of delivering up to 1000 W at 24 V with the minimum of voltage drop.

Figure 8 illustrates schematically the arrangement of a typical 'ring'. The ring comprises five exercise stations A-E, each station having a piece of exercise apparatus and an associated power control unit (comprising a Shottky Bridge rectifier). In the illustrated embodiment, each piece of exercise apparatus is the same, but this is not 577.01/G 26 necessary. The cabling connecting the ring to the energy bank (the position of which is indicated by the arrows in the Figure) is standard 4mm² twin and earth cable with PVC insulation, of the sort used for domestic wiring. The cable is run underground to render it vandal-proof.

Figure 9 illustrates schematically an arrangement for an outdoor fitness centre of the invention, in which a central common energy bank module (53) is operably connected to four rings (i) to (iv), each ring being of the type illustrated in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of an 'energy bank' module of use in the outdoor fitness centre of the invention. The module (53) includes a display (40) showing the accumulated kilowatt hours of power generated by people using the associated exercise apparatus, and a second display, (42), which comprises an ascending array of three differently coloured LED elements, which gives a qualitative indication of the instantaneous rate of power generation, in which increasing power generation increases the number of LED elements illuminated, in ascending order from top to bottom so that, at peak generation, all of the LED elements are illuminated.

To install the energy bank module, a ground-engaging anchor or plug (58) is first securely sunk into the ground and projects above ground level. Cabling (60) from the one or more associated rings is clipped to the ground and enters the plug (58) through an aperture therein. The cables are then directed upwards, as indicated by arrow (59) in the Figure, ready for attachment to junction boxes/bus bars.

The cabling (60) from the exercise stations in the ring, and the base of the plug (58), are then covered by a layer of concrete (62). The concrete is high enough to cover the aperture(s) in the plug (58) through which the cables enter the plug, so that the cabling is essentially inaccessible from the outside. Once the concrete has hardened, the exercise equipment is installed and the electrical connections made. The module (53) is connected to the cabling inside the plug and lowered into position. The module is bolted and securely fastened by large metal bolts. 577.01/G 27

Figure 11 is a schematic representation of the connections between one piece of exercise apparatus in one "ring" and a multi-functional energy bank module in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. Components to the right of the broken line are housed within the energy bank module.

The exercise apparatus comprises a 24 V DC generator 70, which feeds electricity to a power control unit 72 via a flexible connection terminating in a waterproof, three pin XLR connector. A screw terminal box 74, inside the power control unit 72 secures power leads which exit the power control unit via water resistant glands. The positive and negative feeds from the exercise apparatus enter the multi-functional energy module and are secured at respective positive and negative screw terminals 76 and 78. The positive feed passes through a summing resistor 80, fuse 82 and diode 84 before connecting to a positive busbar 86 and thence to storage capacitors etc. The negative feed connects to a negative busbar 88 and thence to storage capacitors etc.

The resistor 80 gives a measure of 'balance' between the various rings. If the people exercising on one ring suddenly speed up, the resistor absorbs the initial increase in energy before the current through it stabilises the circuit.

This prevents a sudden 'stiffness' being encountered by the people on the high output ring, as well as preventing a sudden drop in resistance on the other ring(s) that are producing less energy.

The diode prevents the possibility of a short-circuit causing any damage to the pieces of gym equipment, the interconnecting cabling, the display unit and anybody working on an active circuit.

These diodes should be very big, preferably rated to 200 Amps or more. Example 5 - utilising the energy generated

Part of the energy generated by the exercisers is used to power the displays and electronics within the energy bank. 577.01/G 28

Additionally, some of the energy can be used to power lighting. This facility may be light-sensitive, so that power is only diverted to the lighting system when ambient light levels are low. In one embodiment the lighting system comprises a plurality of individual LED lights distributed around a given area. These lights can optionally be fitted with small nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride batteries which will maintain a charge, under the right circumstances, for up to 12 hours. This requires the installation of a low voltage cable around the lighting circuit.

In a preferred embodiment, the fitness system will be able to supply electricity to an external power grid, conveniently via an inverter.

Desirably therefore, electricity that has been generated using the exercise apparatus and stored in e.g. the capacitors, can be delivered to a small enclosure which contains an inverter, and a 240 V main supply. These should be kept separate from the rest of the fitness centre for safety reasons.

The inverter is used to turn the 24V DC from the fitness centre into 240 V AC. It must also be synchronised with the frequency 50 Hz (e.g. mains cycle). Under these conditions, energy stored in the capacitors can then be downloaded into an external grid.

The amount of energy being transferred to the external grid can be very accurately logged and this information will sent via an e.g. Internet connection to a host computer which determines the cash value of the uploaded electricity.

Finally, it is envisaged that periodically somebody may wish to utilise the stored electricity for a given event.

Under these circumstances, lead acid accumulators can be brought to the fitness centre and plugged into the energy bank. The batteries can then be charged over a given time period and the stored energy can then be used as appropriate.

Example 6-Waterproofing the system 577.01/G 29

The generator contained inside the exercise apparatus is connected to the power control unit via a water resistant keyed XLR connector. The power control unit is a water resistant enclosure designed to be intrinsically safe even if filled with water. The cables themselves are covered in PVC (polyvinyl chloride) which is exceptionally waterproof.

The interconnecting cables come up into the energy bank where they are terminated at least 200 mm above finished ground level to avoid the possibility of flooding. The rear door of the energy bank closes over a lip standing proud around the access hole. Any water, running down the back of the unit, that does get through the door seal, is diverted around this lip, to drip off the bottom without gaining access to the internal workings of the energy bank.

On the front of the energy bank, the instantaneous power display bargraph is made up of focused light emitting diodes which are sealed in an epoxy resin and are inherently waterproof. These lamps are snapped into the holes in the front panel of the display column and then mechanically fixed internally and sealed with a silicon compound.

The kilowatt hour and charge status displays are mounted behind thick acrylic panels which are bolted onto the rear surface of the front panel using hidden welded studs.

The acrylic panels are then sealed with silicon sealant before being bolted onto the front panel. This provides an exceptionally good waterproof interface while maintaining excellent mechanical durability.

Claims

577.01/G 30 Claims

1. An outdoor fitness centre comprising;

at least one exercise station, having an exercise apparatus which, when used by one or more individuals to exercise, generates useful electrical energy;

and an electrical energy monitor to monitor at least one parameter regarding the amount and/or rate of energy generated by one or more users of the exercise apparatus.

2. A fitness centre according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of exercise stations, each station having a respective piece of exercise apparatus.

3. A fitness centre according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an exercise apparatus is operably associated with a power control unit, wherein the power control unit operates to prevent electrical energy generated at a first exercise station being used to drive a motor/generator at an electrically connected second exercise station.

4. A fitness centre according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an exercise apparatus is operably associated with a power control unit, wherein the power control unit operates to ensure that the polarity of the voltage generated at an exercise station is positive, regardless of the direction of rotation of the exercise apparatus.

5. A fitness centre according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the power control unit comprises a Shottky Bridge rectifier.

6. A fitness centre according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one display, which displays information about one or more of the parameters monitored by the monitor and/or information about the amount and/or rate of energy generation.

7. A fitness centre according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an energy storage unit or collecting module to store energy generated in the fitness centre.

577.01/G 31

8. A fitness centre according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a ring of a plurality of exercise stations, each being electrically connected to a common electrical energy collecting module or energy bank.

9. A fitness centre according to claim 8, comprising up to five exercise stations in the ring.

10. A fitness centre according to claim 9, comprising five exercise stations in the ring.

11. A fitness centre according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein a plurality of rings are attached to a common electrical energy collecting module.

12. A fitness centre according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fitness centre comprises an energy storage unit in the form of one or more capacitors, and/or a valve- regulated lead acid battery.

13. A fitness centre according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein the common electrical energy collecting module comprises one or more capacitors.

14. A fitness centre according to any one of claims 8-11 or 13, wherein the common electrical energy collecting module is a multi-functional module and additionally comprises any one or more of the following:

a monitor to monitor at least one parameter regarding the amount and/or rate of energy generated; a shunt, and means for measuring the voltage drop across the shunt; a computer or microprocessor; a memory, especially a non- volatile memory; one or more displays; and one or more relays which are activated by a monitored parameter.

15. A fitness centre according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an inverter.

16. A multi-functional energy bank module for use in the fitness centre of any one of the preceding claims, the energy bank module comprising:

a housing; and within the housing: electrical connections to cabling attaching the module to a plurality of exercise stations, one or more energy storage devices

577.01/G 32

(preferably capacitors) to store energy generated at the attached exercise stations; a monitor to monitor at least one parameter regarding the amount and/or rate of energy generated at the attached exercise stations; and at least one display to display information about the amount and/or rate of energy generated at the attached exercise stations.

17. A multi-functional module according to claim 16, additionally comprising any one or more of the following: a computer or microprocessor, one or more relays, and a 'ballast' resistor to which excess energy may be dumped.

18. A module according to claim 16 or 17, additionally comprising, as a separate component, a ground-engaging anchor or plug.

19. A method of making a fitness centre in accordance with any one of claims 1-15, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing at least one piece of exercise apparatus, which when used by one or more

(b) providing an electrical connection between the exercise apparatus and an electrical connection between the exercise apparatus and an electricity- consuming facility within the fitness centre, and/or to an external electricity grid supply to enable the electricity to be consumed at a remote location; and

(c) optionally, providing a monitor to monitor the amount of energy generated by the one or more individuals.

20. A method according to claim 19, comprising the step of installing a multi-functional energy bank module according to any one of claims 16-18, and electrically connecting a plurality of pieces of exercise apparatus to the energy bank module.

21. A method of generating electricity, the method comprising the step of:

(a) exercising using an exercise apparatus in a fitness centre according to any one of claims 1-15, so as to generate electricity.

22. A method according to claim 21, further comprising the steps of:

577.01/G 33

(b) using the electricity so generated to run at least one energy- consuming facility in the fitness centre; and/or

(d) supplying the electricity so generated to a electricity supply grid.

23. An outdoor fitness centre substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. A multi-functional energy bank module substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.