AU2003254750A1 - Resistance exercising device - Google Patents

Description

RESISTANCE EXERCISING DEVICE Field of Invention This invention relates to a resistance exercising device in particular, but not limited to a resistance bench.

Background of Invention Health and fitness are of paramount importance to many people-young and old. Some of the most popular activities to improve physical fitness and health include walking, running, jogging, skating, or some other lower body intensive activity. Although these activities improve cardiovascular fitness and exercise the lower body, they do not provide substantial exercise for the upper body.

Various exercise devices have been proposed that are intended as accessories in walking, jogging, resistance training or aerobics, and are well known in the prior art. Some of these devices rely on the user to provide resistance. There are known workout devices which impart resistance to the user. Some of these devices have rotatable pulleys having a length of cord operatively wound thereabout and provide the necessary resistance to unwinding the exercise cord by either establishing a compressive force against the cord itself or by winding the cord about one or a series of capstands. Such structural limitations give rise to various operational limitations and further cause the exercise cord to wear excessively during the use of the exercise device, thus reducing the efficiency and life of the exercise device. Other devices rely on cables and pulleys to provide a frictional force against a pulley or cable spool to impart resistance against the rotational movement of the pulley by a flexible cord or cable. Other devices impart a biasing resistance to the pulley or spool by the action of a spiral coiled spring.

Generally the above known devices are limited to the type of exercise that they can provide and are limited to targeting only a certain part (or parts) of the body. Also the known devices are usually cumbersome to use and take up a lot of valuable floor space and are not easily portable. Another disadvantage is that some of the known devices can allow "cheating" (a common phrase used in muscle-fitness exercising), as the person exercising makes up a supporting part of the device action. Traditionally "cheating" is performed by using body momentum to counterswing the forces of resistance back to a manageable level for the person exercising and it can lead to a less effective workout being achieved.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide a resistance exercising device that seeks to ameliorate some of the disadvantages and limitations of the known art or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Statement of the Invention In a first aspect the invention resides in a. resistance exercising device, typically a resistance bench, for body fitness and weight training exercises including a housing, at least one biasing means, at least one internal cable, at least one pulley, at least one external cable and gripping means, wherein i. said biasing means is adapted to be connected to an internal side wall of the housing, ii. said pulley is adapted to be rotatably fixed to a side wall of the housing opposite to the internal side wall the biasing means is connected, iii. said biasing means and said pulley are adapted to be connected to one another by said internal cable that is adapted to be wound onto and unwound from said pulley, iv. said pulley is adapted to be connected to one end of said external cable that is adapted to be wound onto and unwound from said pulley, and v. said gripping means are adapted to be gripped by the hands or feet/legs of a user and are adapted to be connected to the other end of said external cable, wherein in use as a user extends said gripping means away from the resistance exercising device said external cable is unwound from said pulley causing said internal cable to wind on to said pulley and to cause biasing means to extend against the bias of the biasing means such that the greater the distance the biasing means extends the greater the resistance applied to the user and such that as user releases said gripping means said external cable is wound onto said pulley and said internal cable is unwound from said pulley under the action from the biasing means.

Preferably the biasing means is a spring mechanism, preferably a closed spring mechanism.

Preferably the biasing means is, an elastically stretchable material or any other suitable resistance element adapted to apply a resistive force when stretched.

Preferably within the housing there are multiple biasing means connected to the internal side wall and connected to the internal cable.

Preferably there is further pulley rotatably fixed to the opposite wall that the other pulley is fixed, wherein the further pulley is connected to another biasing means connected to an internal side wall of the housing by a further internal cable and the further pulley connected to a further external cable having hand/leg holding means.

Preferably an outer surface of the housing is upholstered or covered typically a padded vinyl material or with a suitable similar material.

Preferably the housing has a seat portion, and adjustable retractable leg to allow resistance exerciser device to be positioned on the floor.

Preferably the legs can be extended from a position flush with the side walls of the housing to a fully extended position, and may have additional support levers extending to add support when in use solely as a seat.

Preferably the outer surface of the seat portion is upholstered.

Preferably the resistance exercising device is portable.

Preferably the resistance exercising devices is made from lightweight durable materials, typically lightweight metals and/or plastics such that the resistance exercising device can be easily lifted and used in any exercising position.

Preferably the pulley has a first hub to which the internal cable is connected and a second hub to which the external cable is connected.

Preferably the second hub has a greater diameter of the first hub.

Preferably the pulley has a first to second hub ratio of 3:1.

Preferably the biasing means is connected to the internal side wall and to the internal cable by releasable fasteners.

Preferably the gripping means are connected to the external cable by releasable fasteners.

Preferably the gripping means have moulded hand/leg grips.

Preferably the housing has a door which allows access to the interior of the housing.

Preferably the housing has handles attached to thereto to allow for easy transportation thereof.

Preferably another external cable can be attached to said external cable to lengthen it.

Preferably the housing has a back support attached wherein the back-support can be adjusted to a plurality of positions.

Preferably an outer surface of the back support is upholstered.

Preferably the gripping means are ankle straps adapted to allow the external cable to be pulled by the ankle of a user.

Preferably the housing is fitted with wheels adapted to allow the housing to move so that additional exercises can be performed as the housing moves relative to the surface it is situated.

Any other aspect herein described.

Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the present invention be better understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying illustrations wherein: Figure 1 shows the invention from a side view perspective, whilst at rest; Figure 2 shows the invention from a bottom view perspective, whilst at rest; Figure 3 shows the invention from a bottom view perspective, whilst in operation, with all four handles 1 being attached; Figure 4 shows the invention from an end view perspective, whilst at rest, with legs extended and back support unextended.

Detailed Description of the Drawingqs The device is an all-inclusive self-contained system for use in a.

comprehensive range of body-fitness and weight training exercises.

This invention provides an enclosed rectangular prism like space containing specialised hub-pulleys, cables, springs, fasteners, rubbers and spare hand/foot handles. Externally, it has attachable hand/foot handles, fasteners, cables, upholstered seat and upholstered adjustable back-rest, adjustable/retractable legs (the shafts of which may form the internal mountings for the internal springs).

There are preferably at least two springs internally. These are closed springs the coils of each individual spring are touching each other until they are pulled apart). These springs are attached to the internal walls of the bench with mountings. The other end of the springs are attached to internal cables, which in turn, are attached to the smallest hub of a 3:1 ratio hub-pulley. There are external cables attached to the two larger hubs of this hub-pulley. There are hand/foot handles attached to these external cables.

Referring to Figure 1, it can be seen that the resistance bench according to this invention comprises a rectangular metal casing a comprised of shaped metal, having mountings 8 fastening in place spring tubular casings 7 which may be made of a plastic composite material and hold springs 6 in place. These casings allow the springs to be extended whilst the device is in an extended phase of its operating function, as can be observed in Figure 3.

One end of the springs 6 are attached to the same mountings 8 as the spring tubular casings 7. The springs 6 can be attached or unattached to hook fasteners 15 which are permanently attached to metal rod 14, this allows one or more springs 6 to be engaged in the operation of the device. The metal rod 14 is attached to the internal cable 5 which is pulled by the turning of the internal/external hub 4, which is turned by the attached outer drums 3 as the external cable 2 is pulled by the foot/hand handles 1.

All of the internal parts mentioned are duplicated at the adjacent end of the resistance bench, allowing foot/hand handles 1 to be manipulated from each end of the resistance bench.

Figure 3 shows the resistance bench at full extension, with one spring 6 in use. Several springs 6 may be used, corresponding to the number of springs 6 being coupled to the hook fasteners 15. With each added spring increased resistance will be achieved.

Figure 4 shows how at one end of the resistance bench a foot/handle 1 that is not in use can be detached at attachment clips 16 and fastened to metal casing 9 with storing clips 17.

It will be realised that the resistance bench device as an invention is not restricted to the use of a very narrow range of materials, there being several materials that may be used, and for the fasteners, clips and mountings any number of suitable, appropriate and efficient types of design may be used.

It will also be realised that there are a number of ways in which the device may be bolstered to allow easily applied added resistance. One example being the adding of half-inch diameter rubbers, (of the kind used on spear-guns) to the spring 6 and extending from the mountings 8 toward and attached to the hookfasteners The process by which this invention works as used by a person is described as follows: A person places the resistance bench in the appropriate place on their body to enable a particular specialised exercise to be performed by pulling on the cables to an extended or part thereof position. This process extends the springs up to and including the point of being fully opened to the extent that the device will allow. By using a 3:1 (or similar) ratio hub-pulley, a spring of very great strength can be used to allow a long extension of the cables, with a lesser extending of the springs relative to the extending of the cables. More than one spring on each internal end can be used, and utilising a fastener that can be attached to one or multiple springs allows increasing resistance to be easily applied by internal adjustment between repetitions of exercises. Rubbers can also easily be attached to the fasteners for a very light high repetition workouts or to bolster a high resistance multiple spring workout.

Preferably the foot/handle can be replaced with ankle straps adapted to allow the external cable to be pulled by the ankle of a user.

Preferably the housing can be fitted with ground engaging wheels adapted to allow the housing to move so that additional exercises can be performed as the housing moves relative to the surface it is situated.

This device may be utilised by a person to perform a range of exercises in excess of a standard weight bench (using free weights), as it does not merely sit on the floor with the option to incline half of it. It can be positioned appropriately for any exercise, anywhere on the human body. It does not rely on gravity to create resistance, and does not rely on heavy weights, it is lightweight, is less bulky and of a smaller more useable size.

This invention is portable, and very conveniently portable. It folds from a compact size into an adequately sized weight bench, with back support. It can be used merely as a seat whilst between exercises.

Advantaqes This device has a significant advantage in its use, over the use of free weights or hydraulics in a very important and significant respect. This is that there is an increase in resistance toward the full extension of the repetition due to the use of springs, rubbers and hub-pulleys. The human arm, leg and body are effectively stronger the nearer they are to being fully extended, and this device allows greater resistance at these crucial sections of an exercise.

Another advantage of this invention is that it is much less prone to this manipulation as the manipulation will be felt directly at the anchor point for an exercise and will be transferred as increased resistance at the cable handles, this will not create inappropriate strain on the body in the way that free weights or others can when they are used on a stationary weight bench.

Variations It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims this specification the word "compromise" and variations of that word such as "compromises" and "compromising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

DATED THIS 1 7 TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2003 By its Patent Attorneys Pipers Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys

Claims (20)

1. A resistance exercising device, typically a resistance bench, for body fitness and weight training exercises including a housing, at least one biasing means, at least one internal cable, at least one pulley, at least one external cable and hand/leg holding means, wherein i. said biasing means is adapted to be connected to an internal side wall of the housing, ii. said pulley is adapted to be rotatably fixed to a side wall of the housing opposite to the internal side wall the biasing means is connected, iii. said biasing means and said pulley are adapted to be connected to one another by said internal cable that is adapted to be wound onto and unwound from said pulley, iv. said pulley is adapted to be connected to one end of said external cable that is adapted to be wound onto and unwound from said pulley, and v. said gripping means are adapted to be connected to the other end of said external cable, wherein in use as a user extends said gripping means away from the resistance exercising device said external cable is unwound from said pulley causing said internal cable to wind on to said pulley and to cause biasing means to extend against the bias of the biasing means such that the greater the distance the biasing means extends the greater the resistance applied to the user and such that as user releases said gripping said external cable is wound onto said pulley and said internal cable is unwound from said pulley under the action from the biasing means.

2. The resistance exercising device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the biasing means is a spring mechanism, preferably a closed spring mechanism.

3. The resistance exercising device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein within the housing there are multiple biasing means connected to the internal side wall and connected to the internal cable.

4. The resistance exercising device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a further pulley is rotatably fixed to the opposite wall that the other pulley is fixed, wherein the further pulley is connected to another biasing means connected to an internal side wall of the housing by a further internal cable and the further pulley connected to a further external cable having hand/leg holding means. The resistance exercising device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein an outer surface of the housing is upholstered or covered typically a padded vinyl material or with a suitable similar material.

6. The resistance exercising device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing has a seat portion, and adjustable retractable leg to allow resistance exerciser device to be positioned on the floor.

7. The resistance exercising device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the legs can be extended from a position flush with the side walls of the housing to a fully extended position, and may have additional support levers extending to add support when in use solely as a seat.

8. The resistance exercising device as claimed in claim 6 wherein an outer surface of the seat portion is upholstered.

9. The resistance exercising device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the resistance exercising device is portable. resistance exercising device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the resistance exercising device is made from lightweight durable materials, typically lightweight metals and/or plastics such that the resistance exercising device can be easily lifted and used in any exercising position.

11.The resistance device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the pulley has a first hub to which the internal cable is connected and a second hub to which the external cable is connected.

12.The resistance exercising device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the second hub has a greater diameter of the first hub.

13.The resistance exercising device as claimed in claim 11 or 12 wherein the pulley has a first to second hub ratio of 3:1.

14.The resistance exercising device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the biasing means is connected to the internal side wall and to the internal cable by releasable fasteners. resistance exercising device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the grippings means are connected to the external cable by releasable fasteners.

16.The resistance exercising device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the gripping means has moulded hand/leg grips.

17.The resistance exercising device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims where in the housing has a door which allows access to the interior of the housing.

18. The resistance device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing has handles attached to thereto to allow for easy transportation thereof.

19.The resistance exercising device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein external cable another external cable can be attached to said external cable to lengthen it. resistance exercising device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing has a back support wherein the back-support can be adjusted to a plurality of positions.

21.The resistance exercising device as claimed in claim 20 wherein an outer surface of the back support is upholstered.

22.The resistance exercising device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the biasing means is an elastically stretchable material or any other suitable resistance element adapted to apply a resistive force when stretched.

23.The resistance exercising device as claimed in Claim 15 wherein the gripping means are ankle straps adapted to allow the external cable to be pulled by the ankle of a user.

24.The resistance exercising device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing is fitted with wheels adapted to allow the housing to move so that additional exercises can be performed as the housing moves relative to the surface it is situated. resistance exercising device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.