AU727828B3 - Exercise equipment - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A PETTY PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor: Address for Service: Invention Title: ANDY GORDON ANDY GORDON CULLEN CO., Patent Trade Mark Attorneys, 239 George Street, Brisbane, QId. 4000, Australia.

EXERCISE EQUIPMENT Details of Associated Provisional Applications: The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me: EXERCISE EQUIPMENT TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to exercise equipment and in particular weightless exercise equipment.

BACKGROUND ART In general there are two categories of exercise equipment, a first category in which exercises are performed against the resistance of weights, pneumatic or hydraulic resistances and a second category of weightless or free exercise equipment where exercises are performed utilising a persons body weight as resistance.

Common forms of weightless exercise equipment include pullup and dipping bars, gymnastics rings and the like. Whilst this equipment is generally less bulky than weight and other types of equipment, each individual piece of equipment usually only provides for one or a limited number of exercises to be performed. Semi-permanent installation of this type of equipment also may also be reqtjired.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus which will enable a range of exercises to be performed which is unobtrusive, and which can if required be reduced to a compact form for storage.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided exercise apparatus comprising a handgrip at variable heights above a surface in such a manner that a gripping portion of the handgrip is presented on a horizontal plane.

The length of the means for suspending the handgrip is adjustable to enable a user to form a range of exercises against his or her bodyweight when the handgrip is at different heights.

Push-ups, raises, dips and rowing exercises may be performed when the suspension means is fully extended, and chin, curl and pull- up exercises may be performed when the suspension means is shortened or eliminated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 is a perspective view of exercise apparatus in accordance with one possible embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 are diagrammatic drawings showing a varied range of exercises which may be performed with the apparatus of figure 1.

With respect to the drawings the apparatus in accordance with the present invention can include a set of hand grips generally indicated by arrow 1 capable of being suspended from an overhead position.

Each element of the set is provided with means generally indicated by arrow 3 for suspending the hand grip 2 at variable heights above a surface.

Each hand grip 2 may be substantially U-Shaped and connected to the suspension means 3 in such a manner that a gripping part of the hand grip is presented on a substantially horizontal plane.

Alternatively the handgrip may be formed from a triangular loop.

The hand grip 2 can be attached to the suspension means in such a manner that it can swivel with respect to same.

The handgrip may be provided a rotatable grip.

The length of the suspension means can be adjusted by the user to enable the user to perform exercises against fIis or her own body weight.

The apparatus may include the illustrated-i4Mni" for semipermanent attachment to an overhead part of a structure such-as a'door arch, beam, chin up bar or the like.

Each element of the set of apparatus may include a metal hook connectable to an overhead eyelet, hook, chin up bar or such like (not shown) by the illustrated adjustable webbing strap 6 via ringlets 7. The hook may be covered with a non-slip sleeve.

Alternatively the hooks may be substituted by wrap around straps, e.g. Velcro TM straps, leather straps, synthetic webbings or the like.

The hand grip 2 may be suspended from the adjustable webbing strap 6 via ringlets 7a, a openable loop 8, a swivel 9 and a ringlet in the arrangement illustrated.

The handgrip may be suspended from the strap 6 by belting or webbing (not shown).

The handgrip may also be in the form of a closed loop comprising a horizontal gripping portion and an arched portion to which the swivel 9 can be directly connected.

The strap 6 is adjustable in length.

In the embodiment illustrated the strap comprises a length of webbing having a return adjustable via a closed buckle on an underlying portion of the web. When the buckle is moved down the strap lengthens and when the buckle is moved up the strap shortens and in all instances the closed buckle locks the free end of the strap on the underlying portion of strap.

The arrangement connecting the lower end of the strap 7 to the hand grip enables the device to be dismantled and the hand grips attached directly to an overhead bar or hook for pull-up type exercises.

As is illustrated by figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 there are numerous exercise options available when the device is used in conjunction with the straps including push-up type exercises (figure 2) dip type exercises (figure rowing type exercises (figure 4) and pull-up or chin type exercises (figure The push-up style exercises of figure 2 and the rowing style exercises of figure 4 may be enhanced by placement of the feet on a chair or stool as illustrated.

Whilst elements of the apparatus have been described by way of example it is to be appreciated that equivalent elements may be substituted. For example, the suspension device constructed of nylon or synthetic webbing may be replaced by a chain. The clips hooks and ringlets illustrated may vary in type and shape.

It is accepted that weightless exercises of the type described and illustrated have particular benefits for larger muscle groups, the nervous and circulatory systems associated with muscle function and the present invention provides for the performance of a large range of key exercises at a relatively modest cost.

The equipment is unobtrusive and can be stored in a small space when not in use.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that modifications and additions thereto may be made without departing from the scope thereof, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (2)

1. Exercise apparatus comprising a pair of handgrips and non- elastic means for independently suspending the handgrips at fixed variable heights above a surface in such a manner that a gripping portion of the handgrips are presented on a horizontal plane and to enable a user to perform a range of exercises including push-ups, raises, dips and rowing exercises against his or her bodyweight when the handgrip is at different heights.

2. Exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 and 1o substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 16th day of October 2000 ANDY GORDON By his Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO. RA 1Z_ /6