Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
  • A63B22/16—Platforms for rocking motion about a horizontal axis, e.g. axis through the middle of the platform; Balancing drums; Balancing boards or the like
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
  • A63B71/02—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00 for large-room or outdoor sporting games
  • A63B71/023—Supports, e.g. poles
  • A63B2071/026—Supports, e.g. poles stabilised by weight
  • A63B2071/027—Supports, e.g. poles stabilised by weight using player's own weight, e.g. on a platform
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
  • A63B21/00058—Mechanical means for varying the resistance
  • A63B21/00061—Replaceable resistance units of different strengths, e.g. for swapping
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
  • A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
  • A63B21/04—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters attached to static foundation, e.g. a user
  • A63B21/0442—Anchored at one end only, the other end being manipulated by the user
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
  • A63B2208/02—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player posture
  • A63B2208/0204—Standing on the feet
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
  • A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
  • A63B23/04—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs
  • A63B23/0405—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs involving a bending of the knee and hip joints simultaneously
  • A63B23/0458—Step exercisers without moving parts

Definitions

• This invention relates to exercise apparatus.
• exercise apparatus comprising an elongate body rockable on its undersurface about an axis normal to its length, said body having an upper surface which includes two substantially flat platforms for foot placement respectively at or adjacent opposite ends of the body, wherein the undersurface has two end regions constituting heels beneath the platforms which are also substantially flat, each substantially parallel to the foot platform above it.
• the two flat foot platforms are preferably equally inclined downwardly towards one another away from the ends of the rockable body.
• the upper surface of the body between the platforms may also be flat, whereby to constitute an intermediate platform.
• the two heels (end regions of the undersurface) are clearly inclined similarly to the two foot platforms, downwardly towards one another towards the centre of the rockable body.
• the body is symmetrical about a median plane containing the axis about which the body is rockable.
• the major part of the undersurface between its end regions is preferably cylindrically curved about this axis, whilst its upper surface preferably conforms to three sides of a polygon centred on the median plane, preferably on the side of the axis of rocking more remote from the body.
• the rockable body In its rest position, therefore, the rockable body preferably rests on the floor or ground with its median plane vertical, the intermediate platform horizontal and the two end platforms equally inclined downwardly towards the intermediate platform between them.
• a person is able to obtain exercise by standing, legs apart to enable placement of the feet on the two end platforms, and then transferring body weight alternately from one foot to the other in order to induce rocking of the rockable body. Heavier exercise is obtained by rocking more quickly.
• the angular range of rocking is limited by flat-bottomed heels on the underside of the rockable body, respectively at opposite ends thereof. As the flat undersurface of each heel is parallel to the foot platform above it, pressing down on the foot platform at either end of the body positions the foot platform horizontally, enabling a number of one foot stand-on/stand-off and stepping round exercises to be performed.
• the body may, on its underside at or near its ends, be provided with feet, which fold out from underside recesses, whereby to stabilise the body in its rest position.
• the folded out feet preferably lift the body slightly off the ground, and may be rubber tipped, thereby to reduce shock impacts, as when performing step on/step off exercises.
• the rockable body is preferably provided in combination with chocks which can be placed under the ends of the rockable body to prevent it from rocking, or, in contrast to the afore-mentioned feet, to limit the angular extent of rocking available.
• the intermediate platform, as well as the end platforms, can then be used for step on/step off exercises.
• the chocks preferably have flat, inclined upper surfaces for engagement with the undersides of the heels.
• the chocks may lift the rockable body slightly off the ground and have underside cushioning pads, e.g. around the peripheries of the chocks, again to reduce shock impacts.
• the foot platforms instead of being integral with the rockable body, may be constituted by a pair of foot placement plates, preferably circular plates, mounted over the upper surface of the elongate rockable member at or adjacent the ends thereof, which may be rounded to suit. Means may be provided whereby these plates can be locked in fixed relationship to die rockable body, or alternatively, with the locking means released, the plates are able to rotate or spin. In this way it is possible to carry out twisting exercises when standing on the plates, either simultaneously with rocking or without rocking if the chocks are in position.
• the foot placement plates may or may not be fully detachable. If detachable, the upper surface of the rockable body normally hidden beneath the plates may be used for foot placement. However, in a preferred embodiment, me foot platforms take the form of hinged plates for concealing recesses for serving as storage spaces.
• a narrow recess along die centre of the underside of the rockable body may accommodate and locate the central portion of an elastic or spring-tensioned band having hand grips, whereby the upper part of the body may be exercised by stretching and unstretching the band. If the chocks are not in position, the arms and upper part of me body can be exercised more heavily by using the stretching and unstretching of the band to induce rocking.
• Non-elastic or sprung bands may also be used in the last mentioned manner.
• the band When the band is not in use, its ends, including the hand grips, may be stored in the afore-mentioned recesses covered by the hinged foot placement plates. When the band is in use, the foot placement plates will be closed after the ends of the band have been extracted from the said recesses.
• Substitutable bands of differing elasticities may be provided.
• the underside of the rockable body and all the platforms, including me foot placement plates if provided have non-slip surfaces or surface areas imparted to them.
• a suitable non-slip finish may be imparted by the moulding process.
• a rubberised finish may be applied, especially in the case of die underside of the rockable body, where the non-slip surface is preferably constituted by two strip regions extending along or adjacent the two longitudinal edges of the underside of the body.
• me rockable body whether stabilised or not, can also be used for lying-down and sitting-up exercises, especially if a mattress in the form of a foam mat is provided to cover die upper surface of the body and protect the spine.
• Figure 1 is a plan view of die exercise apparatus
• Figure 2 is an underplan view
• Figure 3 is a side view
• Figures 4 and 5 show me fold-out feet provided for die apparatus, in underside view and side view;
• Figure 6 shows die chocks provided for die apparatus, when in use
• Figures 7A, 7B and 7C show a chock in side, plan and underplan views
• Figure 8 shows die elastic band wim which the apparatus is equipped.
• the exercise apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 comprises a plastics moulded, elongate body 10 with a circularly curved undersurface 12 enabling die body to rock about an axis normal to me length of the body.
• Arcuate shaped, flat bottomed heels 14 provided at die ends of me undersurface 12 limit the angular extent of rocking.
• the upper surface of the rockable body 10 is polygonal and comprises two flat, inclined end regions 18 and a flat, centre platform 20.
• the end regions 18 are surmounted by circular foot plates 22, die ends of me rockable body being rounded to suit.
• the foot plates 22 and if desired also ie centre platform 20, as well as die edge regions 12A of me undersurface 12 and die undersides of die heels 14, have a non-slip finish imparted by the moulding process or by applying a layer of rubber.
• the underside of each heel 14 lies parallel to die foot platform 18 above it, so that the foot platform is positioned horizontally when pressed down to die limit permitted by me heel, as indicated by the dashed lines in Figure 3.
• the plates 22 may be rotatable by means of inclined spindles and tightenable by means of a butterfly nut or other suitable locking means so as to be locked against me normally permitted rotation or ⁇ inning.
• me plates 22 are hinged, as indicated at 22 A in Figure 8, normally to conceal recesses 10A in the body serving as storage space, especially for a purpose later described.
• mat die body 10 is provided wim fold-out feet 24, hinged as indicated at 24 A, retracted into recesses 10B in the body in their inoperative condition, but in their folded-out condition serving to stabilise me rockable body in its mean position, but preferably slightiy lifted off me ground. Rubber tips on me fold-out feet men serve to provide low level shock impacts, as when stepping on/stepping off e stabilised body.
• chocks 26 with small feet 26A may be provided (see Figure 6).
• the chocks 26 can be moved outwardly relative to die undersides of the heels 14, to limit rocking to a chosen extent rather dian preventing rocking.
• the chocks 26 are shown in detail in Figures 7 A to 7C; the small feet 26A are preferably of foam to provide a cushioning effect, and me upper surface has an area 26B of non-slip nature, e.g. a layer of rubber, for cooperating witii the non-slip surface on the underside of die heels 14.
• the chocks when fully inserted, preferably lift me body slightiy off me ground, so tiiat again the feet 26A provide low impact levels in use.
• Figure 2 also shows a longitudinal recess 28 along me centre of die undersurface of me rockable body, and associated clips 28 A.
• an elastic or sprung band 30, or possibly a non-elastic band with hand grips 32 at die ends of die band.
• the ends of die band 30, including the hand grips 32 are storable in me above-described storage spaces 10A, but by opening the foot plates 22 can be extracted and located in me grooves 34 (see Figures 1 and 2) in me ends of die rockable body 10 to extend upwardly when gripped by a user standing on the foot plates 22 (me latter having been closed after extracting die ends of me band).
• Substitute bands of differing elasticities may be provided.
• the band may be used wim die body 10 free to be rocked or stabilised by me feet 24 or the chocks 26.
• an overlay mat (not shown) may be provided, for placing on the polygonal upper surface to enable lying-down exercises to be performed.
• a variety of exercises can be performed on die apparatus. When standing on the foot plates 22, rocking can be induced by transference of body weight from foot to foot. By use of the feet 24 or chocks 26, twisting exercises can be carried out without rocking or with reduced rocking.
• the elastic band can be used to exercise me arms and upper part of me body, whetiier to induce rocking or not.
• One foot step up/step down or step around exercises can be performed on and off a foot plate 22 when this is fully pressed down, wim the o ⁇ ier foot for example, as the foot plate is men disposed horizontally due to die parallelism of the surfaces 18 and 14.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Cardiology (AREA)
• Vascular Medicine (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=10800347

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (6)

Families Citing this family (8)

Family Cites Families (4)

• 1996
  • 1996-09-21 GB GBGB9619805.6A patent/GB9619805D0/en active Pending
• 1997
  • 1997-09-16 JP JP10514394A patent/JP2001500759A/ja active Pending
  • 1997-09-16 CA CA002266333A patent/CA2266333A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1997-09-16 AU AU43087/97A patent/AU4308797A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1997-09-16 EP EP97919152A patent/EP0949943A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 1997-09-16 WO PCT/GB1997/002517 patent/WO1998011954A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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