EP3205377A1

EP3205377A1 - Exercising device, and combination of an exercising device and a weight bar arranged through a bar opening, and a plurality of weights arranged on the weight bar on both sides of the exercising device

Info

Publication number: EP3205377A1
Application number: EP17154993.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martinus Herman Hendrikus Selten
Original assignee: Selten Hendrikus Martinus Petrus
Current assignee: Selten Hendrikus Martinus Petrus
Priority date: 2016-02-15
Filing date: 2017-02-07
Publication date: 2017-08-16
Also published as: NL2016261B1

Abstract

The invention relates to an exercising device, comprising:
- a body (2) provided with a handgrip (4), a line passage (5,6) arranged in the body for receiving a line (7) such as a rope, chain or cord, and a bar passage (11) arranged in the body for receiving a bar (52,61,92), such as a weight bar; and
- clamping means (8) arranged on the body and adjustable between a first mode, in which the clamping means clamp a line received in the line passage in the body, and a second mode in which the line is slidable in the line passage.

The invention further relates to a combination of a first exercising device according to the invention and a weight bar ( arranged through the bar opening, and a plurality of weights, such as weight plates (53,54,62,95), arranged on the weight bar on both sides of the exercising device.

Description

The invention relates to an exercising device.
Exercising devices are devices suitable for training muscles, preferably of a human body. This training can for instance be aimed at increasing muscle mass, explosiveness, stability or stamina. Training is of great importance for most people when adhering to a healthy lifestyle.
A large number of exercising devices is known. Many of such exercising devices are expensive to purchase, and therefore unattainable for large groups of consumers.
In addition, many of these exercising devices can only be used for a limited number of training forms, while it is often precisely combinations of different training forms which are desired, for instance because of the periodization which is advisable in training but also because of a general desire on the part of the user for variation. This means that a user who would like to train at home would have to purchase different exercising devices for each of these training forms, which further increases the costs of purchase and the space required. These devices are often also difficult for a user to bring along when travelling.
Also known on the other hand are exercising devices which combine a plurality of training forms, i.e. so-called power stations. Such exercising devices are even more expensive than exercising devices suitable for only a limited number of training forms. Such devices are also heavy and take up a lot of space, whereby they are also unsuitable for home use in most cases, and are likewise difficult for a user to bring along.
This often means that for this reason users make frequent use of gyms, where a variety of devices is often available. Gyms entail problems. In order to train, users must first travel to the gym, which is often enough reason to forgo training. Users are also tied to the often limited opening times of gyms. A gym membership will often allow users to train only at a gym in their own place of residence. In addition, the atmosphere (both in respect of fellow users and for instance the air quality) in gyms is a drawback for some groups of users. Furthermore, gyms are frequently busy, whereby multiple users wish to use the same machine and whereby users have to wait between exercises, or have to follow a different order than desired. This can reduce the effectiveness of training, particularly in the case of determined training forms.
It is also the case that it is advisable in determined training forms, such as in for instance (incline) bench pressing, military pressing, squatting, deadlifting or bent-over rowing, particularly when relatively heavy weights are used, to provide a safety in case the user loses control of a weight during his or her training session, so that the user can safely interrupt his or her training session. This safety can for instance be provided by another person observing execution during the training session of the user (also referred to as spotting) and intervening when necessary, although this other person will often have to interrupt his or her own training session for this purpose. It is furthermore often found that an observing person not only observes, but also takes on part of the weight him or herself, which reduces the effectiveness of training. The safety can also be provided in that the user, for instance when bench pressing, makes use of an exercising device with a movement guide provided with a securing element, such as for instance provided by so-called Smith squat machine, for bench pressing. Such a machine was designed to train leg muscles in particular, and use thereof for bench pressing hinders other users wishing to train leg muscles with such a machine, and in addition reduces the effectiveness of training in that the path of movement is bounded by the guide.
The object of the invention is to reduce or even obviate the above stated problems.
This object is achieved by means of an exercising device, comprising:

a body provided with a handgrip, a line passage arranged in the body for receiving a line such as a rope, chain or cord, and a bar passage arranged in the body for receiving a bar, such as a weight bar; and
clamping means arranged on the body and adjustable between a first mode, in which the clamping means clamp a line received in the line passage in the body, and a second mode in which the line is slidable in the line passage.

When a line is arranged in the line passage in the exercising device, it is possible to suspend the body of the exercising device from this line. The line is preferably flexible, strong and durable. A line which is preferred here is a rope, because a rope is slidable inside the line passage more easily and reliably and forms a more comfortable point of engagement than for instance a chain.
It is then possible for a user to use the exercising device in diverse ways by exerting force on the exercising device with his or her weight, for instance for strength training. Because the exercising device is relatively compact it is also suitable for home use. Under some conditions, and particularly when two exercising devices according to the invention are suspended at a distance from each other, the exercising device or the exercising devices is or are suitable for core stability training, for instance as a suspension trainer.
In use the user for instance engages on the handgrip of the exercising device with a body part, such as an arm or leg. This handgrip facilitates engaging on the exercising device, but also enables the user to easily transport the exercising device. It is preferred for both exercising and displacing if a body part such as for instance fingers or legs can be placed through the handgrip. The handgrip can for instance be endless for this purpose. When the handgrip has an annular form, such as for instance a ring as known in gymnastics, the exercising device can also be used as such a ring.
With the clamping means it is possible here to switch between the first mode, in which the position of the body of the exercising device relative to the line is fixed, and a second mode in which this position can be varied in order to thus adjust the height of the body of the exercising device.
The bar passage can be used to fasten a (weight) bar, such as for instance a weight bar such as a dumbbell bar, a barbell bar or a Dymeck curling bar (also known as EZ-bar), to the exercising device, which is advantageous in determined training forms. The bar passage is for this purpose preferably a straight passage. The bar passage preferably connects closely to the bar here, and preferably around the part of this bar which serves for arranging weights such as weight plates on the bar. For a good connection to the usual bars the cross-section of the bar passage is preferably round.
To enable comfortable and safe use it is advantageous for the body and the handgrip of the exercising device not to have any pointed or sharp edges.
In a preferred embodiment of the exercising device according to the invention the body comprises two parallel, identical side surfaces placed at a mutual distance.
With such a form the exercising device has a more even form and is thereby easier to transport and store.
The side surfaces are preferably triangular here.
A triangular form has the advantage that it gives the body an even smaller form. If the handgrip is annular, the triangle is preferably arranged on the ring with a flat side between two points. This arrangement is preferably such that it leaves a relatively large part of the ring clear for engagement by a user.
In another preferred embodiment of the exercising device the line passage extends through the body.
If the line passage extends not only through a part of the body but extends through the whole body, it is easily possible for a user to arrange a line through the body of the exercising device him or herself. The body of the exercising device can then be moved upward or downward along the line.
An additional advantage is that it is also easier for the user to replace a line when it is defective or worn out.
In a further embodiment of the exercising device according to the invention the inlet of the line passage is arranged in the body between the mutually opposite side surfaces, and preferably at one of the corners, and the outlet of the line passage is arranged in or between one of the side surfaces.
When it is suspended, the body of the exercising device will in this way under the influence of gravitational force automatically hang in a position in which the side surfaces are positioned transversely of the ground. Placing the inlet of the line passage in one of the corners has the advantage that the upward directed surface of the body is relatively compact. Placing the outlet of the line passage between the side surfaces on the sides of the exercising body has the advantage that the chance that a line which hangs from the body of the exercising device disrupts the execution of an exercise is reduced relative to a placing in the side surfaces.
In another preferred embodiment of the exercising device according to the invention the bar passage extends through the body transversely of the side surfaces, from one of the side surfaces to the other of the side surfaces.
This creates the option of arranging bars transversely through the body, so that the bar protrudes from the body of the exercising device on two sides.
Optional thickened portions on this bar, such as for instance thickened portions adjacent to the part to which weight plates are fastened and which are particularly common in barbells, preferably do not fit through or wholly through the bar passage in order to thus prevent a bar placed in the body from being slidable completely freely through the body.
In another preferred embodiment of the exercising device according to the invention the axis through the inlet of the line passage lies in the same plane as the handgrip.
In this way it is further ensured that the exercising device can be cleared away compactly, and that in a suspended position of the exercising device the handgrip is readily accessible without protruding in inconvenient manner.
In another preferred embodiment of the exercising device according to the invention the body further comprises clamp urging means, these urging the clamping means into the first mode.
In this way it is achieved that the line is always clamped in a starting situation, so that the line cannot inadvertently slide through the body of the exercising device, wherein it is however still possible to move along the line with the exercising device.
In a subsequent preferred embodiment of the exercising device according to the invention the exercising device further comprises a line, such as a rope, chain or cord, arranged through the line passage of the exercising device.
In a further embodiment of the exercising device according to the invention the body comprises a reel for winding up the line.
When the body is provided with a reel for winding up the line, it is no longer necessary to provide a separate line. The line can be rolled up in the body, whereby the exercising device can be stored compactly.
In a further embodiment of the exercising device according to the invention the body further comprises recoiling means for the reel for driving the reel.
Rolling up of the line in the body is simplified when the body is provided with recoiling means for the reel for driving the reel. Vacuum cleaners are often provided with cords with such a reel, these rolling up the cord at the moment that the cord is pulled briefly. It is advantageous to apply such a mechanism in the exercising device, so that the line can be stored easily.
The recoiling means for the reel can also be configured here such that they can pull a user hanging from the exercising device up by the line, wherein the user as it were exerts a force counter to the spring pressure in order to thus train muscles.
In yet another embodiment of the exercising device according to the invention the spring pressure of the recoiling means for the reel is adjustable.
Making the spring pressure adjustable further increases the possibility of performing exercises with the device wherein the user exerts force counter to the spring pressure. Depending on for instance the muscle group to be trained and the level of physical fitness it is desirable for a user to be enabled to adjust the spring pressure, because a user is typically able to exert a much greater force with for instance leg muscles than for instance the muscles in the arms.
In another preferred embodiment of the exercising device according to the invention the line is provided with markings placed at a mutual distance in the longitudinal direction of the line.
Markings, such as for instance lines or zones placed transversely of the longitudinal direction, having different, optionally alternating colours, and/or optionally being combined with numbers or letters, make it easier for the user to set the exercising device and particularly the location of the body of the exercising device at a fixed position relative to the line.
These markings can for instance relate to the distance to one of the outer ends of the rope, so that a user can thereby easily see how far he or she is removed from ceiling or floor during use.
In a subsequent preferred embodiment of the exercising device according to the invention the exercising device further comprises fastening means fastened to or clamped on the line at a distance from the exercising device for the purpose of suspending the line and the exercising device from a wall or ceiling in freely suspended manner.
With these fastening means, such as for instance a bracket which can for instance be L-shaped, it is possible to fasten the line to a wall or ceiling so that the line is freely suspended and so that the device can for instance be used to climb upward along the line.
The invention further relates to a combination of a first exercising device according to the invention and a weight bar arranged through the bar opening, and a plurality of weights, such as weight plates, arranged on the weight bar on both sides of the exercising device.
In this way the exercising device can be used as kettlebell, wherein the preferably annular handgrip forms the handle of the kettlebell. The bar passage is preferably arranged here in the body at a distance from the handgrip such that round weight plates and preferably even the weight plates with a relatively large diameter arranged on the weight bar leave the handgrip sufficiently clear for a hand to be placed therethrough.
In order to increase the safety here the weight plates are preferably clamped on both sides with fastening clamps known for such bars. As alternative to these fastening clamps it is also possible for use to be made of an optionally smooth, round cap which is screwed onto the bar (for instance with screw thread arranged between the bar and the cap) and which wholly encloses the outer end up to the weight plates of the bar.
The weight plates preferably cover the line passage which is optionally arranged in a side surface, so that it does not pose a safety risk when exercises are performed with the kettlebell.
In a preferred embodiment of the combination according to the invention the combination further comprises a second exercising device according to the invention which is arranged between the weights and the first exercising device with the bar opening around the weight bar, wherein the first and the second exercising device are arranged at a mutual distance around the weight bar.
In this position, in which the exercising devices are suspended with the lines from a wall or ceiling, they can be used as safety during the above stated exercises wherein a safety is desired, without the aid of another person being needed therefor and without the path of movement being bounded when the exercise is performed, which increases the effectiveness of training. In this way it is also prevented that other machines, such as for instance a Smith squat rack, are used improperly in order to provide a safety. The line outlets of the exercising devices are preferably arranged on the outer side of the combination so that the chance of the arranged line disrupting the execution of the exercise is reduced.
Many weight bars, such as for instance barbells, are provided with two thickened portions on the bar placed at a mutual distance, wherein weights such as weight plates are placed directly on the outer side of these thickened portions from the outer side. These thickened portions are in this case preferably placed between the two exercising devices, and such that they do not fit through the bar passages of the exercising devices, in order to further increase the safety of use.
These and other features of the invention are further elucidated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first exercising device according to the invention.
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second exercising device according to the invention.
Figure 3 shows a partial cross-section of the first exercising device.
Figure 4 shows a side view of the first exercising device, fastened to a ceiling in freely suspended manner.
Figure 5 shows two exercising devices such as the first exercising device, in use as safety for bench pressing.
Figure 6 shows an exercising device such as the first exercising device, in use as kettlebell.
Figure 7 shows a cross-section of a variant of the exercising device according to the invention.
Figure 8 shows a variant of the exercising device according to the invention in use as kettlebell.

Figure 1 shows an exercising device 1 with a triangular body 2 with a front side surface 3 (and parallel thereto a rear side surface which is not shown) and an annular handgrip 4 fastened thereto. In the body an inlet 5 of the line passage is arranged in the corner of triangular body 2. An outlet 6 of this line passage is received in the front side surface 3. A rope 7 runs through this line passage between inlet 5 and outlet 6. Rope 7 can be clamped in body 2 with clamp 8. Rope 7 is divided into zones 9 and 10, wherein zones 9 have the same colour and zones 10 have the same colour, but wherein the colours of zones 9 and 10 are contrasting relative to each other. A bar passage 11 is arranged under the line passage.
Figure 2 shows a more mobile variant 20 of exercising device 1. In this variant 20 a cord 21 is used instead of a rope 6, this cord being provided at the outer end with an L-shaped bracket 22 for fastening exercising device 20 to a ceiling or wall. Arranged in body 23 of exercising device 20 is a reel (not shown) onto which cord 21 can be rolled by recoiling means (not shown). The spring pressure of these recoiling means is adjustable with rotary knob 24. In exercising device 20 the line passage extends through only a part of body 23 and an opening 25 is arranged only in the corner of the triangle, cord 21 protruding outward through this opening.
Figure 3 shows clamp 8 in more detail. Clamp 8 comprises a clamp handle 30 which is pivotable around a shaft 31 and further comprises a clamping block 32, which in the shown first mode clamps rope 7 in body 2.
Figure 4 shows an exercising device 40 which is fastened with a rope 41 and a hook 42 to a ceiling 43 so that it is freely suspended therefrom. Handgrip 44 and handgrip opening 45 and bar opening 46 are visible in the cross-section.
Figure 5 shows a first exercising device 50 and a second exercising device 51, wherein a bar 52 is inserted through the bar openings of these devices 50, 51. On the outer side of bar 52 weights 53, 54 are arranged on both sides of the exercising devices. Exercising devices 50, 51 are suspended from a ceiling (not shown) with ropes 55, 56 and in this way provide a safety when bar 52 with weights 53, 54 is used for bench pressing on bench pressing bench 57.
Figure 6 shows an exercising device 60, wherein the bar passage is used to fasten weights 62 on both sides of exercising device 60 with a bar 61, whereby exercising device 60 can in this case be used as kettlebell, wherein exercising device 60 can be lifted by handgrip 63.
Figure 7 shows a partial cross-section of an exercising device 70 wherein a flexible rope 71 runs through body 74 from inlet opening 72 and through a side 73 arranged between the side surfaces. Exercising device 70 is provided here with a first clamping member 75 and a second clamping member 76. Clamping member 75 is tiltable about pivot shaft 77 between the first mode shown here, into which it is urged by spring 78 and in which rope 71 is pressed against second clamping member 76 at a first point 79, and a second mode in which the line is not clamped at first point 79 and wherein the distance to the second clamping member is simultaneously also such at second point 80 that sliding of rope 71 is possible. Exercising device 70 further comprises among other things a bar passage 81 and a handgrip 82 which is placed at a distance from bar passage 81 such that the handgrip is accessible when weights are fastened to a weight bar through bar passage 81, as also shown in figure 8. The spring pressure of spring 78 can be released, and rope 71 can be slid through body 74, by compressing zone 83 because the distance between clamping members 75, 76 is in that case greater than the thickness of rope 71 at both points 79 and 80. As the force exerted on exercising device 70 increases, first point 79 will be pressed more firmly against second clamping member 76, whereby rope 71 is clamped more firmly.
Figure 8 shows an exercising device 90 with a handgrip 91 and a bar passage 92. Arranged through the bar passage is a weight bar 93 with zones of screw thread 94 at both outer ends of weight bar 93. Two weight plates 95 are arranged over this weight bar 93 on both sides. These plates leave handgrip 91 clear. Smooth round caps 96 (provided on the inner side with screw thread) can be screwed onto the outer ends of weight bar 93 which are provided with screw thread, wherein a partially and wholly screwed-on cap 96 is shown on respectively the left-hand side and right-hand side.

Claims

Exercising device, comprising:
- a body provided with a handgrip, a line passage arranged in the body for receiving a line such as a rope, chain or cord, and a bar passage arranged in the body for receiving a bar, such as a weight bar; and

- clamping means arranged on the body and adjustable between a first mode, in which the clamping means clamp a line received in the line passage in the body, and a second mode in which the line is slidable in the line passage.
Exercising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body comprises two parallel, identical side surfaces placed at a mutual distance.
Exercising device as claimed in claim 1 or 2,
wherein the line passage extends through the body.
Exercising device as claimed in claims 2 and 3,
wherein the inlet of the line passage is arranged in the body between the mutually opposite side surfaces, and preferably at one of the corners, and wherein the outlet of the line passage is arranged in or between one of the side surfaces.
Exercising device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the bar passage extends through the body transversely of the side surfaces, from one of the side surfaces to the other of the side surfaces.
Exercising device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the axis through the inlet of the line passage lies in the same plane as the handgrip.
Exercising device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the body further comprises clamp urging means, these urging the clamping means into the first mode.
Exercising device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, further comprising a line, such as a rope, chain or cord, arranged through the line passage of the exercising device.
Exercising device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the body is provided with a reel for winding up the line.
Exercising device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the body further comprises recoiling means for the reel for driving the reel.
Exercising device as claimed in claim 10,
wherein the spring pressure of the recoiling means for the reel is adjustable.
Exercising device as claimed in any of the claims 7-11, wherein the line is provided with markings placed at a mutual distance in the longitudinal direction of the line.
Exercising device as claimed in any of the claims 7-12, further comprising fastening means fastened to or clamped on the line at a distance from the exercising device for the purpose of suspending the line and the exercising device from a wall or ceiling in freely suspended manner.
Combination of a first exercising device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims and a weight bar arranged through the bar opening, and a plurality of weights, such as weight plates, arranged on the weight bar on both sides of the exercising device.
Combination as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a second exercising device as claimed in any of the claims 1-13 which is arranged between the weights and the first exercising device with the bar opening around the weight bar, wherein the first and the second exercising device are arranged at a mutual distance around the weight bar.