GB2230708A - Exercise device - Google Patents

Abstract

An exercise device for use in the achievement of muscular hypertrophy comprises an extended frame portion formed of two, substantially parallel, elongate bars 1. A handle 2 extends between and connects the two bars and is grasped by an exerciser such that the device is retained in position relative to a limb or limbs of the exerciser. Support means in the form of an elongate strap or pad 3 extends between the two bars at a position displaced along the extent thereof from the handle. The two bars forming the frame portion each have a rod 4 fixed thereon, which is arranged to carry a weight or weights. The rods are positioned between the handle and the support means. The weight of the device acts on the elbow side of the wrist, thus giving a smaller moment of force than a conventional dumbell. <IMAGE>

Description

EXERCISE DEVICE The present invention relates to an exercise device of the kind used in body building.

A variety of devices are currently available for use in exercise of the arms or legs for the achievement of muscular hypertrophy. Examples of simple known devices of the kind to which the invention relates are the barbell and the dumbell. The construction of these two known devices is generally similar, each essentially comprising an elongate bar which carries a disc weight or weights at or near each end thereof. The barbell however is larger than the dumbell and is generally gripped by both hands in use, whereas the dumbell is of a suitable size to be supported by one hand only.

In use, the dumbell for example is gripped in the hand and the arm is then moved by the exerciser against the resistance to the movement provided by the disc weights. A disadvantage of devices such as the barbell and dumbell will become apparent from the following description of a simple exercise. Consider an exercise in which a dumbell is gripped in the hand with the palm facing upwards and, keeping the elbow in a fixed position, the exerciser raises and lowers the dumbell above and below a central position so that the hand moves along the arc of a circle. At the lowest extreme of this motion, the forearm is substantially vertical and the weight of the dumbell acts along a line of force substantially coincident with the forearm. Since the weight of the dumbell is acting through the forearm, the effective resistance provided by the dumbell is a minimum for the movement described.As the arm is then raised, the angle between the line of force along which the weight of the dumbell acts and the forearm increases, reaching substantially 90 at the centre horizontal position of the forearm. At this point the effective resistance provided by the dumbbell is maximum, this point in the movement being the point at which the exerciser is effectively weakest. As the arm is then raised above the horizontal position, the effective resistance is gradually reduced to reach a minimum again when the forearm reaches the upward vertical position.

From the above description it will be seen that the maximum weight of dumbell that can be use in such an exercise is determined by the weight that the exerciser can support with the forearm in a horizontal position.

In addition, due to the range of the variation in the effective resistance provided by the weights, meaningful resistance to the movement of the exerciser is not maintained throughout the whole of the movement.

According to the present invention there is provided an exercise device comprising retaining means for retaining the device in position relative to a limb or limbs of an exerciser, an extended frame portion connected to said retaining means and arranged to carry a weight at a point or points displaced along the extent of said frame portion from said retaining means, and support means, displaced from said retaining means, for supporting said frame portion relative to said limb or limbs.

It is preferred that said frame portion is arranged to carry a weight at a point or points intermediate said retaining means and said support means.

It is further preferred that said frame portion is arranged to carry a weight at a point or points intermediate said retaining means and said support means and nearer to the support means than to the retaining means.

An exercise device in accordance with the invention may be adapted for use on a single limb of an exerciser.

In this case, it is preferred that said frame portion comprises two bars, each of which bars is connected at or near one end thereof to said retaining means and connected at or near the other end thereof to said support means. In use, the said bars will extend one either side of a limb of an exerciser. The two bars of the frame portion may diverge from one another in a direction away from the retaining means. It is preferred, however, that the two bars extend substantially parallel to one another. In such embodiments, it is also preferred that each of the said bars of the frame portion is arranged to carry a weight as aforesaid.

In alternative embodiments, an exercise device in accordance with the invention may be adapted for use by both arms simultaneously and/or both legs simultaneously. Such a device may comprise a pair of "single-limb" exercise devices of the kind previously described, which devices are connected together by suitable connecting means. Such connecting means may comprise, for example, at least one transverse connecting rod extending between, and connected to, respective frame portions of the "single-limb" devices.

Said frame portion may be arranged to carry a weight by means of weight attachment means carried by said frame portion at the said point or points thereon.

The weight attachment means may comprise, for example, a rod orientated substantially transversely to said frame portion at the said point or points thereon, which rod may, in use, extend in the bore of a disc weight or weights. Alternatively, for example, the weight attachment means may be arranged to removably connect the apparatus to a pulley system such that resistance to movement of the apparatus is provided by a weight or weights of the pulley system in use. As a further alternative, for example, a weight may be permanently fixed to the frame portion at the said point or points thereon in any appropriate manner.

In embodiments of the exercise device adapted for use on a single limb, it is preferred that the said frame portion is arranged to carry a weight at a point or points which in use are adjacent one or both sides of the limb. Preferably, the said frame portion is arranged to carry a weight at each of two points which in use are adjacent opposite sides of the limb, these two points being substantially equidistant from said retaining means.

In embodiments of the exercise device adapted for use on two corresponding limbs simultaneously, the said frame portion may be arranged to carry a weight at a point or points which in use are adjacent one or both sides of the two limbs. For example, the frame portion may be arranged to carry a weight at each of four substantially transversely aligned points such that, in use, a weight is carried on each side of each limb.

Alternatively, for example, the frame portion may be arranged to carry a weight at two corresponding points which in use are adjacent the respective outer sides of both limbs. It will appreciated however that many further alternative configurations are possible.

Said retaining means may comprise a strap for the hand or foot of an exerciser. However, where the exercise device is for use in arm exercises it is preferred that said retaining means comprises a handle which may be gripped by the hand. Conveniently such a handle may be a rod or a bar. Where the exercise device is adapted for use on two arms simultaneously, separate handles may be provided for each hand. Alternatively, the retaining means may comprise a single transverse rod which extends between, and may be gripped by, both hands. In this case, the said rod may constitute the or a transverse connecting rod described hereinabove.

Said support means preferably comprises a strap for supporting the frame portion relative to a limb. Such a strap may be arranged to completely encircle the limb, or alternatively may be arranged to extend around only part of the cross sectional circumference of a limb.

For example, in the embodiment described above wherein said frame portion comprises two bars which in use will extend one on each side of a limb of an exerciser, it is preferred that said support means comprises a strap extending between the ends of the two bars furthest from the retaining means. In use, the strap will extend over the upper surface of the limb thereby supporting said frame portion relative to the limb.

The length of said frame portion will depend on the particular exercise or exercises for which the device is adapted. For example, if the device is adapted for use in an arm exercise in which the arm is kept straight and pivoted about the shoulder, the length of the frame portion may be such that it extends from the hand to the upper arm beyond the elbow. Alternatively, if the the arm exercise to be performed involves pivoting of the arm at the elbow, the length of the frame portion may be such that it extends from the hand only part-way along the forearm. It will of course be appreciated that the frame portion may be extendable so as to be adapted for use in different exercises.

The particular size and shape of the support means may also be determined by the particular exercise for which the device is to be used. For example, in an arm exercise involving pivoting of the arm at the elbow such that the forearm is brought into contact with the upper arm, the support means must be of a sufficiently small thickness so as not to hinder this movement. In any case, it is preferred that said support means is padded although a limitation to the thickness of the padding may be dictated by such consideration as aforesaid.

It will further be appreciated that embodiments of the exercise device which are adapted for use on a single limb only may be detachably interconnectable so as to form an exercise device adapted for use by two limbs simultaneously.

An advantage of the present invention is that it enables distribution of any weight carried by the exercise device over a greater portion of a limb as compared with conventional devices such as barbells or dumbells. In view of this, the effective weight that can be carried by an exerciser using a device according to the invention is greater, and more meaningful resistance is obtained throughout the whole range of movement.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be decribed by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an exercise device according to the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the exercise device of Figure 1, and Figure 3 is an end view of the exercise device of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows the exercise device of Figures 1 to 3 carried by a forearm of an exerciser, showing three different positions thereof; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an exercise device according to the invention; Figure 6 is a side view of the exercise device of Figure 5 Figure 7 is an end view of the exercise device of Figures 5 and 6;; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the exercise device of Figure 5 with an alternative form of retaining means, and Figure 9 shows two exercise devices of the kind shown in Figure 1 connected together by connecting means to form a device for use by both arms of an exerciser.

Referring first to Figures 1 to 3, an exercise device embodying the invention comprises an extended frame portion in the form of two substantially parallel bars 1. The bars 1 are connected near respective corresponding ends thereof by retaining means in the form of a handle 2. The other ends of the parallel bars 1 are connected by support means comprising a rectangular transverse strap 3 for supporting the device relative to a forearm in use. The strap 3 shown in the drawings comprises a strip of hardwearing canvas which is doubled over on itself and securely stitched so as to provide a loop 13 at each end thereof for reception of respective ends of the parallel bars 1. With this arrangement, the position of the strap 3 on the bars 1 may be adjusted, or the strap may be removed, simply by sliding the strap 3 along the bars 1.

Each bar 1 of the frame portion carries weight attachment means in the form of a short rod 4. Each rod 4 projects transversely from the outer side of the corresponding bar 1 at a point intermediate the ends of the bar and nearer to the strap 3 than the handle 2.

The short rods 4 are adapted to carry weights (not shown) which weights may be secured thereto in known manner by means of appropriate collars (also not shown). A suitable stop (not shown), for example a rubber washer, may also be positioned on each of the short rods 4 between the weights and the bars 1 to prevent the weights bearing against the bars 1 in use.

As is most easily seen in Figures 1 and 2, the ends of the bars 1 which are furthest from the short rods 4 are provided with feet 12 on which the device may be rested when not in use. In addition, as is most easily seen in Figure 2, when the device is supported on the feet 12, the substantially parallel bars 1 extend upwardly at an acute angle to the horizontal extent of the feet 12. The purpose of this feature is to facilitate picking up of the device. Thus, when the handle 2 is gripped, and the device lifted, the weight of the device acts in such a way that the ends of the bars 1 furthest from the handle 2 tend to fall towards the forearm until the strap 3 abuts the forearm. The device is then correctly positioned on the forearm for use.

In the embodiment shown, the handle 2 is secured to the parallel bars 1 by means of respective screws 11 (only one of which can be seen in Figures 1 and 2) which pass through appropriately sized holes 10 in the bars 1 and engage the ends of the handle 2. Three pairs of holes 10 are provided at different longitudinal distances along the bars 1 from the feet 12 to enable the position of the handle 2 relative to the short rods 4 to be adjusted according to the requirements of an exerciser.

The use of the exercise device will be described with reference to Figure 4 which shows the device of Figures 1 to 3 carried by a forearm 5 of an exerciser in three different positions thereof. As will be seen from the Figure, the handle 2 is gripped in the hand 6 of the exerciser with the palm facing upwards. The bars 1 of the frame portion then extend along the forearm, one on either side thereof, over approximately half of the length of the forearm 5 between the hand 6 and the elbow 7. The strap 3 extending between the bars 1 extends over the upper side of the forearm so maintaining the bars 1 in longitudinal alignment with the forearm throughout the movement thereof. Disc weights 8, shown by the dotted lines in the Figure, are mounted on the short rods 4 so as to be carried by the device on either side of the forearm 5.

As the forearm is raised and lowered by pivoting about the elbow, the axis of the disc weights 8 moves along the arcuate path marked A in the Figure. When the forearm is vertical at the lowest extreme of the motion, the total weight of the disc weights 8 acts along a line of force which is substantially aligned with the forearm 5. As the forearm is raised towards the horizontalposition thereof1 the angle between the forearm and the line of force along which the weights 8 act increases until it reaches substantially 90" at the horizontal position of the forearm. At this point, since the weights 8 are mounted intermediate the ends of the bars 1, and the bars 1 are supported by both the handle 2 and the strap 3, the weight may be considered to be distributed over the length of the forearm between the strap 3 and the handle 2.The exerciser can therefore support a greater weight than if the weights 8 were mounted directly on a bar gripped by the hand as is the case with known devices such as a dumbell. In addition, it will be appreciated that there is less variation in the effective resistance to movement of the forearm provided by the weights 8 as the device is moved along the described path than if the exerciser were performing the same exercise using a dumbell. It will therefore be seen that more meaningful resistance to the movement of the forearm is achieved throughout the full range of the movement than is achieved when the same exercise is performed using known devices.

As previously discussed, the size and configuration of the exercise device may vary according to the particular exercises to be performed. It would also be possible for the frame portion to be extendable and therefore adaptable for use in a wider range of exercises. In addition, an exercise device embodying the invention may be adapted for use by two limbs simultaneously.

An example of such an exercise device adapted for use by both arms simultaneously is shown in Figures 5 to 7 of the drawings. The device comprises an extended frame portion in the form of two substantially parallel bars 15 connected near respective corresponding ends thereof by retaining means in the form of a bar 16 which acts as the handle in use. The bar 16 is connected to the bars 15 in the same manner as previously described with respect to Figures 1 to 3, and additional holes 17 are provided in the bars 1 so that the position of the bar 16 may be adjusted as aforesaid. Also as before, the bars 15 are provided with feet 18 on which the device rests when not in use, the angle defined between the bars 15 and the corresponding feet 18 being somewhat less than 90" for the reason previously described.Each bar 15 carries weight attachment means in the form of a short rod 19 for carrying weights in use.

The ends of the bars 15 furthest from the bar 16 each have a flange 20 projecting transversely therefrom.

Support means in the form of an elongate support 21 extends between, and is connected to, the flanges 20.

The support 21 is generally wedge shaped in cross-section, the support being tapered in the direction away from the bar 16 parallel to the bars 15.

The support 21 conveniently comprises a wooden base having a shaped foam element mounted thereon, the support being provided with a cover, for example of leather.

The use of the exercise device is generally the same as that described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, except that in this embodiment the bar 16 is gripped by both hands and the support 21 rests on both forearms.

When the device is in use by an exerciser, the narrower edge of the support 21 faces the elbows. The tapered construction of the support 21 thus enables the device to be raised into the upward vertical position without the thickness of the support 21 unduly restricting the movement as the forearms are raised towards the upper arms by pivoting of the arms about the elbow.

Figure 8 shows the exercise device of Figure 5 with an alternative form of retaining means in the form of an "E-Z bar" 22. Such a bar 22 may be gripped in a number of different positions by the hands in order to vary the relative positions of the forearms and hence the particular muscles which are exercised in use. The "E-Z bar" 22 may be provided as an alternative to the straight bar 16, the two bars being interchangeable.

As an alternative to the device shown in Figures 5 to 7 and 8, an exercise device for use by both arms simultaneously may be constructed using two "single-limb" devices of the type shown in Figures 1 to 3. Such a device is shown in Figure 9. As shown in this figure, a hollow cylindrical connecting tube 23 has an appropriate internal diameter to allow sliding reception of a short rod 4 of each single-limb device in each end thereof. The length of the connecting tube 23 is such that, when the two short rods 4 are fully inserted into the tube 23, the composite device can be used by both arms simultaneously with one single limb device being supported by each forearm.Although it is preferred that a purpose-built device, for example as shown in Figure 5, is used when it is desired to exercise both limbs simultaneously, a composite device as shown in Figure 9 may conveniently be provided as a "beginner s set" since the two single limb devices may either be used independently or in conjunction with the connecting tube 23 as a "two arm" exercise device.

Using an exercise device according to the invention, as opposed to conventional devices such as a barbell or dumbell, results in a more "even feel" to the exerciser. Since, as previously discussed, more meaningful resistance is achieved throughout the whole range of movement of the device, performing a single exercise movement using a device according to the invention results in more muscles being exercised than if the same exercise were performed using a barbell or dumbell. Thus, if a barbell or dumbell is used, it is necessary to perform a number of different exercises in order to exert all of the muscles which can be exercised by performing a single exercise using a device according to the invention.

It will be appreciated that an exercise device according to the invention may be arranged to carry the weight or weights in front of and/or behind the limb or limbs, though it is preferred that the weights are carried on one or both sides of the limb or limbs as in the specific embodiments described above. The reason for this is that if the weights are carried in front of or behind a limb, the weight or weights may obstruct or limit the movement of the limb when performing certain exercises.

It will further be appreciated that various other forms of retaining means 2, 16 support means 3, 21 and weight attachment means 4, 19 may be employed. For example, the retaining means may comprise a strap for the hands or feet, or forms of handle other than those described above. The support means 3, 21 may be padded and/or adapted to completely encircle the limb or respective limbs. In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a safety bar or strap extending between the bars 1, 15 on the opposite side of the limb in use to the support means 3, 21. Such a safety bar or strap would prevent the device being dropped accidentally by tipping of the device away from the limb.

The weight carried by the exercise device may be permanently attached thereto or maybe removably mounted thereon by any convenient means. For example, the exercise device may be removably connected to a pulley system such that the resistance to movement of the device is provided by a weight or weights of the pulley system in use.

While the bars 1, 15 are shown as having a rectangular cross-section, a circular cross-section may be preferred. The handles 2, 16 may also be padded, or may be provided with a removable padded cover. In either case it is preferred that the handles 2, 16 and/or the padded cover has a generally round cross-section so that it is easily gripped by the hand.

It will be appreciated that many other variations and modification may be made to the specific embodiments discussed above without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (21)

CLAl MS

1. An exercise device comprising retaining means for retaining the device in position relative to a limb or limbs of an exerciser, an extended frame portion connected to said retaining means and arranged to carry a weight at a point or points displaced along the extent of said frame portion from said retaining means, and support means, displaced from said retaining means, for supporting said frame portion relative to said limb or limbs.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said frame portion is arranged to carry a weight at a point or points intermediate said retaining means and said support means.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said frame portion is arranged to carry a weight at a point or points intermediate said retaining means and said support means and nearer to the support means than to the retaining means.

4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said frame portion comprises two bars, each of which bars is connected at or near one end thereof to said retaining means and connected at or near the other end thereof to said support means.

5. A device as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said two bars extend substantially parallel to one another.

6. A device as claimed in Claim 4 or 5, wherein each of said two bars is arranged to carry a weight.

7. A device as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 6, further comprising two feet, each foot being provided at said one end of a respective bar, which end is nearest to the retaining means.

8. A device as claimed in Claim 7, wherein each said foot extends at an acute angle relative to a respective bar.

9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising weight attachment means carried by the frame portion at the said point or points thereon.

10. A device as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the weight attachment means comprise a rod orientated substantially transversely to the frame portion.

11. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, for use in arm exercises, wherein said retaining means comprises a handle which may be gripped by the hand.

12. An exercise device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support means comprises a strap which, in use, is arranged to extend over the upper surface of the limb or limbs.

13. An exercise device as claimed in Claim 12, wherein said frame portion comprises two bars, each of which bars is connected at or near one end thereof to said retaining means, and wherein said support means comprises a strap extending between the ends of the two bars furthest from the retaining means.

14. A device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the support means comprises an elongate support, which support has a cross-section which is tapered in a direction away from the retaining means.

15. An exercise device as claimed in any preceding claim, which device is arranged for use on a single limb, wherein the frame portion is arranged to carry a weight at each of two points which in use are adjacent opposite sides of the limb, the said two points being substantially equidistant from said retaining means.

16. An exercise device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 14, which device is arranged for use on two corresponding limbs simultaneously, wherein the said frame portion is arranged to carry a weight at two corresponding points which in use are adjacent the respective outer sides of both limbs and are substantially equidistant from the retaining means.

17. An exercise device for use on two corresponding limbs simultaneously which device comprises a pair of exercise devices as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 15, and further comprises connecting means for connecting the said pair of devices together.

18. A device as claimed in Claim 17, wherein each exercise device has a rod orientated substantially transversely to the frame portion to form weight attachment means, and wherein the connecting means comprises a connecting tube arranged to receive a said rod of each exercise device in each end thereof.

19. An exercise device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

20. A method of exercising the limb or limbs which method is carried out using a device as claimed in any of the preceding claims.

21. A method of exercising the limb or limbs substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.