GB2520440A

GB2520440A - Fitness training device

Info

Publication number: GB2520440A
Application number: GB1422596.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert David Coleman; Philip M Laughlin
Original assignee: LEISURE LINES GB Ltd
Current assignee: LEISURE LINES GB Ltd
Priority date: 2013-01-31
Filing date: 2014-01-24
Publication date: 2015-05-20
Anticipated expiration: 2034-01-24
Also published as: GB2511422A; GB2520440B; GB201401212D0; GB2520440A8; GB201301695D0

Abstract

A fitness training device adapted to be carried by a group of users comprises an elongate member 6. The elongate member 6 is generally cylindrical in a mathematical sense and defines an axis. There are handles 22 coupled to the elongate member and extending generally along the entire length of the elongate member on opposite sides thereof. The elongate member has a sufficient length to enable a team of users comprising a plurality of users on each side of the elongate member simultaneously to grasp the handles to enable team exercises to be performed with the fitness training device by the said team of users. The device may be hollow to allow weights to be inserted into the device.

Description

FITNESS TRAINING DEVICE

This disclosure relates to a fitness training device, and is divided out of Bntish Patent Application No: 1401212.4 (published as GB25 11422). More specifically, this disclosure relates to a fitness training device for use by a group of users engaging in physical exercise.

People are ellen required to train together as teams. This training may he intended to combine aerobic fitness, strength training and team work.

In many parts of the world, the armed forces use a solid wooden pole in order to train teams of people. More specifically, a team of people may be required to carry out various physical exercises together using the wooden pole. The team may handle the pole directly or via carrying ropes. The wooden pole is often similar to a telegraph pole or a log.

The solid wooden pole is not entirely satisfactory for a number of reasons. Firstly, solid wooden poles are usually not of equal weights. Thus, when two teams compete against each other, one team may have an unfair advantage in that it has a wooden pole of lighter weight. Wooden poles may fluctuate in weight. This could he due to environmental conditions, for example if the wooden pole were to absorb water from rain.

Alternatively, the wooden pole may also chip and splinter making it lighter. The wooden pole may contain lumps and knots which make it uncomfortable to carry on a person's shoulders or against their legs. If the pole splinters then the sphnters may injure the users.

Generally, the wooden pole is only suitable for outdoor use. If the wooden pole is stored outside under tarpaulins or left open to the elements, the elements often cause long term damage such as rot.

This disclosure arises from Applicant's work in seeking to provide a training device capable of overcoming the problems associated with a wooden pole.

hi our co-pending Application No: 1401212.4, we descnbc and claim a fitness training device adapted to be carried by a group of users, the devicc comprising an elongate member, the elongate member being hollow and generally cylindrical in a mathematical sense, and the elongate member being provided with a means of access to the interior space defined within its hollow interior; and a plurality of inserts adapted for insertion into the elongate member to sufficiently fill the said interior space so that they are incapable of relative movement with respect to each other and to the elongate member within the elongate member as the device is being carried, the plurality of inserts being selected from at least two different types of insert with different weights.

The lerm "generally cylindrical in a mathematical sense" means that the elongate member has a generally uniform cross-section at positions along its axis, hut with that cross-section taking any convenient form, so that, for example it may be circular, oval or even irregular.

Preferred embodiments of fitness training device as described in our aforesaid cO-pending Application may have one or more of the following features: the elongate member may he provided with a plurality of hand grips. The hand grips may he positioned along the length of the elongate member and may also be positioned on opposite sides of the elongate member. The hand grips may be provided by webbing or alternatively the hand grips may he provided by a handle extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member.

The means of access to the interior space of the elongate member may be provided by a detachable end cap provided on a first end of the elongate member. The detachable end cap may he capable of being attached to and detached from the dongate member by cooperating screw threads being provided on the end cap and on the first end of the elongate member. Alternatively the end cap and first end of the elongate member may be provided with cooperating hook-and-loop fastener pads, such as Velcro®, or a zip fastener or the end cap may he attached to the first end of the elongate member due to at least one screw holding it in place.

Alternativdy the means of access to the interior space of the elongate member may be provided by the elongate member being capable of splitting in half along its longitudinal axis. One half of the elongate member may be hinged to the other half allowing the elongate member to be opened and closed and the elongate member may be provided with a suitable catch to keep the elongate member in the dosed position.

The inserts may he generally mathematically cylindrical having a cross-section substantially the same as the cross-section of the interior space of the elongate member.

Alternatively, the inserts may compnse two end sections, each end section having a cross-section substantially the same as the cross-section of the interior space of the elongate member, the end sections being joined by a central section with a smaller cross-section than the end section. In a preferred embodiment the at least two different types of insert will have identical cross-sections, the at least two different types of insert may also have identical lengths. The inserts may he provided with a suitable fastening mechanism to fix them together, for instance the inserts may be provided with corresponding screw threads.

The elongate member may comprise an inner hard portion and an outer soft portion. The inner hard portion could be made of a plastics material or metal and the outer soft portion could be of rubber.

The elongate member may comprise a plurality of elongate sections, enabling a user to vary the length of the elongate member, each elongate section being hollow and generally cylindrical in a mathematical sense, and each elongate section being provided with a means of access to the interior space defined within its hollow interior and the hollow interior being large enough to house at least one insert. The elongate sections may he connected to each other by connectors.

In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a fitness training device adapted to be carried by a oup of users, the device comprising: an elongate member, the elongate member being generally cylindrical in a mathematical sense and defining an axis; and handles coupled to the elongate member and extending generally along the entire length of the elongate member on opposite sides thereof; the elongate member having a sufficient length to enable a team of users comprising a plurality of users on each ol two opposite sides of the elongate member simultaneously to grasp the handles to enable team exercises to be performed with the fitness training device by the said team of users.

Preferred embodiments may have one or more of the following features: The elongate member is hollow. The elongate member is provided with a means of access to the interior space defined within its hollow interior. There are two handles extending parallel to the axis generally along the entire length of the elongate member on opposite sides thereof. Each said handle is joined to the elongate member at positions adjacent opposite ends of the elongate member and at at least one intermediate position along the length of the elongate member.

Reference may now be made to thc description of prefelTed embodiments by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a team of people engaging in a first physical exercise with a solid wooden pole; Fig. 2 shows a plurality of teams of people engaging in a second physical exercise with each team using a solid wooden pole; Fig. 3 is a side view of a solid wooden pok provided with carrying ropes: Fig. 4 is a sidc view of a elongate member; Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken athng the line V-V in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a side view of a first insert, for use with the elongate member of Fig. 4; Fig. 7 is a side view of a second insert for use with (he elongate member of Fig. 4; Fig. 8 is a side vicw of alternative inserts for use with thc elongate member of Fig. 4; Fig. 9 is a side view of a further alternative insert for use with the elongate member of Fig. 4; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative elongate member; Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the first end of the elongate member of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 shows the litness training device, comprising the elongate member olFigs.

and 11, in use; Fig. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the fitness training device in use; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a section of the fitness training device of Fig. 13; and Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a section of the fitness training device of Figs. 13 and 14.

As already explained, teams of people often train together to improve their aerobic fitness, strength and team work. Currently a solid wooden pole 1 is often used in order to train a team of people 2. Various exercises may he carried out. For example. the team of people 2 may have to hold the wooden pole I above their heads, as shown in Fig. 1.

Alternatively, the wooden pole 1 may be used by the team of people 2 to perform coordinated bicep curls, as shown in Fig. 2.

However, the wooden pole 1 may contain lumps and knots which make it uncomfortable to carry on a person's shoulders or against their legs and if the pole I splinters then the splinters may injure the users. To overcome these problems, in the past wooden poles 1 which are intended to be used in training by a team of people 2 may be provided with ropes 3 to attach as handles 4 to the pole 1. While this allows an alternative way of carrying the pole I it does not altogether overcome these problems. As previously discussed there are also a number of other disadvantages associated with Applicant has attempted to overcome the problems associated with the wooden pole I by developing a fitness training device 5. The fitness training device 5 can he used for all the same exercises as the wooden pole I hut does not suffer from the same disadvantages.

The fitness training device comprises an elongate member 6. The elongate member 6 is hollow and generally cylindrical in a mathematical sense. In Figs. 4 and 5 for instance the elongate member 6 is shown with a generally circular cross-section.

The elongate member 6 is provided with a means of access to the interior space 7 defined within its hollow interior. It will be readily understood that the means of access to the interior space 7 of the elongate member 6 may be provided in a number of ways.

For instance, in Fig. 11 the elongate member 6 is provided with a detachable end cap 8 on a first end 9 of the elongate member 6. Here the detachable end cap 8 is provided with a shank 10 and end portion II. The shank 10 is shaped to have a cross-section substantially the same as the cross-section of the interior space 7 of the elongate member 6 such that the shank 10 will fit snuggly inside the elongate member 6 while the end portion lilies adjacent to the first end 9. When the end portion lilies adjacent to the first end 9 screw holes 12 provided in the elongate member 6 will lie over screw holes 13 provided in the shank 10 of the end cap 8. Screws 14 maybe inserted to hold the end cap 8 in place.

While not illustrated, it will be readily understood that where the elongate member 6 has a circular cross-section then die shank 10 of the detachable end cap S may be threaded and the interior of the first end 9 may he provided with a cooperating screw thread to allow the end cap 8 to be screwed onto the elongate member 6. Alternatively the end cap 8 and first end 9 of the elongate member 6 may be provided with cooperating hook-and-loop fastener pads. such as Velcro®, or a zip fastener.

Alternatively the means of access to the interior space 7 of the elongate member 6 may be provided by the elongate member 6 being capable of splitting in half along its longitudinal axis. One half of the elongate member 6 may be hinged to the other half allowing the elongate member 6 to be opened and closed and the elongate member may he provided with a suitable catch to keep the elongate member 6 in the closed position.

A plurality of weighted 15 and spacer 16 inserts are provided for insertion into the elongate member 6. The inserts 15 and 16 shown in Figs. 6 and 7 are generally mathematically cylindrical having a cross-section substantially the same as the cross-section of the interior space of the dongate member 6. The spacer insert 16 has a much lower density than the weighted insert 15. A user may select how many weighted inserts 15 and spacer inserts 16 to insert into the elongate member 6 to achieve a desired total mass for the fitness training device. The user should select a predetermined number of inserts 15 and 16 so that the total number of sdected inserts 15 and 16 selected are capable of together sufficiently filling the interior space 7 so that they are incapable of relative movement with respect to each other and to the elongate member 6. The inserts 15 and 16 shown in Figs. 6 and 7 have the same dimensions. However, it will be readily understood that inserts of differing lengths eculd be used. Fcr instance in Fig. 8 a weighted insert 15 could he replaced with a short weighted insert 17 and a short spacer insert 18 to achieve a different total mass.

Alternatively, instead of being generally mathematically cylindrical an insert 19 may comprise two end sections 20, each end section 20 having a cross-section substantially the same as the cross-section of the interior space of the elongate member, the end sections 20 being joined by a central section 21 with a smaller cross-section than the end sections 20. The inserts may be provided with a suitable fastening mechanism to fix them together. For instance, the inserts may be provided with colTesponding screw threads.

To improve the handleahility of the fitness training device 5, the elongate member 6 may he provided with a plurality of hand grips 22. The hand grips 22 may he positioned along the length of the elongate member 6 and may also be positioned on opposite sides of the elongate member 6. The hand ips 22 may be provided by webbing 23 as shown in Fig. 4. Alternatively, the hand grips 22 may he provided by a handle 24 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member 6, as shown in Figs. 10 to 12. The handle 24 can be coupled to the end cap 8 at the first end 9 of the elongate member 6 and a corresponding end cap 8 at the second end 25 of the elongate member 6. Although not illustrated, it wifi he understood that the handle may also be coupled to the exteror of the elongate member at one or more positions along its length.

The number of people comprising a team may vary. For this reason it may be desirable to alter the length of the fitness training device 5, allowing a thnger device 5 to be used for a larger team of people 2 and a shorter device 5 to be used for a smaller team of people 2.

It is possible to vary the length of the fitness training device S when the elongate member 6 comprises a plurality of elongate sections 26. A user can then vary the length of the fitness training device 5 by selecting an appropriate number of elongate sections 26. Similarly to when the elongate member 6 is provided as a single member, each elongate section 26 will he hollow and generally cylindrical in a mathematical sense.

To allow the insertion and removal of inserts 27 each elongate section 26 will be provided with a means of access to the interior space 28 defined within its hollow interior.

This means of access can be provided in a number of ways.

Each elongate section 26 wifl have a first end 29 and a second end 30. The first end 29 of one elongate section 26 will define the first end 9 of the elongate member 6. In this case, the elongate section 26 may be provided with a detachable end cap 8. As previously described, the detachable end cap 8 may be provided with a shank 10 and end portion 11. The shank 10 is shaped to have a cross-section substantially the same as the cross-section of the interior space 28 of the elongate section 26 such that the shank 10 will fit snuggly inside the elongate section 26 while the end portion 11 lies adjacent to the first end 29. When (he end portion 11 lies adjacent to the first end 29 screw holes 30 provided in the elongate section 26 will lie over screw holes 13 provided in the shank 10 of the end cap 8. Screws 14 may be inserted to hold the end cap 8 in place.

There are various ways in which several separable sections can be joined to form an elongate member 6 of a selected length. The several elongate sections may be serially coupled endwise to each other, for example, with one section being screwed to the next, or with an end part of one being received within an end part of another, for example by a force-fit or with auxiliary fixings such as screws holding an inner end part within an outer end part.

Alternatively, where second end 30 of the elongate section 26 illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15 is to he connected to the first end 29 of another elongate section 26, a detachable connector 32 maybe provided. The detachable connector 32 may comprise a middle portion 33 with a first shank 34 on one side of the middle portion and a second shank 35 on the other side. The first and second shanks 34 and 35 are shaped to have a cross-section substantially the same as the cross-section of the interior space 28 of the elongate section 26 such that the second shank 35 will fit snuggly inside the elongate section 26 while the middle portion 33 lies between the respective ends of the two elongate sections. When the middle portion 33 lies adjacent to the second end 30 screw holes 36 provided in the dongate section 26 will He over screw holes 37 provided in the second shank 35 of the connector 32. Screws 14 may he inserted to hold the connector 32 in place. The first end 29 of an additional elongate section 26 may be connected to the first shank 34 using a similar method. V/here the second end 30 of an elongate section 26 defines the second end 25 of the elongate member 6 then the elongate section 26 may also be provided with a detachable end cap 8.

hi the embodiment of Figs. 13 to 15, each elongate section has an individual handle section 24a on each side. The end cap 8 and connector 32 may be provided with recesses 38 in their end portion 11 and middk portion 33 respectively. These recesses 38 will correspond to a handle section 24a so that once the fitness training device 5 is assembled the handle sections 24a are held in place by the end caps 8 and connectors 32.

The hollow interior 28 of each elongate section 26 will be large enough to house at least one weighted insert 27. An assembly for creating an elongate member from several elongate sections, so that the member has a selected length suitably includes at least a first and a second set of weight inserts of different mass. The number of inserts in a set is suitably at least equal to the number of elongate sections making up the elongate member. While the weight distribution along the elongate member is suitably uniform, this is not necessary. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 14 the insert 27 is provided with a handle 39. When the fitness training device S is assembled the hanWe 39 will lie in the hollow space 40 defined by one of the shanks 11. 34 or 35.

To prevent the fitness training device 5 deforming. the elongate member 6 may comprise an inner hard portion 41. The inner hard portion 41 will suitably be made of a plastics material or a metal such as steel. To aid comfort when the fitness training device is carried on the users shoulders or against their legs the elongate member may also comprise an outer soft portion 42. As well as improving the comfort of the users the outer soft portion 42 will also be waterproof, durable and capable of being wiped clean.

The outer soft portion could be made of rubber or could be formed of foam padding with a heavy duty vinyl cover.

It will be understood that sonic teams of users may wish to train without inserting any inserts into the elongate member 6. This will allow them to build up their strength before they increase the weight of the fitness training device 5.

For some training sessions it will also be desirable for at least one insert to be inserted into the elongate member 6 and (he at least one insert being capable ol movement relative to (he elongate member 6 as the device 5 is being canied. For instance, when training for a line-out in rugby the players practice jumping as high as possible. One method of training for this would be for the players to form a line holding the fitness training device S above their heads. If the players then all jumped together the insert would slide to the end of the elongate member 6 where the players had not jumped as high.

Claims

Claims 1. A fitness training device adapted to be carried by a group of users, the device comprising: an elongate member, the elongate member being generally cylindrical in a mathematical sense and defining an axis; and handles coupled to the elongate member and extending generally along the entire length ol the elongate member on opposite sides thereof; the elongate member having a sufficient length to enable a team of users comprising a plurality of users on each of two opposite sides of the elongate member simultaneously to grasp the handles to enable team exercises to be performed with the fitness training device by the said team of users.
2. A fitness training device according to Claim 1, wherein the elongate member is hollow.
3. A fitness training device according to Claim 2, wherein the elongate member is provided with a means of access to the interior space defined within its hollow interior.
4. A fitness training device according to any preceding Claim, wherein there are two handles extending parallel to the axis generally along the entire length of the elongate member on opposite sides thereof.
5. A fitness training device according to Claim 4, wherein each said handle is joined to the elongate member at positions adjacent opposite ends of the elongate member and at at least one intermediate position along the length of the elongate member.
6. A fitness training device according to Claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.