GB2526530A

GB2526530A - Improved fitness apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2526530A
Application number: GB1407524.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Montgomerie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-04-29
Filing date: 2014-04-29
Publication date: 2015-12-02
Also published as: GB201407524D0; GB2526530A8

Abstract

A fitness apparatus 301 that comprises a cuboid body with two sides of different lengths to provide a user with two different exercise heights, and a void provided in the cuboid body to at least partially receive the body of the user during an exercise. The apparatus may have two adjacent solid wooden faces 303a, 303b and a two opposing open sides that provide parallel metal bars 307a, 307b. The apparatus 301 can be rotated between two configurations from a height of 500mm to a height of 700mm. The solid sides 303a, 303b may be used for exercises that involve the user standing, stepping, jumping or placing equipment onto the solid surfaces. The parallel bars 307a, 307b may be used for exercises where a user supports their own weight by pushing against the bars. The apparatus 301 is adapted to stack with the same or similar fitness equipment for storage.

Description

1 Improved fitness apparatus 3 The present invention relates to the field of fitness apparatus such as may be used in a 4 gym, exercise class or even at home. More specifically, the present invention concerns improvements to fitness apparatus that allows several different exercises to be performed.

6 In a particular embodiment of the invention there is provided a fitness apparatus which 7 permits at least two separate exercises to be performed, and at least two separate heights 8 or positions in which said at least two exercises can be performed.

Background to the invention

12 The benefits of physical exercise on fitness and wellness, both physically and mentally, 13 are well understood and appreciated, and the beneficial effects of physical exercise on the 14 cardiovascular system is heavily documented. There are strong links between cardiovascular mortality and lack of physical activity and as a result there is a growing 1 trend for individuals to take pad in moderate to vigorous exercise to reduce the risk of 2 cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes.

4 However, in a society whose workforce is increasingly sedentary, the onus is on S individuals to make significant lifestyle changes in order to ensure that adequate physical 6 exercise is undertaken so as to enjoy these benefits. It is generally true that gym 7 memberships are expensive and without proper guidance and strict adherence to a 8 training program, many gym users give up or stop using their memberships -in fact the 9 Fitness Industry Association have reported that almost 22 percent of gym members who join a gym in January will have "thrown in the towel" by the end of June.

12 Motivation may be sustained through participation in group activities such as exercise 13 classes, but without variety gym users and attendees may eventually lose interest and, as 14 a result, motivation. Furthermore, regular participation in exercise classes can also be expensive and as a result, many fitness enthusiasts are resorting to training at home, 16 either using body weight exercises or light-to-moderately heavy weights. However, in 17 order to partake in a variety of different exercises it may be necessary to invest in a 18 number of different pieces of equipment. This can be expensive for home exercisers and 19 scales with the number of attendees for a gym or individual wishing to run an exercise class using such equipment.

22 Accordingly, it is an object of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviates 23 and/or mitigate one or more disadvantages of known/prior fitness apparatus. For example, 24 the present invention, in at least one of its aspects, is particularly suited to use in both the exercise class environment as well as for training at home using body weight exercises. In 26 the many and varied embodiments possible, the present invention facilitates different 27 exercises to be performed on a single apparatus.

29 Further aims, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading

the following description.

1 Summary of the invention

3 According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a fitness apparatus for the 4 performance of more than one exercise, the fitness apparatus comprising a cuboid body S having at least two sides of different lengths to define at least two corresponding exercise 6 heights, and a void defined between two sides of the cuboid body to at least partially 7 receive a user's body while performing an exercise.

9 Preferably, one or more of the sides of the cuboid body comprise a substantially solid surface. The surface provides a surface on which a user may stand, or onto which a user 11 may jump, or indeed place a piece of equipment. Being substantially solid, the one or 12 more sides may for example comprise a completely solid surface, two or more solid slats, 13 a mesh or other surface able, adapted, configured or arranged to support a load.

Most preferably, two adjacent sides of the cuboid body comprise substantially solid 16 surfaces.

18 Preferably, one or more sides of the cuboid body comprise a substantially open surface.

19 The surface may for example comprise a simple rectangular frame defining the perimeter of the side.

22 Most preferably, two opposing sides of the cuboid body comprise substantially open 23 surfaces.

Preferably, the two opposing sides of the cuboid body provide two substantially 26 perpendicular pairs of substantially parallel bars. Optionally, the bars may be provided 27 with handles or grips. Such bars may be provided by said sides being made to comprise 28 simple rectangular frames. Alternatively, and preferably, the opposing sides may comprise 29 I-shaped frame portions connectable and connected to corresponding edges of the substantially solid adjacent sides.

32 Most preferably, two opposing sides of the cuboid body having open surfaces are 33 connected along corresponding edges by two adjacent sides of the cuboid body having 34 substantially solid surfaces.

1 Most preferably the two opposing sides of the cuboid body having open surfaces are only 2 connected by the two adjacent sides of the cuboid body so as to define the void. The void 3 is provided by the absence of a further connection between the open surfaces. In terms of 4 cuboid geometry, one of the vertices is effectively omitted. In a preferred embodiment this S vertice is diametrically opposite the vertice between or shared by the adjacecent solid 6 faces.

8 Alternatively, the said two opposing sides may be solid. Likewise, the said two adjacent 9 sides may be open.

11 Preferably, the fitness apparatus may be translated between two or more configurations at 12 which different exercises may be performed and/or different heights. Most preferably, the 13 fitness apparatus may be so translated by rotating the fitness apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the fitness apparatus may 16 comprise a rectangular cuboid which may define two exercise heights at 500 mm and 700 17 mm, two solid sides which may comprise wooden boards which connect two open sides 18 which may comprise substantially rectangular metal frames, and a gap between the open 19 sides which may be defined by the lack of any further connection therebetween to provide the void within which the user may perform one or more exercises. Such dimensions may 21 suit an average 62" tall male; it is foreseen that smaller versions may be provided for 22 smaller users or users of different fitness levels. The actual dimensions employed may be 23 selected dependent on a consideration of, for example, factors such as height, weight, 24 fitness level, relative limb length, etc. A range of sizes may be provided from which a user may select.

27 Preferably, and advantageously, the fitness apparatus is shaped, adapted, configured or 28 arranged to stack with other same or like fitness apparatus for storage.

While the fitness apparatus is preferably formed from a number of separate components, 31 the fitness apparatus may alternatively comprise a unitary construction. Such a fitness 32 apparatus may be formed in a single piece, for example by injection moulding.

34 According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of exercising using a fitness apparatus according to the first aspect, comprising performing a first 1 exercise at a first height using the fitness apparatus in a first configuration, and 2 subsequently translating the fitness apparatus to a second configuration and performing 3 the first exercise at a second height or performing a second exercise at the first or second 4 height.

S

6 Most preferably the fitness apparatus is translated between the first and second 7 configurations by rotating the fitness apparatus. Optionally, the fitness apparatus is 8 rotated about an axis extending through substantially open sides of the fitness apparatus.

Optionally, the method may comprise performing one or more box-jumps onto a solid 11 surface of the fitness apparatus. Optionally, the method may comprise performing one or 12 more dips within the void using the substantially open sides of the fitness apparatus for 13 support.

A variety of other exercises may be performed on the apparatus within the scope of the 16 second aspect, including at least dips, full dips, hand stand push ups, I-sits, deep press 17 ups, incline press ups, decline press ups, high box jumps, low box jumps, step ups, 18 inverted rows, crunches, leg extensions, glute and hamstring raises, split squats, assisted 19 pistol squats and drop jumps.

21 Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may comprise features corresponding 22 to the preferred or optional features of the first aspect of the invention or vice versa.

24 According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of pads for assembling one or more fitness apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention.

27 In an embodiment of the third aspect, the kit of pads may comprise two boards, two I- 28 shaped frame portions, a plurality of frame members, and at least two handles. The kit of 29 parts may be assembled using permanent fixing means, semi-or quasi-permanent fixing means or temporary fixing means.

32 Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may comprise features corresponding to 33 the preferred or optional features of the first or second aspects of the invention or vice 34 versa.

1 According to further aspects of the invention, there may be provided a fitness apparatus 2 substantially as herein described with reference to the appended drawings.

1 Brief description of the drawings

3 Aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the 4 following detailed description which describes, by way of example only, various S embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings (like reference numerals 6 referring to like features) in which: 8 Figure 1 illustrates various configurations and arrangements of a fitness apparatus 9 according to an embodiment of the present invention; 11 Figure 2 illustrates various configurations and arrangements of a fitness apparatus 12 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and 14 Figure 3 illustrates a fitness apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention being used in a number of different configurations.

1 Detailed description of preferred embodiments

3 An embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1 which overcomes several 4 problems with known fitness apparatus. An improved fitness apparatus 101 is shown in S various configurations in Figures 1 (a) through (d), in pre-assembled (or dis-assembled) 6 form in Figure 1 (e), and in different stacking arrangements for convenient storage in 7 Figures 1(0 and (g).

9 With reference to Figures 1(a) through (d), the improved fitness apparatus 101 can be seen to comprise a cuboid or rectangular box shape having two solid faces 103a and 11 103b, and two open side faces 105a and 105b framed by I-shaped frame portions 107a 12 and 107b. Mounted on the I-shaped frame portions 107a and 107b, approximately mid- 13 way along either arm, are handle portions 109.

In this embodiment, the fitness apparatus 101 provides a level training platform at two 16 different heights by virtue of the solid face 103a being 500mm square and the solid face 17 103b being 500 mm by 700 mm (rectangular). Accordingly, the arms of the I-shaped 18 frame portions 107a and 107b are approximately 500 mm and 700 mm long. As noted 19 above, these dimensions may suit a 6'2" male; appropriate dimensions may be selected for different users or users of different fitness levels. For example, smaller models may be 21 used for smaller users or indeed beginners, and larger models used for larger or more 22 advanced users.

24 A void, sized to accommodate at least a portion of a user's body during exercise, is defined in the space between the two open side faces 105a and 105b, and enabled by the 26 omission of a cross-brace or similar between the I-shaped arms. The uppermost, 27 horizontal arms of the I-shaped frame portions 107a and 107b provide a user with easily 28 accessible parallel bars, and the void allows a user to safely perform exercises within the 29 fitness apparatus without risk of the apparatus tipping or collapsing. As illustrated in Figures 3 (a) and (b) this permits exercises such as dips to be performed at two different 31 heights by standing the apparatus on either of the solid faces (as shown in Figure 1(c) and 32 (d)).

34 When the fitness apparatus 101 (301) is stood on either of the parallel bars provided by the pairs of arms of the I-shaped frame portions 107a and 107b(307a and 307b), as 1 shown in Figures 1(a) and (b) (and in Figure 3(c)), solid face 103a or 103b (303a or 303b) 2 faces upwards and provides a horizontal surface which, for example, allows a user to jump 3 onto the apparatus (as illustrated in Figure 3(c)) or perform any one of a number of 4 different exercises which are thus enabled.

S

6 It will therefore be clear to the skilled person that by simply rotating the improved fitness 7 apparatus of the present invention, to change which side of the cuboid frame the 8 apparatus stands on, two different exercise positions are provided at two different heights.

9 For example, when upright" with either solid face 103a or 103b facing upwards, a user can perform exercises such as box jumps, step ups, depth jumps or split squats at or from 11 a height of either 500 mm (-2oinches) or 700 mm (-28 inches). When "inverted" with 12 either solid face 103a or 103b facing downwards, a user can perform exercises such as 13 dips, full dips and assisted pistol squats on the parallel bars provided by pairs of arms of 14 the I-shaped frame portions 107a and 107b.

16 The fitness apparatus may comprise a single unitary construction but preferably may be 17 constructed by assembling a number of parts which permit flat-packing and ease of 18 storage prior to sale and/or use. Figure 1(e) for example shows a kit of parts comprising 19 various parts of the frame of the fitness apparatus 101 which occupy a relatively small vertical footprint when compared with the assembled product. In this embodiment the 21 fitness apparatus is constructed and held together using semi-or quasi-permanent fixtures 22 such as nuts and bolts; however for ease of disassembly (and hence storage when not in 23 use) temporary fixtures such as pins may be employed.

To assist in storage and to reduce space requirements for multiple fitness apparatus 26 according to the invention, the fitness apparatus may be configured to be stacked as 27 shown in Figures 1(0 and (g). This may be simply achieved by locating the I-shaped frame 28 portions 107a and 107b slightly wider than the solid end faces 103a and 103b. Several 29 fitness apparatus 101 may therefore be stored in a relatively small footprint (vertical and horizontal) as compared to many known fitness apparatus which provide less functionality 31 and utility.

33 In addition to the exercises described above, and those that will be immediately apparent 34 to the skilled person when made aware of the present invention, several other exercises are made possible and/or made safer by the disclosed fitness apparatus. For example, 1 two such apparatus may be employed as a pair to add variation such as deep press-ups, 2 deep dips and inverted rows. Furthermore, two such apparatus can be used as platforms 3 to rest either end of a barbell when performing weightlifting exercises.

S However, a suitably configured and sized fitness apparatus according to the invention can 6 in fact act as a "spotter" when used singularly, the user standing within the void (for 7 example when performing a squat) and the parallel bars either side acting as a safety stop 8 to catch a barbell if a user fails during a repetition. To this end, the I-shaped arms may be 9 further provided with indentations to prevent rolling of the barbell along the arms.

11 The fitness apparatus according to the invention provides a user with a single, portable, 12 space-saving and -importantly -simple, free-standing piece of equipment which enables 13 a multitude of different exercises to be performed. There is no need for mechanical 14 reconfiguration between exercises; a user simply has to rotate the apparatus through 90 or 180 degrees to change height or exercise. This enables, amongst other things, quick 16 transitions between exercise types such as might be employed during super-sets or high 17 intensity interval training. The lack of reconfiguration also means that the possibility of 18 setting the apparatus incorrectly is vastly reduced.

Note that it is foreseen that a third platform height could be accommodated or provided by 21 the apparatus by replacing square face 103a with a rectangular face of, say 500 mm by 22 600 mm, and replacing one of the open side faces 105a or 105b with a solid face of 23 600 mm by 700 mm. In this way, exercises at three different heights may be performed.

Furthermore, although the invention has been exemplified with reference to a rectangular 26 or elongate cuboid shape, it is foreseen that the fitness apparatus could take on any shape 27 that permits the underlying concept of the invention to be realised. For example, the 28 fitness apparatus could be trapezoidal or, for example, comprise a truncated pyramid, 29 square frustum (or rectangular frustum) shape. To this end, the term cuboid" as used herein shall be construed as relating to any such shape.

32 The invention provides a fitness apparatus that allows several different exercises to be 33 performed. The fitness apparatus permits at least two separate exercises, such as box 34 jumps and dips, to be performed without the need for two separate apparatus.

Furthermore, each exercise may be performed at two or more different heights or positions 1 to provide greater flexibility in use. The fitness apparatus comprises a cuboid body with 2 two sides of different lengths provide a user with two different exercise heights, and a void 3 provided in the cuboid body to at least partially receive the user while he or she is 4 performing an exercise.

S

6 As used herein, the terms bottom, lower, below and the like are descriptive of a feature 7 that is located towards a first end/side of an apparatus, system or component while the 8 terms top, upper, above and the like are descriptive of a feature that is located towards a 9 second, opposing end/side of the apparatus, system or component.

11 Throughout the specification, unless the context demands otherwise, the terms comprise' 12 or include', or variations such as comprises' or comprising', includes' or including' will be 13 understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the 14 exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

16 Various modifications to the above-described embodiments may be made within the scope 17 of the invention, and the invention extends to combinations of features other than those 18 expressly described herein.