GB2527332A

GB2527332A - Exercise equipment

Info

Publication number: GB2527332A
Application number: GB1410875.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clive Anthony Payne
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-18
Filing date: 2014-06-18
Publication date: 2015-12-23
Also published as: GB201410875D0

Abstract

An article of exercise equipment capable of being worn on the back of a user comprising a frame having a plurality of attachment points 18 for the attachment of carrying straps. The Frame also comprises at least one handle portion 22, and at least one affixment means 16 for detachably affixing a weight. The frame may be formed with a central portion 12 and a number of limbs 14 outwardly extending such that the frame may have an X shaped configuration, wherein the carrying strap attachment points can be located at the free ends of the limbs. An aperture or recess 16 for affixing an additional weight may be provided in or on, one or each of the limbs to allow adjustment in the weight. Additionally one or more handle portions may extend between respective pairs of the limbs.

Description

Exercise Equipment The present invention relates to exercise equipment for use in exercise of the human body. In particular, the present invention relates to such equipment which is capable of being There are many prior proposals relating to weighted vests and the like. One example is the British patent application published as (1B23 541 80A on 2l March 2001. It discloses a "vest or rucksack" type exercise device for wearing whilst exercising, having pockets for receiving weights therein. Although use is made of the word "rucksack", there is no explicit disclosure of a rigid frame -contrary to the usual perception of the construction of a rucksack.

US Patent 5,299,999 dated 5th April 1994 discloses a weight pack for exercise.

Although again not being filly in accordance with the usual perception of the construction of a rucksack, there is disclosed a rigid Insert" constituting the "main support member for the backpack". The "insert" has a weight shelf to hold removable weights. The weight pack rests on the shoulders of a user by means of what are described as (solid) J hooks. Integral with the backpack is a belt, to be secured around the waist of the user.

The present invention is proposed with a view to improving upon previous proposals of the type described above.

According to the present invention there is provided an article of exercise equipment capable of being worn on the back of a user and comprising a frame, said frame having a plurality of attachment points for the attachment of one or more carrying straps by which the article maybe worn on the back of the user, said frame also having at least one handle portion for lifting the said article when it is not being worn, and said frame fhrther having at least one affixment means for detachably affixing a weight to the frame.

The exercise equipment provided by the present invention is far more versatile than that previously proposed and can thus be employed in a far greater range of exercises. The benefits of the present invention will be further understood from the following description.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of further example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a schematic line drawing of a perspective view of an exercise device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is essentially the same view as shown in figure 1 but illustrating removable weights affixed to the exercise device.

The basic arrangement of a first embodiment of an exercise device according to the present invention is illustrated in figure 1.

The device comprises a frame 10 which, in the present embodiment, has a predominately "X" shaped form. In the illustrated version, the"X" shaped form derives from an octagonal central portion 12 from which radiate four, generally rectangular shaped, limbs 14. These limbs 14 constitute the "arms" of the "X". The central portion 12 and limbs 14, as illustrated, are integral with each other; the whole being fabricated, for example, from an injection moulded plastics material.

As illustrated in figure 1; each limb 14 is formed with a centnl, rectangular aperture 16. The apertures 16 pass through the frame from one face of the "X" shape to the other, in other words from the front to the back thereof (or visa versa). Although shown and described as apertures 16 passing through the frame; in one variation they could be constructed in the form of recesses, that is not extending completely through the frame. The purpose of the apertures 16 (or in alternative form, recesses 16) will be described below.

The frame 10 has a plurality of attachment points 18 for the attachment of one or more shoulder straps (not shown) by which the exercise device may be worn on the back of a user.

In this embodiment the attachment points 18 are in the form of "D" rings. Although not shown, it will be readily understood that the attachment of shoulder straps to the D rings 18 enable the frame 10 to be worn in the same manner as a conventional rucksack.

The form of the shoulder straps, per se, is not critical to the invention. In a simple arrangement a respective length of webbing strap is provided for attachment to each of the left and right hand sides of the frame. Such straps may of course be padded or carry moveable weight dispersing pads, in conventional manner, to increase the comfort of the user.

There are a number of different ways in which shoulder straps can be attached to the D rings 18. In a preferred example; the ends of shoulder straps are provided with respective snap shackles, each of which can be easily and swiffly clipped to the appropriate D ring 18.

In an alternative arrangement; the snap shackles can be replaced with press-studs, whereby the ends of the straps pass through the D rings 18 and then fix back onto themselves. Instead of press-studs, buckles might be used. Another alternative might be to use a strong from of Velcro TM like fixing. Most preferably, whichever type of attachment is used, it should allow for easy and swift attachment and detachment of the straps with the frame 10.

Shown in figure 1 is a D ring 20, provided on the right hand side of the frame 10. It will be understood that although not shown, due to the perspective nature of the view, a corresponding D ring 20 is provided on the left hand side of the frame. These D rings 20 are optional and are provided for the attachment of an optional strap or straps which pass around the chest of the user. Such strap or straps could, of course, be part of a harness providing the aforementioned shoulder straps -perhaps with a central quick-release. buckle, somewhat similar to that provided for seatbelts used by aircraft pilots.

A prominent feature of the exercise equipment according to the present invention is that the frame is provided with one or more handle portions. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, the frame 10 is provided with two handles 22. Each of the handles 22 is in the form of a cylindrical rod or tube. As illustrated; the handles 22 extend vertically, one on each of the left and right hand sides of the frame 10. In each case the respective handle interconnects the two limbs 14 of the left or the right hand side of the frame. The handles 22 could be formed as an integral part of the frame 10, eg in injected moulded plastics. Alternatively, handles 22 may be formed of a metallic material. They can, for example, be secured in place as part of the moulding process of the central portionl2 and limbs 14. Other means of securing the handles 22 to the respective limbs 14 may be used, for example gluing or bonding. The handles may, if required, be contoured or be provided with grips, so that a user may grasp the handles more securely.

Instead of extending vertically as in Figiire 1, the handles 22 could equally extend horizontally. In such a case they would, of course, respectively span the upper and lower sets of limbs 14 rather than the left and right hand sets-hdeed, it would suffice if only a single handle 22 were provided, whether located in the upper, lower, left or right hand positions.

Now that the whole of the article of exercise equipment, or exercise device, of Figure 1 has been described; it's mode of use will now be explained.

To perform certain exercises: a user clips shoulder straps, or whichever variation thereof is provided, on to the D rings 18 and the device 10 is worn in the same manner as conventional rucksack. As such the device 10 increases the effort the user must expend, thus improving the level of exercise, in running, performing squats, press-ups, pull-ups and similar exercises. Of course similar benefit, but possibly working different muscle groups, can be obtained by the user wearing the device 10 on his/her chest rather than back. With the previously proposed exercise devices, described at the beginning of this document; this would represent the full extent of the exercises with which the exercise device was intended to assist.

In stark contrast to what has just been stated concerning the previously proposed exercise devices, an exercise device according to the present invention is designed for use in a far greater range of further and additional exercises.

Referring to an embodiment in accordance with Figure 1, perhaps having already performed a series of exercises such as push-ups or squats; the user un-clips the straps from the D rings 18 and the device 10 is then ready for use in a series of exercises with the user gripping the handles 22. It will be readily apparent that in this mode of use the exercise device 10 is beneficial in exercises such as the bench (or chest) press, shoulder press, bicep curls, tricep curls, bent over row and many other similar such exercises.

The functionality and extent of beneficial use in exercise is yet further enhanced by the exercise device according to the present invention. In this extended mode of use, ropes or cords are attached to the attachment points of the frame. A new range of exercises is now available. For example, starting with the exercise device placed on the ground and a user grasping a rope or cord in each hand, moving the arms generally upwards will exercise the front deltoid muscles and, with a sideways movement, will exercise the side deltoid muscles.

For such exercises, it may be preferable for the rope or cord to be somewhat elasticated.

In the description given above; use of the exercise device of the present invention benefits.the user's exercise as a result of the intrinsic weight of the device. This benefit can be increased by adding weights to the exercise device. Indeed, it is a feature of the exercise device of the present invention that the device has at least one affixment means for detachably affixing a weight to the frame. The ability to vary the weight of the exercise device has obvious benefits in terms of the usefulness of the device in an on-going programme of exercise.

Referring to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 1, the apertures, or recesses, 16 constitute the affixment means of the invention. They are used in a manner which will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is essentially the same view as shown in figure 1, but illustrating removable weights 24 affixed to the exercise device. Each weight 24, in this embodiment, has the shape of a conventional dumb bell. The weights 24 are preferably made of metal. In a preferred arrangement, the weights 24 and apertures 16 are dimensioned such that the weights 24 snap fit into the apertures 16. Many arrangements are available as alternatives to the snap fit option. For example, retaining straps or latches can be provided. Another alternative is the provision of a cover, preferably a zipped cloth arrangement, which covers the limbs 14 and thus retains the weights 24 in position. However, the snap fit arrangement is beneficial from manufacturing and ease/speed of use considerations. It will be readily apparent that a series of weights 24 of different mass can be provided. The difference in mass can be obtained by altering the shape, eg larger end sections on the dumb bell, or by changing the material from which they are manufactured.

In the exercise device illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, it will be noted that there are essentially "V" shaped open spaces 26 formed between the two upper limbs 14 and the two lower limbs 14, respectively. Beneficial use can be made of one or both of these spaces 26.

In a preferred arrangement, a correspondingly "V" shaped bag or pouch (not illustrated) is provided to fit neatly into the space 26. Such a bag or pouch can be attached to the frame 10 by any suitable means. For example, the bag or pouch can be attached by straps or cords to the D rings 18 and 20. An alternative is the use of straps or catches to attach the bag or pouch directly to or around the limbs 14, or such attachment to any cover covering the limbs 14-whether or not such cover is provided to retain the weights 2& In a preferred arrangement, a bag having a drinking water container is provided for the upper space 26. Said container may have a tube which passes round to the user's mouth, so that the user may take a drink of water during a programme of exercises. In another preferred arrangement, a bag or pouch is provided for the lower space 26, with this bag or pouch being used to store the ropes or cords described above for use in exercising the deltoid muscles.

Preferably a padded cover is provided for the frame 10 so as to provide padding of the central portion 12 and limbs 14 against the user's back, when the device is being worn in a mcksack like manner.

It is to be noted that although the accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment of the present invention having a generally "X" shaped frame, the present invention in it's broadest aspect is not at all limited to such a shape. Of course, a simple variation such as a generally "Y" shaped frame will present many of the above described advantages and beneficial effects. Such a variation might have a single handle extending between the top two of the three limbs of the "Y" shape. Many other shapes, such as: square, circular, triangular or irregular could be used. Some such shapes may require differently shaped or located handles but, again, many of the above described advantages and benefits can be retained.

It is further to be noted that the present invention is not at all limited to the above described and illustrated methods of detachably affixing a weight to the frame. Any suitable means may be used. One alternative is a quick release locking mechanism by which a weight, perhaps in the form of a circular, square or octagonal weight might be secured to the central portion 12 of the illustrated frame. A threaded stud and wing nut might suffice in place of a sophisticated quick release mechanism. Another alternative is for the weights to be in the form of, and take the place of, the proposed bags or pouches.

Likewise to the above, the attachment points of the present invention are in no way limited to the described and illustrated D rings. Perhaps the simplest variation is to change the describe arrangement so as to provide snap shackles fixed to the frame and D rings on the shoulder straps. However, many other possibilities exist. For example, the ends of the shoulder straps may be provided with eyelets which fit over respective studs located where the D rings are indicated. A pin or clip may then be used to secure the attachment, possibly with the pin or clip passing through an aperture in the stud -in the manner in which split pins are often employed.

Claims

Claims 1. An article of exercise equipment capable of being worn on the back of a user and comprising a frame, said frame having a plurality of attachment points for the attachment of one or more carrying straps by which the article may be worn on the back of the user, said frame also having at least one handle portion for lifting the said article when it is not being worn, and said frame further having at least one affixment means for detachably affixing a weight to the flame.
2. An article of exercise equipment as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the frame has a central portion and a plurality of limbs radiating therefrom.
3. An article of exercise equipment as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the said at least one handle portion extends between two of the said limbs.
4. An article of exercise equipment as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the frame has an "X" shaped configuration.
5. An article of exercise equipment as claimed in Claim 4, wherein four of said attachment points are provided each located towards the free end of each of four limbs which An article of exercise equipment as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the frame has two handle portions each extending between a respective two of the said limbs.7. An article of exercise equipment as claimed in any one of Claims 2, 3, 5 and 6, wherein said at least one affixment means is located in or on one of said limbs.8. An article of exercise equipment as claimed in Claim 7, wherein a respective affixment means is located in or on each of said limbs.9. An article of exercise equipment as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the affixment means comprises an aperture or recess.10. An article of exercise equipment substantially as herein before described with reference to and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.