GB2552203A

GB2552203A - A Portable exercise device

Info

Publication number: GB2552203A
Application number: GB1612203.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Savaivongthong Kongkham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-07-14
Filing date: 2016-07-14
Publication date: 2018-01-17
Also published as: GB201612203D0

Abstract

A portable resistance exercise device with a body and many extendible members 2 which are attached to and extend from the body and which may be elastic. The members 2 may further be attached to the body by anchors which may have a means of locking to the body. The body may also be hinged 5 so as to fold. The members 2 may extend perimetrically from the body. The members 2 may have handles 1 which are displaceable from the members 2 and may contain a strain gauge and/or a data communication device.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A Portable exercise device Abstract Title: A portable resistance exercise device (57) A portable resistance exercise device with a body and many extendible members 2 which are attached to and extend from the body and which may be elastic. The members 2 may further be attached to the body by anchors which may have a means of locking to the body. The body may also be hinged 5 so as to fold. The members 2 may extend perimetrically from the body. The members 2 may have handles 1 which are displaceable from the members 2 and may contain a strain gauge and/or a data communication device.

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A PORTABLE EXERCISE DEVICE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a portable exercise device, in particular a device for providing an exercise regime easily transportable to a plurality of locations; more particularly but not exclusively a full-body exercise regime.

Background

Increasing awareness of exercise and health regimes is becoming prevalent in many societies. At the same time many users live in increasingly urbanised environments, with limitations on available space and locations for exercise.

The need for all-body or full-body working out is well-recognised, whereby it is advantageous to exercise more muscles than standard targeted exercise regimes.

Many users find it advantageous to use equipment in exercise regimes, and at the same time many users desire flexibility in exercise timing, location and usage of space.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

US20060128540A1 relates to an exercise apparatus that provides an easily and quickly adjustable resistive force during a variety of fitness related activities. The device comprises of a housing which \provides space for stretchable bands. The user can selectively attach the handle to individual resistance bands in order to change the level of resistance.

US8715144B1 relates to a portable exercise platform which comprises of a longitudinal resistance mechanism and a latitudinal resistance mechanism. Preferred embodiments include retractable handgrips with a plurality of resistance bands

US20110251033A1 describes a portable resistance band exercise system used for training muscles. The invention allows the user to attach resistance bands to points on a board. Then, the user can attach body attachment fasteners to the resistance bands. The prior art is similar to your invention as an exercise platform with resistance bands.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a portable exercise device comprising a body and a plurality of extendable members, wherein the body is arranged for a standing user, and the members are spaced on the body and extend from the body in use, so as to provide resistance training to the user.

The spacing on the body of the members may comprise perimetric spacing, wherein the user stands on the body and the members extend from the outside or edge of the body in use.

In some embodiments the members are arranged to extend from anchors in or on the body. In some embodiments the members comprise resiliently deformable material, for example elastomer bands. In some embodiments the anchors comprise resiliently deformable or spring bias.

In these embodiments the members or body may comprise a resistance mechanism.

In this way the device may provide a means to use the user’s weight to maintain the body in position. In some embodiments further mechanisms may be envisaged to aid in placement and stability, for example weighting, tillable reservoirs, pegs or lines.

In some embodiments the device may comprise a plurality of outward pointing resistance cables.

In some embodiments a plurality of members may be attached in use to the body. Advantageously in this way, without limitation, the user may be enabled to use the members in a plurality of different directions, for example from a plurality of start points, and/or to exercise their person or limbs with a plurality of different orientations or relative positioning.

Advantageously in addition or the alternative the members may be arranged to be able to exit the body in any one of a plurality of directions, for example such that the members may be pulled comfortably and without damage in a plurality of directions. In this way flexibility, naturalness and variability is available and promoted in exercise using the device. In this way joint, muscle and holistic exercise regimes may be possible.

In some embodiments a plurality of members may be attached to one anchor. Advantageously, in this way but without limitation, the members may be combined so as to provide greater or lesser resistance to the user.

In some embodiments the device comprises one or more handles. The handles may be situated at the end of the members distal from the anchors.

The handles may comprise a mechanism to secure the member ends or members. The mechanism may comprise easy attachment or release of the members. The members may have ends corresponding with the handles or mechanisms thereof, for example wherein the ends clip into the handle mechanism.

The handles may comprise articulated joints with the members, such that advantageously the handles may be moved easily and without resistance in a plurality of directions, and about a plurality of axes.

In some embodiments the body comprises a multi-sided or multi-directional footprint or shape. In some embodiments the body may be substantially planar.

In some embodiments the body may be collapsible, or foldable, or minimisable for easy transport and/or storage.

In some embodiments the body may comprise a bottom with a plurality of feet. These feet may comprise resilient deformation, so as to accommodate the user’s shifting weight in use. The top of the body may comprise a non-slip material, and/or raised and lowered parts. In this way the user may be limited from slippage.

The body may be substantially rigid so as to advantageously enable the user to successfully use the body to pull against.

In some embodiments the anchors may comprise terminations of the members. Whereas in other embodiments the anchors may comprise hooks or loops for the members.

In some embodiments the device may comprise apparatus such as software, hardware or firmware arranged to allow for wireless or wired communication. For example in some embodiments the apparatus may comprise an energy source in the device, a transceiver, data storage, timer and/or a numerical counting means. In this way the apparatus and device may be enabled to communicate with remote and/or independent electronic equipment. The equipment may be arranged to monitor, record and/or control the activity on the device.

In addition, the present invention may thereby comprise a rep counting smartphone app according to a second aspect.

In some embodiments the device comprises at least one sensor. This sensor may be arranged to monitor, sense or regulate the activity of the user and/or members, for example the movement of the members with reference to the body. In this way the user or a remote party may be enabled to keep track of the activity of the user.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a smartphone application that works in conjunction with the device to keep count of the number of reps performed by the user. In addition, the invention includes a storage bag with a water bottle holder and storage compartment.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention with members and handles partly extended;

Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view of the device shown in Figure 1, without handles and with members retracted;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, in a collapsed position;

Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 2; Figures 7a & 7b show isometric views of the handle used in the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 8a & 8b show isometric exploded views of a mechanism as used in the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 9a & 9b show isometric views of a mechanism as used in the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 10 shows an isometric view of the interior of the handle used in the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and

Figure 11 shows a sketch view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

With reference to the first pictured embodiment the body comprises a substantially flat bipartite plate, with a rounded rectangular plan footprint, having a central hinge in the middle of the two longer sides, with the two parts hinged so as to allow hinging downwards for storage or transport.

The upper surface of the body comprises raised and lowered portions to enhance the user’s grip. The portions comprise dimples and studs, the dimples arranged across the surface and six studs raised thereabove on each part.

The body has a depth, so as to enable the body to include subordinate bracing and the resistance mechanism, which mechanism comprises a plurality of rotating anchors. Such anchors are arranged into two lines of three, spread along two separate diverging arms.

The anchors comprise reels rotating on vertical spindles, wherein the resistance band members are secured at their proximal end thereto.

The arms comprise mouldings to accept the reels and hold them in place. The reels comprise a lock means comprised by a button uppermost on the spindle, colour-coded to the resistance band member. In this way the user can lock extension of the member. From this lock point the member is arranged to stretch, comprising elastomer of varying resistance across the reels. This provides versatility, making the product suitable for different heights and body shapes.

The user presses on the corresponding mechanism lock to fix the band position. From here the bands will stretch when pulled. The members thereby may be arranged to different starting heights, depending on the exercises that are being done.

In some other embodiments the control may comprise a resistance control, for example comprising a screwthread for tightening the spindle.

The members comprise flat band arranged vertically, and the bands rotate 90“degrees to horizontal guided by smaller vertical rollers within the arms.

The distal ends of the members comprise clip means, formed in steel or alloy. In the pictured embodiment these comprise fixed loops.

The handle comprises a lowermost carabineer clip, with a hinged and lockable gate.

The user snaps the carabiner around the desired band set up. Using the handle the user then pulls the band to the height where they wish to start the exercise.

The handle further comprises electronic apparatus arranged with a strain gauge, transceiver, energy source and printed circuit board (PCB). A Bluetooth (RTM) transceiver transmits data to mobile phone app, and a micro-USB port allows for wired connectivity.

As the user exercises, the downward pull from the bands is recorded by the strain gauge. This information can then be sent via Bluetooth (RTM) to a phone or tablet.

Resistance against the members moves a metal plate which is recorded by the strain gauge. Reps and fitness data is all showcased through the app. This allows the user to track progress as well as potentially form an online community.

A handle is also used to carry the device when collapsed for storage and transport, by snapping around a cross piece 16 of the main body between the arms.

The bands that allow the user to adjust the tension in 5lb. increments.

The device comes with a canvas bag for transporting the product.

In particular the first embodiment therefore comprises:

Two body parts subdivided into two arms each providing an exit for the members, with three members per exit.

Color coded resistance ribbon-like band members 2.

Micro injection molded grip pad 8.

Two injection molded upper body parts 15.

Cartridge 13 which houses mechanisms and comprises horizontal slot exits 19 for the members.

Cartridge planar base 18 for location of the mechanisms.

Internal anchors comprising reels 12 and spindles 11.

Intermediate vertical rollers 17 to aid in smooth movement of the members.

Welded metal insert 20 for inclusion as the members exit the body, with horizontal rollers 10 to rotate bands.

Band end connectors 7.

Color coded engage/ release mechanism buttons 9.

920mm

Bipartite base 14 with intermediate hinge 5 and hinge end caps 6.

Handle 1.

The carabineer can be attached to more than one band as the user progresses to simulate heavier weights.

The bands rotate 90“degrees and are guided by the smaller intermediate rollers within the cartridge.

The bands are color coded to their locking buttons on the top platform. For example green is a light resistance, orange is medium and red is heavy.

Rollers and mechanism index into bosses molded into the cartridge base.

As the user exercises, the downward pull from the bands is recorded by a strain gauge. This information can then be sent via Bluetooth (RTM) to for example a internetenabled telephone, smartphone or tablet computer.

With reference to Figure 10 therefore the handle is shown to include the following:

Two handle casing parts 32 formed in thermoplastics

Rotating handgrip 31

Battery 27

Printed circuit board 25

Bluetooth receiver 26 transmits data to mobile phone app

Strain gauge 28

Metal plate 29

Micro USB port 33

Connector bar 34

Carabiner 3 comprising a hinged gate 35 and threaded locking collar 36

Alternatively in some embodiments data may be shown through a screen which is built into the handle.

However, this would have implications on handle size and product cost.

With reference to the second embodiment the embodiment shown comprises a circular platform with an access panel, displaceable so as to reveal a housing for the cable box with sensors and resistance cables.

The embodiment has 12 resistance cable members oriented outward wherein different combinations of members can be used in order to promote different degrees of resistance. The device is foldable for minimisation by means of panel lock and release mechanisms.

The body is foldable in half, so as to be secured with a panel lock and release

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. A portable exercise device comprising a body and a plurality of extendable members, wherein the body is arranged for a standing user, and the members are spaced on the body and extend from the body in use, so as to provide resistance training to the user.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the members comprise elasticity.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the body comprises a plurality of members arranged for a single limb of the user.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the members comprise an end distal from the body, arranged with a temporary catch means.

5. A device according to claim 1 wherein the members are arranged to extend from anchors.

6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the anchors comprise locking means.

7. A device according to claim 1 wherein the members extend perimetrically from the body.

8. A device according to claim 1 wherein the body is hingedly foldable.

9. A device according to claim 1 comprising a handle displaceable from a member.

10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the handle comprises a strain gauge.

11. A device according to claim 9 wherein the handle comprises data communication capabilities.

12. A device substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 10.

13. A device substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 11.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched:

GB1612203.8

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