GB2564970A - Exercise apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A core muscle exercise apparatus comprises an elongate runner 10; at least one plate 20A,B arranged at an end of the runner; at least one sliding platform 30 configured to slide along the runner; and at least one stopper 15 arranged on the runner to limit movement of the sliding platform; wherein the sliding platform including at least one hand grip 40 for a user to grasp or brace. The runner 10 may be inclined by the use of a stand or stacked boxes at one end of the runner (see figures 1 and 10). The apparatus may be provided with elastic lines (90, figure 7b) to provide a resistance to movement of the sliding platform 30.

Description

EXERCISE APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to exercise apparatus, in particular but not exclusively to an apparatus for ‘core muscle’ exercises.

Background

Increasing awareness of health and consciousness about body shapes leads many users to gymnasiums in an attempt to weight train.

Weight training can be a very effective means of training a body, but can require a great deal of equipment for aerobic and anaerobic exercise regimes or steps in various regimes.

A particularly useful exercise regime focusses on the core and abdominal muscles, where for example in order to work this area sit-ups or stomach crunches are performed. Typically core exercise machines with a sliding seat focus on the lower body being arranged on the moving part and the machine is intended to be used for one type of exercise or with the user positioned in a particular way. Variation in resistance can be difficult to achieve without relatively large and cumbersome items of equipment with adjustable weight and sliding parts.

Prior Art

US 8 075 457 (CAMPANARO et al) discloses an abdominal crunch board for an inclinable exercise device includes a handle bar including opposite terminating engagement portions; a pair of opposing brackets coupled to the opposite terminating engagement portions, the pair of opposing brackets and the opposite terminating engagement portions forming a frame; a padded support coupled to the frame; and the opposing brackets are removably attachable to an adjustable incline of the inclinable exercise device at one or both of a location between a first end of the adjustable incline and a user support platform of the inclinable exercise device and a location between a second end of the adjustable incline and the user support platform.

US 5 921 901 (PALACIOS) discloses exercise apparatus of a push-pull type for exercising a person's abdominal muscles includes a track unit formed by a track board having an upper, body supporting surface extending between front and rear ends; an elongate, track-supporting base board for extending horizontally across a floor; a knee support on the base board adjacent the rear end of the track board; and, a support member for supporting the track board pivotally connected to overlie the base board with the rear 5 end adjacent the base board and the front end at selected elevations. A hand-grip carriage unit with a pair of hand grips and an elbow support aligned rearward of the hand-grips is removably mounted by rollers on the body supporting surface for reciprocal rolling movement. An anchoring unit for a person's legs or hands, alternatively, can be releasably mounted to the front end of the track board, when elevated.

WO 9 920 352 (BARNETT) discloses exercise apparatus which comprises a track, a track carriage slidably disposed on the track, and a resistance system for providing unidirectional, selectively variable resistance to the track carriage. The track carriage is capable of sliding along the track in a first direction when a force is applied to the track carriage sufficient to overcome the resistance force of the resistance system, and whereby the track carriage is capable of sliding along the track in a direction opposite to the first direction when the applied force is diminished.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an exercise apparatus comprising: an elongate runner; at least one plate arranged at an end of the runner; at least one sliding platform configured to slide along the runner; and at least one stopper arranged on the runner to limit movement of the sliding platform; wherein the sliding platform including at least one hand grip for a user to grasp or brace.

The exercise apparatus is intended to target a user’s core muscles using level, inclining and declining positions, as well as with the use of resistance bands in some embodiments.

In particular the apparatus may force the user to engage their deep core muscles (transversus abdominis, multifidus and pelvic floor) as well as the surface muscles such as rectus abdominis, whereas the prior art devices tend to only exercise the surface core muscles or the deep core muscles, but not both.

The apparatus has a runner and at least one sliding platform and at least one fixed plate, on each of which, a part of the user may be located, or onto which the user will hold, to extend their body out, while sliding the platform down the runner.

In some preferred embodiments the apparatus has two plates, one arranged at each end of the elongate runner. In this way the apparatus has at least three surfaces upon which part of the body can rest upon or be in contact with during use.

For example one of said plates (a lower plate) is arranged for the user’s bottom, or lower body, and the other (an upper plate) is arranged for the user’s arms, or upper body. The platform may be envisaged to move in relation to one or both of the plates, and may be arranged to accept the elbows of the user, as well as provide a place to grip with their hands.

One of said plates, lower or upper, may be fixed with reference to the runner. The plate or plates may be fixable to the runner, in use or before use. For example in some embodiments pressure of use may cause a locking engagement.

It is appreciated that in some embodiments the apparatus has two sliding platforms and one plate.

Preferably the grip(s) is/are displaceable from the sliding platform. In this way the grip can be added when required for particular exercises and removed when not required. This also aids with compacting the apparatus when not in use.

Typically the sliding platform is adapted to receive the grip, for example having an opening into which a grip is inserted so as to connect the grip to the platform. A locking means may be provided to secure the grip in the opening. For example the grip may engage by a snap fit, interlocking parts or pin and hole arrangement.

In some embodiments the plates may also be adapted to receive grips. In this way grips can be provided at multiple locations on the apparatus. As with the platforms the plates may include openings to receive the grips.

It is appreciated that the grip may be for use by a user’s hands or feet, for example so as to also function as a foot grip so that a user can brace their feet against the grip.

In some embodiments the plates or platforms may have interchangeable upper surfaces, so as to allow for differing body part engagement. The surfaces may be shaped and dimensioned to accommodate different parts of the body or different size and weight of users.

For example a surface may be in the form of a seat or adapted to receive a user’s hands or elbow by having a channel that corresponds to the body part to eb received. In this way the upper surfaces can be changed for different exercises.

In this way the surfaces of sliding platforms or fixed plates can be changed so as to allow the upper body to move with the lower body fixed, but also allow the lower body to move with the upper body fixed. This can be achieved by selecting arrangement of surfaces and grips for use on the plates/platforms. Level of difficultly of the exercise maybe later, for example by introducing an incline or decline.

Preferably the apparatus is long enough to fit a fully grown adult completely extended, a length of at least 2.4 metre, (approximately 8 feet), and preferably

2.5 m which is approximately the same length as a standard rowing machine.

In some embodiments the apparatus comprises a resistance means or resistance mechanism that can be adjusted. The resistance means or mechanism can enable adjustment of resistance of the platform to slide on the runner, wherein increased resistance requires great force to slide the platform along the runner.

The resistance means or mechanism may increase or decrease ease of movement with which the platform slides, so as to increase or decrease level of intensity and difficulty of exercise. For example the resistance means or mechanism may comprise lubrication to alter resistance, or may comprise at least one grub screw that can be placed in contact with the runner and is adjusted to alter resistance.

In some embodiments the plate or plates may be also adapted to be slid along the runner. In this way the position of the plates could be adjusted to reflect a user’s size or the type of exercise to be performed. In this way the arrangement of the plates and platform can be configured specifically for a user’s requirements.

In some embodiments weights may be added to the platform to increase resistance.

In some embodiments sprung rollers are located on top of the runner which use gravity or pressure to hold the platforms in position on the runner.

Some other embodiments have rollers top and bottom of the platforms, for example to provide friction or interference resistance means.

The exercise apparatus may have a lock to fix the plates and/or sliding platform in place.

In some embodiments the lock may be associated with the resistance means or mechanism. The lock may be used to prevent the platform and or plate(s) from moving along the runner.

Preferably the apparatus has at least one connector for receiving a resistance line such as a resistance band.

Typically a resistance line is connected between the sliding platform and a plate or between the sliding platform and runner.

In some embodiments the resistance line may be connected at one end, the free end being held by a user to enable different exercises.

It is appreciated that the sliding platform may be mounted on at least one roller. The resistance means or mechanism may be associated with the roller.

In yet a further use of the apparatus the orientation of the runner may be changed to adjust height of one end of the runner to create an incline so that exercises are performed at an incline.

In order to change orientation of the runner the apparatus may include a stand, or plurality of parts to comprise a stand, wherein an end ofthe apparatus, usually the runner is placed on said stand to be elevated at one end.

The stand or parts for making the stand may comprise a runner securement means. For example the stand may comprise an enlarged base to limit toppling, and/or a capture means for limiting slippage of the runner and stand.

The stand may comprise a fixed height or height adjustable apparatus, which may be separable from or integrated with the runner and plate or platform. The stand may comprise a single or multipart stand.

For example one end of the apparatus may be moved up in order to provide an incline. In such embodiments the stand may be interlocking boxes or a traditional step found in a gym, which are not fixed. Such steps may be separate to the apparatus.

Fixed height adjustment may comprise height adjustment that is permanently connected to the runner, similar to a known incline sit-up bench which would enable the apparatus to be inclined up and down without having to worry about fixing it to a step, providing a more but potentially less flexible option.

In some embodiments it may be envisaged that the user may be enabled to add further resistance to the apparatus, for example by adding weights, increasing friction or adding weight to the moving platform(s).

Apparatus according to the present invention thereby may provide a piece of exercise equipment that targets the core using inclining and declining positions to vary load and resistance.

This thereby provides a dedicated core muscle workout machine will give many gym users a place to do core exercises without annoying other users as, currently, rowing machines are often used for core exercises.

In some embodiments the plates may be arranged for specific purposes. For example a plate may be provided with hand grips, with padding, with indentations, with a vertical element, with a horizontal element, with contouring or other means of arrangement for different body parts.

In some embodiments the runners may include visual markers to indicate where the plates should be located.

In some embodiments the plate(s) may be displaceable. In this way the apparatus may comprise a kit of parts to enable targeted exercise regimes.

In some embodiments the apparatus may have a supporting leg at each end of the elongate runner. In this way the apparatus is slightly raised from the ground upon which the apparatus is arranged.

The legs may also be used to assist in connecting or engaging the runner with the stand, or parts of the stand.

In preferred embodiments the apparatus includes a handle at one end of the elongate runner. In this way the apparatus can be easily and safely lifted, for example to position the apparatus at an incline.

Preferably the apparatus has at least one wheel at an opposed end to the handle. In this way when the apparatus is lifted by the handle the at least one wheel is engaged to enable the apparatus to be wheeled along the ground.

In some embodiments the elongate runner includes a hinge to permit part ofthe runner to be inclined. In this way the runner may pivot at the hinge so as to incline the runner.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a third embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

Figures 4 show isometric section detail views of the parts of a stand;

Figures 5A and 5B show detail isometric views of the first embodiment arranged on a stand;

Figures 6A to 6D show detail isometric views of the second embodiment shown in Figure 2;

Figures 7A to 7C show detail isometric views of the third embodiment shown in Figure 3;

Figure 8 shows an overview of a fourth embodiment of the exercise apparatus;

Figure 9 shows an underside view of the fourth embodiment of the exercise apparatus;

Figure 10 shows an overview of the fourth embodiment including a stand;

Figure 11 shows the runner of the fourth embodiment;

Figure 12 shows an exploded view of a plate;

Figure 13 shows an exploded view of a plate; and

Figure 14 shows an exploded view of a sliding platform.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the Figures there is shown exercise apparatus that targets a user’s core using inclining and declining positions, as well as with the use of resistance bands in some embodiments.

The first embodiment of the apparatus 100 as shown in Figure 1 comprises an elongate runner 10 and one end plate 20 and two sliding platforms 30A, 30B, a first platform 30A being where the user holds, a second platform 30B for another body part and the plates being located at the ends of the runner, wherein the user may extend their body while sliding the platform down the runner 10.

The first platform 30A is arranged with two grips 40, which extend from its top surface.

The plate 20 and second platform 30B are arranged with a padded top surface 50 for acceptance of the user’s body parts.

The apparatus 100 as shown in Figure 1 shows a metal girder runner 10, upon which the platforms 30A, 30B are enabled to slide, from adjacent a first end to adjacent and at a second distal end.

The embodiment comprises quick swap surfaces 50 on the plate 20 and platforms 30. The first end comprises an articulation in the form of a hinge 60, which hinge 60 which enables the angle between the runner 10 and the subordinate flooring or surface, and a hinge 60 which enables pivoting of the plate about the axis of the runner to accommodate usage characteristics and the elevated first end.

The plate 20 is in contact with the ground. The plate 20 has a padded upper surface 50. The second end of the runner is arranged to interact with a vertical height means or stand 150 in use. This vertical height adjustment means or stand 150. In Figure 1 the stand 150 comprises a plurality of stackable thermoplastics parts, which parts connect together to provide incremental height adjustment.

Adjacent the second end of the runner 10 is provided the second platform 30B, which comprises an upper padded surface 50.

In Figure 1 the first moveable platform 30A is shown intermediate the first and second ends of the runner 10. This platform is arranged for 10 the user to hold, comprising extending grips. The grips 40 extend vertically from the platform 30.

The plates 20 and platform 30 may be customisable, wherein the pictured embodiment features one moving platform 30A with fixed plates 20 at either end, having three upper surfaces, namely: handgrips 40, on the moveable platform 30, a knee pad 50 on plate 20B and a foot pad 50 on plate 20A.

The hand grips on the intermediate first platform 30A are constructed from two L shape bars extending vertical or orthogonal the upper surface 50 of the platform 30A, and deviated horizontal or orthogonal thereafter, parallel the platform surface.

In some embodiments upper padded surfaces 50 have channels cut in to help locate arms and knees. In some embodiments the upper surface 50 may be textured for grip, for example having raised and lowered portions or a zig-zag pattern.

The embodiment is shown with a 20 Degree incline with the highest plate 610mm from the floor.

The plates 20 and platforms 30A, 30B have bases 51 made from injection moulded thermoplastic, and feature a matrix of bracing ribs 52 to provide extra support (See Figures 14 to 18).

The apparatus in this embodiment utilises a height adjustment means in the form of a stand 150 whereby orientation of the plural stand parts determines whether the parts are stacked high or low, which is achieved with an asymmetrical structure interlocking in a first orientation and stacking neatly in a second.

It may be envisaged that the embodiment may be used with existing gym steps acting as the height adjustment mechanism.

The first pictured embodiment 100 comprises two moving platforms 30A, 30B mounted onto an extruded aluminium runner, wherein both platforms can be locked into any position along the runner for an optimised workout.

The platforms 30A, 30B sit on Nylon (RTM) castor wheels which are inset into the main runner such that the self-lubricating properties of Nylon (RTM) ensure a smooth motion.

In the pictured embodiment 100 the padded upper surface 50 of the plate 20 comprises a pyramid pattern, and the hand grip 40 is a U shape.

The upper surfaces 50 are arranged to feature clips 51 on their underside, which clips snap into recesses 52 in the plate base (See Figure 7C) , in this way such that the upper surfaces 50 may be interchangeable according to use and user preference.

The moving platforms 30A, 30B are prevented from over extending by rubberised end stoppers 15.

The second embodiment of the apparatus 200 shown in Figure 2 comprises a runner 10, two fixed plates 20A, 20B and a single sliding platform 30 on which the user is located, or onto which the user will hold, to extend their body out, while sliding the platform 30 down the runner 10.

The embodiment has two moveable plate articulations (not shown) which can be independently locked into position using manual wheel knobs and friction grub screws to either side of the runner.

When changing the angle of the runner incline with stand parts 150, both end plate joints can be loosened using manual friction knobs and once correctly set, the new angle can be locked securely by simply re-tightening the knob.

The design is suitable for use with most existing steps types that might be found in the gym.

The underside of the plates 20A, 20B have rubberised grips to prevent unwanted movement during use.

The third embodiment of the apparatus 300 comprises a runner and at least one sliding platform 30 on which the user is located, or onto which the user will hold, to extend their body out, while sliding the platform 30 down the runner 10.

With reference to the third pictured embodiment 300 therefore the apparatus is arranged to provide an alternative solution to core workouts, wherein instead of using an incline on the runner the embodiment uses an elastic resistance band 90, attached between the moving platform 30 and an end ofthe runner 10, so as to increase resistance.

The handgrips 40 and comprise two vertical grip bars, and the platform has a flat upper padded surface 50 with radiused comers.

The runnerlO is constructed from a custom extruded aluminium profile and has a sectional profile that combines locating features for the plate and channels for the platform’s wheels to run in.

The runner 10 is powder coated with a matt charcoal paint. There are several possible locations for branding including the upper surfaces of the plates or platform, the sides of the end plates or the sides of the runner. Branding may be applied in single colour by pad printing for maximum impact and durability.

The embodiment uses a resistance band 90 instead of gravity to increase the intensity of the workout to remove the need for additional parts.

In this way resistance is rendered progressive, wherein resistance increases as the band is stretched, in contrast to the other embodiments where resistance remains constant.

A twist lock plug attached to an end of the resistance band 95 can be easily locked into one of three locations 96 on the runner, so as to provide limits to the resistance (See Figures 3 and 8B).

In this way, the further away the user places the plug 95, the higher the resistance will be.

The resistance band 90 can be hooked on to either end of the platform and plugged in either in front or behind the user, so as to allow two directions of resistance.

In some embodiments the runner 10 may be in the form of an I-beam as shown in Figure 8A.

Figures 9 to 12 show a fourth embodiment of the apparatus 400. Like parts include the same reference numbers as those shown in Figures 1 to 3. The fourth embodiment ofthe apparatus 400 includes a stopper 15 on the runner 10.

Each plate 20 and platform 30 has an opening 25, 35 for receiving a grip 40.

The apparatus 400 has two legs 70, one arranged at each end ofthe runner 10. One leg 70A is associated with a pair of wheels 75.

The apparatus 400 includes a handle 80. The handle 80 is arranged below the plate 30B.

Figures 11 and 12 include a stand 150, the stand enables the runner 10 to be arranged on the stand 150 such that the apparatus is arranged at an incline in use. The stand has four recesses for receiving the leg 70B at four different levels.

Figure 13 shows an exploded view of the runner 10 of the fourth embodiment 400. The runner 10 is formed for box section and includes four stoppers 11 that limit the range of movement of the sliding platform.

The runner 10 is mounted on two legs 70A, 70B.

A handle 80 is arranged above the leg 70B and below the plate 20B.

Figures 12 and 13 show two embodiments of a plate 20A, 20B. Figure 14 shows an exploded view of a platform 30. Each plate and platform has a base 51, a reinforcing section 52 and an upper layer 53 and an upper surface 50.

Figure 14 includes details of Nylon (RTM) rollers 12 which are mounted on the runner in use.

Openings 25,35 are provided through the layers (51, 52, 53, 50) to permit insertion of a grip 40.

Plate 20A is intended as a foot plate to be stood on by a user. Therefore plate 20A is wider than plate 20B. The foot plate 20A has a central pad 50. The foot plate 20A has an end member 21 for enhanced structure support, helping the foot plate 20A to bear the weight of a user.

Preferred dimensions for the foot plate is 30cm by 30cm, having two outer chequer plate sections and a central padded section.

The foot plate 20A has a plurality of connectors 54. The connectors extend from the reinforcing section 52. Connectors 54 are also shown on the reinforcing section of the platform 30. The connectors 54 are eyelets through which a resistance line can be connected.

Preferably connectors are provided at various locations on the apparatus to enable different exercises to be carried out.

Preferred dimensions for the platform and other plates are 40cm by 30cm.

The apparatus may be arranged such that the upper surfaces are 25cm from the ground.

Ideally the grips have a width of at least 37 cm and the grip is elevated from the upper surface by at least 7cm.

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.

Claims (15)

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus comprising: an elongate runner; at least one plate arranged at an end of the runner; at least one sliding platform configured to slide along the runner; and at least one stopper arranged on the runner to limit movement of the sliding platform; wherein the sliding platform including at least one hand grip for a user to grasp or brace.

2. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 having two plates, one arranged at each end of the elongate runner.

3. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the grip is displaceable from the sliding platform.

4. An exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim including at least one connector for receiving a resistance line.

5. An exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one plate has interchangeable surfaces.

6. An exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the sliding platform has interchangeable surfaces.

7. An exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim including a resistance adjustment mechanism to alter resistance of the platform sliding along the elongate runner.

8. An exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim including a supporting leg at each end of the elongate runner.

9. An exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim including a handle at one end of the elongate runner.

10. An exercise apparatus according to claim 9 including at least one wheel at an opposed end to the handle.

11. An exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate runner includes a hinge to permit part of the runner to be inclined.

12. An exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim including a stand to elevate one end.

13. An exercise apparatus according to any claim 12 wherein the stand is formed from stacked boxes.

14. An exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim including a lock means to fix the plates and/or sliding platform in place.

15. An exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the sliding platform is mounted on at least one roller.