GB2573259A

GB2573259A - Exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2573259A
Application number: GB1802089.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sheehan James
Original assignee: Tubeglobal Ltd
Current assignee: Tubeglobal Ltd
Priority date: 2018-02-08
Filing date: 2018-02-08
Publication date: 2019-11-06
Also published as: GB201802089D0

Abstract

An adjustable exercise apparatus 100 comprises a body 102 comprising at least one recess 110 and at least one customization member 120 having a blade (126, fig 2); the blade (126) is configured to be received by the recess 110 in a keying configuration; the positioning of the customization member 120 relative to the body 102 alters the stability and/or the weight of the exercise apparatus 100. An adjustable exercise apparatus having a flat board as a body and guiderails suitable for receiving customization members on a bottom surface is also disclosed; as is a customization member having a generally T shaped blade and at least one flat edge.

Description

EXERCISE APPARATUS

Field

An exercise apparatus is described. In particular an exercise apparatus for improving balance and/or strength of a user is described.

Background

Exercise provides many therapeutic benefits, with the benefits of daily exercise being recognised as reducing stress, reducing body fat and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. To this end, there exists numerous machines intended for both home and commercial gym use that users can use to help them achieve their fitness aims.

Most machines utilise a simple principle of providing a base device and a series of weights that allow the mass of the device to be altered. By gradually increasing the mass of the device over time, a user’s strength gradually increases. However, a problem with such devices is the space required to store the weights, and the cumbersome mechanism used to attach additional weights. This is particularly true for handheld portable devices, rather than fixed Nautilus type machines (which are too large to transport).

Additionally, as well as strength training, many athletes and users attempt to improve their coordination and balance. Examples include boxes, sometimes called pylo boxes, balance (bosu) balls and boards and other known balance devices. However, these devices are a fixed shape, with a fixed balance point, which makes them difficult to use, particularly for beginners. Additionally, once mastered, such devices fail to provide any progression for skilled users who require constant work on balance, such as surfers.

The present disclosure aims to at least ameliorate problems inherent with the existing exercise apparatuses described above.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an adjustable exercise apparatus for improving balance and/or strength of a user comprising: a body comprising at least one recess; and at least one customization member having a blade; wherein the blade is configured to be received by the recess in a keying configuration, and wherein the positioning of the customization member relative to the body alters the stability and/or the weight of the exercise apparatus.

The present apparatus provides a customizable apparatus that the user can adapt according to their training requirements. By altering the position of the customization member (or members), the balance and weight of the overall apparatus can be tailored and altered. Some users may require different positions or weights of customization members at different locations. It can be appreciated that the mass and size of each customization member can be tailored and selected to suit the training needs of the user.

Accordingly, the present apparatus provides an exercise apparatus that is selfcontained (i.e. the weights may be stored on the device when the device is not in use), whilst also providing customization.

In embodiments, the keying configuration may be an interlocking of the blade and the recess. The interlocking of the apparatus and customization member may then be facilitated by the blade sliding into the recess. This allows the customization member to be easily added or removed from the apparatus, whilst also ensuring a secure fitment between the member and the apparatus.

In a further example, the body may be at least 50% longer than the customization member, such that the customization member can be placed in several positions along the length of the body.

In a preferred embodiment, the body may be generally cylindrical. This may allow the apparatus to be held and used in a manner similar to a barbell. The cylinder may be a traditional cylinder, or may resemble a square cylinder or other generally cylindrical shape having a polygonal base and lid.

In such embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise detachable weighted cylindrical end sections. As may be appreciated, the cylindrical end sections are generally designed to have a complimentary shape to the cylindrical body. The end sections may be secured to the cylindrical body with bayonet fittings, wherein blades on an end face of the body interlock with complementary recesses on the end sections (or visa versa). Additionally or alternatively, locking between the end sections and the body may be accomplished with further customization members engaging at least a portion or complementary end section recesses such that the blade of the customization member interconnects with the recesses of both the end section and the body. It can be appreciated that the end sections may be locked together in this manner using the existing customization member or an additional customization member.

The body may further comprise: at least one cavity; and a bridge portion, wherein the bridge portion is integrated with the body, and extends over the at least one cavity to act, in use, as a handle. This, coupled with the cylindrical body, aids use of the exercise apparatus as a barbell (or as a dumbbell, depending on the overall size of the apparatus). The handle also allows the apparatus to be transported easily. The body may comprise two cavities and associated bridge portions - these allow the overall weight of the body to be easily customized.

It can be appreciated that if end sections are used then the handle may be formed in the end sections in a similar manner to described above.

The number of recesses may be customized according to the need of the user. For example, at least two recesses may be provided, each configured to receive the blade of the customization member. In other embodiments four recesses may be configured to receive the blade of the customization member. Additional customization members may be provided to be received within the recesses. Two or more customization members may be received in a single recess.

Typically, the recesses are spaced equally around the body. This allows the customization members (and therefore the additional mass) to be evenly distributed.

In an alternative embodiment, the body is a substantially flat board; and each recess is located within a guiderail on a bottom surface of the board and is configured to receive the blade of the customization member. The substantially flat board is akin to a body board or surfboard, and is generally rectangular, with rounded edges that taper upwards away from the bottom surface of the board. This board is intended for the user to stand on or lean against, and wherein the positioning of the customization member relative to the recess(es) on the bottom surface of the board alters the stability of the body when the apparatus is placed on a floor.

Typically, the guiderail sits inside the board, such that the rail sits flush with the bottom surface of the board. This improves the aesthetic of the board and aids sliding the blades into the recesses.

The interlocking of the board and customization member may also be facilitated by the blade sliding into the recess of the guiderail. The guiderail may then be removed with a quick release, such as a catch, screw or even magnetic connection.

In one embodiment for the board, the guiderails are arranged such that there is: a first parallel pair, wherein the first parallel pair is perpendicular to the length of the board at the front end of the board; a second parallel pair, wherein the second parallel pair perpendicular to the length of the board at the rear end of the board; and a third parallel pair, wherein the third parallel pair is oriented parallel to the length of the board, but spaced apart such that each rail is adjacent to opposite edges (left and right) of the board.

The apparatus may be formed of high density foam, with the customization members formed of high density thermoplastic. Alternatively, the board may be formed from any suitable material, such as wood.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a customization member configured to interlock with an exercise apparatus, comprising: an elongate body; and a blade extending along the length of the body; wherein: the profile of the body includes at least one flat edge; the blade extends from a flat surface of the body corresponding to the at least one flat edge of the body profile; and the blade profile is substantially T-shaped.

The profile of the body may be substantially semi-circular.

Alternatively, the profile of the body may be substantially triangular. In one embodiment, the body of the customization member may be a unitary triangular prism. The blade may extend from a long face of the prism, such that the exercise apparatus rests against a surface of body.

The customization member may be ridged, with gaps or indents in the member along the edge opposite the face from which the blade extends. This would enable a user to easily grip the customization member.

The customization member (of the first or second aspect) may be customized to be of a desired weight and/or size depending on the desired weight needing to be added to the exercise apparatus.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exercise kit, comprising: two customization members according to the second aspect; and an exercise apparatus according to the first aspect.

These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiments described hereinafter.

Brief description of Drawings

Embodiments will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which figure 1 shows a schematic of the fitness apparatus according to at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present disclosure;

figure 2 shows a close up of a customized member shown in figure 1 and according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure;

figure 3 shows an end view of the apparatus of figure 1;

figure 4 shows a partial skeleton view of the fitness apparatus of figure 1, with the customized member and an end section shown in full outline according to an embodiment;

figure 5 shows the end section of figure 4;

figure 6 shows the end section of figure 5 when connected to the fitness apparatus of figure 1;

figure 7 shows a balance board configuration having customized members of figure 2, according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure; and figure 8 shows a guiderail for use with the board of figure 7.

It should be noted that the Figures are diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts of these Figures have been shown exaggerated or reduced in size, for the sake of clarity and convenience in the drawings. The same reference signs are generally used to refer to 10 corresponding or similar feature in modified and different embodiments.

Detailed description of embodiments

Figure 1 shows a fitness apparatus 100 for improving balance and/or strength of a user (not shown). The apparatus 100 comprises a generally cylindrical body 102, said body 102 typically being a traditional cylinder having substantially circular end faces, however it may be appreciated that square based cylinders may also be used - indeed any polygonal cylindrical shape. The body may be formed of high density foam material.

The body comprises at least one recess 110 that runs substantially along the length of the cylindrical body 102. The recess is typically T-shaped 112.

Also shown in figure 1 and forming part of the fitness apparatus 100 is at least one customization member 120. The customization members 120 are designed to cooperate with the body 102 to provide a customizable weight and weight distribution of the apparatus. The customization members are described in detail below in relation to figure 2. Of importance is that the customization members 120 interlock with the recesses 110 of the body 102 to form a keying configuration such that the customization members cannot be easily removed from the body 102.

The apparatus 110 also has at least one cavity 150 that is formed within at least an end section of the body 102. The cavity depth and diameter can be tailored to alter the overall weight of the body 102. In the example shown the cavity or cavities 150 form a single cavity. A bridge portion 160 is also provided that acts, in use, as a handle.

Figure 2 shows the customizable member 120. The member is formed of an elongate outer surface 122 that is generally semi-circular in cross section 124. Protruding from a lower surface of the member is a blade 126 or rail. In the example shown the blade 126 runs along the length of the member, although it may be only on part of the length. The blade 126 is substantially T-shaped in cross-section and is configured to be slidingly engaged with the recess 110 in the body to form a keying arrangement. It can be appreciated that although shown as a T-shape, other shapes that form a keying arrangement may be used.

Figure 4 shows the member 120 engaged with the recess 110. Also shown is a end section 200. End section 200 engages with the end portion of the body and allows the body to be lengthened and additional weight added as needed. Figure 5 shows the end section in detail. End section 200 comprises a body 202, groove 210 and same cross-section 212 as the body 102. It can be appreciated that the end section is typically configured to match the outer profile and size of the body, albeit being shorter. Similar to body 102, cavity 250 and handle 260 may be provided. Figure 6 shows an end view of the apparatus 100 with the end section connected to the body. The end section is typically coupled via a bayonet connection 280, 282 with protrusions extending into a corresponding recess, before being locked into position due to friction fit. The protrusions and recesses may be located on either the end section 200 or the body 102.

Figure 7 shows an alternative configuration of the body. In this embodiment the body 300 is substantially board shaped. The board is generally flat with tapered edges. The board also may be curved upwards to form a small lip in at least one direction. On the rear of the board are found recesses 310. These recesses are configured for receiving customization members 320 which are substantially as described above. By tailoring the position of the customization members, the weight and balance of the board can be customized according to the training goals and requirements of the user. For example, with less customization members, the board may be less stable. This may be more suited for advanced users.

In the example of Figure 7, the customization members are located within grooves found in the base of the board. Figure 8 shows a complimentary embodiment where guiderails 400 are provided. The guiderails 400 comprise the same groove 410 and cross-section 412 as described previously. Accordingly, the customization member can be slotted into position by sliding blade 126 into the groove 410. The use of guiderails allows the grooves to be flush with the base of the board and potentially to not run along the length of the board. In this manner, the customization members may be slid into the guiderails prior to installation into the body of the board. The guiderails may be retained using a catch, hook and loop fasteners or even magnets. This allows for further customization and ease of adjustment.

The above described invention provides a fully customisable system for improving a user’s strength and/or balance. Although the board and the cylindrical body have been described as separate embodiments, it can be appreciated that both accept common customizable members 120 and thus can be combined as a kit.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of design realisation and extrusion and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein.

Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single 5 embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

For the sake of completeness it is also stated that the term comprising does not exclude other elements or steps, the term a or an does not exclude a plurality, and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable exercise apparatus for improving balance and/or strength of a user, said apparatus comprising:

a body comprising at least one recess; and at least one customization member having a blade;

wherein the blade is configured to be received by the recess in a keying configuration, and wherein the positioning of the customization member relative to the body alters the stability and/or the weight of the exercise apparatus.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the keying configuration is an interlocking of the blade and the recess.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein the interlocking of the apparatus and customization member is facilitated by the blade sliding into the recess.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the body is at least 50% longer than the customization member, such that the customization member can be placed in several positions along the length of the body.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the body is generally cylindrical, and optionally or preferably wherein the apparatus further comprises detachable weighted cylindrical end sections.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 5, wherein the end sections are secured to the cylindrical body with bayonet fittings.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the end sections can be locked together using the or an additional customization member.

8. The exercise apparatus of any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the body further comprises:

at least one cavity; and a bridge portion, wherein the bridge portion is integrated with the body, and extends over the at least one cavity to act, in use, as a handle.

9. The exercise apparatus of 8, wherein the body comprises two cavities and associated bridge portions.

10. The exercise apparatus of any of claims 2 to 9, comprising at least two recesses configured to receive the blade of the customization member.

11. The exercise apparatus of any of claims 2 to 10, comprising four recesses configured to receive the blade of the customization member.

12. The exercise apparatus of any of claims 2 to 11, wherein the recesses are spaced equally around the body.

13. The exercise apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body is a substantially flat board; and wherein each recess is located within a guiderail on a bottom surface of the board and is configured to receive the blade of the customization member, and wherein the positioning of the customization member relative to the recess alters the stability of the body when the apparatus is placed on a floor.

14. The exercise apparatus of claim 13, wherein the guiderail sits inside the board, such that the rail sits flush with the bottom surface of the board.

15. The exercise apparatus of claim 13 or 14, wherein the interlocking of the board and customization member is facilitated by the blade sliding into the recess of the guiderail, and removed with a quick release.

16. The exercise apparatus of any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the guiderails are arranged such that there is:

a first parallel pair, wherein the first parallel pair is perpendicular to the length of the board at the front end of the board;

a second parallel pair, wherein the second parallel pair perpendicular to the length of the board at the rear end of the board; and a third parallel pair, wherein the third parallel pair is oriented parallel to the length of the board, but spaced apart such that each rail is adjacent to opposite edges (left and right) of the board.

17. A customization member configured to interlock with an exercise apparatus, comprising:

an elongate body; and a blade extending along the length of the body;

wherein:

the profile of the body includes at least one flat edge;

the blade extends from a flat surface of the body, corresponding to the at least one flat edge of the body profile; and the blade profile is substantially T-shaped.

18. The customization member of claim 17, wherein the profile of the body is substantially semi-circular.

19. The customization member of claim 17, wherein the profile of the body is substantially triangular.

20. The customization member of any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the elongate body is ridged.

21. An exercise kit, comprising:

5 two customization members according to claim 17; and an exercise apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 16;