GB2596294A - Apparatus for assisting with physical activity - Google Patents

Abstract

An exercise apparatus for assisting with physical activities is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base 10, a lower surface of which is placed on the floor or against a wall. The foot of the person using the apparatus is placed onto the upper surface of the base. There is an arch 16 that is connected to the base, which extends over the foot and can also be used for doing press up exercises. Four connectors 18 are provided attached to the base for connecting elastics and handles (22, figure 5) are provided which allow different exercises to be performed by pulling against the resistance of the elastics.

Description

Apparatus for Assisting with Physical Activity The present invention relates to an apparatus used for assisting a person with physical activity and relates 5 particularly, but not exclusively, to an exercise apparatus used at home.

Home gym equipment has been around for a very long time. The first rowing machine was patented in 1871 and the demand for gym equipment suitable for the home has only increased. Being able to exercise without having to travel to a gym or requirements for a monthly membership is a major advantage to the desirability of home equipment. Other benefits include having privacy and the ability to train at any time. Although the benefits of exercise are undeniable, some homes have limited space for large equipment such as a rowing machine or treadmill. Another problem with having larger equipment is the cost. Furthermore, home gym equipment is often limited in the number of exercises that can be undertaken using a single piece of apparatus. Similarly, it is often difficult to effectively exercise all of the muscles of the body using home gym equipment when compared to the variety of apparatus available and a commercial gym. As a result, it is desirable to have multiple home gym equipment thereby exacerbating the problem of the space required for storage of all of the equipment.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention seek to overcome or alleviate the above described disadvantages of the prior arL.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an exercise apparatus for assisting with physical 30 activity comprising: a base comprising a lower surface for engaging a surface and an upper surface for engaging the foot of the operator; -2 -an arch connected to said base in use the arch extending over said foot; and at least one connector attached to said base for connecting a plurality of biasing members.

By providing a base that allows one or more different attachments the operator can mix and match with various elastics and resistive bands to perform a wide range of weight based training and aerobic exercises. The arch allows for supportive placement of the foot and correctly positions the foot where the epicentre of the base is to allow for perfect balance between the elastics. The arch also allows for other exercises to be performed such as push-up type exercises.

With fewer and lighter components than the average home gym equipment such as a treadmill or an exercise bike the invention is portable and easily carried in a bag or to any room in a house. This allows for easy storage and the user can exercise in an any environment, for example the garden or in a local park. This also has advantages when manufacturing the invention, as less complex components mean fewer breakages and 20 problems that can arise.

Because the apparatus uses the foot of the person using the apparatus to retain it in engagement with the floor the apparatus is secured in engagement relative to the user. A problem with some devices of the prior art, such as those that attach to furniture or architectural features such as doors, is that they rely on the strength of the article to which they are attached. AccidenLs can happen if Lhe apparaLus comes deLached Lull_ because in the case of the present invention the user is utilising their own feet and therefore bodyweight to retain the apparatus in place whilst exercises being undertaken, there is far less likelihood of injury.

In a preferred embodiment the exercise apparatus further comprises a plurality of connectors. -3 -

In another preferred embodiment the exercise apparatus further comprises at least three connectors arranged in a footed L-shaped configuration.

In a further preferred embodiment the exercise apparatus 5 further comprises at least four connectors.

By providing four connectors, the advantage is provided that the foot can be placed onto the apparatus with a pair of connectors on either side of the foot. This in turn ensures that as a user performs exercises in the different planes of the body the elastics are balanced which ensures that no excessive forces applied to the user's wrist. For example, if a user is performing bicep curls, these being an arm exercise where the hand moves in a plane parallel to the sagittal plane, the front two connectors are used with a pair of matching elastics. As a result, any movement of a handle attached to the pair of elastics in a plane parallel to the sagittal plane which passes through the apparatus is evenly distributed between the matching pair of elastics is evenly distributed and therefore does not put excess strain onto the wrist of the user. Similarly, if the user is performing lateral raises, and arm exercise where the hand moves in the coronal plane, the two connectors to one side of the foot are used. In both cases all four connectors can be used at the same time.

In a preferred embodiment the exercise apparatus further 25 comprises a plurality of biasing members.

In another preferred embodiment the exercise apparatus comprises aL leasL one handle connecLed Lo said biasing members via a connector.

In a further embodiment the handle has a gripping portion.

The gripping portion allows the user to obtain a firm and secure grip on the handle. -4 -

In a preferred embodiment a pair of gripping portions are adjacent distal ends of an elongated handle.

By providing an elongate handle with gripping portions adjacent distal ends, an exercise apparatus which mimics a 5 barbell is provided, which allows for exercises using both arms simultaneously.

In a further embodiment the exercise apparatus comprises a pair of handles with gripping portions.

Having two handles enables the user to use both arms 10 asynchronously during exercise mimicking the exercises of a dumbbell.

In an additional embodiment the exercise apparatus comprises a connecting bar for joining said pair of handles.

Providing a connecting bar enables a pair of short handles 15 to be joined together thus allowing the conversion from dumbbell type exercises to barbell type exercises.

In further embodiment the exercise apparatus the biasing members comprises at least one elastomeric material.

In a preferred embodiment the base is a quatrefoil shaped 20 superimposed onto a circle shape with each connector is attached to a single lobe.

In another embodiment the exercise apparatus comprises a base, a lower surface for engaging a surface, a middle surface with a recess and an upper surface, whereby said upper or said lower surface fits the shape of said recess and can rotate relative to said middle surface.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure 1 is an isometric view of an exercise apparatus of the present invention; -5 -Figure 2 is a view from above of the apparatus of figure 1; Figure 3 is a side on view of the apparatus of figure 1; Figure 4 is a rear view of the apparatus of figure 1; Figure 5 is a view of the assembled exercise apparatus including 5 the biasing member, handle and the apparatus of figure 1; and Figure 6 is a view of the elongated bar with gripping handles used with the apparatus of figure 1.

Referring initially to figures 1 to 4, an exercise apparatus 8 for assisting with physical activity includes a base 10 and an arch 16. The base has two surfaces, a lower surface 12 that engages with a surface such as ground or a wall, and an upper surface 14 for engaging a foot of the operator. The foot is used to stabilise the base securely to the ground using the weight of the operator, so it cannot move whilst performing a range of exercises. The arch 16 extends over the foot, creating a guidance for placement of the foot and support to reduce movement. The base 10 is a shaped circle with four part circular lobes 28 superimposed onto the circumference. It is similar in shape to a quatrefoil but the lobes 28 are separated by an arc.

Extending from an the upper surface 14 of each lobe 28 is a connector 18. The connectors 18 can be formed from the same material as the remainder of the base 10, for example by injection moulding of thermoplastic, or can be formed separately and added. In the latter case, a metal loop is fixed to the underside 12 of the base and extends through to base to be exposed above the upper surface 14. Each connector 18 has a closed end for attachment of a biasing member in the form of a elasticated resistance band 20 via a connector in the form of carabiner type clip 30. The resistant band 20 provides the resistive tension needed to perform an array of strength based exercises. Each band has two ends, one end attaches to the connector 18 by a clip 30 and the other end connects to a handle 22 by a further clip 26. Each handle 22 includes a gripping portion 24 that allows for a secure and firm grip of the handle when positioned in the users hand. The user may use one or two handles when performing exercises or opt for using an elongated bar 34. The elongated bar has two gripping portions 24 which are found adjacent to the distal ends.

With additional reference to figure 5, this image illustrate an example of assembling the exercise apparatus 8 along with the resistive band and handle connected to the base 10 using carabiner clips 30 and 26. The user places the exercise apparatus 8 on the floor with their foot on the upper surface 12 of the base 10 under the arch 16. The user then attaches the clip 30 of the resistive band 20 to the connector 18. Next the user attaches the handle connector 18 on the other end of the resistive band 20 to the handle 22. Lastly the user grips the handle 22 via the gripping portion 24 to start their workout.

Because the apparatus includes four connectors arranged in a rectangle, and most preferably a square, a variety of exercises can be undertaken while also significantly varying the resistance applied by the elasticated bands 20. If each exercise apparatus 6 is provided with a series of sets of four elasticated bands of varying resistance, that is varying elastic modulus, a great variety of exercises can be undertaken with varying strength requirements depending on the strength of the user. It is also possible to ensure that the handle feels comfortable and balanced in the user's hand. For example, an exercise equivalent to a bicep curl using a dumbbell can be replicated using this apparatus. This exercise involves movement of the arm in a plane parallel to the sagittal plane of the body and it is therefore preferable that the front two or all four connectors 16 are connected to elastics to undertake the exercise. When two or four connectors are attached and it is important that elasticated bands 20 of the same elastic modulus are paired together, that is too identical bands of the front and two at the back or preferably all four identical, so that the resistance provided by the bands is equal on both sides of the handle otherwise rotation of the handle will put strain onto the wrist of the user. Similarly, if an exercise is undertaken in or parallel to the coronal plane, for example a lateral raise, lifting the arm from the side in the coronal plane, it is important that the correct connectors 18 are used. In this instance it is preferable that all four or at least the two side 10 connectors 18 are used to ensure the exercise is balanced.

In addition to the single hand exercises that can be undertaken with a short one-handed handle, exercises equivalent to using a barbell can also be undertaken by using an elongate bar to which the elasticated bands 20 are attached at either end as shown in figure 6. The longer bar is best used with a pair of the apparatus 8 one used with each foot. An alternative way of achieving this is to provide a pair of short handles with a connecting bar attached to each.

In addition to the exercises undertaken using the elastics, the apparatus can also be used to assist with variations on the exercises known as push-ups. In this instance, the arch 16 is used by placing the palm of the hand onto the arch with the fingers curled under the arch. The use of the arch in this way reduces the strain placed onto the wrist of the user when doing push-up exercises compared to placing the hands directly onto the floor. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the arch 16 is formed as half of a hemisphere. However, the structure could be more open with two openings to the arch, one as currently shown and a further opening opposite. It is Important that the arch is of sufficient width to provide support to the majority of the palm of the user in order to effectively reduce the strain on the wrist.

The following list includes examples of the major muscle groups the apparatus allows you to train 1) Trapezius (central shoulders) a) Shrugs b) Bent over rear/reverse flyers c) Upward row d) Rows (raised high) 2) Deltoid (outside shoulders) a) Deltoid raises using rotating loop h) Side/lateral raises c) Shoulder press d) Cable press shoulder cross over e) Reverse cable crossovers / flyers f) Front deltoid raise g) Close grip deltoid raise 3) Triceps (rear arms) a) Press ups b) Press ups 90° c) Behind neck raises d) Bent over tricep extensions e) Reverse crossovers 4) Biceps a) Barbell curls b) Dumbell curls c) Preacher curls d) Hammer curls e) Concentrated curls 5) Latissimus dorsi (side / back) a) Rows b) Bent over rows -single c) Double bent over rows d) Chin ups (when able to fix under door opening) 6) External oblique (side of abs) a) Rocking shoulders side by side (rubbing down each thigh) -9 -b) Taking a golf club shot 7) Sacrospinalis a) Bent over then straighten back 8) Carpi flexor ulnaris (Fore arms) a) 900 fixed curl position (then rotate wrist) 9) Rectus femoris (quads/front of thigh) a) Single leg extensions -Sat down, with one foot in dome while the other foot has belt wrapped around ankle, doubled up with both rings connected to elastic (best to use 4 bands).

b) Double leg extensions -Sat down on chair (with each front chair leg, inset in a circle within base plate, holding the domes in position, with one foot in dome while both feet are raised doing double leg extensions, with belt wrapped round ankle, doubled up with both rings connected to elastic (best to use 4 bands).

10) Gluteus maximus a) Squats b) Lunges c) Leg kick back d) Stood up or laid face down with one foot in a dome while the other foot has belt wrapped around ankle, doubled up with both rings connected to the other end of the elastic while you do but curls (using just one dome) 11) Tensor fasciae latae (outside of thighs/quads) a) Stood up with one foot in a dome while the other foot has belt wrapped around ankle, doubled up with both rings connected to the other end of the elastic while the leg rises to the side, exercising the outer muscle (using just one dome) 12) Gastrocnemius (calves) a) Calf raises standing on dome (+ wear belt over shoulder attached to bands for extra weight) 13) Achilles tendon -10 -a) Calf raises standing on dome 14) Semitendinosus / Gracilis / Tensor fasciae latae / Illotibial Tract. (rear thigh) a) Squats b) Lunges 15) Sternocleidomastroid (neck) a) Exercise with head belt on -bent over / sat down 16) Teres major (high chest) a) Press ups + increase resistance with bands around back 17) Pectoralis major a) Press ups + increase resistance with bands around back b) Underarm able clenched raises c) Flyers while 2 people stand in each dome, either side of someone laid down. 15 18) Abdominals a) Full leg raises; 1 Foot in position, stood up or laid flat on floor on your back with 1 dome against the wall at a time while other foot has belt around ankle, doubled over connecting to cable and do let raises -and alternate from leg to leg -mint. (using just one dome) b) Knee raises; 1 Foot in position, stood up or laid flat on floor on your back with 1 dome against the wall at a time while other foot has belt around ankle, doubled over connecting to cable and do let raises -and alternate from leg to leg -mint. (using just one dome) c) Exercises for disabled people, sat down on chair or in wheelchair (for wheelchairs dome must be rotated round 90°, with each front chair leg/wheel, inset in a circle within base plate, holding the domes in position, allowing person sitting down to train upper body.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departure from the scope of the protection which is defined by the appended claims. For example, the previously described embodiment utilises a connector loop 18 which requires a carabiner type clip 30 to be placed through the loop to attach the elasticated band. As an alternative, the connector 18 could be a hawk having an open side allowing quick attachment of the elasticated band. This is particularly the case if the elasticated band is a loop which can be slipped onto the connector hook 18. The previously described embodiment describes the arrangement of a four connector apparatus. As an alternative, three connectors could be used. Three connectors would have an L-shaped arrangement or triangle shaped arrangement. The L-shaped could compose of two designs, one for each foot, i.e. a footed arrangement. The right foot design would have two connectors adjacent the right edge of the foot with one connector on the left, and the left foot would have two connectors adjacent the left edge of the foot and arch with one connector on the right. The triangle design could have two connectors at the rear, side or front of the base with a single connector opposite. Another alternative to the design could be a two connector arrangement. Two connectors opposite each other relative to the axis they occupy. Example one at the front of the base and one at the back. The connectors could also be placed adjacent each other, with both on the right or left hand side of the arch or both at the rear or front of the arch. The final alternative could be the use of only one connector. This could be placed in any orientation on the base.

A further alternative could be connecting one or more of the connectors to the arch allowing for a more central connection 30 of the biasing members to the apparatus.

Claims (11)

1. -12 -Claims 1. An exercise apparatus for assisting with physical activity comprising: a base including a lower surface for engaging a surface and an 5 upper surface for engaging a foot of the operator; an arch connected to said base in use the arch extending over the foot; and at least one connector attached to said base for connecting at least one biasing member.
2. 2. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of connectors.
3. 3. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least three connectors arranged in a footed L-shaped configuration.4. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least four connectors.2. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of biasing members.3. An exercise apparatus according to any preceding claims, 20 further comprising at least one handle connected to said biasing members via a handle connector.
4. 4. An exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said handle has a gripping portion.
5. 5. An exercise apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a pair 25 of gripping portions adjacent distal ends of an elongated handle.
6. 6. An exercise apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a pair of handles with gripping portions.
7. 7. An exercise apparatus according to claim 6, additionally comprising a connecting bar for joining said pair of handles.
8. -13 - 8. An exercise apparatus according claim 3, wherein said connector comprises a carabiner hook.
9. 9. An exercise apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said biasing members comprises at least one elastomeric 5 material.
10. 10. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said base is a quatrefoil shaped superimposed onto a circle shape with each connector is attached to a single lobe.
11. 11. An exercise apparatus according any proceeding claims further comprising a base, a lower surface for engaging a surface, a middle surface with a recess and an upper surface, whereby said upper or said lower surface fits the shape of said recess and can rotate relative to said middle surface.