GB2601725A

GB2601725A - Fitness trainer

Info

Publication number: GB2601725A
Application number: GB2016615.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Antoski Kire
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-10-20
Filing date: 2020-10-20
Publication date: 2022-06-15
Also published as: GB202016615D0

Abstract

Fitness apparatus 1 comprising a central body portion 2, a first sliding rack 4, a second sliding rack 8 with each sliding rack having a sliding block 12. Each sliding rack extends from a respective side of the central body portion with the sliding arranged to slide from adjacent the central block to a distal end. Each sliding block is arranged to connect to one or more fittings 18. The central body may have a handle with a hand grip. The first and second sliding rack may further be arranged to rotate relative to the central body portion to a first or second position. The first position being for use of the apparatus and the second being a storage position where the racks extend vertically. The sliding blocks may be connected to fittings such as a hand grip or foot plate.

Description

FITNESS TRAINER

This invention is concerned with a fitness apparatus and improvements in fitness apparatus

S

Fitness apparatus are typically used to improve strength and flexibility of muscles and joints. Typically the apparatus may be used for either static or dynamic stretching and strengthening of muscles or joints. . Current apparatus may be used for fitness training used for muscle conditioning and development and to improve a healthy body or may be used for physical rehabilitation of an injury to a muscle or joint. In some cases it may be desirable to provide equipment to support exercises to develop and improve joint range of motion (ROM), bone density, lean body mass, balance, Existing apparatus is able to achieve either static or dynamic stretching and strengthening and so it has been necessary to have at least two pieces of apparatus in order to utilise both dynamic and static stretching and strengthening. Traditional fitness apparatus typically only targets a specific body segment of group of muscles such as a lower body or upper body area.

There is a need to provide an apparatus adapted and arranged to provide both dynamic and static stretching and strengthening in a single apparatus the apparatus being arranged to stretch and strengthen both joints and muscles. It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus that is able to improve a range of motion (ROM) of a joint.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is a provided a fitness apparatus comprising a central body portion and a first sliding rack extending from a first side of the central body portion and a second sliding rack extending from a second side of the central body portion, the second side being opposed to the first side, each sliding rack having at least one sliding block arranged to slide on the sliding rack between an end adjacent the central body portion and a distal end remote from the central body portion, each block being arranged to connect to one or more fittings Preferably the central body portion comprises a platform extending between the first and the second sides. The platform may be sized to provide a platform for a user to stand on. The platform may be substantially rectangular. In some embodiments the platform may be substantially square or oval. The platform may be provided with a non-slip surface.

In one embodiment the central body portion comprises an upstanding handle. The handle may be provided along a forward edge of the platform. The forward edge may extend between the first and the second sides of the platform. A rearward edge may be open to allow a user to step onto the platform.

Desirably an upper portion of the handle comprises a hand grip. The hand grip may be arranged to extend parallel with the first and second sliding racks. A user may be able to step onto the platform from the rearward edge and to hold onto the hand grip directly in front of them with the sliding racks extending to left and right on either side of the platform.

In one embodiment the first and the second sliding racks each comprise a longitudinally extending bar having a transversely extending end stop at the distal end of the rack. The longitudinally extending bar of each rack is arranged to extend from the respective side of the platform.

In a preferred embodiment the first and or the second sliding rack can be arranged to rotate relative to the central body portion between a first position which is arranged for use of the fitness apparatus and a second storage position.

In the first position the first and/or second sliding racks extend laterally from the body portion. In the storage, position the first and/or second sliding racks can be rotated to extend vertically from the first and/or second sides of the central body portion. In a preferred arrangement the first and second sliding racks can be connected together in the second position. In the second position the fitness apparatus has a smaller footprint and takes up less space when not in use. The first or second sliding racks may be hinged to the body portion.

Each rack is provided with at least one sliding block. The or each sliding block comprises an upper platform. The block is provided with depending sides engaging over the respective sliding rack. The block may be arranged to enclose the sliding rack. The or each block may be arranged to slide freely along the sliding rack. The or each block may be arranged to slide from a home position adjacent the platform to an extended position adjacent to the distal end.

Preferably the fitness apparatus comprises at least one fitting arranged to be removably connected to the or each sliding block. The or each fitting may be selected from the group comprising a hand grip and a foot plate The foot plate may comprise at least partially of a flat surface. The flat surface may preferably be arranged to be non-slip. The non-slip surface may be provided by a rubber layer on the foot plate. In other embodiments the foot plate may comprise a dimpled upper surface. In some embodiments the foot plate may additionally comprise an angled retaining section. The retaining section may be arranged to prevent the user from sliding off the foot plate. The foot plate may be arranged to connect directly to the upper surface of the sliding block. In other embodiments the foot plate may be connected to the depending sides of the sliding block.

The hand grip may comprise a base plate and an upstanding hand grip. The hand grip may be arranged to extend transversely to the sliding rack. In other embodiments the hand grip may be arranged to extend parallel to the sliding racks. In other embodiments the hand grip may be symmetrical being in the form of a rounded grip. In some embodiments separate fittings may be provided. In other embodiments the base plate of the fitting may be rotatable relative to the sliding block or may connectable to the sliding block in more than one orientation.

The fitness apparatus may be further understood in relation to the following explanation of use of the fitness apparatus.

The fitness apparatus is placed in the use position with the first and second sliding racks extending outwardly from the central body portion. The fitness apparatus may be fitted with a foot plate on the sliding block on the first and the second sliding rack. The foot plate may be arranged to locate the angled retaining section located on a side remote from the central body portion. The user can step onto the platform and grip the upper portion of the handle upstanding from the platform.

In a first exercise the user can place a foot on the respective foot plate on the first and second sliding racks. Holding the hand grip and with both feet pointing forwards the user can slide both feet outwardly from the central platform to an outer position and then return to a central position, so carrying out splits. This exercise is arranged to target and to improve the flexibility and strength of all five of the adductor muscles alongside the medial (MCL) and lateral (LCL) collateral cruciate ligaments.

The user may rotate their position so that the feet are angled to the front and the movement of the feet outwardly and inwardly on the sliding blocks. Movement on the fitness apparatus targets the medial and lateral cruciatc ligaments and incorporates improving the strength and flexibility of the Anterior Cmciate Ligament (ACI.) and the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCI,) of the front leg Movement in this position also focuses stretching and strengthening of the hip flexor muscle group and the adductor muscle group of the rear leg and the hamstring muscle group in the front leg.

In another exercise the user may have a foot on each sliding block and move the blocks synchronously from the left to right and vice versa.

In the event that the user has an injury it is also possible to use the fitness apparatus in a kneeling position with a knee on each foot plate.

The fitness apparatus may also be used in an "abs and core configuration which is intended to target upper and lower abdominal muscles whilst promoting and developing core strength. In the abs and core configuration a foot plate is connected to the sliding block on one sliding rack and a hand grip is connected to the sliding block on the other sliding rack.

In this configuration the user may place their feet onto the foot plate and grip the hand grip such that the user's body extends over the central platform. The user can then extend either the upper body alone keeping the feet steady in order to focus on upper abdominal muscles or the user can keep the hands fixed and to move the feet relative along the sliding rack. In some embodiments the sliding block may be fixed on the sliding rack. in another exercise the user can move both feet and hands together towards and away from the central platform so targeting both the upper and lower abdominal muscles In the event that the user has a joint mobility restriction the exercise can be carried out from a kneeling position The user may kneel on the foot plate and slide the foot plate and hand grip towards and away from each other. In another arrangement the user may kneel adjacent to the distal end of one of the sliding racks. The sliding block on the sliding rack has a hand grip connected to the sliding block. The user can kneel on the floor and slide the hand grip towards and away from the distal end of the sliding rack.

The fitness apparatus may be used in shoulder and chest configuration. In this configuration the user connects a hand grip to the sliding blocks on the first and second sliding racks Assuming a press-up position the user is able to slide the sliding blocks away from and towards the central platform. In this configuration the exercises engage the abdominal muscle group and improves core stability and lower back strength.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, in connection with the following figures in which: Figure 1 is a view of a fitness apparatus in accordance with the invention in a use position; Figure 2 is a view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in a closed position: Figure 3 is a view of the apparatus with a first stretching exercise; Figure 4 is a view of the apparatus with a first stretching exercise on knees; Figure 5 is a view of the apparatus in an "abs and core configuration; Figure 6 is a view of the apparatus of Figure 5 in a second part of the exercise; Figure 7 shows the apparatus being used for a restricted mobility exercise; Figure 8 shows the apparatus being used in an alternative arrangement; Figure 9 shows the apparatus being in used in a third configuration.

Figure 1 illustrates a fitness apparatus 1 in accordance with the invention in an arrangement for use. The fitness apparatus 1 comprises a central body portion 2. A first sliding rack 4 extends from a first side 6 of the central body portion 2 and a second sliding rack 8 extends from a second side 10 of the central body portion 2, the second side being opposed to the first side. Each sliding rack has a sliding block 12 arranged to slide on the respective sliding rack between an end 14 adjacent the central body portion and a distal end 16 remote from the central body portion. Each block 12 is arranged to connect to one or more fittings 18.

The first 4 and the second 6 sliding racks each comprise a longitudinally extending bar 20 having a transversely extending end stop 22 at the distal end 16 of the sliding racks 4, 8. The longitudinally extending bar 20 of each sliding rack is arranged to extend from the respective side of a platform 2 extending between the First and the second sides 6, 10 of the central body portion.

The central body portion 2 has a platform 24 which is substantially rectangular and is sized to provide a platform for a user to stand on. It will be appreciated that the platform 24could be arranged to be a different shape. The platform 24 is provided with a non-slip surface which in this embodiment is a dimpled metal surface. In other embodiments a non-slip surface may be attached to the platform.

The central body portion 2 further comprises an upstanding handle 26 which is provided along a forward edge 28 of the platform 24. The forward edge 28 extends between the first and the second sides of the platform A rearward edge 30 of the platform 24 is open to allow a user to step onto the platform from the rear of the apparatus An upper portion of the handle comprises a hand grip 32 which is arranged to extend parallel with the first and second sliding racks. In use a user can step onto the platform from the rearward edge and is then able to hold onto the hand grip directly in front of them with the sliding racks extending to left and right on either side of the platform.

The first and or the second sliding rack can be arranged to rotate relative to the central body portion between a first position which is arranged for use of the fitness apparatus and a second storage position. The first or second sliding racks may be hinged to the body portion. The storage position is illustrated in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated that in the first position the first 4 and second 8 sliding racks extend laterally from the body portion 2. In the storage, position the first and second sliding racks are rotated to extend vertically from the first and second sides of the central body portion 2. Once rotated to the storage position the transversely extending end stops 22 can be connected together by attachment means, in this case a strap 34.

In the storage position the fitness apparatus has a much smaller footprint than in the use position and so the fitness apparatus takes up less space when not in use Each rack is provided with a sliding block 12. The sliding block comprises an upper platform 36 with depending sides 38 engaging over the respective sliding rack 4, 8. The sliding rack may, in use, be spaced from a floor on which the fitness apparatus is placed. The block 12 is arranged to enclose the sliding rack and to slide freely along the sliding rack, 4, 8. Each block 12 is arranged to slide from a home position adjacent the platform to an extended position adjacent to the distal end.

Preferably the fitness apparatus comprises at least one fitting 18 arranged to be removably connected to the or each sliding block 12. The or each fitting may be selected from the group comprising a hand grip and a foot plate A number of fittings are illustrated in Figure 1 and may be stored between the sliding racks in the storage position as illustrated in Figure 2.

The foot plate 40 comprises partially of a flat surface 42. The flat surface 42 is a non-slip surface. The non-slip surface may be provided by a rubber layer on the foot plate foot plate may comprise a dimpled upper surface. In this embodiment the foot plate comprises an angled retaining section 44. The retaining section 44 is arranged to prevent the user from sliding off the foot plate. The foot plate 40 may be arranged to connect directly to the upper surface of the sliding block 12.

The hand grip 46 comprises a base plate 48 and an upstanding hand grip 50 The hand grip 50 is arranged to extend transversely to the sliding rack Other forms of hand grip can be envisaged by the person skilled in the art.

Use of the fitness apparatus will now be described and is illustrated in the accompanying figures.

A first arrangement of the fitness apparatus is used to target flexibility and strength of all of the adductor muscles along the Medial Cruciate Ligament (MCL) and Lateral Cruciate Ligament (LCL). The exercises in this arrangement can also be used to strengthen hip flexors and gluteus med us.

This arrangement and exercise is illustrated in Figure 3. It can be seen that the sliding blocks 12 are fitted with a foot plate 40 on both the first and the second sliding blocks. The foot plate 40 is connected to the sliding block so that each angled retaining section 44 is located on a side remote from the central body portion. The user can step onto the platform and grip the upper portion of the handle upstanding from the platform and then the user can place a foot on the respective foot plate on the first and second sliding racks. Holding the hand grip and with both feet pointing forwards the user can slide both feet outwardly from the central platform to an outer position and then return to a central position, so carrying out splits. The handle can be adjusted in height if necessary.

In a variation on this exercise, not illustrated, the user can rotate their position so that the feet are angled to the front and are closer to being parallel to the sliding rack. Again the user can move the feet outwardly and inwardly on the sliding blocks. In this exercise, use of the fitness apparatus will target the medial and lateral cruciate ligaments and will also incorporate improving the strength and flexibility of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) of the front leg. Additionally the exercise will focus on stretching and strengthening of the hip flexor muscle group and the adductor muscle group of the rear leg and the hamstring muscle group in the front leg.

In another exercise, not illustrated, the user may have a foot on each sliding block and move the blocks synchronously from the left to right and vice versa. It may be desirable to avoid holding the handle in this exercise in order to strengthen the quadriceps femoris muscles while developing and improving proprioception in the knee. Such exercises are essential for recovery from knee injury and stability in the knee area without putting pressure on the knee or in the knee compartment In the event that the user has an injury or a restriction in joint mobility it is also possible to use the fitness apparatus in a kneeling position with a knee on each foot plate 40 as is illustrated in Figure 4.

The fitness apparatus can &so be used in an "abs and core configuration which is intended to target upper and lower abdominal muscles whilst promoting and developing core strength. In the abs and core configuration, as illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, a foot plate 40 is connected to the sliding block 12 on one sliding rack and a hand grip 46 is connected to the sliding block 12 on the other sliding rack.

In this configuration the user may place their feet onto the foot plate 40 and grip the hand grip 46 such that the user's body extends over the central platform. The user can then extend either the upper body alone keeping the feet steady in order to focus on upper abdominal muscles or the user can keep the hands fixed and to move the feet relative along the sliding rack. In another exercise, illustrated in Figure 6, the user can move both feet 52 and hands 54 together towards and away from the central platform 2 so targeting both the upper and lower abdominal muscles.

In the event that the user has a joint mobility restriction the exercise can be carried out from a kneeling position. The user may kneel on the foot plate 40 and slide the foot plate 40 and hand grip 50 towards and away from each other as is illustrated in Figure 7.

In another arrangement, shown in Figure 8, the user may kneel adjacent to the distal end of one of the sliding racks. The sliding block on the sliding rack has a hand grip connected to the sliding block. The user can kneel on the floor and slide the hand grip towards and away from the distal end of the sliding rack.

The fitness apparatus may be used in shoulder and chest configuration, illustrated in Figure 9. In this configuration the user connects a hand grip 46 to the sliding blocks on the first and second sliding racks. Assuming a press-up position the user is able to slide the sliding block 46 away from and towards the central platform 2. In this configuration the exercises engage the abdominal muscle group and improve core stability and lower back strength. It will be appreciated that there are a number of exercises that can be carried out in this arrangement. The exercises are intended to strengthen and stretch the abdominal muscle groups, to improve core stability and lower back strength and to target the chest and deltoids while engaging the rhomboids and trapezius muscles.

It will be appreciated that the fitness apparatus in accordance with the present invention can improve the flexibility and strength of a multiplicity of muscle groups and is able to provide both static and dynamic stretching and strengthening.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fitness apparatus comprising a central body portion and a first sliding rack extending from a first side of the central body portion and a second sliding rack extending from a second side of the central body portion, the second side being opposed to the first side, each sliding rack having at least one sliding block arranged to slide on the sliding rack between an end adjacent the central body portion and a distal end remote from the central body portion, each block being arranged to connect to one or more fittings.
2. A fitness apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the central body portion comprises a platform extending between the first and the second sides.
3 A fitness apparatus in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the central body portion comprises an upstanding handle.
4. A fitness apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein an upper portion of the handle comprises a hand grip, optionally arranged to extend parallel with the first and second sliding racks.
5. A fitness apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the first and the second sliding racks each comprise a longitudinally extending bar having a transversely extending end stop at the distal end of the rack
6. A fitness apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the first and or the second sliding rack is arranged to rotate relative to the central body portion between a first position for use in which the first and/or second sliding racks extend laterally from the body portion and a second, storage, position in which the first and/or second sliding racks extend vertically from the first and/or second sides of the central body portion.
7. A fitness apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim in which the or each sliding block comprises an upper platform and depending sides engaging over the respective sliding rack
8. A fitness apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the fitness apparatus comprises at least one fitting arranged to be removably connected to the or each sliding block.
9. A fitness apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the or each fitting is selected from the group comprising a hand grip and a foot plate.