GB2609495A

GB2609495A - Exercise accessory

Info

Publication number: GB2609495A
Application number: GB2111356.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peach Richard
Original assignee: Rarp Id Ltd
Current assignee: Rarp Id Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-06
Filing date: 2021-08-06
Publication date: 2023-02-08
Also published as: WO2023012077A1

Abstract

A detachable accessory 1 for a rigid exercise platform 7, the accessory 1 comprising one or more frame members, each frame member having at least one open-ended projection 2 adapted to secure a resistance band 8. The frame is able not only to be removably attached to an exercise platform, but also to provide a form of anchor to conveniently secure any type of resistance band, in a variety of positions. The accessory is particularly useful for use with a step exercise platform 7, but may also be used on other exercise apparatus such as an exercise bench (87, see figure 14).

Description

Exercise accessory This invention relates to an exercise accessory and in particular to a detachable accessory to be used in conjunction with an exercise platform 5 and a resistance band.

It is well established that regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing many health problems, such as heart disease, type-2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers, as well as boosting self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy; and reducing risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

One piece of exercise equipment that has gained considerable popularity is the resistance band, which is generally an elastic flat band or rope. A resistance band can be used in various positions to exercise different muscles. Many exercises using a resistance band are carried out by anchoring the band to a part of the body, such as the feet or across the back, depending on the target muscle. However, using a part of the body as an anchor for the band limits the number of exercises that can be performed; and can cause discomfort if the band moves during the exercise. Furthermore, because the possible angles of the band are restricted by its position on the body, some exercises cannot be performed correctly, leading to unsafe exercises and potential injury.

One method to ensure safe and effective use of a resistance band is to anchor the band to an exercise platform, such as an aerobic stepping platform. This ensures the band is at a satisfactory distance from the body and allows adjustment of the position of the band to achieve an appropriate angle for a particular exercise. For example, WO 2009042255 describes an exercise platform which incorporates attachment rings for resistance bands, for example using a carabineer at the end of a resistant band.

Such an apparatus can provide an effective anchor for the safe use of a resistance band. However, a user who already owns a conventional exercise platform then needs to purchase a separate dedicated apparatus for use with a resistance band. Because exercise platforms are well known and a common feature of a gym and in the home, there is a need for a way to use a resistance band with a conventional exercise platform.

The present invention tackles this problem by providing a separate detachable accessory having a frame that that is able to not only removably attached to an exercise platform, but also provide a form of anchor adapted to specifically retain a resistance band and so conveniently secure any type of resistance band in a variety of positions.

Some examples of devices that could be described as having a platform and detachable frames with anchors are known.

For example, US 6908417 discloses an exercise platform comprising a base and a detachable lid, the base having slots with fixed pins to anchor a resistance band by means of a hook at the end of the resistance band. However, the lid is not sufficiently rigid to provide an independent exercise platform; and the anchor pins, which span slots, cannot accommodate any form of resistance band that does not have a hook.

US 10286279 discloses a base with a detachable assembly, to which are attached anchors in the form of pulleys for carrying elastic bands. However, there is no disclosure of attachment to the base of a stepping frame. Also, the only form of anchor disclosed is a pulley.

Neither of those documents describe, nor suggest, a frame adapted to be attached to an exercise platform where the frame carries a form of anchor suitable to secure any type of resistance band.

GB 2542570 describes a platform with support risers that are connected with a pivotal engagement element on the platform. There may be arches that allow a flexible band, cable or other cord element to be passed beneath the riser and anchored by the riser. Such an arrangement can provide one manner to anchor a band, but the band is limited to few positions. There is no disclosure of specific anchors adapted to separately retain the band without passing beneath the riser. Thus, the described device allows little flexibility of positioning a resistance band.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an accessory for a rigid exercise platform, which accessory comprises one or more frame members, each frame member having at least one open-ended projection adapted to secure a resistance band, wherein each frame member is adapted to be removably attached to the base of the exercise platform.

The exercise platform may be, for example a stepping platform or a bench platform, on which a user stands, sits or lies.

The frame member is shaped to fit onto the base of an exercise stepping or bench platform. The accessory may comprise a single frame member, in which case the frame member is suitably rectangular to match the shape of the platform. Alternatively, the accessory may comprise a plurality of frame members adapted to fit at positions along the length of the platform. In this case, the frame members may be rectangular, square, semi-circular, or any other shape to fit onto the base of the platform. Preferably, one frame member is adapted to fit at each longitudinal end of a platform, to provide stability. Additional frame members may be adapted to fit between the ends of the platform. For example, the accessory may contain from 1 to 10 frame members, suitably from 1 to 5 frame members, preferably from 1 to 3 frame members, for example a single frame member or 2 frame members.

The frame members may be of adjustable size, so that they can be adjusted to fit exercise platforms of different sizes. Alternatively, the separate frame members may be of different sizes, so that the appropriate frame member or members can be selected by the user to fit the user's exercise platform. The accessory of this invention may be constructed to fit any size of exercise platform. For example, suitable lengths for platforms for which the present accessory may be adapted to fit are from 650mnn to 1200nnm, especially from 680mm to 1100mm, such as from 700mnn to 900mm. Suitable widths of platforms may be from 250mm to 450mm, especially from 280mm to 410mm.

The frame members are constructed to be removably attached to the base of an exercise platform. Preferably the upper surface of frame member is shaped to coordinate with the lower portion of platform, so that attachment is effected by resting the platform on top of the frame member or members. The frame members are removed by lifting the platform off the frame members.

For example, the upper surface of the frame members may be flat, to fit beneath the lower portion of an exercise platform. Alternatively, the frame members may contain a profile which aligns with a complementary profile on a platform. For example, the frame member may contain a groove around the perimeter to align with the outer edge of the platform; or the frame member may contain a recess to align with a protruding profile on the platform.

Alternatively, the frame member may contain retaining means to attach it to the platform. Such retaining means may include, for example, a clip or latch to fasten to a profile or recess on a platform, for example a push and release clip. -5 -

Preferably the frame member is attached to the platform simply by being a push fit into the perimeter of the platform. In particular, the push fit may be sufficiently tight to retain the frame member and platform together when the platform is lifted.

The frame member of this invention is removably attached to the base of an exercise platform. The term 'removably attached' used herein includes a frame member which is completely separable from the exercise platform, as well as a frame member that is simply removable from its position at the base of the exercise platform, yet still attached thereto.

For example, the frame member may be slidably removable from the base of the exercise platform, or pivotably removable from the base of the exercise platform.

Some exercise platforms contain additional platform support members below the platform to elevate the platform for different exercises. The frame members of the present invention may be adapted to attach to the base of platform support member or between the platform and the platform support member.

In one embodiment, the accessory of the present invention further comprises one or more support members to elevate the platform, wherein the frame member is adapted to be attached to the top or to the base of the support member. The frame member may be adapted to be removably attached to the support member, or may be fixed thereto, to form a single unit.

The accessory of this invention is sufficiently rigidity to support a person's weight. One advantage of including a support member as part of the accessory is that the support member provides that rigidity. If no support member is included, the frame member is preferably non-deformable.

The open-ended projection in the accessory of this invention is shaped so that a resistance band can be hooked around it and thereby secured. Preferably, the projections are rectangular. The projections should be sufficiently rigid to retain the resistance band in place. The projections may be formed by means of recesses, for example in the form of slots, on the lower edge of the frame member, so that the areas of the frame member between the recesses form projections. The width of each projection may be approximately equal to the width of each recess; or may be smaller or larger than the width of the recesses. Suitable widths of the recesses are from 15nnm to 83mm, preferably from 20mm to 65mm, for example from 25mm to 45mm. Alternatively, the projections may be separately formed on the outer edge of the frame member, to provide and open-ended flat hook.

Suitably, the accessory of this invention contains a plurality of open-ended projections. In particular, the accessory suitably contains sufficient spatially separated open-ended projections to enable adjustment of the position and/or the available length of the resistance band. For example, the accessory may contain from 2 to 50 projections, suitably from 4 to 40 projections, preferably from 4 to 30 projections, especially from 8 to 30 projections.

In order to provide flexibility for the user to vary the position of resistance band along the lateral side of the platform, projections may be adjacent on at least one side or end of the frame member or members. Preferably, two recesses are present along at least one side or end portion of a frame member.

Although it is possible to use the device of the present invention in a 30 conventional manner by passing the band beneath the frame members from side to side, the advantage of the present device is that the projections are adapted to also allow the band to exit the same side, or -7 -end, that it enters. That allows greater flexibility in the positioning of the band by the user.

In a preferred accessory, the frame members of the present invention comprise additional open-ended projections positioned within the frame member. In this way, open-ended projections are positioned on the outer edge of the frame member and also inwardly from the outer edge. This enables a user to move a resistance band to different positions within the frame member and thus vary the available length of the resistance band. 10 The presence of the open-ended projections on the frame member allows the accessory of this invention to be used with any type of resistance band. For example, a flat loop band consists of closed loop of flat thin rubber. A therapy band is often also made of flat thin rubber, but not forming a loop. Bands may also be tubular, made of cylindrical rubber.

Open ended bands may have handles and/or carabiners at each end. Preferably, the band is a rubber band.

The present invention also comprises a method of exercising, which 20 comprises attaching an accessory of the present invention to a rigid exercise stepping platform and securing a resistance band to one or more of the open-ended projections of the accessory.

In this way, the resistance band can be anchored into a satisfactory position to enable a comfortable and safe exercise to be performed in the home, gym, or physiotherapy environment.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective representation of one embodiment of an accessory of the present invention, and an exercise stepping platform to which it is adapted to be attached; Fig. 2 shows the accessory of Fig. 1 assembled onto an exercise stepping platform and in use; Fig. 3 depicts a modification of the embodiment shown in Fig.1, having support members; Fig. 4 is a perspective representation of a second embodiment of an accessory of the present invention, also containing support members; Fig. 4A shows an alternative structure for the projections of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4; Fig 5 shows an embodiment having a single frame member; Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the open-ended projections are positioned on the outer edge of the frame member and also inwardly from the outer edge; Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention adapted to fit to a further type of platform; and having clips to retain the accessory to the platform; Figs. 8 and 9 show an exercise platform of the invention in which support members are pivotably attached to the platform; Figs. 10 and 11 show an embodiment in which the frame members are pivotably attached to the platform; Figs.12 and 13 depict an embodiment having octagonal support members 20 and frame members; Figs. 14 and 15 show a bench embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Fig.1, the accessory comprises two frame members 1. Each frame member 1 carries a plurality of open-ended projections 2, which are formed by means of slots 3 on the lower edge 4 of the frame member, so that the areas of the frame member between the slots form projections. The upper surface 5 of each frame member 1 is configured to fit beneath the lower portion 6 of an exercise stepping platform 7.

The operation of this embodiment is shown in Fig. 2, in which the frame members 1 are attached to the exercise stepping platform 7. Resistance bands 8 are secured around the open-ended projections 2. The arms 9 of -9 -a user can be fully extended into a straight position, in a safe manner and at the necessary resistance to achieve efficient exercise benefit.

In Fig. 3, the accessory additionally comprises two support members 10, to elevate the platform. Each frame member 1 is removably attachable to the top of one of the support members 10. Each frame member is also removably attachable to the base of the exercise stepping platform 7, as shown in Fig.1.

In Fig 4, the accessory contains two semi-circular frame members 11 which are removably attachable to each longitudinal end of the base of an exercise stepping platform 17, via support members 20. Thus, the upper surface 15 of each frame member fits into the base of a support member 20. The top of each support member 20 contains recesses 20A, which align with protruding lips 17A on the platform 17. The outer edge of each frame member 11 is provided with vertical recesses in the form of slots 13. Each pair of slots 13 form an open-ended projection 12.

Fig 4A shows an alternative structure for the open-ended projections depicted in Fig 4. Thus, on the lower edge of the frame member 11, the width of each recess 13 is approximately equal to the width of each open-ended projection 12.

In Fig. 5, the accessory of the present invention comprises a single frame member 21, having a generally rectangular shape, and adapted to be removably attached to the base of an exercise stepping platform (not shown). The outer edges of the frame member 21 carry a total of twelve open-ended projections in the form of flat hooks 22.

Fig. 6 depicts the underside of a further construction of a frame member.

The frame member 31 is provided with additional open-ended projections 32 positioned inwardly from the outer edge of the frame member. This -10 -enables a user to move a resistance band 38 to different positions within the frame member and thus vary the available length of the band 38.

In Fig.7, the frame members 41 have a stepped configuration, to align 5 with the shape of the lower portion 46 of the platform 47. The upper portion of each frame member carries push and release clips 45, which fasten to recesses (not shown) on the underside of the platform.

In Fig. 8, frame members 51 fit onto the base of support members 60, which are pivotably attached to the lower portions 56 of a stepping exercise platform, 57. Fig. 9 shows that the support members 60 can be pivoted beneath the platform to allow the frame members to fit directly onto the lower portions 56 of the platform 57.

In Fig. 10, frame members 61 are pivotably attached to the lower portions 66 of a stepping platform 67. Each frame member 61 is provided with four feet 61A. As shown in Fig. 11, the frame members 61 may be pivotably detached from their positions to fit beneath the platform 67, allowing the feet 61A to rest on the ground.

In Fig.12, octagonal support members 80 fit beneath lower portions 76 of a stepping platform 77. The support members fit over the upper surfaces 75 of frame members 71. The assembled exercise device is shown in Fig. 13. Each side of each octagonal frame member 71 carries two slots 73 forming a projection 72. Thus, the accessory contains a total of sixteen projections.

In Fig.14, an exercise bench 87 stands on legs 86A and 86B. A frame member 81 is attached to the rear set of legs 866. It is also possible to attach a second frame member to the front set of legs 86A. The frame member 81 comprises a metal wire frame 85 arranged to form projections 82 and slots 83. The assembled accessory is shown in Fig. 14A.

The frame member 81 is shown in more detail, as seen from above, in Fig. 15. The wire frame 85 is welded onto a base plate 84 via tabs 84A. There is sufficient space around each slot 83 to allow an exercise band to fit around the projections 82.

It can be seen from these embodiments that the accessory of the present invention provides a means to use any resistance band in adjustable and appropriate positions; and thus enables a variety of exercises to be performed in a safe and effective manner.

Claims

-12 -CLAIMS1. An accessory for a rigid exercise platform, which accessory comprises one or more frame members, each frame member having at least one open-ended projection adapted to secure a resistance band, wherein each frame member is adapted to be removably attached to the base of the exercise platform.
2. An accessory as claimed in claim 1, which comprises a single frame member.
3. An accessory as claimed in claim 1, which comprises two frame members.
4. An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame member is separable from the base of the exercise platform.
5. An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame member is pivotably removable from the base of the exercise platform.
6. An accessory as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5, wherein the upper surface of the frame member or members is shaped to coordinate with the lower portion of an exercise platform, so that attachment is effected by resting the platform on top of the frame member or members.
7. An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, which further comprises one or more support members to elevate the platform, wherein the frame member is adapted to be attached to the top or to the base of the support member.
-13 - 8. An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the projections are formed by means of recesses on the lower edge of the frame member, so that the areas of the frame member between the recesses form projections.
9. An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein open-ended projections are positioned on the outer edge of the frame member and also inwardly from the outer edge.
10. An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the accessory contains from 8 to 30 open-ended projections.
11. A method of exercising, which comprises attaching an accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 to a rigid exercise platform and securing a resistance band to one or more of the open-ended projections of the accessory.