GB2614615A

GB2614615A - Exercise device

Info

Publication number: GB2614615A
Application number: GB2217982.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Baker Nicholas
Original assignee: Diversity Chiropractic Ltd
Current assignee: Diversity Chiropractic Ltd
Priority date: 2021-11-30
Filing date: 2022-11-30
Publication date: 2023-07-12
Also published as: GB202217982D0; GB202117258D0; WO2023099883A1

Abstract

An exercise device 10 comprises a kit of parts comprising a carrier structure 12 and a plurality of ballast weight elements 20 & 22. The carrier structure 12 comprises a carrier body 12a with at least two attachment locations 14a-d &16a-d, and wherein the ballast elements 20 & 22 comprise two engaging structures 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b, a first one of the engaging structures 20a & 22a being configured for connection with an attachment location 14a-d &16a-d, and a second one of the engaging structures 20b & 22b being configured like an attachment location 14a-d & 16a-d of the carrier, for connection with the first engaging structure 20a & 22a of another ballast element. The carrier structure may be of a generally annular form such as a ring, obround, ova, ovoid shaped or open hoop. The attachment locations may be threaded or screwed or use other fasteners. The device may be used in conjunction with head gear such as a helmet.

Description

Exercise device

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an exercise and training device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a modular kit of parts allowing a plurality of different ballast elements to be mounted at different locations of an exercise device to thereby configure it for different training exercises or training loads. In embodiments, the exercise device may be used in conjunction with a head gear such as a helmet.

Background

Various types of exercise gear exist that comprise a carrier structure for several ballast elements, such as dumbbell bars to be provided with a number of weight plates.

Typically, the carrier structure comprises a mounting location at which the ballast elements may be attached and to which the ballast elements need to be secured.

The present invention seeks to provide an alternative design of an exercise device.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an exercise device as defined in claim 1. The exercise device comprises a kit of parts comprising a carrier structure and a plurality of ballast elements, wherein the carrier structure comprises a carrier body with at least two attachment locations, and wherein the ballast elements comprise two engaging structures, a first one of the engaging structures being configured for connection with an attachment location and a second one of the engaging structures being configured like an attachment location of the carrier, for connection with the first engaging structure of another ballast element.

It will be understood that the carrier structure is configured to allow it to be used with two or more ballast elements, e.g. weight discs, attached to it. By allowing two or more ballast elements to be attached at different locations of the carrier structure, the ballast distribution can be adjusted. The present disclosure suggests that a wide range of additional adjustments may be made by providing ballast elements that are inter-engageable, or interconnectable, so as to allow a ballast element to be attached either to a carrier structure or to another ballast element. This is achieved by providing attachment locations on the ballast elements that are functionally equivalent to the corresponding attachment locations of the carrier structure. It will be understood that in order to be configured as an attachment location, an engaging structure of a ballast element may be of the same engagement configuration as the carrier structure's attachment location, for instance by having a thread design, recess or socket shape, or the like, suitable for attachment of the first one of the engaging structures.

The engagement structures are understood to allow a physical connection to be made to secure the ballast elements to the carrier structure, so that they remain attached during typical use of the device for exercise. The attachment may be secure by way of a friction fit or a threaded connection. It will be appreciated that the strength of the connection required may depend on the size and mass of a ballast element.

In some embodiments, each ballast element is repeatably attachable and detachable from the carrier structure.

In some embodiments, each ballast element is repeatably attachable and detachable from another one of the ballast elements.

In some embodiments, the exercise device comprises a free structure accessible as a handle when the ballast elements are attached.

The free structure may be provided by a free portion, or segment, of a ring structure. As will be explained below, a ballast element may be attached, for instance, at one side of a ring-shaped carrier structure, such as a 6 o'clock position. In that case, the ring-shaped structure may comprise a portion opposite the ballast element, such as a 12 o'clock position, that is not provided with a ballast element, and thereby constituting a free portion. The free portion may be used as a handle allowing and the exercise device to be used in the manner of a kettle bell.

In some embodiments, the carrier structure is of unitary form.

In some embodiments, the carrier structure is of general annular form such as a ring, obround, oval or ovoid shape.

By generally annular form, it is meant that the carrier structure may be a closed loop shape, and may be of complex form, such as a closed 'driving wheel' or 'handle bar' shape.

In some embodiments, the carrier structure is of open hoop form.

The open hoop form may be in the form of curved bar with free ends. The free ends may be parallel to provide a "U" shape, splayed to provide a "V shape, or inward-returning to provide a "C" shape. The carrier structure may comprise undulations in the form of an "M" or "W" shape. The carrier structure may be an open shape of complex form, such as an open 'driving wheel' or 'handle bar' shape.

In some embodiments, the exercise device comprises a plurality of radially extending attachment locations.

In some embodiments, the exercise device comprises a plurality of attachment locations for attachment of a ballast element perpendicular to an extension of the carrier structure, wherein at least one of the attachment locations is oriented at a different angle perpendicularly to the extension than at least another one of the attachment locations.

For instance, two or more attachment locations may be located at opposite sides of a carrier structure.

In some embodiments, the exercise device comprises one or more attachment locations extending in a direction other than an extension of the carrier structure.

For instance, one or more attachment locations may be oriented at an angle, such that a ballast element attached to the attachment location is at an off-centre location relative to an axis of the carrier element. This enables exercises with off-centre weight distribution.

In some embodiments, the exercise device comprises a plurality of attachment locations spaced apart along the carrier structure.

The attachment locations may be spaced apart along an extension of the carrier structure. The attachment locations may be equi-distantly spaced apart along the extension of the carrier structure. It will be appreciated that in the case of a carrier structure having free ends, the free ends being two distal ends or two opposite ends, respectively, the attachment locations may be located between the free ends of a carrier structure.

In some embodiments, the exercise device comprises two attachment locations at opposite ends of the carrier structure.

The exercise device may comprise two or more attachment locations at opposite ends of the carrier structure, wherein one or more of the attachment locations may be oriented at a different angle perpendicularly to a longitudinal extension of the carrier structure. For instance, one attachment location may be at a first end of a carrier structure, oriented in a line of a longitudinal extension of the carrier structure, and one or more attachment locations may be at a second end of the carrier structure, oriented at a different angle than the line of the longitudinal extension of the carrier structure, e.g. to point laterally away from the line of longitudinal extension. The longitudinal extension is understood to be a straight axis line for a cylindrical carrier structure, or an arcuate line for an arcuate or round carrier structure.

In some embodiments, the exercise device comprises four attachment locations at 90 degrees angularly offset positions relative to each other.

In some embodiments, the exercise device comprises through holes extending through a thickness of the carrier structure and providing two attachment locations, one at each end of the through hole.

In some embodiments, the attachment locations are threaded.

The attachment locations may be provided by threaded sockets or threaded through holes.

In some embodiments, the carrier structure comprises an elongate body.

The carrier structure may be provided in the form of a straight bar, and may be configurable similar to a dumbbell bar, with multiple attachment locations at one or both ends of the dumbbell bar. The carrier structure may be provided in the form of a curved bar, for instance in the shape of a cross bow.

In some embodiments, one or more of the ballast elements comprise an elongate body.

The ballast elements may be provided in the form of rods that are suitable as a handle. The ballast elements may have relatively low mass to be used primarily as a handle.

For instance, the ballast elements may have a length of at least 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, or 30 cm. As such, either the carrier structure or one or more of the ballast elements may be used as handle.

The exercise device may be adjusted in several ways by attaching ballast elements at different locations of the carrier structure, onto other ballast elements, and/or elongate elements, and by attaching elongate elements at different locations of the carrier structure, onto other ballast elements, or to elongate elements.

Description of the Figures

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic front view illustration an exemplary embodiment in a disassembled condition; Figure 2 shows a schematic front view illustration of an exemplary embodiment in a first exemplary assembled configuration; Figure 3 shows a schematic front view illustration of an exemplary embodiment in another exemplary assembled configuration; Figures 4A and 4B show schematic front view and section illustrations, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment in another exemplary assembled configuration; Figure 5 is a photograph of prototype embodiments in different configurations; Figure 6 shows a schematic front view illustration of an exemplary embodiment in another exemplary assembled configuration; Figures 7A and 7B show schematic front views of other exemplary embodiments; Figures 8A to 8C show additional components to be used in embodiments; Figure 9 shows a schematic front view of another exemplary embodiment; Figure 10 shows a schematic side view of another exemplary embodiment; Figures 11A-11D show schematic illustrations of further embodiments; Figure 12 shows a schematic side view of another embodiment; Figure 13 shows a schematic side view of another embodiment; and Figure 14 shows a schematic side view of another embodiment.

Description

Referring to the Figures, an exercise device 10 is comprised of individual components including a ring 12 constituting a carrier structure, and a plurality of (here: two) cylinders 20, 22 each constituting a ballast element. The ring 12 is a generally annular structure comprising a body 12a made from a sturdy material such as steel. The ring 12 has an external diameter of about 10 inches, and an internal diameter of about 9 inches, and a generally circular section diameter of 2 cm. It will be appreciated that other diameters and thicknesses may be used. For instance, the carrier structure may have a sectional diameter (i.e. the thickness of the ring) of no less than 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm, 3 cm, or 3.5 cm. The carrier structure may have a sectional diameter of no more than 5 cm, 4.5 cm, 4 cm, 3.5 cm, 3 cm, 2.5 cm, or 2 cm. The ring structure may have an internal diameter of no less than 20 cm, 21 cm, 22 cm, 23 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm, 26 cm, 27 cm or 28 cm. The ring structure may have an internal diameter of no more than 40 cm, 35 cm, 34 cm, 33 cm, 32 cm, 31 cm, 30 cm, 29 cm, 28 cm or 27 cm. The external diameter may exceed the internal diameter by no less than 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm, 3 cm, or 3.5 cm, and/or by no more than 5 cm, 4.5 cm, 4 cm, 3.5 cm, 3 cm, 2.5 cm, or 2 cm. However, the invention is not necessarily limited in this regard and embodiments may comprise smaller diameters, in the region of 5 cm, or larger diameters, in the region of 40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm or 70 cm. The intention is for the exercise device to have dimensions convenient for manual handling, typically of a handle for one-handed and/or two-handed manipulation, although variants may be used as larger or smaller hoops for arm and leg training exercises, as well as neck training exercises.

The ring 12 comprises a longitudinal extension 13a, here in circular longitudinal extension, corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the body 12a, and surrounding the ring axis. The ring 12 is provided with eight threaded holes, each spaced apart from another along the longitudinal extension 13a and oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension 13a. Of the eight threaded holes, four threaded holes extend radially relative to the ring axis, providing radially extending threaded holes 14a-14d, and four threaded holes 16a-16d extend parallel to the ring axis, providing periaxially extending threaded holes 16a-16d.

The radially extending threaded holes 14a to 14d are oriented in a radial extension and equi-angularly spaced apart, at an angle of 90 degrees, and extend through the thickness of the body of the ring 12 from the inner surface towards the outer surface. Each radially extending threaded hole 14a to 14d therefore comprises an internal opening, facing the centre of the ring 12, and an external opening, facing outwardly.

The periaxially extending threaded holes 16a to 16d are oriented parallel to the axis of the ring 12 and extend parallel to it, and are equi-angularly spaced apart, at an angle of degrees, and angularly offset by 45 degrees between the radially extending threaded holes 14a to 14d, such that each radially extending threaded hole 14a,b,c,d alternates, offset by 45 degrees, with a periaxially extending threaded hole 16a,b,c,d. Each periaxially extending threaded hole 16a to 16d extends through the thickness of the body of the ring 12 from one lateral side to the opposite lateral side and therefore comprises an opening on both sides.

The threads of each threaded hole 14a-d and 16a-d extend along the threaded holes such that each threaded hole provides two threaded openings suitable as an attachment location in the manner of a threaded socket. It will be appreciated that the eight threaded holes provide 16 attachment locations in this manner, four inwardly-facing attachment locations and four outwardly-facing attachment locations provided by the radially extending threaded holes, and four laterally-facing attachment locations on each of the two sides of the ring 12 provided by the periaxially extending threaded holes.

Each one of the threaded holes 14a-d and 16a-d is provided with the same geometry and pitch thread. Being located on an annular ring 12 of circular cross-section, each one of the threaded holes 14a-d and 16a-d has the same length of an the example) 2 cm, corresponding to the cross-section of the ring 12. It will be appreciated that other dimensions may be used. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the threaded holes may not be through holes and instead blind holes, or sockets, allowing attachment from only one side.

By way of the parallel and perpendicular orientation of the threaded holes, the ring 12 comprises attachment locations arranged to secure a first ballast element, or an assembly of ballast elements, in a first orientation relative to the longitudinal extension of the carrier structure, and to secure a second ballast element, or an assembly of ballast elements, in a second orientation relative to the longitudinal extension 13a of the carrier structure. According to the illustrated example, the first orientation is perpendicular to a ring axis and the second orientation is parallel to a ring axis, both orientations being perpendicular to a longitudinal extension 13a of the ring 12. However, the invention is not so limited and the orientation may be, for instance, 45 degrees offset from the ring axis, or other angles such as 30 degrees, 60 degrees, etc. The cylinders 20, 22 are discs comprising a body made from metal, for instance a steel body of unitary form, each providing a mass of 1.5 kg. It will be appreciated that the cylinders 20,22 may be made of other materials and may have different dimensions to provide different mass. By way of example, the mass of a cylinder may be no less, or no more, than 0.25 kg, 0.5 kg, 0.75 kg, 1 kg, 1.5 kg, 2 kg, 2.5 kg, or 3 kg. The weights need not be great for many training exercises particularly in rehabilitation or prevention training. To provide an illustrative example, a carrier structure may have a mass of 1 kg and may be provided with four 2 kg ballast elements, providing an exercise device with 9 kg training weight, which is comparable to some medicine ball types. Each cylinder 20, 22 comprises a generally cylindrical mantle and two flat end faces, whereby one of the flat end faces is provided with a threaded stem 20a, 22a, and the opposite flat end face is provided with a threaded recess 20b, 22b. Each threaded stem 20a, 20b is dimensioned to fit into each one of the threaded recesses 20b, 22b.

Furthermore, each of the threaded holes 14a-14d and 16a-16d is of the same thread geometry, hand and pitch as the threaded recesses 20b, 22b. The length of each threaded stem 20a, 20b is no more than half of the threaded holes 14a-d and 16a-d, i.e. about 1 cm or 0.9 cm. Alternatively, the length of each threaded stem may be no more than the length of the threaded holes 14a-d and 16a-d. In embodiments comprising a carrier structure of non-circular or anisotropic cross section, such as an oval cross-section, the length of the threaded stems may be no longer than a shortest one of the through holes, to ensure that the threaded stem does not protrude through the thickness of a carrier structure when attached thereto.

Thereby, each one of the attachment locations provided by a threaded hole 14a-d or 16a-d can be used to engage any one of the threaded stems 20a, 22a, and each one of the threaded recesses 20b, 22b can be used to engage the threaded stem 20a, 22a of any other cylinder.

If the threaded stems 20a, 22a have no more than half the length of a threaded hole 14a-d or 16a-d, it will be understood that a threaded hole can be engaged from both open sides, stems attached in this manner avoiding mutual interference. If the stems have more than half the length, it will be understood that a threaded hole is to be fully engaged from one side at a time. A longer length of a threaded stem 20a, 20b may provide a more secure engagement. As such, a heavier ballast element, e.g. a 3 kg ballast, may be provided with a 2.5 cm threaded stem for a carrier structure with 2.5 cm threaded hole. A less heavy ballast element, e.g. 1.5 kg ballast, may be provided with a 1.2 cm threaded stem, allowing two 1.5 kg ballasts to be attached at the same time on both ends of a threaded hole. In that example, both 3 kg ballast element and 1.5 kg ballast element may comprise a 2.5 cm threaded hole to allow each one to be attached to the other. Alternatively, a smaller ballast element may comprise a shorter threaded hole, e.g. for receiving a 1.2 cm stem, to allow attachment of another 1.5 kg ballast element but hinder full attachment of a heavier ballast element.

Figure 2 shows the ring 12 provided with three cylinders 20, 22 and 24. A first cylinder 20 is attached to one of the threaded holes, here to the external opening of the threaded hole 14b, via a threaded engagement with the first cylinder's threaded stem 20a. It will be appreciated that the threaded engagement is sufficiently tight to hold the first cylinder 20 firmly anchored on the ring 12. This may be achieved by ensuring that a face of the cylinder engages a contacting surface of the ring 12 with sufficient friction to 'bite' into the ring 12. A second cylinder 22 is mounted via the second cylinder's threaded stem 22a in the first cylinder's threaded recess 20b. It will be appreciated that additional ballast can be added in the same manner, e.g. a third cylinder 24 may be attached via threaded engagement of the third cylinder's threaded stem 24a with the second cylinder's threaded recess 22b. In this manner, incrementally more weight may be added to the ring 12 by attaching a number of desired cylinders.

Figure 3 shows a different arrangement using the same ring 12 and two cylinders 20, 22. In the Figure 3 arrangement, the first cylinder 20 is attached via a threaded engagement of the first cylinder's threaded stem 20a in an external opening of the threaded hole 14d. The second cylinder 22 is attached via threaded engagement of the second cylinder's threaded stem 22a in an internal opening of the threaded hole 14d. It will be appreciated that the combined length of the threaded stems 20a and 22a is, in this variant, not longer than the length of the threaded hole 14d, which allows both threaded stems 20a and 22a to engage fully in the threaded hole 14d, to allow both cylinders 20 and 22 to be tightened against the ring 12 without mutual interference.

Although not illustrated in Figure 3, it will be appreciated that additional ballast items may be attached to the exercise device 10 either via one or both of the threaded recesses 20b, 22b, and/or via any one of the threaded holes 14a-14c and 16a-16d, and, if provided, via further threaded recesses of the additional ballast items.

Figures 4A and 4B show yet another arrangement using the same ring 12 and two cylinders 20, 22. Figure 4A shows a front view corresponding to Figure 1. Figure 4B shows a section through the centre line 4-4 of the ring 12 to better illustrate the threaded engagement of the cylinders 20, 22. The cylinders 20, 22 are threadedly engaged via their threaded stems 20a, 22a, respectively, in opposite sides of the periaxially extending threaded hole 16b. As described with reference to Figure 3, both stems 20a and 22b together span less than the length of the threaded hole 16b and thereby allow tight engagement with the ring 12 without inhibiting the fit of another ballast item of same design.

The arrangements of Figures 2, 3 and 4A, 4B are exemplary. It will be appreciated that different engagement configurations can be combined. For instance, pairs of ballast elements in the manner of Figure 4B, one on each side of a periaxially extending threaded hole, may be located in two, three or four of the periaxilally extending holes to thereby attach up to eight ballast elements to the ring 12 while maintaining a relatively compact size of the ring 12. If the ballast elements comprise a longer threaded stem structure, the invention allows one element per threaded hole to be attached, from either side.

While the design allows different ballast sizes to be used, it has been found in trials with prototype embodiments that relatively low weight ballast items provide sufficient versatility when using ballast items of the same shape, size and mass. The cylinders could have any diameter, however a diameter in the region of 3, 4, 5 or 6 cm was found to be convenient for manual handling, allowing an average user to firmly grab a cylinder and tighten it sufficiently without the need for additional tools. By positioning the threaded holes radially spaced apart and alternating their direction (e.g. radially extending and periaxially extending), the ballast items may be of relatively large diameter without interfering with each other. The height of each cylinder is preferably a fraction of the inner diameter of the ring 12 such that several cylinders may be attached to an inner opening of a radially extending threaded hole. This allows the exercise device 10 to be configured in the manner of a kettle bell weight.

Figure 5 shows prototype embodiments of exercise devices 10a and 10b corresponding conceptually to the illustrations of Figures 1 to 4B, and so the same numerals are used in Figure 5 for corresponding items illustrated in the preceding Figures, without repeated the description thereof. Each exercise device 10a, 10b is constituted by a unitary ring body of metal material form, provided with eight threaded holes in an alternafingly oriented manner, with reference to an elongate circular extension of the ring body, as radially extending threaded holes 14 and periaxially extending holes 16, each spaced apart angularly by 45 degrees from its respective neighbouring threaded hole along the ring body, and each with an orientation offset (here: 90 degrees) relative to its respective neighbouring threaded hole.

The exercise device 10a shown in Figure 5 is provided with three cylinders 30, 32, 34 that are threadedly engaged, in series, one to the next, and attached to an inner opening of a radially extending threaded hole 14. The exercise device 10a may be used in the manner of a kettle bell weight, using a portion 11a of the ring body, the portion 11a constituting a free structure, as handle. Likewise, the ring may be held with two hands.

The exercise device 10b shown in Figure 5 is provided with two cylinders 36, 38 each threadedly attached at one periaxially extending threaded hole (holes concealed by the cylinders and as such not visible in Figure 5). The exercise device 10b is provided with a sleeve structure 11 b, or "fat grip handle" clamped onto a portion of the ring structure, providing a handle of larger cross-section than the ring annulus. The sleeve structure 11 b may be made of a material such as rubber, silicone or the like so as to provide better grip. Further illustrated in Figure 5 are additional cylinders 40, 42, threadedly engaged to each other and ready for attached to one of the free threaded holes of a ring structure, or to a threaded recess of another cylinder. The engaging structures of each one of the cylinders are configured to allow them to be attached either to another cylinder or to one of the plurality of attachment locations on the carrier structure, because the attachment locations and engaging structures use the same engagement design.

Figure 6 shows another arrangement of an exercise device 10 comprised of a ring 12, provided with two cylinders 26 and 28 as ballast elements. Figure 6 shows another component in the form of an elongate cylinder 50 constituting an element suitable either as ballast element and/or as handle bar. The cylinder 50 is of generally elongate extension and comprises at one end a threaded stem 50a and at an opposite end a threaded recess 50b. The elongate cylinder 50 comprises an elongate body portion 50c of about 30 cm length so as to be suitable as a handle. The elongate body portion 50c may be provided with a sleeve structure such as a fat grip.

The exercise device 10 is provided at one of its radially extending threaded holes 14c with an elongate ballast element 52 that corresponds to the ballast element 50 described above. The ballast element 52 is affixed to the ring 12 by engagement of its threaded stem 52a in the threaded hole 14c. The ballast element 52 comprises a free end with a threaded recess 52b permitting attachment of another ballast element. Being elongate, the ballast element 52 comprises a free body portion 52c that can be used as a handle. The exercise device 10 of Figure 6 may be used for exercises for racket sport.

Figure 7A shows another example, of an exercise device comprising a ring 12 provided with four ballast elements 20 at its inner circumference, and two elongate ballast elements 54, 55, one each at an opposite side of the ring 12. The exercise device of Figure 7A may be used for bench press exercises or squat exercises.

Figure 7B shows another example, of an exercise device using a ring 12, provided with two elongate ballast elements 54, 55 to provide an extended handle portion. The arrangement of Figure 7B may be used for bi-handed training exercises, for instance to simulate rowing, raking, etc. It will be appreciated that the ring 12 in Figure 78 may be provided with additional ballast elements to alter its weight distribution.

Figures 8A and 8B show each an optional component, in the form of an elongate cylinder 60 or 70, respectively. Each elongate cylinder comprises a generally elongate extension dimensioned corresponding to the cylinder 50. In contrast to the cylinder 50, the cylinder 60 comprises two threaded stems 60a, 60b located at opposite ends of its elongate body portion 60c. The cylinder 70 comprises two threaded recesses 70a, 70b located at opposite ends of its elongate body portion 70c. It will be appreciated that the cylinder 60 may be attached to two threaded recesses, or sockets, and may therefore connect two elements with threaded recesses, whereas the cylinder 70 may be attached to two threaded stems, and may therefore be used to connect two elements with threaded stems. A combination of two elongate cylinders 60 and 70 may be used to form a two-part elongate cylinder. In particular, the elongate cylinders 60 and 70 may have an elongate body portion 60c and 70c of 15cm length to combine to a two-part elongate cylinder of 30cm length.

Figure 8C shows an eyelet 80 that is another optional component. The eyelet 80 comprises a generally round body 80b from which there extends a threaded stem 80a. The eyelet 80 may be attached to any one of the threaded recess locations described in relation to other Figures. The eyelet may be used to attach exercise bands and the like. Although shown as annular body, it will be appreciated that the eyelet may be of hook form, or comprise a clamp or snap hook portion. For instance, one, two, three, four or more eyelets 80 may be attached to a ring 12 in this manner, either directly or via a weight element such as a cylinder 20, 22 etc. The cylinders 60 and 70 provide an inverter function and may be used to extend a handle bar assembled from one or more cylinders 50. Figure 9 shows an exemplary embodiment comprising six cylinders, namely three cylinders 50, 52, 54, two cylinders 60 and one cylinder 70. The cylinders may be provided as a kit of parts. As may be imagined, if each cylinder measures 15cm length, an assembly of six cylinders provides a bar of 90 centimetres length, which is a suitable length for a weightlifting bar. As illustrated in Figure 9, the cylinders are arranged in end-to-end fashion, whereas the use of inverter cylinders results in the provision of a threaded stem at both ends of the assembly of six cylinders, allowing two rings 12 to be attached at both of the opposite ends of the cylinder assembly. One of the rings 12 is provided with an eyelet 80. One of the rings is provided with two cylinders 20, 22 as additional ballast, and an eyelet 80 attached to the cylinder 22. The rings 12 are of the design illustrated in Figure 1 and comprise a plurality of threaded recesses to which additional ballast items may be attached.

Figure 10 shows a variant in the form of an arcuate carrier structure 90, comprising an arcuate body 92 defined by a rounded, generally semicircular body extending about 180 degrees end-to-end. The arcuate body 92 has a longitudinal extension 92a corresponding to an elongate axis of the body. The body 92 constitutes a carrier structure, in this example of open hoop or general "U" form, the body 92 comprising a plurality of threaded holes 96a, 96b, 96c each, in this example, extending transversely across the thickness of the body and open to both sides of the arcuate body 90. Each one of the two ends of the arcuate body 92 is provided with threaded holes 94a, 94b.

As will be appreciated, the threaded holes 96a, 96b,96c, are arranged at a different angle of orientation relative to the longitudinal extension 92a, relative to the threaded holes 94a, 94b which extend in the direction of the longitudinal extension 92a. The threaded holes 94a, 94b, 96a, 96b and 96c are dimensioned for attachment of one or more ballast items such as threaded cylinders 20, and/or the elongate cylinder 50.

The carrier structure 90 may be used as a carrier structure for one or more ballast items such as depicted in Figure 14. Figure 14 shows and exercise equipment 108 configured to resemble a hockey stick, comprising three elongate cylinders 50 attached end-to-end to form a shaft, the shaft attached to one threaded hole 94b at one and of the arcuate body 92, and two threaded cylinders 20 attached at both ends of the threaded hole 96a near the free end (the free end being opposite the shaft) of the arcuate body 92.

Figure 12 shows another carrier structure 72 in the form of an elongate cylinder similar to the elongate cylinder 50, comprising a generally cylindrical body 72c having a generally elongate extension 72d and comprising at one end a threaded stem 72a and at an opposite end a threaded recess 72b. The opposite end is slanted at an angle such that an axis of the threaded recess 72b is oriented at a non-perpendicular, oblique angle (here: about 45 degrees) relative to the elongate extension 72d of the body 72c.

As such, the threaded recess 72b extends in a direction other than the extension 72d of the carrier structure 72. As will be appreciated, in this manner, ballast or a handle component can be attached to the carrier structure 72 to extend at the oblique angle, practically off-centre. Figures 11A, 11B and 11D show exercise devices 100, 102 and 106, respectively, each formed with a shaft comprised of two elongate cylinders 50 and the carrier structure 72 attached end-to-end to form a shaft, the threaded recess 72b being at one end of the shaft for attaching a carrier element. In Figure 11A, the exercise device 100 is provided with a ring-shaped carrier 82, to provide a golf club style exercise device. The ring-shaped carrier 82 may comprise an arrangement of threaded holes and recesses, in the manner described with reference to the ring 12.

Figure 11B shows an exercise device 102 which is a variant of the exercise device 100, provided with an additional ballast element in the form of a threaded cylinder 20. Figure 11D shows an exercise device 106 comprising the aforementioned shaft, provided with a series of (here: three) threaded cylinders 20, 22, 24. As will be readily understood, in this manner several types of golf-club style exercise devices for general exercise, rehab or pre-hab can be assembled with different ballast configuration and weight distribution. The ballast items may have relatively low weight, e.g. 0.25kg or 0.5kg, being attached at a distal end relative to a handle portion of a club.

Figure 13 shows another carrier structure 74 in the form of an elongate cylinder similar to the elongate cylinder 50, comprising a generally cylindrical body 74c having a generally elongate extension 74d and comprising at one end a threaded stem 74a and at an opposite end a threaded recess 74b. The threaded recess 74b extends transversely to an axis of the body 74c and open to both sides of the threaded recess, to provide lateral openings on the carrier structure 74. The threaded recess 74b allows ballast or handle components to be attached laterally to the end of the body 74c. The threaded recess 74b may be offset from the distal end of the carrier structure 74 such that ballast items do not protrude distally, beyond the most distal extension of the carrier structure 74, however this is not necessarily the case in each embodiment.

Figure 110 shows an exercise device 104 comprising a shaft assembled from two elongate cylinders 50 and one carrier structure 74 attached end-to-end to form a shaft with two distal lateral holes of the threaded recess 74b. Three threaded cylinders 20, 22, 24 are attached to shaft, wherein the threaded cylinders 20 and 22 are attached to opposite ends of the threaded recess 74a, and the threaded cylinder 24 is attached to the threaded cylinder 22. The exercise device 104 may be used for lifting and/or swinging exercises simulating the use of a golf-club, axe, land hockey stick, etc. In the aforementioned embodiments, one or more of the elongate cylinders 50, 72, 74 may be provided with a fat grip (not shown) to provide a handle, e.g. at a convenient location such as at the distal end of the shaft. This may be appropriate to better simulate swinging exercise devices such as golf clubs, axes, hockey sticks, and the like.

While the connections have been described as threaded connections, it will be appreciated that other attachment mechanisms may be appropriate. Other connection mechanism include magnetic, friction fit, snap fit, bayonet connection, clamping mechanisms and/or combinations thereof. For low weight attachments, the connection may comprise hook-and-loop type fasteners such as Velcro (RTM). In embodiments, the attachment mechanism locks or secures a ballast element at a pre-defined angular orientation relative to the longitudinal extension of a carrier structure, providing an engagement that is irrotatable about the longitudinal extension, to prevent a rotation of the ballast element about the axis of the carrier structure. For instance, for mechanisms comprising a clamp or clasp, an irrotatable engagement may comprise a groove and protrusion that engage each other to hinder, when in engagement, rotation of the ballast element relative to the carrier structure in this manner.

The carrier structure is described in the form of a ring, but may be embodied by other shapes such as plates, open carrier shapes such as U-shaped forms. The carrier structure may be designed in size and shape to be suitable as a hand-held device. However, the invention is not so limited and may be provided as a larger or smaller hoop, band or sleeve for attachment to an ankle, knee, leg portion, wrist, elbow, arm portion and/or for finger segments. The carrier structure may be designed as a neck device in the form of a collar or head exercise device in the form of a head gear or helmet.

The kit of parts may further be provided with one or more cushioning bodies to be attached to either the ring 12 or one or more of the cylinders. The cushioning body may be attachable to a surface of the ring, preferably by way of straps, clamps or clips permitting temporary attachment and removal. The cushioning body may be attachable as a sleeve or open sleeve in the manner of a fat grip. Alternatively, the cushioning body may be configured for attachment to an attachment location, using the same mechanism such as a threaded engagement. The cushioning bodies may be made of a material that, compared to the carrier structure material, is softer, and/or of lower thermal conductivity, to provide a grip or seating surface more pleasant to handle. The cushioning body may comprise a shape memory material such as shape memory foam. The cushioning body may be inflatable.

The kit of parts may further be provided with attachable fasteners such as straps, harness elements, and the like, to allow the carrier structure to be secured firmly to different body parts.

It will be appreciated that the cushioning elements may usually be provided with the intention to render the exercise device more comfortable for use, and that fasteners may usually be provided to allow the exercise device to be attached to a location of the human body more securely. However, in some embodiments a cushioning function and a fastener function may be provided by the same one or more elements. The fastener may comprise a quick-release system such as a helmet clasp to allow the exercise device to be removed, or to automatically detach under excess load. In this manner, the exercise device may be used safely as a head hear with relatively large loads, whereby the exercise device will detach when loads reach unsafe levels.

In embodiments, the carrier structure can be provided with cushioning elements and straps to allow the exercise device to be used as head gear, sufficiently cushioned to allow the exercise device to be carried on a person's head, and with straps in the manner of chin straps to ensure the head gear can be affixed in a secure position on a person's head.

Embodiments of the invention may be used with exercise bands such as cables or resistance bands attachable one of the threaded holes or other attachment locations such as an eyelet. To this end, the threaded holes may be dimensioned to be compatible with a threaded anchor of a resistance band. Alternatively, the threaded holes or other attachment locations may be provided with an adapter component configured to engage the carrier structure and to engage an anchor structure of another exercise device such as an exercise band.

The exercise device is characterised by its versatility. It may be used as a kettle bell with a large number of interchangeable ballast configurations. It may be used as a cable machine grip attachment. It may be used as a whole body rehabilitation ("rehab"), "pre-hab", or sports-specific workout device of the type used in whiplash recovery or prevention of knock outs in martial arts, boxing etc. The exercise device is relatively compact while allowing ballast to be attached in several off-centre configurations, at different angles relative to a longitudinal extension of the carrier structure, allowing it to be used also as training device for racket sports, golf and several other types of exercise. For instance, it is believed that the design may be used to practice and improve swing technique of racket sports, hockey, golf, etc. Due to its compact design the device may be used indoors.

The exemplary embodiments described herein are from metal material form, however other materials such as silicone, rubber, composites, and other suitable materials may be used.

Whilst the principle of the invention has been illustrated using exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not so limited and that the invention may be embodied by other variants defined within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An exercise device comprising a kit of parts comprising a carrier structure and a plurality of ballast elements, wherein the carrier structure comprises a carrier body with at least two attachment locations, and wherein the ballast elements comprise two engaging structures, a first one of the engaging structures being configured for connection with an attachment location and a second one of the engaging structures being configured like an attachment location of the carrier, for connection with the first engaging structure of another ballast element.
2. The exercise device according to claim 1, wherein each ballast element is repeatably attachable and detachable from the carrier structure.
3. The exercise device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each ballast element is repeatably attachable and detachable from another one of the ballast elements.
4. The exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a free structure accessible as a handle when the ballast elements are attached.
5. The exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier structure is of unitary form.
6. The exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier structure is of general annular form such as a ring, obround, oval or ovoid shape.
7. The exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier structure is of open hoop form.
8. The exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of radially extending attachment locations.
9. The exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of attachment locations for attachment of a ballast element perpendicular to an extension of the carrier structure, wherein at least one of the attachment locations is oriented at a different angle perpendicularly to the extension than at least another one of the attachment locations.
10. The exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more attachment locations extending in a direction other than an extension of the carrier structure.
11. The exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of attachment locations spaced apart along the carrier structure.
12. The exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two attachment locations at opposite ends of the carrier structure.
13. The exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising four attachment locations at 90-degrees angularly offset positions relative to each other.
14. The exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising through holes extending through a thickness of the carrier structure and providing two attachment locations, one at each end of the through hole.
15. The exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment locations are threaded.
16. The exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier structure comprises an elongate body.
17. The exercise device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the ballast elements comprise an elongate body.