IL289472B2 - Exercise bar for pilates equipment - Google Patents

Description

FITP-P-001-IL EXERCISE BAR FOR PILATES EQUIPMENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1"

[001] The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to an exercise bar for Pilates equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2"

[002] Pilates is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, after whom it was named. Practicing Pilates includes performing controlled movements, which improve flexibility, build strength, and develop control and endurance in the entire body. A Pilates Cadillac, springboard or tower/wall units are Pilates equipment that includes a bed/excessive bench with springs, ropes, and pulleys. Some Pilates equipment also includes vertical frames. A typical vertical farm may include, two push-thru springs, two roll-down springs with a horizontal roll-down bar, two-arm springs with foam grip handles, two leg springs with padded long spine straps, two extension straps, two traveling spring hooks, two traveling pulleys, and a safety chain. id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3" id="p-3"

[003] The horizontal roll-down bar is a rigid swingable bar that allows the trainee to swing the bar up and down with both hands simultaneously while laying or sitting on the exercise bench/bed. Although, equipped with many types of equipment Pilates Cadilac do not include equipment that can mimic swimming movement while providing resistance that can mimic the resistance of water. id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4" id="p-4"

[004] When training trainees after head injuries (e.g., following a stroke) it is beneficial to work simultaneously on both sides of the body while providing each side of the body with a different exercise, and forcing the brain to train the uninjured side and the injured side, separately. Even healthy trainees when working together with both hands/arms or both legs will find that the dominant side of the body works harder than the non-dominant side of the body, as this is the "easier" choice of the brain. Allowing each side of the body to work differently at the same time (e.g., doing opposite movements such as in freestyle swimming) may force the weak limb to train. id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5" id="p-5"

[005] Accordingly, there is a need for an exercise bar, that can train both sides of the body, for example, the arms, simultaneously while performing different movements. 1 FITP-P-001-IL SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6" id="p-6"

[006] Some aspects of the invention are directed to an exercise bar, comprising: a shaft; a first rigid handle unit rotatably connected to the shaft at a distal end of the first rigid handle unit; a second rigid handle unit rotatably connected to the shaft at a distal end of the second rigid handle unit; a grip connected to a second end of the at least one arm; and handles lock, wherein the handles lock has an unlocked state in which each of the first and second rigid handle units is free to rotate around the shaft independent of the other, and a locked state in which the first and second rigid handle units are prevented from rotating around the shaft independently. In some embodiments, each rigid handle unit comprises at least one arm rotatably connectable to the shaft at a first end of the arm. id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7" id="p-7"

[007] In some embodiments, the handles lock comprises at least one connector, detachably connecting the first rigid handle unit to the second rigid handle unit. In some embodiments, each of the arms comprises at least one hinge, configured to allow rotation of at least a portion of the arm, around an axis parallel to the shaft. In some embodiments, each arm further comprises an arm lock configured to prevent rotation of the at least portion of the arm, when in a locked position, and to allow rotation when in an unlocked position. In some embodiments, the at least one hinge is configured to allow 360° rotation around the axis parallel to the shaft. In some embodiments, each arm comprises at least one piston for adjusting the distance between the hinge and the shaft. id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8" id="p-8"

[008] In some embodiments, the exercise further comprises a distance adjusting mechanism for adjusting the distance between the first rigid handle unit and the second rigid handle unit. In some embodiments, the first rigid handle unit and the second rigid handle unit are slidable on the shaft and wherein the distance adjusting mechanism comprises a first latch for locking the first rigid handle unit at a first location on the shaft and a second latch for locking the second rigid handle unit at a second location on the shaft while allowing rotation of the first and second rigid handle units. id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9" id="p-9"

[009] In some embodiments, the shaft is connectable to a support element. In some embodiments, the support element is connectable to an exercise bench. In some embodiments, the shaft is at least 50% longer than the width of the exercise bench.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10" id="p-10"

[0010] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to 2 FITP-P-001-IL organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which: id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11"

[0011] Fig. 1 is an illustration of an exercise bar according to some embodiments of the invention; id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12" id="p-12"

[0012] Fig. 2 is an illustration of another exercise bar according to some embodiments of the invention; and id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13" id="p-13"

[0013] Figs. 3A and 3B are illustrations of a side view and front view of the exercise bar according to some embodiments of the invention assembled on an exercise bench. id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14" id="p-14"

[0014] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15" id="p-15"

[0015] One skilled in the art will realize the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting of the invention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16" id="p-16"

[0016] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention. Some features or elements described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with features or elements described with respect to other embodiments. For the sake of clarity, discussion of thesame or similar features or elements may not be repeated. id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17" id="p-17"

[0017] Some aspects of the present invention are directed to an exercise bar, that can be assembled, for example, on a Pilates Cadillac, spring-board or tower/wall unit , or on any 3 FITP-P-001-IL other exercise bench. The exercise bar may include two rigid handle units rotatably connected to a shaft and a handles connector configured to detachably connect the two units.

Accordingly, a single exercise bar, according to embodiments of the invention, may allow training both sides of the body (e.g., both arms) simultaneously with different movements, training both arms simultaneously with the same movement, and training each side (e.g., each arm) separately. In some embodiments, the exercise bar may allow mimicking freestyle swimming movements on land while providing the trainee a resistance mimicking the resistance of water. id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18" id="p-18"

[0018] As used herein "a rigid unit" or a "rigid element" may refer to an element or a unit, comprising more than one element, that will not bend/flex/deform under a force applied by humans, for example, a force of less than 45 Newtons (N), less than 50 N, 60 N, 100 N or 200 N. id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19" id="p-19"

[0019] Reference is now made to Fig. 1 which is an illustration of an exercise bar according to some embodiments of the invention. An exercise bar 100 may include a shaft 10, a first rigid handle unit 20A, and a second rigid handle unit 20B. Each one of handle units 20A and 20B is rotatably connected to shaft 10 at a distal end 22. In some embodiments, exercise bar 100 may further include a handles lock 40. In some embodiments, handles lock 40 has an unlocked state in which each of first and second rigid handle units 20A and/or 20B is free to rotate around shaft 10 independent of the other handle unit (e.g., each handle unit may rotate around shaft 10, at a different direction with respect to the other handle unit, at the same time), and a locked state in which first and second rigid handle units 20A and 20B are prevented from independently rotating around shaft 10 (e.g., are rotating together and at the same direction around shaft 10). id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20" id="p-20"

[0020] In some embodiments, each one of first and second rigid handle units 20A and 20B includes at least one arm 25, and a grip 26connected to a proximal end of the at least one arm 25, respectively. Each arm 25 is rotatably connectable to shaft 10 at end 22 as to allow independent movement of each arm around axis x1 of shaft 10. In some embodiments, each one of first and second rigid handle units 20A and/or 20B may include a single arm 25, two arms 25 forming a U shape, as illustrated, three arms or more. In some embodiments, single arm 25 can be connected to one of the ends of grip 26, in the middle of grip 26, or at any other point along grip 26. 4 FITP-P-001-IL id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21"

[0021] In some embodiments, arms 25, and grips 26 may be made from any suitable material, for example, an alloy (e.g., steel, aluminum alloy, etc.,), wood, polymer, and the like. In some embodiments, the arms and/or grips may be coated and/or painted, for example, with a soft or elastic coating. id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22" id="p-22"

[0022] In some embodiments, handles lock 40 may include at least one connector 45, as illustrated, detachably connecting first rigid handle unit 20 to second rigid handle unit 30.

Handles lock 40 may detachably connect arms 25 at any location along the arms, for example, at the middle of the arms, at 2/3 of the length of the arms from shaft 10, as illustrated, and the like. In some embodiments, handles lock 40 may detachably connect a first grip 26 to a second grip 26. In some embodiments, handles lock 40 may include any locking mechanism configured to detachably connect two rigid elements to each other, for example, handles lock 40 may include, one or more movable pins and corresponding holes for receiving the pins, clamps, and the like. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that handle lock 40 may be connected to one of handle units 20A (and 20B), or may be a separate element that when connected to handle units 20(, 20B) locks the handle units together and when removed, releases handles units 20A (and 20B) to move independently with respect to each other, around shaft 10. id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23" id="p-23"

[0023] In some embodiments, exercise bar 100 may further include one or more springs, not illustrated, detachably connected between shaft 10 and any one of rigid handle units 20A and/or 20B (e.g., detachably connected to the proximal end of arms 25) for providing resistance to the rotation movement of the handle units to enhance the exercise. id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24" id="p-24"

[0024] Reference is now made to Fig. 2 which is another exercise bar according to some embodiments of the invention. An exercise bar 200 may include a shaft 10, a first rigid handle unit 20A, and a second rigid handle unit 20B rotatably connected to shaft 10 at a distal end 22. Similar to exercise bar 100, each one of first and second rigid handle units 20A and/or 20B of exercise bar 200 may include at least one arm 25, and a grip 26 connected to a second end of the at least one arm 25. id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25" id="p-25"

[0025] In some embodiments, each of the arms 25 may comprise at least one hinge 27, configured to allow rotation of at least a portion 25A of the arm, around an axis x2 parallel to the axis x1 and shaft 10, as illustrated. In some embodiments, each arm may include two portions, a first portion 25A and a second portion 25B, and wherein at least one hinge 27 is configured to allow 360° rotation of the first portions around the axis parallel to shaft 10. In FITP-P-001-IL some embodiments, hinge 27 may be located at the connection between first portion 25A and a second portion 25B. id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26" id="p-26"

[0026] In some embodiments, each arm 25 may further comprise an arm lock 29 configured to prevent rotation of the first portion (e.g., portions 25A) of the arm, when in a locked position, and to allow rotation when in an unlocked position. In some embodiments, the lock may include any locking mechanism that may allow locking the first portion with respect to the second portion. id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27" id="p-27"

[0027] In some embodiments, each arm 25 may comprise at least one piston 28 for adjusting the distance between hinge 27 and shaft 10. In some embodiments, piston 28 is included in second portion 25B. id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28" id="p-28"

[0028] In some embodiments, each one of first and second rigid handle units 20A and/or 20B may include a single arm 25, two arms 25 forming a U shape, as illustrated, three arms or more. In some embodiments, exercise bar 200 may further include a handles lock, such as handles lock 40 included in exercise bar 100 of Fig. 1. id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29" id="p-29"

[0029] In some embodiments, exercise bar 200 (and also exercise bar 100) may further include a distance adjusting mechanism 15 for adjusting the distance ‘D’ between first rigid handle unit 20A and second rigid handle unit 20B. For example, the distance D can be set to work at the shoulder’s width, as illustrated in Fig. 1, or at a wider distance, as illustrated in Fig. 2. In some embodiments, distance adjusting mechanism may include any mechanism/component that may allow adjusting/temporarily fixating/holding the distance between handle units 20A and 20B, such as, for example, as described herein. id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30" id="p-30"

[0030] In some embodiments, handle units 20A and 20B are slidable on shaft 10 and wherein the distance adjusting mechanism comprises a first latch for locking the first rigid handle unit at a first location on the shaft and a second latch for locking the second rigid handle unit at a second location on the shaft. In some embodiments, the first and second latches may allow handle units 20A and 20B to freely rotate around shaft 10 while maintaining the distance D between the two handle units. For example, the distance adjusting mechanism may include a set of replaceable flexible spacers (e.g., springs) having different lengths corresponding to the different required distances D. The replaceable flexible spacers may connect distal ends 22 of arms 25 to each other while allowing a relative movement between the two arms. 6 FITP-P-001-IL id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31" id="p-31"

[0031] In some embodiments, shaft 10 is connectable to a support element 50. In some embodiments, support element 50 may be connectable to a wall using wall element 52, to a floor using floor element 54, and/or to an exercise bench illustrated in Figs. 3A and 3B. id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32" id="p-32"

[0032] In some embodiments, exercise bar 200 may further include one or more springs, not illustrated, detachably connected between shaft 10 and any one of rigid handle units 20A and/or 20B (e.g., detachably connected to the proximal end of arm portions 25B, or to grips 26) for providing resistance to the rotation movement of the handle units to enhance the exercise. id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33" id="p-33"

[0033] Reference is now made to Figs. 3A and 3B are illustrations of a side view and front view of exercise bar 200 together with an exercise bench according to some embodiments of the invention. Exercise bar 200 may be connected to support element 50 via shaft 10.

Support element 50 may be connectable to an exercise bench 60, not illustrated, or to a wall via wall element 52. In some embodiments, shaft 10 is at least 50% longer than the width of exercise bench 60. As should be understood by one skilled in the art, the connection of support element to bench 60 is illustrated in Figs. 3A and 3B is given as an example only and the invention is not limited to this design. id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34" id="p-34"

[0034] In some embodiments, in order to mimic freestyle swimming using exercise bar 200, handle units 20A and 20B and arms 25 should be in unlocked positions and the distance D between handle units 20A and 20B should be wider than the shoulder’s width of the trainee.

In this arrangement, a trainee laying on his stomach on bench 60 holding grips 26 may perform a movement that mimics the freestyle swimming. Connecting arms 25 to shaft 10 with springs may provide resistance to the movement that may mimic the resistance of water. id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35" id="p-35"

[0035] Exercise bar(s) according to embodiments of the invention may allow exercising/training each part of the body separately or simultaneously doing different movements. For example, each one of the arms may perform opposite movements, such as swinging grips 26 in opposite directions. In yet another example, each arm can be trained under different intensity, when only one arm 25 is connected by a spring to shaft 10, thus forcing one side of the body to work harder than the other. This may be beneficial when training trainees after strokes, where there is a need to strengthen the injured side. id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36" id="p-36"

[0036] Therefore, an exercise bar according to embodiments of the invention may allow training a trainee in ways that cannot be achieved using any known equipment. 7 FITP-P-001-IL id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37" id="p-37"

[0037] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38" id="p-38"

[0038] Various embodiments have been presented. Each of these embodiments may of course include features from other embodiments presented, and embodiments not specifically described may include various features described herein. 8

Claims (11)

289472/2 CLAIMS

1. An exercise bar, comprising: a shaft; a first rigid handle unit rotatably connected to the shaft at a distal end of the first rigid handle unit; a second rigid handle unit rotatably connected to the shaft at a distal end of the second rigid handle unit; wherein each rigid handle unit comprises: at least one arm rotatably connectable to the shaft at a first end of the arm; and a grip connected to a second end of the at least one arm; and a handles lock, wherein the handles lock has an unlocked state in which each of the first and second rigid handle units is free to rotate around the shaft independent of the other, and a locked state in which the first and second rigid handle units are rotatable together and at a same direction around the shaft.

2. The exercise bar of claim 1, wherein the handles lock comprises at least one connector, detachably connecting the first rigid handle unit to the second rigid handle unit.

3. The exercise bar of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the arms comprises at least one hinge, configured to allow rotation of at least a portion of the arm, around an axis parallel to the shaft.

4. The exercise bar of claim 3, wherein each arm further comprises an arm lock configured to prevent rotation of the at least portion of the arm, when in a locked position, and to allow rotation when in an unlocked position.

5. The exercise bar of any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the at least one hinge is configured to allow 360° rotation around the axis parallel to the shaft.

6. The exercise bar according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein each arm comprises at least one piston for adjusting the distance between the hinge and the shaft. 9 289472/2

7. The exercise bar of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a distance adjusting mechanism for adjusting the distance between the first rigid handle unit and the second rigid handle unit.

8. The exercise bar of claim 7, wherein the first rigid handle unit and the second rigid handle unit are slidable on the shaft and wherein the distance adjusting mechanism comprises a first latch for locking the first rigid handle unit at a first location on the shaft and a second latch for locking the second rigid handle unit at a second location on the shaft while allowing rotation of the first and second rigid handle units.

9. The exercise bar according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the shaft is connectable to a support element.

10. The exercise bar of claim 9, wherein the support element is connectable to an exercise bench.

11. The exercise bar of claim 10, wherein the shaft is at least 50% longer than the width of the exercise bench. 10