WO2009014424A1

WO2009014424A1 - Training apparatus and training set

Info

Publication number: WO2009014424A1
Application number: PCT/NL2008/000178
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tom Cornelis Hendrikus Mickers
Original assignee: Tom Cornelis Hendrikus Mickers
Priority date: 2007-07-20
Filing date: 2008-07-21
Publication date: 2009-01-29
Also published as: NL1034167C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a training apparatus for performing exercises, comprising a base plate on which a user can stand, and at least one fastening member for fastening one or more cords thereto. The apparatus further comprises a clamping mechanism for securing the apparatus between the jambs of a frame, such as a door- frame. The apparatus can be used in two ways. It can be secured in simple manner at a random height in a frame for the purpose of performing a first series of exercises, wherein cords are attached to the fastening members. In addition, it can be placed on the ground in order to do other exercises.

Description

Training apparatus and training set

The invention relates to a training apparatus for performing exercises, such as power exercises, fitness training and rehabilitation exercises. The invention also relates to a training set comprising such an apparatus.

Many people go to a fitness centre to train the muscles and/or achieve and maintain physical fitness. The drawback of a fitness centre are the limited opening times and having to pay membership fees. A large number of diverse training apparatuses are currently available on the market for performing exercises at home. This equipment is often quite voluminous and takes up an undesirably large amount of space, also when it is not being used. Another drawback is that the apparatuses are intended for the purpose of exercising specific groups of muscles, wherein only a limited number of different exercises are possible. Known from the German patent DE 198 07 376 is a training apparatus which must be clamped between the jambs of a door-frame and consists of an extending rod to which are secured elastic straps with handgrips. The exercises which can be performed with this apparatus are limited because this rod can only be secured in a doorframe, is cylindrical and only enables dynamic exercises.

The present invention has for its object to provide a training apparatus which obviates one or more of the above stated drawbacks of the prior art.

This object is achieved with a training apparatus for performing exercises, comprising:

- a base plate on which a user can stand;

- at least one fastening member for fastening one or more cords thereto;

- a clamping mechanism for securing the apparatus between the jambs of a frame, such as a door-frame.

The invention can be used in two ways. The apparatus can be fixed at random heights in a frame by means of one or more clamps. In addition, it can be placed on the ground in order to do other exercises. The frame is not damaged by clamping of the apparatus between or round the frame.

The word "cord" in this description is understood to mean a cord in the broadest sense of the word, so also a belt, elastic strap, a chain and so forth. The cord can be of round section, but also flat or hollow, such as an elastic tube.

In an embodiment the clamping mechanism comprises a number of angle profiles adapted to clamp the apparatus between the jambs of the frame. The clamping mechanism can herein comprise a clamp with a non-central axis with which the apparatus can be easily and firmly secured. In an embodiment the clamping mechanism comprises clamps which are each adapted to engage round a jamb of the frame.

In an embodiment the training apparatus comprises one or more extendable arms on which the clamping mechanism is mounted. The apparatus can first be adjusted to size herewith, and then clamped fixedly in the frame.

In an embodiment the base plate has an elongate form. The base plate can also be to some extent diabolo- shaped.

In an embodiment the base plate comprises foot positions with an anti-slip provision.

In an embodiment the fastening member comprises a bracket. This bracket can optionally be folded out, so that in the folded-down position it does not get in the way. In an embodiment the fastening member comprises a pulley and a cord which is windable therein and which can be set to a determined length. The fastening point for attaching an elastic strap and/or handgrip can hereby be set. In an embodiment the pulley comprises a spring mechanism and a blocking mechanism, wherein through deactivation of the blocking mechanism the cord will rotate the pulley so that the cord is wound up.

In an embodiment the apparatus comprises a frame to which the fastening member is coupled. This provides for a strong construction. In an embodiment the frame comprises a number of hollow tubes in which extendable arms are movably arranged.

The invention also relates to a training set comprising the above described training apparatus and one or more cords. The cords can optionally be elastic and provided with a handgrip.

In an embodiment the cords are provided with a coupling piece for coupling one or more cords to a handgrip or a foot-enclosing construction such as a foot sleeve, so that exercises can be done in simple manner using the arms and/or legs.

Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will be further elucidated on the basis of a description of several embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the training apparatus; - Figure 2 is a perspective view of the training apparatus of the embodiment of Figure 1 in an extended position;

- Figure 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the training apparatus; - Figures 4 and 5 show a first possible use of the training apparatus of Figure 3;

- Figure 6, 7 and 8 show a second possible use of the training apparatus of Figure 3;

- Figure 9A shows schematically a frame according to an embodiment of the apparatus;

- Figure 9B shows schematically a side view of the frame of Figure 9A;

- Figure 10 shows schematically a part of the training apparatus according to an embodiment wherein the fastening member comprises a pulley.

Figure 1 shows a training apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Training apparatus 1 comprises an elongate base plate 2, also referred to as board 2, which is to some extent diabolo-shaped. At outer ends 3,4 of base plate 2 the width of base plate 2 is such that there is sufficient space here for stable placing of the feet of the user. In an embodiment foot positions 5 are provided with an anti-slip profile or layer. In the example of Figure 1 the apparatus 1 is provided on the short sides with fold-out brackets 6 which can be folded vertically upward at right angles to base plate 2. Cords, such as elastic straps, can be attached to brackets 6. Fastening can optionally be carried out by means of hooks, such as carbine hooks, which hook into loops in the cords as well as round the brackets .

In this embodiment the apparatus 1 comprises extendable arms 8 with clamping mechanisms 9 thereon, as shown in Figure 2 which shows a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1 in an extended position. Clamping mechanisms 9 each comprise a clamp 12 which is adapted to be arranged and clamped fixedly round the jambs of for instance a door-frame. Clamp 12 can be rotated relative to the rest of clamping mechanism 9 such that clamp 12 lies perpendicularly of the plane of base plate 2. If both clamps 12 are now secured to the jambs of a doorpost, base plate 2 will lie in, or at least parallel to, the plane of the door-frame.

In a variant two fold-out brackets 11 are arranged at the position of a constriction 10 of base plate 2, to which brackets elastic straps or the like can also be hooked for the purpose of training other groups of muscles.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of training apparatus 1. Three brackets 30,31,32 are present in this embodiment, and in the constriction of base plate 2 is arranged a platform 33 intended to better define the foot positions. This platform 33 further has a mainly aesthetic purpose. Brackets 30,31,32 can be fixed to base plate 2, although it is recommended to fix the brackets to a frame situated under base plate 2 (not shown in Figure 3) . Clamping mechanisms 9 are present on both outer ends of apparatus 1. Clamping mechanisms 9 consist in this example of L-shaped angle profiles 9. In this embodiment apparatus 1 comprises a number of extendable arms 8 which can be extended on one side of base plate 2. Angle profiles 9 come to lie further apart by extending the arms 8 and can each be placed on an inner side of a frame. Arms 8 are then secured and, using a clamp (not shown in Figure 3) , a force is exerted such that apparatus 1 is pressed with force between the jambs of the frame. The plates of angle profiles are here preferably provided with an anti-slip layer. The anti- slip layer prevents apparatus 1 sliding downward, and also prevents damage to the frame.

The training options of apparatus 1 will now be discussed in more detail, wherein how the apparatus can be secured in a frame is also explained.

A first possible use is to set training apparatus 1 down on the ground/floor and use it as standing board, see Figures 4 and 5. A user 35 can attach cords 40 to brackets 6,11; 30,31,32 and place his/her feet on base plate 2. During the exercises the apparatus 1 remains on the ground while user 35 pulls on the optionally elastic cords. User 35 can pull cords 40 with his/her hands.

Because user 35 takes up different positions by means of assigned exercises, many variations are possible.

A second possible use is to clamp training apparatus 1 between the jambs of for instance a door-frame 60 while the door is set in wholly or partially opened position. Several variants of training options are shown in Figures 6,7 and 8, which show the embodiment of Figure 3. Securing of training apparatus 1 takes place here using extending arms 8 with angle profiles 9 on either side of base plate 2, wherein angle profiles 9 are placed against the jambs of the frame. It will be apparent to the skilled person that apparatus 1 can also be placed in a window-frame or in an opening of a hatch. Because apparatus 1 can be installed in different ways, it provides the user with many possibilities for exercising and training the body. Many different exercises are possible for different groups of muscles using the attached elastic straps, belts or cords in the different positions. Static or dynamic exercises can be performed using elastic straps and cords. A large number of possibilities for different exercises and different degrees of resistance are created by coupling the straps to different fastening points and/or coupling a plurality of straps to a single fastening point or handgrip. Training apparatus 1 provides the option of performing at home almost all exercises performed at a fitness centre. Training apparatus 1 is readily portable and can be used both at home and at work. An additional advantage is certainly also that training apparatus 1 can be made ready for use in a very short time. Because training apparatus 1 is moreover relatively light, it is highly practical and easy to carry, even by a user who is not particularly muscular.

According to an embodiment, training apparatus 1 comprises a metal frame 85 to which one or more fastening members such as brackets 30 are coupled, see Figure 9A. The use of a metal frame and brackets 30 coupled thereto creates a solid construction which can withstand very great forces. Brackets 30 can also be of metal and can for instance be welded to frame 90. It is noted that frame 85 can also be made from other materials such as plastic, whereby the overall apparatus 1 is lighter and easier to transport. In the embodiment of Figure 9A frame 85 comprises a number of transverse connections 90 and two hollow tubes 91 in which extending arms 8 are movably arranged. Also shown in Figure 9 is a clamp 92 which consists of a non-central clamp fixed to a beam 93 arranged between extending arms 8. This clamp can be rotated, wherein pressure is exerted on L-profile 9'. Extending arms 8 are here first brought to length and secured for instance by placing locking pins in through-holes 94. Figure 9B shows schematically a side view of frame 85 of Figure 9A. Bracket 30 is shown here. Possible other brackets are not shown here. In this embodiment clamp 92 will not be visible when arms 8 are fully retracted. Clamp 92 will then be concealed under plate 2.

A plate serving as base plate 2 can be fixed to frame 85. The plate can be of plastic, although other materials are also possible such as metal or wood. The plate and frame 85 can also be manufactured integrally by means of for instance injection moulding techniques. Figure 10 shows schematically a part of training apparatus 1 according to an embodiment wherein the fastening member comprises a pulley 100. A cord 95 is rolled up round pulley 100. Cord 95 can be set to a determined length using pulley 100. In the example of Figure 10 cord 95 is a non-elastic cord 95 to which is attached a hook 96, for instance a_. carbine hook. Fastened to carbine hook 96 is an elastic cord 97 with a handgrip 98 thereon. Pulley 100 can comprise a spring mechanism and a blocking mechanism 99, wherein through deactivation of blocking mechanism 99 the cord 95 will rotate pulley 100 so that the cord is wound up. Figure 10 shows an embodiment wherein the blocking mechanism 99 consists of an adjustable ratchet which can be operated in simple manner with the foot.

The invention also relates to a training set comprising the above described training apparatus 1 and one or more cords. The cords can be elastic or non- elastic. The cords can be provided with a handgrip 98 or with a coupling piece which can be connected with one or more cords at a time to a handgrip or foot sleeve. They can be provided with a coupling piece, such as a carbine hook 96, for coupling a cord to a foot sleeve. The foot sleeve is for instance a piece of material which can be placed round a heel and coupled to the cord. The user can hereby do exercises for the legs.

Examples of non-elastic cords are rope, plastic ribbon, iron cable, metal chain and so forth. All these non-elastic cords can be used for so-called muscle- building and/or body-shaping, wherein the user applies force but makes no movement. Such static exercises are referred to as isometric exercises.

It has been found that isometric exercises increase the strength of lifts, such as bench-press, by as much as 40%, and the Nautilus North Study even showed an average increase of more than 84%. These exercises increase muscle strength more quickly than other types of training because the muscles are loaded more intensively and over a shorter period of time than in conventional power training. A workout need last only seven minutes. An isometric training is further safer because no weights are moved, whereby it is highly suitable for rehabilitation.

The present invention has been described in the foregoing on the basis. of several embodiments. Different aspects of different embodiments are deemed described in in combination with each other, wherein all combinations which can be made by a skilled person on the basis of this document must be included. These embodiments are not limitative for the scope of protection of this text. The rights sought are defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Training apparatus (1) for performing exercises, comprising: - a base plate (2) on which a user can stand;

- at least one fastening member for fastening one or more cords thereto;

- a clamping mechanism (9) for securing the apparatus (1) between the jambs of a frame, such as a door-frame (60) .

2. Training apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a number of angle profiles adapted to clamp the apparatus between the jambs of the frame.

3. Training apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a clamp with a non- central axis.

4. Training apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clamping mechanism (9) comprises clamps (12) which are each adapted to engage round a jamb of the frame.

5. Training apparatus as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the training apparatus comprises one or more extendable arms (8) on which the clamping mechanism (9) is mounted.

6. Training apparatus as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the base plate (2) has an elongate form.

7. Training apparatus as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the base plate is to some extent diabolo-shaped.

8. Training apparatus as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the base plate (2) comprises foot positions (5) with an anti-slip provision.

9. Training apparatus as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the fastening member comprises a bracket.

10. Training apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bracket (6; 11) can be folded out.

11. Training apparatus as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the fastening member comprises a pulley and a cord which is windable therein and which can be set to a determined length.

12. Training apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the pulley comprises a spring mechanism and a blocking mechanism, wherein through deactivation of the blocking mechanism the cord will rotate the pulley so that the cord is wound up.

13. Training apparatus as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the apparatus comprises a frame to which the fastening member is coupled.

14. Training apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the frame comprises a number of hollow tubes in which extendable arms (8) are movably arranged.

15. Training set, comprising a training apparatus as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, further comprising one or more cords.

16. Training set as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cords are elastic.

17. Training set as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cords are non-elastic.

18. Training set as claimed in any of the claims 15- 17, wherein the cords are provided with a handgrip.

19. Training set as claimed in any of the claims 15- 17, wherein the cords are provided with a coupling piece for coupling one or more cords to a handgrip or a foot- enclosing construction, such as a foot sleeve.