WO2023230643A1

WO2023230643A1 - Portable resistance training device

Info

Publication number: WO2023230643A1
Application number: PCT/AU2022/050539
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nader Galil
Original assignee: Anywhere Gym Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-01
Filing date: 2022-06-01
Publication date: 2023-12-07

Abstract

Portable resistance training device (1) has a first limb (2) and a second limb (3), each having a proximal end (4, 5) and a distal end (6, 7), with the proximal ends (4, 5) of the first and second limbs (2, 3) being hingedly attached to each other at a pivot point (8). A biasing component (9) exerts a force opposing pivotal rotation of first and second limbs (2, 3) relative to each other about the pivot point. A movement limiter (10) adjustably limits the amount of pivotal rotation between first and second limbs (2, 3). A tension adjuster (11) adjusts the amount of force exerted by biasing component (9).

Description

PORTABLE RESISTANCE TRAINING DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to personal exercise equipment. It relates particularly but not exclusively to a portable resistance training device which enables a user to replicate the types of muscular strength and endurance training exercises which can be performed using larger and more expensive gym apparatus.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Resistance training, also called strength training, involves the performance of physical exercises that are designed to improve strength and endurance. Resistance training commonly uses the technique of progressively increasing the force output of a muscle through incremental resistance increases and uses a variety of exercises and types of equipment to target specific muscle groups. Resistance training is primarily an anaerobic activity.

[0003] One type of device commonly used in resistance training is a resistance band. Resistance bands are typically elastic bands made from rubber or an elastic type of plastic. Some are in the form of a loop, and some have handles. The user is able to perform stretching repetitions to exercise their targeted muscles over a time period, and the amount of force required can be varied by the user through using bands with differing amounts of elasticity. However, to optimise a user's exercise program, the user requires access to numerous different lengths of resistance bands of differing elasticity, and resistance bands are not suitable for every type of muscle group.

[0004] Another type of resistance exercise device that has been used to exercise the chest muscles of a user is a chest expander device, having two handles connected by multiple parallel extension springs. The number of springs used can be varied to vary the resistance of the device and the intensity of the exercise. The user typically grips the handles in each hand and extends their arms in front of their chest whilst attempting to pull the handles apart against the natural bias of the extension springs. Such an action exercises the chest or pectoral muscles. The chest expander can also be used in exercising a limited range of other types of muscle groups, but it can be dangerous to operate and can cause injury if the user's chest or body hair gets caught in the springs, or if a spring breaks or a handle is slips out of the user's hand while under tension.

[0005] Another type of resistance exercise device is the chest spring bar. This typically consists of two metal bars with joined together on their inner ends by a heavyweight coiled spring, the two bars having handles on their outer ends. The spring keeps the metal bars in a normally linear orientation, and the user operates the device by bending the spring and forcing the bars towards each other, opposed by the force exerted by the spring.

[0006] Although some users find the chest spring bar an effective tool for chest strengthening, it has a number of limitations. It provides a fixed amount of resistance to movement, which means that it is not suitable for people who need a lesser or greater amount of resistance to optimise their exercises, and it does not allow an increase in the amount of resistance as the user becomes stronger. It can result in significant injuries such as broken ribs or jaws when one end of the device slips out of a user's hand while under maximum tension, causing the bar to spring back rapidly and in an uncontrolled manner to its linear orientation.

[0007] A further limitation of the chest spring bar is that it can only be used for a limited range of exercises, as the orientation of the handles prevents the device from being used safely for exercises involving feet or for exercises for which the orientation of the handles makes them unsuitable, such as bicep curls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to the present invention there is provided a portable resistance training device having:

(a) a first limb and a second limb, each having a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal ends of the first and second limbs being hingedly attached to each other at a pivot point.

(b) a biasing component which exerts a force opposing pivotal rotation of the first and second limbs relative to each other about the pivot point (c) a movement limiter, which adjustably limits the amount of pivotal rotation between the first and second limbs; and

(d) a tension adjuster, which adjusts the amount of force exerted by the biasing component.

[0009] A portable resistance training device according to the present invention preferably further includes a handle on the distal end of each of the first and second limbs, wherein each handle can be adjusted between an aligned orientation, in which the handle is axially aligned with its limb and acts as an extension of its limb, and a transverse orientation in which the handle is oriented substantially perpendicular to its limb.

[0010] The biasing component may be any suitable type of biasing component. An especially preferred type of biasing component is a torsion spring.

[0011] Preferably the first and second limbs incorporate limb extensions which make the first and second limbs telescopically extendable. This enables the device to be compacted into a smaller configuration for the purpose of storage and travel, but also allows a wider variety of exercise types.

[0012] In this arrangement, the handles may be detachably mountable to the limb extensions in both their aligned orientation and their transverse orientation.

[0013] The movement limiter may be in any suitable form. In one preferred arrangement, the movement limiter is in the form of a stopper which is insertable into any one of a number of holes in a retainer plate to define the limit of the amount of pivotal rotation between the first and second limbs.

[0014] The tension adjuster may be in any suitable form. In one preferred arrangement, the tension adjuster is in the form of a stopper which is insertable into any one of a number of holes in a retainer plate to define the amount of force exerted by the biasing component.

[0015] An example embodiment of the invention will now be described in more detail by reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that the particularity of the drawings does not supersede the generality of the preceding description of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portable resistance training device according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown in a compact closed configuration],

[0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the portable resistance training device of Figure 1 shown in an open configuiration with its limbs expanded and handles in an aligned orientation.

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the portable resistance training device of Figure 1, with handles moved to a transverse orientation.

[0019] Figure 4A is a top view of the portable resistance training device of Figure 1, shown in a compact closed configuration.

[0020] Figure 4B is a side view of the portable resistance training device of Figure 4A.

[0021] Figure 5A is a top view of the portable resistance training device of Figure 1, shown in closed configuration but with its limbs expanded and its handles in aligned orientation.

[0022] Figure 5B is a side view of the portable resistance training device of Figure 5A.

[0023] Figure 6A is a top view of the portable resistance training device of Figure 1, shown in closed configuration but with its limbs expanded and its handles in transverse orientation.

[0024] Figure 6B is a side view of the portable resistance training device of Figure 6A.

[0025] Figure 7A is a top view of the portable resistance training device of Figure 1, shown in closed configuration with its limbs expanded and its handles in aligned orientation.

[0026] Figure 7B is a top view of the portable resistance training device of Figure 1, shown in partially open configuration with its limbs expanded and its handles in aligned orientation.

[0027] Figure 7C is a top view of the portable resistance training device of Figure 1, shown in fully open configuration with its limbs expanded and its handles in aligned orientation.

[0028] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the components in the portable resistance training device of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the inventive portable resistance training device 1 which has a first limb 2 and a second limb 3, each having a proximal end 4, 5 and a distal end 6, 7, with the proximal ends 4, 5 of the first and second limbs 2, 3 being hingedly attached to each other at a pivot point 8.

[0030] Portable resistance training device 1 also includes a biasing component 9 which exerts a force opposing pivotal rotation of first and second limbs 2, 3 relative to each other about the pivot point.

[0031] Portable resistance training device 1 also includes a movement limiter 10, which adjustably limits the amount of pivotal rotation between first and second limbs 2, 3.

[0032] Portable resistance training device 1 also includes a tension adjuster 11, which adjusts the amount of force exerted by biasing component 9.

[0033] In the configuration shown in Figure 1, movement limiter 10 is set to keep limbs 2, 3 parallel to each other, preventing them from opening.

[0034] In the configuration shown in Figure 2, movement limiter 10 is set to allow limbs 2, 3 to open to an angle of about 75% relative each other but preventing them from opening further. In the embodiment illustrated, limiter 10 is a stopper which is inserted into one of multiple holes 12 in retainer plate 13, with the degree of limitation of rotational movement being determined by the particular hole selected.

[0035] In the embodiment illustrated, tension adjuster 11 is also a stopper which is inserted into one of multiple holes 12 in retainer plate 13, with the degree of force exerted by biasing component 9 being determined by the particular hole selected.

[0036] Figure 2 shows limbs 2, 3 in expanded configuration with handles 14, 15 both in aligned configuration (in which they are axially aligned with their respective limbs 2, 3). This configuration is suitable when the portable resistance training device is being held in both hands for some types of compression exercises. [0037] Figure 3 shows portable resistance training device 1 in a similar configuration to that of Figure 2, but with handles 14, 15 moved to a transverse orientation. In this configuration, one or both handles can be engaged by a foot, leg, arm or other part of the body for numerous types of resistance exercises, exercising many different muscles and muscle groups in the human body.

[0038] It will be appreciated that, for different types of exercises, both handles 14, 15 may be in their aligned orientations as shown in Figure 2, or both may be in their transverse orientations as shown in Figure 3, or one may be in aligned orientation while the other is in transverse orientation.

[0039] Figures 4A and 4B respectively show a top view and side view of portable resistance training device 1 in its compact closed configuration. Handles 14, 15 are partially retracted inside their respective limbs 2, 3 and held in place by spring button 16, visible in Figure 4B, protruding through a hole in its corresponding limb. When spring button 16 is pressed, a corresponding limb extension 17 or 18 (as shown in Figures 5A and 5B) is permitted to extend telescopically to the configuration shows in Figures 5A and 5B, and spring button 16 moves to the position illustrated in Figure 5B, protruding through another hole in its corresponding limb located at that position, retaining the limb extension in place. Spring button 16 can subsequently be pressed again to allow retraction of its corresponding limb extension.

[0040] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, handles 14, 15 are in their aligned orientations, attached coaxially to the distal ends of limb extensions 17, 18 respectively. However, limb extensions 17, 18 include holes 19, 20 which can be used to facilitate movement of handles 14, 15 to their transverse orientations. To do this, handles 14, 15 are removed from the distal ends of limb extensions 17, 18 and inserted into holes 19, 20. They are retained in position by spring balls 21, which can be pressed in to remove handles 14, 15 from holes 19, 20 ready for re-insertion into the distal ends of limb extensions 17, 18.

[0041] Figures 7A, 7B and 7C show the portable resistance training device in three different configurations, with limbs 2, 3 parallel to each other, angled at about 70 degrees to each other, and angled at about 120 degrees relative to each other respectively. The maximum permitted angular travel is set by selecting one of holes 12 in retainer plate 13 for insertion of limiter 10. This enables the portable resistance training device to be used for exercises which require only a short range of angular travel and also for exercises which require a larger range of angular travel.

[0042] An exploded view of the portable resistance training device is shown in Figure 8, giving details of the component parts. These are:

[0043] Tension adjuster knob 22 and Limiter knob 23, which operate the tension adjuster and limiter respectively. These knobs are mounted with the assistance of Screws 24, Threaded receptacle 25, Indexing plunger spring 26, Plunger pin 27, Spacing washers 29, Adjuster plate top 30, Centre bushes 31, Adjuster spacer 32, Mount support 33, Adjuster plate bottom 34 and Stopper 35, to Retaining plate 36 which has multiple holes near its periphery, allowing multiple levels of adjustment for both the limiter and the tension adjuster.

[0044] Underneath retaining plate 36 are the components which together make up the biasing component, consisting of: Spring top bush 37, Spring retainer 38, Spring thrust washer 39, Spring inner bush 40, Torsion spring 41, and Torsion spring housing 42, held together with screws 43.

[0045] Shaft mount 44 connects to mount support 33 by means of two screws 28. Connecting outwards from spring retainer 38 for the left limb as shown and from shaft mount 44 for the right limb as shown are Shaft support rings 45, which are fixed to Shafts 47 by means of screws 46. Shafts 47 are substantially hollow, enabling Shaft extensions 48 to travel inside them. Button springs 49 and Spring buttons 50 cooperate with holes at two different locations within each of shafts 47, one hole allowing the shaft extension to be fixedly housed within the shaft at a retracted position, and the other hole allowing the shaft extension to be extended substantially beyond the shaft at an extended position.

[0046] Handles are normally connected to the distal ends of shaft extensions 48 in their aligned orientation, held in place by means of Spring balls 51. The handles include Handle grips 52, Grip pins 53, Grip pin springs 54, C-clips 55 and Grip caps 56.

[0047] The handles can be removed from the distal ends of shaft extensions 48 by depressing spring balls 51, and they can then be inserted into holes 57 in shaft extensions 48, so that the handles move into their transverse configuration. When fully inserted through holes 57, the handles are held securely in place by spring balls 51. They can be removed by depressing spring balls 51, ready for reinsertion in the distal ends of shaft extensions 48.

Claims

1. A portable resistance training device having:

(b) a biasing component which exerts a force opposing pivotal rotation of the first and second limbs relative to each other about the pivot point

(c) a movement limiter, which adjustably limits the amount of pivotal rotation between the first and second limbs; and

2. A portable resistance training device according to claim 1 further including a handle on the distal end of each of the first and second limbs, wherein each handle can be adjusted between an aligned orientation, in which the handle is axially aligned with its limb and acts as an extension of its limb, and a transverse orientation in which the handle is oriented substantially perpendicular to its limb.

3. A portable resistance training device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the biasing component is a torsion spring.

4. A portable resistance training device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the first and second limbs incorporate limb extensions which make the first and second limbs telescopically extendable.

5. A portable resistance training device according to claim 4 wherein the handles are detachably mountable to the limb extensions in both their aligned orientation and their transverse orientation.

6. A portable resistance training device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the movement limiter is in the form of a stopper which is insertable into any one of a number of holes in a retainer plate to define the limit of the amount of pivotal rotation between the first and second limbs.

7. A portable resistance training device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the tension adjuster is in the form of a stopper which is insertable into any one of a number of holes in a retainer plate to define the amount of force exerted by the biasing component.