GB2529607A

GB2529607A - An exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2529607A
Application number: GB1410215.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Reaz Islam
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-09
Filing date: 2014-06-09
Publication date: 2016-03-02
Also published as: GB201410215D0

Abstract

An exercise apparatus 1 comprises: a base 2; a bench 3 extending from the base 2 and configured to allow a user to rest thereon; a user interface means 4; a resistance means 5 connected to the user interface means 4 and configured to provide resistance to movement of the user interface means 4 through at least a portion of a movement cycle; the position of the bench 3 on the base 2 is adjustable along at least one direction extending within the plane defined by the bench; the user interface is preferably a pair of handles 8 supported by stands 7 that are either side of the bench and may be adjustable relative the bench; the resistance means is preferably a weight stack 11 and the apparatus may include a hydraulic boost means to act as a spotter.

Description

An exercise apparatus

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus for weight training. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise apparatus that can be configured for a range of different exercises, and which is fully adjustable within these configurations to suit individual users.

Background

Exercising in gyms is a popular pastime, and companies such as Nautilus (RTM), Technogym (RTM) and LifeFitness (RTM) produce ranges of different equipment for modern professional gyms. Generally, each piece of equipment is intended to allow a user to perform one particular exercise, or a very limited number of particular exercises. A gym will normally be equipped with a full range of different equipment or stations' so that a user can move between stations, performing a different exercise on each item of equipment so that at the end of the workout they have exercised a number or range of different muscle groups in their body. For example, a leg press machine will allow a user to perform leg press exercises, and a user will generally be able to adjust the required weight and adjust their seat position to alter the range of movement to their requirements. A leg curling machine may be adjustable to allow a user to exercise their quadriceps muscles, and the reverse position to also exercise their hamstring muscles. In order to provide a comprehensive service, gyms require a large amount of floor space to fit the requisite number of stations. Generally at least a dozen and usually more are required. The requirement for larger floor spaces drives up costs, and makes it more difficult for home users to replicate due to domestic space and cost limitations.

Generally weight machines operate by having a simple mechanical mechanism that transmits effort from a user to a weight stack that moves against gravity. For example, a pull-down machine has a bar which is grasped by a user and pulled vertically downwards. The user's effort or force is transmitted along a cable which runs over a series of pulleys to a weight stack which is lifted vertically against gravity.

A user pulls the bar down, and then allows the bar to return upwards under control, lifting and lowering the weight stack to perform the exercise. When a user is performing a set of repetitions, they will often be working at the limits of their physical strength, and may have difficulty performing the last repetitions of the set as their muscles fatigue, although the user is liable to want to ensure they finish the set in some way. It is common for gym users to work in pairs or groups so that one can act as a spotter for the one performing the exercise, often providing help in the form of additional minimum force on the last reps to ensure they are completed, and helping to ensure that muscle fatigue does not cause a potentially injurious loss of control of the weights as they move. This muscle fatigue can make it difficult or dangerous to perform exercises alone or without a spotter. For example, if a user fatigues while performing bench press exercises, the bar will lower onto their chest and they will have difficulty extracting themselves from underneath it without assistance.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: US20070203003 describes and shows a self-spotting safety bench press composed of an adjustable bench and uprights located on either side of the bench adjacent the lifters upper body. Lifting arms extend from the uprights into the barbell's pathway and have the ability to slide up and down to contact the barbell and decrease the weight exerted on the exerciser. A single hydraulic cylinder in conjunction with a pulley system provides force to each lifting arm, which is depressed below the barbell's path before use. When assistance is needed, the exerciser releases a hydraulic restrictor valve causing the arms to ascend removing a user-determined amount of weight from the barbell. If the total amount of weight is not chosen to be removed the user can continue performing repetitions with machine assistance. A second restrictor valve allows only upward movement should the exerciser fail. A third flow restrictor valve adjusts the rate of arm travel. An air charged hydraulic accumulator provides the hydraulic pressure to the cylinder.

W0200642275 describes and shows an exercise device configurable to allow a user to perform various exercises. The exercise devices include an adjustable bench assembly connected with a frame supporting adjustable arm and cable-pulley assemblies providing a user interface with a resistance system. In some embodiments of the invention, the adjustable bench assembly includes a bench seat and a pivotal back support supported on an adjustable bench frame. The exercise devices also utilize various configurations of adjustable arm assemblies that are selectively positionable for numerous exercises and to suit a users particular body size and shape. Other described embodiments of the exercise devices include a resistance system with a transmission supporting a plurality of resistance packs. The transmission allows a user to conveniently engage any number of resistance packs to change the resistance level for a particular exercise.

US20030144116 describes and shows an exercise machine with seat and back rest portions which are hinged to each other and independently pivotally supported on a support frame. The seat and the back rest portions can be positioned horizontally to enable the user to exercise in a lying down position. The seat has an adjuster by means of which it can be angularly lowered to any one of a number of positions with the rear portion lowered more than the front portion. The front portion of the back rest which is hinged to the rear of the seat is lowered along with the seat to bring the back rest to the selected upwardly angulated position. A pair of lever arms are connected together at their inner ends and extend angularly outwardly from each other. Weights are connected to the inner ends and handles are connected to the outer ends for grasping by the user. Height adjusters are provided on the handles and arms to enable adjustment for persons of different sizes.

In contrast the present invention provides an exercise apparatus which can be adjusted between a number of different configurations to allow a number of different exercises to be performed, and which can be adjusted within these configurations to suit individual users.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an exercise apparatus comprising: a base; a bench arranged in use to extend from the base and configured to allow a user to rest thereon; a user interface means, configured for manipulation by a user on the bench through a movement cycle; and a resistance means connected to the user inteiface means and configured to provide resistance to movement of the user interface means through at least a portion of the movement cycle; wherein the position of the bench on the base is adjustable along at least one direction extending within the plane defined by the bench.

For example, the position of the bench on the base may be adjustable at least one horizontal axis.

Adjustment of the bench allows a user to position the bench in a location that suits their program and requirements.

Advantageously, the user interface means may comprise at least one handle. The handle(s) may be aligned above and/or across the base for grasping by a user on the bench. This provides a simple mechanism that a user can easily grasp and manipulate.

Advantageously, the user interface means may further comprise at least one stand.

The stand(s) may be arranged in use to extend from the base. The handle(s) may be arranged in use to extend from and moveable in relation to the at least one stand.

This provides a simple and robust structure.

Advantageously, the at least one handle may extend substantially perpendicularly to the plane defined by the bench. The at least one handle may extend substantially perpendicularly to at least one horizontal axis of adjustment of the bench. This configuration allows a user to rest on the bench and perform exercises by directly pushing on the handle.

Advantageously, the at least one stand may comprise a pair of stands. A stand may be located on each side of the bench. The at least one handle may comprise a pair of handles. Each handle may extend from each stand to extend across the bench perpendicular to the at least one horizontal axis of adjustment of the bench. The handles may be axially aligned with one another. This provides a symmetrical and simple layout that maximises usefulness and intuitive use.

Advantageously, the handle(s) and/or stand(s) may be configured so that the handle moves substantially vertically. This configuration allows a user to rest on the bench and perform exercises by directly pushing on the handle.

Advantageously, the base and/or stands may be configured so that the position of the stands can be adjusted, for example one or more or each of the stands may be arranged in use to be movable towards and/or away from the bench. This allows a user to configure the exercise apparatus to their own individual requirements.

Advantageously, each user interface means may further comprise a grip. The grip may be connected to the handle and configured to be grasped by a user. One or more or each grip and/or handle may be configured so that the grip can be securely located at any one of a plurality of points along the length of the handle. This allows a user to move the grip to different positions along the handle to perform different types of exercise to suit their individual requirements.

Advantageously, the plurality of said points may be a plurality of discrete locations.

This allows a simple mechanism to be used to lock the grip in place at a number of different locations, which provides a good compromise between usability and complexity and cost.

Advantageously, the grip and/or handle may be configured so that the grip can move freely relative to the handle, for example along the length of the handle. This allows a user to perform exercises where the grip position can move during the exercise.

Advantageously, the resistance means may comprises a weight stack or for example a sequence of stackable individual weights. This is a simple and robust mechanism that allows variation of resistance in a format known in the art.

Advantageously, the weight stack may be configured so that a user can vary the weight that provides resistance. This allows different users with different abilities to use the apparatus, and for each user to perform different types of exercise or different sets depending on their ability Advantageously, the maximum weight of the weight stack may be substantially 300Kg. This allows larger users to train.

Advantageously, the resistance means may further comprise at least one cable that connects between the weight stack and the user interface means. This is a simple and robust mechanism.

Preferably the bench is arranged in use to be adjustable between multiple positions, such as for example between at least four positions to allow a user to perform at least: shoulder press, flat bench press, incline bench press and decline bench press.

This provides a number of different exercises from one station, helping to minimise floor space and apparatus requirements.

Advantageously, the bench may be fully adjustable between a declined position and an upright seated position. This allows a user to position the bench as required for their individual needs to perform the exercise as they require, rather than from a set position.

Advantageously, the exercise apparatus may further comprise a user-activatable locking mechanism configured to hold the weights in position when activated. This allows a user to act as their own spotter and exercise alone even with heavy weights at their personal limit.

Advantageously, the user-activatable locking mechanism may comprise a lock button or buttons that form part of the user interface means, ideally being located at or adjacent the handle, and a locking means configured so that depression of the button by a user activates the locking means to hold the user interface means in position.

This is a simple and easily activated mechanism.

Advantageously, the user-activatable mechanism and locking means may be configured to unlock and allow the user interface means to move freely once a user ceases to depress the lock button. This allows a user to rest and then complete their set once recovered.

In other embodiments the user-activatable mechanism and locking means are configured to permit the weight stack to disengage from the handle, or the handle from the resistance means and/or cable, in order that the repetition can continue without weight or in some further embodiments with reduced weight, so that the user can continue repetitions when fatigued.

Advantageously, the exercise apparatus may further comprise a user-activatable boost mechanism configured to provide an assistance force to the user interface means when activated. This allows a user to exercise alone and complete a set as if they had a spotter.

Advantageously, the user-activatable boost mechanism may comprise a boost button or buttons that forms part of the user interface means, and a hydraulic lift that provides a force in the direction of movement of the user interface means when the boost button is depressed. This is a simple and easily activated mechanism.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus having a base, a bench that extends from the base, a user interface that can be lifted by a user on the bench, and a weight stack which is connected to the user interface so that when a user lifts the interface, the weights are lifted, the bench shown flat and horizontal so that a user can lie on the bench with the interface above them and across them, and a groove shown in the base along which the bench can be moved to adjust the position of the bench on the base along a horizontal axis in line with a user lying on the bench.

Figure 2 shows the apparatus of figure 1 with the bench raised so that a user will recline at an angle, and can perform incline bench type exercises.

Figure 3 shows the apparatus of figures 1 and 2 with the bench raised to an upright position so that a user can perform shoulder press type exercises.

Figure 4 shows the apparatus of figure 1 with internal detail of the interface and weight stack shown.

Figure 5 shows a top view of the apparatus of figure 4, with internal detail shown including cables that run between the interface and the weight stack to lift the weight stack when the user interface is lifted.

Figure 6 shows detail of a handle and grip that form part of the user interface, the grip movable along the handle and lockable in position at any one of a number of discrete locations along the length of the handle.

Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the exercise device of the present invention, similar to the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 6, but having adjustable stands, located each side of a user and movable towards or away from a user.

Detailed Description of Figures

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

An embodiment of the exercise device of the present invention will now be described with reference to figures 1 to 6. The exercise machine 1 has a base 2, which in use rests against a floor or other similar surface. Other parts of the exercise apparatus are connected to and extend from the base 2 as described below.

A bench 3 is connected to and extends from the top surface of the base 2. The bench 3 is adjustable and configured so that a user can place the bench 3 in a flat, state to lie on the bench 3 on their back, or they can raise the rear or back of the bench 3b to form a seat back, and sit on the seat portion 3a and recline against the back portion 3b. The bench 3 is connected to the base 2 via a groove 6, that allows the bench 3 to be moved along the length or axis of the groove 6.

A user exercises by sitting or lying on the bench 3 and manipulating a user interface 4 through a movement cycle, a user moving the user interface 4 against resistance provided by a resistance means 5 as described below.

The user interface 4 comprises a pair of stands 7, connected to and extending from the base 2 vertically, one on each side of the bench 3. A handle 8 extends inwards horizontally from each of the stands 7, towards the bench 3 and perpendicularly aligned in relation to the bench 3 and above the bench 3 when the bench 3 is in a flat configuration. The handles 8 are in line or axially aligned with one another. The handles 8 and stands 7 are configured so that the handles 8 extend inwards from a slot or groove in the inner side of the stand 7, and are movable up and down vertically within the slot. Each handle 8 is a cylindrical tube. A pair of grips 9 are connected one each to each handle 8. These are formed from hard rubber or plastic and are sized and shaped to be grasped within a user's hand. The grip 9 and handle 8 are configured so that the grip 9 can be moved axially along the length of the handle 8, either running freely along the length of the handle 8, or locked in position.

As shown in figure 6, the grip 9 can be locked in one of a number of discrete positions along the length of the handle 8 by way of locking pins 10 in the handle 8, or in a variant (not shown), the handle can be locked at any point by way of a locking mechanism on the grip, such as a friction lever or friction twist grip. The initial position of the handles 8 on the stands 7 can be adjusted by way of a pin and aperture mechanism such as are commonly used for adjustment on gym equipment so that the resting or initial height of the handles can be adjusted to suit a particular exercise or a particular user.

Cables 12 run from the ends of the handles within the stands 7 through the stacks 7, through the base 2 and to a weight stack 11 that forms part of the resistance means 5. The cables 12 are held taut by a mechanism within the base 2 and the stands 7 that keeps them from becoming slack as the position of the handles 8 is adjusted by moving them up and down the stands 7. When a user pushes upwards on the handles 8 from their set resting point, the cable 12 transmits force along it's length to the other end (away from the handle 8) where it is connected to the weight stack 11 so that force applied to the cable 12 will lift the weight stack vertically upwards from a resting position. A user moves the handles 8 from their initial low point up to the outer or uppermost point in the cycle, and then lowers the handles 8 back to the initial position, which lowers the weights 11 back to the initial position, repeating this cycle for as many reps or repetitions as they require. The weight stack 11 is configured so that a user can vary the amount of weight lifted, or the weight that provides resistance. This allows different users with different abilities to use the apparatus, and for each user to perform different types of exercise or different sets depending on their ability. This is achieved by having a weight stack formed from a number of different stacked weights or plates, each weighing a set amount. A user chooses how much will be in the stack they lift using a pin which they slot into the lowest weight in their chosen stack so that that weight and all those above it are lifted. For example, slotting the pin into the tenth weight down from the top in a stack of 5Kg weights provides a total weight of 300Kg. In this embodiment, the plates add up to a total weight of 300Kg, a user able to choose discrete weight increments up to this maximum amount.

In this embodiment, the bench 3 can be adjusted fully between a fully flat position to a fully upright position where the back Sb is vertical. This allows adjustment for a user to perform discrete exercises as follows: shoulder press with the back upright (possibly slightly reclined from vertical), flat bench press with the bench flat, incline bench press with the bench rear 3b slightly upright or off horizontal. In the flat state, the bench 3 can also be tilted rearwards, so that a user lying on the bench will have their head below their hips. This allows a user to perform decline bench press. This provides a number of different exercises from one station, helping to minimise floor space and apparatus requirements.

The exercise apparatus is also configured to allow a user to exercise at the limits of their ability without having to worry that they will fatigue before completing a set or mid-rep. Each grip 9 has a pair of buttons to the inner side of the grip where a user can easily reach them with their thumbs. The lock button (not shown) can be depressed to lock the weights and disconnect the weights from the handle. The weight stack will be locked in and disconnect itself from the pulley cable 12 (Figure 5), allowing the user to freely move handle 8 in order to help the user to complete a repetition even when muscles are fatigued. This allows the user to reposition handle 8 where it will be suitable for them to complete repetitions by moving the handle upwards in order to make it easy for the user to complete their repetitions.

When the button is not depressed the weight stack reconnects to the adjusted pulley cable 12 by a displaceable and ideally sprung catch (not shown) displaced by the button, wherein the handle is lowered, the weight stack will reset by automatically connecting back to the pulley cable 12, allowing the user to pick up handle 8 along with the weight stack and finish off their repetitions. . This allows a user to exercise alone and complete a set as if they had a spotter. A boost can alternatively be provided by a hydraulic lift or a similar mechanism.

In the embodiment described above, the stands 7 are immovable with respect to the base. In other embodiments, such as that shown in figure 7, the stands can be moved relative to the base, for example moving these towards and away from the bench eithei freely and then locking them in position, or between discrete positions.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the pads of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the ad, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a base; a bench arranged in use to extend from the base and configured to allow a user to rest thereon; a user interface means, configured for manipulation by a user on the bench through a movement cycle, and; a resistance means connected to the user interface means and configured to provide resistance to movement of the user interface means through at least a portion of the cycle; wherein the position of the bench on the base adjustable along at least one direction extending within the plane defined by the bench.
2. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the user interface means comprises at least one handle, aligned above and across the base for grasping by a user on the bench.
3. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the user interface means further comprises at least one stand, extending from the base, the handle extending from and moveable in relation to the at least one stand.
4. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the at least one handle extends substantially perpendicularly to the at least one horizontal axis of adjustment of the bench.
5. An exercise apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the at least one stand is a pair of stands, one each side of the bench, and the at least one handle is a pair of handles, extending one each from each stand to extend across the bench perpendicular to the at least one horizontal axis of adjustment of the bench, the handles axially aligned with one another.
6. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the handles and stands are configured so that the handle moves substantially vertically.
7. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the base and stands are configured so that the position of the stands can be adjusted, each of the stands movable towards or away from the bench.
8. An exercise apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein each user interface means further comprises a grip, connected to the handle and configured to be grasped by a user, each grip and handle configured so that the grip can be securely located at any one of a plurality of points along the length of the handle.
9. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the plurality of points are a plurality of discrete locations.
10. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the grip and handle are configured so that the grip can move freely along the length of the handle.
11. An exercise apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the resistance means comprises a weight stack.
12. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the resistance means further comprises at least one cable that connects between the weight stack and the user interface means.
13. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the weight stack is configured so that a user can vary the weight that provides resistance.
14. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the maximum weight is substantially 300Kg.
15. An exercise apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the bench is arranged in use to be adjustable between at least four positions to allow a user to perform at least: shoulder press, flat bench press, incline bench press and decline bench press.
16. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the bench is fully adjustable between a declined position and an upright seated position.
17. An exercise apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 further comprising a user-activatable locking mechanism configured to hold the weights in position when activated.
18. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the user-activatable locking mechanism comprises a lock button or buttons that forms part of the user interface means, and a locking means, configured so that depression of the button by a user activates the locking means to hold the user interface means in position.
19. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein the user-activatable mechanism and locking means are configured to unlock and allow the user interface means to move freely once a user ceases to depress the lock button.
20. An exercise apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 further comprising a user-activatable locking mechanism configured to disengage the resistance means from the user interface means.
21. An exercise apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 further comprising a user-activatable boost mechanism configured to provide an assistance force to the user interface means when activated.
22. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein the user-activatable boost mechanism comprises a boost button or buttons that forms part of the user interface means, and a hydraulic lift that provides a force in the direction of movement of the user interface means when the boost button is depressed.
23. An exercise apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to figures ito 6.
24. An exercise apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to figure 7.