GB2510860A

GB2510860A - An exercise aid

Info

Publication number: GB2510860A
Application number: GB1302668.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Smith
Original assignee: GAP INNOVATIONS Ltd
Current assignee: GAP INNOVATIONS LIMITED
Priority date: 2013-02-15
Filing date: 2013-02-15
Publication date: 2014-08-20
Also published as: GB201302668D0; GB2523928A; GB2523928B; GB201510406D0; WO2014125246A1

Abstract

An exercise weight comprising at least two handles 2, a fixed distance apart. The exercise aid defines holes, lacunae or apertures 4, and preferably these are defined by the handles with the aid being in the shape of a figure of eight or lemniscate with substantially oval, arcuate or pentagonal loops. Each handle has a handgrip 1 which is preferably movable or rotatable around the handle. Rotation of the handgrip 1 may effect an audible feedback noise and the resistance to rotation of the handgrip may be controlled by the user. The handgrips may also be locked to prevent rotation. The exercise aid is for use as a weightlifting device and free weights 8 may optionally be attached to a spindle 7 in the centre of the aid to vary the weight. Preferably the aid may be filled with water, fluid or sand.

Description

AN EXERCISE AID

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an exercise aid, more particularly but not exclusively an exercise aid for free and varied resistance training.

Background

It is commonly recommended to carry out regular exercise in order to maintain optimal fitness and wellbeing. Qften this is carried with use of equipment such as exercise machines and free weights in order to specifically target parts of the body.

Typically free weights have multiple advantages in particular where weights of different mass may be used to suit a user. Typically weights are provided as independent dumb bells so as to be able exercise with a separate weight in each hand For some exercises this may be difficult, in particular when beginning a new training regime where one arm may have dominant strength over another. In these instances a fixed weight machine or a longer bar may be used so as that one weight may be grasped by both hands. However having a longer bar requires a larger training area and may mean the user requires a larger space than may not always be available, particularly in domestic or urban settings.

In addition or the alternative for some exercises using free weights the user may need to change their hand grip in order to complete the exercise, which may be difficult or uncomfortable in some instances, or may require guidance.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted United States patent US 7 972 250 (VISELMAN) discloses a multi-purpose exercise training tool, comprising: a body having a first face and a second face, the first face planar on an outer surface, the top face rounded on an outer surface, the body having one of an elliptical or circular shape; a first set of grip portions equidistant from one another relative to an axis bisecting a middle of the body wherein the grip portions are contoured and adapted to allow a user to grip the grip portions; and a first set of openings adjacent the first set of grip portions wherein the openings are sized to allow a hand of a user to at least partially pass therethrough.

Granted European patent EP 1 718 372 (DIAKONOV et al) discloses a weightlifting device comprising: a plurality of outer rings lying in a common plane, joined in spaced relationship to one another by a pair of connecting bars each having one end connected to a point on one of the rings and its other end connected to a point on the opposite ring, the points on the rings to which each of the pair of bars are attached being spaced from one another; and handle members rotatably supported within the outer rings.

United States patent application US 4 898 380 (KOBRIN) discloses an exercise device comprising: a substantially planar weight of at least about three pounds having a shape generally corresponding to the shape of the letter "C", including two substantially identical turned in end portions and a central portion, between said end portions, having a reverse curvature; each of said turned in end portions defining an unobstructed space with dimensions great enough to admit a hand and providing a hand-hold; and said central portion defining an unobstructed space with dimensions great enough to admit a hand and providing yet another hand-hold for providing an exercise weight with a plurality of operating modes n a simple and economic structure, and in which the entire space enclosed between said turned in ends is free of other structures.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an exercise aid comprising: at least two spaced apart handles in a fixed interrelation, said aid describing interior lacunae, said handles providing a plurality of handgrips.

Preferably at least one handgrip is arranged in use to be moveable about a handle.

In preferred embodiments each of the handles describes an interior lacuna wherein the aid typically provides two ovaloid, or angular, shapes defined by the handles, wherein a User can reach through the Iacunae in manipulation of the aid. Said shapes may be defined within a larger shape or self-defining, having substantially standard girth.

In preferred embodiments at least one pair of the handgrips rotate about or on the handle, wherein the handgrip is free or constrained in rotation, ideally without transverse movement during rotation.

Furthermore the aid may include plural handgrips, in order that the aid may be held at different locations on the handle(s), so as to permit performance of a plurality of varying exercises which target various muscles and muscle groups on a users body.

It may be envisaged that some or all of the handgrips may be fixed wherein there is no movement and the handgrip serves only as a location defined by texture, raised and lowered parts or material, for the user to place their hands in use.

Ideally the exercise aid comprises a lemniscate of two substantially oval, arcuate or pentagonal loops connected to one another about a centre forming a planar figure of eight.

In such embodiments advantageously the loops may have straight sides to provide preferred locations for the handgrips and relatively large inner lacunae wherein the user may readily grasp and hold the exercise aid in use in a plurality of fashions at a plurality of locations about the loop handles and with ability to reach through.

For example handgrips may be provided at the loop top, bottom and side of the loop therefore providing three handgrips on each loop and therewith three pairs of handgrips on the exercise aid.

In some embodiments the loops may be substantially round or ovaloid with no corners or angles, for example wherein the handgrips may be moved about the loop, for example requiring fastening at requisite locations.

Preferably a point at which the two loops join forms the exercise aid centre and the loopt are evenly positioned around this point so that the aid is balanced having even weight distribution about the centre. Said centre may be weighted or form a weight adjustment point. -Ideally the centre may include a tab to represent the centre which may include details of the exercise aids weight, for example by inclusion of figures such as 5kg.

Additionally the tab may be coloured to denote the weight and may include an image or logo. It may be envisaged furthermore that the tab may be embossed with text, patterns or images, wherein the tab may be formed from a synthetic plastic or rubber In same embodiments the centre may include or comprise a projection or fastener onto which removable ballast may be added so as to alter overall weight of the aid without requirement to use another exercise aid of a different weight. This may be advantageous in a gymnasium if a particular exercise aid is already being used by another user.

Ideally said projection may be dimensioned so as to accept standard free weights and associated clips so as to remove requirement to provide specialist parts.

In preferred embodiments each handgrip is defined so as to provide a width and/or dedicated region for the user to place a hand, wherein said region may be shaped with raised and lowered parts corresponding to hand contours.

Preferably the handgrip includes grip or texture means so as to reduce slippage in use in particular if the user's hand may be perspiring, moist or sweaty whilst training.

Typically all handgrips are adapted to receive the user's hands, or more particularly in some embodiments particular users' hands, wherein the handgrip may include a surface to improve grip or suit a particular user. For example the surface may be textured to reduce slippage in use or may be coated in a resiliently deformable material such as rubber or a cellular structure such as foam to enhance grip.

Different users may be enabled by removable handgrips to utilise different teturS or coatings.

In some embodiments the handgrips may include defined finger recesses to improve grip. . . Some embodiments of the handgrips are therefore displaceable, or detachable, for example wherein the handle or handgrips may include a break point or be enabled otherwise to be made temporarily discontinuous.

Preferably the exercise aid includes at least one pair of handgrips which are arranged to move about the exercise aid in use and at least one pair of handgrips which are fixed in use. It may be envisaged that some handgrips may be adapted to be adjustable, to be in a fixed and a moveable arrangement wherein a ratchet mechanism or otherwise incrementally fastenable mechanism may be utilised to freely move the handgrip as required.

A locking mechanism may be provided on the handgrips to prevent movement and to lock the handgrip about the exercise if removable.

Advantageously therefore the moveable handgrips enable the user to lift the exercise aid in varied motions without requirement to reposition their hands at any point during the motion additionally or alternatively also reducing strain on the wrists.

For example whilst performing a bicep curl the exercise aid may be held straight down at the beginning of the movement being held at the exercise aid top in the same plane as the user's arms with the exercise aid parallel to the user's body, wherein the exercise aid swivels about the user's hand and arm and consequently maintains said exercise aid balanced appropriately.

However to perform lifting of the exercise aid in this orientation may be problematic due to a portion of the aid being far away from where the exercise aid is held and therefore may be liable to slipping during the exercise, swinging downwards and hilling the user's body. In consequence in some embodiments the locking mechanism may be operable from the handgrips, such as during use.

The moveable handgrips enable rotation about the exercise aid during the bicep curl allowing the exercise aid or handle(s) to remain in a similar orientation during the motion due to movement of the handgrips about and relative to the handle(s), thereby reducing likelihood of grip slippage, and preventing the user being hit or knocked by the exercise aid, removing the requirement for adjustment to the user's grip during the exercise.

Ideally the degree of movement of the handgrip about the exercise aid may be limited or controlled or controllable so as to prevent free movement in use which may allow the exercise aid to swing uncontrollably about the loop due to momentum generated during a motion. For example the handgrip may not be free to rotate 360 degrees but may be limited to only 180 degrees.

Furthermore the movement about the exercise aid may be restricted by resistance means so as to provide a controlled continuous movement which is typically slower than if there was no resistance. In some embodiments the handgrip may move about the handle incrementally on a notched or ratchet mechanism whereby there is noticeable movement from one position to a second position and then a third position and so on, for example denoted by a clicking Sound.

It may be envisaged that only one pair of moveable handgrips are provided on the exercise aid. Preferably the moveable handgrips may be positioned on the exercise aid top or bottom and typically the two handgrips are positioned in the same plane so that the user may place one hand on each handgrip and readily perform an exercise motion wherein the exercise aid is balanced.

Ideally fixed handgrips are for use with exercises wherein the user is not required to adjust their grip during the exercise. For example side handgrips may be fixed and used with exercises requiring the exercise aid to be only lifted and/or lowered without change of user grip.

In some embodiments the user's arms may be positioned through the loops so as to hug the exercise aid or to position it against the user's back so that the weighted squats or lunges can be performed.

In preferred embodiments the exercise aid comprises a substantially hexagonal cross sectional profile with rounded corners so as not to have any shape edges exposed to the user wherein the exercise aid may be solid or hollow. In some further embodiments the exercise aid may have a circular or an alternate multi-sided cross sectional profile.

Ideally the exercise aids are provided in various weights so as to be suitable for different users and so as to allow for progressive training for example wherein the user may be capable of lifting heavier exercise aids after a period of training with a lesser-weighted exercise aids.

In some embodiments the exercise aids may be provided in a plurality of weights and in kit form with a rack so that the aids may be hung or stacked whilst not in use.

In some embodiments the weight of the exercise aid may be altered by the type or amount of material used to form the exercise aid.

Preferably the exercise aid may be coated so as to protect it from wear and tear or becoming damage. For example the exercise aid may be powder coated.

Advantageously the exercise aids may be provided in various colours or patterns so as to appeal to different users and to distinguish one from another.

In some further embodiments the exercise aid may be fluid filled so as to add a further training element wherein the user uses their body against momentum of the fluid moving about the exercise aid generated during training motions in addition to merely moving the exercise aid. In such embodiments there may be provided an openable bung, wherein level of fluid ballast may be adjustable according to preference and so as to alter weight of the exercise aid.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the exercise aid; Figure 2 shows a view from above of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a selection of exercise aids according to the embodiment shown in * Figure 1; * Figures 4 show end views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a selection or kit of parts of exercise aids according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1; * 7 And Figures 6A and 6B show the exercise aid and free weight.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the exercise aid comprises two handles defining two lacunae 4, wherein said handles comprise handgrips 1, 2, wherein some or all of the handgrips 1 are rotatable or may turn on the handle in use.

The centre 3 provides information as to the exercise aid weight.

The exercise aids are available in a plurality of weights wherein the dimensions and format are standardised and consequently exercises or motions can be standardised and a kit of parts may be interchangeable.

The kit of parts is advantageously stored on a bespoke stand 6, wherein the exercise aids are hung through their lacunae 4 on hangers 5. Said hangers 5 may include texture and/or deformable material, ridges or a hook or inclination to avoid the handgrips 1 rotating and the exercise aids falling off.

For example the exercise aids may be provided a set with incremental weight increases such as 5kg, 10kg, 15kg, 20kg and 25kg. It may be envisaged that the exercise aids may be provide in weights up to and exceeding 100kg.

For example a lighter weight may be formed from tubular steel with a wall thickness of 3mm whereas a heavier exercise aid may have a wall thickness of 5mm.

Preferably the exercise aid may be formed from strong durable materials such as metal or metal alloys, for example being formed from titanium, steel, aluminium or iron or a combination of such materials. In some embodiments, in particular for lighter exercise aids they may be formed fully or partially from synthetic plastics.

Additionally or alternatively the exercise aid may contain fluid content such as water or sand which is moveable during use so as to act as ballast and additionally to alter resistance during exercise due to momentum of the fluid.

In preferred embodiments the exercise aid has a dimension, for example a width of at least 600mm enabling a user to be able to position their hands on the top or bottom of exercise aid and to be at least shoulder width apart. Furthermore the exercise aid is ideally no greater than 800mm long so that it may be dangled when held by the side handgrip by most users when standing without touching the ground in use.

Figures 6A and 6B show the exercise aid with a projection 7 for accepting a free weight 6. The weight of the exercise aid can therefore be selectively changed by the user, by increasing the mass of the exercise aid, 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.

With respect to the above descriptiOn then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts 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 art, 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. 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.

Claims

Claims 1. An exercise aid comprising: at least two spaced apart handles in a fixed interrelation, said exercise aid describing interior iacunae, said handles providing a plurality of handgrips.
2. An exercise aid according to claim 1 wherein each of the handles describes an interior lacuna.
3. An exercise aid according to claim 1 or 2 wherein at least One handgrip is arranged in use to be moveable about a handle.
4. An exercise aid according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the handgrips are arranged in use to be rotatable about the handles.
5. An exercise aid accarding to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the handgrips are movable with audible feedback.
6. An exercise aid according to any of the preceding claims wherein the handgrips are moveable with user-variable resistance means.
7. An exercise aid according to any of the preceding claims wherein the handgrips include locking mechanism.26
8. An exercise aid substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. An exercise aid comprising: two spaced apart handles, through which a user's arms can reach, in the shape of two solid loops connected to one another about a centre where the loops meet thereby forming a planar figure of eight, and a fastener located at the centre by which removable ballast may be added to the exercise aid.2. An exercise aid according to claim 1 wherein the loops are substantially oval, arcuate or pentagonal.3. An exercise aid according to claim 1 or 2 in which the loops are evenly positioned around the centre and the aid is balanced having even weight distribution about the centre.4. An exercise aid according to any preceding claim in which the two loops form a lemniscate.5. An exercise aid according to an precding claim in which the fastener is a projection to mount ballast in the form of free weights, 6. An exercise aid according to any preceding claim in which a loop has a straight side where a handgrip is located.a..... a a7. An exercise aid according to any preceding claim in which a handgrip is * * provided at the loop top, bottom and side therefore providing at least three handgrips on each loop and therewith at least three pairs of handgrips on the exercise aid.S -* 30 8. An exercise aid substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.