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Exercise apparatusRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, IsometricExercise apparatus description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070021279, Exercise apparatus. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] The present invention relates to exercise apparatus and in particular but not exclusively to an adaptable exercise apparatus assembly that can be orientated in a number of positions so that users can exercise using the apparatus assembly in accordance with their individual requirements. [0002] Various types of exercise apparatus are know such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,424, which describes a body building apparatus having two cylindrical bars connected at opposing ends by two flexible elastically extendible side members. The apparatus is used to perform isotonic or isometric exercises by having one of the cylindrical bars in a position such that a person can repetitively exert tension against the resistance of the elastically extensible side members by pulling the other cylindrical bar. The isotonic or isometric exercise is performed as a result of the movement of one of the cylindrical bars relative to the other by stretching the elastic side members. [0003] An isometric type exercise apparatus is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,417,727, which describes a pair of spaced part-parallel hand grips having bars holding the hand grips in place. At least one of the hand grips can be orientated with respect of the other so that various exercises can be formed. However, this apparatus only allows for a limited number of exercises to be performed because the bars can be orientated with respect to one another only in a limited number of positions. Consequently, many muscle groups of the body could not be exercised. [0004] The present invention seeks to overcome the problems associated with the prior art, for example, in the case of isotonic or isometric exercise, where strain may be placed on an individual because they are actually pulling against a predefined resistance with the consequence that an individual may be forced to exercise beyond his or her physical capacities. Also, unlike known types of apparatus, the apparatus of the present invention is particularly adaptable and allows for a broad range of exercises to be performed due to the fact that the apparatus can accommodate being positioned in a number of orientations. This allows not only for a number of different exercises to be carried out at the same time but it also provides a particularly versatile form of apparatus for individuals to use due to the fact that they are exerting effort against a defined part of the apparatus, therefore reducing the risk of injury to the person when exercising. [0005] According to the present invention, there is provided an exercise apparatus which, when the apparatus is assembled, allows an individual using said apparatus to apply a force against a part of the apparatus that remains static during the application of said force, characterised in that the apparatus comprises a series of elongate sections, said sections being releasably connectable to one another by way of connecting joints which allow for the sections to be connected to one another and to be positioned in various orientations relative to one another as required by the individual using the apparatus, so allowing said individual to perform exercises as required. [0006] It is envisaged that releasable means involves screw mechanisms or quick release catches associated with said joints such that sections of the apparatus can be orientated quickly and as conveniently as possible. [0007] The elongate sections may be joined end to end via a removable insert, preferably releasably fastened to one another. [0008] Preferably, the exercise apparatus comprises an upright section, supported by a base section wherein the upright is releasably secured to at least one arm section extending substantially at right angles to the axis of the upright, said arm, when secured in position, providing a surface against which an individual using the apparatus can push. It is envisaged that the upright is supported by a joint, which allows for rotation of the upright about its vertical axis. This allows an individual not only to exert a force against a stationary bar, but when the bar is rotated, it allows an individual to exercise other muscle groups because the arm has moved to a different position as a result of the bar having been moved or rotated. [0009] Preferably, at least one section of the apparatus can be oriented relative to a first section such that a new exercise can be carried out as defined by the new relative positioning of the elongate sections by a collar fastening means. [0010] The collar fastening means is preferably arranged and configured to slide over an elongate sections, the collar preferably including locking means to removably retain the collar portion at a desired position on the elongate section. The locking means is preferably at least one grub screw, or alternatively may be at least one connecting pin which locates within apertures on the elongate section. The connecting pins may be moveable against a resilient biasing means, such that the collar fastening means may be slid along the elongate section and the location on the elongate section selected. The collar fastening means preferably includes a receiving portion into which a further elongate section is received. Connector pins are preferably provided that locate within apertures on the elongate sections, thereby retaining the elongate section connected to said collar fastening means. [0011] The apparatus is beneficially modular such that the use of a plurality of collar fastening means and elongate sections provides numerous exercise orientations. In an alternative embodiment, at least one section of the apparatus may comprise at least two telescoping parts, one part being slidable within the other so that the length of the section can be adjusted to be as long or as short as required by an individual. It is envisaged that the telescoping mechanism can operate via a ratchet mechanism whereby one section is pulled out from another, or alternatively, the sections can be slidable one within another but once a particular position has been reached, a fixing member such as a bolt or screw can be pushed through aligned apertures within the body of each of the telescoping sections, so that telescoping sections can be held in a particular orientation relative to one another. [0012] The apparatus preferably further comprises joining means to releasably connect two elongate sections at angles adjustable relative to each other. The joining means preferably comprises of at least one disc, arranged and configured to be removably attached adjacent the longitudinal length of the elongate section, said disc containing a plurality of apertures such that a second elongate section may be removably connected to the disc. The discs are preferably connected to an elongate section via at least one connecting pin. [0013] It is envisaged that the apparatus of the invention may be supported on a supporting stand, for example, the apparatus can be push fitted into resilient apertures in a base member that acts to hold sections of the apparatus forming the uprights in position. Alternatively, the apparatus can be secured to a structure that does not form part of the apparatus assembly, for example a suitably constructed wall attachment, a chair, stool or a bed by means of a clamp attached to the exercise apparatus which can be used to secure the apparatus to said supporting structure. The clamp may be a simple C-clamp or alternatively a bolt mechanism that passes through parts of the structure of the exercise apparatus, as well as part of the supporting structure to which the apparatus is attached. This arrangement provides not only a secure means of holding the apparatus in position when a person is exercising but also allows for a degree of versatility for an individual using the apparatus in that they can attach the apparatus to a supporting structure that happens to be present in the environment where the exercising takes place. In particular, the exercise apparatus can be attached to part of a bed so that the apparatus is secured in a position such that persons who are incapacitated may use the apparatus while they are still in bed. This is particularly useful where individuals that may have been involved in an accident or who are partially paralysed and have to remain in a particular position, because they can still have the facility to exercise, because of the fact that the apparatus is versatile enough to be positioned so that it can be used by that individual. [0014] It is also envisaged that a disc may be rotationally mounted on an elongate section, including gripping means such that a user can rotate the disc. The gripping means may be one or more arms mounted on the disc, which an individual can apply a force to once the disc and arm are locked in a required position for a particular exercise. Electricity is preferably passed through the disc, and opposing permanent magnets are preferably mounted adjacent opposing faces of the disc. This results in the appearance of Eddy currents, providing resistance against rotation of the disc, providing a further exercise for a user. [0015] It is further envisaged that a strain gauge may be incorporated in the apparatus to monitor the effort that a person is exerting against a proportion of the apparatus. The strain gauge may also be in communication with an alarm which, should an individual be working outside set parameters defined for individual, the alarm will be activated to warn the individual or a third party that the individual is exercising within possibly dangerous limits for their individual capacity. The alarm may well be by way of an audible or visual alarm or a combination of the two. [0016] Preferably, the apparatus is provided in the form of a kit where there are, for example, four long sections of approximately one metre in length, which can provide the uprights for the apparatus. Shorter sections of approximately 0.6 metres may be provided as cross members and typically there will be six of these in basic kit for the exercise apparatus assembly. There will be joint collar fastening means for securing the uprights and cross members together. The basic kit can be used to construct an exercise apparatus which will enable an individual to exercise most, if not all, of the major muscle groups of the body. However, the exercise apparatus is versatile enough so that additional elements can be purchased and added to the basic kit if further exercises are to be performed, or if a number of individuals are to use the apparatus at the same time. [0017] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying figures. [0018] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross sectional view of two elongate sections and joining mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0019] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross sectional side view of the slider mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0020] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross sectional side view of the slider mechanism according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0021] FIG. 4 shows a schematic side view of an elongate section angle adjuster according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0022] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a further exemplary embodiment of the exercise apparatus according to the present invention. [0023] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention. [0024] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the exercise apparatus according to the present invention. Continue reading about Exercise apparatus... Full patent description for Exercise apparatus Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Exercise apparatus patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Exercise apparatus or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Load controller of magnetic brake for exercise machine Next Patent Application: Workout equipment Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Exercise apparatus patent info. 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