Exercise apparatus

• US 20050148449A1
• Filed: 02/15/2005
• Published: 07/07/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/16/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Progressive Sports Technologies Limited
• Original Assignee: Progressive Sports Technologies Limited
• Inventors: Weir, Ross John, Caine, Michael Peter
• Granted Patent: US 7,651,452 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/142
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00047 Exercising devices not moving during use benches A63B21/4029; isometric exercising devices A63B21/0023; step exercisers A63B23/0458; walk exercisers A63B23/0464
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/078 Devices for bench press exercises , e.g. supports, guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4029 Benches specifically adapted for exercising for bench press exercises A63B21/078
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0211 moving torso with immobilized lower limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0458 Step exercisers without moving parts with movable steps A63B22/04
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/908 Adjustable

Abstract

Exercise apparatus (11) has a platform (12) divided into a back-rest element (18) and a seat portion (19). The back-rest element (18) is pivotably mounted in the platform (12) about a pivot point (21). The platform (12) has legs (13, 14) at each end thereof, each said leg (13, 14) having an upper part (22) and a lower part (23) pivotably connected thereto about a further pivot point (25). By varying the position of the back-rest element (18) relative to the platform (12), and the position of the lower leg portions (23) relative to the upper leg portions (22), the exercise apparatus (11) can be made to assume each of a range of configurations comprising bench, step, intermediate incline, high and low seated incline and chair configurations.

Claims

1. Exercise apparatus comprising:

an elongate platform having a surface adapted to accommodate a user lying in a recumbent position thereon;

legs of adjustable length adjacent each end of said platform surface; and

a back-rest element pivotally mounted in the platform at a point intermediate its ends, which back-rest element is capable of rotation between a first position wherein it lies flush with the platform surface, and at least one second position wherein it is inclined relative thereto;

and wherein by adjustment of at least one of the legs and/or rotation of the back-rest element between its first and second positions, the apparatus is capable of being re-arranged to form each member of a range of alternative configurations comprising bench, chair, seated incline, intermediate incline and step configurations.

3. Exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means for adjusting and retaining the back-rest element in a range of positions comprising said first and second positions, and at least one transitional position therebetween.

4. Exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the back-rest element is capable of being retained in a range of positions corresponding to a range of angles comprising 0°

, at least one of 30° and

60°

, and at least one of 80° and

90°

, relative to the platform.

5. Exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the means for adjusting and retaining the position of the back-rest element comprises a strut having a head pivotably connected to the underside of the back-rest element, and a foot mounted for sliding motion along a track provided in the platform, parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof.

6. Exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the strut comprises two support members, each having a head pivotably connected to the underside of the back-rest element, and a foot mounted for sliding motion along a track provided in the platform, a separate track being provided for each support member.

7. Exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the strut further comprises at one least cross-linking member extending perpendicularly between the support members.

8. Exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 5, further comprising means for retaining said foot of the strut at a series of selected locations along said track, corresponding to the range of positions attainable by the back-rest element.

9. Exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the foot retention means comprises a series of detent positions provided along the length of the track, corresponding to said selected locations.

10. Exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the or each track has lowered and raised portions along its length.

11. Exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least one detent position is provided on a lowered portion of the track and at least one detent position is provided on a raised portion of the track.

12. Exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the foot retention means further comprises locking pins provided at said foot of the strut, adapted to engage with complementary recesses at selected locations in the track.

13. Exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the adjusting and retaining means comprises a spring-loaded mechanism.

14. Exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein said spring-loaded mechanism is operable by a handle provided on the back-rest element, said handle also operating a locking mechanism by means of which the back-rest element engages with the platform.

15. Exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each leg comprises an upper portion formed integrally with the platform, and a lower portion pivotably connected to the platform.

16. Exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the lower portion of each leg is pivotable between a first folded position wherein said lower portion lies alongside the platform and substantially parallel thereto, and a second unfolded position wherein said lower portion engages with the upper portion of the leg, thereby to increase the length of the leg.

2. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)