U.S. patent application number 15/313373 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-18 for exercise apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Graham Allen. The applicant listed for this patent is Glenn Chipperfield. Invention is credited to Glenn Chipperfield.
Application Number | 20170136281 15/313373 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54697711 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170136281 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chipperfield; Glenn |
May 18, 2017 |
EXERCISE APPARATUS
Abstract
An exercise apparatus and a method of using the exercise
apparatus are presented herein. The exercise apparatus includes a
handle portion and at least two angularly spaced resistance
elements which, in use, are attached to the handle portion for
providing resistance to movement through a liquid. The method of
using the exercise apparatus includes immersing the exercise
apparatus in a liquid, holding a handle portion of the exercise
apparatus and exercising by moving the exercise apparatus against
resistance provided by the liquid.
Inventors: |
Chipperfield; Glenn;
(Brisbane, Queensland, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Chipperfield; Glenn |
Brisbane, Queensland |
|
AU |
|
|
Assignee: |
Allen; Graham
Palm Coast
FL
|
Family ID: |
54697711 |
Appl. No.: |
15/313373 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
May 27, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2015/000314 |
371 Date: |
November 22, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4035 20151001;
A63B 2225/60 20130101; A63B 2208/0204 20130101; A63B 23/1209
20130101; A63B 2208/03 20130101; A63B 22/0087 20130101; A63B
21/00065 20130101; A63B 71/0036 20130101; A63B 23/03525 20130101;
A63B 2244/20 20130101; A63B 21/00061 20130101; A63B 21/00069
20130101; A63B 21/0084 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B
23/03533 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/008 20060101
A63B021/008; A63B 71/00 20060101 A63B071/00; A63B 23/12 20060101
A63B023/12; A63B 21/00 20060101 A63B021/00; A63B 23/035 20060101
A63B023/035 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 29, 2014 |
AU |
AU2014202923 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a handle portion; and at least
two angularly spaced resistance elements which, in use, are
attached to the handle portion for providing resistance to movement
through a liquid.
2. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
exercise apparatus is reconfigurable between a working
configuration and a storage configuration.
3. The exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the handle
portion is provided with at least one retention arrangement for
retention of at least one resistance element, the at least one
retention arrangement being adapted to releasably retain at least
one resistance element.
4. (canceled)
5. The exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least
two angularly spaced resistance elements are, in use, attached to
the handle portion to provide an array of adjacent angularly spaced
resistance elements.
6. The exercise apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the array
of angularly spaced resistance elements comprises at least three
resistance elements.
7. The exercise apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the array
of angularly spaced resistance elements is generally cruciform.
8. The exercise apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the array
of angularly spaced resistance elements is adapted to be
disassembled into a plurality of pieces.
9. The exercise apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said pieces
are substantially planar in form.
10. exercise apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, in use, the
exercise apparatus comprises at least two spaced apart arrays of
angularly spaced resistance elements.
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. An exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein retention
of at least one resistance element to a retention portion of the
retention arrangement comprises insertion of a part of one of the
resistance element and the retention portion into a recess provided
on the other of the resistance element and the retention
portion.
14. The exercise apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the
retention arrangement comprises at least one recess, the at least
one recess being adapted to retain at least one resistance element,
and wherein the at least one recess comprises a slot defined by the
retention portion, wherein the at least one slot extends
substantially transverse to a direction of elongation of the handle
portion and extends from an end of the handle portion towards a
longitudinal centre of the handle portion.
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. The exercise apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the
retention arrangement comprises at least two slots which intersect
substantially at a longitudinal axis of the handle portion.
18. The exercise apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the
retention arrangement comprises a retaining member, for retaining
at least one resistance element to the retention portion, and an
attachment portion for attachment of the retaining member to the
retention portion.
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a
retention arrangement for retaining at least one resistance element
is provided at each of first and second end regions of the handle
portion.
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. The exercise apparatus according to claim 21, wherein each
resistance member defines a recess which receives part of another
resistance member in use.
26. The exercise apparatus according to claim 25, wherein each
resistance member provides a first resistance element projecting
away from the recess in a first direction and a second resistance
element projecting away from the recess in a second direction.
27. (canceled)
28. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
exercise apparatus comprises a number of resistance elements of
different sizes, such that differently sized resistance elements
may be selected for retention to the handle portion, to provide
different amounts of resistance to movement through the liquid.
29. (canceled)
30. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
exercise apparatus further comprises at least one longitudinal
resistance component, attachable to the handle portion to provide
resistance surfaces which extend in a direction substantially
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle portion, said
longitudinal resistance component, in use, providing resistance to
movement of the apparatus in a direction substantially parallel to
a longitudinal axis of the handle portion.
31. A method of using an exercise apparatus comprising: immersing
an exercise apparatus in a liquid, holding a handle portion of the
exercise apparatus and exercising by moving the exercise apparatus
against resistance provided by the liquid, wherein the exercise
apparatus comprises a plurality of removably attached angularly
spaced resistance elements.
32. (canceled)
33. (canceled)
34. (canceled)
35. (canceled)
36. (canceled)
37. (canceled)
38. (canceled)
39. An exercise apparatus comprising: a handle portion; and at
least two resistance members for attachment to the handle portion
for providing resistance of the apparatus to movement through a
liquid; wherein each resistance member is generally planar and
comprises first and second resistance elements connected by a
bridging portion, and defining a slot provided adjacent the
bridging portion, and wherein two resistance members are
connectable by location of the bridging portion of each of the two
resistance members at least partially within the slot of the other
of the two resistance members, to provide an array of resistance
elements for providing resistance of the apparatus to movement
through a liquid.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an exercise apparatus.
DEFINITION
[0002] In the specification the term "comprising" shall be
understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including"
and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer
or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any
other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This
definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising" such
as "comprise" and "comprises".
BACKGROUND
[0003] Resistance exercises are acknowledged as providing valuable
health and fitness benefits.
[0004] Many resistance exercise devices have been proposed in the
past. Some such as resistance machines or free weights are bulky
and/or heavy, and may therefore be difficult to transport. Some,
such as resistance bands, are easily portable, but are limited in
the range of motion that they allow a user to easily employ. Some
are relatively inflexible in the amount of resistance they can
provide, or require inconvenient re-configuration to provide even
small differences in the amount of resistance provided.
[0005] The present inventor has determined that an improved
exercise apparatus is desirable.
[0006] The reference to prior art or other background in this
specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment
or any form of suggestion that the referenced prior art or other
background forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia
or in any other country.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there
is provided an exercise apparatus comprising:
[0008] a handle portion; and
[0009] at least two angularly spaced resistance elements which, in
use, are attached to the handle portion for providing resistance to
movement through a liquid.
[0010] In an embodiment the exercise apparatus can be reconfigured
between a working, or in use, configuration and a storage
configuration.
[0011] Reconfiguring the apparatus from a working, or in use,
configuration to a storage configuration may comprise detachment of
the resistance elements from the handle portion.
[0012] In an embodiment the exercise apparatus can be disassembled
to a compact storage configuration.
[0013] In an embodiment the handle portion is provided with at
least one retention arrangement for retention of at least one
resistance element.
[0014] In an embodiment the at least one retention arrangement is
adapted to releasably retain at least one resistance element.
[0015] In an embodiment each resistance element is detachable from
the handle portion.
[0016] In an embodiment at least two angularly spaced resistance
elements are, in use, attached to the handle portion to provide an
array of adjacent angularly spaced resistance elements.
[0017] In an embodiment the array of angularly spaced resistance
elements comprises at least three resistance elements.
[0018] In an embodiment the array of angularly spaced resistance
elements comprises four resistance elements.
[0019] In an embodiment the array of angularly spaced resistance
elements is generally cruciform.
[0020] In an embodiment the array of angularly spaced resistance
elements is detachable from the handle portion.
[0021] In an embodiment the array of angularly spaced resistance
elements is adapted to be disassembled into a plurality of
pieces.
[0022] At least one of said pieces may be substantially planar in
form.
[0023] At least some of said pieces may be substantially planar in
form.
[0024] Each of said pieces may be substantially planar in form.
[0025] At least one of said pieces may comprise a resistance
member.
[0026] In an embodiment, in use, the exercise apparatus comprises
at least two spaced apart arrays of angularly spaced resistance
elements.
[0027] In an embodiment, in use, the exercise apparatus comprises
at least two spaced apart arrays of at least three angularly spaced
resistance elements.
[0028] Providing one or more arrays of resistance elements which
can be disassembled into a number of substantially planar pieces
can assist in providing an apparatus which can be disassembled to a
compact storage configuration.
[0029] In an embodiment the handle portion is elongate.
[0030] In an embodiment at least one retention arrangement is
provided at an end region of the handle portion.
[0031] In an embodiment the retention arrangement is adapted to
retain the at least one resistance element while preventing
rotation of the at least one resistance element relative to the
handle portion.
[0032] In an embodiment retention of at least one resistance
element to the retention portion comprises insertion of a part of
one of the resistance element and the retention portion into a
recess provided on the other of the resistance element and the
retention portion so that rotation of the resistance element
relative to the handle portion is prevented.
[0033] In an embodiment the retention arrangement comprises at
least one recess.
[0034] In an embodiment the at least one recess is adapted to
retain at least one resistance element.
[0035] In an embodiment the at least one recess comprises a slot
defined by the retention arrangement.
[0036] In an embodiment the at least one slot extends substantially
transverse to a direction of elongation of the handle portion.
[0037] In an embodiment the at least one slot extends from an end
of the handle portion towards the longitudinal centre of the handle
portion.
[0038] In an embodiment the retention arrangement comprises at
least two slots.
[0039] Such an embodiment may allow the retention arrangement to
retain at least two resistance members.
[0040] In an embodiment each of the at least two slots extends
substantially transverse to the direction of elongation of the
handle portion.
[0041] In an embodiment at least two said slots intersect.
[0042] In an embodiment at least two said slots intersect
substantially at a longitudinal axis of the handle portion.
[0043] In an embodiment the at least two slots are oriented
substantially perpendicular to each other.
[0044] In an embodiment at least two slots each extend from an end
of the handle portion towards the longitudinal centre of the handle
portion.
[0045] In an embodiment the retention arrangement comprises an
attachment portion for attachment of a retaining member for
retaining at least one resistance element to the retention
arrangement.
[0046] In an embodiment the attachment portion comprises a threaded
region.
[0047] In an embodiment the retention arrangement further comprises
a retaining member for retaining at least one resistance element to
the retention arrangement.
[0048] In an embodiment the retaining member comprises a threaded
region for cooperation with the threaded region of the attachment
portion.
[0049] In an embodiment the threaded region of the retaining member
comprises a female threaded region.
[0050] In an embodiment the threaded region of the attachment
portion comprises a male threaded region.
[0051] In an embodiment the handle portion is generally
cylindrical.
[0052] In an embodiment the handle portion is between 10 cm and 60
cm in length.
[0053] In an embodiment the handle portion is between 60 cm and 150
cm in length.
[0054] In an embodiment a retention arrangement for retaining at
least one resistance element may be provided at each of first and
second end regions of the handle portion.
[0055] In an embodiment a retention arrangement for releasably
retaining at least one resistance element may be provided at each
of first and second end regions of the handle portion.
[0056] In an embodiment a retention arrangement for retaining at
least two angularly spaced apart resistance elements may be
provided at each of first and second end regions of the handle
portion.
[0057] In an embodiment a retention arrangement for releasably
retaining at least two angularly spaced apart resistance elements
may be provided at each of first and second end regions of the
handle portion.
[0058] The retention arrangements spaced at first and second end
regions of the handle portion may each have any one or more of the
features or characteristics of the retention arrangement set out
above.
[0059] In an embodiment the resistance elements are vane-like in
form.
[0060] In an embodiment the resistance elements are generally
planar in form.
[0061] In an embodiment the resistance elements are generally
rectangular in form.
[0062] In an embodiment the resistance elements are provided on a
plurality of resistance members.
[0063] In an embodiment each resistance member comprises at least
two resistance elements.
[0064] In an embodiment each resistance member is generally planar
in form.
[0065] In an embodiment each resistance member has a length, a
width and a thickness, the thickness being the smallest dimension.
In an embodiment the maximum thickness of each resistance member is
less than 5 cm. In an embodiment the maximum thickness of each
resistance member is less than 2 cm. In an embodiment the maximum
thickness of each resistance member is less than 1 cm. In an
embodiment the maximum thickness of each resistance member is
approximately 0.5 cm. In an embodiment the maximum thickness of
each resistance member is less than a transverse width of the
handle portion.
[0066] In an embodiment each resistance member is generally
rectangular in form.
[0067] In an embodiment each resistance member defines a recess
which receives part of another resistance member in use.
[0068] In an embodiment each resistance member provides a first
resistance element projecting away from the recess in a first
direction and a second resistance element projecting away from the
slot in a second direction.
[0069] In an embodiment the first and second directions are
mutually opposed.
[0070] In an embodiment, when a part of a resistance member is
received in the recess of another resistance member the two
resistance members provide an array of angularly spaced resistance
elements.
[0071] In an embodiment the array of angularly spaced resistance
elements comprises four resistance elements.
[0072] In an embodiment the array of angularly spaced resistance
elements is generally cruciform.
[0073] In an embodiment each recess defined by a resistance member
comprises a slot.
[0074] In an embodiment the exercise apparatus comprises a number
of resistance elements of different sizes, such that differently
sized resistance elements may be selected for retention to the
handle portion, to provide different amounts of resistance to
movement through the liquid.
[0075] In an embodiment the exercise apparatus comprises a
plurality of resistance elements of a first size, and a plurality
of resistance elements of a second size.
[0076] In an embodiment the exercise apparatus comprises a
plurality of resistance elements of a third size.
[0077] In an embodiment the exercise apparatus comprises at least
four resistance elements of a first size, and at least four
resistance elements of a second size.
[0078] In an embodiment the exercise apparatus comprises at least
four resistance elements of a third size.
[0079] In an embodiment the exercise apparatus comprises at least
eight resistance elements of a first size, and at least eight
resistance elements of a second size.
[0080] In an embodiment the exercise apparatus comprises at least
eight resistance elements of a third size.
[0081] In an embodiment the resistance elements provide resistance
surfaces which extend in a direction substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the handle portion.
[0082] In an embodiment the resistance elements provide resistance,
in use, to movement of the apparatus through a fluid in a direction
substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle
portion.
[0083] In an embodiment the apparatus further provides one or more
longitudinal resistance components which provide resistance
surfaces which extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to
a longitudinal axis of the handle portion.
[0084] In an embodiment the longitudinal resistance components are
for providing resistance to movement of the apparatus in a
direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the
handle portion.
[0085] In an embodiment each longitudinal resistance component
comprises a platelike member with an attachment configuration
provided at a generally central region thereof for facilitating
attachment to the rest of the apparatus.
[0086] In an embodiment the attachment configuration comprises an
aperture.
[0087] In an embodiment the attachment configuration comprises an
aperture for receiving at least part of a handle member of the
apparatus therein.
[0088] In an embodiment the apparatus provides a retainer for
securing a longitudinal resistance component against one or more
resistance elements.
[0089] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there
is provided a method of using an exercise apparatus comprising
immersing an exercise apparatus in a liquid, holding a handle
portion of the exercise apparatus and exercising by moving the
exercise apparatus against resistance provided by the liquid.
[0090] In an embodiment the method comprises submerging the entire
exercise apparatus in the liquid, and exercising by moving the
entirely submerged exercise apparatus against resistance provided
by the liquid.
[0091] In an embodiment the method comprises provision of a
plurality of angularly spaced resistance elements as part of the
exercise apparatus.
[0092] In an embodiment a substantial part of the resistance
provided by the liquid is fluid drag on the resistance
elements.
[0093] In an embodiment the method comprises at least partial
immersion of the user in the liquid.
[0094] In an embodiment the method comprises attachment of at least
some of the resistance elements to the handle portion.
[0095] The attachment of at least some of the resistance elements
may be prior to exercising by moving the exercise apparatus against
resistance provided by the liquid.
[0096] In an embodiment the method comprises detachment of at least
some of the resistance elements from the handle portion.
[0097] The detachment of at least some of the resistance elements
may be subsequent to exercising by moving the exercise apparatus
against resistance provided by the liquid.
[0098] In an embodiment the exercise apparatus is an exercise
apparatus in accordance with the first aspect.
[0099] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there
is provided an exercise apparatus comprising:
[0100] a handle portion; and
[0101] at least two resistance members for attachment to the handle
portion for providing resistance of the apparatus to movement
through a liquid;
[0102] wherein each resistance member is generally planar and
comprises first and second resistance elements connected by a
bridging portion, and defining a slot provided adjacent the
bridging portion, and wherein two resistance members are
connectable by location of the bridging portion of each of the two
resistance members at least partially within the slot of the other
of the two resistance members, to provide an array of resistance
elements for providing resistance of the apparatus to movement
through a liquid.
[0103] The apparatus of the third aspect may incorporate any one or
more of the features or characteristics set out in above in
relation the first aspect, or defined in the dependent apparatus
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0104] Embodiments will be described below, in detail, with
reference to the accompanying drawings. The primary purpose of this
detailed description is to instruct persons having an interest in
the subject matter of the invention how to carry the invention into
practical effect. However, it is to be clearly understood that the
specific nature of this detailed description does not supersede the
generality of the preceding broad description. In the accompanying
diagrammatic drawings:
[0105] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise
apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure, in a working
configuration;
[0106] FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are, respectively, perspective and top
views of a handle portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0107] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of resistance elements of
the apparatus of FIG. 1, which provide resistance to movement of
the exercise apparatus through a liquid;
[0108] FIGS. 4(a), 4(b) and 4(c) are, respectively, perspective
side and end views of retaining elements of the apparatus of FIG.
1;
[0109] FIG. 5 is an end view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing
three different, alternative, sizes of resistance elements that may
be selected and used;
[0110] FIG. 6 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing
three different, alternative, sizes of resistance elements that may
be selected and used;
[0111] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus of FIG.
1, including the different sizes of resistance elements shown in
FIG. 5, in a storage configuration, retained in a container;
[0112] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus of FIG.
1, including the different sizes of resistance elements shown in
FIG. 5, in a storage configuration, retained in an alternative
container;
[0113] FIG. 9 is an illustration of an alternative size and shape
of resistance element;
[0114] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of representative parts
of an alternative embodiment;
[0115] FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b) are schematic plan views of two
respective sizes of longitudinal resistance components for
providing resistance to movement in the longitudinal direction of
the exercise apparatus;
[0116] FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) are, respectively, a perspective view
and a transverse cross sectional view of a retainer member for
retaining a longitudinal resistance component on the exercise
apparatus; and
[0117] FIG. 13 shows the longitudinal resistance component of FIG.
11(a) and the retainer member of FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b), in cross
section, in use on an exercise apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0118] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 an embodiment of an exercise
apparatus, generally designated 1, will be described.
[0119] The exercise apparatus 1 is for use in water. More
particularly, the exercise apparatus 1 is generally in the form of
a dumbbell, and provides a handle portion in the form of a
generally cylindrical handle member 10, having a first end 11 and a
second end 12. However, unlike a dumbbell, rather than providing
weights at first and second ends, the exercise apparatus 1 provides
a plurality of angularly spaced resistance elements, in this
embodiment in the form of first to fourth paddles or vanes 20, 21,
22, 23 at the first end 11, and a further plurality of angularly
spaced resistance elements, in this embodiment in the form of fifth
to eighth paddles or vanes 30, 31, 32, 33 at the second end 12. The
first to fourth paddles or vanes 20, 21, 22, 23 are retained by a
retaining member in the form of a first retaining cap 40 which can
be attached to the first end 11 of the handle member 10. The fifth
to eighth paddles or vanes 30, 31, 32, 33 are retained by a
retaining member in the form of a second retaining cap 42 which can
be attached to the second end 12 of the handle member 10.
[0120] In use, when submerged in water and moved by a user, the
apparatus 1 offers resistance to movement by virtue of the fluid
resistance to the passage of the apparatus 1, and especially the
passage of the paddles or vanes, therethrough. The apparatus 1 may
be utilised by a user who is standing in a body of water, such as,
for example, a swimming pool, although other modes of use, for
example whilst swimming, are possible.
[0121] As can be best seen in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the handle
member 10 provides a generally central handle part 10A. The
generally central handle part 10A may be provided with a grip, such
as a sleeve (not shown) which may be of neoprene or the like, for
improved grip and/or comfort. At the first end 11, the handle
member 10 provides first and second slots 13, 14, which are
oriented across perpendicular diameters of the handle member 10,
and which extend from the first end towards the middle of the
handle member 10. In this embodiment the slots extend a little less
than a third of the length of the handle member 10. In use, as will
be described in more detail hereafter, the slots 13, 14 retain the
first to fourth paddles or vanes 20, 21, 22, 23. Further, at the
first end 11 of the handle member 10 there is provided a region
with a first male screw thread 15, which is used for attachment of
the first retaining cap 40.
[0122] The second end 12 of the handle member 10 corresponds
generally to the first end, and provides third and fourth slots 16,
17, in an arrangement corresponding to that of the first and second
slots 13, 14, and a second male screw thread 18, which is used for
attachment of the second retaining cap 42.
[0123] The first to fourth paddles or vanes 20, 21, 22, 23 are
illustrated in FIG. 3. The fifth to eighth paddles or vanes 30, 31,
32, 33 correspond to the first to fourth paddles or vanes 20, 21,
22, 23 and will not be separately described. The paddles or vanes
20, 21, 22, 23, 30, 31, 32, 33 will henceforth be referred to as
vanes for convenience.
[0124] As best seen in FIG. 3 the first and third vanes 20, 22 are
provided by a first vane member 24. In this embodiment the vane
member is generally rectangular. The first vane member 24 provides
a central slot 25 between the first vane 20 and the third vane 22,
and a bridging portion 26 which connects the first and third vanes
20, 22. The central slot 25 extends approximately half the width of
the first vane member 24 from a first side of the first vane member
24 to the centre thereof, and the bridging portion 26 is coaxial
with the slot 25 and extends approximately half the width of the
first vane member 24, from the centre of the first vane member 24
to a second opposed side thereof. The width of the slot 25 is
substantially the same as the thickness of the first vane member 24
and, more specifically, is substantially the same as the thickness
of the bridging portion 26.
[0125] As can also be appreciated from FIG. 3 the second and fourth
vanes 21, 23 are provided by a generally rectangular second vane
member 27. In this embodiment the second vane member 27 is
substantially identical to the first vane member 24. Thus the
second vane member provides a central slot 28 between the second
and fourth vanes 21, 23, and a bridging portion 29 which connects
the second and fourth vanes 21, 23. The central slot 28 extends
approximately half the width of the second vane member 27 from a
first side of the second vane member 27 to the centre thereof, and
the bridging portion 29 is coaxial with the slot 28 and extends
approximately half the width of the second vane member 27, from the
centre of the second vane member 27 to a second opposed side
thereof. The width of the slot 28 is substantially the same as the
thickness of the second vane member 27 (and of the first vane
member 24) and, more specifically, is substantially the same as the
thickness of the bridging portion 29 (and of the bridging portion
26).
[0126] FIGS. 4(a), 4(b) and 4(c) show a first retaining cap 40, and
it will be appreciated that second retaining cap 42 is
substantially identical thereto and will not be described in detail
separately. First retaining cap 40 comprises a generally circular
end wall 43, having a generally cylindrical side wall 44 depending
perpendicularly therefrom. An outer surface of the generally
cylindrical side wall 44 is provided with a roughened surface 45 to
facilitate gripping of the first retaining cap 40. An inner surface
of the generally cylindrical side wall 44 is provided with a female
screw thread 46. The first retaining cap 40 is adapted to be
screwed onto the first end 11 of the handle member 10, so that the
female screw thread 46 cooperated with the first male screw thread
15.
[0127] It will be appreciated that the exercise apparatus 1, as
illustrated in FIG. 1, comprises the handle member 10, four vane
members (being the first and second vane members 24, 27 which
together provide the first to fourth vanes 20, 21, 22, 23, and two
further vane members, being third and fourth vane members which
provide the fifth to eighth vanes 30, 31, 32, 33 and which may be
substantially identical to the first and second vane members 24,
27) and the first and second cap members 40. 42. In this embodiment
the exercise apparatus 1 can be readily assembled from these
component parts, for use, and readily disassembled, for storage
and/or transportation. It is envisaged that the apparatus will be
provided in a disassembled condition, which allows easy and
efficient storage prior to purchase by a user, and facilitates
distribution and supply to a purchaser, for example, by mail.
Further, it is envisaged that most users will disassemble the
apparatus 1 after use to facilitate transportation, for example in
a sports bag. In this embodiment the vanes, and vane members, are
substantially flat and planar, which facilitates compact storage of
the apparatus when disassembled.
[0128] Assembly of the exercise apparatus 1 from the component
parts can be performed as follows.
[0129] As illustrated schematically in FIG. 3, the first and second
vane members 24, 27 are oriented so that they are mutually
perpendicular with the openings of the slots 25, 28 facing each
other, and are then moved together so that the bridging portion 26
of the first vane member 24 is received within the slot 28 of the
second vane member 27, and the bridging portion 29 of the second
vane member 27 is received within the slot 25 of the first vane
member 24. Because the widths of the slots 25, 28 correspond to the
thicknesses of the bridging portions 26, 29, and the walls defining
the slots 25, 28 are substantially perpendicular to the surfaces of
the vane members 24, 27, this retains the first and second vane
members 24, 27 in a mutually orthogonal, or cruciform, arrangement.
This arrangement provides the first to fourth vanes 20, 21, 22, 23
in an angularly spaced apart arrangement, with each vane angularly
spaced by approximately ninety degrees from each neighbouring
vane.
[0130] The first and second vane members 24, 27, once connected to
form a cruciform arrangement of vanes as described above, are then
inserted into the first and second slots 13. 14 at the first end 11
of the handle member 10, so that the bridging portions 26, 29 are
provided in the space defined by the intersection of the first and
second slots 13, 14. The first retaining cap 40 is then screwed
onto the first male screw thread 15 at the first end 11 of the
handle member 10. This assembles the first end of the exercise
apparatus 1, with the first to fourth vanes 20, 21, 22, 23 retained
on the handle member 10 by the first retaining cap 40.
[0131] The second end of the apparatus 1 is assembled in a
corresponding manner. That is, third and fourth vane members (not
shown) providing the fifth to eighth vanes 30, 31, 32, 33 are
connected to provide a cruciform arrangement of vanes, the
cruciform arrangement of the fifth to eighth vanes 30, 31, 32, 33
is inserted into the third and fourth slots 16, 17 and The second
retaining cap 42 is then screwed onto the second male screw thread
18, at the second end 12 of the handle member 10 to retain the
fifth to eighth vanes 30, 31, 32, 33. This completes assembly of
the exercise apparatus 1.
[0132] Disassembly is substantially the reverse of assembly. That
is, for each end of the apparatus 1, the first or second retaining
cap 40, 42 is removed, the vane members, e.g. 24, 27, are withdrawn
from the slots 13, 14, 16, 17, and the vane members, e.g. 24, 27,
are then separated.
[0133] Of course, it will be appreciated that some variations from
the sequences of assembly or disassembly set out above may be
employed. For example, both of the pairs of vane members may be
assembled into their cruciform arrangements before either is
connected to the handle portion. Other variations are possible.
[0134] The assembled apparatus 1 provides resistance to movement
through a liquid, such as water, as described above. The resistance
provided depends on the size of the vanes. Different amounts of
resistance may be required at different times, or by different
users. An embodiment may therefore provide different sizes of vanes
which may be selected and fitted to the handle member 10.
[0135] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate three different alternative sizes
of vanes in an assembled exercise apparatus. The first size of vane
20, 21, 22, 23, 30, 32 provides the least resistance, and
corresponds to the size of the first to eighth vanes 20, 21, 22,
23, 30, 31, 32, 33 (thus corresponding reference numerals are used)
shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment each vane of the first size is
approximately 48 mm by 80 mm, and approximately 5 mm in thickness.
The first size of vanes may be provided by vane members 24, 27 each
approximately 100 mm by 80 mm in size (providing a 5 mm bridging
portion between the vanes). The middle parts of each vane member
will, in use, be secured within the slots of the handle member 10.
In this embodiment the handle portion has a diameter of 28 mm. Thus
each of the vanes of the first size projects approximately 36 mm
from the handle member, offering an area susceptible to fluid drag
of approximately 36 mm by 80 mm.
[0136] The second size of vane 20A, 21A, 22A, 23A, 30A, 32A
provides an intermediate level of resistance, by providing an area
greater of that of the vanes of the first size, which can be
resisted by drag when the exercise apparatus is moved through the
liquid. In this embodiment each vane of the second size is
approximately 73 mm by 80 mm, and approximately 5 mm in thickness.
The second size of vanes may be provided by intermediate sized vane
members, e.g. 24A, 27A, similar to the vane members 24, 27, but
larger. In this embodiment each intermediate sized vane member 24A,
27A is approximately 150 mm by 80 mm in size (providing a 5 mm
bridging portion between the vanes). The middle parts of each
intermediate sized vane member 24A, 27A will, in use, be secured
within the slots of the handle member 10. Thus each of the vanes of
the second size projects approximately 61 mm from the handle
member, offering an area susceptible to fluid drag of approximately
61 mm by 80 mm.
[0137] The third size of vane 20B, 21B, 22B, 23B, 30B, 32B provides
the greatest level of resistance, by providing an area greater of
that of the vanes of the first and second sizes which can be
resisted by drag when the exercise apparatus is moved through the
liquid. In this embodiment each vane of the third size is
approximately 98 mm by 80 mm, and approximately 5 mm in thickness.
The third size of vanes may be provided by larger sized vane
members, e.g. 24B, 27B, similar to the vane members 24, 27, 24A,
27A but larger. In this embodiment each larger sized vane member
24B, 27B is approximately 200 mm by 80 mm in size (providing a 5 mm
bridging portion between the vanes). The middle parts of each
larger sized vane member 24B, 27B will, in use, be secured within
the slots of the handle member 10. Thus each of the vanes of the
third size projects approximately 86 mm from the handle member,
offering an area susceptible to fluid drag of 86 mm by 80 mm.
[0138] The different sizes of vanes and vane members, e.g. 24, 27,
24A, 27A, 24A, 27B, are each attachable to the handle member 10 in
a similar manner (described above).
[0139] The sizes mentioned above are by way of example only, and it
will be appreciated that vanes, and vane members, of different
sizes may be provided as desired. By way of non-limiting example,
for still greater resistance than that offered by the larger sized
vane members 24B, 27B, it has been found useful to provide one or
more vane members approximately 300 mm length by 80 mm wide. When
used with the embodiment described above these provide vanes
approximately 148 mm by 80 mm in size, which each project
approximately 136 mm from the handle member, offering an area
susceptible to fluid drag of 136 mm by 80 mm.
[0140] The other components may also be of any suitable sizes. By
way of example, in an embodiment consistent with those illustrated
in FIGS. 1 to 6, the handle member 10 has a length of approximately
360 mm, and the slots 13, 14, 15, 16 have lengths of 100 mm, of
which, in use, 80 mm accommodates the vane members and 20 mm
corresponds to the axial end regions of the handle member where the
threads 15, 18 are provided (so that when the retaining caps 40, 42
are located on the handle member 10 the vane members are restricted
to the aforementioned 80 mm of the slots that are without the
threads 15, 18). In an embodiment the central part of the handle
member, which provides the generally central handle part 10A, has a
length of 160 mm.
[0141] Correspondingly, in this embodiment the retaining caps 40,
42 may be approximately 25 mm in length, with the end walls 43
having a thickness of about 5 mm and the female screw threads 46
having a length of about 20 mm, corresponding to the lengths of the
male screw threads, 15, 18. This allows the retaining caps 40, 42
to be screwed tightly onto the handle member without applying
excessive undesirable compressive forces to the vane members. The
external diameter of the retaining caps may be approximately 38 mm,
although other external diameters, and external shapes other than
circular, could be used. Of course, many variations are possible,
and in one variation, intended for use with both hands, the handle
member may have a length of between 500 mm and 1200 mm, for example
between 700 mm and 1000 mm, and the vanes and vane members may be
larger to provide greater resistance. These and other features and
parts may be varied in size as desired.
[0142] The vanes, and vane members, illustrated are generally
rectangular. In the illustrated embodiments the vanes have radiused
corners (for example with a radius of curvature of about 20 mm) to
avoid having sharp corners which could present a danger in use. It
will be appreciated, however, that alternative shapes of vane and
vane members could be used.
[0143] The exercise apparatus 1, in this embodiment, is adapted to
be used in one hand. It may therefore be desirable to provide a
user with two such exercise apparatuses so that both hands and arms
can be exercised in a similar manner simultaneously.
[0144] A kit comprising two such exercise apparatuses 1 will
therefore comprise two of each of the components described above,
and/or illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 4 or 5 to 6 (or implicit from the
Figures and description).
[0145] That is a kit providing a single size of vane may provide:
two handle members 10; two first retaining caps 40 and two second
retaining caps 42, totaling four retaining caps; and two vane
members for each end of each of the two handle members, totaling
eight vane members.
[0146] A kit providing three sizes of vane may provide: two handle
members 10; two first retaining caps 40 and two second retaining
caps 42, totaling four retaining caps; and two vane members of each
of the three sizes for each end of each of the two handle members,
being eight vane members of each size, or twenty four vane members
in total.
[0147] Because the vane members of the above described embodiment
are substantially in the form of flat plates, the entire apparatus
(or kit of two apparatuses), is compact and easy to transport
and/or store when disassembled. The disassembled apparatus(es) may,
for example be conveniently stored in a bag for transportation by a
user to and from the facility where exercise using the
apparatus(es) is performed. The bag may be a mesh bag (not shown),
and may be conveniently put in a sports bag for storage and
transportation. Use of a mesh bag allows evaporation and dispersal
of any residual water or dampness on the apparatus(es), and allows
the contents to be seen and easily identified.
[0148] Further the compact nature of the apparatus(es) allows
initial provision of the apparatus(es) in a compact box
facilitating distribution and supply to a purchaser, for example,
by mail, as foreshadowed above.
[0149] FIG. 7 illustrates a kit comprising two disassembled (or not
yet assembled) exercise apparatuses, each in accordance with the
embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 (and each providing three alternative
sizes of vane member) packed in a box 100, in plan view and with
the lid removed. The box 100 comprises a number of partitions which
define areas in which the components can be stored.
[0150] In this embodiment the box is generally rectangular in plan
view. A first area 101, for accommodating the two handle members 10
extends all the way along one long side of the box and is
approximately 380 mm by 40 mm.
[0151] A second area 102 for accommodating the eight vane members,
e.g. 24, of the first (smallest) size (80 mm by 100 mm) extends
along a first short side of the box and is approximately 86 mm by
106 mm.
[0152] A third area 103 for accommodating the four retaining caps
40, 42 extends along the remainder of the first short side of the
box and is approximately 86 mm by 54 mm.
[0153] A fourth area 104 for accommodating the eight vane members,
e.g. 24B, of the third (largest) size (80 mm by 200 mm) extends
along a second short side of the box and is approximately 206 mm by
86 mm.
[0154] A fifth area 105 for accommodating a mesh bag (not shown)
extends the remainder of the way along a second short side of the
box and is approximately 206 mm by 74 mm.
[0155] A sixth area 106 for accommodating the eight vane members,
e.g. 24A, of the second (intermediate) size (80 mm by 150 mm) is
provided between the second and third areas, on one side thereof,
and the fourth and fifth areas, on the other side thereof, and is
approximately 88 mm by 160 mm.
[0156] For each of the areas described above the first dimension
given is in the direction of the longer sides (i.e. the length) of
the box and the second dimension given is in the direction of the
shorter sides (i.e. the width) of the box. The dimensions given
include the thickness of the partitions so that the areas
themselves may actually be 1 mm to 4 mm smaller than the dimensions
stated by way of example above, but it will be appreciated from
consideration of the sizes of the components and the above stated
sizes of the areas 101 to 106, that the areas are nonetheless amply
able to accommodate the components. Of course, it will be
appreciated that the dimensions provided are by way of
illustration, and may be varied according to the thickness of the
partitions and/or exterior walls of the box, and the sizes of the
objects to be accommodated.
[0157] The vane members of each size are stacked when accommodated
in the described areas. As each vane member is substantially flat
and planar (in this embodiment) and is approximately 5 mm thick (in
this embodiment), each stack of eight vane members will be
approximately 40 mm high.
[0158] The external dimensions of the box, in this embodiment, are
approximately 380 mm by 200 mm. The internal space defined by the
box must be at least 40 mm deep to accommodate the stacks of vane
members, and if the handle members 10 are vertically stacked, the
depth must be at least 56 mm. Allowing for the thickness of the
material of which the box is made (e.g. corrugated cardboard) and
some play, the external depth of the box may be between about 70 mm
to 80 mm. The box 100 may thus be 380 mm long by 200 mm wide by
70-80 mm deep, which is a convenient size for storage or
distribution. A DVD 407, or other data carrying medium, which
details exercises which can be performed using the exercise
apparatuses, may be laid over two or more of the storage areas.
[0159] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative box 200 for accommodating
apparatuses in accordance with the present disclosure in
disassembled (or not yet assembled) configurations. The layout of
different storage areas is considered self-explanatory in view of
the description provided above in relation to FIG. 7, and it will
be appreciated that the box 200 may accommodate the same contents
as the box 100, except that box 200 is not intended to accommodate
a mesh bag. The box 200 may have external dimensions of
approximately 470 mm by 220 mm by 50 mm. These dimensions are not
very different from those of some tennis racquet heads, and the
length of the box 200 is considerably shorter than that of a tennis
or squash racquet. The box 200 would fit comfortably in a sports
bag, and could be used instead of a mesh bag for transportation of
the apparatus(es), in a sports bag, by a user to and from the
facility where exercise using the apparatus(es) is performed. The
box 200 could be moulded from a plastic material, and have moulded
recesses defining the areas which accommodate and position the
components, in a manner known per se, and sometimes used in boxes
for storing ratchet socket sets or other tools. The box 200 could
be provided with a hinged lid (not shown) for convenience, and/or
with openings to allow evaporation and dispersal of any residual
water or dampness on the apparatus(es).
[0160] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative shape of vane member, and
shows first and second vane members, generally designated 300 and
320. The vane members 300, 320, are similar in configuration and
use to vane members 24 and 27, in that each provides two resistance
elements in the form of vanes 301, 302, 321, 322, with a bridging
portion 303, 323 connecting the vanes and a slot 304, 324 between
the vanes. Further, the vane members 300, 320, are adapted to be
fitted together to provide a cruciform array of vanes 301, 302,
321, 322. However, vane members 300, 320, differ from vane members
24 and 27, in that each of the vanes 301, 302, 321, 322 is provided
with an additional area to which a liquid may apply drag, by
provision of an extension part 305, 306, 325, 326, which in use
projects away from the central region of the handle member (not
shown, but may correspond to handle member 10). In this embodiment
the extension parts 305, 306, 325, 326, in use, project past the
retaining caps (not shown, but may correspond to retaining caps 40,
42). The extension parts 305, 306, 325, 326 are shaped in order
that they do not interfere with attachment of retaining caps to the
handle member. In this embodiment the extension parts 305, 306,
325, 326 of each vane member 300, 320 are provided with a recess
307, 327 therebetween, which provides enough space for the
retaining caps to be operated without undesirable interference from
the extension parts 305, 306, 325, 326, or any other parts of the
vane members 300, 320.
[0161] The provision of extension parts 305, 306, 325, 326 allow
the vanes 301, 302, 321, 322 to be enlarged compared to, for
example rectangular vanes which project a similar transverse
distance from the axis of the handle member, providing an
additional option for providing increased resistance, while
maintaining a configuration which assists in avoiding the vanes
interfering with a user or a user's movements, and which avoids the
vanes being made so long that they become difficult to store or
prone to breaking under load (for example if moved quickly through
the water. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, the vanes 301,
302, 321, 322 may be considered to project a similar transverse
distance from the axis of the handle member as do the third size of
vanes provided by the larger sized vane members 24B, 27B, discussed
above. An outline equivalent to the shape and dimensions of the
outlines of the vane members 24B, 27B is shown by broken lines
designated 24B, 27B in FIG. 9 by way of comparison. It should be
appreciated that this illustration of the increased functional size
of the vane members 300, 320 compared to the vane members 24B, 27B
is provided by way of example and illustration only, and that the
vane members 300, 320 could be of any suitable and desired size.
The vane members 300, 320 may be of particular use for a stronger
user and/or with an embodiment intended for use with both
hands.
[0162] It will be appreciated that the generally rectangular vane
members 24, 27, 24A, 27A, 24B, 27B, are essentially `direction
independent` in that they do not extend further in one axial
direction of the apparatus than in the other. Thus the slot of any
one of these vane members can be faced in either direction (as
necessary to cooperate with the slot of another vane member) so
that the generally rectangular vane members of each size may be
substantially identical. However, the extension parts 305, 306.
325, 326 of vane members 300, 320 are adapted to extend away from
the centre of the handle member rather than towards the centre of
the handle member, which determines the orientation of the vane
members 300, 320. Thus the vane members 300, 320 are proved as two
types, differing in that the first type, e.g. vane member 300, are
adapted to have their openings facing away from the centre of the
handle member, and the second type, e.g. vane member 320, are
adapted to have their openings facing towards the centre of the
handle member. Thus the slots of the two types can interact to
allow provision of a cruciform arrangement in which all the
extension parts 305, 306, 325, 326 extend away from the centre of
the handle member.
[0163] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment 401, which
provides an alternative connection arrangement for connecting vane
members 424, 427 to a handle member 410. In this embodiment rather
than having slots to allow connection, each vane member 424, 427
provides a bridging portion in the form of a collar portion 426,
429 adapted to fit around a connection portion 414 of handle member
410.
[0164] As in other embodiments, a means is provided to provide the
vanes in a predetermined angularly spaced array, and to prevent
relative rotation of the vanes in use.
[0165] In this embodiment the collar portions are provided with
projections and recesses 427, 428, 430, 431 (schematically
illustrated in FIG. 10) so that they can fit together to provide an
array of vanes in a predetermined angularly spaced array, and so
that relative rotation of the vane members is prevented in use.
[0166] A means is also provides to prevent relative rotation of the
vanes relative to the handle member in use.
[0167] In this embodiment the vane member 427 that is, in use,
closer to the centre of the handle portion 410 is provided with a
recess 412 into which a projection 413 provided on the handle
portion 410 can be received.
[0168] The means of retaining the vanes on the handle portion 410
is, in this example, provided by an aperture 415 at an end of the
handle portion 410, which can receive a locking pin (not shown) to
retain the vane members 424, 427.
[0169] Of course many variations are possible. For example, the
means to prevent relative rotation of the vanes relative to the
handle member in use could be a recess in the handle portion which
cooperates with a projection on one of the vane members.
Alternatively the means to prevent relative rotation of the vanes
relative to the handle member in use could be provided by splines
on the handle member and a complementary set of grooved provided on
an interior wall surface of one or both of the collar portions.
[0170] In a further alternative the collar portions could be
provided with a screw thread for threaded connection to a
complementary threaded part of the handle member. In a further
variation one or more of the vanes could be integrally formed with
the handle portion, and/or not detachable therefrom. If such vanes
were substantially coplanar, a reasonably compact storage
configuration could still be achieved, although such an arrangement
may provide less flexibility in storage than the embodiments of
FIGS. 1 to 6. (It will be noted that the vane members 424, 427
which have collar portions are considered to provide less
flexibility for compact storage than the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to
6).
[0171] It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above
can provide substantial resistance to movement through a liquid in
the direction transverse to the direction of elongation of the
handle member, but does not provide substantial resistance to
movement through a liquid in the direction parallel to the
direction of elongation of the handle member. In some circumstances
it is desirable to provide resistance to movement in the direction
parallel to the direction of elongation of the handle member. For
example, it may be desired to provide resistance to movement of a
user's arms when the arms of the user are being swung in a forwards
and backwards direction by the user's sides with the backs of the
user's hand facing outwards, such as when an exercise similar to,
or simulating, a walking action is performed.
[0172] Embodiments and use of a resistance component which can be
used to provide resistance in the direction parallel to the
direction of elongation of the handle member are illustrated in
FIGS. 11(a) to 13, and described below.
[0173] A first embodiment 500 of a longitudinal resistance
component for use in providing resistance to movement in the
direction parallel to the direction of elongation of the handle
member, is illustrated in FIG. 11(a).
[0174] The longitudinal resistance component 500 is in the form of
a generally flat disc-like plate 502 provided with a generally
central aperture 504. The aperture 504 is provided to allow the
longitudinal resistance component 500 to receive a portion of the
rest of an exercise apparatus, in this embodiment to receive a
portion of the rest of the exercise apparatus 1. This allows
connection of the longitudinal resistance component 500 to the rest
of the apparatus. In this embodiment the aperture 504 is sized to
receive an end cap 40, 42 and to fit closely around the end cap.
Thus the aperture in this embodiment is substantially circular and
has a diameter very slightly larger than the outer diameter of the
end caps 40, 42. The outer diameter of the longitudinal resistance
component 500 determines the amount of resistance provided in use
(other factors being equal). For example, the longitudinal
resistance component 500 may have a diameter of approximately 150
mm, although, of course, other sizes are possible.
[0175] It will be appreciated that although a generally circular or
disc-like form is currently considered appropriate, one or more
longitudinal resistance components of alternative shapes (for
example, but not limited to, generally square or generally
hexagonal) could be provided. It is preferred that the longitudinal
resistance components are generally planar or flat. To facilitate
storage when not attached to the handle portion. It is also
preferred that sharp corners are avoided, for example by selection
of an appropriate shape, and/or by radiussing of corners, fore
safety reasons.
[0176] A second embodiment 500A of a longitudinal resistance
component, which differs from the longitudinal resistance component
500 only in the size of the outer diameter, is illustrated in FIG.
11(b). Thus the longitudinal resistance component 500A is in the
form of a generally flat disc-like plate 502A provided with a
generally central aperture 504A. The aperture 504A is substantially
identical in size and form to the aperture 504 of longitudinal
resistance component 500. The resistance component 500A may have an
outer diameter of approximately 100 mm.
[0177] It will be appreciated that use of one or more longitudinal
resistance components is optional for the apparatus 1. One or more
longitudinal resistance components may be provided as an option,
and/or as an upgrade that can be retrofitted, to the apparatus
1.
[0178] The apparatus may comprise only a single longitudinal
resistance component 500, 500A but preferably comprises at least
two longitudinal resistance components, so that one can be at or
towards each end of the apparatus or handle portion. Further the
apparatus preferably comprises longitudinal resistance components
of different outer diameters so that a suitably sized longitudinal
resistance component can be selected for use, according to the
desired level of resistance. Where more than one size of
longitudinal resistance component is provided, the apparatus
preferably comprises two longitudinal resistance components of each
size. A kit comprising two of the apparatuses preferably comprises
at least four longitudinal resistance components (e.g. 500, 500A)
of each size, so that one can be fitted to each end of each of the
two exercise apparatuses. It is considered desirable to provide
three different sizes of longitudinal resistance component. Thus a
kit comprising two of the apparatuses preferably comprises at least
twelve longitudinal resistance components in total. The outer
diameters of the three sizes of longitudinal resistance components
may correspond substantially to the lengths of three sizes of vane
member provided, so that the vane elements and the longitudinal
resistance components 500 can be selected to extend substantially
the same transverse distance from the handle portion of an
apparatus. Like the vane members the longitudinal resistance
components 500, 500A may be made of a suitable plastic, and may be
about 5 mm in thickness.
[0179] FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) illustrate an embodiment of a retainer
510 for retaining a longitudinal resistance component (e.g. one of
resistance components 500, 500A or another selected longitudinal
resistance component) on the rest of the apparatus. The retainer
510 is adapted to be fitted to one of the end caps 40, 42 to secure
the longitudinal resistance component between the retainer 510 and
at least one vane element (or other resistance element) of an
exercise apparatus.
[0180] In this embodiment the retainer 510 comprises a sleeve part
512 defining a cavity or passageway 514 therein, and an opening 516
at a first end thereof. The second end of the retainer could
provide a further opening (for example the retainer could be in the
form of a generally cylindrical tube) but in the illustrated
embodiment the second end is closed off by an end wall 518. The
retainer 510 is made from a deformable and at least somewhat
resilient material and the passageway is adapted to receive one of
the end caps 40, 42 at least partially therein and to be retained
securely on the end cap due to an appropriately tight fit, the
resilient/deformable quality of the retainer 510, and friction
and/or interference between the outer surface of the end cap and an
internal wall of the retainer which defines the cavity or
passageway 514. One or both of the outer surface of the end cap 40,
42 and an internal wall of the retainer 510 which defines the
cavity or passageway 514, may be provided with ridges grooves or
projections, which enhance security of the friction/interference
fit. However the connection is arranged so that the retainer 512
can be manually removed from the end cap 40, 42 when desired. The
retainer 512 may be made of a suitable rubber, and may be similar
in form to a commercially sold rubber `foot` for attachment to the
bottom of a leg of an item of furniture.
[0181] FIG. 13 shows the longitudinal resistance component 500 of
FIG. 11(a) and the retainer 510 of FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b), in cross
section, in use on an exercise apparatus.
[0182] In use, the described embodiments provide exercise apparatus
which can be used in water to provide resistance to movement of a
user, and especially resistance to movement of a user's hands. This
allows the arms to be effectively exercised. An effective mode of
use is with a user standing in a body of liquid such as a swimming
pool. The apparatus may be entirely immersed during use.
[0183] Without wishing to be limited by theory, fluid drag is often
taken to provide a resistive force proportional to the square of
the velocity of the object relative to the fluid. A considerable
increase in the resistive force can therefore be obtained by
increasing the speed of movement of the apparatus through the
fluid. However, unlike weights, which are often used for resistance
training, the apparatus allows a user to stop at any point during
an exercise without concern that excessive force will be required
to control the apparatus, since cessation of applied force will
allow the movement of the apparatus through the liquid to slow or
cease, reducing or negating the resistive force.
[0184] The described embodiments can be converted from a working
arrangement to transportation or storage arrangement without
difficulty, adding to the convenience.
[0185] Further, a user may adjust the resistance to be provided at
a given speed of movement through the liquid by selecting desired
sizes of vane members prior to beginning exercise.
[0186] It will be appreciated that vane members of different sizes
may be fitted together to provide a cruciform arrangement of vanes.
For example, a level of resistance between that offered by a
cruciform arrangement of two 100 mm vane members and that offered
by a cruciform arrangement of two 150 mm vane members could be
provided by a cruciform arrangement of one 100 mm vane member and
one 150 mm vane member. Similarly a level of resistance between
that offered by a cruciform arrangement of two 150 mm vane members
and that offered by a cruciform arrangement of two 200 mm vane
members could be provided by a cruciform arrangement of one 150 mm
vane member and one 200 mm vane member. The differently sized vane
members may be differently coloured to aid identification.
[0187] Further the apparatus may be made from a suitable plastic,
so that it is light and easy to transport. In embodiments in which
the vane members are substantially in the form of flat plates, the
apparatus is compact when disassembled and easy to transport and/or
store. It is preferred that the apparatus in use is substantially
neutrally buoyant, so that the force to be overcome is
substantially the resistance to movement provided by the liquid,
rather than a result of the weight or buoyancy of the exercise
apparatus. The resistive force will be in the direction opposite to
the movement of the apparatus, allowing resistance to be provided
in any direction.
[0188] In contrast, many known resistance exercise apparatuses
provide resistance in a single direction. For example, weights rely
on gravity and provide a downwards force against which a user may
work. This means that a user lifting and lowering a weight in a
simple motion will typically exercise the same muscles whether the
weight is being raised or lowered. Pulley systems or the like can
be used to allow resistance in other directions, but this adds to
the complexity and cost. The elderly or infirm, or those utilising
a great deal of weight may also encounter difficulty if it is
desired to cease using a weight part way through a movement.
Similarly, resistance bands provide a force in the direction of
extension of the band, meaning that provision of resistance in
different directions may require rearrangement of the band. Like
weights, cessation of use of a resistance band part way through a
movement may be problematic.
[0189] The described embodiments therefore provide definite
advantages over these known types of resistance exercise
apparatus.
[0190] Modifications and improvements to the described embodiments
may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the
invention.
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