WO2022000021A1

WO2022000021A1 - Exercise device

Info

Publication number: WO2022000021A1
Application number: PCT/AU2021/050561
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Vernon Kunitz
Original assignee: Fitbeat Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-07-01
Filing date: 2021-06-04
Publication date: 2022-01-06
Also published as: AU2021103360A4

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an exercise device including a hub; a first leg hingedly connected at a first axial end to the hub; a second leg hingedly connected at a first axial end to the hub; a seat hingedly connected to the hub; a backrest hingedly connected to the hub; a first strut hingedly connected at a first axial end to the seat; a second strut hingedly connected at a first axial end to the backrest; and a third strut hingedly connected at a first axial end to the backrest. The second strut is shorter in axial length than the third strut; the hinged connection of the second strut is spaced further from the hub than the hinged connection of the third strut; the first leg defines a rack along a portion of its length for retaining the second axial end of the first strut therealong.

Description

EXERCISE DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an exercise device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bench / step that: converts into a chair with an incline- adjustable backrest and seat; and is adjustable in height.

BACKGROUND

Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

Various adjustable beds and benches with adjustable support surfaces (e.g., seat and backrest) are known. Examples include US2006/035772 “Attachment and mounting assembly for an exercise bench”, US2018/099176 “Adjustable bench assembly”, US6,287,243 “multi-adjustable exercise bench”. Drawbacks of these devices are that: the legs do not collapse to a stowed configuration; the height of the devices (as compared to the inclination of the seat / backrest) is not adjustable; and they are bulky to store.

US2001/047547 “Height adjustable medical bed including intermediate upper and lower stop positions”, US2004/0135416 “Articulated bench”, US2005/197238 “Articulated bench”, US2011/138536 “Articulated Bed”, US2013/055502 “Long term care bed”, US2015/359693 “Long term care bed”, US6,230,344 “Adjustable bed” and US7,591 ,763 “Portable convertible multifunction exercise apparatus and method” describe benches / beds with legs that are collapsible to a stowed configuration. A drawback of these benches / beds is that they include at least three hinge points - a first hinge point at the connection of a first leg to the bench / bed body; a second hinge point at the connection of a second leg to the bench / bed body; and a third hinge point at the connection of the backrest to the bench / bed body - with axes of rotation spaced from each other. US2017/196740 “Emergency Lift and Transport System” describes a lift system that includes a pair of legs and two support panels connected to each other substantially about a common hinge point. A drawback of this lift system is that the support panels cannot incline operatively upwards from the common hinge point.

US2011/065554 “Exercise machine” and US5,232,426 “Exercising machine” describe benches that include legs, a seat and a backrest that substantially share a common hinge point, and wherein the legs can splay to adjust the height of the seat and backrest. Drawbacks of these benches are that: the strut that supports the backrest in an inclined condition does not permit significant weight (in particular, dynamic forces exerted during step exercises) to be applied to the backrest; and the legs are unable to splay linearly (i.e. , by 180 degrees) and be locked in that condition.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate the above discussed disadvantages of the prior art, or at least offer a useful alternative. In light of above, there exists a need for an improved exercise device.

SUMMARY

It is an object of present invention to address the above drawbacks by providing an exercise device:

• that includes a pair of legs, a seat and a backrest that substantially share a common hinge point;

• wherein the legs may splay substantially linearly (i.e., by approximately 180 degrees);

• that includes means for locking the legs in at least three predetermined angular offset configurations, including a condition in which the legs splay substantially linearly; and

• wherein a backrest includes a first strut for supporting the backrest through a first range of inclination, and a second strut for supporting the backrest through a second greater range of inclination.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an exercise device that includes a hub, a first leg hingedly (or wingedly) connected at a first axial end to the hub; a second leg hingedly connected at a first axial end to the hub; a seat hingedly connected to the hub; a backrest hingedly connected to the hub; a first strut hingedly connected at a first axial end to the seat; a second strut hingedly connected at a first axial end to the backrest; and a third strut hingedly connected at a first axial end to the backrest. The second strut is shorter in axial length than the third strut. The hinged connection of the second strut is spaced further from the hub than the hinged connection of the third strut. The first leg defines a rack along a portion of its length for retaining the second axial end of the first strut therealong. The second leg defines a rack along a portion of its length for retaining the second axial end of the second or third strut therealong, such that, in use: relative angular displacement of the first and second legs adjust the height of the seat and backrest; movement of the first strut along the rack defined by the first leg adjusts inclination of the seat; and movement of the second or third strut along the rack defined by the second leg adjusts inclination of the backrest.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the second strut extends transversely to the third strut.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, one of the second or third struts defines a formation that maintains the second and third struts in a transverse configuration, despite relative movement of the second and third struts about their hinged connections.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the exercise device further includes means for locking the first and second legs in: (i) a fully splayed condition, in which the first and second legs diverge from each other by between 170 and 190 degrees; and (ii) at least two other less angularly offset conditions.

In some embodiments, the second leg is longer than the first leg.

In some embodiments, the exercise device further includes a first handle extending from the hub, wherein the first handle when pulled disengages the locking means to permit relative angular displacement of the first and second legs. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, each of the first and second legs, the seat and the backrest define mounts for receiving and securing resistance bands therein. In some embodiments, the exercise device further includes wheels rotatably mounted at the second axial end of at least one of the first and second legs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective, exploded view of the exercise device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the exercise device of Figure 1, with the legs in an extended condition, and the seat and backrest fully inclined;

Figure 3 is a first perspective view of the exercise device of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a second perspective view of the exercise device of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a side view of the exercise device in Figure 1 , with the legs in a partially retracted condition, and the seat and backrest inclined (relative to the legs) to extend linearly;

Figure 6 is a side view of the exercise device of Figure 1, with the legs in an extended condition, and the seat and backrest inclined (relative to the legs) to extend linearly;

Figure 7 is a first perspective view of the exercise device of Figure 1, in a stowed condition, with the first and second legs in a fully splayed condition, and the seat and backrest extending substantially linearly; and Figure 8 is a second perspective view of the exercise device of Figure 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following detailed description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The detailed description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding summary of the invention in any way.

Figures 1 to 8 illustrates an exercise device 10 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The exercise device 10 includes a hub 12; a first leg 14, a second leg 16, a seat 18, a backrest 20, and a first strut 22, a second strut 24, a third strut 26.

In some embodiments, the hub 12 is a cylindrical body that extends across the width of the exercise device 10.

In some embodiments, the first leg 14 may be in the form of a pair of parallel legs connected by a bridge at their distal end. Further, the first leg 14 may be hingedly connected at a first axial end to the hub 12 and defines a rack 15 (in the form of a series of notches / protuberances) along a portion of its length.

Similarly, the second leg 16 (may be in the form of a pair of parallel legs connected by a bridge at their distal end) may be hingedly connected at a first axial end to the hub 12 and defines a rack 17 (in the form of a series of notches / protuberances) along a portion of its length. Further, in some embodiments, the second leg 16 is longer (i.e. , in axial length) than the first leg 14.

Further, in some embodiments, the seat 18 includes a substantially cuboid panel that is hingedly connected along one edge to the hub 12, and provides a cushioned layer on its operative upper surface. The cushioned layer is a layer of a softer material. The backrest 20 is similarly a substantially cuboid panel, but is axially longer and, presents a more rectangular operative upper and lower face than the seat 18. The backrest 20 is hingedly connected along a minor side to the hub 12, and provides a cushioned layer on its operative upper surface.

It will be appreciated that, in use, relative angular displacement of the first and second legs 14 and 16 adjusts the height of the seat 18 and backrest 20.

In some embodiments, the first strut 22 is U-shaped i.e. , the first strut 22 includes a pair of substantially parallel arms spaced by a base. Further, the first strut 22 is hingedly connected at a first axial end (i.e. at the free ends of its arms) to the operative lower surface of the seat 18.

The first strut 22 is sized and shaped to cooperate with the rack 15 defined by the first leg 14, thereby to retain the second axial end of the first strut 22 in a predetermined position along the rack 15 defined by the first leg 14. The first strut 22 is sized and shaped in accordance with the size and shape of the rack 15.

While in use, movement of the second axial end of the first strut 22 along the rack 15 defined by the first leg 14 varies the angular offset between the first leg 14 and the seat 18 - the closer the second axial end of the first strut 22 is moved to the first axial end of the first leg 14, the greater such angular offset.

The second strut 24 is similarly U-shaped (i.e., comprising a pair of substantially parallel arms spaced by a base), and is hingedly (or wingedly) connected at a first axial end (i.e., at the free ends of its arms) to the operative lower surface of the backrest 20. The third strut 26 is also U-shaped (i.e., comprising a pair of substantially parallel arms spaced by a base), and is hingedly connected at a first axial end (i.e., at the free ends of its arms) to the operative lower surface of the backrest 20. In some embodiments, the second strut 24 is shorter in axial length than the third strut 26, and the hinged connection of the second strut 24 is spaced further from the hub 12 than the hinged connection of the third strut 26. Furthermore, the third strut 26 is narrower than the second strut 24, being able to extend between the arms of the second strut 24. With the third strut 26 extending between the arms of the second strut 24, the second strut 24 extends transversely to the third strut 26. It will be appreciated that the shape of the second strut 24 (more particularly, the base formation of the U-shaped second strut 24) maintains this transverse configuration with respect of the third strut 26, despite relative movement of the second and third struts 24 and 26 about their hinged connections.

Each of the second and third struts 24 and 26 are sized and shaped to cooperate with the rack 17 defined by the second leg 16, thereby to retain the second axial end of the second and third struts 24 and 26 in a predetermined position along the rack defined by the second leg 16.

In use, movement of the second axial end of the second or third strut 24 or 26 along the rack 17 defined by the second leg 16 varies the angular offset between the second leg 16 and the backrest 20. More particularly: within a first range of angular offset, movement of the second axial end of the second strut 24 along the rack 17 defined by the second leg 16 varies the angular offset between the second leg 16 and the backrest 20 - the closer the second axial end of the second strut 24 is moved to the first axial end of the second leg 16, the greater such angular offset; and within a second greater range of angular offset, movement of the second axial end of the third strut 26 along the rack 17 defined by the second leg 16 varies the angular offset between the second leg 16 and the backrest 20 - the closer the second axial end of the third strut 26 is moved to the first axial end of the second leg 16, the greater such angular offset. It will be appreciated that when the second axial end of the third strut 26 engages the rack 17 defined by the second leg 16, the second axial end of the second strut 24 disengages from the rack 17 defined by the second leg 16.

To withstand the forced applied thereto, the first, second and third struts 22, 24 and 26 are preferably made of metal, whereas the rest of the exercise device 10 may be made of plastic or any other suitable material (sturdy material).

In some embodiments, the hub 12 further includes means for locking the first and second legs 14 and 16 in: (i) a fully splayed condition shown in Figures 7 and 8, in which the first and second legs 14 and 16 diverge from each other by between 170 and 190 degrees; and (ii) at least two other less angularly offset conditions. These two other less angularly offset conditions are shown in Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 6 on the one hand and Figure 5 on the other hand.

In the stowed configuration shown in Figures 7 and 8, the exercise device 10 is most compact for storage; in the fully inclined configuration shown in Figures 2 to 4, the first and second legs 14 and 16 are in a fully extended condition and the seat 18 and backrest 20 are fully inclined / angularly offset relative to the corresponding first and second legs 14 and 16, to provide an exercise device 10 that may be used inter alia to seat a user thereon - supporting the user’s rear on the seat 18, and the user’s back by the backrest 20; in the configuration shown in Figure 6, the first and second legs are in the extended condition and the seat 18 and backrest 20 extend linearly, to provide a bench; and in the step configuration shown in Figure 5, the first and second legs 14 and 16 are in a partially retracted condition and the seat 18 and backrest 20 extend linearly, to provide an exercise device 10 that may be used by a user to perform inter alia step exercises.

It will be appreciated that when the exercise device 10 is in:

• the step configuration shown in Figure 5; or

• in the bench configuration shown in Figure 6, a large dynamic force may be applied to the backrest 20 (e.g., when performing step exercises or box jumps). To cater for such forces, the second strut 24 engages the rack 17 defined by the second leg 16, supporting the backrest 20 at the hinged connection further from the hub 12 than the hinged connection of the third strut 26. In contrast, when the exercise device 10 is in the fully inclined configuration shown in Figures 2 to 4, the inclination of the backrest 20 from the second leg 16 is sufficient for the second strut 24 to disengage from the rack 17 defined by the second leg 16, and for the third strut 26 to engage with the rack 17 defined by the second leg 16, supporting the backrest 20 at a hinged connection closer to the hub 12 than the hinged connection of the third strut 26. It will also be appreciated that the base formation of the U-shaped second strut 24 prevents the second strut 24 from flapping freely when the second strut 24 is disengaged from the rack 17 defined by the second leg 16. Optionally (though not shown), the second axial end of the second leg 16 may define a recess (not shown) for receiving the second axial end of the third strut 26 therein when the first and second legs 14 and 16 are in the fully splayed condition.

The exercise device 10 further includes a first handle 28 that extends from the hub 12. The first handle 28 is integrated with the locking means such that, when pulled, the first handle 28 causes the locking means to disengage, permitting relative angular displacement of the first and second legs 14 and 16. In some embodiments, a second handle (not shown) may extend from a lateral side of the backrest 20, which second handle may be used to carry the exercise device 10.

Wheels 30 are also rotatably mounted / secured to the second axial end of the second leg 16 to facilitate dragging of the exercise device 10 by a user. Furthermore, non-slip pads (not shown) are disposed on the second axial end of the first and second legs 14 and 16 to inhibit slippage of the exercise device 10 relative to the floor on which the exercise device 10 is supported, in use.

Furthermore, each of the first and second legs 14 and 16 define mounts 32 for receiving and securing resistance bands therein.

It will be appreciated that the exercise device 10:

• includes a pair of legs 14 and 16, a seat 18 and a backrest 20 that substantially share a common hinge point about the hub 12;

• has legs 14 and 16 that, in the fully splayed condition shown in Figures 7 ad 8, extend substantially linearly;

• includes means for locking the first and second legs 14 and 16 in at least three predetermined angular displacements, including the fully splayed condition; and

• includes a backrest 20 supported by second and third struts 24 and 26 that enable the backrest 20 to resist large dynamic forces when angularly offset from the second leg 16 by less than 20 degrees. In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An exercise device including: a hub a first leg hingedly connected at a first axial end to the hub; a second leg hingedly connected at a first axial end to the hub; a seat hingedly connected to the hub; a backrest hingedly connected to the hub; a first strut hingedly connected at a first axial end to the seat; a second strut hingedly connected at a first axial end to the backrest; and a third strut hingedly connected at a first axial end to the backrest, wherein: the second strut is shorter in axial length than the third strut; the hinged connection of the second strut is spaced further from the hub than the hinged connection of the third strut; the first leg defines a rack along a portion of its length for retaining the second axial end of the first strut therealong; and the second leg defines a rack along a portion of its length for retaining the second axial end of the second or third strut therealong, such that, in use: relative angular displacement of the first and second legs adjust the height of the seat and backrest; movement of the first strut along the rack defined by the first leg adjusts inclination of the seat; and movement of the second or third strut along the rack defined by the second leg adjusts inclination of the backrest.

2. The exercise device according to claim 1 , wherein the second strut extends transversely to the third strut.

3. The exercise device according to claim 2, wherein one of the second or third struts defines a formation that maintains the second and third struts in a transverse configuration, despite relative movement of the second and third struts about their hinged connections.

4. The exercise device according to claim 3, further including means for locking the first and second legs in: (i) a fully splayed condition, in which the first and second legs diverge from each other by between 170 and 190 degrees; and (ii) at least two other less angularly offset conditions.

5. The exercise device according to claim 4, wherein the second leg is longer than the first leg.

6. The exercise device according to claim 5, further including a first handle extending from the hub, wherein the first handle when pulled disengages the locking means to permit relative angular displacement of the first and second legs.

7. The exercise device according to claim 6, wherein each of the first and second legs, the seat and the backrest define mounts for receiving and securing resistance bands therein.

8. The exercise device according to claim 7, further including wheels rotatably mounted at the second axial end of at least one of the first and second legs.