Exercise Apparatus

Abstract

A portable exercise apparatus in the shape of a square having a handle at either side, which handles are arranged rotatable on spindles such that the user can impart movement on said apparatus without changing his/her grip.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus comprising a rigid hard plastic frame comprising three first parallel struts, arranged orthogonally to two second struts, one at each end of said three first struts, all five struts being arranged in one and the same plane, whereby said two second struts connect said three first orthogonal struts and wherein the outer two first struts comprise a rigid spindle and an elastic sleeve, which sleeve rotates on said spindle, such that, when in use, said sleeves serve as hand holds by means of which the apparatus is to be held and manipulated.

2. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said hard rigid frame is molded in two halves from glass filled nylon or any material with similar properties.

3. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said two outer orthogonal struts are molded as part of said half frames and, upon assembly of said apparatus, each of said orthogonal part struts meets its opposite half to form a spindle, each of which carries one of said rotating handles.

4. An exercise apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said middle orthogonal strut is also formed in two halves which are, upon assembly, connected by a connecting screw which passes through said middle strut to engage with a threaded nut, thus holding the apparatus firmly together.

5. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said elastic sleeves are molded from a thermoplastic elastomer or any material of similar properties.

6. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said elastic sleeves have a profiled surface to ensure a secure grip for the user.

7. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said two orthogonal struts are also hollow and comprise cut-outs in their front and rear walls for weight reduction purposes.

8. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the said two second struts connect to the three first orthogonal struts to form a square.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In the drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention:

[0022] FIG. 1 shows the “switch fitness mate” apparatus in perspective view;

[0023] FIG. 2 shows the front elevation view of the apparatus; and

[0024] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the apparatus before assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0025] On the perspective view, FIG. 1, the whole apparatus (1) is shown. At (2) and (3) the top and bottom connecting struts are indicated. It can be seen clearly that they are hollow, with cut-outs for weight reduction on the top and front (6) and rear (7) and the same for the bottom one.

[0026] The centre strut is partially hollow. At the point where the two halves meet (4) is a more solid section on both halves of the apparatus, which only has a through hole wide enough for a connection screw (8) to pass through and connect to a threaded nut (9) to form a solid connection between the two parts. This is illustrated in more detail on FIG. 3.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows the apparatus in elevation, side view and top/bottom view. These views show clearly the cut-outs in the frame which ensure the weight of the whole apparatus remains relatively low.

[0028] The exercises are not meant to be influenced by the weight of the apparatus. The apparatus is designed to help shape the exercises and make them repeatable to a fine degree, thus ensuring the even and efficient training of the relevant muscles.

[0029] As stated above, FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the apparatus before final assembly

[0030] The two outer vertical struts (10) and (11) also come in two halves each. Before they are assembled, handle sleeves (12) are slipped over their spindles.

[0031] When the whole is assembled, the spindles meet, the ends of which engage with each other, leaving sufficient play for the handle sleeves (12) to freely rotate on said spindles.

[0032] Said handle sleeves (12) show a profile on their surface to assure a good and secure grip for the user during the various exercises.

[0033] These sleeves (12) can be formed in two parts, the inner part being rigid enough to prevent any deformations interfering with their rotation on their spindles and an outer part which carries said grip enhancing profile.

[0034] Alternatively, the rigidity of said sleeves may be gauged as to give a comfortable grip but not deform sufficiently to interfere with the rotation of said handles.