FITNESS APPARATUS FOR TRAINING THE HUMAN BODY

Abstract

A fitness apparatus for training the human body includes a support member having a fastening member arranged at a first end of the support member for fastening the support member to an overhead support structure, preferably to a ceiling of a room. The fitness apparatus includes a weight bar for receiving weights having a free end and a mounted portion and a bearing member receiving the mounted portion and connects the weight bar to a second end of the support member which is opposite the first end. The weight bar is movable in at least two planes including a plane which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis y of the support member and a plane in which the longitudinal axis y of the support member extends. The support member has a length L.sub.H of at least 100 cm.

Claims

1. A fitness apparatus for training the human body, comprising: a support member having a fastening member arranged at a first end of the support member for fastening the support member to an overhead support structure; a weight bar for receiving weights having a free end and a mounted portion; and a bearing member which receives the mounted portion of the weight bar and connects the weight bar to a second end of the support member which is opposite the first end; wherein the weight bar is movable in at least two planes, the at least two planes comprising a plane which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis y of the support member and a plane in which the longitudinal axis y of the support member extends; and wherein the support member has a length L.sub.H of at least 100 cm.

2. The fitness apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member is flexible.

3. The fitness apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member is configured as a rope, band or belt or as a correspondingly mounted bar.

4. The fitness apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the weight bar mounted in the bearing member is a rigid body, rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis in the bearing member, and/or wherein the fitness apparatus is configured such that the weight bar has three rotational degrees of freedom, and two translational degrees of freedom.

5. The fitness apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a leveling counterweight, the leveling counterweight or the housing, respectively, having a weight of at least 5 kg.

6. The fitness apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the weight bar comprises a displacement section extending over at least a portion of the length of the weight bar, along which the weights to be received are displaceable.

7. The fitness apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fitness apparatus additionally comprises an elastic band which is fixable to the weight bar and to an anchor member fastened to a fastening structure, so as to provide a resistance which is variable over the range of movement of the weight bar.

8. The fitness apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fitness apparatus additionally comprises an adjustment mechanism by means of which the length L.sub.H of the support member is adjustable.

9. The fitness apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the weight bar has a weight of at least 10 kg.

10. The fitness apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the weight bar has a total length L.sub.G of at least 1 m.

11. The fitness apparatus according to claim 1, additionally comprising at least one weight to be received by the weight bar.

12. The fitness apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the weight is configured as a hollow cylinder having an outer diameter D and a length L.sub.Z, the length L.sub.Z being greater than the outer diameter D.

13. The fitness apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the weight is locked against rotation about a longitudinal axis of the weight bar and/or against axial displacement of the weight along the longitudinal axis of the weight bar, when the weight is received on the weight bar.

14. The fitness apparatus according to claim 13, comprising a receiving slide configured to be slid onto at least a portion of the weight bar and to be fixed to the weight bar and to at least partially receive the weight, wherein the receiving slide comprises at least one locking surface and the weight has at least one counter-surface, wherein the locking surface interacts with the counter-surface, when the weight is received on the weight bar, to substantially prevent rotation of the weight about the longitudinal axis of the weight bar.

15. The fitness apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the receiving slide comprises at least two locking surfaces and the weight comprises at least two counter-surfaces, the locking surfaces interacting with the counter-surfaces, when the weight is received on the weight bar, to substantially prevent rotation of the weight about the longitudinal axis of the weight bar.

16. The fitness apparatus according to claim 14, comprising an axial locking member which is configure to be slid onto at least a section of the receiving slide and/or of the weight bar and to axially lock the weight at the receiving slide to substantially prevent axial displacement of the weight along the longitudinal axis of the weight bar, when the weight is received on the weight bar, the axial locking member having at least one counter-surface which substantially corresponds to the locking surface of the receiving slide.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0134] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a fitness apparatus according to the invention;

[0135] FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of a further embodiment of a fitness apparatus according to the invention;

[0136] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a fitness apparatus according to the invention;

[0137] FIG. 4 shows a schematic side view of a further embodiment of a fitness apparatus according to the invention;

[0138] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a weight with a receiving slide and an axial locking member;

[0139] FIG. 6 shows a further perspective view of the weight with the receiving slide and the axial locking member from FIG. 5;

[0140] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the weight from FIGS. 5 and 6;

[0141] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the receiving slide from FIGS. 5 and 6;

[0142] FIG. 9 shows a front view of the axial locking member from FIGS. 5 and 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0143] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a fitness apparatus 10. The fitness apparatus 10 includes a weight bar 12 having a longitudinal axis x, a total length L.sub.G, a free end 14, and a mounted portion 16. The weight bar 12 further comprises a displacement section 20 along which weights 18 can be slid on to the weight bar 12 to a desired position along the displacement range 20.

[0144] In the presently shown exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the displacement section 20 extends from the free end 14 of the weight bar along the total length L.sub.G of the weight bar 12. However, it is also conceivable that the displacement section 20 extends along a part of the total length L.sub.G of the weight bar 12, for example over 30%, 50% or 75% of the total length L.sub.G of the weight bar 12.

[0145] When the displacement section 20 does not extend along the total length L.sub.G of the weight bar 12, the weight bar 12 may include a stop (see FIG. 2) disposed at a position along the length L.sub.G of the weight bar 12 that prevents displacement of the weights 18 along a portion of the length L.sub.G of the weight bar 12 extending from the stop to the mounted portion 16.

[0146] It is possible to adjust the lever arm extending from the position of the weight 18 at the displacement section 20 to the mounted portion 16 of the weight bar 12, and thus the training load of the training device 10, by moving the weights 18 along the displacement section 20. The further the weight 18 is positioned from the mounted portion 16, the greater the lever arm and consequently also the training load.

[0147] Accordingly, a large displacement section 20 of the weight bar 12 has the advantage that the training load of the training device 10 can be varied over a wide range.

[0148] FIG. 1 shows two weights 18 received by the weight bar 12. However, this is only an exemplary illustration. It is understood that a single weight 18 or more than two weights 18 may be received by the weight bar 12. Also, the form and design of the weight(s) may vary from the form shown.

[0149] The weight bar 12 shown in FIG. 1 has a uniform diameter, but this is also only an exemplary illustration. The weight bar 12 may also have different diameters along its length L.sub.G. For example, the mounted portion 16 may have a diameter that is smaller or larger than the diameter of the portion of the weight bar 12 disposed outside of the mounted portion 16.

[0150] Furthermore, the weight bar 12 may be hollow or solid.

[0151] The total length L.sub.G of the weight bar 12 may be at least 1 m. For example, the weight bar 12 may have a total length L.sub.G of 2.2 m, so that standard Olympic barbells may also be used as the weight bar 12.

[0152] In the illustrated embodiment, the fitness apparatus 10 further comprises two locking means 22 arranged on opposite sides of the weights 18 to fix the weights 12 at a position along the displacement section 20 of the weight bar 12. The locking means 22 may, e.g., be clamping members that can be clamped to the weight bar 12 to axially secure the weights 18.

[0153] However, it is also conceivable to provide only one locking means 22 for fixing the weight 18 at a position along the displacement section 20. On the one hand, this can be realized by providing a stop on the weight bar 12 (see FIG. 2). Alternatively, this may be realized by providing at least one of the weights 18 with, for example, an integrated locking means 22 that cooperates with a counter means provided on the weight bar 12. The counter means may, for example, include an opening into which the locking means 22 integrated with the weight 18 engages to fix the weight 18 at a position along the displacement section 20. The integrated locking means 22 may be actively operable by the user, e.g., by means of an actuating member disposed on the weight 18.

[0154] However, a passively actuated locking means 22 is also conceivable, which is provided with a spring, for example. The spring can be deflected together with the locking means 22 When the weight 18 is slid onto the displacement section 20 of the weight bar 12, the spring may be deflected together with the locking means 22. When the weight 18 has been slid on up to the counter means of the weight bar 18, and the locking means 22 is positioned adjacent the opening of the weight bar 18, the spring is released so that the locking means 22 engages with the opening and fixes the weight 18 to the displacement section 20 of the weight bar 12.

[0155] At its mounted portion 16, the weight bar 12 is received in a bearing member 24. The bearing member 24, which is shown only schematically in FIG. 1, may comprise, for example, a ball bearing or a slide bearing to allow rotation of the weight bar 12 about its longitudinal axis x. This rotational movement about the longitudinal axis x of the weight bar 12 is indicated in FIG. 1 by the movement plane R3. However, a bearing of the weight bar 12 in the bearing member 24 fixed against rotation about the longitudinal axis x is also conceivable. In this variant, it is preferred that the grip region of the weight bar (not shown), be designed so as to be rotatable. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a sleeve-shaped grip region which is rotatable about its or the longitudinal axis of the weight bar. As described, a bearing at the end by means of ball bearing and housing, slide bearing is also possible.

[0156] It is also conceivable that the weight bar 12 is slidably mounted in the bearing member 24, so that the weight bar 12 may be slid along its longitudinal axis x beyond the bearing member 24 in order to adjust the length of the weight bar 12 extending between the free end 14 and the mounted portion 16 of the weight bar 12. This length thus deviates from the total length L.sub.G of the weight bar 12 in the above-described pushed-through state of the weight bar 12. For example, the lever arm of the weight bar 12 and thus also the training load of the training apparatus 10 may likewise be adjusted in addition to, or as an alternative to, displacement of the weight 18 along the displacement section 20 of the weight bar 12 or by selection of the total length L.sub.G of the weight bar 12.

[0157] The bearing member 24 may further comprise a fixing member, by means of which the weight bar 12 may be axially fixed in the bearing member 24 to prevent unintentional displacement of the weight bar 12 in the bearing member 24.

[0158] The fitness apparatus further comprises a support member 28 having a longitudinal axis y, a first, upper end 30 and a second, lower end 32, with a length L.sub.H of the support member 28 extending between the two ends 30, 32. The first end 30 of the support member 28 is attached to an overhead support structure 35, which in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a ceiling structure of a room, by means of an fastening member 34. The second end 32 of the support member 28 is connected to the bearing member 24.

[0159] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the support member 28 is designed as a bar. In particular, the support member 28 may be configured as a rigid bar. However, it is also conceivable that portions of the support member 28 which is configured as a bar may be movable relative to other portions of the support member 28. For example, a portion of the support member 28 may be rotatable relative to another portion of the support member 28. Further, a portion of the support member 28 may be axially displaceable relative to another portion of the support member 28, for example in the form of a telescoping rod. It is understood, as described at the outset, that a flexible support member, for example a rope or belt, may also advantageously be used in place of the bar.

[0160] The length L.sub.H of the support member 28 is preferably at least 100 cm to provide the mounted portion 16 of the weight bar 12 at a height that allows a plurality of overhead exercises and exercises performed below the eye level of the user.

[0161] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the weight 18 rests on the ground 33 of a room in which the fitness apparatus 10 is arranged. However, this is only an exemplary representation that depends on the selected length L.sub.H of the support member 28. It will be understood that a shorter length L.sub.H of the support member 28 may be selected, where the weight 18 does not rest on the ground 33. Preferably, the lower end of the support member 28 is positioned about 40 cm to 120 cm above the ground. However, the exact position will depend on the notified exercise and the size of the user or group of users. Preferably, this height is adjustable, preferably by adjusting the length of the support member 28.

[0162] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the free end 14 of the weight bar 12 may be moved in two planes about the bearing member 24. First, the weight bar 12 may be swiveled in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis y of the support member 28 (horizontal plane). This movement plane is marked R.sub.2 in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the weight bar 12 may be tilted in a plane in which the longitudinal axis y of the support member 28 extends (vertical plane). This movement plane is marked R.sub.1 in FIG. 1. It is understood that the mobility of the free end 14 of the weight bar 12 can be realized in such a way that the free end 14 of the weight bar 12 may be movable in only one of the two movement planes R.sub.1, R.sub.2 at a time or simultaneously in both movement planes R.sub.1, R.sub.2 as a combined movement.

[0163] Mobility in the movement plane R.sub.2 can be realized, for example, by the fastening member 34 having a swivel joint, for example in the form of a swivel joint carabiner. Additionally, or alternatively, the bearing member 24 may have a swivel joint to allow movement in the movement plane R.sub.2. Also, this mobility may be ensured by the flexibility of the support member 28.

[0164] The mobility in the movement plane R.sub.1 may be realized, for example, by the bearing member 24 and/or the joint 34 and/or the support member 28 allowing tilting of the weight bar 12.

[0165] The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is substantially the same as the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the weight bar 12 has a stepped structure with different diameters, thereby forming a stop 36 between two portions of the weight bar 12 having different diameters, against which stop the weight 118 received on the weight bar 12 abuts. Accordingly, the fitness apparatus 10 comprises only one locking means 22 which axially fixes the weight 118 against the stop 36.

[0166] Consequently, in contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the displacement section 28 does not extend over the entire length L.sub.G of the weight bar 12, but over approximately 50% of the length L.sub.G of the weight bar 12.

[0167] Further, in contrast to the weight 18 shown in FIG. 1, the weight 118 has an elongated shape with an outer diameter D and a length L.sub.Z, the length L.sub.Z being greater than the outer diameter D. This reduces the radial extent of the weight 118, which in turn at least reduces the interference of the weight 118 with the motion sequences.

[0168] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a fitness apparatus 10 according to the invention.

[0169] In contrast to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support member 28 is configured as a flexible band. However, it is also conceivable to use a rope or a chain as flexible support member 28. As already described, such a flexible support member may also be used in the embodiments according to FIG. 1 or 2.

[0170] The use of a flexible support member 28 allows the weight bar 12 to have a high number of degrees of freedom. In the present embodiment, the weight bar 12 is configured as a rigid body. Consequently, due to the flexible properties of the support member 28, the weight bar 12 has the maximum number of six degrees of freedom of a rigid body in space.

[0171] The possible degrees of freedom include the movement planes R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. These movement planes R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 can be realized alone by the flexibility of the support member 28 without the additional provision of articulated or swivel joints. When pivoting the weight bar 12 in the (horizontal) movement plane R.sub.2, the support member 28 is twisted due to its flexible properties, so as to allow movements in the movement plane R.sub.2. On the other hand, when the weight bar 12 is tilted in the movement plane R.sub.1, the support member 28 is bent along its longitudinal axis y and/or about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis y, so as to allow movements in the (vertical) movement plane R.sub.1. When the weight bar 12 is rotated about its own longitudinal axis x in the movement plane R.sub.3, the flexible support member 28 may also be bent about its longitudinal axis y provided that the joint 24 or the grip region does not allow rotation.

[0172] However, in order to further increase the mobility of the fitness apparatus 10 and to reduce the load on the support member 28, for example due to the torsional load arising at the support member 28, articulated and/or swivel joints may additionally be provided in the bearing member 24 and/or on the fastening member 34. For example, one or both of the bearing member 24 and the fastening member 34 may be configured as a universal joint or ball joint.

[0173] Furthermore, the weight bar 12 can also be moved in all three translational directions, which are marked T.sub.1 to T.sub.2 in FIG. 3. These degrees of freedom are also made possible by the flexible properties of the support member 28 and/or the specific design of the bearing member 24 and the fastening member 34.

[0174] Further, in the representation according to FIG. 3, the bearing member 24 comprises a housing 26. The second end 32 of the support member 28 is connected to the housing 26 of the bearing member 24. However, it is also conceivable to dispense with the housing 26 and to attach the support member 28 directly to the component of the bearing member 24 supporting the weight bar 12.

[0175] The housing 26 may have a minimum weight, preferably 5 kg or 10 kg, which has the advantage that the flexible support member 28 is stabilized by the weight force of the housing 26 acting on the support member 28. Consequently, the stability of the support member 28, i.e., the deflection sensitivity of the support member 28, can be influenced via the adjusted weight of the housing 26. The weight of the housing thus functions as a leveling counterweight. However, it does not have to be provided as the housing 26 but may also be attached to the support member 28 as a separate leveling counterweight.

[0176] The housing 26 and/or the support member 28 may additionally, or alternatively, comprise a receiving member (not shown) for receiving additional leveling counterweights to increase the total weight of the housing 26 or of the support member, respectively, beyond the dead weight thereof. In this way, the total weight of the housing 26 or of the support member, respectively, can be adjusted in a simple manner.

[0177] The support member 28 preferably further includes a length adjustment mechanism 38 at its second end 32, which allows adjustment of the length L.sub.H. Thus, the length L.sub.H of the support member 28 can be shortened accordingly so that the position of the weight bar 12 may be adjusted to accommodate different body sizes, different room heights, and/or different exercises, for example, overhead exercises or exercises performed substantially below the eye level of the user.

[0178] For example, the length adjustment mechanism 38 may include a buckle through which the flexible support member 28 may be pulled. The portion of the support member 28 that is pulled through the buckle thus represents a loose portion of the support member 28 by which the length L.sub.Z of the support member 28 is reduced. The length adjustment mechanism 38, for example comprising a buckle, may, in particular, be integrated in the flexible support member, e.g., band or belt, 28.

[0179] Alternatively, the length adjustment mechanism 38 may be formed on the bearing member 24, the housing 26, or the fastening member 34.

[0180] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a fitness apparatus 10 according to the invention.

[0181] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the fitness apparatus 10 may comprise an elastic band 40 that may be connected to the weight bar 12 by means of a fixing member 42. The elastic band 40 may be fixedly connected to the ground 33 of a room at a fixing anchor 44. Alternatively, the elastic band may be connected to a side wall or another stationary structure. One band or more may be used.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 4, the elastic band 40 may be used in place of a weight as a resistance against which the user moves the weight bar 12. However, it is also conceivable to provide the elastic band 40 in combination with one or more weights 18, 118 received on the weight bar 12.

[0183] Furthermore, it is also conceivable to attach the elastic band 40 directly to the weight bar 12 and thus to dispense with the additional fixing member 42.

[0184] The elastic band 40 may be a band having two ends, a first end being connectable to the weight bar 12 and a second end being connectable to the fastening anchor 44.

[0185] Alternatively, the elastic band 40 may be an endless band which, e.g., with one portion may be looped around the weight bar 12 to connect the elastic band 40 to the weight bar 12. At another portion of the elastic band 40 configured as an endless band, the elastic band 40 may be connected to the fastening anchor 44 by, for example, looping a portion of the elastic band 40 around the fastening anchor 44.

[0186] The fixing member 42 may be fixed to the weight bar 12 immovably relative to the weight bar 12. However, it is also conceivable to realize the fixing member 42 in such a way that it is displaceable along at least one portion of the weight bar 12 along its longitudinal axis x. In addition, the fixing member 42 may have a locking means that can optionally achieve a non-displaceable fixing of the fixing member 42 to the weight bar 12.

[0187] The fastening anchor 44 may be a releasable member comprising, for example, an annular or partial annular connecting member for connecting the elastic band to the fastening anchor 44. For example, the fastening anchor 44 may be attachable to a structure of the ground 33, if required, such as in an opening formed in the ground 33, for example by screwing in or plugging in.

[0188] Furthermore, it is conceivable to attach the fastening anchor 44 to a displacement structure on, or in, the ground 33, which allows a movement of the fastening anchor 44 parallel to the ground 33. This displacement structure may, for example, be in the form of a rail in which the fastening anchor 44 can be moved in the room in at least one direction.

[0189] The fastening anchor 44 may also be fastened to a structure other than the ground 33, such as a side wall or ceiling of the room, or to a movable object arranged in the room.

[0190] The length of the elastic band 40 can be varied to provide different resistances to be overcome by the user.

[0191] Providing an elastic band allows for a further refinement of the training options, especially in the context of functional training.

[0192] FIGS. 5 to 9 show a disc-shaped weight 218, a receiving slide 230 and an axial locking member 244. However, the disc shape of the weight 218 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is only exemplary. Other possible shapes of the weight 218 are also conceivable, for example a polygonal and/or cylindrical shape.

[0193] FIGS. 5 and 6 show multiple weights 218 of different sizes. However, it is also conceivable to attach a plurality of weights 218 of the same size or only a single weight 218 to the receiving slide 230.

[0194] The weight 218 includes an opening 220 through which the weight 218 can be slid onto a weight bar, e.g., the weight bar 12 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, at least section-wise.

[0195] The opening 220 is arranged substantially in the center of the weight 218 and extends outwardly in a slot-like manner to an outer circumference of the weight 218.

[0196] The weight 218 comprises a further elongated opening 222 extending decentralized in a circumferential direction along a portion of the weight 218. The opening 222 may facilitate gripping and transporting of the weight 218 by a user.

[0197] The receiving slide 230 includes a substantially central opening 232 through which the receiving slide 230 can be slid onto at least a portion of a weight bar, such as the weight bar 12 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0198] The opening 232 extends completely through the receiving slide 230 along a longitudinal axis of the receiving slide 230. In this way, the receiving slide 230 may be slid onto a relatively large portion of a weight bar to allow a high variability in positioning the receiving slide 230 along the longitudinal axis of the weight bar.

[0199] The receiving slide 230 also includes a receiving section 234 and a stop section 240.

[0200] The stop section 240 may be used to provide an axial stop surface for the weight 218 to limit axial displaceability of the weight 218 along the longitudinal axis of the weight bar in at least one direction along the longitudinal axis of the weight bar.

[0201] The receiving section 234 of the receiving slide 230 may serve to receive weights 218 via the opening 220 thereof. The receiving section 234 includes a plurality of openings 236 distributed along a longitudinal axis of the receiving section 234. The longitudinal axis of the receiving section 234 may substantially correspond to the longitudinal axis of the weight bar when the receiving section 234 is received on the weight bar.

[0202] The receiving slide 230 includes a fixing mechanism 242 for axially fixing the receiving slide 230 to the weight bar. The fixing mechanism 242 may include a locking pin received in an opening of the receiving slide 230 and cooperating with at least a portion of the weight bar, for example, via at least one opening provided in the weight bar with which the locking pin may engage, or via a surface of the weight bar with which a locking pin or other fixing member may engage.

[0203] The receiving slide 230 has two substantially parallel locking surfaces 238 (see FIG. 8). The weight 218 has two counter-surfaces 224 substantially parallel to each other.

[0204] The weight 218 may be aligned such that the counter-surfaces 224 are substantially aligned with the locking surfaces 238, preferably in parallel, so as to then be slid onto the receiving portion 234. Thus, the locking surfaces 238 and the counter-surfaces 224 cooperate according to a key-and-hole principle to allow the weight 218 to be slid onto the receiving section 234 in the above-described orientation relative to each other, but to substantially prevent rotation of the weight 218 about the longitudinal axis of the weight bar or about a longitudinal axis of the receiving slide 230, respectively, when the weight 218 is slid onto the receiving section 234.

[0205] The receiving slide 230 may also comprise one locking surface 238 only or it may comprise more than two locking surfaces 238.

[0206] The locking surfaces 238 interact with the counter-surfaces 224 when the weight 218 is received on the weight bar to substantially prevent the weight 218 from rotating about a longitudinal axis of the weight bar.

[0207] In this way, the weight 218 may be locked against rotation about the longitudinal axis of the weight bar by means of the receiving slide 230.

[0208] In FIGS. 5 to 8, the locking surfaces 238 and the counter-surfaces 224 are formed substantially parallel to each other. Alternatively, the locking surfaces 238 may extend at an angle to each other. The counter-surfaces 224 may also extend at an angle to each other.

[0209] The axial locking member 244 also comprises two counter-surfaces 248 which substantially correspond to with the locking surfaces 238.

[0210] Thus, the axial locking member 244 may be oriented such that the counter-surfaces 248 are substantially parallel to the locking surfaces 238 so as to then be slid onto the receiving section 234. Thus, the locking surfaces 238 and the counter-surfaces 248 may likewise cooperate with each other according to the above-described key-hole principle.

[0211] The axial locking member 244 comprises an opening 246, shown as a dashed line in FIG. 9. The opening 246 may receive a fixing n member. The fixing member may at least partially engage with one of the openings 236 formed in the receiving section 234. This allows the fixing of the axial locking member 244 to a portion of the receiving slide 230, preferably against rotations about the longitudinal axis of the weight bar and/or axial displacement of the axial locking member 244 along the longitudinal axis of the weight bar.

[0212] By interaction of the locking surfaces 238 of the receiving slide 230 with the counter-surfaces 224 of the weight 218 and the axial fixing action of the axial locking member 244 it is possible to lock the weight 218 against rotation about a longitudinal axis of the weight bar and against axial displacement of the weight 218 along the longitudinal axis of the weight bar when the weight 218 is received on the weight bar.

[0213] This may substantially prevent rotation of the weight 218 about the longitudinal axis of the weight bar and axial displacement of the weight 218 along the longitudinal axis of the weight bar.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0214] 10 Fitness apparatus [0215] 12 Weight bar [0216] 14 Free end [0217] 16 Mounted portion [0218] 18 Weight [0219] 20 Displacement section [0220] 22 Locking means [0221] 24 Bearing member [0222] 26 Housing [0223] 28 Support member [0224] 30 First end [0225] 32 Second end [0226] 33 Ground [0227] 34 Fastening member [0228] 35 Overhead support structure [0229] 36 Stop [0230] 38 Length adjustment mechanism [0231] 40 Elastic band [0232] 42 Fixing member [0233] 44 Fixing anchor [0234] 118 Weight [0235] 218 Weight [0236] 220 Opening [0237] 222 Opening [0238] 224 Counter-surfaces [0239] 230 Receiving slide [0240] 232 Opening [0241] 234 Receiving section [0242] 236 Openings [0243] 238 Locking surfaces [0244] 240 Stopping section [0245] 242 Fixing mechanism [0246] 244 Axial locking member [0247] 246 Opening [0248] 248 Counter-surfaces [0249] R.sub.1 Rotational movement plane 1 [0250] R.sub.2 Rotational movement plane 2 [0251] R.sub.3 Rotational movement plane 3 [0252] T.sub.1 Translational movement plane 1 [0253] T.sub.2 Translational movement plane 2 [0254] T.sub.3 Translational movement plane 3 [0255] x Longitudinal axis of the weight bar [0256] y Longitudinal axis of the support member [0257] L.sub.G Total length of the weight bar [0258] L.sub.H Length of the support member [0259] L.sub.Z Length of the weight