A ROPE EXERCISE SIMULATION DEVICE

Abstract

A rope exercise simulation device comprising: a handle and an elongate housing with at least one internally located displaceable weight; wherein the housing extends substantially orthogonally with respect to an axis of the handle and the at least one weight is arranged to move between the ends of the housing acting against one or more resiliently deformable means.

Claims

1. A rope exercise simulation device comprising: a handle and an elongate housing with at least one internally located displaceable weight, the housing extends substantially orthogonally with respect to an axis of the handle; and at least one weight moving between ends of the housing act against one or more resiliently deformable means; wherein the elongate housing is rotatable with respect to an axis of the handle by means of a rotating joint; and a locking mechanism is provided to selectively lock the elongate housing and the handle to prevent relative rotation the handle and elongate housing.

2. A rope exercise simulation device according to claim 1 wherein the at least one internally located displaceable weight is arranged around, and is displaceable along, a shaft.

3. A rope exercise simulation device according to claim 2 wherein the at least one internally located displaceable weight includes at least one bearing that engages with the shaft.

4. A rope exercise simulation device according to claim 1 wherein the at least one internally displaceable weight is displaceable within a tube.

5. A rope exercise simulation device according to any preceding claim wherein the resiliently deformable means is at least one spring.

6. A rope exercise simulation device according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the resiliently deformable means is at least one resiliently deformable pad.

7. A rope exercise simulation device according to any preceding claim wherein a cross section of the handle is substantially circular.

8. A rope exercise simulation device according to any preceding claim includes at least one sensor to detect movement of the device or part of the rope exercise simulation device.

9. A rope exercise simulation device according to any preceding claim including at least one sensor arranged on the handle to sense a user status of a user holding the handle.

10. A rope exercise simulation device according to claim 9 wherein the at least one sensor is a skin contact sensor.

11. A rope exercise simulation device according to claim 10 wherein the skin contact sensor is a heartrate sensor.

12. A rope exercise simulation device according to claim 8 wherein the at least one sensor tracks movement of the at least one internally located displaceable weight.

13. A rope exercise simulation device according to either of claim 8 or 9 wherein the at least one sensor is an accelerometer.

14. A rope exercise simulation device according to either of claim 8 or 9 wherein the at least one sensor is a gyroscopic sensor.

15. A rope exercise simulation device according to any of claims 8 and 9 includes a processor which is operative to receive signals from the at least one sensor and to process the signals and output a signal indicative of number of exercise cycles (reps) and/or magnitude of force exerted in an exercise cycle.

16. A rope exercise simulation device according to claim 15 wherein the processor is located in the handle.

17. A rope exercise simulation device according to either claim 8 or 9 including a transmitter to transmit signals from the at least one sensor to a remote receiver.

18. A rope exercise simulation device according to either of claim 8 or 9 includes an alert means that is activated upon receipt of a processed signal from the at least one sensor.

19. A rope exercise simulation device according to any preceding claim wherein the handle includes a counterweight.

20. A rope exercise simulation device according to any preceding claim wherein the housing includes at least one counterweight.

21. A rope exercise simulation device according to any of claims 8 to 18 including at least one battery.

22. A rope exercise simulation device according to claim 21 including an energy harvesting mechanism to charge the at least one battery.

23. A rope exercise simulation device according to any of claim 8 or 9 with a processor operable with computer implemented software to analyse signals received from the at least one sensor.

24. A rope exercise simulation device according to any preceding claim wherein distal ends of the housing are returned so as to be directed towards a user when held by the handle.

25. A training apparatus comprising two devices according to any of claims 1 to 24.

26. A training apparatus according to claim 23, when dependent upon claim 17, wherein transmitted signals are processed simultaneously to obtain a score indicative of equal exercise input to each rope exercise simulation device.

27. A training apparatus according to claim 25 when dependent upon claim 17, wherein transmitted signals from two or more devices held by two or more users are processed simultaneously to obtain individual scores indicative of at least one preset parameter, or an optimal level or a time period.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0061] FIGS. 1A and 1C show a show side views of an outer surface of a first embodiment of the device with the outer casing removed from the handle and the housing in which the shaft and weight are beneath the internal casing;

[0062] FIGS. 1B and 1D show the opposite side of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C revealing the inner surface so that the weight and shaft are visible, with the outer casing removed from the housing, and the outer casing included on the handle;

[0063] FIG. 2 shows a pair of the first embodiment devices with the outer casing in place;

[0064] FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the rope exercise simulation device;

[0065] FIG. 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the second embodiment of the rope exercise simulation device;

[0066] FIG. 5 shows an exploded isometric view of the second embodiment of the rope exercise simulation device;

[0067] FIG. 6 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the second embodiment of the rope exercise simulation device; and

[0068] FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of the second embodiment of the rope exercise simulation device.

[0069] FIG. 8A shows an end view of the internal components of a third embodiment of the rope exercise simulation device; and

[0070] FIG. 8B shows an exploded view of the internal components of the third embodiment of the rope exercise simulation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0071] With reference to the figures there is shown three embodiments of the rope exercise simulation device 100, 200, 300. Like parts have the same reference numbers.

[0072] The rope exercise simulation devices 100, 200, 300 all have an elongate handle 1 that is grasped by a user during use and a housing 3 extending orthogonally from the handle 1.

[0073] The housing 3 houses a mechanism that simulates a rope being suspended from the handle, so that the exercise device 100, 200, 300 can be used to simulate training with battle ropes.

[0074] The housing 3 is substantially elongate and linear, defining an axis that is perpendicular to the axis defined by the handle 1.

[0075] The mechanism provided within the housing 3 is at least one weight 11 that is able to move back and forth along a cavity 3A within the housing 3 in response the movement of the device 100, 200, 300 by a user (not shown).

[0076] In the first embodiment 100 a single weight 11 is arranged on a shaft 14. Each weight 11 arranged on the shaft 14 includes at least one bearing (not shown) to permit smooth movement back and forth along the shaft 14.

[0077] The resilient means is a coil spring 12 arranged either side of the weight 11. The weight 11 can move back and forth along the shaft 14 so that the coil springs 12 engage alternatively with each end of the cavity 3A. At each end of the shaft 14 is a stopper 23 that receives the springs 12. The stopper 23 is intended to prevent damage to the ends of the housing and in some embodiments may act as a dampener.

[0078] The housing 3 is rotatable with respect to the handle 1 about a rotating joint 2. The rotation can be locked by a switch 21 that activates a locking mechanism to prevent rotation.

[0079] In the second embodiment 200 shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the housing 3 defines a cavity 3A and within the cavity 3A defined by the housing 3 there is provided an elongate cylindrical weight 11, which slides along an elongate cylindrical tube 14 when the device 200 is moved by a user.

[0080] The weight 11 is located between a pair of compression springs, one arrange either side of the sliding weight within the tube 14. The weight 11 thereby acts against the compression springs 12 located at either end of the tube 14 to force the weight 11 between the springs 12 when the device is moved by a user.

[0081] In the third embodiment 300 shown in FIG. 8 the housing 3 is not shown, only the internal components are shown.

[0082] In the third embodiment the coil spring 12 is shown embedded within the weight 11. The coil spring 12 extends from both sides of the weight 11. The weight has bearings that engage with the shaft for smooth movement of the weight along the shaft 14. In FIGS. 8A and 8B the weight is shown at three positions, the first end, the middle and the second end.

[0083] Some preferred dimensions are shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, but it is appreciated that embodiments may have different dimensions.

[0084] In preferred embodiments the range of travel of the weight or weights is at least 200 mm and ideally at least 300 mm.

[0085] The housing 3 of each device 100, 200, 300 is arranged to rotate on the handle 1 by means of a rotating joint 2. In this way whilst the handle is held, the housing and thereby the weights may spin about an axis in response to movement of a user.

[0086] The handle 1 of first and second embodiments of the device 100, 200 has a skin contact sensor 15 for measuring a parameter of the user. For example to measure heartrate when a user's palm and/or fingers or thumb are placed over the sensor surface 15.

[0087] The handle of the second embodiment has a transceiver 17 that is arranged within the handle. The transceiver 17 enables signals from the sensor 15 to be transmitted to a remote processor (not shown). The transceiver 17 is also able to receive signals from the remote processor (not shown).

[0088] In the second embodiment 200 the sensors are associated with a plate 15 forming an external contact surface, which is located on the handle 1 on an upper face of the handle, near to the housing 3, such that in use the user's hand (not shown) is located over the plate 15 of the sensors, providing skin contact therefor.

[0089] The handle 1 connects to the housing 3 by means of a rotating joint 2. In this way the housing 3 can spin about the joint as the user moves the device 100, 200, 300.

[0090] This enables the housing 3 to be rotated around the rotating joint 2, so that the housing 3 spins in an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of the handle 1. In this way a variety of different exercises may be accommodated, and the ends and internal weight are moved by a repeated action carried out by the user.

[0091] The rotatable joint 2 shown in the second embodiment (FIGS. 3 to 7) includes a dial around the rotating joint 2. A user can select ease of rotation using the dial and the dial may also be used to prevent rotation.

[0092] In the first and third embodiments 100, 300 there is a switch 21 that is associated with a lock mechanism that locks rotation of the housing 3 with respect to the handle 1.

[0093] In the second embodiment, the handle 1 internally includes a second spring 16 arranged to maintain the mechanism engaged at the mechanism end when rotated. The spring 16 permits moment between the handle and housing and will act to soften the movement of the housing with respect to the handle, therefore making it more comfortable for a user to hold for prolonged periods of time.

[0094] In the first embodiment 100 a counterweight 13 is provided at one end of the housing 3. In this way the weight distribution of the housing 3 is biased. This configuration will help maintain spinning momentum of the housing 3 with respect to the handle 1 about the rotating joint 2, and will also assist the user to hold the device in a particular orientation as the counterweight 13 will most easily be held at the lowest position.

[0095] In the second embodiment 200, a distal end of the handle 1 has an internally located counterweight 13. The counterweight 13 helps to balance against the weight of the housing 3 and provides greater simulation of training with ropes.

[0096] In all three embodiments, the handle 1 includes a core rod 18 for structure strength. Preferably the rod 18 is formed from steel or stainless steel to provide weight and structural strength.

[0097] In the first and second embodiments 100, 200 the handle 1 is shown with a sensor surface 15 that is operatively connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) 17 and at least one battery (not shown).

[0098] The battery (not shown) is rechargeable and may be recharged using a socket 19 on the handle 1 (see the first and second embodiments).

[0099] In the first embodiment the socket 19 is at a distal end of the handle 1 adjacent to a button 22 that is provided to turn on and off the Bluetooth? module.

[0100] In the second embodiment the socket 19 is shown extending to the opposing face of the handle 1 to the sensor plate 15.

[0101] The first embodiment 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a handle 1 that is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the fingers of a user having finger grips 1A.

[0102] All embodiments have a substantially smooth outer casing that encloses or provides a mounting for all components and ensures the devices are comfortable and safe to hold. The outer casing of the housing and handle are best shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

[0103] The outer casing of the housing 3 shown in the first and second embodiments 100, 200, has returned distal ends to provide curved ends directed towards a user when held by the handle 1. This shaping assists with a repeated up and down motion carried out by a user.

[0104] The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.