Patent Application
20190366142
The present invention relates to a weights system, and in particular to weights system for use with a blade apparatus.
Dumbbells with exchangeable weights are well known. A simple system is used where weights of an appropriate weight are threaded on to the bar, and held in place. The bar is generally threaded at the end portions so a threaded nut can be screwed on to maintain the one or more weights in place. During training and either progressively or when changing from one exercise to another it is usual to want to adjust the weights, to add or remove weights to add or lower the overall weight to be lifted.
One of the disadvantages to the known method of using weights and a bar is that to adjust the weights the screw holding all the weights in place must be loosened, threaded right off the end and the weights then removed or added to, to adjust the weight. Weights are balanced and so the laborious process must be repeated on the other side before the training can be resumed. Due to the time required it is often the case that a compromise weight is used, a weight suitable for several exercises, but not the optimal weight for training, simply to avoid the need to adjust the weight for every single exercise performed. The training time available may be short, and so these compromises are made to save time but degrade the quality of the possible training on muscle groups.
The inventor has developed a clever weight system that can be used to exchange the weights easily, and quickly so the correct weight can be used for an exercise and very little time or effort is required to make the change. The method does not required all the weights to be removed to make a change, instead one or more weight can be exchanged or removed, leaving other weights in place. The quick press in and release system is much quicker and simpler to use than any existing method, and much easier than conventional screw on fixings. It is anticipated that the invention will become the industry standard for gyms and other serious weight lifters, due to the adaptability and ease of use. The invention can be used to quickly perform weight exercises, including stand weight exercises, as well as through use of the blade form used as a “sword” like movement, with one or more weight to vary the training. The invention provides a new form of exercises apparatus that can be used in a plethora of ways, some traditional some completely new.
Beneficial use of a sword in movement exercises, such as tai chi is well known. The sword is moved smoothly through sequences in the practise and the length and weight of the extended sword adds to the training of the exercise. Use of a metal sword in exercise classes, gym or at home by an individual is clearly not possible, or practical, in most situations. Even a blunt sword can cause injury or could be put to unsafe use and so would require to be locked away at the end of the session, which is inconvenient. It may not be possible to obtain a suitable sword to perform the exercises and if you do get one, it will not be able to be transported. Even travelling from home to a fitness class, it would be awkward, or possibly embarrassing, to take your favoured sword on the bus without some raised eyebrows, at the very least!
Use of a sword for movement exercises is most beneficial. The weight of the sword, as well as the extended length acts to increase the effort required to move through the sequences, as compared to moving the arm alone. The training on the arms, and core as the sword is held dramatically heightens the training effect of the movements when performed. The weight of the sword is fixed, however, and is generally very heavy for a beginner to hold extended for any length of time. It may be impossible for some people even to lift the sword, due to the weight and lack of experience in wielding a sword. The sequence of movements themselves require some training and practise. It is very difficult for a beginner, therefore, to learn the sequence of movements to be performed, as well as training their fitness and skills to be able to hold the weight of the sword. Some people may give the exercise a single try and find it must too difficult and not return. It would be most beneficial to have a fitness item that replicates the benefits of a sword, for sequences of movements but without the inherent disadvantages. It would also be desirable to be able to have an article for fitness movements that can be used like a sword but is adjustable in weight to make the exercises easier or more difficult to enable a novice through to an experienced user to perform the exercises. It would also be useful to have a versatile apparatus that can be used for weights, and separately blade with weight exercises.
The inventor has developed a weight system and blade apparatus as a surprisingly effective apparatus for a sequence of movements with adjustable weights. When used in combination with the weights system the blade apparatus is a highly adaptable article that can be used for a very wide range of exercises. The adjustability of the weights mean that the difficulty and targeted muscles can be quickly and easily adjusted for a particular person. Further the adjustability means that highly tailored weight adjustments may be made at particular locations. This highly tailored and adaptable weighted blade provides a surprisingly effective exercise article, unlike anything seen before. The versatility and adaptability of the blade, weights and system open up numerous new exercise and performance possibilities for the user, to keep them engaged, interested and challenged in their training.
The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to a weight system and blade apparatus as is a particularly advantageous use of the invention, and a preferred embodiment. However, the weight system may be used with a bar on any suitable means, not limited to the blade. The blade can also be used independently, with conventional weights, in an inferior form of the invention. The use of the blade and weight system is a most beneficial use of the invention, however.
For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a weights system that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is a further, separate, object of the invention to provide a weight system and blade apparatus that ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is a yet further and separate object of the present invention to provide a method of use of a weights system.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a weights system, for use with a bar, the weights system including:
wherein the lock and release mechanism enables quick and easy exchanging, removal or addition of weight to the bar for use in a sequence of exercises.
The bar may be the bar of any suitable equipment. The bar could be the bar of a weight bar or dumbbell arrangement in some forms of the invention. The bar may have any suitable cross-section. The bar may be square in cross-section. The bar may be circular in cross-section. The bar may be any length suitable for use to perform the exercise. The bar may be a short bar similar to those used for dumbbell arrangements. The bar may be a longer bar similar to those used for weight lifting with two hands. Most preferably, the bar is adapted for use as a blade or sword for performing the movements.
Most preferably, the bar is the bar of a blade apparatus. The blade apparatus may take any suitable form. Preferably, the blade apparatus can be used similar to a sword to move through a sequence of movements. The blade apparatus may emulate any bladed instrument. The blade may emulate use of a sword, dagger or scimitar. The blade apparatus may include an end. There may be a central part to which an end and handle attach. A hilt or shield for the hand may be included with the handle. Any suitable hand protection may be included. Preferably, the weights system attaches about the bar or post of the blade apparatus. There may be a shaft or post to which an end and handle attach with weights between. The form of the blade apparatus may be varied to suit the particular application. Most preferably, the blade apparatus has a shaft or post with a circular cross-section and the weights system readily connects onto the rounded bar through use of the lock and release mechanism.
The body of the weights system may take any suitable shape. Preferably, the body is a convenient shape to fit about the bar. Preferably, the body includes a handle part that enables the weight system to be readily lifted and installed on the bar with one hand. The handle may take any suitable shape. Preferably, the handle is an incorporated cut-out through which a hand may be put to lift the body. Preferably, the weight system body can be easily picked up and exchanged in a single movement in one hand by use of the handle. Most preferably, the body is adapted to be easily handled and readily used to change the weights applied to the bar or blade apparatus.
The body may be formed in two halves joined during manufacture. The body may take any suitable form. Preferably, the body surrounds the lock and release mechanism. The body may be made of any suitable material. The body may include the weight means integrally from the weight of the material of which it is made. Alternatively, the weight means may be separate from the body. The body may be made of a metal material and the metal material body is the weight means. Other heavy items may instead be contained inside the body depending on the form of the apparatus. To give weight to the apparatus the body may contain items or may itself be made of a heavy material, or a combination of the two. In some cases the weight may be a low weight, but for a person starting out this will be sufficient for learning and training. For more experienced users very dense heavy materials may be used to give greater weight to the assembly in use.
The body may include a cover. A plastics or other suitable cover may be included to make the body more comfortable to handle. Preferably, the shape of the body is substantially square or rectangular. The body may be any suitable shape to fit about the bar. The shape of the body may form substantially cuboid as illustrated in the description with cut-outs for a handle, to slot on to the bar and for the release button.
The weight means may take any suitable form. Preferably, the body itself includes the weight means. Otherwise separate weight means may be included. The weight means may be metal parts. Any heavy material may be used instead.
The useful weight may be any suitable weight. The useful weight may be chosen from the group: 500 grams; 1 kilogram; 2 kilograms; 5 kilograms; 7.5 kilograms; or 10 kilograms, for example. Multiple weights or weight systems can be used to create the overall desirable weight. Small or large weights can be adjusted and used to suit the exercise. Further, the location of the weights, makes a difference to the difficulty and training of the exercise to be performed. Preferably, the location of the installation of the weights changes the nature and difficulty of the exercise to be performed. Preferably, the body may be installed at one or more location on the bar. Preferably, the body may be installed at a plurality of locations on the bar. Preferably, the lock and release mechanism enables the weight systems to be installed at a range of locations on the bar. Preferably, the lock and release mechanism enables the weight means to be installed at any suitable location on the bar. Preferably, more than one body is installed. Preferably, more than one body can be installed at more than one location. In one form of the invention up to two weights can be installed at one or two locations. Most preferably pairs of weights can be used to adjust the weight at one of two locations on the bar or blade apparatus. Preferably, the blade apparatus includes a location for installation of the weight system. Preferably, the blade apparatus is adapted to have two locations, each for installation of weights and each location can take, two, one or none weights.
The useful weight may be any suitable weight to perform an exercise. The actual weight may depend on the person doing the exercise. Where the person is recovering from an illness or is elderly the weight may be lower than for a fit person training for high level sports. Again, the invention is very adaptable for a wide range of users and circumstances. The exercise may be any suitable exercise. The exercise may be used as a blade or sword to perform a sequence of movements.
The lock and release mechanism may take any suitable form. Preferably, the lock and release mechanism may be operated singlehandedly. Preferably, the lock mechanism and release mechanism can readily be operated between the two states with a single operation. Preferably, the lock and release mechanism enables very easy lock and release of the weight system on the bar such that multiple changes can be made throughout an exercise session without undue inconvenience.
The lock mechanism may include pushing the bar into a suitable slot on the body whereby the body is maintained on the bar. A moving part may be included, a moving part may be included that moves between a locked position and a released position. A bias spring may be included to assist in the moving of the moving part. The moving part may be held in a locked position once the bar has been pushed into the mechanism. The moving part may be held by a catch. The catch may include a projection that catches in a receiving part. The moving part may include the projection or the receiving part.
Most preferably, a single action of passing the bar into the body of the weight system and locking mechanism locks the weight onto the bar. The single action is preferably an easy action to perform with one hand.
Release may be achieved by any suitable means. Release may be achieved by pressing a button. The button may be connected to the lock release mechanism. Preferably, the button releases the catch so that the moving part can move freely and release the weight from the bar. A spring may be include to bias against the action of the button. Preferably, a positive push on the button is required to release the catch. The release is intended to be quick and easy but for safety a positive action must be undertaken to release the weight so that the weight does not release accidentally.
In a most preferred form of the invention the lock mechanism works by pushing the weight on to the bar and a release button is included to release the mechanism so that the weight can be removed. A catch and moving part is preferably included with springs to bias the movements.
Preferably, the body includes a slot and the bar passes within the slot to be in contact with the lock mechanism and thereby locked to the bar. The slot may take any suitable shape. The slot is preferably configured to be a similar dimension to the bar and to surround it when in the locked state.
The retaining on the bar is preferably the retaining on the bar such that the weight is kept in place. Preferably, the weights are held firmly in place in the locked state so that they do not move while being used to perform a sequence of movements.
Preferably, the locked state is the strong hold of the weight in place on the bar. The locked state may also be the maintenance of the weight on the bar suitable for use to perform an exercise. Preferably, the released state enables removal of the body or weight from the bar.
Preferably, the ease exchange is such that it can be performed singlehandedly. Preferably, 4 weights can be exchanged within a minute ready for the next exercise. Preferably, the exchange enables a different weight program to be used for each and every exercise, if desired.
The sequence of exercises are preferably chosen from the group of those described in the description. Any suitable sequence of exercises may be included. The exercises may include squats, lunges, front raises or similar exercises in some forms of the invention. The sequence of exercises may be to emulate use of bladed weapon. The emulation may be of a stick or bar instead.
Preferably, the sequence of exercises are to emulate the use of a sword and move smoothly through a sequence of these exercise.
In one form of the invention there is a separate lock mechanism and a separate release mechanism, as would be understood this may be varied somewhat.
Accordingly, the present invention also provides a blade apparatus including:
Preferably, the blade apparatus is used with the weight system of the invention in any of its forms or variants.
Accordingly, the present invention also provides in a variant a weight system and blade apparatus including:
Accordingly, the invention also provides a method of use of a weight system, the weights system including a body, a weight means contained within or otherwise associated with the body, to give the weight system a useful weight for performing exercise, a lock and release mechanism, contained within or otherwise associated with the body, the lock and release mechanism movable between a locked state, whereby the body and weight means are retained on the bar, and a released state which is operable to release the body and weight means from the bar, the method including the following steps:
Preferably, the bar is a blade apparatus. Preferably, the release is actioned by pressing a button. Preferably, the blade apparatus with attached weight system may be used to perform a sequence of exercises.
Accordingly, the present invention also provides a method of use of a blade apparatus, the blade apparatus including an elongate part and a handle part, associated with the elongate part, the method including the followings steps:
Preferably, the blade apparatus is used with the weight system of the invention in any of its forms or variants. The blade apparatus and weight system are preferably used together to create a very useful sports tool, for training.
The blade and or weight system of the invention can be manufactured industrially and supplied to wholesalers, retailers or customers directly for sale and use.
The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Referring to
The weight system and blade apparatus 1 is generally made of stainless steel with the weights made of steel with a plastic coating for handling, the steel to give them sufficient weight to be suitable for training. In other forms of the invention the weights could be made of other metals, or other dense materials including plastics. Any suitable materials or combination of materials may be used with a plastic or other protective cover. Lighter weights can be used optionally for people of low start strength, with injuries, the elderly or young children.
Bar 10 is a long pole with a circular cross-section of stainless steel, strong enough to resist damaged or bending when in use with the weights attached. Other forms and shapes of cross-section may be used instead. Any suitable strong metal may be used instead for the bar too, and may be different if the weights are formed of a plastics material as a strong plastic material could then be used instead.
Weight attachments 16, 18, 20 and 22 are illustrated as 7.5 kilogram weights, to create a total weight of 30 kilograms when all four are in place. The weights attachments will be provided individually or in a full set in a range of weights. For example, weights attachments 16, 18, 20, 22 may be any of 2.5 kilogram, 5 kilogram, 7.5 kilogram used alone or in combination to make 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 kilogram combinations. Greater or lesser weights can be used to suit the particular use and application within the scope of the invention.
As can be seen in particular in
Each of weights 16, 18, 20 and 22 includes a slot 34, 36, 38 or 40 respectively, at it is through use of these slots over bar 10 that the releasable locking attachment is achieved through use of locking release mechanism labelled generally 42, 44, 46, 48.
Each weight 16, 18, 20 and 22 has a handle 50, 52, 54 and 56 to enable easy handling of the weights. The handle is a convenient shape to slip the hand through to pick up the weight and slide over bar 10 when attaching and locking in place before exercise Extra grip shaping, or soft cover could be included for these parts, to ease handling.
Bolts 58 hold the weights 16, 18, 20 and 22 together with locking release mechanism 42, 44, 46 and 48 safe inside only interacting through slot 34, 36, 38, 40. Bolts 58 are in the usual manner of two halves which may be secured together during manufacture.
Each of locking release mechanism 42, 44, 46 and 48 include the same parts, moving part 60, axle 62, cut-out 64, spring 66, connections 68, receiving part 70, connecting part 72, driving part 74, axle 76, spring 78, locking release mechanism 80 and pegs 82 and 84. Button 86 is the release mechanism to release weight 20 from being firmly locked on bar 10. The clever invention uses a very easy means of lifting weight 20 by handle 54, such that it can be lowered on to bar 10 and clicked in place with one hand. Pressing button 85 enables bar 10 to pass inside mechanism 46 to held firmly therewithin as described further below, and be removed single-handedly.
Each locking release mechanism, such as 46, has moving part 60 moveable between the locked position as illustrated in
Spring 66 is attached at connection 68 of moving part 60. Spring 66 moves between an unsprung and tensioned state during the locked and release states. Spring 66 is unsprung when part 60 is in the locked position and tensioned when the moving part 60 is in other positions. In this way spring 66 is bias to hold moving part 60 in the locked position in use but can be readily pushed past by pushing up with bar 10 into slot 38 and cut-out 64. Once the bias of spring 66 is overcome then moving part 60 remains in place, locked about bar 10 due to connecting part 72 and 73 engaging as shown in
The locking of weight 20 is therefore very easily achieved even with one hand, and similarly can be very easily removed by depression of button 86. Locking release mechanism 80 can be seen to the side of locking and release mechanism 46 and interacts therewith by means of pegs 82 and 84.
Depression of button 86 pushes the button into a recess (not labelled) so that peg 84 is moved from the locked to open position. In the locked position of peg 84 corresponding peg 82 is in contact with connecting part 72 holding it in place on connecting part 73. On depression of button 86 connecting part 72 is not in contact connecting part 73 with moving part 60 so it can move freely.
Once the weights as desired are in place the blade is ready to use. The nature of the blade is such that it may be desired in some exercises to put weights on towards the end as this creates a very strong training instrument when used with extended arms. Other exercises may vary the weights at either of the two locations for mounting weights. The blade can be used to perform cardio based exercises which may concentrate on blade like motions and separately weight movements, concentrating on use of the weight action for weight training. One of the many advantages of the invention in the versatility of being able to use for movements, and weighted exercises in a very wide range of forms to train in a very wide range of methods.
The invention is a very quick and easy means to exchange the weights with the push fit or release through use of a button, even performable with one hand. The simple method of use makes it easy to adjust the weights to be correct, and appropriate for each exercise of set of exercises to be performed. Use of other arrangements discourage the exchange of weights but the invention makes it quick and simple.
The blade arrangement is particularly beneficial as it enables use of the apparatus to work through sequences of movements similar to use of a sword. This use with extended arms, strong legs and firm core muscles creates a whole body exercise that can then target specific muscle groups. The use of the blade also creates an immensely satisfying exercise program as use of the sword shape is strong and empowering movement. The blade fitness moves can be summarised as follows:
In use the weight system and blade may be used in fitness programs for individual use, or for a class. The structure of the program may be summarised in example as follows:
There are numerous sequences and movements, including those listed above as base moves, and other moves that can be performed. Referring to
A “figure of 8 movement” is illustrated in
The movements here and others could be adapted for use of a shorter blade such as a dagger. More jabs and stabbing movements could be incorporated to the movement as appropriate. The arm movements would be much the same, but with reduced weight and length.
Clearly, a fun and rewarding workout can be achieved in use of the invention, which can be varied somewhat, these being useful illustrative examples. The inventor has developed a versatile, adjustable product and method that is likely to be very well received once available to the public, for all skill ranges. The ready adaptability, through use of the adjustable weight system enables the same article to be used by a person from their first lesson through to being highly skilled and perhaps teaching others.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiment disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016905390 | Dec 2016 | AU | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AU2017/051465 | 12/27/2017 | WO | 00 |
