Exercise apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for slot-in exercise or for warming-up before exercising sports or games includes a resistance device ( 2 ) with a handle ( 4 ). The resistance device exercises resistance to a movement which occurs when the user pulls the handle ( 4 ). The resistance device ( 2 ) is secured on one end of a spacer ( 1 ), and an abutment ( 3 ) is secured on the other end of the spacer ( 1 ). The length and angle of the spacer may be adjusted to meet the user's needs. The abutment ( 3 ) is in contact with the user during exercise and transfers a part of the reaction forces from the resistance device ( 2 ) to the spacer ( 1 ). The abutment ( 3 ) is connected to sensors for sensing different exercise parameters which are then stored in a computer. The spacer ( 1 ) is supported by or included in a support member ( 6 ) which may be an item of furniture or a part thereof, but also a mobile unit, such as a golf cart, a cleaning trolley or a golf bag.

1 . An apparatus for so-called slot-in exercise in a workplace environment, or for warming-up before exercising sports or games and comprising a resistance device ( 2 ) disposed to exercise resistance to a movement to which it is subjected by a user, the resistance device ( 2 ) having a gripping member ( 4 ) by means of which it is activated by the user, characterised by a spacer ( 1 ) of a predetermined length at least during use, the resistance device ( 2 ) being connected to the spacer ( 1 ) and an abutment ( 3 ) which is disposed on the spacer ( 1 ) and which is disposed to be brought into contact with the user for transfer thereto of at least a part of the reaction forces that are transferred to the spacer ( 1 ) from the resistance device ( 2 ).  
   
   
       2 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , characterised in that the spacer ( 1 ) has a first end region and a second end region in which the abutment ( 3 ) is disposed, and that the resistance device ( 2 ) has an anchorage point in the spacer ( 1 ) which is movable along the spacer from the first end region at least a part of the length of the spacer towards the second end region.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  or  2 , characterised in that the predetermined length of the spacer ( 1 ) is substantially constant and independent of the force to which it is subjected by the resistance device ( 2 ).  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  3 , characterised in that the predetermined length of the spacer ( 1 ) is greater than the length of the resistance device ( 2 ) when this is in the unloaded state.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  4 , characterised in that the abutment ( 3 ) is in the form of a plate.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 5 , characterised in that the plate has a padding ( 19 ) on that side which is intended for abutment against the user.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  6 , characterised in that the resistance device ( 2 ) includes an elastic, stretchable element.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  6 , characterised in that the resistance device ( 2 ) includes a weight loading.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  6 , characterised in that the resistance device ( 2 ) includes a brake member.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  9 , characterised in that the resistance device ( 2 ) is a double device with two equal branches, each branch having a gripping member ( 4 ).  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  10 , characterised in that the spacer ( 1 ) is connected to a support member ( 6 ) which is disposed to keep the spacer ( 1 ) in a position suitable for exercise.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 , characterised in that the support member ( 6 ) has a bottom portion ( 7 ) which is disposed for placing on a substrate, preferably a floor, and which is positioned in relation to the spacer ( 1 ) so that, when the user stands on the bottom portion ( 7 ), the spacer ( 1 ) is in a position suitable for exercise.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 11  or  12 , characterised in that the support member ( 6 ) or the spacer ( 1 ) includes an anchorage ( 13 ) for securing in a wall ( 14 ).  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  13 , characterised in that the spacer ( 1 ) is designed as a bar.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  9 , characterised in that the spacer ( 1 ) has anchorages ( 18 ,  20 ) for securing on an item of furniture, preferably a table top ( 17 ).  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  9 , characterised in that the spacer ( 1 ) is an item of furniture or a part thereof, in particular a table top ( 17 ).  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus as claimed in any of  claims 11  to  16 , characterised in that the support member ( 6 ) is an item of furniture.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  9 , characterised in that the spacer  1  has anchorages for securing on a mobile unit.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 18 , characterised in that the mobile unit is a cleaning trolley, a golf bag or a golf cart.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a number of sensors for sensing exercise parameters, such as protraction length/-force/-speed of the abutment ( 3 ), times for and duration of exercise, selected settings of the apparatus etc., and for storage thereof in a computer.