FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a multiple use exercise apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] People engaging in exercise involving weight training and other activities such as those involving exercise rollers typically have to use different items of equipment for these purposes. This can give rise to inconvenience, excessive consumption of space, and undesirable cost, especially where such exercise is to be done in the home environment.

OBJECT

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate the above disadvantages associated with weight training equipment or to provide a useful alternative thereto.

SUMMARY

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed herein a multiple use exercise apparatus including: an elongate main body having two opposite ends; at least one main body handle secured in relation to the main body between the ends; and respective weight components adapted to be secured to the main body at each of the two ends, such that at least one of the weight components is detachable from the main body.

[0005] Preferably said at least one weight component includes at least one weight component handle and preferably constitutes at least part of an exercise free-weight when so detached.

[0006] Preferably each of the weight components is detachable from the main body and includes at least one weight component handle so as to constitute an exercise free- weight when so detached.

[0007] Then, preferably each of the weight components is adapted to constitute a kettlebell when so detached.

[0008] In another preferred embodiment, each of the weight components is adapted for attachment, thereto, of barbell disk weights. [0009] Preferably the or each weight component is detachably connected to the main body by a detachable connector.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the or each detachable connector is constituted by a resilient element on one of the main body and corresponding weight component, and which is adapted to snap-engage a catch on the other of the main body and corresponding weight component.

[0011] Then, preferably, the or each resilient element includes a connector protrusion and the catch includes an aperture adapted to releasably receive the protrusion.

[0012] Preferably each weight component includes a said resilient element.

[0013] Preferably the or each connector includes a screw.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the main body is substantially cylindrical so as to be rollable if supported on a flat surface, so as to constitute an exercise roller.

[0015] Then, preferably, the main body has an outer main body radial surface, and said at least one main body handle is recessed with respect to the main body radial surface so as not to project radially outwards of the main body radial surface.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the main body includes a cylindrical core and a complementary outer sleeve adapted to be a snug fit on an exterior radial surface of the core, such that an outer surface of the sleeve constitutes said main body radial surface.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve includes at least one respective aperture adapted to be aligned with the or each main body handle when the sleeve is disposed as said snug fit on the cylindrical core.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the main body radial surface includes a plurality of juxtaposed ribs extending longitudinally with respect to the main body, the ribs being disposed at least partially around the circumference of the main body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompany drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a multiple use exercise apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; [0021] Figure 2 is a schematic first side view of the exercise apparatus of Figure 1;

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic partly exploded second, opposite side view of the exercise apparatus;

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic end view of the exercise apparatus;

[0024] Figure 5 is a schematic partly exploded view corresponding to Figure 3, but with an outer sleeve of the apparatus shown separately from the core that it covers;

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic partly exploded view similar to that of Figure 5 but of the first side;

[0026] Figure 7 is a schematic fully exploded view of the apparatus;

[0027] Figure 8 is a schematic side view of a grub screw of the apparatus;

[0028] Figure 9 is schematic perspective view of a weight component of the embodiment of Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 10 is a schematic side view of a weight component according to a different embodiment to the embodiment of Figure 9;

[0030] Figure 11 is a schematic side view of a weight component of Figure 10 rotated through 90 degrees;

[0031] Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a main body of another embodiment multiple use exercise apparatus;

[0032] Figure 13 is a schematic side view of the main body shown in Figure 12;

[0033] Figure 14 is a schematic top view of the main body shown in Figure 12;

[0034] Figure 15 is a schematic end view of the main body shown in Figure 12;

[0035] Figure 16 is a schematic exploded side view of the main body shown in Figure 12;

[0036] Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of a central body portion of the main body shown in Figure 12;

[0037] Figure 18 is a schematic front view of a body panel of the central body portion of Figure 17; [0038] Figure 19 is a schematic rear view of a body panel of the central body portion of Figure 17;

[0039] Figure 20 is schematic perspective view of a main body handle of the main body shown in Figure 12;

[0040] Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view of an end cap of the main body shown in Figure 12;

[0041] Figure 22 is a schematic side view of a weight component for use with the main body shown in Figure 12;

[0042] Figure 23 is a schematic bottom view of the weight component shown in Figure 22;

[0043] Figure 24 is a schematic side view of an alternative weight component for use with the main body shown in Figure 12;

[0044] Figure 25 is a schematic bottom view of the weight component shown in Figure 24;

[0045] Figure 26 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the weight component of Figure 24 orientated to be located on an alternative end cap;

[0046] Figure 27 is a schematic perspective view of the weight component of Figure 26 located inside the alternative end cap; and

[0047] Figure 28 is a schematic perspective view of the weight component of Figure 27 having undergone rotational movement within the end cap so as to be secured therein.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] Referring to the drawings, there is shown a multiple use exercise apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 includes an elongate, cylindrical main body 12 having two opposite ends 14 and 16. Secured to the main body 12 at each ends 14, 16, are respective weight components 18. The main body 12 includes a cylindrical core 20 and an outer sleeve 22 of elastomeric material.

[0049] On one side of the core 20, between the ends 14, 16, there are provided two circular apertures 24, while on the opposite side of the core, there are provided four circular apertures 26.

[0050] In each of the apertures 24, 26, there is disposed a respective handle component 28, which includes a cup formation 30 defining a recess 32, with a main body handle 34 extending across the recess. [0051] The sleeve 22 defines circular apertures 36 which are aligned with each of the circular apertures 24, 26 of the core 20, when the core is disposed within the sleeve, as described further below.

[0052] The sleeve 22 has an outer surface 38 which constitutes a radially outer surface of the main body 12. The outer surface 38 of the sleeve 22 includes groups 40 of ribs 42, which extend longitudinally with respect to the cylindrical shape of the main body 12. The ribs 42 in each group 40 are juxtaposed with respect to each other, while the groups themselves are spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical shape of the main body 12 so as to be 90 degrees apart, from the centre of each group to the centre of the next group.

[0053] The core 20 defines a pair of apertures 44 adjacent to each of the ends 14, 16 of the main body 12, while the sleeve 22 has apertures 46 disposed to be aligned with the apertures 44 in the core, when the core is disposed within the sleeve 22 as described further below.

[0054] Each weight component 18 includes a weight component body 48 and a weight component handle 50.

[0055] Each weight component body 48, in turn, includes a tab portion 48.1 which is joined to the remainder of the weight component body at a base end 48.2 of the tab portion, and separated by a gap from the remainder of the weight component body at the side edges 48.3 of the tab portion. As a result of this configuration, each tab portion 48.1 can be moved, by flexing relative to the remainder of the weight component body, about the base end 48.2 as indicated by the arrow 48.4 in Figure 7.

[0056] Protruding from each tab portion 48.1 is a circular platform 52. Each circular platform 52 has one side 52.1 which is chamfered, and defines a threaded screw hole 54.

[0057] In addition, each weight component 18 includes a collar 56 which projects slightly beyond the radially outer surface 58 of the respective weight component 48, so as to define a shoulder 60.

[0058] The weight component body 48 of each weight component 18 is dimensioned so as to be an easy sliding fit in a respective end of the core 20. As each weight component 18 is inserted into a respective end of the core 20, chamfered side 52.1 of each circular platform 52 on each tab portion 48.1 engages with the edge 20.1 of the core at that respective end. Because of the chamfered configuration, this engagement forces each tab portion inwards, towards an inner axis 48.5 of the relevant weight portion. This, in turn, allows the each circular platform 52 to pass beyond that edge 20.1 as each weight component 18 is inserted into the respective end of the core.

[0059] When the circular platforms 52 of each weight component 18 reach and come into alignment with the apertures 44 near the respective end of the core, the circular platforms can snap into place in the apertures. In this manner, the weight components 18 are locked in place with respect to the core 20.

[0060] The shoulders 60 act as stops to limit the extent of insertion of the weight component bodies 48 into the core 20.

[0061] The relative dimensions between the core 20 and sleeve 22 are such that the sleeve can be slid into the core so as to be a snug fit thereon. In this position of the sleeve 22, the apertures 36 and 46 of the sleeve are aligned with the corresponding apertures 24, 26, 44 and core 20.

[0062] In the assembled apparatus 10 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the handle components 28 are located in respective apertures 24 in the core 20, with studs 64 of the handle components being received in holes 66 in the core (see Figure 7). The formation of the studs 64 and holes 66 is such that when the handle components 28 are inserted in the apertures 24, the handle components are essentially non-removable.

[0063] The apertures 36 of the sleeve 22 provide access to the main body handles 34.

[0064] Further, when the apparatus 10 is in its assembled condition as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the weight components 18 are disposed so that the weight component bodies 40 are inserted in the ends of the core 20, as described above.

[0065] Grub screws 68 are provided for preventing removal of the weight components 18 from the core 20, and hence from the sleeve 22, by preventing the tab portions 48.1 from being manually pressed inwards towards the axis 62 of the core 20. The grub screws 68 are accommodated in the screw holes 54, with the screw thread of the grub screws being complementary to the screw thread of the corresponding screw hole. With the grub screws 68 removed, each tab portion 48.1 is free to be pressed inwards towards the axis 62 of the core 20, so that the circular platforms 52 are clear of the apertures 44 and therefore so that the weight components 18 can be removed from the core 20.

[0066] It will be noted that as a result of the apertures 46 in the sleeve 22, the head 70 of each grub screw 68 is accessible from outside the sleeve. Each head 70 is provided with a slot 72 for accommodating a suitable tool for screwing the grub screws 68 into and out of the relevant screw holes 54. Similarly, when the grub screws 68 are removed, the circular platforms 52 are also accessible from outside the sleeve 22 via the apertures 46, and can be pressed inwards for releasing the weight components 18.

[0067] The apparatus 10, when in its assembled position, constitutes a multiple use exercise apparatus.

[0068] For one such use, the apparatus 10 constitutes a free weight that can be lifted by a user holding the main body handles 34, in a similar fashion to that in which the user might lift barbells.

[0069] In this regard, the four main body handles 34 provided at one side of the apparatus 10 as shown in Figure 3 provide different positions at which a user may hold the apparatus by gripping the relevant main body handles. While the main body handles 34 at that side of the apparatus 10 are angled substantially perpendicularly to the axis 62, the main body handles on the opposite side of the apparatus, as shown in Figure 2, are positioned so as to be at acute angles relative to the direction in which the axis 62 extends. This provides for greater versatility, as it allows the user to position his or her hands differently than if the user were holding the main body handles 34 on the first-mentioned side of the apparatus 10.

[0070] The primary weight of the assembled apparatus 10 as shown in Figures 1 and 2 is provided by the weight component body 48 of each of the weight components 18.

[0071] Each weight component 18 can be removed from the remainder of the apparatus 10, by unscrewing the grub screws 68 using a suitable tool (not shown) such as a screwdriver, or even a coin. Once the grub screws 68 are removed, the weight components 18 can be withdrawn from the ends of the core 20 as shown, for example, in Figure 3.

[0072] Once each weight component 18 has been removed from the remainder of the apparatus 10, it can be used by a user as a kettlebell weight by means of the user holding the weight component handle 50. When the user has finished using one or both of the weight components 18 in this manner, the user can reassemble the weight components with the remainder of the apparatus 10, by inserting the weight component bodies 48 in the respective ends of the core 20, and reapplying the grub screws 68.

[0073] When the apparatus 10 is in its assembled condition as shown in Figures 1 and 2, neither the grub screws 68 nor any part of the handle components 28, including the main body handles 34, protrude beyond the outer surfaces 38 of the sleeve 22. Therefore, the assembled apparatus 10, because of its cylindrical shape, is free to roll along a flat surface. This enables the apparatus 10 to be used as, and to constitute, an exercise roller allowing the user to engage in exercise activity involving the user placing part of his or her body on the outer surface 38 of the sleeve 22, and causing the apparatus 10 to roll along a floor surface in the conventional manner of using an exercise roller.

[0074] The ribs 42 can serve to facilitate frictional engagement between the user' s body and the apparatus 10.

[0075] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, there is shown a weight component 80 of a different type to the above-mentioned weight components 18. Each weight component 80 has a straight cylindrical portion 82 instead of a weight component handle 50. Except where otherwise mentioned, features of these weight components 80 corresponding to the above-mentioned weight components 18 are designated by the same reference numerals as used for those above weight components.

[0076] The cylindrical portions 82 are adapted for attachment of conventional weights (not shown) as would be used in conventional barbells. Such weights can be placed onto the cylindrical portions 82 and secured in placed in the normal manner as would be understood by those skilled in the art of ordinary barbell users. For example, the weights may be held in place by normal spring clip collars (not shown).

[0077] Figures 12 to 16 show an alternative main body, generally indicated with the reference numeral 100, for use in another embodiment multiple use exercise apparatus. The main body 100 comprises a central body portion 102 having two cylindrical end caps 104. As shown in Figure 16, the central body portion 102 has recessed end portions 106 at its ends 108. The end caps 104 are sized to be slid onto the end portions 106. The end caps 104 have holes 110 which can be placed in register with holes 112 in the ends 108, shown in Figure 17, of the central body portion 102. With the holes 110 and 112 in register the central body portion 102 and the end caps 104 are secured with suitable fasteners.

[0078] Referring to Figures 17 to 19, the central body portion 102 comprises two identical body panels 114 which are attached to one another. The body panels 114 each include two body panel openings 116 which are configured to be placed in register with the body panel openings 116 of the opposing body panel 114 so as to define two apertures 118. The apertures 118 are sized to receive main body handles 120, as shown in Figure 12. To secure the body panels 114 to one another a plurality a fastening holes 122 are provided. The fastening holes 122 of the two body panels 114 are configured so as to be placed in register and then secured with suitable fasteners. Adhesive may also be employed to ensure attachment.

[0079] A main body handle 120 is shown in Figure 20. The main body handle 120 is adapted to be pivotally secured within the apertures 118 of the central body portion 102 so as to provide for multiple orientations of use.

[0080] Figure 21 is a perspective view of one of the end caps 104. The end cap 104 includes a first guide formation 124 operatively associated with a second guide formation 126 on a weight component 128, shown in Figure 22. The weight component 128 is sized to be slidingly received within the end cap 104. In this embodiment the first guide formation 124 comprises two protrusions while the second guide formation 126 comprises a recess sized for slidingly receiving the two protrusions. To slide the weight component 128 into the end cap 104, a user aligns the first and second guide formations 124 and 126 and then slides the weight component 128 into the end cap 104. Once the weight component 128 has been located in position within the end cap 104, two biased locking members 130, of the weight component 128 will snap-engage corresponding end cap holes 132 in the end cap 104. In this configuration the weight component 128 is secured within the end cap 104. In this embodiment the locking members 130 are biased with the use of two helical springs 134. To remove the weight component 128 a user applies a compressive force to the locking members 130 so that they become depressed and are not obstructed by the cap holes 132. The weight component 128 is hereafter slid from the end cap 104.

[0081] Figure 24 and Figure 25 show an alternative weight component 140. The weight component 140 is different from the weight component 128 in that a single biased locking member 142 is provided. The locking member 142 is biased with the use of a helical spring 144.

[0082] Referring to Figures 26 to 28, the weight component 140 is to be secured to an end cap 146. The end cap 146 includes a first guide formation 148, here in the form of two pairs of protrusions which are adapted to be slidingly engaged in a corresponding slot 150 providing a second guiding formation on the weight component 140. To locate the weight component 140 within the end cap 146, the first and second guide formations 148, 150 are aligned whereafter the weight component 140 is slid into the end cap 104. To secure the weight component 140 within the end cap 104, the weight component 140 is rotated by the user until the biased locking member 142 snap-engages an end cap hole 152. Rotation of the weight component 140 is enabled by the second guide formation including a transverse slot 154 through which the protrusions of the first guide formation 148 pass during rotation.

[0083] Although the invention is described above in relation to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not limited to those embodiments, but may be embodied in many other forms.