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Title:
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/091705
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
The invention relates to an exercising device (10) comprising an elongated support (14) structure for supporting the components of the apparatus, a handle (12) slidably coupled to the support structure (14) and arranged so as to be movable in at least two opposite directions in an essentially linear path with respect to the support structure (14), and means (16; 18; 22, 24', 24'', 26; 28, 29) for providing a counter-force to movement of the handle (12) in both directions.

Inventors:
OLSSON KARL-OLOF (SE)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2017/079763
Publication Date:
May 24, 2018
Filing Date:
November 20, 2017
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
HASER GYM EQUIPMENT AB (SE)
International Classes:
A63B21/00; A63B21/015; A63B21/16; A63B23/04; A63B23/12; A63B23/14
Foreign References:
GB2532718A2016-06-01
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BRANN AB (SE)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS:

1. Exercising device (10), comprising an elongated support structure (14; 102; 121; 131', 131"; 164; 182) for supporting the components of the device; a handle (12; 114, 116) slidably coupled to the support structure (14; 102; 121; 131; 164; 182) and arranged so as to be movable in at least two opposite directions in an essentially linear path with respect to the support structure (14), and

means (16; 18; 22, 24', 24", 26) for providing a counter-force to movement of the handle in both directions, said means being directly connected to the handle (12; 114, 116).

2. Exercising device according to claim 1, wherein a slider member (18; 100) is connected to the handle (12; 114, 116) providing the sliding coupling to the support structure, and wherein the device further comprises a rail (102; 121; 131 ', 131"; 164; 182), having a profile matching a recess in said slider member (18; 100).

3. Exercising device according to claim 2, wherein the slider member (18; 100) comprises an adjustable friction means (26; 128, 130, 132) for enabling selection of a desired resistance to movement of the handle (12; 114, 116).

4. Exercising device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the rail (102) has a cylindrical surface and wherein the slider member (100) comprises a body (108) which has a recess (110) with a circular inner shape fitting in a close fit to the surface of the rail (102).

5. Exercising device according to claim 4, wherein the slider member (100) comprises low friction means such that it can easily be slid along the rail.

6. Exercising device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the circular inner surface (118) of the slider member (100) is provided with a sliding bearing structure (120), comprising low friction material, or with a ball bearing type structure, in which case bearing balls ( 124) are provided in recesses ( 122) running in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the extension of the rail ( 102). 7. Exercising device according to claim 1 , wherein the handle comprises a rod ( 1 14) extending perpendicularly from the body ( 108), and a gripping ball ( 1 16) with a center hole extending through the ball ( 1 16) for easy mounting on the rod ( 1 14).

8. Exercising device according to claim 1 , wherein the means for providing a counter-force to movement comprises i) a first trundle (24) rotatably mounted in the elongated support structure, suitably at one end thereof

ii) a second trundle (24") rotatably mounted in the elongated support

structure at a distance from the first trundle (24').

iii) a belt (22) running in a loop around the trundles (24', 24") and along the support structure ( 14) between the trundles, and

iv) a variable friction member/ device/ element ( 102, 106, 108) arranged to provide a variable resistance to rotation of at least one of the trundles (24', 24")

wherein

the handle ( 12) is attached to the belt (22) and extends from the support structure ( 14) at essentially right angles to the belt (22), so as to enable a sliding movement of the handle in two directions with respect to the support structure ( 14).

9. Exercising device according to claim 1 or 8, wherein the handle ( 12) extends out from the support structure through a slit (32) in the housing (30) extending along the elongated structure ( 14).

10. Exercising device according to claim 1 , 8 or 9, wherein the means for providing a counter-force to movement comprises any of a highly viscous medium, sand (16), or friction surfaces (28).

1 1. Exercising device according to claim 1 , wherein the means for providing a counter-force to movement comprises a linear actuator type of device (28), such as hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric, and further comprising an actuator rod (29) that is adapted to exert a force F on the handle ( 12), said force (F) being adjustable from weak to strong, and feedback means ascertaining that a counter-force provided can be set to a desired resistance such that it will be possible to move the handle against the force F, and optionally means for adjusting the speed of the actuator.

12. Exercising device according to claim 1 , wherein the handle ( 12) comprises a handle grip ( 12) and is rotatable against a friction such that exercising of the wrists can be obtained by turning the handle grip ( 12).

13. Exercising device according to claim 1 , further comprising mounting means for rigidly securing the device to a frame structure (72 ; 80; 90; 12 1 ; 13 , 13 1 ") .

14. Exercising apparatus, comprising a frame structure having mounting means for mounting of at least two devices according to any of claims 1 - 13 in a plurality of orientations, and optionally mounting means for rigidly securing the devices to frame structure (72 ; 80; 90; 12 1 ; 13 1 ', 13 1 ") .

15. Exercising apparatus, comprising a frame structure (72 ; 80; 90; 120; 13 , 13 1 ") having mounting means for mounting of at least two exercising devices according to any of claims 1 - 14 in a plurality of different orientations, the exercise apparatus optionally comprising mounting means for rigidly securing the devices to a stable frame structure.

16. Exercising apparatus according to claim 15 9, wherein the mounting means is adapted for enabling mounting of the two devices in at least three different orientations (X, Y, Z) .

17. Exercising apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the mounting means are provided to arrange the two devices in a pair-wise configuration, in 1 ) a X direction in which they are essentially aligned with each other and horizontal, the handles extending in the same direction; or

2) a Y direction in which they are essentially parallel with each other; or

3) a Z direction in which they are essentially parallel with each other, but wherein the handles point in opposite directions.

18. Exercising apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the mounting means for the X-direction provide pivot points at the ends of the devices located adjacent each other.

19. Exercising bicycle having a frame (72) and a couple of pedals (74), as well as a handle bar (76) with two handles (76', 76"), and comprising two exercising unit devices ( 10) according to any of claims 1 to 13, attached to said handle bar by a coupling device (78), the coupling device being attachable to the handle bar (76) and comprises a plurality of mounting elements adapted to enable arranging the unit devices ( 10) in a plurality of orientations in three dimensions. 20. Exercising apparatus for mounting in a door opening (DO) between the upper and lower ends (122, 123) thereof, or on a wall, comprising at least one vertical post (121 ; 131 ', 131"), and at least one exercise unit device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 13 attach to said post(s) and attachable at various height and orientations along the post(s) (121; 13 , 131 ") so as to provide exercise options in several dimensions (X, Y, Z).

21. Exercising apparatus according to claim 20, comprising two vertical posts (131 ', 131 ") having one exercise unit device (10) each attached thereto. 22. Exercising apparatus comprising a frame structure (180) provided as two parallel frame members (182), wherein one exercise device (10) according to claim 1 is attached to each frame member (182), the frame members being long enough to allow running along them while pushing the handles of the exercising devices ( 10) either with one hand or using both hands.

23. Exercising apparatus according to claim 21 , wherein the frame members ( 182) are more than 5 m long preferably more than 10 m long.

Description:
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

The present invention relates generally to exercising apparatuses and in particular to equipment for concentric and eccentric exercise.

Background of the Invention

Most exercise apparatuses such as those found in gyms are designed for exercising one dedicated muscle or group of muscles. Thus, in order to provide a versatile exercise one has to make use of several apparatuses during a work-out.

There are multi-functional apparatuses available for home use. These apparatuses are relatively limited in terms of what functions can be provided, or they are large and bulky. Many exercise devices have in common that they provide exercise in one direction at a time only. As an example, a machine for practising "biceps curl" would encompass a lever loaded with some weight, the lever being attached to a pivot point. A person grips a handle and moves the lever along a circular path whereby the weights are lifted, which provides a "positive" resistance force to be overcome by the same muscles in both directions.

Another type of home exercise that is common is the stationary bike for cycling. This exercise is for cardio and not really for strength or building muscular mass. If the latter is desired one needs to supplement the exercise or work-out with weight lifting or the like.

There are also combination machines where one single device can provide different types of exercising by providing a variety of different set-ups of the device. A prior art apparatus disclosed in GB-2,532,718 A comprises a housing inside which a carriage having four wheels rolls through a channel and a vertical grip attached to the carriage. The user pushes or pulls the grip forwards and backwards to move the carriage which is connected to a chain. The chain is coupled to a heavy fly-wheel arranged separately from the housing. A resistance adjustment knob is provided in order for the user to select a desired resistance in the exercise. This apparatus is large and bulky and requires a dedicated support frame. It cannot easily be adapted to other applications. Summary of the Invention

In view of the short-comings of the prior art apparatuses and devices, the inventor has devised a new apparatus for enabling combined cardio and muscular exercise, but also for pure muscular and/ or rehab exercise, and in particular for enabling exercise in several dimensions (directions) by simple adjustment of the apparatus. In particular it enables working in two directions using opposite muscles for the same set-up of the device. Due to the inventive design the apparatus requires very little space.

In one aspect there is provided a simple unit device which provides a counter force against movement of a handle in opposite directions along an essentially straight path. Thus, as opposed to the "biceps curl" mentioned above, the new device provides similar exercise in both directions.

The novel device is defined in claim 1. Thus, the invention relates to an exercising device comprising an elongated support structure for supporting the components of the apparatus, a handle slidably coupled to the support structure and arranged so as to be movable in at least two opposite directions in an essentially linear path with respect to the support structure, and means for providing a counter-force to movement of the handle in both directions, said means preferably being directly connected to the handle.

In a further aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising the novel device, and defined in claim 14. This, an exercising apparatus is provided, comprising a frame structure having mounting means for mounting of at least two exercising devices according to any of claims 1 - 14 in a plurality of different orientations, the exercise apparatus optionally comprising mounting means for rigidly securing the devices to a stable frame structure. In still a further aspect an exercising machine according to claim 15 is provided.

It comprises a frame and a couple of pedals, as well as a handle bar with two handles, and comprising two exercising unit devices according to any of claims 1 to 13, attached to said handle bar by a coupling device, the coupling device being attachable to the handle bar and comprises a plurality of mounting elements adapted to enable arranging the unit devices in a plurality of orientations in three dimensions. Furthermore, in another aspect an exercise apparatus for mounting in a door opening or on a wall is provided, and defined in claim 20.

It comprises at least one vertical post, and at least one exercise unit device according to any of claims 1 to 13 attach to said post(s) and attachable at various height and orientations along the post(s) so as to provide exercise options in several dimensions.

In particular an apparatus comprising two vertical posts having one exercise unit device each attached thereto is provided, and defined in claim 21. In summary, the advantages with the apparatus is that it is possible to use one single device which is not bulky, will be able to exercise in three dimensions, opposite muscles can be exercised at the same time, and switching between eccentric and concentric exercise is possible. The novel apparatus will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus not to be considered limiting on the present invention, and wherein

Figs, la-g illustrate schematically various embodiments;

Fig. 2 is a view from above of a unit device;

Fig. 3 is a front view of the device of Fig.1 ;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a unit device;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a unit device with housing removed;

Fig. 6 shows mounting of a handle to a support structure: Figs. 7a-c schematically show attachment of a unit device in different orientations on a stationary bicycle;

Figs. 8a-c illustrate an embodiment having a frame structure with two frame rods for mounting a unit device in various orientations;

Fig. 9 illustrates an embodiment having a single frame rod;

Fig. 10 illustrates pivoting of the unit device at its mounting point;

Fig. 1 1 shows one embodiment of a friction generating means;

Fig. 12 illustrates centre mounting of a frame structure in a door opening using a single support post;

Fig. 13 illustrates mounting of a frame structure in a door opening using two separate support posts;

Figs. 14-15 show in detail the encircled part in Fig. 12 with different orientations of unit devices;

Fig. 16 illustrates an embodiment of unit device having two points of attachment and a shackle connecting them;

Fig. 17 shows an end view of the device in Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 schematically illustrates an exercise apparatus having two support poles, for supporting one unit device on each;

Fig. 19 schematically illustrate a possible alternative orientation of unit devices on the embodiment of Fig. 18;

Figs. 20-21 illustrate a person sitting and exercising; and

Fig. 22 shows a further embodiment of the system.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Fig. 1 (a-d) schematically illustrates the basic principle behind the new exercising device.

It is based on the provision of means for generating a resistance to movement in two opposite directions along an essentially straight path of a handle member coupled to said resistance generating means. The resistance can be provided e.g. by friction. In particular the resistance generating means is preferably directly connected to the handle, and thereby the device requires very little space. By "directly connected" we mean for the purpose of this application that it is attached to the handle without any intermediate means for transferring the force.

Fig. la shows a first embodiment of a unit device 10 comprising a handle 12 which is attached by means of a coupling means 13 to an elongated 14 support structure, such as a rod suitably having a circular cross-section, although rectangular or triangular or other cross-sections are possible, in a sliding relationship (details of the attachment of the handle 12 will be given below). The handle 12 extends down into a medium that provides resistance to movement such as a highly viscous medium, or sand 16. Any medium providing the desired resistance is possible.

In Fig. lb another embodiment is shown. Here the handle 12 is provided with a flat element 18 having a high coefficient of friction, resting against another high friction member 19, the friction being symbolized by the "hatched" portion 20 between the members. In order to increase or decrease the friction for providing variable resistance, there can be provided simple tightening means such as screws (only symbolized with force (F) arrows in the figure).

In Fig. lc a further embodiment is schematically shown. Here the handle 12 is attached to a belt 22 running around a pair of trundles 24', 24" arranged at opposite ends of the device 10. Each trundle 24' 24" is freely rotatable around a respective axis A. Variable resistance is provided by providing adjustable friction means 26 on at least one point, e.g. at one trundle (shown symbolically in Fig. lc). Details of such a solution will be described further below.

In Fig. Id a still further embodiment is shown. This embodiment can be regarded as a "dynamic" variant as opposed to the "static" variants of Figs. la-c. Namely, in Fig. Id there is provided a linear actuator type of device 28, which could be hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric. It comprises an actuator rod 29 that will exert a force F on the handle 12. Feedback means will ascertain that a counter-force provided by the person exercising can be set to a desired resistance such that it will be possible to move the handle against the force F. Suitably, the device in this embodiment is provided with a "dead mans grip", i.e. should something unexpected occur the operation terminates the instant the user lets go of the handle.

Fig. 1 e-g illustrate a still further embodiment.

The unit device 10 in this embodiment comprises a slider member 100 configured to mate with a rail 102 comprising two distinct parts. Thus, the elongated rail comprises a first upper part 104 having a cylindrical surface and a second bottom part 106 having flat surfaces. It could also be described as a first rod with a cylindrical cross- section to which a second rod having a rectangular cross-section has been attached in the longitudinal direction. The composite structure comprising the two rods will have a cross-section that resembles a key-hole shape. Of course such a composite rod could be made in one piece by machining an elongated starting rod to the desired shape, e.g. by milling, or if e.g. aluminium, steel or polymer materials are used by extrusion methods.

The slider member 100 comprises a body 108, suitably of aluminium although any other material that provides the required stability and function is possible. The body has a recess 1 10 with a circular inner shape fitting in a close fit to the cylindrical surface of the rail 102. There is a cut-out part 1 12 in the body 108 having a width W that essentially mates with the lateral width W of the rectangular part 106 of the rail 102, such that the slider 100 can be slid on to the rail 102 from one end thereof.

The surface of the circular inner recess of the slider member 100 is provided with low friction means such that it can easily be slid along the rail. Preferably, the inner surface is also provided with a sliding bearing structure, or alternatively with a ball bearing type structure, in which case bearing balls are provided in recesses running in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the extension of the rail. Preferably, gliding bearings are used exclusively.

Fig. lh is a cross section at A-A in Fig. le. It illustrates the bearing structure for providing the sliding of the slider member. Thus, the body 108 of the slider member 100 on its inner circular surface 1 18 can be provided with elongated pieces 120 of a low friction material and/or recesses 122 in which bearing balls 124 are mounted. In Fig. lh every other gliding element is a low friction material and every other comprises ball bearings. Any combination of such means is possible, e.g. only ball bearings or only low friction material elements, or combinations in different ratios, however as indicated above, use of only low friction materials as gliding bearings are preferred.

The gliding bearings comprise conventional materials, suitably a polymer material, e.g. a plastic material.

The slider member is also provided with a handle 1 14, 1 16. Suitably the handle is a spherical structure of a relatively soft material such as rubber or polymer, for ease of gripping. In the embodiment shown in Figs, le-h the handle comprises a rod 1 14 extending perpendicularly from the body 108. On the rod 1 14 there is a gripping ball 1 16 with a centre hole extending through the ball for easy mounting on and removal from the rod 1 14. Thereby the gripping ball 1 16 can easily be replaced if need be by a new ball or by a grip having some other constitution. The size of the ball is easily adapted to fit different hand sizes.

In order to provide adjustable force against movement along the rail, the slider member 100 is provided with a clamping means 126 acting on the surfaces of the rectangular portion of the rail, as shown in Fig. le. This clamping means in one embodiment comprises two plate members 128, 130 having low friction surfaces resting against opposite sides of the rectangular rail part 106. One of the plates is coupled to a screw 132 and when the screw is tightened the plate will press harder against the rail surface, thereby increasing the resistance to movement of the slider along the rail 102.

For eccentric exercise the actuator device can be set to provide a force that is large enough that the person exercising cannot withstand the force. Therefore, the force is adjustable between "weak" and "strong". Also the speed is variable.

Fig. 2 shows a device in one design that is generic to the embodiments of Figs. la-d. Thus it shows a housing 30 in which the mechanism for generating the resistance is housed. The housing has a slit 32 through which the handle 12 extends. As indicated with a ghost line the handle is movable in the direction of the slit to the extremes of the slit 32. The housing is not required per se although it is suitable in certain

embodiments to provide a housing in order to protect the mechanisms but also to eliminate tampering.

Fig. 3 is an end view of the device of Fig. 2 and shows an adjustment knob 34 for adjusting the resistance force. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the device showing the handle 12 design more clearly.

The actual grip 12' of the handle 12 can be attached to a rod 12" that is narrow enough to fit in the slit 32. The handle grip 12' can be attached so as to be rotatable around the rod 12" against a friction such that exercising of the wrists can be obtained by turning the handle grip 12' around the rod 12".

Also seen in Fig. 4 there are pivot points for axes A for trundles (trundles not visible in Fig. 4), as employed in the embodiment according to Fig. lc. Thus, suitably the trundles are carried by the housing structure 30 by means of the axes A. In Fig. 5 an embodiment of the mechanism shown in Fig. lc is shown in more detail with the housing taken away.

In this embodiment the handle 12, comprising the handle grip 12' and the handle rod 12", is mounted on slide rods 14. There are two parallel glide rods 14 for stability reasons. The coupling means 13, which can also be referred to as a slide member, shown in closer detail in Fig. 6, comprises two bore holes B', B" through which the slide rods 14 run. The slide member/ coupling means 13 is preferably made of a material providing low friction. The slide member/ coupling means 13 is connected to the belt 22 simply by means of a nut and bolt 36 type of means in the shown embodiment. Any other fastening that would secure the handle properly is of course possible.

Figs. 7a-c illustrate the basic inventive idea of providing an exercising device enabling exercise in a plurality of dimensions. Thus, in Fig. 7a two unit devices 10 are attached to e.g. a stationary exercise machine 70, schematically illustrated as having a frame 72 and a couple of pedals 74, as well as a handle bar 76 with two handles 76', 76".

The unit devices 10 are attached to the handle bar 76 by means of coupling device 78. The coupling device can be attached to the handle bar 76 and comprises a plurality of mounting elements adapted to enable arranging the unit devices 10 in at least three dimensions. The orientation of Fig. 7a is referred to as the X-dimension.

In Fig. 7b the unit devices 10 are oriented in a Y-dimension, perpendicular to the X- dimension, and in Fig. 7c they are oriented in a Z-dimension (i.e. vertically with respect to the plane of the paper). Fig. 7d shows a still further embodiment. Here the unit devices 10 are attached to a handle structure 700 (only one unit device 10 is shown on the right side of the handle, but normally one unit is attached on each side) which itself can be mounted on e.g. an existing exercise bike in a home environment. Suitably a mounting ledge (not visible in the figure) having a longitudinal recess is first attached to the vertical stand 702 of the bike, whereby the handle structure 70 is adjustable in height by locking it in a desired position along the recess in the ledge. Alternatively, positioning holes can be provided in the frame of an existing bicycle, thereby providing fixed positions with respect to height. Locking of the handle in its mount to the frame is achieved with conventional locking means and is not part of the invention per se.

It is also possible that the support on which the ordinary handle of an exercise bike is mounted, already is adjustable in height. Instead of the above possibilities, of course the handle support could be designed in a telescoping manner, i.e. where the support comprises an outer and an inner tube, wherein the inner tube is slidable and can be positioned at different heights. This is conventional technology and does not form part of the invention per se.

Preferably the mounting means 704 for the handle is such that the handle can be rotated in the mounting means to provide different angles in use. Likewise, the mounting means 706 for the unit devices 10 are designed to allow for rotation to a desired position of the devices. Thereby it becomes possible to allow almost limitless variation with regard to orientation of the exercise devices. The mounting means 704, 706 in a simple embodiment, shown in enlarged vie in the circle in Fig. 7d, can comprise two metal or polymer blocks 708, 709 with recesses 710, 71 1 such that when clamped together form a tubular channel between them in which a handle bar an fit. Suitable locking means, such as screws 712 or lever type locks 714, can be provided to tighten and loosen the mounting means 704, 706.

Fig. 8 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus. This comprises a stable support structure in the form of a frame structure, generally designated 80, comprising frame rods 81 , on which unit devices 10 are attachable in a plurality of orientations X in Fig. 8a, Z in Fig. 8b and Y in Fig. 8c. The attachment of unit devices to the frame 80 is by means of coupling devices 82, which are in turn attachable to the frame rods 81 by suitable couplings of any standard type.

Fig. 9 illustrates a variant of the embodiment in Fig. 8 comprising a stable structure in the form of a frame structure 90 having a single frame rod 91 for mounting the unit devices 10. Coupling devices 92 are provided in a similar manner to the devices of Fig. 8. However, in this embodiment the coupling devices 92 are attached to cross-bars 94 mounted on the frame rod 91.

Fig. 10 illustrates a detail of the unit devices 10. In order that a sideways movement of the handles 12 be more ergonomic, the point of attachment 100 of each unit device 10 is preferably pivotable, to accommodate the circular path provided when e.g. forearms swing sideways with respect to a person's body.

Fig. 1 1 shows an embodiment of a friction force control device 1 10. The design is a standard type friction control means e.g. usable in other exercising equipment for producing resistance to motion, such in stationary bikes.

It comprises an adjustment screw 102 threadingly arranged in a borehole in the housing of a unit device or in a separate holder 104. The screw 102 pulls on a suitably slightly elastic band 106, running around a part of one of the trundles 108 mentioned previously (compare Fig. lc). If the screw is unscrewed it will tighten the band 106, and vice versa. In Figs. 12 and 13 still further embodiments 120, 130 of an apparatus for mounting in a door opening are shown.

In Fig. 12 a vertical post 121 extends in the middle of a door opening DO between the upper and lower ends 122, 123 thereof. Unit devices 10 are attachable at various heights and orientations along the post 121 so as to provide exercise options in several dimensions (X, Y, Z). In Fig. 12 the unit devices are operable in the Z-dimension.

Details of mounting in other dimensions are shown in Figs. 14 and 15, X-dimension in Fig. 14, Y-dimension in Fig 15. Fig. 13 is a variant having two vertical posts 131 ', 131 " having one unit device 10 each attached thereto. In all other respects this embodiment is similar to the one in Fig. 12.

Fig. 16 illustrates an embodiment of the slider member that may be particularly useful for use in the apparatuses disclosed in Figs. 12-15.

Here, two slider members 160, 161 are connected via a shackle like structure 162 carrying the handle elements H and connecting the two slider members 160, 161. In this way the slider members are separated lengthwise from each other on a guide rail 164. Suitably the distance between them is 20 - 40 cm, although this measure is in no way critical.

The shackles 162 are pivotally attached to the slider members 160, 161 , such that the user himself can decide the separation between the hands while exercising. In Fig. 17a-b, which is a view in the direction A-A in Fig. 16, the pivoting function is illustrated, Fig. 17a showing a wide separation of the handle elements, Fig. 17b a narrow separation of the handle elements. Fig. 18 and 19 illustrate a further embodiment where two unit exercise devices are pivotally mounted on one vertical post each. In Fig. 19 the unit devices are shown in an alternative orientation for providing a different type of exercise. Figs. 20 and 21 illustrate further variants of an apparatus. It comprises a frame structure 160 having a seat 162. Here the unit devices 10 are pivotally attached (at 163) to a frame rod 164 such that e.g. biceps curl type exercise can be performed.

Fig. 22 illustrates still another embodiment wherein the frame structure 180 is provided as two parallel frame members 182 which are long enough (say 10 m or more) to allow running along them while pushing the handles 12 according to the invention, either with one hand (as shown) or using both hands.

While the invention has been described herein primarily with reference to exercising of hands and arms, the ideas and principles are equally applicable for exercise of other parts of the body. This would encompass some adaptations in sizing of the apparatus and components as well of means for mounting, but that pertains to the field of a skilled man and is therefore within the scope of the appended claims.