“Exercise Device”

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an exercise device for use in training and in the building and/or improving of general body strength, particularly upper body strength. It also relates to methods of using the exercise device. The device is especially useful in multidisciplinary and compound training.

[0002] Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Background Art

[0003] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] Exercise devices for improving general fitness and in particular upper body fitness are well known in the art and cover a wide range of devices. These can include multicomponent weightlifting devices typically employing counter-balanced weights and pulley mechanisms as used in fitness centres.

[0005] Simpler devices such as weight training devices are also commonly used in the fitness industry. Devices such as barbells, dumbbells, weight balls (such as medicine balls, slam balls etc) may all be used in a variety of ways for an individual to exercise specific muscles or muscle groups and improve upper body strength.

[0006] Many of the weight devices are fixed weighted, particularly barbells, dumbbells and weight training balls, meaning they are one weight only, although able to be varied, and typically for a particular exercise regime. [0007] Alternative devices include more cardio-based exercise devices such as battling ropes. Battling ropes can be provided as single or two rope combinations and are of sufficient innate weight that when used result in predominantly cardio- based exercise, although other benefits such as upper body strength are also improved. These ropes can be affixed to a wall or floor or can be held by a second person. The idea is to cause the ropes to move in an undulating fashion, the method improving both upper and lower body strength and improving cardio-vascular fitness.

[0008] However, the aforementioned devices, especially battling ropes, have numerous disadvantages including, the need for ample room to use them as they require a large area to train, the need for fixing points to affix them at one end, they are hard to manoeuvre, are very noisy, require supervision, and are costly.

[0009] It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved exercise device that achieves the positive outcomes of improved body power, strength and fitness, preferably improved cardio-vascular health and at the same time overcoming some of the disadvantages of existing exercise devices.

Summary of Invention

[0010] In a first aspect of the invention there is provided an exercise device comprising:

(i) a baton having a distal weighted end and a proximal support end;

(ii) an arm supporting portion at the support end having a securing portion; and

(iii) a handle portion adjacent to the arm supporting portion; wherein:

(1 ) the arm supporting portion is of sufficient longitudinal extent to provide support to the forearm and adjacent wrist of the user to resist angular movement therebetween;

(2) the securing portion is disposed for attachment to an arm band connector for fixed attachment to an arm of a user of the exercise device; and (3) the handle portion is disposed for gripping by the fingers and thumb of the user.

[0011] Preferably, the arm supporting portion is enlarged relative to the handle portion.

[0012] Preferably, the arm supporting portion has an intermediate tapered portion or stepped portion to gradually reduce the peripheral surface of the baton from the arm supporting portion to the handle portion and support the wrist of a user in position mitigating the stress imposed on the wrist by holding the baton.

[0013] In this arrangement, the hand of a user of the exercise device may comfortably grip the baton with the wrist maintained in a locked position relative to the forearm to reduce stress on the wrist whilst moving the baton.

[0014] In one preferred embodiment, the securing portion comprises a recess within the arm supporting portion incorporating a glide buckle.

[0015] Preferably, the buckle is a tri-glide buckle having a pair of slots and a bar through which webbing that forms part of a webbing strap of the arm band connector may repose.

[0016] In this manner, the arm supporting portion may accommodate webbing of the arm connector to positively secure and bind the support end of the baton to the arm of a user.

[0017] Preferably, the distal end of the baton comprises a detachable weight to be fixedly and releasable secured by a securing arrangement to the baton end.

[0018] Preferably, the length of the baton(s) is in the range of about 250mm to about 900mm long.

[0019] Preferably, the baton is cylindrical and has a diameter in the range from 25mm to 65mm.

[0020] Preferably, the baton less the detachable weight weighs in the range of about 500gm to 3 kg.

[0021] Preferably, the baton is formed of resiliently flexible material. More preferably, the baton is resiliently flexible along its entire length. [0022] More preferably, the range of flexibility is within a about 1 degree to 45 degrees as measured from the vertical axis of the baton and measured at or substantially near the distal end of the baton when torque is applied from rapid reciprocating hand movement.

[0023] Preferably, the baton is capable of moving in a plurality of directions and within the range of movement the baton is capable of a substantially circular motion.

[0024] Preferably, the handle portion comprises a grip to facilitate clasping of the baton.

[0025] Preferably, the distal end weight securing arrangement is a bayonet fitting, where the weight is formed with a spigot-end having a plurality of radial clips and the distal end of the baton is formed with a socket having a plurality of corresponding apertures to releasably lock the clips into position in response to angular rotation of the weight.

[0026] Alternatively the securing arrangement may be selected from a group consisting of snap-lock mechanisms, male/female locking mechanisms, spring- loaded locking mechanisms, thread and screw mechanisms and push-press mechanisms.

[0027] Preferably, the detachable weight may be selected as one from a group of weights of corresponding design but of differing weight that can be individually substituted for each other. These differing weights may be in the range from 25 to 500 grams per weight. More preferably, the weights are provided as 25 gram, 50 gram, 100 gram, 150 gram, 200 gram, 250 gram, 300, 350 gram, 400 gram, 450 gram or 500 gram weights.

[0028] Preferably, the additional weights are colour coded for weight selection and ease of use.

[0029] Preferably, the exercise device is provided as a pair of batons.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment, the securing portion may comprise a recess within the arm supporting portion defining a longitudinal slot extending axially along a portion of the arm supporting portion periphery and an expanded opening at one end of the slot permitting access of a connector head of a connector pin into and out of the slot, the connector pin forming part of the arm band connector.

[0031] Preferably, the slot is closed towards the proximal support end and open towards the distal weighted end forming a continuous passage into the expanded opening. Preferably, the expanded opening is shaped substantially in the form of a circle or oval to permit ingress and egress of the connector head.

[0032] In one variation of the alternative embodiment, the longitudinal slot and the expanded opening are disposed within a housing assembly formed with a slotted opening surmounting the longitudinal slot and the expanded opening to define a cavity within the recess, so that the housing assembly is contained within the locus of the periphery surface of the arm supporting portion.

[0033] In another variation of the alternative embodiment, the longitudinal slot is disposed within a housing assembly formed with a slotted opening surmounting the longitudinal slot to define a cavity within the recess, whereby the housing assembly is disposed externally of the locus of the periphery surface.

[0034] In either case, the slotted opening is aligned with the longitudinal slot and opens into the expanded opening to define the passage and receive the shank of the connector pin with the connector head disposed within the cavity to allow movement within and along the slot.

[0035] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an exercise device comprising:

(i) a baton having a distal weighted end and a proximal support end;

(ii) an arm supporting portion at the support end having a securing portion;

(iii) a handle portion adjacent to the arm supporting portion; and

(iv) an arm band connector is adapted for fixed attachment to an arm of a user of the exercise device; wherein: (1 ) the arm supporting portion is of sufficient longitudinal extent to provide support to the forearm and adjacent wrist of the user to resist angular movement therebetween;

(2) the securing portion is disposed for connection to the arm band connector; and

(3) the handle portion is disposed for gripping by the fingers and thumb of the user.

[0036] In one preferred embodiment, the securing portion comprises a recess within the arm supporting portion incorporating a glide buckle; and the arm band connector comprises a forearm and wrist brace moulded to conform to the general shape of a user’s outer forearm adjoining the wrist, and webbing forming a strap having a fastener at terminal ends to positively engage and bind the brace to the outer forearm and wrist of the user.

[0037] Preferably, the buckle is a tri-glide buckle having a pair of slots and a bar through which the webbing is fed.

[0038] In this manner, the webbing is adapted to feed through the buckle and the terminal ends of the strap are fastened to positively secure and bind the support end of the baton to the inner forearm wrist of the user by tightening the fastener against the brace on the outer forearm and wrist of a user, clamping the forearm and wrist in a holding position for the fingers and thumb of the user to grasp the baton.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the securing portion may comprise a recess within the arm supporting portion defining a longitudinal slot extending axially along a portion of the arm supporting portion periphery and an expanded opening at one end of the slot.

[0040] Preferably, the slot is closed towards the proximal support end and open towards the distal weighted end forming a continuous passage into the expanded opening. [0041] Preferably, the longitudinal slot is disposed within a housing assembly formed with a slotted opening surmounting the longitudinal slot to define a cavity within the recess.

[0042] Preferably, the arm band connector comprises a detachable wrist and arm support band and a carriage assembly tethered thereto for connecting to the securing portion of the baton.

[0043] Preferably, the wrist and arm support band comprises a band of material that securely wraps around the wrist of the user. Preferably, the band of material is resiliently expandable and is secured by a fastener selected from the group consisting of elasticised straps, straps having a releasable belt and bucket assembly, straps having hook and eye securing means (Velcro), and straps having snap / lock fastening means.

[0044] Preferably, the carriage assembly comprises a connector plate and a connector pin, the connector pin comprising a shank projecting outwardly from a connector side of the connector plate having a diameter marginally less than the transverse extent of the slotted opening, and a terminal head at the distal end of the shank having a transverse extent greater than the transverse extent of the slot and marginally less than the transverse extent of the recess disposed on the underside of the slotted opening; and the expanded opening is shaped substantially in the form of a circle or oval of marginally greater transverse extent to permit the ingress and egress of the terminal head.

[0045] In this manner, the terminal head can be retainably engaged within the slot by entering the expanded opening and slid along the slot with the shank reposed within the slotted opening, whereby the underside of the head is positively retained by the underside of the slotted opening and the shank is capable of moving marginally along and rotatably within the slotted opening.

[0046] Preferably, the carriage further comprises a tether fixedly connected at end thereto and at the other end to the wrist and arm band support thereby tethering the carriage to the wrist and arm band support. [0047] In a further alternative embodiment, the securing portion may comprise a recess within the arm supporting portion incorporating a releasable locking assembly to lock the terminal within the slot.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0048] Figure 1 - Illustrative view of use of standard battling ropes that forms part of the prior art.

[0049] Figure 2 - Illustrative view of the use of the batons of the invention performing exercises in lieu of the use of standard battling ropes, in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.

[0050] Figure 3 - Front perspective view of a single baton in accordance with the first embodiment showing a weight removed from the distal end.

[0051] Figure 4 - Cross sectional view of the baton shown in Figure 3 taken through the handle portion.

[0052] Figure 5 - Cross sectional view of the baton shown in Figure 3 taken through the arm supporting portion.

[0053] Figure 6 - One side view of the baton shown in Figure 3 with the weight attached and the securing portion disposed beneath the arm supporting portion without the arm connector attached.

[0054] Figure 7 - Opposing side view to Figure 6.

[0055] Figure 8 - Top view of the baton shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0056] Figure 9 - Bottom view of the baton shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8

[0057] Figure 10 - Bottom perspective view of the baton shown in Figures 6 to 9

[0058] Figure 11 - Front perspective view of the baton showing it connected to the arm connector and in position assembly in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.

[0059] Figure 12 - Illustrative view of the use of the batons of the invention performing exercises in lieu of the use of standard battling ropes in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention. [0060] Figure 13 - Front perspective view of a single baton of the invention in accordance with a second specific embodiment of the invention.

[0061] Figure 14 - Front perspective view of the baton of Figure 12 showing an exploded view of the wrist attachment securing assembly.

[0062] Figure 15 - Perspective side view of the arm band attachment and securing assembly of the baton shown in Figure 12.

[0063] Figure 16 - Longitudinal cross section of the baton shown in Figure 12 with the connector pin in isolation of the arm band connector for illustrative purposes disposed in an operable position.

[0064] Figure 17 A - Cut away section of the baton similar to Figure 15 showing the connector pin in isolation of the arm band connector for illustrative purposes disposed for ingress to the opening of the recess within the arm supporting portion.

[0065] Figure 17B - Cut away section of the baton similar to Figure 15 showing the connector in isolation of the arm band connector for illustrative purposes sited within the longitudinal slot of the recess and showing its possible movement axially along slot.

Description of Embodiments

[0066] The following description is made with reference to several specific embodiments. It should be noted that in the description of different embodiments the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar features.

[0067] As noted above there are numerous types of exercise devices and in this context battling ropes may be considered to be the most analogous device to which use of the batons of the present invention can be compared and contrasted.

[0068] Figure 1 illustrates a standard use of battling ropes 1 by a person 3. These ropes 1 can be either free standing, that is they are not attached to anything, and can lie directly on the ground; or can be held by another person at the non-use end and due to their weight undulate with use. This can have disadvantages in that whilst these types of ropes are traditionally very heavy, they can in fact move during use and require a substantial amount of room to be used. Even where the ropes are secured to a floor or wall mounting they pose a hazard to other persons. They are also very noisy in use and are cumbersome to work with and store.

[0069] In contrast the exercise device of the invention as described in the following embodiments can be used without the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0070] The first and preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 2 being used to perform similar exercises to those used with the battling ropes 1 shown in Figure 1 . In this instance the user 3 is using a pair of exercise devices 10 in accordance with the first embodiment to undertake the same or a similar exercise as illustrated in Figure 1. The use of one or more of the exercise devices 10 alleviates the need for cumbersome ropes and overcomes the issues of space requirements and being a hazard. Further the baton form of each exercise device 10 of the present invention allows for a far greater diversity of exercise regimes.

[0071] An exercise device 10 generally comprises a weighted baton 20, an arm supporting portion 40, a handle portion 45 and an arm band connector 100.

[0072] The weighted baton 20 has a distal weighted end 25 and a proximal support end 30 that is near to a person using the exercise device 10. At the weighted end 25 there is located a receiving portion 35 into which a detachable weight 50 can be fixedly and releasably secured by a securing arrangement.

[0073] At the proximal support end 30 the arm supporting portion 40 has a securing portion 43 disposed for attachment to the arm band connector 100 by means of a webbing strap 110. The webbing strap 110 works as part of the arm band connector 100 in conjunction with the arm supporting portion 40 to fixedly attach the baton to an arm 4 of a user 3 of the exercise device 10 as shown in Figures 2 and 11 . The handle portion 45 is especially disposed for gripping by the fingers 5 and thumb 6 of the user 3.

[0074] The arm supporting portion 40 is of sufficient longitudinal extent and is enlarged relative to the handle portion 45 to provide support to the arm 4 and adjacent wrist 7 of the user 3. It has an intermediate tapered portion 47, or in an alternative embodiment a stepped portion, to gradually reduce the peripheral surface of the baton from the arm supporting portion 40 to the handle portion 45, which further supports the wrist 7 of the user 3 in position, mitigating the stress imposed on the wrist by holding the baton 20.

[0075] In this arrangement, the hand of a user 3 of the exercise device 10 may comfortably grip the baton 20 with the wrist 7 maintained in a locked position relative to the arm 4 to reduce stress on the wrist whilst moving the baton.

[0076] The securing portion 43 comprises a recess 48 within the arm supporting portion 40 incorporating a glide buckle 49. The buckle 49 is of a tri-glide buckle type having a pair of slots 49A and a bar 49B through which the webbing 120 of the webbing strap 110 is fed.

[0077] The arm band connector 100 comprises the webbing strap 110 and a forearm and wrist brace 130 moulded to conform to the general shape of a user’s outer forearm adjoining the wrist. The webbing 120 that forms part of the webbing strap 110 has a fastener 140 provided at its terminal ends to positively engage and bind the brace 130 to the outer forearm 4 and wrist of the user 3.

[0078] The fastener 140 in the present embodiment is of the snap lock time and includes hook and loop fasteners of the Velcro ™ type for tightening and adjustment.

[0079] Moreover, the webbing 120 is adapted to feed through the buckle 49 and the terminal ends of the strap are fastened to positively secure and bind the support end of the baton to the inner forearm wrist of the user by tightening the fastener against the brace 130 on the outer forearm 4 and wrist 7 of a user 3, clamping the forearm and wrist in a holding position for the fingers 5 and thumb 6 of the user to grasp the handle portion 45 of the baton 20.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the securing arrangement for the weight 50 is a bayonet fitting, where the weight comprises a body section 50A and a spigot-end 50B having a plurality of radial clips 52. The receiving portion 35 at the distal end of the baton 20 is formed with a socket having a plurality of corresponding apertures 54 to releasably lock the clips 52 into position in response to angular rotation of the weight 50. [0081] In other embodiments, the securing arrangement can be of a variety of different types of engagement means selected from a group consisting of snap- lock, male/female locking, spring-loaded locking, thread and screw and push-press mechanisms.

[0082] In one embodiment the weight assembly 50 can be made of the same material as the baton 20 or in an alternative embodiment as a metal weight or even a combination of metal and elastomeric / plastic combination.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the detachable weight 50 is selected as one from a group of weights of corresponding design but of differing weight that can be individually substituted for each other. These differing weights are in the range from around 25 to 500 grams per weight. In one embodiment, the lower range is from 25 to 100 grams, which are suitable for use by children. In other embodiments, the weights are provided as 100 gram, 150 gram, 200 gram, 250 gram, 300, 350 gram, 400 gram, 450 gram or 500 gram weights, which are more appropriate for use by adult users.

[0084] In the present embodiment the weight assemblies 50 are provided as colour coded weights for ease of identification and use.

[0085] The baton 20 is made of a resiliently flexible polymeric material, and is injection moulded. One such polymeric material is an ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber such as EPDM with a Shore rating of 65 +/- 5. Alternative materials include blended thermoplastic polymers including combinations such as nylon + polyurethane +/- Seblex (7848 which is a low flow, oil extended thermoplastic styrene rubber modified polypropylene).

[0086] As already noted the additional weights can also be made from these same materials or suitable metals or a composite metal/ elastomeric arrangement.

[0087] The baton 20 is provided in a variety of lengths and weights which are designed for use by different users. As examples a standard length for use by men and women would be, but not limited to, 480 mm and for children 300 mm. The lengths are not limited to the previously mentioned lengths and can extend from about 300 mm to about 900 mm. The latter length being particularly suitable for use by professional athletes or for use in specific exercise regimes such as martial arts (samurai exercises). Equally, the baton 20 is provided in a range of diameters again adapted for various exercise routines and users. Example diameter ranges are from 25 mm to 60 mm.

[0088] The second embodiment of the invention is described with reference to Figures 12 to 17B. The second embodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment except an alternative arrangement of the arm supporting portion, securing portion and arm band connector are provided allowing for attachment of the arm band connector to a user and then selective connection and release to the weighted baton. Also an alternative form of weight is provided.

[0089] Notwithstanding these differences, the exercise device can be used in an identical manner to the exercising device of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 12.

[0090] As shown in Figures 13 and 14 the baton of the exercise device 10’ of the present embodiment is shown in exploded form to illustrate the construction and securement of the arm supporting portion 40’ and attachment of the weight 50’ to a rod portion 20’ of the baton in detail.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the weight 50’ similarly comprises a body section 50A’ and engagement attachment 50B’ that is designed to releasably engage with a receiving portion 35’ of the rod 20’. The engagement attachment 50B’ is formed with an extension pin 51 A’, to be located centrally within a corresponding socket 51 B’ formed in the receiving portion 35’ at the distal end 25’ of the rod 20’, as indicated in the direction shown by the arrow.

[0092] The receiving portion 35’ and extension pin 51 A’ can be provided as any one of a selection of securable co-operating means such as a screw and thread arrangement, where the engagement attachment 50B’ is threaded and engages with a complementary threaded receiving portion 35’, a spring-loaded lock system, push-press engagement mechanism or as a male and female connecting arrangement.

[0093] In a particular embodiment, the receiving portion 35’ is located within a pre formed cavity in the distal end of the rod 20’ that is made during the manufacturing process such as a moulding process, and the receiving portion is secured therein. The engagement attachment 50B’ is similarly located and affixed to a pre-formed cavity that is made during the moulding or assembly of the weight 50’.

[0094] As shown more clearly in Figure 14, the arm supporting portion 40’ comprises two semi-circular halves 65 and 65A that when assembled are fixedly secured to the proximal end of the rod 20’. In this embodiment, the semi-circular halves 65 and 65A form an extension to the rod 20’ to form the arm supporting portion 40’.

[0095] The arm supporting portion 40’ attaches to the rod 20’ via a fixing arrangement 70 having semi-circular (arcuate) ridges or the like located on the inner surfaces of the semi-circular halves 65 and 65A that engage with corresponding grooves 75 located on the outer surfaces of the rod 20’ fifth.

[0096] The securing portion 43’ of the present embodiment comprises a recess 48’ within the arm supporting portion 40’ defining a longitudinal slot 90 extending axially along a portion of the arm supporting portion periphery and an expanded opening 90A at one end of the slot. This permits access of a terminal head 81 and shank 81 A of a connector pin 80 into and out of the longitudinal slot 90, the connector pin forming part of the arm band connector 100’, which will be described in more detail later.

[0097] The longitudinal slot 90 is closed towards the proximal support end 30’ and open towards the distal weighted end 25’ forming a continuous passage into the expanded opening 90A. The expanded opening 90A is shaped substantially in the form of a circle or oval to permit ingress and egress of the terminal head 81.

[0098] The longitudinal slot 90 is disposed within a housing assembly 85 formed with a slotted opening 85A surmounting the longitudinal slot to define a cavity within the recess 43’. In this arrangement, the housing assembly 85 is disposed externally of the locus of the periphery surface.

[0099] The slotted opening 85A is aligned with the longitudinal slot 90 and opens into the expanded opening 90A to define the passage and receive the shank 81 A of the connector pin 80 with the terminal head 81 disposed within the cavity to allow movement within and along the longitudinal slot. [0100] The recess 43' receives terminal head of the connector pin 80 that is held in place by the housing assembly 85 that extends substantially along the length of a longitudinal slot 90 formed within the upper body 65A or directly in the surface of the rod 20’. The housing assembly 85 surmounts the upper surface of the rod 20’ over the slot 90, and is secured to the upper housing 65A or the rod 20’.

[0101] The housing assembly 85 includes the slotted opening 85A on its upper surface and has at its proximal end a buffer stop where the slotted opening 85A extends from the buffer stop substantially the length of the housing assembly to an end opening located at the distal end of the housing assembly. The end opening lies adjacent an expanded opening 90A which is itself formed at the distal end of the longitudinal slot 90 and preferably within the body of the rod 20’, which allows the connector pin 80 to be removed from the securing portion 43'. This arrangement allows the terminal head of the connector pin 80 to slide along the longitudinal slot 90 whilst being guided by the slotted opening 85A and moved along the longitudinal slot 90 so it can be removed with minimal effort from expanded opening 90A, as an egress point.

[0102] The connector pin 80 slides along and is held in place by the slotted opening 85A.

[0103] In an alternative embodiment the longitudinal slot 90 through which connector pin 80 travels can be formed integrally with the rod 20’ during manufacture.

[0104] The rod 20’ is provided as a resiliently flexible rod and is capable of moving in a partially undulating form (wave like) and within a limited range of movement. The range of movement / flexibility is within a range of 1 degree to 45 degrees as measured from the vertical axis of the rod 20 and from at or near the distal end of the baton.

[0105] As shown in Figure 15 the arm band connector 100’ comprises a detachable wrist and arm support band 100A and a carriage assembly 100B tethered thereto for connecting to the securing portion 43’ of the baton.

[0106] Moreover, the wrist and arm support band 100A comprises a band of material form a wrist strap 120’ that securely wraps around the wrist 7 of the user 3. The band of material is resiliently expandable and is secured by a fastener (not shown) selected from the group consisting of elasticised straps, straps having a releasable belt and bucket assembly, straps having hook and eye securing means (Velcro), and straps having snap / lock fastening means.

[0107] The carriage assembly 100B comprises a connector plate 105 and the connector pin 80. The shank 81 A of the connector pin 80 projects outwardly from a connector side of the connector plate 105 and has a diameter marginally less than the transverse extent of the slotted opening 85A. The terminal head 81 of the connector pin 80 is disposed at the distal end of the shank 81 A and has a transverse extent greater than the transverse extent of the longitudinal slot 90 and marginally less than the transverse extent of the recess 43’ disposed on the underside of the slotted opening 85A.

[0108] The expanded opening is shaped substantially in the form of a circle or oval of marginally greater transverse extent than the terminal head 81 to permit the ingress and egress of the terminal head into the opening and the longitudinal slot 90.

[0109] The terminal head 81 can be retainably engaged within the longitudinal slot 90 by entering the expanded opening 90A and slide along the slot with the shank 81 A reposed within the slotted opening 85A. In this manner the underside of the head 81 is positively retained by the underside of the slotted opening 85A and the shank 81 A is capable of moving marginally along and rotatably within the slotted opening.

[0110] The carriage assembly 110B further comprises a tether 110’ fixedly connected at one end thereto and at the other end to the wrist and arm band support 100A thereby tethering the carriage assembly to the wrist and arm band support.

[0111] In one embodiment the connector plate 105 connects to the shank 81 A by a releasable mechanism. This can be via a simple snap/lock mechanism or alternatively a nut and bolt. A simple releasable screw mechanism where the shank 81 A has on its upper portion a threaded section over which the wrist strap 120’ can be placed and secured in place with a nut 82. In one embodiment the entire bolt assembly is conveniently able to be removed for replacement purposes and cleaning. In a further preferred embodiment, the tether 110 can be fixedly attached to the shank by means such as a press rivet.

[0112] In a further embodiment, the connector plate 110’ includes a slot (not shown) through which the arm band connector 100’ can be connected via a looped webbing arrangement. The webbing is fixedly attached, such as by stitching, to the wrist strap 120’ or by being looped through a slot and stitched back onto itself. The webbing can be made of a variety of materials such as neoprene or other suitable resiliently elastomeric material. The connector plate 110’ can be made from similar webbing material or in some instances a light-weight metal alloy, a mild steel, or aluminium.

[0113] The wrist strap 120’ securely encircles the wrist of a user 3 in order to avoid excess movement of the wrist strap. The wrist strap 120’ is expandable so it can be used by a variety of users.

[0114] Turning to Figure 16 there is shown a cut away side view of baton. In this embodiment the slot 90 is integral with the body of the rod 20’ and again can be formed during the moulding process. The upper edges of the slot 90 are contiguous with the outer surface of the rod 20’.

[0115] In this embodiment the connector pin 80 is held in place by the housing assembly 85 that is located substantially over and parallel with the top of the cavity 90, but also allows removal of the connector pin through the expanded opening 90A and through the end opening of the slotted opening 85A.

[0116] The housing assembly 85 is permanently affixed to the rod 20’, but can be provided as a releasable version being secured to the rod by a screw / rivet 86.

[0117] The terminal head 81 of the connector pin 80 can be rounded, hexagonal, square, a square head with bevelled edges, or other shapes, where the head shape allows the bolt to be able to rotate within the longitudinal slot 90.

[0118] Similarly, the screw head has a flattened surface thereby allowing the connector pin 80 to easily slide / travel along the longitudinal slot 90 and be removed at the expanded opening 90A. [0119] The connector plate 110’ can be secured to the shank 81 A by a releasable screw arrangement or by a press rivet. At the other end of the tether 110’ it can be attached to the wrist strap 120’ by direct stitching or a releasable buckle assembly or other means known to those in the art.

[0120] Turning to Figures 17A and 17B there are shown cut away sections of the baton 10’ and in particular the arm supporting portion 40’. The connector pin 80 is inserted into the longitudinal slot 90 via the expanded opening 90A in the direction shown by the arrow in Figure 17A and can also be removed via the open section of the expanded opening 90A. The connector pin 90 is adapted to travel along the longitudinal slot 90, being held in place by the housing assembly 85. The extent of the travel is limited by the buffer stop provided by the closed proximal end of the longitudinal slot 90.

[0121] When the baton is not in use the user can simply release / drop the baton 20 and the entire assembly 10 can hang freely.

[0122] In one embodiment, the handle portion adjacent to the arm supporting portion 40’ is provided with a hand gripping section (not shown) thereby allowing the user to grip the baton. This gripping section can be in the form of a rubber or plasticised grip zone, having a raised or indented surface for improved grip or a moulded hand section in which the hand of a user can easily fit or engage with and thus allow the user’s fingers 5 to partially encase a portion of the rod 20’.

[0123] The third embodiment of the invention is substantially similar to the proceeding embodiment, except that the longitudinal slot and the expanded opening are disposed within a housing assembly formed with a slotted opening surmounting the longitudinal slot and the expanded opening to define a cavity within the recess, so that the housing assembly is contained within the locus of the periphery surface of the arm supporting portion.

[0124] Furthermore, the recess of the securing portion within the arm supporting portion incorporates a releasable locking assembly to lock the terminal ahead within the slotted opening.

[0125] While various embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the invention.

[0126] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described in the embodiments could be adapted to other similar exercise devices.