BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There have been numerous proposals for exercise apparatus for use in water, including the apparatus disclosed in DE-A-3600061, US-A-4875673, US-A-4941659, US-A-4759544, US-A-5050863, US-A-5242352, US-A-4576376 and US-A-4776581. However, such apparatus has never become popular, and is not widely available for purchase or use.

This may be due, in part, to the limitations of the existing apparatus, for example, the machines described in US-A-4576376, US-A-4759544 and US-A-4776581 require provision of a tank to accommodate the machines, and could not be used in a swimming pool.

US-A-5050863 discloses a support chair from which a user may perform arm or leg exercises, with the only resistance to movement being provided by water resistance as the limbs are moved through the water.

DE-A-3600061 discloses a stationary bicycle-type exercise machine which is mounted to the pool side using suction pads, however the machine requires a considerable depth of water, and would require an attendant to enter the water, or the pool to be drained, to allow the machine to

be fixed in place. Similarly, US-A-4941659, which discloses a pull-up exerciser providing grips above the water surface adjacent the pool side, requires a significant depth of water. US-A-4875673 discloses a pool side-mounted apparatus which may also be used for pull-up exercises, and a range of other exercises, such as sit-ups and leg kicking. The apparatus may be fixed to the pool side, or may be secured to a pool entry ladder.

US-A-5242352 discloses exercise apparatus including a large base member which rests on the pool floor, and a system of pulleys and floats so that a user standing on the base may pull the floats below the surface of the water.

The large base member would make the apparatus difficult to manoeuvre and store, and the apparatus only provides for a limited range of exercises.

It is among the objectives of the various embodiments of the present invention to provide apparatus which obviates or mitigates some of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided exercise apparatus for use in a swimming pool, the apparatus comprising a frame including mounting means for releasably engaging the pool structure and one or more rollers for engaging the pool wall, and operator support means mounted on the frame for supporting an operator at least partially within the water.

WO 98/41289 3 The provision of the one or more rollers allow the apparatus to be"wheeled"to the pool side from storage, and then lowered into the pool with the one or more rollers in rolling or sliding contact with the pool wall. The mounting means may then be engaged with the pool surround to fix the apparatus in position, ready for use. After use, the mounting means may be released and the apparatus lifted from the water with the one or more rollers in rolling or sliding contact with the pool wall. Thus, it is not necessary to carry the apparatus to and from the pool, and the one or more rollers provide support and assist in locating for the apparatus as it is lowered into and lifted out of the pool, without damaging the pool wall.

As used herein, the term"roller"is intended to encompass any rolling or low friction support. Further, the term"frame"is intended to encompass one-piece monocoque constructions, mouldings and the like, in addition to frames formed of a plurality of elongate members.

The pool structure may comprise one or more of the pool surround, the pool wall, the pool floor, or a pool fitting such as a pool ladder. In preferred embodiments, the mounting means engages the pool surround, the pool wall, or a pool fitting, and is thus independent of pool depth and thus may be provided at any suitable location of the pool.

Conveniently, the one or more rollers is in the form of one or more wheels, typically a pair of wheels.

WO 98/41289 4 Preferably, the wheels are provided with contact surfaces or tires of resilient material, to minimise the possibility of damage to the pool, and to minimise the noise produced by moving the apparatus across the pool side.

Preferably, the operator support means is adjustable relative to a portion of the frame including the mounting means, to accommodate differences in height between the pool surround and the water, and also to accommodate operators of different heights. In a preferred embodiment the operator support means is mounted on a spine portion of the frame which is slidably adjustable relative to the mounting means portion of the frame. Preferably, the slidable adjustment is provided by a clamp on the mounting means portion of the frame which releasably engages the spine.

The operator support means may take the form of one or more of arm rests, grips, harnesses, foot supports, pedals, back supports, seats, or indeed any surface or form adapted to support a portion of the body.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided exercise apparatus for use in a swimming pool, the apparatus comprising a frame including mounting means for engaging the pool structure and operator support means mounted on the frame for supporting an operator at least partially within the water, the operator support means being movable relative to the frame and being provided with buoyancy tending to lift the support means in the water.

WO 98/41289 5 The level of buoyancy provided may be adjustable.

Such an arrangement may be useful in permitting assisted pull-ups and the like.

In another embodiment, the operator support means includes a foot support and a seat surface along which the operator may slide. The seat surface may be inclined.

This arrangement may be utilised in a rowing-type exercising apparatus.

In a further embodiment, said operator support means comprises foot supports mounted to respective legs, each leg depending from a pivotal connection to the frame, and operator hand grips. This arrangement may be utilised to provide movement of the legs somewhat like that achieved in cross-country skiing.

In another embodiment, said operator support means comprises a seat and a pair of foot pedals, the pedals being linked to a water moving arrangement in which water is forced through a restriction on rotation of the pedals.

This arrangement may be utilised to provide movement of the legs in a similar manner to cycling.

In a still further embodiment, said operator support means comprises a pair of pivotally mounted foot supports, each foot support defining a water-receiving chamber, and flow restricting members being mounted on the frame and extending into the respective chambers to provide resistance to the movement of the foot supports. This arrangement may provide for a stepping-like movement.

In a yet further embodiment, said operator support

WO 98/41289 6 means comprising a pair of slidably movable supports, each support including a foot support and a hand grip. This arrangement may be utilised to provide a climbing-like exercise.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided exercise apparatus for use in a swimming pool, the apparatus comprising a frame, mounting means for releasably and pivotally mounting the frame to the pool surround and operator support means mounted on the frame for supporting an operator at least partially within the water.

The mounting means of this aspect of the invention may be any arrangement which permits the frame to be secured to the pool surround but which permits the frame, or at least a major portion of the frame, to pivot relative to the pool surround. In one embodiment pins are pivotally mounted to the frame, which pins engage with fittings or profiles provided on the pool surround. Alternatively, the pins may pivot relative to the fittings, or the fittings may permit the pins to pivot relative to the pool surround. In other embodiments one or more hinges, or flexible portions, may be incorporated in the frame.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided exercise apparatus for use in water comprising two or more exercise stations whereby two or more persons may utilise the apparatus at the one time.

The exercise stations may take any convenient form.

Such apparatus may be used in pools in which the pool floor

may be raised to the height of the pool surround, allowing the apparatus to be moved onto the raised pool floor and secured in place, before the pool floor is lowered to a convenient depth.

The various aspects of the present invention described above may be utilised by operators wearing typical swim wear. However, in certain circumstances specialised clothing and accessories may be utilised including: vests or suits providing protection against heat, cold or the sun, which vests or suits may include buoyant material; and protective suits, mitts, gloves, socks or slippers. If the apparatus is to be used in an outdoor pool it may also be appropriate to provide a sun canopy to protect operators who are exercising for any significant period.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 through 7 are perspective views of exercise apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views of exercise apparatus in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention; Figure 9a is an exploded view of elements of the apparatus of Figure 9; Figures 10 is a perspective views of exercise

apparatus in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention; Figure 10a is an exploded view of elements of the apparatus of Figure 10; Figures 11 and 12 are perspective views of exercise apparatus in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention; Figure 12a is a view of the operating mechanism of the apparatus of Figure 12; and Figures 13 and 14 are perspective views of exercise apparatus in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Reference is first made to Figure 1 of the drawings, which illustrates exercise apparatus 10 for location in a swimming pool and in which the operator is located at least partially within the pool water. The apparatus 10 includes a frame 12 including a portion 14 for releasably mounting to the pool surround and a portion 15 located in and above the water. In this embodiment the frame portion 14 is generally U-shaped, with the free ends of the frame portion 16,17 defining members extending downwards for location in appropriate apertures in the pool surround. In use, the other frame portion 15 extends substantially vertically downwards from a connection with the frame portion 14 and into the water. A pair of wheels 18 is mounted to the lower end of the frame portion 15, in use the wheels 18

resting against the pool wall. Extending outwardly from the lower end of the frame portion 15 is an operator support platform 20 defining two recesses 22,23 to receive the feet or knees of an operator. A T-shaped handle24 extends upwardly between the recesses 22,23, the lower end of the handle 24 being positioned within a shroud 26 extending upwardly from the support 20.

The handle 24 is linked, by a length of webbing passing around a pulley (not shown), to a vertically movable rod 28 which extends upwardly through four floats 30 mounted between vertical guide rods 32,33 forming part of the frame portion 15. By selectively positioning a float retaining pin 34 it is possible to secure a selected number of floats 30 relative the to rod 28, such that lifting the handle 24 will result in the floats being pulled downwards into and through the water.

Reference is now made to Figure 2 of the drawings, which illustrates apparatus 40 which allows an operator to exercise using a leg motion somewhat like cross-country skiing. The apparatus 40 includes a frame 42 comprising frame portions 44,45 mounted relative to the pool side in a similar manner to the apparatus 10 described above. The frame portions 44,45 are connected by an adjustable bracket 46, such that the relative positions of the frame portions 44,45 may be varied to accommodate pool surrounds of different heights. The frame portion 45 which, in use, is partially immersed in the water, defines handlebar-like grips 50 and provides mounting for a pair of pivoting legs

52,53 provided with foot supports 54,55. It will be noted that the legs 52,53 are attached to the outer sides of the foot supports 54,55 such that they will not impede the operator.

In use, the operator will stand in the foot supports 54,55 while holding the grips 50, and then move his or her legs back and forward. Resistance to movement is provided by the legs of the operator moving through the water, and the movement of the legs 52,53 and the foot supports 54, 55 through the water. In an alternative embodiment (see, for example, Figure 8), paddles may be mounted on the legs 52,53 to increase resistance). The intensity of exercise may be increased by moving the legs more quickly, or by increasing the length of"stride".

Reference is now made to Figure 3 of the drawings which illustrates exercise apparatus 60 for executing cycling-type exercises in water. Extending outwardly from the lower portion of the apparatus frame 62 is a housing 64 enclosing a piston and cylinder arrangement 66 linked to a pair of pedals 68 (only one shown). As the pedals 68 are rotated the piston is moved up and down in the cylinder and displaces water from the cylinder through a restriction.

The size or configuration of the restriction may be adjusted to vary the effort necessary to rotate the pedals 68.

An operator seat 70 is mounted on a frame member 72 outwardly of the housing 64, with hand grips 74 (only one shown) being provided adjacent the seat 70. The seat 70 is

positioned relative to the pedals 68 such that the legs of the operator extend forwardly and only downwards a small degree, such that the apparatus may be utilised even in a relatively shallow pool, typically from 900 mm upwards, in common with the other embodiments of the invention.

Reference is now made to Figure 4 of the drawings, which illustrates apparatus 80 for use in executing a stair climbing-type exercise in water. The apparatus 80 includes a pair of pivotally mounted steps 82 including recesses 84, 85 to receive the feet of an operator, and operator grips 85, 87. The steps 82,83 define water containing chambers which cooperate with non-return valves (not shown in Figure 4, however a similar arrangement is illustrated in Figure l0a) to provide resistance to downward movement, the buoyancy of the steps 82,83 tending to return the steps to a raised position and providing further resistance to downward movement.

Reference is now made to Figure 5 of the drawings, which illustrates apparatus 90 for use in executing assisted pull-up and dip-type exercises in water. The apparatus frame 92 provides various operator hand grips 94, 95,96,97 which are located above or close to the surface of the water and using which the operator may lift his or her body through and possibly above the water.

Slidably mounted on a lower portion of the apparatus frame 92 is a buoyant operator support platform 98 on which the operator may sit, kneel or stand, and which will rise and fall in the water with the operator as the operator

executes an exercise. The platform 90 is linked to a rod 100 which passes upwardly through four floats 102 restrained to move vertically relative to the apparatus frame 92. By selectively positioning a float retaining pin 104, the operator may connect the platform 98 to a desired number of floats 102 to increase or decrease the buoyancy of the platform 98. Thus, in use, the operator may select the degree of assistance required to allow execution of a selected exercise.

In addition to executing exercises which involve raising the body, an operator may also utilise the apparatus to push or pull himself downwards, deeper into the water, against the buoyancy of the platform 98 and floats 102.

Reference is now made to Figure 6 of the drawings which illustrates an apparatus 110 for executing climbing- type exercises in water. As with the other forms of apparatus described above, the apparatus 110 may be releasably mounted to the pool side. The apparatus frame 112 includes a central portion 114 providing sliding support for two members 116,117. The upper end of each member 116,117 is provided with an adjustable location hand grip 118,119, while the lower end is provided with a foot support 120,121. Each member 116,117 defines a rack (not shown) engaging a gear (not shown) mounted on a one- way bearing and linked to an impeller 112, such that downward movement of the members 116,117 causes the impeller 122 to rotate in the water and thus provide

resistance.

Reference is now made to Figure 7 of the drawings which illustrates the apparatus 130 for use in executing a rowing-type exercise. Mounted to the lower end of the apparatus frame is an operator support 132 including an extended planar sloping seat surface 134 with foot recesses 136,137 being provided at the inner end of the surface 134. An operator handle is located above the surface 134, and is linked via a length of webbing 140 and a system of pulleys (not shown) to a pair of vertically slidable floats 142,143 mounted on the apparatus frame.

The operator pulls the handle 138 outwardly by bending his or her arms and also by straightening his or her legs, and slides up the surface 134. Resistance is provided by the floats 142,143 being pulled into the water, the resistance increasing as the volume of water displaced by the floats increases, and also by the water resistance to the movement of the operator.

Reference is now made to Figure 8 of the drawings, which illustrates exercise apparatus 150 which allows an operator to exercise using a leg motion somewhat like cross-country skiing. The apparatus 150 includes a frame 152 which differs somewhat from the frames of the apparatus described above, as will be described. The frame 152 is formed of lengths of stainless steel tubing and comprises two main portions, a first portion 154 for mounting the apparatus to the pool side, and a second portion 156 for extending into the pool and supporting the operator. The

first portion 154 is generally U-shaped and has downwardly directed free end portions 158,159 each provided with a pivotally mounted profiled pin 160,161 for releasable location in fittings 162 (only one shown) in the pool surround. The fittings 162 may be recessed in the pool surround but are more likely to be bolted or otherwise secured to an existing pool surround and thus define a smooth upper profile such that they do not present a tripping hazard to users of the pool when the apparatus is not in place. The fittings 162 include sprung retainers 164, such that the pins 160,161"snap-fit"into the fittings; the retainers 164 may be retracted to allow removal of the pins 160,161 when desired. The ability of the frame 152 to pivot relative to the pool surround, made possible by the provision of the pivot pins 160,161, facilitates fitting and removal of the apparatus 150 and reduces the forces experienced by the frame members and the pool surround fittings; the buoyant parts of the apparatus will tend to lift the apparatus away from the pool wall and thus produce a moment at the pool surround fittings 162.

In the absence of a facility for the apparatus to pivot relative to the pool surround this moment may make it difficult to fit and remove the apparatus and will also place considerable strain of the fittings 162 and frame 152. Also, the buoyancy of the apparatus will tend to lift the pivotally mounted apparatus in the water, facilitating mounting of the apparatus by users; when a user is mounted on the apparatus the additional weight will bring the

apparatus down to the desired position.

The second frame portion 156 includes a spine 166 clamped by a block 168 mounted on the first frame portion 154. The block 168 is in two parts which are bolted together, such that loosening the bolts allows the spine 166 to be slid through the block 168 to adjust the relative positions of the frame portions 154,156, to accommodate different pool surround configurations. A cross member 170 is mounted to the lower end of the spine 166 and carries a pair of wheels 172.

A curved member 174 extends outwardly and upwardly from the spine 166 and supports a handlebar-like arrangement of members 176 which is also fixed to the upper end of the spine 166. The members 176 provide mounting for a pair of pivoting arms 178,179 provided with foot supports 180,181 in a similar manner to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 and as described above. Further, paddle floats 182 are mounted on the arms 178,179 and provide resistance to movement of the arms through the water, in a similar manner to the apparatus of Figure 2.

Reference is now made to Figure 9 of the drawings which illustrates exercise apparatus 190 for executing cycling-type exercises in water. The apparatus has a frame 192 somewhat similar to the frame 152 of the apparatus 150 described above, having a U-shaped first portion 194 for releasably mounting to the pool surround and a wheel- carrying second frame portion 196 including a spine 198 which is slidably adjustable relative to the first portion

194.

Extending outwardly from a lower portion of the spine 198 is a housing 200 enclosing a piston and cylinder arrangement 202, details of which are illustrated in Figure 9a of the drawings, linked to a pair of pedals 204 by cranks 206. As the pedals 204 are rotated the piston 208 is moved up and down in the cylinder 210 and displaces water from the cylinder through an apertured end cover 211 and restrictions 212 defined in an apertured plate 214 mounted on a cap 216 secured to the upper end of the cylinder 210. The orientation of the cap 216 may be adjusted, by rotation of valve adjusting knob 218 (Figure 9), to vary the alignment of the restrictions 212 in the plate 214 with the apertures in the cylinder end cover, and thus vary the effort necessary to rotate the pedals 204.

Reference is now made to Figure 10 of the drawings, which illustrates apparatus 220 for use in executing a stair climbing-type exercise in water. The apparatus 220 includes a pair of pivotally mounted steps 222 including stepped recesses 224 to receive the feet of an operator, and dip-coated operator grips 226,227. The steps 222 are linked to piston and cylinder arrangements, as illustrated in Figure 10a of the drawings, to provide resistance to downward movement. Each step 222 defines a part-annular cylinder cavity 228 for cooperating with a piston plate 230 extending laterally from a die-stamped plate 232 mounted on the spine 234 of the apparatus frame. The plates 230 are apertured and restriction plates 236,237 are fixed thereto

to control the flow of water across the plates 230,236, 237. Further, the buoyancy of the steps 222 tends to return the steps to a raised position and provides further resistance to downward movement.

In this embodiment, the force necessary to push each step 222 downwards may be varied by locating the feet on different portions of the stepped recesses, thus varying the distance between the point of applied force and the pivot mounting of the step.

Figure 11 of the drawings illustrates apparatus 240 for use in executing assisted pull-up and dip-type exercises in water, and also buoyancy-resisted"pull-down" exercises. The apparatus 240 is utilised in a similar manner to the apparatus 90 described above with reference to Figure 5, but has a frame configuration sharing features with the apparatus 150,190,220 described above with reference to Figures 8,9 and 10.

Reference is now made to Figure 12 of the drawings which illustrates an apparatus 250 for executing climbing- type exercises in water, in a similar manner to the apparatus 110 described above with reference to Figure 6.

As with the other forms of apparatus 150,190,220,240 described above with reference to Figures 8,9,10 and 11, the apparatus 250 may be releasably mounted to the pool side.

The apparatus frame 252 comprises a central portion 254, including a cover 256, providing sliding support for two hand rails 258,259. The upper end of each rail 258,

259 is provided with four hand grips 260,261, while the lower end is provided with a foot support 262,263. As illustrated in Figure 12a of the drawings, each rail 258, 259 is connected to a carriage 264 carrying a rack 266 for engaging a pinion 267 mounted on a one-way bearing and linked to an impeller 268. Downward movement of the rails 258,259, and thus downward movement of the rack carriages 264 on rack runners 270, causes the impeller 268 to rotate in the water and thus provide resistance to movement.

Figure 13 of the drawings illustrates apparatus 270 for use in executing a rowing-type exercise, in a similar manner to the apparatus 130 described above with reference to Figure 7.

Reference is now made to Figure 14 of the drawings, which illustrates apparatus 280 for use in executing abdominal muscle strengthening exercises. The apparatus 280 features a frame configuration similar to the embodiments described above with reference to Figures 8 to 13 (the Figure does not illustrate the U-shaped pool surround-engaging frame portion). The illustrated frame portion 282 includes a spine 284 supporting a U-shaped arm rest 286 with padded end covers 288,289 and upstanding dip-moulded grips 290,291. Mounted between the legs of the arm rest 286 is a back rest frame 292 with a foam cushion 294.

Mounted towards the lower end of the spine 284 is a plate 296 for engaging the pool wall; unlike the other embodiments described above, the apparatus has little or no

buoyancy and an operator using this apparatus may have a major portion of his or her body above the surface of the water, such that the force applied to the pool wall by the frame 292 will be relatively large. Using the plate 296 spreads this force over a greater area of the pool wall, and allows the wheels 298 to remain of relatively light construction.

In further embodiments, apparatus may be provided which is suitable to be fixed relative to the pool floor, independently of the pool wall. Such apparatus may include one or more exercise stations, as access to the apparatus will not be limited by the close proximity of the pool wall. This form of apparatus is particularly well suited for use in modern swimming pools in which the pool floor may be raised to the same level or similar level to the pool surround, allowing the apparatus to be secured to the pool floor without requiring attendants to enter the water, or the pool to be drained.