Exercise Apparatus

Abstract

Exercise apparatus comprises a pair of side frames 6, 8 defining an aperture (52, fig. 7) that receives a plurality of rollers 16. The side frames 6, 8 include opposite pairs of pockets (50, fig. 7) t

Description

The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus and, in particular, to an exercise apparatus that should be used in a seated position. Changes in the working and leisure environment has meant that many individuals are spending prolonged periods in a seated position, either at a desk at work or at home in front of a screen. As a result of this more sedentary lifestyle, there is an increasing prevalence of low back pain as a result of poor posture, loss of core strength and loss of muscle tone. It is understood that simple exercises which utilise core and leg muscles are able to improve posture. Additionally, the gentle passive stretching of the lower leg muscles is also likely to have additional benefits in terms of preventing blood pooling and stasis in the calves, which are known to be a contributing factor in the genesis of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Low amplitude movements at the knee joint and improved core strength and posture would also be of benefit following knee or spinal surgery and would be beneficial in the recovery process following such procedures. GB2587862 describes an exercise device which elicits a forward and backwards reciprocal motion (i.e., a “shuffling” motion) of the lower legs of a user when used in a seated position. The apparatus described in GB2587862 does not, however, permit the easy removal of individual rollers from the apparatus in the event that specific rollers become damaged or worn. Furthermore, the bearing arrangement disclosed in GB2587862 is prone to excessive wear over time. It is therefore desired to provide an improved exercise apparatus which addresses the problems associated with the known exercise devices. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an exercise apparatus including a frame which defines therein an aperture and a plurality of rollers disposed within the aperture, wherein the frame includes a pair of opposed side frame members; the side frame members each define a plurality of opposed pockets; a bearing element is detachably disposed in each pocket; each roller includes a shaft which projects from each end thereof; and the opposed shafts of each roller are rotatably received within respective bearing elements. A feature of the invention is that a detachable bearing is received in each of the pockets defined by the side frame members. Thus, the term “detachably disposed” means that each bearing element may be removed from its respective pocket and / or re-located within the pocket. The rollers are suitably arranged in a parallel arrangement in which the rotational axis of each roller is arranged parallel to the rotational axes of the other rollers. It will be appreciated that an individual roller may be readily removed from the apparatus. The roller and corresponding bearing element at each end of the roller may be removed from the frame by detaching the bearing elements from their pockets. The roller, and / or the bearings may then be replaced as desired. The detachable bearings may also provide a greater bearing surface area, which in turn may reduce wear of the bearings and may provide a smoother and quieter operation of the apparatus. It will be appreciated that a portion of the rollers may extend proud of the frame of the apparatus. Such an arrangement makes the apparatus easier to use. Accordingly, in an embodiment of the invention, an upper surface of each roller lies in a common plane which is parallel to and spaced from a plane defined by an upper surface of the frame. It will be appreciated that “spaced from” is intended to mean “spaced upwardly from” when the apparatus is located on a horizontal surface. Thus, an upper portion of each of the rollers projects upwards beyond the frame. Additionally, in order that the rollers may be freely rotated when the frame is located on a substrate, a lower portion of the rollers may be disposed entirely within the aperture defined by the frame. Thus, a lower surface of each roller may lie in a common plane and the common plane of the lower surface of the rollers may be contained within the frame. Suitably, each roller comprises a cylindrical main body portion and a pair of opposed end caps. Such an arrangement makes the rollers easier to manufacture and therefore reduces the cost of the rollers. For example, the cylindrical main body portion may be hollow. In such embodiments, the cylindrical main body portion of each roller may be cut from an extruded cylindrical material. Each roller may include a single shaft which extends therethrough and projects from each end of the roller. Alternatively, each end cap may carry a respective shaft. Thus, each end cap may include a stub axle or boss which extends therefrom. Suitably, the end cap and the respective shaft may be a one-piece component. In other words, each end cap may define the respective shaft. For example, the end cap and projecting shaft may be moulded or otherwise formed as a unitary or monolithic component. For ease of assembly of the rollers, the end caps may be detachably coupled to the cylindrical main body portion. The end caps may be secured to the cylindrical main body portion via a coupling, such as a friction-fit coupling, a snap-fit coupling or an adhesive coupling. The apparatus is intended to be used by passing a foot of a user backwards and forwards along the apparatus in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axes of the rollers. In order to make the use of the apparatus more comfortable for the user, each roller may include an outer surface comprised of a foamed polymeric material. The foamed polymeric material provides a soft, resiliently compressible outer surface. The foamed polymeric material may also provide a surface having an increased co-efficient of friction. This may help to prevent slipping of the foot relative to the rollers. To further increase frictional contact between the foot of the user and the rollers, an outer surface of each roller may be textured. For example, the outer surface of each roller may define raised elements and recessed portions. In an embodiment of the invention, an outer surface of each roller is ribbed and the ribs are arranged parallel to a rotational axis of the roller. In a further embodiment of the invention, each bearing element is releasably secured within its respective pocket. For example, each bearing element may form a friction fit within its respective pocket or it may form a snap-fit within its respective pocket. Suitably, each bearing element is formed from a polymeric material. In the context of the present invention, polymeric bearings are less prone towear, especially when the shaft is also formed from a polymeric material. Accordingly, in a further embodiment of the invention, both the bearing element and the respective shaft are formed from a polymeric material. Each bearing element may define a bore which rotatably receives therein the respective shaft. Each bearing element may be formed from a so-called “self-lubricating” polymeric material. Examples of such self-lubricating polymers include certain ultra high molecular weight polyethylenes (UHMW-PE), certain nylon polymers, PTFE and acetal. The use of a selflubricating polymer for the bearing element may decrease wear of the bearing and / or shaft, and may also reduce noise during the use of the apparatus. A cover element may be provided to cover the pockets and associated bearing elements. Accordingly, the opposed side frame members may each include a cover which covers the pockets and the bearing elements disposed therein. The cover may assist with preventing the unintentional displacement of a bearing element from its respective pocket. It may be desired in certain situations to angle the frame relative to a substrate or surface on which it is placed. This may be achieved by a pair of legs. Thus, in an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further includes a pair of legs coupled to the frame and which angle the frame relative to a substrate. As it may not be desirable to angle the frame at all times, the legs may be detachable from the frame. In an embodiment of the invention, the frame defines a pair of operational apertures and one or more storage apertures; wherein a distal portion of the legs projects from the frame when the legs are disposed within the operational apertures, and the legs are contained within the frame when disposed within the storage aperture(s). The storage aperture(s) may be defined by the side frame members, by an end frame member or by a handle defined by the frame. Optionally, the apparatus includes two pairs of legs, wherein the length of the first pair of legs is less than the length of the second pair of legs. In this way, the angle between the frame and the substrate may be varied. In an alternative embodiment, the legs may be rotationally coupled to the frame. In such embodiments, the legs suitably have an operational configuration in which a distal portion of the legs projects downwardly from the frame, and a storage configuration in which the legs are wholly contained within the frame. As noted above, the frame may include a handle portion. For example, an end frame member of the frame may carry or define a handle. In a further embodiment of the invention, the handle may be rotatably coupled to the frame (e.g., rotatably coupled to an end frame memberof the frame). In such embodiments, the handle may have a carry configuration in which a plane of the handle is substantially parallel to a plane of the frame, and an elevational configuration in which the plane of the handle is angled relative to the plane of the frame and a portion of the handle extends beyond a bottom portion of the frame. Accordingly, the handle may function to elevate a portion of the frame and thereby angle the frame relative to a substrate on which it is located. Thus, the elevational configuration of the handle may function in a similar way to the pair of legs discussed above. The handle may be latched in its carry configuration and / or its elevational configuration. It may be desired to prevent the apparatus from slipping relative to a substrate on which it is located. Accordingly, in a further embodiment of the invention, the frame carries one or more feet which extend from the bottom of the frame. The feet may be formed from a polymeric material, such as a resiliently deformable polymeric material. Such an arrangement may “cushion” the apparatus relative to the substrate on which it is located. Furthermore, in embodiments in which the polymeric material is a relatively high friction material, the feet may resist or prevent the apparatus from slipping relative to the substrate on which it is located. Suitably, a portion of each foot is received within a respective receiving aperture. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a pair of exercise apparatus, wherein each exercise apparatus is as defined according to the first aspect of the invention, and the frame of each apparatus is arranged such that the two exercise apparatus fit together in a back-to-back arrangement. In the context of the present invention, the “back” of each exercise apparatus is the lower surface of the frame. It may be desirable to provide a pair of exercise apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention as defined anywhere hereinabove, so that a user may exercise both legs simultaneously. Furthermore, it is useful to be able couple the two exercise apparatus in a “back-to-back” arrangement, as this makes carrying and storing the pair of apparatus easier. Suitably, the two frames fit together via a friction coupling, a snap-fit coupling or are latched togethervia a latch arrangement. In an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, each frame carries one or more feet which extend from the bottom of the frame; wherein each frame defines a corresponding number of foot-receiving apertures; and wherein the or each foot from a first frame are received within corresponding foot-receiving apertures defined by the second frame and the or each foot from the second frame are received within corresponding foot-receiving apertures defined by the first frame. In such an arrangement, the feet may be said to interdigitate. In embodiments in which the feet are formed from a polymeric material, a friction coupling may be provided between each foot and its respective foot-receiving aperture. The combined friction couplings from all of the feet may provide an overall friction coupling which resists the separation of the two frames from their back-to-back arrangement. The skilled person will appreciate that the features described and defined in connection with the aspects of the invention and the embodiments thereof may be combined in any combination, regardless of whether the specific combination is expressly mentioned herein. Thus, all such combinations are considered to be made available to the skilled person. An embodiment of the invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view from above of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view from below of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side elevationalview of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a bearing element which forms part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a cylindrical tube which forms part of the rollers of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figures 6a and 6b show perspective views of an end cap which forms part of the rollers of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a plan view from above of the frame which forms part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 8 shows a perspective view from below of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 with the legs in their storage apertures; and Figure 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a pair of exercise apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention. For the avoidance of doubt, the skilled person will appreciate that in this specification, the terms “up”, “down”, “front”, “rear”, “upper”, “lower”, “width”, etc. refer to the orientation of the components as found in the example when installed for normal use as shown in the Figures. Figures 1 to 3 show an exercise apparatus 2 which includes a frame 4 and an array of rollers 16. The frame 4 comprises a pair of opposed side frame members 6, 8, a top end frame member 10a and a bottom end frame member 10b. The four frame members 6, 8,10a, 10b define between them a substantially rectangular-shaped aperture 52 (shown in Figure 7). The top end frame member 10a carries a handle 12 which projects therefrom. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the handle 12 is rigidly fixed to the top end frame member 10a. However, it may be hingedly coupled to the top end frame member 10a. A plane defined by a lower edge of the frame 4 is angled with respect to a planar substrate upon which the apparatus 2 may be located via a pair of legs 14. Each of the legs 14 includes a proximal portion which is secured within a respective operational aperture 60 (shown in Figure 8) defined by the frame 4 and a distal portion which extends downwardly from the frame 4. The array of rollers 16 is disposed within the aperture 52. The rollers 16 are arranged with their rotational axes (i.e., the longitudinal axes of the rollers) parallel to each other. The arrangement of the rollers 16 and frame 4 permits a repeated motion of the foot of a user from the bottom end frame member 10b to the top end frame member 10a and back again. In the context of the present invention, this is referred to as a “shuffling” motion. Figure 2 shows the underside of the frame 4. The underside of the frame 4 includes four feet 18 which are located within respective receiving apertures 18a. The significance of the arrangement of the feet 18 and receiving apertures 18a will be discussed below. Figure 3 shows a side elevational view of the apparatus 2. In this view, it can be seen that an upper portion of the rollers 16 projects beyond a plane defined by an upper portion of the frame 4. However, a lower portion of rollers 16 is contained entirely within the aperture 52 defined by the frame 4. In other words, a lower portion of the rollers 16 does not extend beyond the plane defined by the lower portion of the frame 4. In this arrangement, the frame 4 may be located on a planar substrate or surface without the legs 14 in an operational configuration and the rollers 16 are capable of rotation about their respective rotational axes without interference from the substrate or surface upon which the apparatus 2 is located. Figure 4 shows a bearing element 20. The bearing element 20 comprises a body 22 which is sized and shaped to form a friction fit within a respective pocket 50 (shown in Figure 7) defined by one of the side frame members 6, 8. The body 22 defines therein a cylindrical bearing portion 24. The bearing element 20 is formed from acetal, a so-called “selflubricating” polymeric material. Figure 5 shows a cylindrical component of each of the rollers 16. The cylindrical component includes a cylindrical polymeric body 30 which is covered with a layer 32 of a foamed rubber material. The outer surface of the foamed rubber material 32 includes a series of ridges and troughs which are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body 30. The foamed rubber material and textured surface provides a high-friction outer surface of the cylindrical body 30. Figures 6a and 6b show one of the two end caps 40 of each roller 16. The end cap 40 includes a main body 42 having a convex outer surface. Projecting from one side of the main body 42 is a stub axle or boss 44, which is sized to fit within the cylindrical bearing portion 24 of a respective bearing element 20. Projecting from the opposite side of the main body 42 is a series of resiliently deformable radial ribs 46 which form a friction fit when the end cap 40 is inserted into one end of the cylindrical polymeric body 30. Figure 7 shows a plan view from above of the frame 4 with the rollers 16 removed for clarity. As can be seen from this figure, each of the opposed side frame members 6, 8 defines therein opposed pockets 50 which receive therein respective bearing elements 20. As each bearing element 20 is secured within its respective pocket 50 via a friction coupling, the bearing elements 20 are removable from the pockets as desired. Figure 8 shows in more detail the underside of the frame 4. In this Figure, the legs 14 are disposed within respective storage apertures 62. In their storage configuration (i.e., as shown in Figure 8), the legs 14 are entirely disposed within the handle portion 12 of the frame 4. Also shown in more detail is the operational apertures 60 into which the proximal ends of the legs 14 are disposed when it is desired to angle the frame 4 relative to a surface upon which it is located. The foot receiving apertures 18a define apertures which are twice the length of each foot 18. Each foot 18 is disposed at one side of the respective aperture 18a. In this way, when a second apparatus 2 is arranged in a back-to-back arrangement with the first apparatus 2, the feet 18 of the second apparatus 2 are capable of being located within respective foot receiving apertures 18a of the first apparatus 2 and vice versa. The feet 18 from a friction fit withingthe opposing foot receiving apertures 18a. Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention. In this embodiment, a pair 102 of exercise apparatus 2a, 2b are shown coupled together in a back-to-back arrangement. Each of the exercise apparatus 2a, 2b are as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 8. The two exercise apparatus 2a, 2b are coupled together via a friction fit generated between the feet 18 of one of the apparatus 2a, 2b and the corresponding foot receiving portions 18a of the other of the apparatus 2a, 2b. 5 In this way, the two exercise apparatus 2a, 2b are easy to store and transport. In connection with the apparatus 102, it is noted that a pair of the exercise apparatus 2a, 2b is useful, as it allows a user to exercise both legs simultaneously or sequentially without having 10 to move.

Claims

06 11 241. An exercise apparatus including a frame which defines an aperture and a plurality of rollers disposed within the aperture, wherein the frame includes a pair of opposed side frame members; the side frame members each define a plurality of opposed pockets; a bearing element is detachably disposed in each pocket; each roller includes a shaft which projects from each end thereof; the opposed shafts of each roller are rotatably received within respective bearing elements; each roller includes a cylindrical main body portion and a pair of opposed end caps; and wherein an upper surface of each roller lies in a common plane which is parallel to and spaced from a plane defined by an upper surface of the frame.

2. An exercise apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the cylindrical main body portion is hollow.

3. An exercise apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein each of the end caps carries a respective shaft.

4. An exercise apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the end caps are detachably coupled to the cylindrical main body portion.

5. An exercise apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein each roller includes an outer surface comprised of a foamed polymeric material.

6. An exercise apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein an outer surface of each roller is ribbed and the ribs are arranged parallel to a rotational axis of the roller.

7. An exercise apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein each bearing element forms a friction fit in its respective pocket.

8. An exercise apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein each bearing element is formed from a polymeric material.06 11 249. An exercise apparatus according to Claim 8, wherein the polymeric material comprises a self-lubricating polymer.

10. An exercise apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the opposed side frame members each include a cover which covers the pockets and the bearing elements disposed in the respective pockets.

11. An exercise apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus further includes a pair of legs coupled to the frame and which angle the frame relative to a substrate.

12. An exercise apparatus according to Claim 11, wherein the legs are detachable from the frame.

13. An exercise apparatus according to Claim 12, wherein the frame defines a pair of operational apertures and one or more storage apertures; wherein a distal portion of the legs projects from the frame when the legs are disposed within the operational apertures, and the legs are contained within the frame when disposed within the storage aperture(s).

14. An exercise apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 13, wherein an end member of the frame carries a handle.

15. An exercise apparatus according to Claim 14, wherein the handle is rotatably coupled to the end member.

16. An exercise apparatus according to Claim 15, wherein the handle has a carry configuration in which a plane of the handle is substantially parallel to a plane of the frame, and an elevational configuration in which the plane of the handle is angled06 11 24relative to the plane of the frame and a portion of the handle extends beyond a bottom portion of the frame.

17. An exercise apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 16, wherein the frame carries one or more feet which extend from the bottom of the frame.

18. An exercise apparatus according to Claim 17, wherein the feet are formed from a polymeric material.

19. An exercise apparatus according to Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein a portion of the or each foot is received within a receiving aperture.

20. A pair of exercise apparatus, wherein each exercise apparatus is as defined in any of Claims 1 to 19, and the frame of each apparatus is arranged such that the two exercise apparatus fit together in a back-to-back arrangement.

21. A pair of exercise apparatus according to Claim 20, wherein the frames fit together via a friction coupling, a snap-fit coupling or are latched together via a latch arrangement.

22. A pair of exercise apparatus according to Claim 20 or Claim 21, wherein each frame carries one or more feet which extend from the bottom of the frame; wherein each frame defines a corresponding number of foot-receiving apertures; and wherein the or each foot from a first frame are received within corresponding foot-receiving apertures defined by the second frame and the or each foot from the second frame are received within corresponding foot-receiving apertures defined by the first frame.

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