Dynamic exercise system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a dynamic exercise system comprising: a first rigid member comprising a first trolley configured to maintain a substantially fixed rotational position about the first rigid member; a second rigid member comprising a second trolley configured to maintain a substantially fixed rotational position about the second rigid member. The first trolley and second trolley are configured to be movable linearly along a longitudinal axis of the respective first and second rigid members. The system further comprises a third rigid member attached to the first trolley and to the second trolley via respective first and second connectors, the first and second connectors configured such that the third rigid member is rotatable relative to the first and second trolleys about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first and second rigid members. The third rigid member and / or the first and second connectors are configured such that the distance between the first and second connectors is variable. A third trolley is provided mounted on the third rigid member configured to be movable linearly along the third rigid member, the third trolley comprising means for connection to an exercise device.

Description

[0001] DYNAMIC EXERCISE SYSTEM

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a dynamic exercise system for combat sports, and more particularly to a dynamic exercise system to allow a punch bag or other training implement to move smoothly in a defined area in response to external forces.

[0003] Background

[0004] Exercise systems for supporting or suspending punch bags or other training implements are known in the art. Generally, punch bags or other training implements are used for training and exercise that relate to mixed martial arts, traditional martial arts, and boxing, and aid in the development of speed, agility, strength, timing, and accuracy of striking techniques desirable in those activities.

[0005] When supported from the floor or suspended from a ceiling, a conventional exercise system may hold a punch bag or other training implement at a predetermined, fixed location. The bag may respond to external input by rotating around its mounting point, but this mounting point remains stationary. Such a system provides a limited user experience in the sense that the movement of the training implement is entirely predictable, and the user is not challenged to respond to its movement.

[0006] More advanced exercise systems seek to allow a training implement to move smoothly in a wider defined area; that is, the mounting of the implement is not fixed. This can offer several advantages over a conventional system, including a more intense user experience that includes technique development and increased cardiovascular conditioning. This movement may be induced by user strikes or any internal mechanism may be configured such that its motion is unpredictable.

[0007] A problem which may occur in more advanced systems relates to whether the training implement moves smoothly within the defined area. Existing systems of this type either fail to achieve smooth motion, or they achieve some degree of smooth motion but with a highly complex design. A significant factor contributing to the challenge of designing such a system may relate to maintaining smooth motion of the training implement while responding to the potentially significant forces applied to the implement by the user in normal operation. The timing, direction and magnitude of these forces are effectively random. This could influence the design complexity, or the failure to achieve the desired smooth motion of the training implement. These dynamic forces may induce torque on the mounting of the training implement itself or induce internal torque on the moving parts of the system. If not properly accounted for in the design, this torque may be applied to the running mechanisms which permit the training implement to move, which can cause the mechanism to become seized or jammed or produce significant stress on that mechanism, affecting its longevity. Both external forces and applied or induced torque need to be efficiently dissipated, to ensure the smooth movement of the punch bag or other training implement and to minimise any stress or wear on the advanced exercise system. A simple design that allows a training implement to move smoothly within the defined area, will improve manufacturing assembly, support ease of installation and reduce user maintenance and servicing requirements. Therefore, a need exists for an exercise system, based upon a simple design that efficiently dissipates torque such that it impacts minimally on the smooth motion of the training implement. This may be achieved either by ensuring that torque is dissipated without being applied to the running mechanism, or by designing a running mechanism that is unaffected by torque, or a combination of these. This will ensure that the mechanism provides smooth motion of the training implement within the defined area, in response to the forces applied by the user during normal operation when striking a training implement. One such system is described in the co-pending patent application WO 2022 / 096876 A1 , but alternative solutions to the problem remain desirable.

[0008] It is, therefore, the object of the present disclosure to provide an alternative dynamic exercise system to permit a sports training implement, such as a punch bag, to move smoothly to any point within a defined area, such that the training implement moves in reaction to applied forces, and such that torque, including those applied externally to the training implement and any within or between any elements of the mechanism, are dissipated with minimal impedance to the linear motion of the implement.

[0009] Summary of Disclosure

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a dynamic exercise system comprising: a first rigid member comprising a first trolley configured to maintain a substantially fixed rotational position about the first rigid member; a second rigid member comprising a second trolley configured to maintain a substantially fixed rotational position about the second rigid member. The first trolley and second trolley are configured to be movable linearly along a longitudinal axis of the respective first and second rigid members. The dynamic exercise system further comprises a third rigid member attached to the first trolley and to the second trolley via respective first and second connectors, the first and second connectors configured such that the third rigid member is rotatable relative to the first and second trolleys about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first and second rigid members. The third rigid member and / or the first and second connectors are configured such that the distance between the first and second connectors is variable. A third trolley is provided, mounted on the third rigid member configured to be movable linearly along the third rigid member, the third trolley comprising means for connection to an exercise device. The dynamic exercise system of the present disclosure allows for an exercise device, such as a punch bag, to be suspended from a pair of supports and movable with an area bounded by the support. As used herein, the term “exercise device” is used interchangeably with the term “training implement”. All of the elements can move somewhat independently, because the first and second trolleys can move freely along the supports, and because the third member, from which the exercise device hangs, is connected to the trolleys in such a manner that enables the trolleys to move along their respective rails at different speeds and accelerations. This arrangement reduces the risk of the components of the exercise system seizing or fouling such that movement becomes impeded. As such, even when one trolley is accelerated faster than the other causing the third rigid member to twist relative to the first and second rigid members, or when a component of the applied force is applied perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of its rigid member, the exercise device can move smoothly, and in this way simulates interaction with a human opponent.

[0011] As will be appreciated, the term “rigid” when used in conjunction with “member” connotes rigidity about the longitudinal axis of the member such that it is suitable to support and / or oppose forces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the member.

[0012] Optionally, the third rigid member has a variable longitudinal length. Advantageously, providing the third rigid member having a variable length enables the first and second trolleys to move somewhat independently along their respective rails because the third rigid member can extend in length as it twists / rotates relative to the first and second rigid members.

[0013] The third rigid member having a variable length is preferably telescopic. The telescopic rigid member preferably comprises a first tubular member and a second tubular member, the second tubular member configured to slidably fit within the first tubular member. When the telescopic third rigid member comprises such first and second tubular members, an end of the first tubular member may be coupled to the first connector and an end of the second tubular member may be coupled to the second connector. The telescopic rigid member may further comprise a third tubular member, the third tubular member configured to slidably fit within the first tubular member. In this configuration, an end of the second tubular member may be coupled to the first connector and an end of the third tubular member may be coupled to the second connector.

[0014] The dynamic exercise system of the present disclosure, may further comprise biasing means for biasing the third rigid member towards its shortest longitudinal length. Advantageously, such biasing means acts to return the dynamic exercise system to a neutral position, ready for further interaction with a human. The biasing means may comprise at least one of: a helical spring; a resilient member; a pneumatic spring; and an elastic cord. The biasing means may be provided within or without the third rigid member. In an alternative, or complementary, embodiment to the third rigid member having a variable length, the third rigid member may be slidable within at least one of the first connector and the second connector, the third rigid member having a longitudinal length greater than the distance between the first rigid member and the second rigid member. As will be appreciated, the “distance” between the first rigid member and the second rigid member is the shortest distance therebetween. In a preferred embodiment the first and second rigid members are substantially parallel and thus the “distance” between them is the perpendicular minimum distance. In this embodiment, the, or each of the, first connector and second connector may comprise a linear bearing configured to support the third rigid member. The linear bearing may be a plain bearing formed of a low friction material, or alternatively may be a linear ball bearing, or the like.

[0015] In the embodiment having a third rigid member slidable within at least one of the first connector and the second connector, the dynamic exercise system may further comprise biasing means for biasing the first connector and second connector towards a configuration where the distance between the first connector and the second connector is at a minimum. The biasing means may comprise at least one of: a helical spring; a resilient member; a pneumatic spring; and an elastic cord. The dynamic exercise system may also further comprise at least one stop provided adjacent the or each end of the third rigid member configured to slide within the respective first and / or second connector. The at least one stop may be resilient, and configured to damp the relative motion between the third rigid member and the connector.

[0016] As set out above, the first and second rigid members may be substantially parallel. A purpose of the exercise system is to allow the exercise device, a punch-bag for example, to move freely around an area of travel. This is achieved in part by the ability for the third rigid member to twist or rotate relative to the first and second rigid members. In particular, by enabling the distance between the first and second connectors to be variable, misalignment of the third rigid member can be tolerated, thus enabling the exercise device to move smoothly within the area. It is noted that the alignment of the trolleys on the rigid members is not influenced directly by movement of the third rigid member. By setting the first and second rigid members parallel, the amount of permitted twisting or rotation of the third rigid member may be maintained throughout the area.

[0017] Optionally, each trolley comprises a rigid supporting frame and at least one pulley wheel disposed within the frame. By providing a frame and pulley wheel arrangement the trolley can move along the rigid members with ease, and is prevented from slipping off the rigid member. The pulley wheel of each trolley is connected to the rigid supporting frame via an axle, and the pulley wheel is connected to the axle via a bearing. There may be more than one pulley wheel, such as an arrangement with one or more pulley wheels disposed underneath the rigid member and one or more pulley wheels disposed above the rigid member. This can further secure the trolley on the rigid member. In this way each pulley wheel of each trolley is configured to engage with a respective first, second, or third rigid member.

[0018] Optionally, the first, second and third rigid members are tubular. This may enable the weight and cost of the system to be reduced. The cross-sectional shape of the first and second rigid tubular members may be substantially rectangular, preferably square. The cross-sectional shape of the third rigid member may be circular. The first and second trolleys may be configured such that they act, or run, on an outer surface of the respective rigid member. Alternatively, the first and second trolleys may be configured to act, or run, on an inner surface of the respective rigid member. In this alternative, the first and second rigid members may be formed of a C-section, or U-section, or may comprise a slot for a support portion of the trolley to protrude through, the third rigid member being coupled to the support portion.

[0019] The third trolley is preferably configured to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the third rigid member. Optionally an engaging surface of the or each pulley wheel of the third trolley has a substantially arcuate profile having a radius of curvature larger than the radius of the third rigid member. The interface between the pulley wheel and the third rigid member allows the pulley wheel to rotate on the member, however by reducing the area of contact, by providing the profile of the pulley wheel with a radius of curvature larger than the radius of the respective rigid member, the friction is reduced whilst still maintaining the pulley wheel on the rigid member by the sides of the pulley wheel. Alternatively, the engaging surface of the or each pulley wheel of the third trolley has a profile which substantially matches the profile of the respective rigid member, which prevents rotation of the pulley wheel about the third rigid member in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis, thus reducing the chance for the trolley to become seized.

[0020] Optionally, the first and second connectors each comprises a first hook coupled to the third rigid member, the respective first trolley and second trolley comprising means for receiving said first hook such that the third rigid member is rotatable with respect to the respective trolley. The means for receiving said first hook is formed as a second hook interlinkable with the first hook.

[0021] The means for connection to an exercise device may comprise a connection hook which is rotatable with respect to the third trolley. Rotation of the connector allows for the third rigid member to move independently of the trolley. Additionally, the means for receiving said first hook may be formed as a second hook interlinkable with the first hook. This allows the third rigid member to swing beneath the trolleys, and creates a simple mechanism by which all elements of the system are capable of some degree of independent movement. Relative rotation between elements of the system thereby does not disrupt the alignment of any pulley wheel with the corresponding rigid member.

[0022] The skilled person would understand that the above-described connectors may not be comprised of hooks, and may instead comprise springs, ropes, chains, rubber elements, or any other suitable device for flexibly connecting the third rigid member to the first and second trolleys and / or for connecting the exercise device to the third trolley.

[0023] The dynamic exercise system may further comprise resilient restraining means configured to moderate movement of the exercise device relative to the first rigid member and the second rigid member. An object of the present disclosure is to control, or moderate, movement of the exercise device. In an example, the resilient restraining means comprises at least one resilient member connected at a first end to the exercise device and at the second end to a fixed point relative to the first rigid member and the second rigid member. This resilient member can be elastic or another similarly resilient means, such as a coil spring. In one example, the resilient member is formed of an elastic cord, such as a bungee cord. The resilient member(s) may ensure that the exercise device returns to its original location, and also may introduce an element of randomness to the movement of the exercise device, depending on where the resilient members are attached. Where there is a plurality of resilient members, each can be fixed at a first end to the exercise device and at a second end to one of at least a first and second fixed point, the first and second fixed points being at different locations. This allows for movement to be moderated in a number of directions, and in some cases the resilience of at least one of the plurality of resilient members is different to the resistance of at least one other of the plurality of resilient members, which allows for different moderation of movement of the exercise device to be applied depending on the direction it is moved by the user.

[0024] The resilient restraining means may comprise a plurality of resilient members coupled adjacent to one or more ends of the first, second and third rigid members. The resilient members may be helical springs disposed about the respective first, second, or third rigid members.

[0025] Optionally, the first and second rigid members are configured for connection to a rigid support frame. This provides a means for the exercise device to be suspended, preventing the user from needing to attach the support frame to a fixture of a property or building and having to ensure alignment of the various elements when installed.

[0026] The dynamic exercise system may further comprise an exercise device coupled to the trolley of the third member, wherein the exercise device is one of: a punchbag; a maize bag; and a grappling dummy. Of course, the skilled person will understand that this is not an exhaustive list, and any such exercise device suitable for use with the system may be used. The dynamic exercise device will now be described in a more detailed manner, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate various features which may be present in an embodiment of the device. Some details will be omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0027] Figures

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a dynamic exercise system of the prior art;

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates an alternative perspective of a member and trolley as shown in Figure 1; and

[0030] Figure 3 shows a cross section of the member and trolley shown in Figure 2.

[0031] Detailed Description

[0032] Referring to Figure 1 , which is a prior art system described in co-pending patent application WO 2022 / 096876 A1 , there are shown two parallel, rigid, members 1 and 2 (which may or may not be mounted to a rigid free-standing structure, or to a ceiling), upon which run trolleys 3 and 4, respectively. In this embodiment the members 1 and 2 are made of metal, but it is understood that other materials may be used. The members may be tubular to engage with a pulley wheel, however other profiles are envisaged which match a pulley wheel profile.

[0033] The trolleys 3 and 4 are free to move linearly along, and rotate about the axes of, the members 1 and 2. The members 1 and 2 may or may not be sleeved in another material for any purpose, including that of reducing resistance to either or both of the linear and rotational motions of the trolleys 3 and 4, or for the purpose of reducing noise as the trolleys 3 and 4 move.

[0034] The trolleys 3 and 4 attach to either end of a further rigid, tubular member 5 of substantially similar characteristics to members 1 and 2 through motive mechanisms, such as hooks 8 and 9 not illustrated in detail, but which have the capacity for rotational motion with respect to the trolleys 3 and 4. The attachment of the member 5 to the trolleys 3 and 4 is such that trolleys 3 and 4 are capable of some degree of independent motion on their respective members. In this embodiment, the mechanisms 8 and 9 interlink with U-shaped hooks 10 and 11, which attach to either end of the member 5 in a manner not shown. This permits the member 5 to swing in a plane perpendicular to its extent. A further trolley 6 of substantially similar characteristics to trolleys 3 and 4 is free to move linearly and rotationally on the member 5. The linear motion of trolleys 3 and 4 along the members 1 and 2, respectively, enables the member 5 to travel linearly. The capacity of trolleys 3 and 4 for independent motion (enabled by the non-rigidity of the attachment mechanisms 8 and 9) means that the member 5 is capable of rotation in a plane parallel with the floor. The trolleys 3,4,6 have face plates of the type 12 on both ends of the body. Any device (not shown) may be secured to the face plate 12 in any manner to cause the trolley 3,4,6 to rebound when it reaches the end of its respective member 1,2,5. This device could take the form, for example, of a spring, piston, or rubber buffer.

[0035] The attachment 7 on trolley 6 provides a mounting system for attaching any training implement to the trolley 6, in such a way that the training implement may rotate about an axis perpendicular to the floor.

[0036] The present disclosure relates to an alternative to this prior art exercise system, and is described in detail below with reference to Figures 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

[0037] Similarly to the prior art system, the dynamic exercise system 200 of Figure 2 comprises two parallel, rigid, members 202 and 204 (which may or may not be mounted to a rigid free-standing structure, or to a ceiling), upon which run trolleys 206 and 208, respectively. In this embodiment the members 202 and 204 are made of metal, but it is understood that other materials may be used. The members may be square cross-sectioned and tubular to engage with a pulley wheel and to prevent rotation of the trolleys about the longitudinal axis of the members.

[0038] The trolleys 206 and 208 are free to move linearly along the members 202 and 204. The members 202 and 204 may or may not be sleeved, or coated, in another material for any purpose, including that of reducing resistance to the linear motion of the trolleys, or for the purpose of reducing noise as the trolleys move.

[0039] The trolleys 206 and 208 attach to either end of a further rigid, tubular member 210 having a circular cross-section. The trolleys are coupled to member 210 via motive mechanisms, such as hooks 212 and 214 not illustrated in detail, and linear bearing 216. The linear bearing enables the member 210 to slide linearly within the bearing. The attachment of the member 210 to the trolleys 206 and 208, via the linear bearing, is such that trolleys are capable of some degree of independent motion on their respective members as the distance between the two trolleys is variable. A further trolley 6 is free to move linearly and rotationally on the member 210. The linear motion of trolleys 206 and 208 along the members 202 and 204, respectively, enables the member 210 to travel linearly.

[0040] Stops 218 are provided at each end (only one shown) of the member 210 to prevent the member from passing through the linear bearing.

[0041] The trolleys have face plates of the type 220 on both ends of the body. Any device (not shown) may be secured to the face plate 220 in any manner to cause the trolley to rebound when it reaches the end of its respective member. This device could take the form, for example, of a spring, piston, or rubber buffer. A similar device may be provided between the stops 218 and the linear bearing 216. Similarly to dynamic exercise system 200 of Figure 2, the dynamic exercise system 300 of Figure 3 comprises two parallel, rigid, members 202 and 204 (which may or may not be mounted to a rigid free-standing structure, or to a ceiling), upon which run trolleys 206 and 208, respectively. In this embodiment the members 202 and 204 are made of metal, but it is understood that other materials may be used. The members may be square crosssectioned and tubular to engage with a pulley wheel and to prevent rotation of the trolleys about the longitudinal axis of the members.

[0042] The trolleys 206 and 208 are free to move linearly along the members 202 and 204. The members 202 and 204 may or may not be sleeved, or coated, in another material for any purpose, including that of reducing resistance to the linear motion of the trolleys, or for the purpose of reducing noise as the trolleys move.

[0043] The trolleys 206 and 208 attach to either end of a further rigid, tubular member 302 through motive mechanisms, such as hooks 214 and 214 not illustrated in detail, but which have the capacity for rotational motion with respect to the trolleys 206 and 208. The attachment of the member 302 to the trolleys is such that trolleys are capable of some degree of independent motion on their respective members. In this embodiment, the mechanisms interlink with U-shaped hooks, which attach to either end of the member 302 in a manner not shown. This permits the member 302 to swing in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. A further trolley 6, as described above, is free to move linearly and rotationally on the member 302. The linear motion of trolleys 206 and 208 along the members 202 and 204, respectively, enables the member 302 to travel linearly. The capacity of trolleys 206 and 208 for independent motion means that the member 302 is capable of rotation in a plane parallel with the floor.

[0044] To enable the distance between the trolleys 204 and 206 to vary, the member 302 is telescopic, and comprises a first member slidably provided in a second member. This is shown in further detail in Figures 4(a) and 4(b). As can be seen, member 302 is comprised of a first tubular member 400 provided within a second tubular member 402. A spring 404, or any other resilient member is provided within the telescopic member 302 to bias the member towards its first length (shown in Fig. 4(a)). As will be appreciated, the longitudinal length of member 302 in the configuration shown in Fig. 4(a) is such that the member extends perpendicularly from each member 202 and 204. Upon rotation of the member 302 relative to the members 202 and 204, the length extends (as shown in Fig. 4(b)) to accommodate the increased distance between the trolleys 206 and 208. The biasing spring will therefore act to bring the member 302 back to the perpendicular configuration shown in Figure 3.

[0045] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, illustrating a trolley of the kind 6, a metal housing 13 contains one or more pulley wheel(s) 14, with the radius of curvature of the profile of the pulley wheels being larger than or matching that of the cross-section of the supporting member 210, 302. The pulley wheel(s) 14 is constructed of a material with sufficiently low coefficient of friction that it may rotate in about the member upon which it sits with minimal impedance. In this embodiment the housing 13 is machined steel, but it is understood that other materials and construction techniques may be used. The pulley wheel(s) 14 rotate about an axle 15, which is secured to the housing 13 in a manner not detailed, but could include both ends of the axle being threaded and bolted on the outside of the housing 13. The free rotation of the pulley wheel(s) 14 is achieved in a manner not shown and / or by the use of a rotary bearing attaching the axle 15 to the pulley wheel(s) 14. This permits the trolley to move smoothly along the member 210, 302. In this embodiment, the pulley wheel(s) 14 are maintained in a position central to the housing 13 by the use of spring washers 16 and 17, though it is understood that other means may be used. The housing 13 may contain at least one further pulley wheel 18 mounted to the housing 13 such that member 210, 302 may fit between the pulley wheels 14 and 18. The pulley wheel(s) 18 are mounted to the housing 13 by means of an axle 19. In this embodiment the axle 19 is mounted using the same mechanism as does axle 15, and the pulley wheel 18 is maintained centrally in the housing 13 by the same mechanism (not shown) as is pulley wheel(s) 14, though it is understood that different approaches not illustrated may be used. Zero or more eyelets 20 may be attached to the housing 13 of trolley 6 in a manner not shown for any purpose including the attachment of zero or more elasticated cables (not shown in Fig. 2 or 3) which may be secured at the other end in any manner, including externally. In this embodiment, a single eyelet 20 is secured to the top of the housing 13.

[0046] It is noted that trolleys 206 and 208 are similar to that described above except that the pulley wheels have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape in order to properly engage with the rectangular cross-sectioned rigid members 202 and 204.

Claims

Claims1. A dynamic exercise system comprising: a first rigid member comprising a first trolley configured to maintain a substantially fixed rotational position about the first rigid member; a second rigid member comprising a second trolley configured to maintain a substantially fixed rotational position about the second rigid member, wherein the first trolley and second trolley are configured to be movable linearly along a longitudinal axis of the respective first and second rigid members; a third rigid member attached to the first trolley and to the second trolley via respective first and second connectors, the first and second connectors configured such that the third rigid member is rotatable relative to the first and second trolleys about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first and second rigid members, wherein, the third rigid member and / or the first and second connectors are configured such that the distance between the first and second connectors is variable; and a third trolley mounted on the third rigid member configured to be movable linearly along the third rigid member, the third trolley comprising means for connection to an exercise device.

2. The dynamic exercise system of claim 1 , wherein the third rigid member has a variable longitudinal length.

3. The dynamic exercise system of claim 2, wherein the third rigid member is telescopic.

4. The dynamic exercise system of claim 3, wherein the telescopic rigid member comprises a first tubular member and a second tubular member, the second tubular member configured to slidably fit within the first tubular member.

5. The dynamic exercise system of claim 4, wherein an end of the first tubular member is coupled to the first connector and an end of the second tubular member is coupled to the second connector.

6. The dynamic exercise system of claim 4, wherein the telescopic rigid member further comprises a third tubular member, the third tubular member configured to slidably fit within the first tubular member, wherein an end of the second tubular member is coupled to the first connector and an end of the third tubular member is coupled to the second connector.

7. The dynamic exercise system of any of claims 2 to 6, further comprising biasing means for biasing the third rigid member towards its shortest longitudinal length.

8. The dynamic exercise system of claim 7, wherein the biasing means comprises at least one of: a helical spring; a resilient member; a pneumatic spring; and an elastic cord.

9. The dynamic exercise system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the third rigid member is slidable within at least one of the first connector and the second connector, the third rigid member having a longitudinal length greater than the distance between the first rigid member and the second rigid member.

10. The dynamic exercise system of claim 9, wherein the, or each of the, first connector and second connector comprises a linear bearing configured to support the third rigid member.11 . The dynamic exercise system of claim 9 or 10, further comprising biasing means for biasing the first connector and second connector towards a configuration where the distance between the first connector and the second connector is at a minimum.

12. The dynamic exercise system of claim 11 , wherein the biasing means comprises at least one of: a helical spring; a resilient member; a pneumatic spring; and an elastic cord.

13. The dynamic exercise system of any of claims 9 to 12, further comprising at least one stop provided adjacent the or each end of the third rigid member configured to slide within the respective first and / or second connector.

14. The dynamic exercise system of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second rigid members are substantially parallel.

15. The dynamic exercise system of any preceding claim, wherein each trolley comprises a rigid supporting frame and at least one pulley wheel disposed within the frame.

16. The dynamic exercise system of any preceding claim, wherein the first, second and third rigid members are tubular.

17. The dynamic exercise system of claim 16, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the first and second rigid tubular members is substantially rectangular.

18. The dynamic exercise system of any preceding claim wherein the third trolley is configured to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the third rigid member.

19. The dynamic exercise system of any preceding claim wherein the first and second connectors each comprises a first hook coupled to the third rigid member, the respective first trolley and second trolley comprising means for receiving said first hook such that the third rigid member is rotatable with respect to the respective trolley.

20. The dynamic exercise system of claim 19 wherein the means for receiving said first hook is formed as a second hook interlinkable with the first hook.21 . The dynamic exercise system of any preceding claim wherein the means for connection to an exercise device comprises a connection hook which is rotatable with respect to the third trolley.

22. The dynamic exercise system of any preceding claim further comprising resilient restraining means configured to moderate movement of the exercise device relative to the first rigid member and the second rigid member.

23. The dynamic exercise system of claim 22 wherein the resilient restraining means comprises at least one resilient member connected at a first end to the exercise device and at the second end to a fixed point relative to the first rigid member and the second rigid member.

24. The dynamic exercise device of claim 23 further comprising a plurality of resilient members, each fixed at a first end to the exercise device and at a second end toone of at least a first and second fixed point, wherein the first and second fixed points are at different locations.

25. The dynamic exercise device of claim 24 wherein each of the plurality of resilient members has a defined resilience, and wherein the resilience of at least one of the plurality of resilient members is different to the resilience of at least one other of the plurality of resilient members.

26. The dynamic exercise device of claim 22, wherein the resilient restraining means comprises a plurality of resilient members coupled adjacent to one or more ends of the first, second and third rigid members.

27. The dynamic exercise device of claim 26, wherein the resilient members are helical springs disposed about the respective first, second, or third rigid members.

28. The dynamic exercise system of any preceding claim wherein the first and second rigid members are configured for connection to a rigid support frame.

29. The dynamic exercise system of any preceding claim, further comprising an exercise device coupled to the trolley of the third member, wherein the exercise device is one of: a punchbag; a maize bag; and a grappling dummy.

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