GB2590897A

GB2590897A - Improvements in or relating to exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2590897A
Application number: GB1917421.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Hughes James
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-11-28
Filing date: 2019-11-28
Publication date: 2021-07-14
Anticipated expiration: 2039-11-28
Also published as: GB201917421D0; GB2590897B

Abstract

A shock or impact absorbing apparatus for use in powerlifting comprises a first and second non-slip surfaces to engage floor and a second, stacked block; the clock is composed of relatively rigid and relatively flexible materials contained in an outer casing 2. The casing is preferably made from rigid panels and includes a handle 3 which may also be rigid. The relatively rigid material may be wood or MDF and the relatively flexible material is preferably high-density foam such as EVA foam. A wedge or frame (fig 3) for use with a block is also disclosed as is use of a block having as a weight for exercise such as shoulder shrugs.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO EXERCISE APPARATUS

This invention relates to improvements in or relating to exercise apparatus and is more particularly concerned with impact or shock absorbing apparatus suitable for use in weight deadl ifti ng or other power! i fti ng/weightl ifti ng exercise routines.

K nown impact or shock absorbing apparatus used in weight deadlifting exercise routines may comprise a block utilised with another similar block and spaced therefrom to support disc weights at each end of a barbell prior to lifting and more particularly as the barbell is dropped or released after lifting. Such blocks may be utilised e.g. in cleans" and -snatches-and may also be utilised to support dumbbells. C\I

Many designs of blocks have been proposed constructed of different sizes and

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materials to provide an impact absorbing support or cushion for the disc weights as CO the barbell is released by the weightlifter. Such blocks may be referred to in the art as C\I jerk blocks, pulling blocks, drop pads or crash cushions depending upon their format Shaped blocks have been proposed having a curved or wedged upper surface to restrain or prevent the disc weights on the barbell from rolling off the ends of the blocks. Such blocks may be height adjustable to cater for different heights or exercise routines of the weight lifter.

In many instances, the impact absorbing blocks are stackable with other similar blocks to provide a height variation rather than being height adjustable.

It is to be noted that disadvantageously, using some designs of impact absorbing blocks may cause damage to a gymnasi urn floor supporting the blocks. Once again, disadvantageously, some blocks, under use, may slip relative to a gymnasi urn floor or with each other if stacked together.

Some blocks may be wooden or relatively rigid or may be locally deformable to absorb the impact of the disc weights dropped after lifting. Such locally deformable blocks may advantageous in some respects over wooden blocks because they may dramatically reduce the sound/noise and vibration associated with the barbell/disc weights that might otherwise occur when dropped after lifting. One such locally deformable block is marketed under the name MIRA FIT drop pads. This block is O rectangular and consists of a high density solid foam filling contained in a thin, C\I flexible PVC cover. Whilst the block may absorb impact from barbell disc weights by

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deforming locally to cushion a drop impact and lessen noise and vibration, it tends to CO be disadvantageous that the block is subject to slippage on a gymnasium floor and C\I cannot be used in a stack with other identical blocks owing to such slippage. Also, disadvantageously, owing to the filling being solely high density foam it is believed that the block may not absorb very heavy impacts in an entirely satisfactory manner or be as durable as might otherwise be the case.

A similar block is made by ROGUE referred to as a crash cushion. Once again, this product consists of a solid foam filling with a thin, flexible vinyl cover with a tendency for slippage. Additionally, it is believed the product has suspect strength and durability as the user is advised not to slam very heavy weights on the block because this could cause damage.

Whilst many designs of impact absorbing blocks have been proposed for the aforementioned exercise routines, it is believed that such designs can be improved to be more durable, withstand repeated greater force slammed impacts without damage, or be more versatile and possibly suit a larger range of customer requirements in a more cost-effective manner as well as possibly being usable in a greater range of exercise routines.

The use of shock or impact absorbing blocks may be preferred to using expensive weight lifting gym equipment such as the Olympic Smith machine as some heavy duty exercises ( e.g. block pulls) can damage the machi ne (which has moving parts) and/or the gymnasium floor.

C\I N--Some impact absorbing blocks may be used in exercises such as stepping routines but CO are not generally suitable for absorbing the impacts generated in e.g. in powerlifting. C\I

Moreover, impact absorbing blocks can be used with dumbel Is as well as with barbells.

Additionally, somewhat disadvantageously, some impact absorbing blocks may be usable in power lifting exercises but not designed or suitable for use in other exercise routines e.g. in body building shoulder shrug or oblique muscle exercise routines.A carrying handle is usually necessary, in any event, to enable use in such exercises.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to at least alleviate one or more of the aforementioned, or other, problems associated with shock or impact absorbing exercise apparatus or to provide shock/impact absorbing apparatus which is improved in at least some respect.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided exercise apparatus for use in powerlifting in the form of a stackable shock or impact absorbing block which, in use, under slammed impact with a disc weight on a barbell, can cushion the impact, said block having a first non-sli p surface suitable for engaging a gymnasium floor with a second non-slip surface engageable with an identical block stacked on top of said first mentioned block, said block being composed of relatively O rigid and relatively flexible materials contained in an outer casing of the block. C\I

O Preferably, said block is able to withstand repeated slammed impacts from weights up CO to about 100kg +/-20kg without slipping on, or damaging, a gymnasium floor. C\I

Said block may also be used to cushion the impact of a dumbbell.

Preferably, the block may be rectangular, square, or of generally cuboid shape.

The casing is, preferably, made of hard or rigid material e.g of rigid plastics (polycarbonate) to the exterior of which first and second (upper and lower spaced) layers of shock absorbent material (such as rubber matting) may be attached (e.g. by adhesive and/or other fastening means such as screws) providing the first and second non-slip surfaces. The first and second layers of shock absorbent material are, preferably, of 4 +/-2 mm thickness.

The casing may be made up of (planar) sections fastened to the internal structure by suitable fastening means such as screws. In use, the first layer of shock absorbent material may be attached to a lower planar section of the casing with said second layer of shock absorbent material being attached to an upper planar section of casing.

Advantageously, the block may be provided with a handle along one edge of the block; said handle is preferably projecting and/or rigid, for convenient portability of the block and also to allow the block to be used in a range of exercises other than powerlifting e,g shoulder shrug and oblique exercise routines (unlike many other known powerlifting exercise blocks). The block will usually be suitably sized and O weighted to be realistically useful in such exercises in addition to powerlifting. C\I

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The block may be of 15 -30 cm thickness (preferably about 15cm and not greater CO than about 30cm) to, advantageously, allow usage in stepper exercises (where a height C\I greater than 30 cm is not generally desired). Whilst the height or thickness of the block may generally be about 15 cm it is envisaged said block may be custom made to other sizes upon request.

The weight of the block may be in the range 12-19 kg +11kg and is preferably greater than about 12kg +/-lkg and possibly about 19 kg +/-lkg to seemingly optimise the balance between ease of portability and strength.

Advantageously, the internal construction of the block comprises at least two different materials including both flexible (relatively) and rigid (relatively) material.

The relatively flexible material may comprise high density foam such as EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) and the relatively rigid material may be wood or MDF (medium density fibreboard).

In one embodiment the flexible and rigid materials are arranged in layers. Preferably, there are at least two layers (preferably three layers, preferably equidistantly spaced from one another) of rigid material preferably spaced apart by opposed transverse support members (said support members may be rigid e,g, of wood or MD F) and the space between said rigid material layers being substantially filled with the flexible material. The flexible material may be layered in between the rigid material layers (e,g. about six or eight layers of EVA or the like may be provided in between the C\I rigid material layers where there are two rigid material layers or about 4 layers of O flexible material in between the rigid material layers where there are three rigid CO material layers). C\I

Layers of flexible material may be provided on top of the upper layer of relatively rigid material and below the lower layer of relatively rigid material. In one embodiment two layers of EVA or like material are provided above said upper rigid layer and two layers of EVA or like material are provided below said lower rigid layer.

The casing (and handle where provided) may be secured by any convenient means such as by screws.

The block may possibly be provided with feet that may be detachable as added protection for the block and underlying floor.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided exercise apparatus comprising the combination of at least one shock or impact absorbing block suitable for use in power lifting and at least one detachable wedge/stop member or framework; said at least one block may be of the form described in the statement of invention on page 4 of this specification.

Whilst the wedge/stop member or framework may not be needed in most cases it can be provided for additional support. Providing a detachable wedge/stop member, O advantageously, increases versatility by allowing a stack of impact absorbing blocks C\I to be used with only the upper block having a wedge/stop member or framework. This

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allows the block to be used more conveniently in other non-weightlifting exercises CO (such as stepper exercises) where a wedge/stop member or framework is not required. C\I

Furthermore, a stack of blocks having a wedge/stop member or framework at the top can be provided more easily and inexpensively than providing each block in the stack with a wedge/stop member.

Further according to the present invention there is provided exercise apparatus usable in powerlifting having one or more of the following features:-a) an impact absorbing block with at least one non-sl ip surface b) an impact absorbing block with a handle enabling use of the block in shoulder shrug and oblique exercises as well as in powerlifti ng c) an impact absorbing block usable in stepper exercises as well as in powell i fti ng d) an impact absorbing block which is stackable having an internal structure with at least two materials differing from each other in rigidity/flexibility preferably arranged in rigid and flexible layers e) an impact absorbing block having a rigid casing, preferably made up of planar sections to the exterior of which are attached upper and lower layers of rubber matting or the like f) an impact absorbing block and a detachable wedge/stop member or framework and/or detachable feet g) an impact absorbing block having any feature or function or combination thereof derivable from this description and/or drawings. C\I

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Many advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following

CO description and drawings. C\I

E mbodiments of exercise apparatus in the form of a shock or impact absorbing block for use in powerlifting in accordance with the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following accompanying drawings in which;-FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the block in an upright position; FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view of the block shown in FIGURE 1in a horizontal position ready for use in supporting disc weights (not shown) at one end of a barbell (not shown) ; FIGURE 3 show a perspective view of the block in a similar position to FIGURE 2 positioned above a frame wedge/stop accessory; FIGURE 4 shows a perspective view of the wedge/stop accessory of FIGURE 3in place on the block; FIGURE 5 shows a perspective view of the block with an exterior casing removed; FIGURE 6 shows an enlarged part-detail view of the internal construction of the O block; CO C\I FIGURE 7 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of a block having detachable feet and spaced layers of rubber matting on the outside of a casing; FIGURE 8 shows a perspective view of the block in an in use position, and FIGURE 9 shows a detail of the internal structure of the block.

Referring to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, a shock or impact absorbing apparatus for use in powerlifting comprises a rectangular or cuboid block 1 in an upright position with a rigid or hard outer plastics (polycarbonate) casing 2 constructed of planar sections and central, upwardly projecting, rigid plastics handle 3 on an upper, planar edge 4 thereof.

The thickness X of the block is about 15 cm to enable the block to be used e.g. in stepper exercises in addition to use in powerlifting/weightlifting.

The block 1 is of a size 15cm x 60.8 cm x 60.8 cm.

The weight of the block 1 preferably, lies within the range 10 to 19 kg +/-5kg and is preferably 19kg 5kg to provide a seemingly optimum balance between stable impact absorption properties and ease of portability via the carrying handle 3. C\I

One embodiment of the block 1 currently weighs about 23 kg.

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CO The design of block 1, advantageously, allows use, via the handle 3, in a range of C\I additional exercises to powerlifti ng and stepper exercises such as oblique and shoulder shrug exercises.

FIGURE 2 shows the block 1 positioned horizontally, for use with an identical block strategically spaced therefrom on a gymnasi urn floor, to support disc weights on a barbell in a manner generally known per se. The block 1 may also be used with a dumbbell. The upper horizontal rectangular surface 2a shown in FIGURE 2 is provided by a layer of rubber matting or the like or other resilient material about 5mm thick. The rubber matting layer, advantageously, provides a non-slip surface when engaged with another identical block 1 in a stack and the lower rectangular horizontal surface 2b, advantageously, is also a non-slip surface provided by a layer of rubber matting or the like about 5 mm thick which may be engageable with a gymnasium floor.

FIGURES 3 and 4 show a rigid (wooden) wedge/stop framework W that can be used as an accessory to the block 1. FIGURE 3 shows the wedge/stop framework W separated from the block 1 and FIG U RE 4 shows the wedge/stop framework in an in use position on the block. The wedge/stop framework W may be optionally employed with the block 1 or on top of a pile of stacked identical blocks 1 (as required by the users size and exercise criteria) as an additional safeguard to prevent the disc weights from rolling off the block/blocks 1. The look of the wedge/stop framework W may change although it should fulfil the same function. C\I

O The wedge/stop framework W is a snug fit on the block 1 with the internal CO dimensions of the framework being just greater than the external rectangular C\I periphery of block 1.

Framework W has two opposed elongate member portions W1 and W2 acting as stops to prevent disc weights (not shown) of a barbell (not shown) rolling off the ends of the block 1, in a manner which should be generally self-Evident. Framework W may also be used with a dumbbell.

It is envisaged that in most cases the wedge framework W would not be required.

FIGURE 5 shows the internal construction of the block 1 with the outer casing 2 removed and FIGURE 6 shows a details of the internal construction.

Advantageously, the internal construction of the block 1 comprises two rigid layers of MDF wood material 5,6 spaced apart by opposed transverse rigid (MDF) support members 7 (only one shown) fixed thereto by any convenient means. Six layers 8 of EVA foam material are provided in between the and filling the gap between the MDF layers 5,6 and two layers of EVA foam 9 are provided on the upper layer 5 of MDF material with two layers of EVA foam material 10 provided underneath the lower layer 6 of MDF material. 5mm thick layers (see FIGU RES 1 and 2) of rubber matting are provided overlying the top and bottom of layers 9,10 after the internal structure O has been enclosed in the casing 2. C\I

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The casing 2 is secured to the internal structure by screws S fastened into the rigid CO layers 5,6 and handle 3 secured thereto by screws s fastened to one of the transverse C\I support members 7.

The layers 9,10 of EVA or other flexible material may be secured to the upper and lower layers of MDF or other rigid material respectively by any convenient means such as by screws z. The block may be provided with detachable feet (not shown in FIGURES 1 to 6).

Advantageously, the block 1 may be able to withstand impact weights of up to about 100 kg or even greater (world record weight for deadlifting is about 500kg) so each block (where a block is used to support disc weights at each end of the barbell) may possibly be designed to be able to take the halved impact weight of 250kg.

The A ppli cant has made some important modifications to block 1 which are now described in relation to the second embodiment of the block 100, with reference to FIGURES 7 to 9.

Block 100 has a hard, rigid polycarbonate casing 101 secured to the internal structure by screws 102 and having two spaced layers of rubber matting or the like 103, 104 secured thereto by adhesive or other means (providing upper and lower non-sli p surfaces). No screw heads are visible on the exterior surface of the rubber O matting103,104 as it has only been attached to the casing by adhesive ( double-sided C\I H T A adhesive tape). Whilst the peripheral edge of the rubber matting 103,104 is

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exposed, in other designs (not shown) the matting may be sunk into the casing CO covering the peripheral edge. A bevelled edge may be provided all the way around the C\I block 100 so there will be no rubber matting overhang reducing the possibility for anyone to pick at the edges of the rubber matting and weaken the H TA adhesive tape.

Block 100 has four rubber detachable feet 105 positioned on edge 106 opposite edge 107 (see FIGURE 8) provided with rigid carrying handle 108. Feet 105 conveniently allow the block 100 to be positioned upright on an underlying floor with the handle 108 uppermost. The feet 105 protect the floor and block 100 from damage in such a position.

FIGURE 9 shows a detail section of the internal structure of the block 100 having three MDF equidistantly spaced layers 109, 110, 111 provided with four layers of EVA foam material 112,113 spaced therebetween. Each of the four layers 112,113 is about lOmm thick and each MDF layer 109,110,111 is about 18mm thick.

Advantageously, the handle 108 is now attached to the central layer of 109 of MDF material and the transverse support members 7 of Block 1 have been omitted from block 100.

In tests by the Applicant whilst block 1 has proved successful the presence of the transverse support members 7 affected the performance to some extent with 0 unnecessary bending stresses and the design of the second embodiment has been C\I found to be more advantageous giving rise to even better performance criteria.

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CO To summarise, a block may be provided having the following features:-C\I rubber matting 5mm thick x 2 (top and bottom layer) MDF wood 18mm thick x 3 EVA foam approx. 10mm thick x 8 (EVA thicknesses can vary very slightly) HTA (high Tack acrylic) tape or the like (which keeps the top and bottom layers in place) 2mrn thick x 2 (top and bottom layer) Height of the block being generally 150mm maximum It is to be under stood that the scope of the present invention is not to be unduly limited by the particular choice of terminology and that a specific term may be replaced or supplemented by an equivalent or generic term; any term as used herein may be replaced by that term and the word:means-e.g. the term:wedge-is not meant to be unduly restricting and may be replaced by:stop means-or:anti-rol I means -; : barbel r may be replaced by:dumbbell-. Further it is to be understood that individual features, method or functions relating to the i mpact absorbing block or wedge/stop framework accessory might be individually patentably inventive. The singular may include the plural and vice versa. Additionally, any range mentioned herein for any parameter or variable shall be taken to include a disclosure of any derivable sub-range within that range or of any particular value of the variable or parameter arranged within, or at an end of, the range or sub-range.

Claims

CLAIMS1 Exercise apparatus for use in powerlifting in the form of a stackable shock or impact absorbing block which, in use, under slammed impact with a disc weight on a barbell, can cushion the impact, said block having a first non-slip surface suitable for engaging a gymnasium floor with a second non-slip surface engageable with an identical block stacked on top of said first mentioned block, said block being composed of relatively rigid and relatively flexible materials contained in an outer casing of the block.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim in claim lin which said block is able to withstand repeated slammed impacts from weights up to about 100kg +/-20kg without slipping on, or damaging, a gymnasium floor.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the block is rectangular, square, or of generally cuboid shape.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim in any one of the preceding claims in which the casing is made of hard or rigid material to the exterior of which first and second (upper and lower spaced) layers of shock absorbent material are attached providing the first and second non-slip surfaces.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which the first and second layers of shock absorbent material are of 4 +/-2 mm thickness.
6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the casing is made up of (planar) sections fastened to the internal structure by fastening means.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 when dependent from claim 4 or Sin which the first layer of shock absorbent material is attached to a lower planar section of the casing with said second layer of shock absorbent material being attached to an upper planar section of casing.
8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the block is provided with a handle along one edge of the block.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which the handle is projecting from the block.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or 9 in which the handle is rigid.
11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8. 9 or 10 in which the block is sized and weighted to be useful in shoulder shrug and oblique exercises in addition to powerlifting.
12. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the block is of 15 -30 cm thickness (preferably about 15cm and not greater than about 30cm).
13 Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the weight of the block is in the range 12 -19 kg +/-1kg and is preferably greater than about 12kg +/-lkg and possibly about 19 kg +/-lkg.
14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the internal construction of the block comprises at least two different materials including both flexible (relatively) and rigid (relatively) material.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 in which the relatively flexible material comprises high density foam such as EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate).
16 Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 or 15 in which the relatively rigid material is, wood or MDF (medium density fibreboard)
17. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the flexible and rigid materials are arranged in layers.
18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17 in which there are at least two layers (preferably three layers, preferably equidistantly spaced from one another) of rigid material.
19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 in which said at least two layers of rigid material are spaced apart by opposed transverse support members (said support members may be rigid e,g, of wood or MDF) and/ or the space between said rigid material layers being substantially filled with the flexible material.
20. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19 in which the flexible material is layered in between the rigid material layers (e,g. about six layers of EVA or the like may be provided in between the rigid material layers where there are two rigid material layers or about 4 layers of flexible material in between the rigid material layers where there are three rigid material layers).
21. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20 in which layers of flexible material are on top of the upper layer of relatively rigid material and below the lower layer of relatively rigid material.
22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 in which two layers of EVA or like material are provided above said upper rigid layer and two layers of EVA or like material are provided below said lower rigid layer.
23. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the block is provided with feet (preferably detachable)
24. Exercise apparatus comprising the combination of at least one shock or impact absorbing block suitable for use in power lifting and at least one detachable wedge/stop member or framework; the at least one block is ( preferably) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23.
25. Exercise apparatus usable in powerlifting having one or more of the following features:-a) an impact absorbing block with at least one non-slip surface b) an impact absorbing block with a handle enabling use of the block in shoulder shrug and oblique exercises as well as in powerlifting c) an impact absorbing block usable in stepper exercises as well as in powerlifting d) an impact absorbing block which is stackable having an internal structure with at least two materials differing from each other in rigidity/flexibility preferably arranged in rigid and flexible layers ) an impact absorbing block haying a rigid casing, preferably made up of planar sections to the exterior of which are attached upper and lower layers of rubber matting or the like 0 an impact absorbing block and a detachable wedge/stop member or framework and/or detachable feet g) an impact absorbing block having any feature or function or combination thereof derivable from this description and/or drawings.