GB2573302A

GB2573302A - A device for marking exercise apparatus as in use

Info

Publication number: GB2573302A
Application number: GB1807151.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Holland Daniel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-05-01
Filing date: 2018-05-01
Publication date: 2019-11-06
Also published as: GB201807151D0

Abstract

A device 99 for marking exercise apparatus as in use comprises a body 12 having a hinge 4 and an apparatus attachment mechanism, wherein the mechanism enables the body to attach to a cylindrical structure such as a barbell or similar. The device also includes a status indicator 10 which may be an indented status indicator panel 11 and include embossed lettering. The hinge 4 is preferably a living hinge and in different embodiments the device may be biased closed or biased open. The body preferably includes a resiliently deformable closure tab 5 and the interior surfaces 3 are preferably resiliently deformable.

Description

A DEVICE FOR MARKING EXERCISE APPARATUS AS IN USE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for marking or indicating if an exercise apparatus is in use, in particular gym equipment; more particularly but not exclusively utilising cylindrical parts of the gym equipment.

Background

Increasing numbers of people enjoy or pursue gym activities.

This can be a serious endeavour, and great lengths are gone to in developing particular styles, repetitions and muscle targeting, as well as significant amounts of expense and time, particular for those who are time pressured.

In particular where a particular user is in the middle of a set of repetitions it can be problematic if the equipment is borrowed by another gym goer, if the user steps away from the equipment to drink or go to the lavatory for example.

Prior Art

WO 2017 50 601 (BARENBRUG et al) discloses a hand grip for wrapping around a handlebar which comprises a first elongated coupling member, a second elongated coupling member and a cover arranged between the first elongated coupling member and the second elongated coupling member. The first and/or second elongated coupling member comprise one or more protrusions arranged to be inserted into one or more holes or recesses of the bar. The hand grip can easily be attached to for example a handlebar of a baby stroller and removed.

WO 2014 55 879 (FRAZIER) discloses a golf club labelling apparatus includes a body having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends being opposed to one another; a bore in the body, the bore extending from the first end to the second end, and the bore defining a sidewall in the body; an opening in the body, the opening being configured in the sidewall, the opening extending from the first end to the second end; and an indicator on the body, wherein the indicator is a number corresponding to a distance, wherein the opening is configured to allow the marker to be releasably coupled to the object such that the bore functionally engages the object and the indicator is visible.

US 6 189 968 (EMANUEL) discloses a combination comprising a chair having a seat and back and a device for use on the back of the chair or the seat of the chair to provide an indicia that the chair is in use when a person is not seated in the chair, The device comprises an elongated foldable web having a first and second end, the length of such foldable web being sufficient to wrap around the width of the seat or back of the chair; an adjustable attachment means on at least one end of the foldable web for adjustably attaching such one end to the other end of the foldable web, wherein the adjustable attachment means comprises mating hook and pile attachment means attached to the first and second ends; a means for removably attaching an indicia means to the foldable web, comprising a pocket attached to the foldable web, the pocket having an opening and a transparent face and a removable indicia means inserted through the opening in the pocket viewable through the transparent face to indicate that the seat is reserved; the foldable web wrapped around the back or seat of a chair, the attachment means on the one end attached to the other end and adjusted to securely wrap the foldable web around the back or seat and the indicia means indicating that the seat is reserved and in a position that when a person sits on the chair the web remains between the persons and the chair.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a device for marking exercise apparatus as in use, comprising a body, a hinge, status indicator and an apparatus attachment mechanism, wherein such mechanism enables the body to attach to a cylindrical apparatus.

The mechanism may be envisaged to enable the device to be clipped onto or over the apparatus.

The device may be brightly coloured or may comprise an illumination source.

In some embodiments the device comprises an over centre mechanism, arranged to enable a user to reach over and around the structure and clip back against the structure.

The device may be arranged as an elongate form, for maximum visibility. The form may be arranged to travel along the structure in use, for example wherein the structure comprises an elongate cylindrical form.

The body may be bipartite. For example the body may comprise two parts which parts are arranged to open to accept the structure.

The mechanism may comprise a hinge, so as to enable the body to open.

The mechanism may comprise an opening mechanism arranged to extend along the length of the body in some embodiments. In other embodiments the mechanism may be local to an area of the body.

In some embodiments the body may be rigid or substantially rigid.

In some embodiments the device may comprise elastomeric materials, in addition or the alternative. Such materials may be used as a securing means for attachment to the apparatus or may comprise the body of the device in some arrangements or embodiments. For example the body may be elastomeric or comprise elastomeric material so as to allow connection or securement to a larger variety of diameter structures.

In some embodiments the attachment mechanism may comprise elastomeric material, and the body may be rigid or substantially rigid.

In such embodiments the elastomeric material may comprise tethers or attaching bands or ties, for example for attachment of the body tying around the structure between two hooks or similar on distal parts of the body.

In some embodiments the device may comprise a battery or energy source. Such battery or energy source may enable the device to have a microcontroller and/or a wirelessly enabled transceiver. In this way the device may be enabled to transmit reminders, and/or accept unlock instructions.

In some embodiments the device may be enabled to have a light source, which may serve as an indicator to other gym users.

In some embodiments the device may comprise a rep counter, timer or timing mechanism which may be mechanical. In this way the device may allow a user to indicate remaining reps and/or remaining time envisaged for the user on the apparatus.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention in a first open position;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in a second closed position;

Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows an end view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3;

Figure 6 shows an end view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 7 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 8 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

and

Figures 9 show sketches subject to later formalisation or removal as appropriate of an isometric view a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention in a second closed position; and an end view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 9a; respectively.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference generally to the embodiments shown in the Figures there is generally shown a device having a body and an apparatus attachment mechanism, wherein such mechanism enables the body to attach to a cylindrical structure.

In particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8 there is shown an embodiment 99 of the device according to the present invention comprising a substantially rigid outer 12, and a resiliently deformable inner surface 3, wherein the outer comprises two elongate semi-circular tubular parts 1, 2, hinged together at a hinge 4, which extends longitudinally between the parts at a first edge of each.

In the pictured embodiment a living hinge arrangement running the length of the parts shared edge provides the hinge between the parts 1, 2 and advantageously maintains a minimal profile, and minimises moving parts prone to failure or catching or damaging other items or persons.

The embodiment’s parts’ inner surface 3 comprises a non-slip, rubberised grip to aid in attachment to the equipment.

At the second edges 44 of the parts there is provided a catch and hook arrangement, wherein a first of the parts 1 comprises a protruding closure tab 5 with a perforation 9, and the second of the parts 2 comprises an indentation 6 with a projection 8.

The tab 5 is formed in a resilient material in a displaceable material width and in this way the tab may be displaced as the tab is closed over the indentation 6 and the projection 8 fits into the perforation 9.

The indentation 6 comprises a lowermost spur 7, under which it may be envisaged the user may place a digit to displace the projection from the tab’s perforation.

The inner surface of the parts is provided by longitudinally arranged pads 3, 33. The pads are separate resiliently deformable material pads, for example waterproof closed cell foam with a wipe clean or glossy covering or finish, so as to limit ingress of moisture or bacteria.

The pads have bevelled sides, so as to limit accumulation of moisture or bacteria and are resilient to allow closure over different diameter equipment. Some for the pads 33 are thinner to better allow for closure, deformation and movement between positions.

The embodiment is designed to be attached to barbells and most gym machines in a visible place.

The first part of the outer comprises an indented panel 11, with raised lettering 10 for provision of the status indication means or panel 11 indicating the status of the equipment, namely in the pictured embodiment ΊΝ USE’.

In use the user will attach the embodiment to the exercise apparatus when they wish to reserve it or indicate that they are in-between ‘sets’.

This will allow other gym users to know what equipment is free for use and which is not.

In particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 9 there is shown an embodiment of the device according to the present invention comprising two elongate semi-circular tubular parts spaced apart by a bipartite hinge 45 and central torsion spring 46.

Embossed lettering 10 again provides a visual indicator of the purpose of the embodiment, namely indicating that apparatus or gym equipment is in use or reserved.

The embodiment provides a simple device which will automatically remain clipped onto gym equipment (such as barbells or dumbbells).

The embodiment is arranged to be an easily attachable and detachable item effective to make other gym users aware that the apparatus is currently in use.

The embodiment is a hinged device with parallel elongate opposing jaws arranged to hinge open to allow access and enable the embodiment to be attached to cylindrical parts of gym equipment or apparatus, such as handles, bars or framework.

The outer surface of the embodiment has a raised and lowered surface having protrusions to allow easy grip when opening and closing similar to a hair clip.

The second embodiment comprises two opposing semi-circular longitudinally extended jaw parts, which extend between elongate ends to describe a circle in section, with two open ends which are spaced circumferentially from each other and two closed ends which comprise returning lips 47 spaced part circumferentially by a spring biased hinge 46, which holds a second closed position.

The hinge comprises two pin and barrel hinges and a central torsion spring extending between the inner surfaces of the arms.

At rest the open ends are displaced from each other as shown in Figure 9b.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments. For example an illuminated insignia or sign (such as an LED display) may be included and a transmitter may communicate a reminder to a portable receiver to be carried by the intended or prospective user.

Claims

1. A device for marking exercise apparatus as in use, comprising a body, a hinge, status indicator, and an apparatus attachment mechanism, wherein such mechanism enables the body to attach to a cylindrical apparatus.

2. A device according to claim 1 comprising two elongated parts, displaceable from a first open position to a second closed position, wherein the device is secured to the apparatus in the second position.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the parts are hinged together by the hinge to form the body.

4. A device according to claim wherein the hinge comprises a living hinge.

5. A device according to any preceding claim comprising an indented status indication panel.

6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the panel comprises embossed lettering indicating the apparatus is in use.

7. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a resiliently deformable closure tab.

8. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a resiliently deformable inner surface.

9. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a spring bias to a closed position.

10. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a spring bias to an open position

11. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a battery.

12. A device according to claim 11 comprising a light source.

13. A device according to claim 11 or 12 comprising a wirelessly enabled transceiver.

14. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a rep counter.

15. A device according to any of the preceding claims comprising a timing

5 mechanism.