GB2578416A

GB2578416A - Improvement relating to exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2578416A
Application number: GB1806296.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mccall Iain
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-04-18
Filing date: 2018-04-18
Publication date: 2020-05-13
Also published as: GB201806296D0

Abstract

An exercise apparatus comprises: a housing 12 having base 14 and a cover which define a cavity; the housing includes at least one guide around which an elastically deformable cord 23 extends and an aperture 20 through which the cord extends; the housing includes means for fixing the non-extended cord at one end including a stop 32 on the cord and the free end of cord 23 includes means for attaching a handle for a user. The at least one guide may be a wheel or wall of the housing and may be within the cavity. A handle including a plurality of controls and a handle including two pivoting portions are also disclosed.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO EXERCISE APPARATUS

The present invention relates to exercise apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to exercise apparatus having a cord and handle.

Resistance bands, consisting of a length of elastic cord or the like for providing mechanical resistance when conducting exercise are well known. Often they have handles attached to either end of the cord to facilitate ease of use. However, whilst the level of resistance provided to a particular movement can be varied by standing upon the cord, this can be cumbersome at best and at worst dangerous for a user to operate without fear of falling over in certain circumstances when trying to exert greater force and difficulty for a particular exercise. Furthermore, there are several limitations to movements that can be employed using such devices and in the main they are limited to pulling exercises.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided exercise apparatus comprising a housing in which is disposed at least one guide around which an elastically deformable cord may extend, the housing having a base and cover defining a chamber therebetween for housing the at least one guide, the housing further comprising an aperture through which the cord may extend, and having means for adjusting the non-extended cord length at one end, the free end of the cord having means for connecting to a handle for a user to grip and apply force to elastically deform the cord and extend its length.

Thus a longer length of cord may be accommodated in a more confined space and/or extension of the cord may be more consistent over the range of displacement of a typical exercise.

The guides may function to change the direction of the path of the cord within the housing.

The guide may comprise at least one internal wall within the housing.

A guide may comprise a wheel rotatably mounted within the housing to help reduce friction of the cord when being pulled to assist in improved feel for a user and reduce wear on the cord.

The guide may comprise at least one internal wall and at least one wheel rotatably mounted within the housing.

The apparatus may comprise five guides.

The means for adjusting the non-extending length of the cord may comprise means for locking a portion of the cord in a pre-determined position.

The operable cord length in any given exercise may therefore be varied to different start lengths for different exercises, this may also adjusts starting tension, thus force required to complete the exercise.

The means for locking may comprise a lever operating on a pivotable grip that has a first configuration in which the grip engages with the cord to lock a portion thereof in position and second configuration in which the grip disengages the cord.

The apparatus may comprise foot straps that are connectable to the apparatus or integrally formed therein.

The apparatus may comprise a display module for displaying information relating to an exercise performed. The data may include number of repetitions, range of movement, force exerted and/or the like.

The module may be integrally formed within the housing or else be a removable module.

The apparatus may be mateable with a mounting plate for securing the apparatus to a substrate such as a door to facilitate a user to conduct differing exercises and 5 planes of movement.

The apparatus may comprise one or more sensors for sensing the force exerted on the cord, for example.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handle for use with exercise apparatus said handle comprising lo an outer case having an upper, lower and two side faces, a plurality of controls located on the upper surface of the handle, the handle being shaped to be held in both hands of a user such that the user's thumbs are positioned to operate controls located on upper surface of the handle with hand grips located either side thereof, and wherein said handle comprises means for connecting to exercise apparatus.

The means for connecting to exercise apparatus may comprise a physical and/or wireless connection.

A user may calibrate the handle in a software application or a computer program executed upon the handle or upon a games console or other device to which the handle is coupled.

The handle may be coupled to a games console or computer by a wired connection or by a wireless connection device.

The handle may be a game controller. Advantageously, the handle is a controller for physical exercise games where movements of the handle transmitted thereto by a user are used to control a game or used in a physical exercise routine.

The handle may be used for transmitting operation data to a computer executing a 5 game program The handle may house a control unit including a first operation data generation section. The first operation data generation section generates first operation data in accordance with a motion of a control unit body included in the control unit and second operation data generation section generates second operation data in accordance with a direction input operation performed by a user. Furthermore, the handle may include a transmission section. The transmission section transmits the first operation data and the second operation data to the computer at a predetermined timing.

The handle may further comprise an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. The transmission section may transmit, to the computer, data outputted by the one of the acceleration sensor and the gyro sensor as third operation data in addition to the first operation data and the second operation data.

The means for connecting to the apparatus may be physical or wireless.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handle for use with an exercise apparatus said handle comprising two handle portions having grips for a user to grip the handle portions, the handle portions being pivotally connected to one another such that they can move from a first configuration in which handle portions are aligned and have a common longitudinal axis and a second configuration in which the longitudinal axis of the handle portions is not aligned.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 with the cover removed from the housing; Fig. 3 shows the apparatus of Fig. 1 with a sensor; Fig. 4 shows apparatus in accordance with the present invention with foot straps attached; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 4 through the line X--X; Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment in accordance with the present invention having snap fit connection into main housing; Fig. 7 shows the apparatus of Fig. 1 with a handle attached; Fig. 8 shows the apparatus of Fig. 7 operated by a user; Fig. 9 shows the apparatus mounted to a door; Fig. 10 shows a cross sectional view of Fig. 9; Figs. 11 to 13 show various embodiments with different mounting mechanisms; Fig. 14 shows an embodiment in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 15 shows the apparatus of Fig. 14 with the cover removed from the housing; Fig. 16 shows a handle in accordance with the present invention; zo Fig. 17 is an exploded view of the handle of Fig. 16; Fig. 18 shows the handle of Figs. 16 and 17 with webbing attached; Fig. 19 shows the handle of Fig. 18 connected to the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 20 shows an embodiment of a handle in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 21 shows another embodiment of a handle in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 22 shows an embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention having a removable readout module; Fig. 23 shows an embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; having a fixed readout module; Fig. 24 shows an embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present 10 invention; Figs. 25 a -c show foot straps for use with the embodiment shown in Fig. 24; Fig. 26 shows the foot straps of Fig. 25 co-operating with the embodiment of Fig. 24; Fig. 27 shows a bracket mounted on a door frame to co-operate with the apparatus of Fig. 24; is Fig. 28 shows apparatus of Fig. 24 mounted to the bracket of Fig. 27; Fig. 29 shows an extension cord coupled to the cord of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 30 shows a sectional view of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 31 shows a rear view of the apparatus of Fig. 30; zo Figs. 32 a -c show a connector in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 33 shows an exploded view of a device in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 34 shows cross sectional views of a device in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 35 shows the device of Fig. 34 being actuated; Fig. 36 shows the apparatus and device of the present invention in use; Fig. 37 shows the apparatus and device of the present invention in use for a single arm exercise; Fig. 38 shows a second device in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 39 shows a cross sectional view of the device shown in Fig. 38; Fig. 40 shows an apparatus and device in accordance with the resent invention having a handle with two grips; and Fig. 41 shows an apparatus and device in accordance with the present invention with two handles connected thereto.

Figs. 1 and 2 show exercise apparatus 10 comprising a substantially rectangular housing 12 comprising a base 14, side wall 16 and an upper plate 18. Extending through an aperture 20 disposed in the upper plate 18 is one end 22 of flexible cord 23 which terminated in a substantially spherical first stop 24 having a lug 26 to which a carabiner 28 is attached. The other end 30 of the cord 16 terminates with a zo substantially spherical second stop 32.

Cord 23 passes through the housing 14 and is fed around five guides 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 located within the housing and whose axis of rotation is parallel to the longitudinal plane of the housing 14 and the cord extends through an opening 42 in the side wall 16 of the housing 14 distally disposed with respect to the aperture 20.

Located proximally to aperture 20 are two guides 50, 52 disposed a distance apart that corresponds to the cord's diameter and orientated perpendicularly to the plane of the housing and guides 40, 42, 44, 46, 48. Guides 50, 52 ensure that the pulling action of the cord is smooth for a user.

The upper plate has a series of grip members 60 in the form of elongate slots 62 to provide grip when a user stands on the apparatus.

A locking mechanism is provided to lock the cord in at a desired length appropriate for a particular exercise or level of resistance. The locking mechanism comprises a lever 80 pivotally mounted to the housing by pin 82 and whose free end 84 extends beyond the housing and can be therefore be easily actuated. In a locked configuration, the actuating end 86 of the lever 80 engages with and displaces a pivotally mounted cord locking member 90 having a plurality of teeth 92 disposed on one side adjacent to the cord which engage a portion of the cord and lock it in position when in the engaged and locked configuration. To release the cord from the locked configuration, the lever is displaced from its locked configuration which releases the pressure exerted on the locking member 90 by the actuating end 86. As the locking member 90 is biased into its unlocked configuration the member 90 pivots away from the cord, disengaging the teeth 92 from the cord.

Fig. 3 shows the apparatus 10 having a measuring member 100 comprising a jockey wheel deflecting the path of the cord and capable of determining speed and force exerted by a user on the cord. The measuring member is operatively connected to means for computing the tension and speed of displacement of the cord when a user pulls the cord. The wheel and support arm form a Hall sensor.

Fig. 4 shows a pair of foot straps 110, 112 with hook and loop attachments to vary the foot size accommodated. The foot straps have securing members comprising two tongues 114, 116 which extend between adjacent slots and mate to secure in place, as shown in Fig. 5. The mating members comprise hook and loop fastenings. Fig. 6 shows an embodiment where the securing members for the foot straps comprise elastically deformable members 120, 122 that extend perpendicularly to the plane of the base of the foot strap, extending downwardly away from the foot in use, the members 120,122 having a retaining lip 126,128 extending from its free end in a direction parallel to the base of the foot strap. The retaining lips are received by a complementarily shaped recess in the housing 14. To remove the foot straps the members are displaced inwardly toward one another disengaging the lips from the recess.

is Fig. 7 shows exercise apparatus 10 having a single-handled handle 140 connected to the cord 23 via carabiner 28 by virtue of a D-ring 142 that is secured to a webbing strap 144 which in turn is threaded through a cylindrical hand grip 146.

Fig. 8 shows a user operating the apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 7 with handle 140 connected. The user is operating the apparatus to conduct a bicep curl. Resistance to the arm movement is determined by the elastic strength of the cord and the length of cord selected by a user by adjusting the locking mechanism as described in respect of Fig. 2.

Fig. 9 shows the apparatus 10 of Fig. 7 mounted on a door 160. The apparatus is secured in the desired orientation by the cooperation of a mounting plate 162 and securing bolts 164, 166 having butterfly nuts 168, 170. Bolts 164, 166 are secured to the plate 162 and extend between slots 62 and their free ends mate with complementarily shaped nuts 168, 170. The mounting plate comprises a planar front face 172, a planar side face 174 whose longitudinal plane is perpendicular thereto and a rear face whose longitudinal plane is perpendicular to side face 174 such that the mounting plate wraps around the edge 178 of the door 160. Two fasteners, 180, 182 secure the mounting plate in position by screwing them inwardly towards the door 160 such that they abut the surface of the door and are secured in place by interference fit. Fig. 10 shows a cross-section of the apparatus of Fig. 9 showing the 113 internal channels 200 in the housing 14 through which the cord 23 passes. The walls 202 defining the internal channels help prevent tangling of the cord within the housing. Also more clearly shown are the cross sections of the bolt 164 and fastener 180. Fastener 180 terminates in a frustoconical rubber foot 210 which contacts the door 160 when the plate is secured thereto.

Figs. 11, 12 and 13 show embodiments having differing mounting mechanisms for mounting the apparatus 10 on a plate secured to a substrate, such as a door 160.

Fig. 11 shows a male member 220 of a mating pair mounted to the plate 222 secured to a substrate. A complementarily shaped female member 224 is associated with the apparatus 10 and received the male member 220. The male member has two barbs 226, 228 biased into an extended configuration such that they protrude from the surface 230 of the male member. The barbs are received by complementarily shaped recesses 232, 234 disposed in the side wall 236 of the female member. To disengage the apparatus from the mounted plate, a push button 240 disposed at the end of the male member is depressed. The push button 240 is operatively connected to barbs 226, 228 and when pressed displace the barbs into the stowed configuration enabling the apparatus to be removed.

Fig. 12 shows a securing plate 250 mounted to a substrate 252 and having a slidably mounted securing member 254 which can be moved from a first position which engages with the apparatus housing 14 and a second position which disengages from the housing 14 of the apparatus 10 to facilitate its removal.

Fig. 13 shows a securing plate 270 mounted to a substrate 272 and having a pivotally mounted securing member 274 having a lip 276 which can be moved from a first position which engages with a recess 278 in the housing 14 of the apparatus and a second position which disengages from the housing 14 of the apparatus 10 to facilitate its removal.

Figs. 14 and 15 show apparatus 10 having the other end 30 of the cord 23 coiled around a reel 290 so that the operable cord length is adjusted by mean of a handle 292 and rotation of the reel operably connected thereto. Alternatively, the mechanism for adjusting the operable length of cord may comprise a reel that it spring loaded and released by a button.

Figs. 16 to 20 show a handle 300 for use with the apparatus 10. The handle has two grip portions 302, 304 distally disposed with respect to one another and connected by means of a central elbow portion 306. The handle comprises two complementarily shaped handle portions, one intended to be held in the left hand 302 and the other the right 304.

Each of the handle portions 302, 304 provide one half of the elbow portion 306 having a centrally disposed throughgoing bore 310 to accommodate a fastening members 312, 314 to secure the two handle portions together and to provide a pivot about which the handle portions may rotate.

The fastening members 312, 314 comprise a circular planar plate 316 with a male member of a mating pair in the form of a threaded shaft 318 extending perpendicularly thereto and a similarly shaped circular planar plate 320 having a complementarily shaped female member in the form of an internally threaded hollow tubular member 322 for receiving the shaft 318.

Each handle portion has a free end opposite the handle. In the first handle portion 302 there is a curved rib 350 that extends close to the circumference of the free end and a curved slot 352. Handle portion 304 has complementarily shaped rib and slot such that the ribs are received in respective slots.

The slot is sized so as to enable two configurations of the handle to be determined by a user depending upon the orientation in which the handle is to be used. The handle can either be straight, where the handle portions have a common longitudinal axis or angled where the handle portions are angled. Thus different exercises can be carried out by a user to exercise different muscles.

Fig. 18 shows a webbing strap 330 having a D-ring 332 attached thereto for connecting to a carabiner disposed on the apparatus 10.

Fig. 19 shows handle 300 attached to apparatus 10.

Fig. 20 shows handle 300 with an optional wireless controller 400 which can be mounted on the handle for use in controlling a device for use in playing a video game, for example. The controller 400 has two push buttons 402, 404. The controller has an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor to generate output according to sensed movement.

Fig. 21 shows a device 500 comprising an integrated controller and handle as shown in Figs. 16 to 20.

Fig. 22 shows an embodiment having a removable module 500 with a viewing screen 502 to present information including weight lifted, number of repetitions, speed of each repetition and the like. The module 500 is received in a complementarily shaped recess 504 having electrical mating means to connect the module to any sensors located within the housing.

Fig. 23 shows a module 600 similar to that described in Fig. 22 integrally formed in the apparatus.

Fig. 24 shows apparatus 700 in accordance with the present invention having two mounting slots 702, 704 for mounting the apparatus to a substrate, and two pairs of footstrap receiving slots 706, 708 and 710, 712. The footstrap receiving slots are shaped to receive a complementarily shaped mating lug disposed on a footstrap as shown in Figs. 25 a -c.

Each footstrap has two mating lugs, 720, 722 rotatably mounting a rectangular ring 724 for receiving webbing 726 which is intended to extend over the foot of a user and having hook and loop adjustment to accommodate different sized feet.

Each lug has a spine 728 extending away from the rectangular ring and having two tongues 730, 732 extending perpendicularly to the plane of the spine.

The spine and tongues are sized so as to be received by the slots 706, 708, 710 and 712 and slid in a direction toward a respective lug connected to the same strap to secure to the apparatus 700. Each slot has an internal lip extending around a portion of its internal volume which cooperates with the spine and tongues to secure the footstrap in a connected configuration with the apparatus.

Fig. 26 shows the footstraps mounted on the apparatus and secured thereto.

Fig. 27 shows a doorframe mounted bracket 750 having a planar base 752 and at either end a side wall 754, 756 extending perpendicularly thereto and intended to wrap around the frame of a door as shown.

On one sidewall, 754, there is a fastener 760 for fastening the bracket to the door frame. The fastening 760 has a threaded shaft (not shown) and a stop intended to abut the door frame to secure in position. There are also, two rotatable tabs 770, 772 mounted on similarly shaped pillars 774, 776 which can be received in complementarily shaped slots 702, 704 disposed in the apparatus 700. To mount the apparatus the tabs are rotated to be in alignment with their pillars and the apparatus is mounted on the bracket. The tabs are then rotated 90 degrees to lock the apparatus in the mounted position as the engage with the upper surface of the housing of the apparatus as shown in Fig. 28.

Fig. 29 shows the apparatus of Fig. 1 with an extension cord 800 attached to the carabiner. This reduces the amount of force required by a user for any given movement as the cord is longer and therefore needs to deform less for a given exercise.

Figs. 30 and 31 shows an embodiment 900 where the locking mechanism to lock the cord at a desired length appropriate for a particular exercise or level of resistance consists of s a stop 902 having a cylindrical body whose diameter is greater than the diameter of the non-extended cord and which is fixed in place relative to the cord at one end 901 that terminates with a handle 903 to provide grip when adjusting the cord resistance. Depending upon which slot is selected and engaged by the stop 902 determines the resistance of the cord. For instance, Fig. 31 shows the stop in the process of being received by the third slot 908 for maximum resistance. To reduce the resistance, the stop can be displaced from the third slot and engaged with the second slot 906 or the first stop 904 for the least resistance. Two channels 910 and 912 communicate with the slots to accommodate the cord when secured in position.

The apparatus has four guides 914, 916, 918, 920 each having a rotatably mounted pulley wheel. Mounted on the free end of the cord is a connector 930.

Figs. 32 a -c show a connector 930 having a cylindrical body 932 rounded at one end 934 having a generally semi-hemispherical shape to be received by a complimentarily shaped depression in the upper surface of the housing of the apparatus shown in Figs. 30 and 31. The other end of the body has a lug 936 to which a carabiner may be attached and a downwardly depending inclined slot 938 that communicates with a centrally disposed channel that houses two pulley wheels distally disposed and rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector. The slot, channel and pulley wheels are shaped to receive a second cord 940 from a device described hereinbelow and shown in situ in Fig. 32 c Fig. 33 shows a device for use with the apparatus of the present invention. The device 950 has a clamshell housing 952, 954 in which is housed a spool 956 around which a second cord is wound and secured at one end thereto. The centre of the spool comprises a ring of teeth 958 engageable with complementarily shaped ring of teeth 960 associated with an actuator 962. Actuator 962 is moveably mounted in clamshell housing member 952 and can be moved to selectively engage the teeth 960 with the teeth 958 to prevent rotation of the spool 956 and thus the lengthening or shortening of the second cord length beyond the clamshell housing. The clamshell housing is secured together by six fasteners 62.

Fig. 34 shows that the actuator is biased via a helical spring 970 into an engaged configuration to prevent the spool from rotating. To release the spool, the actuator is depressed and the spring compressed disengaging the teeth allowing the spool to freely rotate, see Fig. 35. Once the desired length of cord extending beyond the housing is achieved the actuator is released re-engaging the teeth and preventing the spool from further rotation and selectively fixing the second cord length. The device has a slot 980 which can receive webbing from a handle that can be mounted on the device.

Fig. 36 shows various start positions for two handle exercises. The second cord is 10 fed through the pulley wheels of the connector allowing smooth movement of both handles. The device permits a user to quickly alter the start height of the handles to facilitate quick and easy alteration for different exercises.

Fig. 37 shows a user standing on the base unit performing a single arm exercise. The device is attached to the apparatus by means of a carabiner.

Fig. 38 shows an embodiment of the device 990 where the actuator comprises two members 992, 994 being pivotably mounted buttons having teeth 996, 998 for gripping the second cord and biased into an engaged configuration to lock the cord length. To release the mechanism both buttons are pressed to pivot the teeth out of engagement. Once the teeth are disengaged from the second cord, the spool may rotate to lengthen or shorten the second cord length.

Fig. 40 shows an apparatus and device having a handle with two grips, where the device is connected via carabiner to the connector.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An exercise apparatus comprising a housing in which is disposed at least one guide around which a an elastically deformable cord may extend, the housing having 5 a base and cover defining a chamber therebetween for housing the at least one guide, the housing further comprising an aperture through which the cord may extend, and having means for fixing the non-extended cord length at one end, the free end of the cord having means for connecting to a handle for a user to grip and apply force to elastically deform the cord and extend its length,and wherein the 10 means for fixing the non-extended cord length comprises a stop disposed on the cord and at least two discrete retaining members for co-operating with the stop to fix the non-extended cord length.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one guide comprises an internal wall located within the housing.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein the guide comprises a wheel rotatably mounted within the housing.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the guide comprises a wall and a wheel, wherein the wheel is disposed at one end of the internal wall.
5. The apparatus of any one or more of the previous claims comprising four guides.
6. The apparatus of any one or more of the previous claims comprising foot straps that are connectable to the apparatus or integrally formed therein
7. The apparatus of any one or more of the previous claims comprising a display module for displaying information relating to an exercise performed.
8. The apparatus of any one or more of the previous claims being mateable with a mounting plate for securing the apparatus to a substrate such as a door to facilitate a user to conduct differing exercises and planes of movement.
9. The apparatus of any one or more of the previous claims comprising one or more sensors for sensing the force exerted on the cord, for example.
10. The apparatus of any one or more of the previous claims having a device for adjusting the distance between the handle and the free end of the cord, wherein the device comprises a housing in which is rotatably mounted a spool assembly around which is wound a second cord which is extendible from said housing, wherein The spool assembly has biasing means to retract the second cord operated by an actuator, the actuator selectively locking and unlocking the spool such that the length of the cord extending beyond the housind can be adjusted.
11. The apparatus or claim 10 wherein the actuator is biased into a. locked configuration.
12. A handle for use with exercise apparatus said handle comprising an outer case having an upper, lower and two side faces, a plurality of controls located on the upper surface of the handle, the handle being shaped to be held in both hands of a user such that the user's thumbs are positioned to operate controls located on upper surface of the handle with hand grips located either side thereof, and wherein said handle comprises means for connecting to exercise apparatus.
13. The handle of claim 12 couplable to a games console or computer by a wired connection or by a wireless connection device.
14. The handle of claim 12 or 13 being a game controller.
15. The handle of claim 12, 13 or 14 having means for transmitting operation data to a computer executing a game program.
16. The handle of claim 15 comprising a control unit including a first operation data generation section, wherein the first operation data generation section generates first operation data in accordance with a motion of a control unit body included in the control unit and second operation data generation section generates second operation data in accordance with a direction input operation performed by a user.
17 The handle of claim 16 comprising a transmission section for transmitting the first 10 operation data and the second operation data to a computer at a predetermined timing.
18 The handle of claim 17 comprising an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.
19 A handle for use with an exercise apparatus said handle comprising two handle portions having grips for a user to grip the handle portions, the handle portions being pivotally connected to one another such that they can move from a first configuration in which handle portions are aligned and have a common longitudinal axis and a second configuration in which the longitudinal axis of the handle portions is not aligned.
20. A handle for use with an exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 19 and any one of claims 12 to 19.
21. An exercise system comprising the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 and a handle as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 20.