AU2016208356A1 - Portable Gym - Google Patents

Abstract

PORTABLE GYM 5 The present invention relates in general to the field of exercise and training equipment. A portable gym is operable between a collapsed condition and a plurality of assembled conditions defined by a plurality of different structural configurations. The portable gym comprises a frame having an upright stanchion member with a first end and a second end, and a support arm 10 extending from the first end of the upright stanchion member; a carriage having spaced apart guide means, said carriage being supported for movement upon the upright stanchion member by the guide means; a cable having a first end and a second end, the first end is releasably attached to the carriage and passing through at least one guide means on the support arm and releasably 15 attached at the second end to a handle; a securing element for securing the frame to a structure; at least one weight element removably mounted on said carriage; and whereby the carriage is moved up and down the upright stanchion by a user manually engaging the handle. 20 Figure 1 to accompany the abstract r 4 ,2 ) 48 6 -45 30> 56 9/0,

Description

1 2016208356 28 Μ 2016

PORTABLE GYM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The invention relates in general to the field of exercise and training equipment, and more particularly to a portable gym apparatus which is adapted to assemble in different configurations to support a variety of accessory component attachments so that a user can work out and train in a vast array of sports and activities and training locations. The invention is ίο particularly useful for exercising in an outdoor environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It should be noted that reference to the prior art herein is not to be 15 taken as an acknowledgement that such prior art constitutes common general knowledge in the art.

Physical exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness. Current interest in personal 20 health and physical fitness has helped create a strong demand for exercise equipment capable of allowing users to perform the wide range of exercises considered essential in a complete fitness program. A number of exercise devices have been previously developed which attempt to meet this need. However, most such devices are either too cumbersome for practical use and 25 storage or are too limited in the variety of exercises they allow a user to perform. Additionally, many of these devices lack the sturdiness and durability required for serious long-term usage and are not capable of being assembled and disassembled for portable use in an outdoor environment. 30 Physical exercises are generally grouped into three types, depending on the overall effect they have on the human body. Aerobic exercise is any physical activity that uses large muscle groups and causes your body to use more oxygen than it would while resting. The goal of aerobic exercise is to increase cardiovascular endurance. Examples of aerobic exercise include 2 2016208356 28 Μ 2016 cycling, swimming, and running. Anaerobic exercise is also called strength or resistance training and can firm, strengthen, and tone your muscles, as well as improve bone strength, balance, and coordination. Anaerobic exercise includes weight training and progressive resistance training. Flexibility 5 exercises stretch and lengthen your muscles. Activities such as stretching help to improve joint flexibility and keep muscles limber. The goal of flexibility exercise is to improve the range of motion which can reduce the chance of injury. ίο Progressive resistance exercise is a method of increasing the strength of a weak or injured muscle by gradually increasing the resistance against which the muscle works, such as by using graduated weights. The therapeutic value of progressive resistance exercise has long been recognised and results in added strength and endurance in the muscles, but is also in the improvement of neuromuscular coordination and in a more efficient functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Traditionally apparatus such as barbells and dumbbells are the two main types of free weights which have been utilised for a number of years in 20 progressive resistance training. The use of such apparatus, however, can be extremely dangerous when undertaken without proper training and supervision. When a large amount of weight is being lifted, barbells are particularly dangerous and present difficult balancing problems. If they are dropped, serious injury can result to the trainee or to those about him or her. 25

In today’s modern society both personal health and physical exercise has become an expensive commodity. A health club or gym membership will give you access to a place which houses exercise equipment for the purpose of physical exercise and offer many other services, and as a result the 30 monthly membership prices can vary greatly. Gyms usually provide a wide variety of different devices and mechanisms particularly adapted for use in a multiplicity of different exercises scientifically determined to produce particular results. Such professional installations are quite costly to construct and maintain and consequently normally charge a higher fee for their use. In 3 2016208356 28 Μ 2016 gyms and health clubs the exercise equipment is extremely heavy and therefore fixed or permanently installed.

In many instances, people who join gyms or fitness clubs find that they 5 do not use them regularly and after a few months will allow their membership to lapse or expire. In today’s fast paced lifestyle it is becoming too inconvenient to fit regular visits to the fitness club into one's busy schedule.

As an alternative to the indoor gym or health club people are taking the ίο physical exercise outdoors. Personal trainers have developed boot camps and outdoor sessions in parks and beaches using bodyweight exercises like push ups, squats, and suspension training, interspersed with running and competitive games. While some cities have provided fixed structures in parks for performing pull-ups or other exercise routines, such equipment is not is widely available, limiting the variety of exercises that may be performed. Likewise another limiting factor is that outdoor training does not provide the progressive resistance exercise and different devices and mechanisms particularly adapted for use in a multiplicity of different exercises which the indoor gym or health club can provide. 20

The increased understanding of body needs and busy lifestyles has also given rise to the development of a variety of different home exercisers or devices and mechanisms which may be privately purchased and employed in the home for carrying out particular exercises. A home gym usually combines 25 a number of devices into one apparatus wherein several work stations are provided about a fixed frame structure, wherein each sports station usually includes equipment for exercising one or more muscles of the body, including the arms, torso, and legs. These types of home gyms are required to be fixed or permanently installed equipment. While some of these devices are 30 portable and can be disassembled and stored out of the way, these devices lack the sturdiness and durability required for serious long-term usage.

One of the major difficulties in this field is the inherent limitation of each device to only a few possible exercises that may be carried out. Furthermore 4 2016208356 28 Jul 2016 the devices can be awkward to store and given their weight can be cumbersome to set-up and use which can seriously limit the capabilities of their use. The larger sized home gyms create further problems when the need to move them arises. The cost to disassemble, move and then reassemble a 5 home gym at a new location can often cost as much or more than the original purchase of the equipment.

Some of these devices have been developed for the serious weightlifting enthusiast but problems still exist with these exercise devices, ίο For example, the complexity of construction increases the time it takes to assemble for set-up and to disassemble for storage or transportation. Like the gym and health clubs the devices can take up large exercise area and they are not visually appealing. Furthermore, some of these devices claim to be portable and collapsible, the user still has to take much time in aligning 15 frame members and placing bolts for assembly and to reverse this procedure for storage or transporting.

Clearly it would be advantageous if a portable gym could be devised that helped to at least ameliorate some of the shortcomings described above. 20 In particular, it would be beneficial to provide a portable gym that is modular in design and provides a multi-purpose training apparatus which is adapted to accommodate a variety of accessory components to enable training in many different sports, activities and locations.

25 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides a portable gym operable between a collapsed condition and a plurality of assembled conditions defined by a plurality of different structural 30 configurations, said portable gym comprising: a frame having an upright stanchion member with a first end and a second end, and a support arm extending from the first end of the upright stanchion member; a carriage having spaced apart guide means, said carriage being supported for movement upon the upright stanchion member by the guide means; a cable 5 2016208356 28 Μ 2016 having a first end and a second end, the first end is releasably attached to the carriage and passing through at least one guide means on the support arm and releasably attached at the second end to a handle; a securing element for securing the frame to a structure; at least one weight element removably 5 mounted on said carriage; and whereby the carriage is moved up and down the upright stanchion by a user manually engaging the handle.

Preferably, the plurality of assembled conditions defined by the plurality of different structural configurations may comprise any one or more of the ίο following: (a) a progressive resistance training configuration; (b) a weight training configuration; (c) a chin-up or pull-up bar configuration; (d) a parallel dip bar configuration; (e) a basketball or netball ring configuration; (f) a boxing punching bag or speed ball configuration; or (g) a portable bench configuration. 15

Preferably, the upright stanchion member may have a vertical support arm extending into and from the second end of the upright stanchion, the vertical support arm is used to support the upright stanchion on the ground. The vertical support arm may comprise a plurality of aperture pairs located on 20 opposing sides of the vertical support arm, a pair of apertures on the vertical support arm are aligned with a corresponding pair of apertures located in and adjacent the second end of the upright stanchion to allow for the vertical support arm to be adjusted to suit the ground level, a pin is inserted through the apertures in the upright stanchion and the vertical support arm to secure 25 the vertical support arm in place.

Preferably, the vertical support arm may further comprise a height adjustable foot to enable further adjustment of the vertical support arm on the ground. 30

Preferably, the at least one guide means on the support arm may comprise at least one pulley means over which the cable is entrained for raising and lowering the carriage. The support arm may further comprise a 6 2016208356 28M2016 first end which is inserted into and secured within the first end of the upright stanchion member.

Preferably, the support arm may comprise a second end which allows 5 some of the plurality of different structural configurations to be inserted into and secured within the support arm.

Alternatively, the at least one guide means may comprise two pulley means over which the cable is entrained for raising and lowering the carriage. 10

Preferably, the support arm may further comprise at least one socket located on an outer surface of the support arm for mounting accessories to the portable gym. The accessories may comprise any one of a light assembly or a sun shade assembly. 15

Preferably, the spaced apart guide means on the carriage may comprise a vertically disposed central guide column having guide means located on each side of the column for guiding the movement of the carriage upon the upright stanchion member. The guide means may comprise at least 20 one roller means located on each side of the central guide column, each said at least one roller means is mounted on the central guide column and projects through an aperture in the central guide column to allow the roller means to be in roller engagement with a surface of the upright stanchion member whereby to allow the carriage to move up or down the upright stanchion 25 member.

Alternatively, the guide means may comprise two roller means spaced apart from each other and located on each side of the central guide column. 30 Preferably, the carriage may further comprise at least one arm projecting up and away from the carriage, wherein the arm is adapted to receive the at least one weight element. 7 2016208356 28 Μ 2016

Alternatively, the carriage may comprise two arms projecting up and away from opposing sides of the carriage and adapted to receive the at least one weight element on each arm. The arms may further comprise a collar mounted on each arm a distance from the point where the arm is mounted on 5 the carriage, wherein the collar is designed in order to keep the weight element spaced apart from the carriage.

Preferably, the weigh element may comprise a plurality of individual weights, and means for selectively securing a desired number of said ίο individual weights to the arms of the carriage.

Preferably, the securing element may comprise an arm extending at a right angle adjacent to the second end of the upright stanchion member, the arm is adapted to engage with the structure to support the frame of the 15 portable gym. The support structure may be a vehicle and the arm is adapted to engage with a tow bar of the vehicle.

Preferably, the portable gym may further comprise a third pulley means mounted adjacent to the second end of the upright stanchion member and on 20 an opposing side to the securing element arm, the third pulley means over which the cable is entrained and allows the handle to be attached to an end of the cable to utilise the portable gym.

Preferably, the chin-up or pull-up bar may comprise a T-shaped bar 25 with a first arm which is adapted to be inserted and secured within the second end of the support arm and two handle bars extending either side from the junction of the first arm.

Preferably, the parallel dip bar may comprise a first arm which is 30 adapted to be inserted and secured within the second end of the support arm, the first arm extending downward to connect with an arm assembly. The arm assembly may comprise two parallel arms extending forward from the arm assembly and a support bar member extending in the opposite direction to the two parallel arms, the support bar being adapted to engage the upright 8 2016208356 28M2016 stanchion member to provide support for a user when performing a dip exercise.

Preferably, the portable bench may comprise a bench or seat and a 5 base which is removably and adjustably mounted to the vertical support arm extending from the upright stanchion member. The seat may be adjustably positionable along and away from the vertical support arm for varying the spacing between the seat and the upright stanchion member. ίο Preferably, the seat may further comprise a seat back which is tilt adjustably supported on the base and whereby adjustment of said spacing between the seat back and the base adjusts the tilt of said seat back accordingly. 15 Preferably, the handle may comprise a pair of manually engageable handle means connected to the cable.

In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention provides a portable exercise apparatus operable between a collapsed condition and a 20 plurality of assembled conditions defined by a plurality of different structural configurations, said portable exercise apparatus comprising: a user manually engageable handle means; a frame having an upright stanchion member and a support arm extending from an end of the upright stanchion member; at least one pulley means on the support arm; a carriage having a guide means, 25 said carriage being supported for movement upon the upright stanchion member by the guide means and at least one weight element removably mounted on the carriage; a cable means connected at one end to the handle means and at the other end to the carriage, whereby pulling on said handle means draws said cable means through the at least one pulley means and 30 moves the carriage up or down the upright stanchion member; and a securing element for securing the frame to a structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 9 2016208356 28 Μ 2016

The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to be limitative to the invention, but are for explanation and 5 understanding only.

Fig. 1 illustrates a portable gym in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates the portable gym of Fig. 1 in use and attached to a vehicle support structure; 10 Fig. 3 shows a front view of the carriage for use on the portable gym;

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the carriage of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the carriage of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 shows the securing element for securing the portable gym to a structure; 15 Fig. 7 shows the adjustable vertical support arm for supporting the portable gym on the ground;

Fig. 8 illustrates the pulley means on the support arm of the portable gym;

Fig. 9 shows a light assembly attached to the top of the support arm of 20 the portable gym;

Fig. 10 illustrates two weights supported on the carriage of the portable gym;

Fig. 11 shows the portable gym of Fig. 1 in use with a user standing on the ground performing an exercise; 25 Fig. 12 illustrates the portable gym of Fig. 1 in use with a user lying on a bench performing an exercise;

Fig. 13 illustrates the portable gym of Fig. 1 in use with a user kneeling on a bench performing an exercise;

Fig. 14 illustrates the portable gym of Fig. 1 in use with a user sitting on 30 a bench performing an exercise;

Fig. 15 shows the portable gym of Fig. 1 with a chin-up bar installed and in use on the support arm;

Fig. 16 shows the portable gym of Fig. 1 with a parallel dip bar installed and in use on the support arm; 10 2016208356 28 Μ 2016

Fig. 17 illustrates the portable gym of Fig. 1 in use with a user standing on the ground performing an exercise;

Fig. 18 illustrates a fixed ground mount securing element for securing the portable gym to a fixed structure; 5 Fig. 19 illustrates a fixed wall mount securing element for securing the portable gym to a fixed structure; and

Fig. 20 illustrates the portable gym of Fig. 1 in use with a user standing on the ground performing an exercise and a shade sail inserted on the top of the support arm to provide shade for the user. 10

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description, given by way of example only, is described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a 15 preferred embodiment or embodiments.

The present invention provides a portable gym 10 operable between a collapsed condition and a plurality of assembled conditions defined by a plurality of different structural configurations. The portable gym 10 comprises 20 a frame 20 having an upright stanchion member 26 with a first and second end 24, 25. A support arm 40 extends from the first end 25 of the upright stanchion member 26. A carriage 30 having spaced apart guide means 110 support the carriage 30 for movement upon the upright stanchion member 26. A cable 90 has a first end which is releasably attached to the carriage 30 and 25 passes through at least one guide means 44 on the support arm 40. The other end of the cable 90 is releasably attached to a handle 95. A securing element 70 is utilised to secure and support the frame 20 to a structure 190. The carriage 30 is adapted to removably hold at least one weight element 31. The carriage 30 is movable up and down the upright stanchion member 26 by 30 a user 100 who manually engages the handle 95 to operate the portable gym 10.

Physical exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness. Exercise is performed for 11 2016208356 28 Μ 2016 various reasons, including strengthening muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance, and merely enjoyment. Frequent and regular physical exercise boosts the immune system and helps prevent the "diseases of affluence" such as heart disease, 5 cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Childhood obesity is a growing global concern, and physical exercise may help decrease some of the effects of childhood and adult obesity.

The present invention has been developed to meet the growing need 10 for an alternative to the expensive indoor gym or health club. In order to meet the need for a truly portable progressive resistance training device the portable gym 10 has been developed. The portable gym 10 can be easily set-up in any number of different environments from the outdoors to indoors. Personal trainers, who have developed boot camps and outdoor sessions in is parks and beaches, are now capable of providing the progressive resistance exercise and different devices and mechanisms which had been previously developed for use in the indoor gym or health club.

Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which a 20 portable gym 10 shows the main components of the invention. The frame 20 has an upright stanchion member 26, a support arm 40 extending from an end of the upright stanchion member 26 and a carriage 30 having spaced apart guide means 110 which support the carriage 30 for movement upon the upright stanchion member 26. The present invention has the versatility of 25 providing a number of different exercises from the one device. This is achieved by being operable between a plurality of assembled conditions defined by a plurality of different structural configurations. Fig. 1 shows the chin-up bar 60 and the parallel dip bar 50 which in use are inserted and secured within the end 49 of the support arm 40. A number of different 30 structural configurations are achievable with the present invention and therefore a number of different exercises can be performed using the portable gym 10. While some of these will be described in detail below it should be appreciated by the skilled addressee that a number of options and exercises 12 2016208356 28 Μ 2016 are capable with the present invention and therefore should not be limited to only those described below.

As described above the frame 20 consists of an upright stanchion 5 member 26 which has a first end 25 and a second end 24. Extending into and from the second end 24 is the vertical support arm 21, the vertical support arm 21 extends and supports the upright stanchion member 26 on the ground 101. In order to accommodate different ground levels and heights the vertical support arm 21 as indicated by the arrow is variable depending on the height ίο required. In a fully retracted position the vertical support arm 21 is accommodated within the end of the upright stanchion member 26. In use the vertical support arm 21 is extended out of the end of the upright stanchion member 26 until it is aligned at the appropriate height for operation. 15 The vertical support arm 21 has a number of pairs of apertures 23 on two opposing sides of the vertical support arm 21. Each pair of apertures 23 in the vertical support arm 21 is designed to align with a pair of aperture 27 located adjacent to the end 24 of the upright stanchion member 26. A pin 72 is inserted through both pairs of apertures 23, 27 in order to secure the 20 vertical support arm 21 in position at the desired height. In order to restrict the removal of the pin 72 and to securely hold the pin 72 in place a fastener 73 is passed through an aperture in the end of the pin 72. The fastener may be a spring type spilt pin 73 which is a metal fastener with two tines. Typically one tine is straight and the other is bent or shaped to suit the diameter of the 25 pin 72. These types of split pins 73 are designed to be easily removed and reused a number of times. Any other suitable fastener or the like could be used to ensure that the pin 72 is secured. With the pin 72 secured in place the vertical support arm 21 is unable to be moved in or out of the upright stanchion member 26. For fine adjustment a height adjustable foot 22 is 30 located in an end 28 of the vertical support arm 21 and can be screwed in or out to suit.

As shown in Fig. 1 the cross-section shape of the tube used in the frame 20 is a square or rectangular tube. However it should be appreciated 13 2016208356 28M2016 by the skilled addressee that any shape cross-section could be used. For example, a circular tube could easily be substituted for the square or rectangular tube. 5 The securing element 70 is utilised to secure and support the frame 20 to a structure 190. A square or rectangular tube 75 is securely attached or welded to form a right angle with the upright stanchion member 26. The tube 75 extends away from the upright stanchion member 26 at a position adjacent to the end 24. The securing element 70 and the tube 75 can be further ίο reinforced to the upright stanchion member 26 by the placement of reinforcing bracket or element 76 as shown in Figs. 6 or 7. The open end of the tube 75 is adapted to be secured to the structure 190. In Fig. 2 the structure 190 is a vehicle and the tube 75 is adapted to be attached to the tow bar 130. Apertures in the tube 75 align with threaded apertures 133 in the tow bar 130 is and are secured using bolts or fasteners 74. This secures the frame 20 of the portable gym 10 to a structure 190 which can support the forces which can be applied during the use of the portable gym 10.

On the opposing side of the tube 75 of the securing element 70 is a 20 pulley 71. The pulley 71 is attached to a bracket which is attached or welded adjacent to the bottom end 24 of the upright stanchion member 26. The pulley 71 is simply a wheel on an axle or shaft that is designed to support movement and change of direction of the cable 90 along its circumference. The use of the pulley 71 will be described in further detail in relation to 25 different exercises performed using the portable gym 10 and other illustrated figures.

Fig. 1 also shows the carriage 30 in the at rest or non-use position above the bracket or element 76 on the securing element 70. In this view 30 there is no cable 90 attached to the carriage 30.

The support arm 40 is inserted into and retained within the upright stanchion member 26. The end 43 of the support arm 40 has a threaded aperture 47 which when inserted as shown by the arrow into the end 25 of the 14 2016208356 28 Μ 2016 upright stanchion member 26 and aligned with the aperture 46 allows a fastener 45 to be utilised to retain the support arm 40 within the upright stanchion member 26. The support arm 40 consists of two square tube sections 41, 42 joined to form a right angled support arm 40. The tube

5 sections 41, 42 can be welded or formed to form the right angle joint. A reinforcing bracket can also be placed at the junction below the right angled joint to further reinforce the joint.

The support arm 40 also houses two further pulleys 44 which extend ίο below the arm 42 on brackets. A first pulley 44 is located adjacent the end 49 of the arm 42 and the second pulley 44 is spaced apart from but in line with the first pulley 44. Two sockets 48 are located on the top side of the tube section 42 of the support arm 40 for housing such accessories as a light assembly or a shade sail. 15 A shown in Fig. 1 the present invention can be utilised to perform a number of different exercises by inserting into the opening 49 in the support arm 40 a number of different structural configurations. A chin-up bar 60 or a parallel dip bar 50 can be inserted and secured within the end 49 of the 20 support arm 40.

The chin-up bar 60 consists of a t-shaped bar with a first arm 62 with an end 61 which is inserted into the open end 49 of the support arm 40. An aperture 65 is located adjacent the end 61 in the first arm 62 and when the 25 chin-up bar 60 is inserted within the support arm 40 the aperture 65 aligns with corresponding apertures in the tube section 42. A pin 66 is inserted through the apertures to secure the chin-up bar 60 to the support arm 40. In order to restrict the removal of the pin 66 and to securely hold the pin 66 in place a fastener (not shown) is passed through an aperture in the end of the 30 pin 66. The other arm 63 of the t-shaped bar of the chin-up bar 60 has two handle sections 64 for a user to locate their hands when performing a chin-up exercise. The two bars 62, 63 forming the t-shaped chin-up bar 60 are welded or joined to form structure. 15 2016208356 28 Μ 2016

The parallel dip bar 50 consists of a first arm 51 which is joined at a right angle with tube 52. The tube 52 is designed to be inserted into the open end 49 of the support arm 40. An aperture 54 is located adjacent the end 53 in the tube 52 and when the parallel dip bar 50 is inserted within the support 5 arm 40 the aperture 54 aligns with corresponding apertures in the tube section 42. A pin 66 is inserted through the apertures to secure the parallel dip bar 50 to the support arm 40. In order to restrict the removal of the pin 66 and to securely hold the pin 66 in place a fastener (not shown) is passed through an aperture in the end of the pin 66. The other end of the first arm 51 ίο has a reduced cross-section tube 81 which is inserted into the bottom section forming the parallel dip bar 50. The tube 81 is retained within the bottom section by a pin 80 and a fastener (not shown). In order to support the weight of a user on the parallel dip bar 50 a support arm 55 extends back and is supported on the upright stanchion member 26 by a bracket 56 which fits 15 around and over a side of the upright stanchion member 26. The other end of the support arm 55 is fixed to the tube or arm 57 to form a t-shaped bar. On either end of the tube or arm 57 are apertures 59 for receiving the dip support arms 58. Each dip arm 58 extends outwardly from the arm 57. As illustrated in Fig. 1 the dip arms can be circular or cylindrical tubes. The diameter of the 20 tubes is sufficiently larger than the apertures 59 so that the arms themselves do not pass through the apertures 59. The end of the tubes or arms 58 which passes through the apertures 59 are of slightly reduced diameter and have a hole drilled through the arm to receive a fastener 82 to secure the arms 58 in place. As illustrated the fastener is a spring pin 82. In order to accommodate 25 users of different sizes the apertures 59 allow the position of the parallel dip arms 58 to be positioned to suit.

Each end of the chin-up bar handles 64 and the parallel dip arms 58 can be knurled or padded. The knurling operation is performed by producing 30 indentations on the handles 64 or arms 58 to allow the hands or fingers of the user to get a better grip on the handles or arms than would be provided by the originally smooth metal surface. If the arms 58 or handles 64 are padded this is simply for the user to have a better grip or more comfortable grip. 16 2016208356 28 Μ 2016

Fig. 2 illustrates the portable gym 10 in use. The portable gym 10 is attached to a support structure 190, in this case a vehicle 190. The securing element 70 is secured to the trailer hitch or receiver 130 of the vehicle 190. The vehicles removable ball mount 131 and trailer ball 132 are unbolted from 5 the vehicle 190 and the tube 75 of the securing element 70 is inserted and secured within the trailer hitch 130. With the portable gym 10 secured to the support structure 190 the vertical support arm 21 is extended to the ground 101 and secured in place. If any fine adjustment of the height between the bottom of the vertical support arm 21 and the ground 101 is required to ίο support the portable gym 10 on the ground 101 the adjustable foot 22 can be screwed in or out to suit.

The carriage 30 is placed over the upright stanchion member 26 and slidably moved towards the bottom of the upright stanchion member 26. The 15 support arm 40 is then placed and secured on top of the upright stanchion member 26. A first end of the cable 90 is releasably attached to the carriage 30 and entrained over the pulleys 44 and then directed down and around pulley 71. The cable 90 then terminates at the second end of the cable with a releasable clip 96 which is in turn attached to a handle 95. Weight elements 20 31 are then inserted onto the carriage 30.

In use the user 100 pulls the handle 95 towards their body in the direction of the arrow, the cable 90 then moves the carriage 30 with the weight 31 in an upward direction, up the upright stanchion member 26. 25 Likewise as the user 100 releases the cable 90 the carriage 30 and the weight 31 move down the upright stanchion member 26. In order to perform the exercise the user 100 will pull and release the cable 90 and the carriage 30 will move up and down the upright stanchion member 26 of the portable gym 10. 30

Typically the cable 90 is in the form of a wire rope or cable which consists of several strands of metal wire laid (twisted) into a helix. Steel wires for wire ropes are normally made of non-alloy carbon steel which provides a very high strength cable which can support large tensile forces with a 17 2016208356 28M2016 relatively small diameter cable 90. Alternatively, the cable could simply be in the form of a rope such as a group of yarns, plies, or strands which are twisted or braided together in order to combine them into a larger and stronger form. These forms of ropes have a high tensile strength. 5

Figs. 3 to 5 show the carriage 30 which has been designed to move up and down the upright stanchion member 26 using the guide means 110. The carriage 30 consists of a vertically disposed central guide column 37 having a first open end 35 and a second open end 36. The guide column 37 is shaped ίο to fit over the outside of the upright stanchion member 26 and to allow a small clearance between each side of the guide column 37 and the upright stanchion member 26. Each side of the guide column 37 comprises two roller guide means 110. However any number of roller guide means 110 on each side of the guide column 37 could be used provided they provide the roller 15 engagement with the upright stanchion member. For example a carriage 30 could have a single roller guide means 110 on each side of the guide column 37. Each roller guide means 110 is mounted for rotation about an axis passing through the centre of the roller guide means 110. A fastener 112, 113 mounts the roller guide means 110 in brackets 111 located on either side 20 of the roller guide means 110. Apertures 114 located within the guide column 37 allow the roller guide means 110 to protrude through and into the space internally within the guide column 37 such that the roller guide means are in roller engagement with the upright stanchion member 26. 25 The roller guide means 110 can be of any desired shape and constructed from any suitable material. For example, the roller guide means 110 illustrated in the drawings shows a roller guide wheel 110 which has a circular component which rotates on an axle or bearing. In the present case the roller guide wheel is adapted to rotate around the fastener 112, 113. The 30 roller wheel 110 has a central flat section which is designed to come in contact with the outer surface of the upright stanchion member 26. In order for roller wheels 110 to rotate, a moment is applied to the wheel about its axis when an external force is applied in the form of the user 100 pulling on the cable 90. A skilled addressee would appreciate that any other type of roller 18 2016208356 28 Μ 2016 guide means could be used provided the roller guide means 110 can rotate when the force or moment is applied.

As illustrated in Fig. 5 the roller guide means 110 protrude far enough 5 inside the guide column 37 so that when the carriage 30 is fitted over the outside of the upright stanchion member 26 the small clearance between each side of the guide column 37 and the upright stanchion member 26 is taken up by the roller guide means 110 so that the roller guide means 110 guides the movement or roller movement of the carriage 30 up and down the ίο external surface of the upright stanchion member 26. Also shown is the hollow space 38 formed internally of the guide column 37 which allows enough space for the upright stanchion member 26 to be inserted inside the carriage 30. is Extending from two opposing sides of the guide column 37 of the carriage 30 are weight holding arms 32. Alternatively, the carriage 30 may only have one weight holding arm 32 extending from one side of the carriage 30. Each arm 32 consists of a tube 32 with a first end 33 and a second end fixed to the guide column 37. As shown in Fig. 3 the arms 32 extend in an 20 upward direction to form an angle of approximately 15 degrees with an axis passing through the centre of the guide column 37. The arms 32 are placed in this orientation to ensure that when a weight element 31 is placed over and onto the arm 32 they are biased towards collar 34. The collar 34 prevents the weight element 31 from coming into contact with the roller guide means 110. 25

Disc weights or plates 31 are slid onto the outer portions of the arms 32 over the ends 33 and positioned up against the collars 34. The weights 31 have a centre aperture which substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the weight holding arms 32. The centre aperture allows the weights 31 to 30 be placed over and slid onto the weight holding arms 32. The weights 31 come in variety of shapes, sizes, colours, materials and different weight values and the amount of weight elements 31 can be increased or decreased for the desired total weight on the carriage 30. The weight elements 31 are often secured with collars (not shown) to prevent them from sliding off during 19 2016208356 28 Μ 2016 the exercise. Typically the weight elements 31 are formed from a one-piece forged construction and for added safety may have an integrated rubber coating. Alternatively, bumper plates can be used that are a solid rubber weight plate. Typically the weights 31 are circular or disc like plates but could 5 be any shape or size.

Figs. 3 to 5 also show the cable attachment device which allows the cable 90 to be removably attached to the carriage 30. A shackle or the like 93 also known as a gyve is a U-shaped piece of metal secured with a clevis pin ίο or bolt 92 across the opening. The shackle 93 is mounted through an aperture in the plate 91. The plate 91 extends centrally from one side of the guide column 37 and is located adjacent to the first open end 35 on the side of the guide column 37. The cable 90 is removably attached to the shackle 93 to allow a user to then pull and release the cable 90 to perform the required 15 exercise.

Fig. 6 further illustrates the securing element 70 used to secure the portable gym 10 to the vehicle 190. The securing element 70 is secured to the trailer hitch or receiver 130 of the vehicle 190 by fasteners 74. The fastener 20 74 is screwed into threaded holes 133 and corresponding threaded holes in the tube 75 to secure the tube 75 and the securing element 70 to the trailer hitch 130. The tube 75 extends within the trailer hitch 130 until the corresponding holes are aligned. The tube 75 is reinforced to the upright stanchion member 26 by an angled bracket 76. Also shown is the pulley 71 25 attached to the bracket which is welded to the lower end of the upright stanchion member 26. Pin 72 is also shown which when removed allows the vertical support arm 21 to move in and out of the end of the upright stanchion member 26. 30 Fig. 7 shows the vertical support arm 21 extending into and from the second end 24 of the upright stanchion member 26. The vertical support arm 21 extends and supports the upright stanchion member 26 on the ground 101. In order to accommodate different ground levels and heights the length which the vertical support arm 21 extends is variable depending on the height 20 2016208356 28 Μ 2016 required. In a fully retracted position the vertical support arm 21 is accommodated within the end of the upright stanchion member 26. In use the vertical support arm 21 is extended out of the end of the upright stanchion member 26 until it is aligned at the appropriate height for operation. The 5 vertical support arm 21 has a number of pairs of apertures 23 on two opposing sides of the vertical support arm 21. Each pair of apertures 23 in the vertical support arm 21 is designed to align with a pair of aperture 27 located adjacent to the end 24 of the upright stanchion member 26. A pin 72 is inserted through both pairs of apertures 23, 27 in order to secure the ίο vertical support arm 21 in position at the desired height. In order to restrict the removal of the pin 72 and to securely hold the pin 72 in place a fastener 73 is passed through an aperture in the end of the pin 72. If any fine adjustment of the height between the bottom of the vertical support arm 21 and the ground 101 is required to support the portable gym 10 on the ground 15 101 the adjustable foot 22 can be screwed in or out to suit.

Fig. 8 shows the support arm 40 is inserted into and retained within the upright stanchion member 26. The end 43 of the support arm 40 has a threaded aperture 47 which when inserted into the end 25 of the upright 20 stanchion member 26 and aligned with the aperture 46 allows a fastener 45 to be utilised to retain the support arm 40 within the upright stanchion member 26. The support arm 40 consists of two square tube sections 41,42 joined to form a right angled support arm 40. The tube sections 41,42 can be welded or formed to form the right angle joint. A reinforcing bracket can also be 25 placed at the junction below the right angled joint to further reinforce the joint.

The cable 90 is shown entrained over and around the pulleys 44. The support arm 40 houses two pulleys 44 which extend below the arm 42 on brackets. A first pulley 44 is located adjacent the end 49 of the arm 42 and the second pulley 44 is spaced apart from but in line with the first pulley 44. Two sockets 30 48 are located on the top side of the tube section 42 of the support arm 40 for housing such accessories as a light assembly 120, a shade sail 180.

Alternatively other devices could be inserted into the sockets 48. For example speakers connected to an audio reproduction device for providing 21 2016208356 28 Μ 2016 music or instructional advice for exercise, a fan or heater depending on the weather, a television monitor, a video camera to record sessions and/or for review and analyse of techniques. Likewise the camera could also be used to live stream the exercise over the internet for group training. The sockets 48 5 could also be used to allow a portable shower to be connected for use after exercise. This is particularly important when exercising outdoors at a beach for example. In a tropical environment where mosquitoes are a problem a mosquito net could also be placed in one of the sockets 48. In order to mount any number of devices into the sockets 48 a universal bracket or mounting ίο plate (not shown) has been devised which easily inserts into the socket 48 at one end and allows the mounting of a number of items to another end.

Fig. 9 shows a light assembly 120 inserted into one of the sockets 48 located on top of the support arm 40. The light assembly 120 comprises two 15 movable lights 121 mounted on a tube 122. The lights may be battery powered or connected via a suitable wiring harness to the vehicle 190 electrical system. Alternatively, the lights may be powered by an electric generator (not shown). The wiring harness is hidden within the tubular system of the portable gym 10 and exits the securing element 70 for 20 connection to the vehicles 190 electrics. The light assembly 120 also has a quick connect connector which connects to the concealed wiring harness inside the support 40. The lights 121 may have individual light switches to turn the lights 121 on and off. Typically the lights 121 are any electric light that produces visible light by the flow of electric current. Recent 25 developments in lighting have seen the emergence of light emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs have many advantages over incandescent light sources including lower energy consumption, longer lifetime, improved physical robustness, smaller size, and faster switching. 30 Fig. 10 shows the carriage 30 with weight elements 31 mounted on the weight arms 32 for movement up or down the upright stanchion member 26. The cable 90 is terminated or spliced onto a spring hook 94 and attached to the shackle 93 mounted in the bracket 91 of the carriage 30. The spring hook 94 may be a carabineer which is a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate used 22 2016208356 28 Μ 2016 to quickly and reversibly connect components in this case the cable 90 to the carriage 30. The cable 90 is removably attached to the shackle 93 to allow a user to then pull and release the cable 90 to perform the required exercise by moving the carriage 30 up or down the upright stanchion member 26. 5

Figs. 11 to 17 illustrate the portable gym 10 in use using a number of different assembled conditions defined by a plurality of different structural configurations for performing different exercises. ίο Fig. 11 shows a user 100 standing with their feet on the ground 101 and performing a squat like exercise. As the user 100 goes from the standing to the squat position the handle 95 and subsequently the cable 90 is pulled down towards the user 100 in the direction of the arrow. At the same time the carriage 30 with the weight elements 31 moves up the upright stanchion 15 member 26 in the direction of the arrow shown. The cable 90 is entrained around the pulleys 44 mounted below the support arm 40. The securing element 70 and tube 75 is shown secured to a trailer hitch 130 and the vertical support arm 21 is extended to support the portable gym 10 on the ground 101. 20

Fig. 12 illustrates another exercise which is capable of being performed using the portable gym 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this exercise the user 100 is laying on a bench 102 with legs 103. The bench 102 is movably mounted on the vertical support arm 21 by 25 arm 104 and mounting means 105, 106. The arm 104 has a plurality of apertures located towards the end which is attached to the vertical support arm 21. This allows the position of the bench 102 to be moved closer or away from the upright stanchion member 26 of the portable gym 10 to allow for users 100 of different heights and to perform different variations on the 30 exercise illustrated. The use of the portable gym is the same as that explained above for Fig. 11 with the exception that the user 100 is now laying on the bench pulling the handle 95 towards themselves. The cable 90 is terminated or spliced onto a spring hook 96 and attached to the handle 95. As described above the spring hook 96 may be a carabineer which is a metal 23 2016208356 28 Μ 2016 loop with a spring-loaded gate used to quickly and reversibly connect components in this case the cable 90 to the handle 95.

Fig. 13 shows another variation of the set-up of Fig. 12 with a user 100 5 standing with one leg on the ground 101 and the other leg kneeling and supported on the bench 102. Also shown in this figure the bench 102 has a pivotable seat or headrest depending on how it is being used. Either end of the seat may be raised or lowered depending on the exercise being performed. In Fig. 13 the smaller end of the seat is raised slightly to support ίο the hand of the user 100. A different handle 97 is also attached to the end of the cable 90 but the use of the portable gym 10 is no different to that described for Figs. 11 or 12. The handle 97 is pushed towards the ground 101 in the direction of the arrow shown and subsequently moves the carriage 30 up the upright stanchion member 26 of the portable gym 10. 15

Fig. 14 shows a further arrangement of the portable gym 10 in which a user 100 is seated on a bench seat 140 with the bench seat located on the ground 101. The bench seat 140 also differs in that the feet of the user are supported for performing the exercise illustrated. Like the bench 102 the 20 bench seat 140 is movably mounted on the vertical support arm 21 by arm 104 and mounting means 105, 106. The arm 104 has a plurality of apertures located towards the end which is attached to the vertical support arm 21. This allows the position of the bench 140 to be moved closer or away from the upright stanchion member 26 of the portable gym 10 to allow for users 100 of 25 different heights and to perform different variations on the exercise illustrated.

The other variation in Fig. 14 is the entrainment of the cable 90 around pulleys 44 and then down and around pulley 71. The cable 90 is still attached at one end to the carriage 30 and at the other end to the spring clip 96 and the 30 handle 97. When the user 100 pulls the handle 97 towards their body as shown by the arrow this also moves the carriage 30 with the weight element 31 in the direction of the arrow illustrated beside the upright stanchion member 26. 24 2016208356 28 Μ 2016

Figs. 15 and 16 illustrate the use of the portable gym 10 as a chin-up bar 60 or a parallel dip bar 50. The chin-up bar 60 or the parallel dip bar 50 can be inserted and secured within the end 49 of the support arm 40. In this embodiment the cable 90 is removed and the carriage 30 is returned to the 5 rest position at the bottom of the upright stanchion member 26. In Fig. 15 the chin-up bar 60 consists of a t-shaped bar with a first arm 62 and another arm 63 which has the two handle sections 64 for a user 100 to locate their hands when performing a chin-up exercise as illustrated. ίο Fig. 16 shows the parallel dip bar 50 in use by a user 100. The parallel dip bar 50 consists of a first arm 51 which is joined at a right angle with tube 52. The tube 52 is inserted into the open end 49 of the support arm 40. In order to support the weight of a user 100 on the parallel dip bar 50 a support arm 55 extends back and is supported on the upright stanchion member 26 by 15 a bracket 56 which fits around and over a side of the upright stanchion member 26. The other end of the support arm 55 is fixed to the tube or arm 57 to form a t-shaped bar. On either end of the tube or arm 57 are apertures 59 for receiving the dip support arms 58. Each dip arm 58 extends outwardly from the arm 57. 20

Each end of the chin-up bar handles 64 and the parallel dip arms 58 can be knurled or padded. The knurling operation is performed by producing indentations on the handles 64 or arms 58 to allow the hands or fingers of the user to get a better grip on the handles or arms than would be provided by the 25 originally smooth metal surface. If the arms 58 or handles 64 are padded this is simply for the user to have a better grip or more comfortable grip.

Fig. 17 illustrates a further use of the portable gym 10 in which a user 100 in a substantially standing position pulls the bar 95 towards themselves 30 and then allows the bar 95 to move in the opposite direction so that the carriage 30 and the weight element 31 moves up and down the upright stanchion member 26 as illustrated by the respective arrows. 25 2016208356 28 Μ 2016

Figs. 18 and 19 show different configurations which can be used as the structure or connection to which the securing element 70 is attached. Previously the securing element 70 has been secured to the trailer hitch or receiver 130 of the vehicle 190. In the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 18 the 5 securing element 70 and the square or rectangular tube 75 is inserted into the ground mounted assembly 160. The base plate 165 of the assembly 160 is suitably secured to the ground or concrete by fasteners (not shown) placed through the apertures 166. A bracket or plate 164 is fixed to the base 165 and supports the tube section 163. Another tube section 161 similar in shape ίο and design to that of the trailer hitch 130 is mounted to the top of the tube section 163. The tube 75 of the securing element 70 is inserted into the opening 162 of and secured within the tube section 161 with fasteners (not shown) through threaded apertures 167. The construction and materials used are typically steel but any similar material can be used provided they provide 15 the required strength to support the portable gym 10.

Fig. 19 shows the wall mount assembly 170 for connecting to the securing element 70. A wall 180 in this case a brick wall is constructed and the wall mounting assembly 170 is fixed via a base plate 174 and suitably 20 secured to the wall 180 by fasteners (not shown) placed through the apertures 175. A rectangular or square tube section 172 similar in shape and design to that of the trailer hitch 130 is mounted to the base plate 174. To further secure the tube section 172 and prevent side movement a pillar 171 is secured alongside of the tube section 172 and to the wall 180. The tube 75 of 25 the securing element 70 is inserted into the opening 173 and secured within the tube section 172 with fasteners (not shown) through threaded apertures 176. The construction and materials used are typically steel but any similar material can be used provided they provide the required strength to support the portable gym 10. 30

Fig. 20 shows a user 100 performing a further exercise using the portable gym 10 and similar to that illustrated in Fig. 14, however the user 100 is in a standing position on the ground 101. The cable 90 is entrained around pulleys 44 and then down and around pulley 71. The cable 90 is still attached 26 2016208356 28 Μ 2016 at one end to the carriage 30 and at the other end to the spring clip 96 and the handle 97. When the user 100 pulls the handle 97 towards their body and moves the carriage 30 with the weight element 31 in a direction up the upright stanchion member 26. The securing element 70 and tube 75 is shown 5 secured to a trailer hitch 130 and the vertical support arm 21 is extended to support the portable gym 10 on the ground 101. Fine adjustment of the vertical support arm 21 on the ground is achieved using the adjustable foot 22 which can be screwed in or out to suit. ίο On top of the support arm 40 mounted in the front socket 48 is the light assembly 120 and lights 121. Mounted in the second socket 48 on top of the support arm 40 is the shade sail 180. Shade is an important issue in temperate and tropical zones for providing cooling and shelter from the sun. The shade sail 180 has been designed to shade or block direct sunlight in is order for the portable gym 10 to be utilised more comfortably by the user 100. The shade sail 180 consists of a frame 182 extending from and attached to a tube or arm 185 which has one end which is inserted into and housed within the socket 48 on the support arm 40. Further support is provided for the shade sail 180 by arms 183 which are secured to the upright stanchion 20 member 26 by a fastener 184. A shade fabric or cloth 181 is attached and secured to the frame 182. The shade fabrics 181 are designed to provide up to 99% ultraviolet radiation (UVR) protection with a high ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating. The shade cloth or fabric 181 can be provided in a variety of colours and are designed to reduce glare, heat and provide comfort and 25 protection to the user 100 while exercising using the portable gym 10. The frame 182 while in the shape illustrated it should be understood by a skilled addressee that any shape and size of the frame 182 and the shade sail 180 is possible and the present invention should not be limited to only the shape and size illustrated. 30

The materials used in the construction of the portable gym 10 are largely steel tube. Other materials may be used to provide the strength and support required for the device or apparatus. For example, if weight is an 27 2016208356 28 Μ 2016 issue aluminium tube, carbon fibre, composites, plastics or reinforced platics may be substituted.

The handle or handles described above come in a variety of different 5 shapes and configurations to suit particular exercises to be performed on the portable gym. For example in some exercises two separate handle devices may be used rather than just one handle. Likewise, two bars with handles on either end or a single handle hold in the middle may be used. ίο As described above a number of options and exercises are available for use by the user when using the portable gym 10. For example but not limiting to any particular exercises or training activities the portable gym can be used for any one or more of a progressive resistance training device or configuration; a weight training apparatus or configuration; a chin-up or pull-up is bar exercise device and configuration; a parallel dip bar exercise device or configuration; a basketball or netball ring training configuration; a boxing punching bag or speed ball training configuration; or any exercise using the portable bench in accordance with the present invention. Alternatively, the benches 102, 140 may also include foot straps for securing the feet of the 20 user 100 and an adjustable back support which can be padded for user 100 comfort.

ADVANTAGES 25 It will be apparent that the portable gym of the present invention has many advantages over prior art systems. The gym is modular in design and provides a multi-purpose training apparatus which is adapted to accommodate a variety of accessory components to enable training in many different sports, activities and locations. In particular the portable gym has 30 been devised that can be easily assembled and dis-assembled and used in an outdoor environment.

A number of different progressive resistance exercises and other fitness related exercises can be carried out using the present invention. A 28 2016208356 28 Μ 2016 single upright stanchion with a weight carriage designed for movement up and down the upright stanchion and a securing element which allows the portable gym to be secured and supported on the tow bar of a vehicle provides the user with a truly flexible and portable apparatus. Being portable, easily 5 secured and the ability to perform a range of progressive resistance training in an outdoor environment using a single upright stanchion provides the portable gym with a unique advantage over the prior art systems. The strength and rigidity provided by the single stanchion design provides a user with a total body workout using resistance that's suitable for users at all fitness levels. 10

The portable gym is a purpose built system which can be easily and quickly set-up in almost any indoor or outdoor environment. The portable gym combines the benefits of outdoor training with traditional gym style training. 15 The present invention also provides the versatility of different securing elements so that the portable gym can also be used in a number of different locations. The securing element can be easily secured to a vehicle, a ground support or a wall so that the portable gym can be used in any location that has the ability to retain the securing element. 20

VARIATIONS

It will be realized that the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example only and that all other modifications and variations as 25 would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or 30 action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc. 2016208356 28 Μ 2016 29

The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and 5 variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present ίο invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the scope of the above described invention.

In the specification the term “comprising” shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term “including” and will be understood to imply 15 the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term “comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises”.

Claims (29)

1. A portable gym operable between a collapsed condition and a plurality of assembled conditions defined by a plurality of different structural configurations, said portable gym comprising: a frame having an upright stanchion member with a first end and a second end, and a support arm extending from the first end of the upright stanchion member; a carriage having spaced apart guide means, said carriage being supported for movement upon the upright stanchion member by the guide means; a cable having a first end and a second end, the first end is releasably attached to the carriage and passing through at least one guide means on the support arm and releasably attached at the second end to a handle; a securing element for securing the frame to a structure; at least one weight element removably mounted on said carriage; and whereby the carriage is moved up and down the upright stanchion by a user manually engaging the handle.

2. A portable gym as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of assembled conditions defined by the plurality of different structural configurations comprises any one or more of the following: (a) a progressive resistance training configuration; (b) a weight training configuration; (c) a chin-up or pull-up bar configuration; (d) a parallel dip bar configuration; (e) a basketball or netball ring configuration; (f) a boxing punching bag or speed ball configuration; or (g) a portable bench configuration.

3. A portable gym as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the upright stanchion member has a vertical support arm extending into and from the second end of the upright stanchion, the vertical support arm is used to support the upright stanchion on the ground.

4. A portable gym as claimed in claim 3, wherein the vertical support arm comprises a plurality of aperture pairs located on opposing sides of the vertical support arm, a pair of apertures on the vertical support arm are aligned with a corresponding pair of apertures located in and adjacent the second end of the upright stanchion to allow for the vertical support arm to be adjusted to suit the ground level, a pin is inserted through the apertures in the upright stanchion and the vertical support arm to secure the vertical support arm in place.

5. A portable gym as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the vertical support arm further comprises a height adjustable foot to enable further adjustment of the vertical support arm on the ground.

6. A portable gym as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one guide means on the support arm comprises at least one pulley means over which the cable is entrained for raising and lowering the carriage.

7. A portable gym as claimed in claim 6, wherein the support arm further comprises a first end which is inserted into and secured within the first end of the upright stanchion member.

8. A portable gym as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the support arm comprises a second end which allows some of the plurality of different structural configurations to be inserted into and secured within the support arm.

9. A portable gym as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the at least one guide means comprises two pulley means over which the cable is entrained for raising and lowering the carriage.

10. A portable gym as claimed in claim 9, wherein the support arm further comprises at least one socket located on an outer surface of the support arm for mounting accessories to the portable gym.

11. A portable gym as claimed in claim 10, wherein the accessories comprise any one of a light assembly or a sun shade assembly.

12. A portable gym as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spaced apart guide means on the carriage comprises a vertically disposed central guide column having guide means located on each side of the column for guiding the movement of the carriage upon the upright stanchion member.

13. A portable gym as claimed in claim 12, wherein the guide means comprises at least one roller means located on each side of the central guide column, each said at least one roller means is mounted on the central guide column and projects through an aperture in the central guide column to allow the roller means to be in roller engagement with a surface of the upright stanchion member whereby to allow the carriage to move up or down the upright stanchion member.

14. A portable gym as claimed in claim 13, wherein the guide means comprises two roller means spaced apart from each other and located on each side of the central guide column.

15. A portable gym as claimed in claim 14, wherein the carriage further comprises at least one arm projecting up and away from the carriage, wherein the arm is adapted to receive the at least one weight element.

16. A portable gym as claimed in claim 15, wherein the carriage comprises two arms projecting up and away from opposing sides of the carriage and adapted to receive the at least one weight element on each arm.

17. A portable gym as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the arms further comprise a collar mounted on each arm a distance from the point where the arm is mounted on the carriage, wherein the collar is designed in order to keep the weight element spaced apart from the carriage.

18. A portable gym as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the weigh element comprises a plurality of individual weights, and means for selectively securing a desired number of said individual weights to the arms of the carriage.

19. A portable gym as claimed in claim 1, wherein the securing element comprises an arm extending at a right angle adjacent to the second end of the upright stanchion member, the arm is adapted to engage with the structure to support the frame of the portable gym.

20. A portable gym as claimed in claim 19, wherein the support structure is a vehicle and the arm is adapted to engage with a tow bar of the vehicle.

21. A portable gym as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portable gym further comprises a third pulley means mounted adjacent to the second end of the upright stanchion member and on an opposing side to the securing element arm, the third pulley means over which the cable is entrained and allows the handle to be attached to an end of the cable to utilise the portable gym.

22. A portable gym as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chin-up or pull-up bar comprises a T-shaped bar with a first arm which is adapted to be inserted and secured within the second end of the support arm and two handle bars extending either side from the junction of the first arm.

23. A portable gym as claimed in claim 1, wherein the parallel dip bar comprises a first arm which is adapted to be inserted and secured within the second end of the support arm, the first arm extending downward to connect with an arm assembly.

24. A portable gym as claimed in claim 23, wherein the arm assembly comprises two parallel arms extending forward from the arm assembly and a support bar member extending in the opposite direction to the two parallel arms, the support bar being adapted to engage the upright stanchion member to provide support for a user when performing a dip exercise.

25. A portable gym as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portable bench comprises a bench or seat and a base which is removably and adjustably mounted to the vertical support arm extending from the upright stanchion member.

26. A portable gym as claimed in claim 25, wherein the seat is adjustably positionable along and away from the vertical support arm for varying the spacing between the seat and the upright stanchion member.

27. A portable gym as claimed in claim 26, wherein the seat further comprises a seat back which is tilt adjustably supported on the base and whereby adjustment of said spacing between the seat back and the base adjusts the tilt of said seat back accordingly.

28. A portable gym as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a pair of manually engageable handle means connected to the cable.

29. A portable exercise apparatus operable between a collapsed condition and a plurality of assembled conditions defined by a plurality of different structural configurations, said portable exercise apparatus comprising: a user manually engageable handle means; a frame having an upright stanchion member and a support arm extending from an end of the upright stanchion member; at least one pulley means on the support arm; a carriage having a guide means, said carriage being supported for movement upon the upright stanchion member by the guide means and at least one weight element removably mounted on the carriage; a cable means connected at one end to the handle means and at the other end to the carriage, whereby pulling on said handle means draws said cable means through the at least one pulley means and moves the carriage up or down the upright stanchion member; and a securing element for securing the frame to a structure.