DEMOUNTABLE EXERCISING APPARATUS

Abstract

An exercising apparatus 11 for performing anabolic exercises, which is demountable for self-assembling and disassembling. The apparatus 11 basically includes a basic framework 21, a bench 15 and a weights station 19. The basic framework 21 includes a pair of laterally spaced and co-extending A-frame members 29 each having an outer distal beam 37a, an inner proximal beam 37b and a lateral beam arrangement 39 to form the sides of the exercising apparatus. The basic framework 21 also includes a web frame member 31 for interconnecting the A-frame members 29 at one end of the sides of the exercising apparatus 29. An apex bar 23 is transversely supported by the A-frame members 29 and ideally extends axially, externally and laterally of both of the A-frame members. An anchor bar 25 is mounted to the inner proximal beams and is supported thereby in spaced parallel relationship with the apex bar 23. A bracing beam 35 is able to be removably and fixedly disposed transversely between the lateral beams 39 of the A-frame members 29, where it can be selectively disposed at different transverse locations along the lateral beams to brace the lateral beams from lateral flexion. A pulley system 27 has pulleys attachable to the apex bar 23, the anchor bar 25 and ideally both of the A-frame members 29. Different pulleys 27a, 27b, 27c are particularly disposed to guide a cable 28 connected to a weight 18 at one end located in a weights station 52a externally of the base framework 21 to be elevationally displaced externally and laterally of the A-frame members 29 and then inwardly along the apex bar 23 and then downwardly ultimately to a work station 52b disposed internally of the base framework from where the other end of the cable is worked.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an exercising apparatus that is particularly adapted for performing anabolic exercises involving weights.

The invention has utility, for physical aspects of it in its embodied form to be constructed from light weight and relatively inexpensive materials instead of steel, but which can also be made from steel in full or part. Moreover, it can be made from materials such as wood, plastics and/or concrete, in full or part.

The invention also has utility, although not exclusively, for physical aspects of it in its embodied form lending itself to being packaged in a flat pack form, when in a disassembled state, to facilitate transportation and do-it-yourself assembly by a prospective owner or purchaser.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

BACKGROUND ART

The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Exercising apparatus for performing anabolic exercises involving weights are typically constructed from steel or metallic substances, which have intrinsic compressive and tensile strength attributes. However, these attributes come at a cost, with regard to both the cost of manufacturing and forming the complex structures involved on the one hand, and with respect to weight that does not lend itself to easy or inexpensive transportation and modularity in a disassembled state.

With the popularity of online and mail-order delivery services, especially during COVID-19 times, exercising apparatus does not lend itself to being a relatively inexpensive item to purchase by way of these media, despite the growth in the market of home-based exercise and gym equipment.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is a preferred, although not essential, object of the one embodiment to provide an improved design for exercising apparatus that lends itself to being constructed from relatively lightweight materials, whilst maintaining the structural integrity of the apparatus.

In another embodiment of the invention, it is a preferred, although not essential, object of the other embodiment to provide an improved design for exercising apparatus that lends itself to being packaged in a flat pack form when in a disassembled state, to facilitate transportation and do-it-yourself assembly.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exercising apparatus for performing anabolic exercises in an operable position comprising:

• • (1) a base framework including:
  • (a) a pair of laterally spaced and co-extending A-frame members each having an outer distal beam, an inner proximal beam and a lateral beam arrangement to form the sides of the exercising apparatus; and
  • (b) a web frame member for interconnecting the A-frame members at one end of the sides of the exercising apparatus to define a proximal end of the base framework so that the web frame member is integral with the inner proximal beams;
  • (2) an apex bar transversely supported by the A-frame members, the apex bar extending axially, externally and laterally of one of the A-frame members;
  • (3) an anchor bar mounted to the inner proximal beams in spaced parallel relationship with the apex bar;
  • (4) a bracing beam to be fixedly disposed transversely between the lateral beams of the A-frame members and selectively disposed at different transverse locations along the lateral beams to brace the lateral beams from lateral flexion; and
  • (5) a pulley system having pulleys attachable to the apex bar, the anchor bar and an A-frame member;wherein the pulleys are particularly disposed to guide a cable connected to a weight at one end located in a weights station externally of the base framework so as to be elevationally displaced externally and laterally of the one A-frame member from the other end of the cable by directing the cable inwardly along the apex bar and downwardly ultimately to a work station disposed internally of the base framework from where the other end of the cable is worked.

In a particular embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the web frame member includes a cross brace for adjoining the inner proximal beams to close the exercising apparatus at the one end of the sides.

In another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the lateral beam of each A-frame member comprises a support lateral beam to be fixedly adjoined at either end to and between the inner proximal beam and the outer distal beam respectively.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the lateral beam of each A-frame member comprises a pulley lateral beam to be mounted to the inner side of the respective inner proximal beam and the outer distal beam for supporting one or more pulleys of the pulley system.

In another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the support lateral beam is to be disposed above the pulley lateral beam in coplanar relationship with the inner proximal beam and the outer distal beam so that an intermediate pulley may be disposed on the pulley lateral beam to guide the cable substantially vertically towards a pulley supported on the apex bar, adjacent the A-frame member clear of the support lateral beam.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the pulley lateral beam also forms an inner rail to support the positioning of the bracing beam at the different transverse locations.

In accordance with an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a base framework for an exercising apparatus of the type defined in the preceding first aspect of the invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bench for an exercising apparatus of the type defined in the embodiment of the first aspect of the invention.

In accordance an embodiment of a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a weights station for an exercising apparatus of the type defined in the first aspect of the invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dumbbell for an exercising apparatus of the type defined in the preceding first aspect of the invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling an exercising apparatus of the type defined in the embodiments of the preceding first aspect of the invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling a base framework of the type defined in the embodiment of the preceding second aspect of the invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling a bench of the type defined in the embodiment of the preceding third aspect of the invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling a weights station of the type defined in the embodiments of the preceding fourth aspect of the invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling a dumbbell of the type defined in the embodiment of the preceding fifth aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings depict a first specific embodiment and a second preferred embodiment of the best mode for carrying out the invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front oblique view of the exercising apparatus of the first embodiment, including the exercising station, bench, footboard; and weights station;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the exercising station of FIG. 1 with an alternative footboard;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 4A is an inset view around the lap joints of the beams of the A-frame members showing the seating arrangement for the apex bar;

FIG. 4B is an inset view showing the detail of a shaft or bar disposed in a notch of a beam for the first embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a front view of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4;

FIG. 5B is a similar view to FIG. 5A, but showing the anchor bar disposed in an elevated position;

FIG. 6 is a top view of FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5A;

FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of the base framework of the exercising station of the first embodiment, without the pulley system, apex bar and anchor bar;

FIG. 7B is a front perspective view of the exercising station of the first embodiment showing the bench in the work station of the base framework and the anchor bar in an elevated position;

FIG. 8 is an elevated oblique view of the bench of the first embodiment with the seat assembly in a flat position from the base perspective;

FIG. 9 is an elevated oblique view of the bench of FIG. 8 with the seat assembly in a flat position from the head perspective;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 is a similar view to FIG. 10, with the uprising panel section of facing cheek removed;

FIG. 12 is a similar view to FIG. 10, but showing the seat assembly adjusted to an inclined position;

FIG. 13 is a top view of FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 14 is a head end perspective view of FIGS. 8, 9 and 13;

FIG. 15A is an oblique perspective view of the weights station of the first embodiment in an unloaded mode; and FIG. 15B is a similar view to FIG. 15A but in a fully loaded mode;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are corresponding front views of FIGS. 15A and 15B;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are corresponding side views of FIGS. 15A and 15B;

FIG. 18A is a fragmented view of the rear part of the weights station of FIG. 15A in a partially disassembled state;

FIG. 18B is a fragmented view of the front part of the weights station of FIG. 15A, partly complementary to FIG. 18A;

FIGS. 15A′ to 18B′ are corresponding views to FIGS. 15A to 18B but showing the weights station in an alternative and preferred embodiment with respect to the affixing of the side pedestal frame to the main pedestal frame;

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a light-weighted dumbbell of the first embodiment in its fully assembled state;

FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional end view of FIG. 19A showing certain dimensions;

FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional plan view of FIG. 19A showing certain other dimensions;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are corresponding views to FIGS. 19A and 19B but of a heavy-weighted dumbbell;

FIG. 20C is an exploded views of the dumbbell shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B showing the dumbbell components in full;

FIG. 20D is a similar view to FIG. 20D but showing a fragmentary view of the dumbbell;

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the exercising station of the second embodiment, without the pulley system, kickboard and the bars;

FIG. 22 is a side view of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a rear view of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is an elevated oblique view of the bench of the second embodiment with the seat assembly in a flat position from the base perspective;

FIG. 25 is a side view of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a top view of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a rear end view of FIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is an oblique perspective view of the weights station of the second embodiment in an unloaded mode;

FIG. 29 is corresponding front view of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a side view showing the bracing beam 35′ of the second embodiment;

FIG. 31A is a schematic perspective view showing the upper support lateral beam of the second embodiment;

FIG. 31B is a fragmentary side view showing the recessed outline of a housing joint to accommodate a fixing end of the upper support lateral beam of FIG. 31A:

FIG. 32A is a fragmentary underside view of the head seat panel of the bench showing the intermediate cam flange of the second embodiment;

FIG. 32B is a schematic diagram showing a reinforcing transecting member arrangement for stabilising the intermediate cam flange of FIG. 32A;

FIG. 33 is a perspective and fragmentary view of an improved dumbbell of the second embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a fragmentary view of the knurled handle arrangement of the improved dumbbell of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a fragmentary view showing the arrangement of the pipe and flange arrangement of the improved dumbbell of FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is a fragmentary side elevation showing the arrangement of a detachable notched beam for the outer distal beams in accordance with another specific embodiment;

FIG. 37 are a series of diagrammatic views showing how a user can use the exercising apparatus of the first embodiment to perform various exercises, wherein:

• • (i) FIG. 37A is a perspective diagrammatic view showing a user performing a bench press;
  • (ii) FIG. 37B is a perspective diagrammatic view showing a user performing a decline bench press;
  • (iii) FIG. 37C is a perspective diagrammatic view showing a user utilising the poles to perform dip bar exercises;
  • (iv) FIG. 37D is a perspective diagrammatic view showing a user performing an incline bench press;
  • (v) FIG. 37E is a perspective diagrammatic view showing a user performing a lat pull-down;
  • (vi) FIG. 37F is a perspective diagrammatic view showing a user performing a seated row; and
  • (vii) FIG. 37G is a perspective diagrammatic view showing a user performing a side pull-down.

BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The invention will be better understood in the light of the following description of a first embodiment of the best mode for carrying out the invention, and several other embodiments of other modes for carrying out the invention.

The first embodiment is directed towards an exercising apparatus described primarily with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20D of the accompanying drawings.

The exercising apparatus of the principal embodiment is designed to be originally configured in a kit form, where it is reduced to its principal components in a disassembled state and can be configured efficiently for packaging in a flat pack form for transport and delivery to a consumer. The consumer can then unpack the components and assemble them to form the exercising apparatus ready for use.

The description of the first embodiment will initially describe the exercising apparatus in its fully assembled form positioned on a horizontally flat surface where it is oriented for safe operation by a user; and then will be described relative to its principal components that can be packaged together in a flat pack form.

It should be understood that in the exercising apparatus' operational orientation, terms such as horizontal and vertical take on their general rather than exact meaning, understanding that the use of these terms is relative to assist in explaining the relative orientation of components to each other. Consequently, the use of these terms is not intended to be limiting. Deviations from such that make no real impact on the functionality of the exercising apparatus, or the arrangement of components in their packaged form having a potential working inter-relationship that becomes actual once assembled, are still expected to fall within the scope of the invention.

In its fully assembled form oriented for safe operation, the exercising apparatus 11 generally comprises an exercising station 13, a bench 15, a footboard 17, weights 18 and a weights station 19, as shown in FIG. 1. The exercising station 13, bench 15, footboard 17 and weights 18a are ‘in service’ and the weights station 19 stores weights 18b that are ‘out of service’.

The exercising station 13 is the principal area where anabolic exercises are performed by a user of the exercising apparatus 11, using the bench 15, footboard 17, in-service and out of service weights 18 and the weights station 19 selectively, depending upon the particular exercise being performed. The exercising station 13 is adaptable and permits most anabolic exercises that can be performed in a fully outfitted gym, in the privacy of one's own premises without the cost burden of gym membership fees being expended by the user, or substantial financial outlays associated with purchasing typically expensive steel fabricated gym equipment.

The exercising station 13 is shown in detail in assembled form in FIG. 1s 1 to 7B. The exercising station 13 generally comprises a base framework 21, an apex bar 23, an anchor bar 25 and a pulley system 27 that operates a cable 28 and various weight-lifting and exercise accessories.

The base framework 21 includes:

• • (i) a pair of laterally spaced and co-extending A-frame members 29;
  • (ii) a web frame member 31;
  • (iii) a pair of laterally spaced weight guard assemblies 33, co-extending with the A-frame members 29; and
  • (iv) a bracing beam 35.

The beam members making up the base framework 21 are formed of rectangular timber sections. The base framework 21 is configured so that one end of the co-extending A-frame members 29 defines a proximal end and the other end defines a distal end.

The A-frame members 29 each have an outer distal beam 37a, an inner proximal beam 37b and a lateral beam arrangement 39 that form opposing sides 25a and 25b of the exercising station 13 of the exercising apparatus 11.

Each lateral beam arrangement 39 in the preferred embodiment comprises a plurality of lateral beams especially arranged, being:

• • (i) an upper support lateral beam 39a;
  • (ii) an intermediate pulley lateral beam 39b having a top surface 50a and an inner side face 50b;
  • (iii) a base lateral beam 39c; and
  • (iv) an upper base reinforcing beam 39d.

The base lateral beam 39c and the upper base reinforcing beam 39d of each lateral beam arrangement 39, extend anteriorly past the outer distal beam 37a of the corresponding A-frame member 29 to form the base of each weight guard assembly 33, so that the weight guard assemblies are integral with the corresponding A-frame members 29.

Each weight guard assembly 33 comprises:

• • (i) two pairs of triangular posts 41, a distal pair of spaced right triangular posts 41a and a proximal pair of spaced right triangular posts 41b; (ii) an adjustable lateral weight-bearing beam 43;
  • (iii) a pair of locating pins 45, one for each pair of triangular posts for adjusting the height of the lateral weight-bearing beam 43; and
  • (iv) a pair of base members comprising the base lateral beam 39c and the upper base reinforcing beam 39d both being fixedly attached to the respective pairs of distal and proximal triangular posts 41a and 41b, respectively.

The adjustable lateral weight-bearing beam 43 and the upper base reinforcing beam 39d extend between the distal and proximal pairs of the right triangular posts 41a and 41b within the confines of the spacing between aligned pairs of each weight guard assembly 33; and the base lateral beam 39c, as previously described extends beyond the confines of the distal and proximal pairs of triangular posts to be fixedly attached also to the outer surface of the inner proximal beam 37b of each A-frame member 29.

The bracing beam 35 is portable and comprises:

• • (i) a beam section 35a of commensurate length to the transverse spacing between opposing inner side faces 50b of the intermediate pulley lateral beams 39b of the co-extending A-frame members 29, defining opposing butt-ends 48 of the beam section; and
  • (ii) opposing wings 35b fixedly located to the opposing ends of the beam section 35a.

Each wing 35b forms an axial projecting web portion 36a from each butt-end 48 and a depending flange portion 36b to define a channel of commensurate and marginally larger configuration to the cross section of the intermediate pulley lateral beams 39b to which it is intended to be connected.

Now describing each of the components of the base framework 21 in more detail, beginning with the A-frame members 29, the outer distal beam 37a and the inner proximal beam 37b components are of substantially similar shape. Being rectangular in cross-section, they are arranged to form an oblique halving lap joint 47 towards the apex of each A-frame member 29. The beams 37 are pinned in the middle of the lap joint 47 by a conventional bolt, nut and washer fixture 49.

As better shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the cross-over of the beams 37 of each of the A-frame members 29 combine to form a seat 51 about a transverse horizontal seat axis 58, within which the apex bar 23 may rest and bear against lateral bearing points 53 of opposing beam components 37 at the apex of the respective A-frame member 29, coaxially with the seat axis. The oblique cross-over relationship of the beams 37 is such that the lateral bearing points 51 of the seat 51 are disposed distally from the intersection of the surfaces of the beams 37 defining the seat to form a gap 55 for the cable 28 associated with the pulley system 27 to pass through with sufficient clearance from the enclosing surfaces of the beams 37 and apex bar 23, along a longitudinal axis parallel to the central axis 23a of the apex bar. The functionality and inter-operability of the apex bar 23, pulley system 27 and cable 28 will be described in more detail later.

The upper ends of the beams 37 of each A-frame member 29 project beyond the lap joint 47 and above the apex bar 23 when disposed in the seat 51 with sufficient axial extent to be closed by a lateral block member 57 for locking the apex bar 23 into position and preventing it from being inadvertently dislodged from within the confines of the seat during use of the exercising station. The block member 57 is fixedly pinned on the outside of the cross-over beams 37 at their ends by a pair of conventional bolt, nut and washer fixtures 59a and 59b, and the tops of the beams 37 and ends of the block member 57 are obliquely cut to align with adjacent surfaces of the block member and beams respectively for cosmetic and aesthetic effect.

The lower ends of the A-frame beams 37 below the lap joint 47 have:

• • opposing outer edges 38a and inner edges 38b; and
  • opposing outer side faces 38c and inner side faces 38d.

The outer edges 38a and outer side faces 38c are on the outside of each A-frame member 29; and the inner edges 38b and inner side faces 38d are on the inside of each A-frame member, facing one another.

As best shown in FIGS. 7, 7A, and 7B, the outer edges 38a of the outer distal beams 37a of each of the co-extending A-frame members 29 are formed with a series of paired notches 40a, the notches of each pair being disposed in transverse horizontal alignment. The paired notches 40a are longitudinally spaced along each outer edge 38a and each notch is configured to form an angular downwardly depressed recess 42a to accommodate a shaft 44 of a barbell 46. Differently paired notches 40a allow the shaft 44 of the barbell 46 or dip bar 62 to be rested at different elevations to suit the height of the user and the nature of the exercise using the barbell or dip bar to be performed.

Similarly, the outer edges 38a of the inner proximal beams 37b are formed with a series of paired notches 40b, each pair being disposed in transverse horizontal alignment. The paired notches 40b are also longitudinally spaced along each outer edge 38a of the inner proximal beams 37b and each notch is configured to form an angular downwardly depressed recess 42b to accommodate the anchor bar 25 as shown in FIG. 1. Analogously, different paired notches 40b allow the anchor bar 25 or the shaft 44 of a dip bar to be disposed at different elevations to suit the height of the user and the nature of an exercise being performed using the pulley system 27.

In the lateral beam arrangement 39 of each A-frame member 29, the upper support lateral beam 39a is integrally jointed at opposing ends by corresponding housing joints 61a and 61b to form the primary intermediary brace of each A-frame member 29. The housing joints 61 have obliquely formed channels on facing inner edges 38b of the outer distal beam 37a and inner proximal beam 37b in confronting horizontal alignment to each other to dispose the upper support lateral beam 39a horizontally, beneath the lap joint 49 and above the intermediate pulley lateral beam 39b and base lateral beam 39c.

The opposing ends of the upper support lateral beam 39a are fixedly disposed within the housing joints 61 by bolt, nut and washer fixtures. The upper surface of the upper support lateral beam 39a is recessed with a plurality of upper notches 63 having a transverse axis relative to the base framework 21 to provide additional locations to positively retain one or a pair of the shafts 44 of the dip bars 62 in operation. In this manner, one or more of the shafts 44 may be supported transversely across the base framework with one end of a shaft positioned in an upper notch 63 of the upper support lateral beam 39a of one A-frame member 29, and the other end of the shaft positioned in an axially aligned upper notch 63 of the upper support lateral beam 39a of the other A-frame member 29.

In this manner, a pair of shafts 44 can be located in parallel spaced apart locations to form a pair of dip bars 62 at different spacings using one or both of the paired notches 40a and 40b as shown in FIG. 21C and/or one or both of aligning paired upper notches 63.

The intermediate pulley lateral beam 39b of each A-frame member 29 is disposed in parallel horizontal relationship relative to its corresponding upper support lateral beam 39a and base lateral beam 39c and is fixedly connected to the inner side of the A-frame beams 37a and 37b by way of conventional bolt, nut and washer fixtures 65a and 65b. This is in contrast to the manner in which the upper lateral beam 39a is integrally connected to A-frame beams 37a and 37b. Moreover, whereas the upper support lateral beam 39a is connected by way of the housing joints 61 to dispose the upper support lateral beam 39a in co-planar as well as integral relationship with the A-frame beams 37, the intermediate pulley lateral beam 39b is clear of the opposing inner edges 38 of the A-frame beams 37.

In this manner, the intermediate pulley lateral beam 39b provides an upper surface 40 for an intermediate pulley 27a of the pulley system 27 to be anchored thereto and also functions as an inner rail 67 to support the positioning of the bracing beam 35 at different transverse locations between the A-frame members 29.

The base lateral beam 39c of each A-frame member 29, in contrast to both the upper support lateral beam 39a and the intermediate pulley lateral beam 39b, is fixedly connected to the outer side of the A-frame beams 37a and 37b by way of conventional bolt, nut and washer fixtures 69a and 69b. In this manner, the base lateral beam 39c can project anteriorly past the outer distal beam 37a of each A-frame member 29 as previously described and provide a base for the weight guard assembly to be surmounted thereon, which will be described in more detail later.

The web frame member 31 comprises a transverse beam arrangement including an upper transverse web beam 31a, a cross brace 31b and a base transverse web beam 31c, for adjoining the inner proximal beams 37b of opposing A-frame members 29, In this manner, the web frame member 31 closes access to the exercising station 13 at the proximal end and correspondingly allows access to the exercising station 13 from the distal end, so that anabolic exercises may be performed within its confines.

In an analogous manner to the upper support lateral beam 39a, the upper transverse web beam 31a is integrally jointed at opposing ends into corresponding channels formed in the housing joints 71a and 71b disposed slightly above and along opposing edges of the inner proximal beams 37b so as not to compromise the strength of the joints. The upper support lateral beam 39a constitutes the primary intermediary brace of the web frame member 31.

Similarly, the base transverse web beam 31c is integrally jointed at opposing ends into corresponding channels formed in the housing joints 71c and 71d, disposed slightly above the base end of the inner proximal beams 37b and along opposing edges thereof.

The cross brace 31b comprises two cross-over beams 73a and 73b that are configured to form a medial oblique halving lap joint 75 so that the cross-over beams extend co-distantly from the middle of the lap joint and be affixed to the inner sides 76 of the inner proximal beams 37b at their respective ends. The cross-over beams 73 are pinned in the middle of the lap joint 75 by a conventional bolt, nut and washer fixture 77. The ends of the cross-over beams 73 are mitred to engage in juxtaposition with the inner sides 76 and be pinned by respective bolt, nut and washer fixtures 79a and 79b.

The upper end of each cross-over beam 73 is pinned by fixtures 79a to the inner sides 76 of opposing inner proximal beams 37b at a location above the corresponding housing joint 71 of the upper transverse web beam 31a. Conversely, the lower end of each cross-over beam 73 is pinned by fixtures 79b to the inner sides 76 of opposing inner proximal beams 37b at a location below the corresponding housing joint and proximate to the base end of the inner proximal beams.

In the case of the weight guard assemblies 33, each of the right triangular posts 41 are arranged so that the hypotenuse side 81a is disposed posteriorly of the post and the right angle is disposed distally so as to define a horizontally base side 81a parallel to the base lateral beam 39c and a substantially vertical upstanding side 81c anteriorly of the post.

Each pair of right triangular posts 41 are disposed in adjacent spaced parallel relationship, so that one of the triangular posts forming a pair is disposed inwardly of a corresponding base lateral beam 39c of an A-frame member 29 to define an inner right triangular post 41a′ (distal) and 41b′ (proximal), and the other of the triangular posts forming the same pair is disposed outwardly of the corresponding base lateral beam to define an outer right triangular post 41a″ (distal) and 41b″ (proximal).

The hypotenuse sides 81a of each right triangular post 41 forming a pair is formed with a series of paired notches 83, the notches of each pair being disposed in transverse horizontal alignment. The paired notches 83 are longitudinally spaced along each hypotenuse side 81a of a pair and each notch is configured to form an angular downwardly depressed recess 42a to accommodate the corresponding locating pin 45. Different paired notches 83 allow the locating pin 45 to be disposed at different elevational positions to provide a base support on which a corresponding end of the lateral weight-bearing beam 43 may repose at different elevations.

The inner proximal right triangular post 41b′ is coupled with its corresponding outer proximal triangular post 41b″ in confronting and corresponding spaced relationship to either side of the base lateral beam 39c by a pair of conventional bolt, nut and washer fixtures 85a and 85b.

Especially, by virtue of the inner affixture of the intermediate lateral beam 39b and the outer affixture of the base lateral beam 39c to the A-frame beams 37, respectively, these beams provide a vertical space in coplanar relationship with the A-frame beams 37, beneath the upper lateral beam 39a, in addition to providing secondary bracing for the A-frame members 29. This space permits the inner proximal right triangular post 41b′ of each of the proximal pairs of right triangular posts 41b to be disposed within the vertical space, maintaining it in spaced relationship to the corresponding distal pairs of right triangular posts 41a.

In this manner, by positioning the locating pins 45 of a corresponding distal pair of right triangular posts 41a and proximal pair of right triangular posts 41b interconnected with a corresponding one of the frame A-frame members 29 in paired notches 83 at the same elevational position, the corresponding lateral weight-bearing beam 43 may be reposed on the locating pins to provide an upper horizontal surface 43a at a prescribed elevational position. By setting the locating pins of the opposing right triangular posts 41 interconnected with the other A-frame member 29 in corresponding paired notches 83 at the same elevational position, the corresponding lateral weight-bearing beam may be reposed on these locating pins 45 at a similar prescribed elevational position to provide for resting a barbell 46 thereon in a horizontal repose above the ground.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the upper surface 43a of both of the lateral weight-bearing beams 43 is recessed to define leading and trailing shoulders 43b and 43c respectively as a safety measure so that a barbell 46 when disposed on the upper horizontal surface 43a is prevented from rolling off the beams.

The elevational position of both lateral weight-bearing beams 43 may be adjusted to suit the height of the user and the nature of the exercise to be performed using the barbell 46.

The bracing beam 35 is designed so that each wing 35b can hook over the top surface 50a of opposing intermediate pulley lateral beams 39b so that the opposing butt-ends 48 of the beam section 35a abut the respective confronting inner faces 50 of the intermediate pulley lateral beams, forming a strut to resist compressive forces acting on the intermediate pulley lateral beams 39b when using the pulley system 29 that otherwise could collapse the base framework 21.

The wings 35b are sized so that there is sufficient clearance of the inner confronting surfaces of the web portions 36a and the flange when surmounted upon a corresponding intermediate pulley lateral beam 39b to allow limited slidable movement of bracing beam 35 in a transverse position, axially along the intermediate pulley lateral beams maintaining its transverse orientation and its strut effect. In this manner the bracing beam 35 can be moved relatively to the other components of the base framework 21 to facilitate a user of the exercising station performing different exercises within the exercising station 13.

The apex bar 23 and the anchor bar 25 operate in conjunction with the pulley system 27 and in-service weights 18 to support and guide the cable 28 to form an integrated cable weight-lifting system that is supported by the base framework 21, thus providing a fully operative and integrated exercising station 21.

The apex bar 23 and anchor bar 25 are formed of circular hollow section piping. In the present embodiment 12 gauge (2.6 mm) 30 mm diameter steel is used, but aluminium and aluminium alloy is used in other embodiments. In the present embodiment, the apex bar 23 is 2400 mm length and the anchor bar 25 is 1800 mm. These dimensions vary in other embodiments allowing for a range of different size and strength exercising stations 21 to be made and marketed to provide some degree of diversity in the market to suit different styles and needs of consumers.

The pulley system 27 essentially comprises the intermediate pulleys 27a, a plurality of fixed pulleys 27b and a plurality of detachable pulleys (not shown), that are variously mounted defining nodes and anchor points disposed at a series of strategic locations for guiding and running the cable 28 from, and in between, a weights station 52a situated externally and laterally of the A-frame members 29 to a work station 52b situated internally and centrally of the exercising station 21.

The nodes are provided by the fixed pulleys 27b and are directly mounted to the apex bar 23; and the anchor points are provided by:

• • (i) base-mounted eye brackets 54 being fixedly mounted to the top surfaces 50a of the corresponding intermediate pulley lateral beams 39b to which the intermediate pulleys 27a are detachably connected;
  • (ii) eye bolts 56a fixedly mounted in horizontal alignment to the inner edge 38b of the inner proximal beam 37b to which the detachable pulleys 27c are selectively connected and also to the inner side face 38d of the outer distal beam 37a (see FIG. 7B); and
  • (iii) eye bolts 56b fixedly to the anchor bar 25 to which the detachable pulleys are selectively connected.

The fixed pulleys 27b comprise a pair of opposing fixed inner pulleys 87 and a pair of fixed outer pulleys 89. The fixed pulleys 27b define the nodes for directing the cable 28 orthogonally, axially and angularly relative to: the apex bar 23, the in-service weights 18 and the intermediate pulleys 27a as best shown in FIG. 10.

The eye bolts 56b comprise a pair of opposing outer eye bolts 91, and detachable pair of intermediate eye bolts 92, and a pair of inner eye bolts 93 to define the anchor points for attaching the detachable pulleys 27c to provide alternative pulley fixings to direct the cable 28 at different angular positions relative to the anchor bar 25 between the intermediate pulleys 27a and the work station 52b, depending upon the exercise to be performed.

The base mounted eye brackets 54 provide the anchor points for attaching the intermediate pulleys 27a to direct the cable 28 angularly relative to the inner fixed inner pulleys 87 and either to:

• • (i) the inner proximal beams 37b via corresponding eye bolts 56a;
  • (ii) the anchor bar 25 via either of the corresponding pairs of eye bolts 56b; or
  • (iii) the work station 52b directly;
  • depending upon the exercise to be performed.

At the work station 52b, the cable 28 is connected to a weight-lifting accessory such as a pull-down bar; hand grips, pull-down rope, double handles, curl bar and the like, depending upon the exercise to be performed.

The fixed pulleys 27b are mounted to the apex bar 23 by way of a plurality of inner and outer diametral apertures (not shown) formed in the apex bar. These apertures respectively mount the pair of opposing fixed inner pulleys 87 and the pair of fixed outer pulleys 89 to the apex bar 23 by means of corresponding pulley support brackets 87a, 89a, each provided with a corresponding threaded shaft, nut and washer fixture 87b, 89b.

The inner and outer diametral apertures of the apex bar 23 are disposed in co-extensive alignment along the apex bar, so that each of the fixed pulleys 27b depend from the bottom of the apex bar. This is achieved by the apex bar 23, as previously described, being disposed to rest and bear within the seat 51 formed by the cross-over of the beams 37 at the apex of the respective A-frame members 29.

When reposed within the seat 51, the apex bar 23 is arranged to be disposed symmetrically thereby defining:

• • opposing overhanging portions 23a projecting outwardly from the outer side faces 38c of the beam members 37, equidistantly of the respective A-frame members 29;
  • an intermediate portion 23b extending between the inner side faces 38d of the beam members forming the A-frame members 29; and
  • opposing distal ends 23c at the ends of the overhanging portions 23a.

This positioning is maintained by the affixture of the opposing fixed inner pulleys 87 along the intermediate portion 23b of the apex bar 23 a marginal distance spaced axially inwardly and adjacent to the inner side faces 38d of each of the cross-over beams 37 proximate to the seat 51.

The outer diametral apertures are symmetrically disposed along the respective overhanging portions 23b to locate the opposing fixed outer pulleys 89 a marginal distance spaced axially inwardly from the opposing distal ends 23c of the apex bar 23. In this manner, the fixed outer pulleys 89 are located a sufficient distance away from the outer side faces 38c of the corresponding A-frame beams 37 for supporting and guiding the cable 28 vertically and laterally outside of the exercising station 21 when connected to the in-service weights 18. This provides the in-service weights 18 with free passage whilst they are being displaced elevationally and vertically by the cable 28 transferring load via the pulley system 27 ultimately to the work station 52b. In the present embodiment the central axes of the fixed outer pulleys 89 are spaced a distance of 473 mm from the respective outer side faces 38c of the beam members 37.

The eye bolts 56b are affixed to the anchor bar 25 by way of inner and outer diametral apertures (not shown) formed in the anchor bar. These apertures respectively mount the pair of opposing outer eye bolts 91 and the pair of inner eye bolts 93 to the anchor bar 25 by means of corresponding eyes 91a, 93a each being provided with a corresponding threaded shaft, nut and washer fixture 93a, 93b.

The inner and outer diametral apertures of the anchor bar 25 are disposed in co-extensive alignment along the anchor bar, so that each of the eye bolts 56 can be disposed linearly and axially along the anchor bar when reposed within paired notches 40b in transverse horizontal alignment along the outer edges 38a of the inner proximal beam 37b.

In the manner, the anchor bar 25 can be reposed in different paired notches at prescribed spaced locations relative to the seat axis 58 of the apex bar 23 to direct the cable 28 at different angular positions vertically relative to the intermediate pulleys 27a, and also at different spaced locations horizontally along the anchor bar relative to the intermediate pulleys.

The anchor bar 25 is similarly disposed as to the axis bar 23 to repose symmetrically within a set of paired notches 40b to define opposing distal portions 25a, projecting marginally beyond the outer side surfaces 38c of the beam members 37, equidistantly of the respective A-frame members 29, and an intermediate portion 25b extending between the inner side faces 38d of the beam members 37 forming the A-frame members 29.

This positioning is maintained by the affixture of the opposing outer eye bolts 91 along the intermediate portion 25b of the anchor bar 25, a marginal distance spaced axially inwardly and adjacent to the inner side faces 38d of each of the inner proximal beams 37b. In the present embodiment, the corresponding outer eye bolts 91 and outer diametral apertures are approximately 1170 mm apart, where the confronting inner side faces 38d are spaced 1220 mm apart so that the outer eye bolts provide a small tolerance of axial movement of the anchor bar 25 of 15 mm.

The symmetrical inner eye bolts 93 are mounted within the respective inner diametral apertures formed in the anchor bar 25 at prescribed locations more central of the intermediate portion 25b to allow for a range of weight-lifting exercises to be performed closer to the body of a user disposed at the work station 52b. In the present embodiment, the corresponding inner eye bolts 93 and inner diametral apertures are spaced 300 mm apart.

Thus the eye bolts 56 provide anchor points for selectively attaching the detachable pulleys 27c to guide the cable 28 and weight-lifting accessories to which the cable is attached from different axially spaced locations on the inner edges 38b of the inner proximal beam 37b and along the anchor bar 25 depending upon the exercise being performed by the user.

Now describing the bench 15 in more detail, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 14, the bench essentially comprises a bench base 95 and a seat assembly 97 formed of rectangular sections and panels, The sections are formed of natural timber and the panels are formed of manufactured timber.

The bench base 95 essentially forms a rectangular carriage that supports the seat assembly 97 in a manner so that different parts of the seat assembly can be fixedly adjusted relative to each other. The bench base 95 has a base frame formed primarily of a pair of rectangular sections comprising a base member 99a and a head member 99b in parallel spaced relationship defining the shorter sides of the frame, and a combination of rectangular sections and panels forming a pair of corresponding cheeks 99c in parallel spaced relationship defining the longer sides of the frame.

The base member 99a comprises a base rail section 101a having a pair of upper symmetrical slots 103, equidistantly spaced from either end of the base rail section, a transverse base reinforcing section 101b and a pair of orthogonal base reinforcing sections 101c disposed adjacent the outer edge of corresponding slots 103. The slots 103 are spaced apart and rectangularly configured for receiving a protruding portion 105 of the corresponding cheeks 99c to form a pair of cross lap joints 107 and to provide room for a handle 109 for facilitating manoeuvring of the bench 15 into and out of the work station 52b.

The transverse base reinforcing section 101b is disposed inwardly in juxtaposition to the base rail section 101a between the slots 103 and is affixed thereto by screws 111a. The orthogonal base reinforcing sections 101c are disposed orthogonally to the base rail section 101a in a butt joint and are affixed thereto by screws 111b to reinforce the positioning of the cheeks 99c. Both the transverse base reinforcing section 101b and the pair of orthogonal base reinforcing sections 101c are affixed to the cheeks 99c by screws 111c to reinforce the cross-lap joints 107 and maintain relative orthogonal positioning of the cheeks relative to the base member 99a.

The head member 99b comprises a head rail section 113a having a pair of lower symmetrical grooves 115, equidistantly spaced from either end of the head rail section, a corresponding pair of roller wheels 117 respectively mounted within the grooves to facilitate manoeuvring of the bench when used in conjunction with the handle 109, a transverse head reinforcing section 113b and a pair of orthogonal head reinforcing sections 113c.

The transverse head reinforcing section 113b is of commensurate size to the transverse base reinforcing section 103b and is disposed inwardly in juxtaposition to the head rail section 113a in alignment with the transverse base reinforcing section. The transverse head reinforcing section 113b is similarly affixed to the head rail section 113a by screws 119a.

Similarly, the orthogonal head reinforcing sections 113c. are of commensurate size to the transverse base reinforcing sections 103c and are disposed orthogonally to the head rail section 113a in a butt joint, being affixed thereto by screws 119b. Each orthogonal head reinforcing section 113c is axially aligned in corresponding relationship with each orthogonal base reinforcing section 103c to be disposed in juxtaposition with corresponding cheeks 99c. In this manner, both head reinforcing sections 113b and 113c combine to facilitate locating the head ends of the cheeks 99c to respectively form butt joints 121 with the head rail section 113a, the head sections being affixed thereto by screws 119c to reinforce the butt joints and maintain relative orthogonal positioning of the cheeks to the head member 99b.

In an alternative and preferred embodiment, the base frame of the bench base 95 is reinforced by a cross frame (not shown) extending between the base member 99a and the head member 99b and adjoining the base of the pair of corresponding cheeks 99c.

The cheeks 99c each comprise an uprising panel section 123. The panel section 123 is of general acute triangular form having:

• • (i) a bottom cheek side 123a being the longest side of the triangle, extending between the base member 99a and head member 99b;
  • (ii) a base cheek side 123b being the shortest side of the triangle rising from the base member 99a; and
  • (iii) a head cheek side 123c being the intermediate side of the triangle rising from the head member 99b.

The base cheek side 123b and the head cheek side 123c of each panel section 123 define substantially rectilinear surfaces and intersect at an apex 125 forming a flange 127 within which an aperture (not shown) is situated for connecting to the seat assembly 97. The apertures are coaxially aligned in a horizontal plane to accommodate a main shaft (not shown) defining a rotational axis 129 for relative movement of the seat assembly 97 to the bench base 95. The intersection of the bottom cheek side 123a and the base cheek side 123b is truncated and formed to provide the protruding portions 105 for locking retention within the slots 103 to form the pair of cross lap joints 107. The intersection of the bottom cheek side 123a and the head cheek side 123c is also truncated to form the butt joints 121.

The cheeks 99c are correspondingly shaped and co-extensively disposed relative to the base member 99a and the head member 99b to form a rigid base frame 99 to support the seat assembly 97 thereon in an adjustable manner. The cheeks 99c are especially configured to achieve this by location of the apex 125 nearer to the base member 99a end of the bench frame than the head member 99b end and the provision of a series of paired base cheek grooves 130a at prescribed locations along the base cheek side 123b and a series of head cheek grooves 130b provided at prescribed locations along the head cheek side 123c.

The cheeks 99c also make provision for locating a pair of upper leg supports 131a and a pair of lower leg supports 131b for performing various exercises where the legs of the user can be supported. The upper leg supports 131a are of conventional design and are fixedly connected to the opposing ends of the main shaft accommodated within the bearings to project out laterally from the cheeks 99c along the rotational axis 129. The lower leg supports 131b are similarly of conventional design and are affixed directly to the cheeks 99c at locations proximate to the intersection of the bottom side 123a and the base side 123b using a threaded bolt, washer and hole fixture 133.

The seat assembly 97 essentially comprises a seat base 97a to surmount the base member 99a end of the bench frame, and a seat head 97b to surmount the head member 99b end. Both the seat base 97a and seat head 97b respectively comprise:

• • (i) a base seat panel 135a and a head seat panel 135b for supporting different parts of the torso of a user;
  • (ii) a pair of co-extensive and depending base cam flanges 137a and head cam flanges 137b fixedly attached to the underside of the base seat panel 135a and head seat panel 135b respectively by fixtures in the form of screws 139a for the base seat panel and screws 139b for the head seat panel 139b;
  • (iii) a pair of co-extensive and longitudinally projecting base arm flanges 141a and head arm flanges 141b, each having an aperture (not shown) forming a journal to be rotatable relative to the main shaft about the rotational axis 129;
  • (iv) a pair of locking pins 142 including a base locking pin 142a to lock the position of the seat base 97a and a head locking pin 142b to lock the position of the seat head 97b; and
  • (v) the main shaft defining the rotational axis 129 about which the seat base 97a and seat head 97b can rotate.

The base seat panel 135a is essentially of square configuration and formed with a full round filleted edge 143a to facilitate sitting or lying on by a user.

The head seat panel 135b is essentially of oblong configuration as opposed to square, with the long dimension extending from the rotational axis 129 proximate to the apex 125 to the head member 99b end of the bench frame. The head seat panel 135b is similarly formed with a full round filleted edge 143b to facilitate sitting or lying on by a user.

The base seat panel 135a and the head seat panel 135b are spaced apart from the respective arm flanges 141 adjacent the apices 125 about the main shaft and prevent interference therebetween during relative angular movement about the rotational axis 129 by the seat base 97a and the seat head 97b.

The pairs of cam flanges 137 have curved cam surfaces 147 and are especially designed to provide for continuously supported relative angular movement of the seat base 97a relative to the seat head 97b at their relative intersection with the cheeks 99c. Moreover, analogous to the cheeks 99c, the pair of base cam flanges 137a are provided with a series of paired base cam grooves 145a at prescribed locations along the base cam surface 147a and the pair of head cam flanges 137b are provided with a series of paired head cam grooves 145b at prescribed locations along the head cam surface 147b. The prescription of the location of these grooves will be described in more detail later.

The pair of head cam flanges 137b are symmetrically and precisely located to be disposed in marginally spaced apart juxtaposition, inwardly of the pair of cheeks 99c adjacent the head cheek sides 123c, so that the seat head 97b can be moved rotatably about the rotational axis 129 of the main shaft without impediment, the head cam flanges moving overlappingly and within the confines of the cheeks.

The pair of base cam flanges 137a are similarly symmetrically and precisely located to be disposed in further spaced apart juxtaposition, both inwardly of the pair of cheeks 99c adjacent to the base cheek sides 123b and the inner ends of the head cam flanges 137b. Moreover, the spacing between the outer side faces of the base cam flanges 137a and the inner side faces of the cheeks 99c adjacent to the base cheek sides 123b is commensurate to marginally more than the width of the head cam flanges 137b, sufficient to allow relatively unimpeded and overlapping rotational movement of the seat base 97a within the confines of the cheeks and the head cam flanges 137b, about the rotational axis 129 of the main shaft.

The location of the paired cam grooves 145 and the locus defined by the cam surfaces 147 are prescribed in conjunction with the location of the paired cheek grooves 127 and the locus defined by the base cheek sides 123b and head cheek sides 123c, so that these grooves are coaxially aligned at staged locations where the cam surfaces and cheeks sides intersect. This coincides with graduated rotation of the seat base 97a relative to the base member 99a, independently of the seat head 97b, and co-location of differently paired base cam grooves 145a with correspondingly paired base cheek grooves 127a, where the relative angular movement between the two can be locked by placement of the base locking pin 142a. Similarly, graduated rotation of the seat head 97b relative to the head member 99b, independently of the seat base 97a, and co-location of differently paired head cam grooves 145b with correspondingly paired head cheek grooves 127b, can be achieved and locked in position by placement of the head locking pin 142b in the aligned grooves.

In this manner, the base seat panel 135a provides a seat for a user to sit on and perform exercises, independently of, or in combination with, the head seat panel 135b adopting a coplanar horizontal position or an angular rotatably adjusted inclined or declined position about the rotational axis 129 of the main shaft where the position of the head seat panel can be fixed to form a seat back for the user.

Alternatively, exercises can be performed vice versa, where the head seat panel 135b provides a seat for a user to sit on or bench for the user to lie on and perform exercises, independently of, or in combination with, the base seat panel 135a adopting a coplanar position or an angularly rotatably adjusted inclined or declined position about the rotational axis 129 of the main shaft where the position of the base seat panel can be fixed to form a surface for supporting the legs of the user.

Alternatively, the base seat panel 135a and the head seat panel 135b can simply form planar extensions of the other to provide a flat bench.

Now describing the footboard 17, the footboard is detachably mounted to the base framework 21 of the exercising station 13 and comprises a rectangular panel member 149 and an attachment bar 151 connectable thereto. The attachment bar 151 is of circular cross-section and diameter sufficient for it to be positively engaged within a set of paired notches 40a of the base framework 21.

In the present embodiment, the back of the panel member 149 is provided with a pair of resilient clips (not shown) to detachably clip onto the attachment bar 151 and the attachment bar is formed by the shaft 44 for a barbell 46 or dip bar 62, doubling to function as an attachment support for the footboard 17. In other embodiments, the back of the panel member 149 is provided with a fixed bracket coupling (not shown) fixedly mounted thereto, which is in turn fixedly connected to the attachment bar 151, so that it is dedicated to function as an integral component of the footboard 17.

In either embodiment, the length of the panel member 149 is marginally longer than the transverse extent between the outer sides of the two co-extensive outer distal beams 37a. The axial extent of the attachment bar 151 is longer still, being arranged to extend longitudinally beyond the outer extremities of the panel member 149. When the attachment bar 151 is formed by the shaft 44, obviously it extends out to the same distance as would be the case with a barbell 46 or dip bar 62, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5A to 6, whereas in the other embodiments where the attachment bar 151 is integral, it may be more marginal as shown in FIG. 1.

In either case, the resilient clips or bracket couplings are disposed at an optimal distance apart, marginally less than the transverse extent between the confronting opposing inner faces 38d of the co-extending outer distal beams 37a to ensure that the footboard 17 is positioned correctly straddling both A-frame members 29 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 5A to 6. Moreover, the footboard 17 is positioned to securely sit against the outer edges 38a of the outer distal beams 37a and provide a planar surface against the feet of a user seated on the bench 15 so that during exercising, pressing movement of the feet against the footboard is resisted.

Conveniently, when not in use, the shafts 44 for a barbell 46 and/or dip bars 62, are stowed in a vertical upright position adjacent one or both sides of the A-frame members 29 and secured to the side at one or more of the opposing ends of the shaft by a bracket 44a to form a pole. In the present embodiment, for stowage one shaft 44 is at least secured to the top of one of the A-frame members 29 by the bracket 44a, and in another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, another shaft 44 is secured to the top of the other of the A-frame members 29.

Now describing the weights stand 19, the weights stand comprises a main pedestal frame 153 and a side pedestal frame 155. The main pedestal frame 153 comprises:

• • (i) an upright weights rack 157;
  • (ii) a pair of pedestal feet 159 attached one to each base 157a of the weights rack to stand the rack in an upright position; and
  • (iii) a series of weight carrying pins 161 for storing out-of-service weights 18b.

The side pedestal frame 155 comprises a pair of trestle leg assemblies 163 that are fixedly disposed normally and centrally of the weights rack 157 and are transversely spaced apart symmetrically about the central longitudinal axis of the main pedestal frame 153. The side pedestal frame 155 is interconnectedly attached to the top 157b of the weights rack 157 by means of threaded bolt, washer and nut affixtures 164 to provide lateral support to the main pedestal frame 153 in the upright position and also provide a dumbbell supporting rack in addition to the weights rack provided by the main pedestal frame 153.

The weights rack 157 comprises:

• • (i) a pair of spaced apart upright leg portions 165 that are angularly offset from the vertical approximately 10° and configured to taper marginally towards each other from the base 157a to the top 157b of the weights rack; and
  • (ii) a series of parallel transverse web portions 167 comprising:
    • (a) an upper transverse rail 167a fixedly connected at opposing ends to the top 157b of the respective upright leg portions 165 forming a rabbet joint 169 by means of a pair of screws 171 at each end;
    • (b) a lower transverse rail 167b fixedly connected at opposing ends marginally spaced at an elevated position from the base 157a of the respective upright leg portions 165 forming a dado joint 173 by means of a pair of screws 175 at each end; and
    • (c) an intermediate transverse rail 167c fixedly connected at opposing ends equidistantly spaced between the upper and lower transverse rails 167a and 167b respectively and also forming a dado joint 177 by means of a pair of screws 179 at each end.

The pedestal feet 159 each comprise:

• • (i) a rectangular base plate 181 having a centrally disposed concave recess 181a of arcuate form bounded laterally by a pair of landings 181b; and
  • (ii) an inner rail 183 fixedly disposed at an inner end by a pair of screws 184, surmounting the base plate 181 for fixed connection to the base 157a of the weights rack 157.

The recess 181a has an axis aligned with the transverse plane defined by the weights rack 157 and a radius commensurate to the radius of the largest weight 18b′. As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the inner rail 183 is laterally disposed relative to this transverse plane and is rebated with an outer groove 185 to accommodate a corresponding base portion of the respective upright leg portion 165 forming a dado joint 187 affixed together by a threaded bolt, washer and nut fixing 189,

The feet 159 are adeptly designed so that a series of these large weights 18b′, that otherwise may be too heavy for stowing on a pin 161, can be nested for stowing on the base plate 181, resting against the respective upright leg portions 165 as shown in FIGS. 15B, 16B, 17B and 18B of the drawings.

The weight carrying pins 161 are of a solid dowel type forming a spigot at one end to be frictionally fitted within a series of corresponding apertures 191 disposed at prescribed locations along each of the upright leg portions 165 and projecting outwardly substantially normal to the outer surface 165a of the leg portions. In a preferred embodiment, the spigot end of each of the pins 161 is splayed by a tapered screw (not shown) inserted axially into the spigot end of the dowel from the inner end of the aperture 191 accessible from the inner surface 165b of the leg portions. In this manner, the dilation of the spigot ends can be selectively increased by tightening the tapered screw, thereby increasing the frictional engagement of the spigot end with the confronting surface of the associated aperture.

The prescribed locations of the pins are spaced apart to accommodate the stowage of weights 18b of different diameter, progressively from the smallest weight 18b″ proximate to the top 157b of the weights rack 157 to larger weights downwardly towards the base 157a of the weights rack, capable of fitting on a pin 161, until the larger weights that are safer stowed on the feet 159. The arrangement is best shown in FIGS. 15B, 16B and 17B of the drawings.

The trestle leg assemblies 163 each have an outer edge 163a and an inner edge 163b. Co-extending leg assemblies 163 are formed with a series of paired notches 193, the notches of each pair being disposed in transverse horizontal alignment in a similar manner to the arrangement of paired notches 40a of the base framework 21. The paired notches 193 are longitudinally spaced along each outer edge 163a and each notch is configured to form an angular downwardly depressed recess 42a to accommodate a shaft handle 195 of a dumbbell 197.

Differently paired notches 193 allow the shaft 195 of differently weighted dumbbells 197 to be rested or stowed at different elevations progressing from the highest paired notches 193′ disposed proximate to the top 155b of the side pedestal frame 155 to the lowest paired notches 193″ disposed proximate to the bottom 155a of the side pedestal frame. In this manner, the highest paired notches 193′ are able to accommodate one or a pair of the lightest dumbbells 197′ and subsequently paired notches accommodate progressively heavier dumbbells until the lowest pair of notches 193″ accommodate the heaviest dumbbell 197″, as shown in FIGS. 15B, 16B and 17B. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the lightest dumbbell 197′ is 5 kg and successive dumbbells may be 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg and the heaviest 30 kg.

The trestle leg assemblies 163 essentially adopt A-frame configurations whereby the upper inner edge 163b of each leg assembly is correspondingly truncated and formed with confronting grooves 198 to form a slot so that opposing leg assemblies may be vertically adjoined and circumscribe the upper transverse rail 167a to form an upper dado joint 199a which is fixed by the threaded bolt, washer and nut fixing 164.

In an alternative and preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15A′ to 18B′, where corresponding reference numerals are used to identify corresponding components as included in the preceding embodiment but distinguished by the symbol ′, threaded bolt, washer and nut fixings 164′, instead of being disposed above the grooves 198′ and the upper dado joint 99a′, are disposed in an aperture extending through the upper transverse rail 167a′ and the slot 200′ formed by the grooves to affix the leg assemblies 163′ to the upper transverse rail 167a′ directly. This provides for a stronger and more stable upper dado joint 99a′ to more ably handle the load of the weights stand 19′.

Returning to the previous embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, a lower spacer strut 201a and an intermediate spacer strut 201b are respectively affixed to the lower transverse rail 167b and intermediate transverse rail 167c by corresponding bolt, washer and nut fixtures 203a and 203b, disposed centrally of each spacer strut, so that the spacer struts extend outwardly to be adjoined to the leg assemblies via a pair of corresponding lower and upper brackets 205a and 205b and adjacent co-extensive pairs of leg assemblies are maintained at a fixed spacing apart.

The brackets 205 are formed with corresponding central grooves 207 along their upper surfaces to respectively accommodate the lower transverse rail 167b and the intermediate transverse rail 167c forming lower and intermediate dado joints 199b and 199c fixedly clamped in position by the corresponding bolt, washer and nut fixtures 203a and 203b.

The opposing distal ends of each bracket 205 are correspondingly attached to the confronting inner surfaces 163c of co-extending leg assemblies 163 by corresponding lower and intermediate bolt, washer and nut fixings 209a and 209b. Accordingly, by virtue of being disposed at different elevations, the spacer struts 201a, 201b and associated brackets 205a, 205b are of different prescribed lengths corresponding to the horizontal segment distance between the leg assemblies at the relative elevation of the respective lower and upper transverse rails. Moreover, the lower spacer strut 201a and lower brackets 205a are longer than the intermediate spacer strut 201b and intermediate brackets 205b.

In this manner, the bifurcated form of each pair of leg assemblies 163 form a trestle structure to laterally support the main pedestal frame 153 and maintain stability when the weights stand 19 is either partially or fully loaded with stored weights 18b and dumbbells 197.

Now describing the weights 18 and dumbbells 197 in more detail, both have their major weight portion moulded from concrete as opposed to metal.

In the case of the weights 18, the weight is moulded from concrete and formed with an inner bush of steel defining a central aperture to facilitate mounting weights at either end of the shaft 44 of a barbell 46 and to fit on a pin 161 on the weights rack 157 of the weights stand 19.

In the case of the dumbbells 197, each dumbbell comprises:

• • (i) a rod 211 threaded at both ends,
  • (ii) a knurled tubular handle 213 formed of steel having a marginally larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of the rod, a central grip portion and flared axial ends so that the outer edges of the handle have a larger diameter than the grip portion;
  • (iii) a pair of corresponding washer and nut fixings 215 for fastening one to each of the opposing ends of the threaded rod 211;
  • (iv) two pairs of weight plates 217 formed of wood, each pair comprising a substantially square inner plate 217a and an outer plate 217b with rounded corners, and a central aperture 218 of marginally larger diameter commensurate to the diameter of the rod, forfitting onto the rod 211; and
  • (v) a pair of cylindrical weights 219 formed of concrete also having a central aperture for fitting upon the rod.

As best shown in FIGS. 20C and 20D, all of the components of the dumbbell 197 are disposed upon the threaded rod 211 in a prescribed order.

• • (1) The handle 213 is disposed centrally along the rod 211.
  • (2) The pair of inner plates 217a is then disposed one at either end of the handle to butt up against the flared ends (not shown) of the handle 213 and the cylindrical weights 219 are slipped over the rod at either end to butt up against the inner weight plates 217a.
  • (3) The remaining pair of outer plates 217b are then disposed on the ends of the rod 211 in juxtaposition to the outer ends of the weights 219.
  • (4) The washer and nut fixings 215 are then applied and fastened to either end of the rod 211 and tightened, clamping the components together to form an integrated dumbbell 197.

The handle 213 in the preferred embodiment is configured so that the flared ends are able to engage and confront a larger annular area of the inner plates 217a to positively engage and clamp the plates to the concrete weights 219 and mitigate wobbling of same when forming the integrated dumbbell 197.

A consideration in the design of the exercising apparatus 11 is constructing it in a manner to support and accommodate the use of relatively heavy weights as well as the weight of a user. These can cause relatively high compressive and tensile forces on and in the components of the exercising apparatus that could otherwise damage the apparatus itself and/or compromise the safety of a user.

To achieve this the principal components forming the exercising station 13 of the first embodiment are formed out of rectangular wooden sections of 45 mm thickness, except for the right triangular posts 41a and 41b that are formed of wooden sections of 30 mm thickness.

By clever design, it is possible to maintain the integrity of the exercising apparatus and gain a considerable weight loss advantage by using thinner components.

Thus, in the second and preferred embodiment of the best mode for carrying out the invention, all of the structural components of the exercising apparatus 11 are formed of 18 mm thickness plywood. Consequently, a number of differences in the design of the exercising apparatus 11 arise by virtue of using thinner material so as to not mitigate the constructional integrity of the exercising apparatus 11. These will be discussed in turn with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23 and FIGS. 30 to 31B.

The second embodiment similarly includes improvements to the bench, which will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 to 27 and FIGS. 32A and 32B; and also to the weights stand and dumbbell, which will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29 and also FIGS. 33 to 35.

In illustrating components of the second embodiment in the drawings, the same reference numbers are used to identify corresponding components described in the first embodiment.

In addition to all components being formed of 18 mm plywood, the base framework 21 of the second embodiment is different to the first embodiment in relation to the following features.

The upper transverse web beam 31a and the base transverse beam 31b of the web frame member instead of being recess jointed with the inner proximal beams are connected by L-shaped steel brackets (not shown) at their end joints 251.

As shown in FIG. 31A, the opposing ends of the upper support lateral beam 39a′ are integrally formed with protruding flanges 253 contiguous with one side of the beam of a thickness that is half that of the thickness of the beam 39a′ and inner proximal beam 37b and outer distal beam 37a to which they are jointed.

The flanges 253 are correspondingly shaped to be received within grooved recesses 255 formed on the outer surface of the beams 37a and 37b, shown in FIG. 31B to form reinforced joints 257. In this manner a bolt 257a may be disposed within a transverse aperture 258 extending through both the flange 253 and the recessed portion 255′ on the inner surface of the beams 37a and 37b and tied with a nut 257b at each end of the beams 39a′ to provide a more robust joint 261 than would be achieved by planar fastening within the beams as is the case in the first embodiment. Consequently, a strong joint 261 can be maintained notwithstanding the use of thinner 18 mm plywood to support bar dips that can be performed using the upper support lateral beams 39a′ as described later.

The bracing beam 35′ is formed of two juxtaposed pieces of plywood and configured as shown in FIG. 30 to be of 36 mm thickness. In another embodiment a disk may be inserted between the two juxtaposed pieces to increase the thickness of the beam.

The bracing beam 35′ includes a beam section 35a′ of greater length to the transverse spacing between the opposing inner side faces 50b of the intermediate pulley lateral beams 39b, to form overhangs with grooves 263 to surmount the upper surfaces of the lateral beams 39b, dispensing with the opposing wings of the first embodiment. In this manner, the bracing beam 35′ can perform the same bracing function in a simpler and less expensive manner.

As can be seen, the beam section 35a′ is formed with intermediate apertures 265 to allow a user to insert their fingers and grip the beam to move it into and out of position.

The rectangular carriage of the bench 15 is formed more simply than in the first embodiment with the cheeks 99c′ being formed with overhangs 271 at each end defining grooves that are able to accommodate the base rail section 101a′ and the head rail section 113a′ to form tongue-in-groove joints 273 at either end of the bench.

In this manner, the remaining components of the base member 99a and the head member 99b are dispensed with.

Further, the handle is instead formed by an intermediate slot 275 within the base rail section 101a′.

The seat assembly is formed with an intermediate base cam flange 137c′, as best shown in FIG. 32A. This provides additional support to the seat head 97b when a user is lifting weights with the barbell.

The intermediate base cam flange 137c′ is stabilised between the two outer base cam flanges 137a′ and 137b′ by a reinforcing transecting member 277 disposed beneath the seat head 97b as shown in FIG. 32B.

Changes are made to the weights station as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 to provide a more efficient mounting.

With the dumbbell, the weight plates are thicker and have a circular depression in which the cylindrical concrete weights may repose and cup the opposing ends of the weights in juxtaposition with the weight plates. In this manner, stress can be taken off the washer and nut fixings 215 when the dumbbell components are fastened and clamped together to form the integrated dumbbell 197.

In a further specific embodiment as shown in FIG. 36, each outer distal beam 37a′ is formed as an assembly of two beam portions, a main outer distal beam 221′ and a detachable notched beam 223′, whereby the detachable notched beam is affixed to the main outer distal beam by means of a plurality of bolt, washer and nut fixings 225′. In this manner, the detachable notched beam 223′ can be discretely detached from the main outer distal beam 221′ and replaced if damaged, without requiring the entire base framework 21′ to be disassembled. Moreover, the pairs of notches 40a′ can become damaged by repeated use of a heavy weight-bearing barbell 46 over time, requiring repair.

Various arrangements of the bench 15 and the exercising station 13 used to perform different exercises are shown in FIG. 21.

As shown in FIG. 21A, a user performing a bench press makes use of the bench 15 in a flat mode and the leg supports 131, the paired notches 40a of the base framework 21 and the weight guard assemblies 33.

As shown in FIG. 21B, a user performing a decline bench press makes use of the bench 15 in a seat declined mode and the leg supports 131, the paired notches 40a of the base framework 21 and the weight guard assemblies 33.

As shown in FIG. 21C, a user performing dip bar exercises makes use of the dip bars 62, and the paired notches 40 and upper notches 63 of the base framework 21.

As shown in FIG. 21D, a user performing an incline bench press makes use of the bench 15 in a seat adjusted incline mode, the paired notches 40a of the base framework 21 and the weight guard assemblies 33.

As shown in FIG. 21E, a user performing a lat pull-down makes use of the pulley system 27. Although showing the cable 28 coming from the apex bar 23 due to the magnified view of the user, the cable in fact comes from detachable pulleys connected to the eye bolts 56a of the inner proximal beam 37b or outer or inner eye bolts 96 of the anchor bar 25 disposed at an elevated position within the paired notches 40b of the base framework 21 to make use of the in-service weights 18b.

As shown in FIG. 21F, a user performing a seated row makes use of the footboard 17, the bench 15 in a seat declined mode, the pulley system 27 with the cable 28 coming from the inner eye bolts 96b of the anchor bar 25 disposed at an intermediate position within the paired notches 40b of the base framework 21 to make use of the in-service weights 18b.

As shown in FIG. 21G, a user performing a side pull-down makes use of the pulley system 27 with the cable 28 coming from the inner eye bolts 96b of the anchor bar 25 disposed at an intermediate position within the paired notches 40b of the base framework 21 to make use of the in-service weights 18b.

It should be appreciated that the invention as defined and disclosed herein is not limited to the specific description of the embodiments herein and that variations involving workshop improvements and known mechanical equivalents are intended to form part of the disclosure.

Claims

1. An exercising apparatus for performing anabolic exercises comprising: a base framework including: (a) a pair of laterally spaced and co-extending A-frame members each having an outer distal beam, an inner proximal beam and a lateral beam arrangement to form the sides of the exercising apparatus; and(b) a web frame member for interconnecting the A-frame members at one end of the sides of the exercising apparatus, to define a proximal end of the base framework so that the web frame member is integral with the inner proximal beams;an apex bar transversely supported by the A-frame members, the apex bar extending axially, externally and laterally of one of the A-frame members;an anchor bar mounted to the inner proximal beams in spaced parallel relationship with the apex bar;a bracing beam capable of being removably and fixedly disposed transversely between the lateral beams of the A-frame members and selectively disposed at different transverse locations along the lateral beams to brace the lateral beams from lateral flexion; anda pulley system having pulleys attachable to the apex bar, the anchor bar and an A-frame member;wherein the pulleys are particularly disposed to guide a cable connected to a weight at one end located in a weights station externally of the base framework so as to be elevationally displaced externally and laterally of the one A-frame member from the other end of the cable by directing the cable inwardly along the apex bar and downwardly ultimately to a work station disposed internally of the base framework from where the other end of the cable is worked.

2. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the web frame member includes a cross brace for adjoining the inner proximal beams to close the exercising apparatus at the one end of the sides.

3. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lateral beam of each A-frame member comprises a support lateral beam to be fixedly adjoined at either end to and between the inner proximal beam and the outer distal beam respectively.

4. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lateral beam of each A-frame member comprises a pulley lateral beam to be mounted to the inner side of the respective inner proximal beam and the outer distal beam for supporting one or more pulleys of the pulley system.

5. An exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lateral beam of each A-frame member comprises a support lateral beam to be fixedly adjoined at either end to and between the inner proximal beam and the outer distal beam respectively; and the support lateral beam is to be disposed above the pulley lateral beam in coplanar relationship with the inner proximal beam and the outer distal beam so that an intermediate pulley may be disposed on the pulley lateral beam to guide the cable substantially vertically towards pulley supported on the apex bar, adjacent the A-frame member clear of the support lateral beam.

6. A base framework for an exercising apparatus of the type claimed in claim 1.

7. A bench for an exercising apparatus of the type claimed in claim 1.

8. A weights station for an exercising apparatus of the type claimed in claim 1.

9. A dumbbell for an exercising apparatus of the type claimed in claim 1.

10. A method for assembling an exercising apparatus, a base framework, a bench, a weights station or a dumbbell of the type claimed in any one of the preceding claims.