EXERCISE APPARATUS

BACKGROUND

Exercise equipment provides a way to increase resistance during workouts to enhance muscle strength and endurance. Some examples of exercise equipment include dumbbells, medicine bells, and kettlebells. Such exercise equipment offers versatility to target various muscle groups and fitness goals. The adjustable nature of weighted exercise equipment allows users to progressively challenge themselves as they build muscle, promoting continuous growth and improvement. Such exercise equipment may be stored in various ways, such as, for example, on a weight rack.

Exercise equipment also includes exercise mats. Exercise mats such as yoga mats are stored in various ways. Wall-mounted racks are used for yoga mat storage. These racks typically feature hooks or straps that securely hold mats in place. They are designed to be mounted on the wall, keeping mats organized and accessible. They help to keep mats off the ground, preventing them from getting dirty or tangled with other items.

Exercise mat bags also are used to transport and store mats. These bags are typically made of durable fabric and come in various sizes and designs. Exercise mat bags are portable and versatile, making them suitable for those who need to carry their mats to different locations. Often times, exercise mats must be rolled up before being inserted into an exercise mat bag.

SUMMARY

In general terms, this disclosure is directed to an exercise apparatus. In some embodiments, and by non-limiting example, the exercise apparatus includes a mat rolling portion and a weight storage portion. The mat rolling portion includes an exercise mat and a spring biasing mechanism that facilitates rolling of the exercise mat. The weight storage portion includes an interior housing and one or more exercise weights housed within the interior housing. In some aspects, the weight storage portion is arranged within the mat rolling portion. In other aspects, the weight storage portion is arranged adjacent the mat rolling portion.

One aspect is an exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus comprises a weight storage portion including one or more weights. The exercise apparatus also comprises an outer shell including one or more handles.

Another aspect is an exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus comprises a mat rolling portion including an exercise mat. The exercise apparatus further comprises a weight storage portion including one or more exercise weights. The exercise apparatus further includes an outer shell arranged around the mat-rolling portion and the weight storage portion.

A further aspect is a method of using an exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus comprises a mat rolling portion including an exercise mat. The method includes unrolling an exercise mat from a rolled to an unrolled configuration to charge a spring biasing mechanism of the mat rolling portion. The method further includes discharging the spring biasing mechanism to cause the exercise mat to be rolled from the unrolled to the rolled configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of an example exercise apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example weight storage portion and the outer shell of the exercise apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example mat rolling portion of the exercise apparatus with an exercise mat in the unrolled configuration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mat rolling portion of FIG. 3 with the exercise mat in a rolled configuration.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the mat rolling portion of FIG. 3 with the exercise mat in the rolled configuration.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 with the exercise mat in the rolled configuration.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 with the exercise mat in the unrolled configuration.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional side view of another example exercise apparatus with the exercise mat in a rolled configuration.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 8 with the exercise mat in an unrolled configuration.

FIG. 10 is a side view of another example exercise apparatus with the exercise mat in a rolled configuration.

FIG. 11 is a side view of another example exercise apparatus with the exercise mat in a rolled configuration.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of another example exercise apparatus.

FIG. 13 is another side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is another side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is another side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 12. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an example exercise racking apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is perspective view of an example exercise apparatus 100. The example exercise apparatus 100 includes a weight storage portion 102, a mat rolling portion 104, and an outer shell 105. In some examples, the exercise apparatus 100 includes only one of the weight storage portion 102 and the matt rolling portion 104. In some examples, the exercise apparatus 100 is used to store weights or an exercise mat for a user. In some examples, the exercise apparatus 100 is able to be easily transported by a user. In other examples, the exercise apparatus 100 functions as a piece of exercise equipment for a user to exercise with. In some examples, the exercise apparatus 100 is cylindrically shaped such that it includes two ends and a curved sidewall.

In some examples, the weight storage portion 102 includes one or more weights 106. In some examples, the weight storage portion 102 stores the weights 106 within the exercise apparatus 100. In some examples, the weight storage portion 102 is arranged within an interior volume of the exercise apparatus 100.

In some examples, the mat rolling portion 104 stores an exercise mat 107. In some examples, the exercise mat 107 is rollable on and off of the mat rolling portion 104.

In some examples, the outer shell 105 surrounds the weight storage portion 102 and the mat rolling portion 104. In some examples, the outer shell 105 includes one or more handles arranged thereon.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example weight storage portion 102 and the outer shell 105 of the exercise apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. In some examples, the weight storage portion 102 further includes a core 121. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer shell 105 includes one or more handles 124 and an opening 111.

In some examples, the core 121 comprises a foam material. In some examples, the core 121 is shaped similarly to a foam roller. In some examples, the core 121 further comprises a recess formed in each end of the core 121 with a handle formed within the recess.

In some examples, the outer shell 105 forms a protective outer layer around the core 121 of the exercise apparatus 100. In some examples, the outer shell 105 is formed in the same shape as the core 121 of the exercise apparatus 100. In some examples, the outer shell 105 is formed from a cloth material. In some examples, the outer shell 105 wraps around the core 121 and covers substantially all of the exercise apparatus 100. In some examples, the outer shell includes one or more cutouts through which the core 121 can be accessed. For example, the outer shell 105 may comprise cutouts formed at each end of the exercise apparatus 100 through which a user can access handles formed at each end of the core 121. In some examples, the outer shell 105 includes one or more fasteners that allow it to be removed entirely from the exercise apparatus 100.

In some examples, the handles 124 are formed as a webbing strap that is stitched to the ends of the cylindrically shaped exercise apparatus 100. In some examples, more than one handles 124 are fixed onto the outer shell 105, such as, for example, stitched onto the outer shell 105. In some examples, the outer shell 105 includes one handle 124 on each end of the cylindrically shaped outer shell 105. In some examples, the handles 124 are removable or repositionable on the outer shell 105. In some examples, the handles 124 are attached to the outer shell 105 using hook and loop fasteners and may be attached and detached to the outer shell 105 at various positions.

In some examples, the opening 111 is formed as a cutout in the outer shell 105. The opening 111 forms an access point through which the interior of the outer shell 105 may be accessed by a user. The opening 111 may be formed in various sizes and shapes. In some examples, the opening 111 is formed within a curved sidewall of the outer shell 105. In other examples, the opening 111 is formed in a flat end of the outer shell 105.

In the example of FIG. 2, the weight storage portion 102 includes a plurality of weights 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d and a compartment 108. In some examples, the compartment 108 includes a cover 110 and an interior housing 112.

In some examples, the weights 106 are weighted balls. In some examples, the weights 106 are weighted balls, such as, for example medicine balls. In some examples, the weights 106 are dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells, or other types of weighted objects. In some examples, the weights 106 are weighted cylinders, such as, for example, weight plates. In some examples, the weights 106 are identical size, shape, and weight. In other examples, the weights 106 are variable size, shape, and weight.

The compartment 108 houses the weights 106 of the weight storage portion 102. In some examples, the compartment 108 is formed such that it is accessible from a curved side of the cylindrically shaped exercise apparatus 100. In some examples, the compartment 108 is formed such that it is accessible from a flat end of the cylindrically shaped exercise apparatus 100.

The cover 110 includes a fastener 114, indentations 118, and one or more finger loops 120. In some examples, the cover 110 functions to close and open the weight storage portion 102. In some examples, the cover 110 is movable between an open position (shown in FIG. 2) and a closed position. In some examples, the cover 110 is pivotably connected to the outer shell 105 of the exercise apparatus 100 such that it can rotate between a closed position and an open position (shown in FIG. 2). In some examples, the cover 110 is formed as a part of the outer shell 105. In some examples, the cover 110 may be secured in the closed position such that it does not inadvertently transition to the open position while the exercise apparatus 100 is carried or moved by a user.

The fastener 114 functions to secure the cover 110 in the closed position. In some examples, the fastener 114 is one of, for example, a zipper, buttons, hooks and clasps, or snaps. In other examples, such as the example of FIG. 2, the fastener 114 is a hook and loop fastener strip. In some examples, the outer shell 105 also includes a fastener 116 for engaging with the fastener 114 of the cover 110. In some examples, such as the example of FIG. 2, the outer shell 105 includes a hook and loop fastener strip that engages with the hook and loop fastener strip of the cover 110.

The indentations 118 are arranged on an inside face of the cover 110 so as to accommodate the weights while the weights are placed in the weight storage portion 102. In some examples, the cover includes four spherical indentations 118 for accommodating weighted balls placed in the weight storage portion 102.

The finger loops 120 are arranged on an outer surface of the cover 110. The finger loops provide points for a user to grasp the cover 110 and pull it into the open position. In some examples, the finger loops are arranged at corners of the cover 110 to provide additional leverage for a user when the user attempts to pivot the cover 110 into the open position.

In some examples, in addition to or instead of the cover 110, an insert may be used to cover the interior housing 112. In some examples, the insert may be a foam insert that fits within the opening 111 of the interior housing. In some examples, the insert forms a part of the core 121. In some examples, the insert includes a curved sidewall such that when inserted within the opening 111, the core 121 forms a cylinder. In some examples, the insert includes indentations 118.

In some examples, the interior housing 112 includes a space for receiving the weights 106. The interior housing 112 includes one or more indentations 122 for receiving the weights 106. In some examples, the interior housing 112 includes four spherical indentations 122 for receiving the weighted balls. In some examples, when the weighted balls are received in the indentations 122 and the cover 110 is closed such that the weighted balls are received in the indentations 118 of the cover 110, the weighted balls are secured in place within the exercise apparatus 100. In some examples, by securing the weighted balls in place within the exercise apparatus 100, the exercise apparatus 100 is more stable for a user to exercise with or transport. In some examples, the interior housing 112 is formed as a part of the core 121.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mat rolling portion 104 of the exercise apparatus 100 in an unrolled configuration. The mat rolling portion 104 includes an exercise mat 107, a core 126, and two end plates 128. In some examples, the mat rolling portion 104 further includes a spring biasing mechanism.

The exercise mat 107 is a rollable mat, such as, for example, a yoga mat. In some examples, the exercise mat 107 is made of rubber and is rectangularly shaped. In some examples, the exercise mat 107 includes a first end 130, a second end 132, a first side 134 and a second side 136. In some examples, the exercise mat 107 is connected to the core 126 at the first end 130 of the exercise mat.

The core 126 is a cylindrically shaped body around which the exercise mat 107 can be rolled. In some examples, the core 126 includes a first end 144, a second end 146, and a curved sidewall 148. In some examples, the core 126 includes a length that is slightly longer than the length of the first end 130. In some examples, the first end 130 of the exercise mat 107 is connected to the curved sidewall 148 of the core 126.

The end plates 128 are secured to the core 126 at the first end 144 and the second end 146 of the core 126. In some examples, the end plates 128 are rotatably secured to the core 126 such that the core 126 can rotate with respect to the end plates 128.

In some examples, the core 126 and the end plates 128 are rotatably attached to each other by the spring biasing mechanism. In such examples, the end plates 128 are spring loaded. In some examples, spring biasing mechanism includes one or more springs. In some examples, the springs are torsion springs. In some examples, the spring biasing mechanism is charged by rotating the end plates 128 with respect to the core 126 in a first direction. In some examples, the spring biasing mechanism is discharged by rotating the end plates 128 with respect to the core 126 in a second direction.

In some examples, an input force is required to charge the spring biasing mechanism and rotate the end plates 128 with respect to the core 126 in the first direction. In some examples, energy is stored by the spring biasing mechanism after the end plates 128 are rotated with respect to the core 126. In some examples, the stored energy is discharged by allowing the core 126 to rotate with respect to the end plates 128 such that the spring biasing mechanism is discharged. In some examples, a user may discharge the spring biasing mechanism while holding onto the end plates 128, in which case the core 126 rotates with respect to the end plates 128 without the user needing to contact the core 126.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mat rolling portion 104 of the exercise apparatus 100 in a rolled configuration. As shown in FIG. 4, the mat rolling portion 104 includes the exercise mat 107 rolled around the core 126 with end plates 128 adjacent to the first side 134 and the second side 136 of the exercise mat 107. In some examples, the mat rolling portion 104 can be rolled and unrolled between the rolled configuration of FIG. 4 and the unrolled configuration of FIG. 3.

The mat rolling portion 104 of the exercise apparatus 100 can be unrolled from the configuration of FIG. 4 into the configuration of FIG. 3 when a user holds the second end 132 of the exercise mat 107 in place while pulling the core 126 and end plates 128 away from the second end 132. Similarly, the mat rolling portion 104 of the exercise apparatus 100 can be unrolled from the configuration of FIG. 4 into the configuration of FIG. 3 when a user holds the core 126 and end plates 128 in place while pulling second end 132 of the mat 107 away from the core 126 and end plates 128.

In some examples, when unrolling the mat 107 from the rolled configuration of FIG. 4 into the unrolled configuration of FIG. 3, the end plates 128 rotate with respect to the core 126 in the first direction. In some examples, the pulling force generated by the user when the user pulls the exercise mat 107 off of the core 126 into the unrolled position causes the core 126 to be rotated and the spring biasing mechanism to be charged.

In some examples, the mat rolling portion 104 of the exercise apparatus 100 can be rolled from the configuration of FIG. 3 to the configuration of FIG. 4 when a user holds the end plates 128 and initiates discharging of the spring biasing mechanism. In this case, the core 126 spins with respect to the end plates 128 such that when the exercise apparatus 100 is held with the end plates 128 in a rotatably fixed position, the mat rolling portion 104 is able to automatically roll the exercise mat 107 onto the core 126 as the core 126 rotates with respect to the end plates 128.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the mat rolling portion 104 of FIG. 3, depicting the exercise mat 107 and the end plates 128.

In some examples, the end plates 128 include a button 129. In some examples, the button 129 is formed on one or both of the end plates 128. In some examples, the button 129 is used to discharge the spring biasing mechanism to cause the mat rolling portion 104 to rolls the exercise mat 107 onto the core 126. In some examples, the button 129 discharges the spring biasing mechanism when depressed by a user. In other examples, a latch or lever may be used in place of the button 129.

FIG. 6 is an example cross sectional side view of the example exercise apparatus 100 with the exercise mat 107 in the rolled configuration. As shown in FIG. 6, the exercise apparatus 100 includes the weight storage portion 102 and the mat rolling portion 104 and a barrier 152. In some examples, such as in the example depicted in FIG. 6, the weight storage portion 102 and the mat rolling portion 104 are arranged side by side, such that the weight storage portion 102 is arranged next to the mat rolling portion 104. In some examples, the weight storage portion 102 is separated from the mat rolling portion 104 by the barrier 152. In such examples, the weight storage portion 102 and the mat rolling portion 104 are able to be used independently such that weights 106 may be removed from the weight storage portion 102 when the mat rolling portion 104 is arranged in a rolled or unrolled configuration.

FIG. 6 further depicts the outer shell 105. In some examples, the outer shell 105 includes a slit 154 and the opening 111. In some examples, the slit 154 provides a passthrough for the exercise mat 107 to extend through the outer shell 105 when it is pulled into the unrolled configuration. In some examples, a portion of the exercise mat 107 extends through the slit 154 when the exercise mat 107 is in the rolled or the unrolled configuration.

FIG. 7 is an example cross sectional side view of the example exercise

apparatus 100 with the exercise mat 107 in the unrolled configuration. As shown in FIG. 7, when in the unrolled configuration, the exercise mat 107 is unwound from the core 126 and extends out from the outer shell 105 through the slit 154. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the exercise apparatus 100 is configured such that the weight storage portion 102 and the weights 106 contained therein are accessible when the exercise mat 107 is in the rolled or the unrolled configuration. In some examples, the weights 106 may be accessed by a user by pivoting the cover 110 into an open position in which the cover 110 does not cover the opening 111 in the outer shell 105. Thus, the weights 106 may be moved into the compartment 108 or out of the compartment 108 through the opening 111 in the outer shell 105.

FIG. 8 is an example cross sectional side view of an alternative arrangement of the example exercise apparatus 200 in a rolled configuration. In the example of FIG. 8, the exercise apparatus 200 includes the weight storage portion 202, the mat rolling portion 204, and the outer shell 205. In some examples, the outer shell 205 further includes a slit 254 and an opening 211. In some examples, the weight storage portion 202 and the mat rolling portion 204 and the outer shell 205 include substantially the same components as the weight storage portion 102, the mat rolling portion 104, and the outer shell 105 of the exercise apparatus 100.

The weight storage portion 202 includes the cover 210, weights 206, and interior housing 212. In some examples, the weight storage portion 202 is configured substantially the same as the weight storage portion 102.

The mat rolling portion 204 includes an exercise mat 207 and a core 226. In some examples, the mat rolling portion 204 further includes end plates 228, such as the end plates 128 described with respect to FIG. 3. In some examples, the mat rolling portion 204 further includes a spring biasing mechanism, such as the spring biasing mechanism described with reference to the mat rolling portion 104. In some examples, the mat rolling portion 204 and the spring biasing mechanism are each configured to operate substantially the same as the mat rolling portion 104 and the spring biasing mechanism of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

In some examples, the exercise apparatus 200 differs from the exercise apparatus 100 in that the weight storage portion 202 is arranged within the mat rolling portion 204, rather than being separated by a barrier 152. In some examples, this arrangement of the exercise apparatus 200 allows for the exercise apparatus 200 to be more compact than the exercise apparatus 100.

As shown in FIG. 8, the core 226 further includes one or more cutouts 252. The weights 206, which are arranged within the core 226, are able to be accessed through the cutouts 252 and through the opening 211 when the cover 210 is in an open position. In some examples, however, when in the rolled configuration, as depicted in FIG. 8, the exercise mat 207 is rolled around the core 226 such that the exercise mat 207 covers the cutouts 252 on the core 226. Thus, in some examples, the exercise mat 207 must be in the unrolled configuration for the weights 206 to be accessed through the cutouts 252.

In some examples, the interior housing 212 houses the weights 206. In some examples, the interior housing 212 is a separate component from the core 226 and is rotatable with respect to the core 226. In some examples, the interior housing 212 is rotatably fixed with respect to the end plates 228. In other examples, the interior housing 212 is formed integral with the core 226 such that the interior housing 212 and the core 226 are a single unitary body. In such examples, the interior housing 212 is configured to rotate with the core 226 with respect to the end plates 228.

As shown in FIG. 8, when arranged in the rolled configuration, the exercise apparatus 200 is configured such that the weights 206 are arranged within the core 226 and the exercise mat 207 is substantially arranged between the core 226 and the outer shell 205.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the exercise apparatus 200 of FIG. 8 in the unrolled configuration. As shown in FIG. 9, when in the unrolled configuration, the exercise mat 207 extends through the slit 254 of the outer shell 205. In some examples, when in the unrolled configuration, the exercise mat 207 no longer covers the cutouts 252 of the core 226 such that the weights 206 may be accessed by a user through the cutouts 252 of the core 226.

In some examples, the opening 211 and the cutout 252 are both formed on the flat end of the cylindrically shaped exercise apparatus 200. In such examples, the weights 206 may be accessible by a user regardless of whether the exercise mat 207 is in the rolled or unrolled configuration.

FIG. 10 is a side view of an alternative example exercise apparatus 300. The exercise apparatus 300 includes a weight storage portion 302, a mat rolling portion 304, and an outer shell 305. In some examples, each of the weight storage portion 302, the mat rolling portion 304, and the outer shell 305 are configured substantially the same as the weight storage portion 102, 202, the mat rolling portion 104, 204, and the outer shell 105, 205. In some examples, the exercise apparatus 300 is arranged similarly to the exercise apparatus 200 such that the weight storage portion 302 is arranged within the mat rolling portion 304.

In some examples, the outer shell 305 includes an opening 311 at the end thereof through which weights 306 of the weight storage portion 302 can be moved in and out of. In some examples, the weights 306 of the weight storage portion 302 are dumbbells, such as, for example, five-pound dumbbells. In some examples, the opening 311 of the outer shell 305 is formed such that the exercise mat 307 is able to be moved into and out of an interior space of the outer shell 305 through the opening 311.

In some examples, the outer shell 305 further includes a drawstring 372 routed through the outer shell 305. The drawstring 372 is configured such that when the drawstring is pulled, the drawstring causes the opening 311 to decrease in size.

In some examples, the outer shell 305 further includes handles 324. In some examples, the handles 324 include straps 376 wrapped around the diameter of the outer shell 305 In some examples, the handles 324 further include one or more carabiners 374 attached thereto.

FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment of the exercise apparatus 400. In some

examples, the exercise apparatus 400 is configured substantially the same as the exercise apparatus 300. In some examples, the exercise apparatus 400 differs from the exercise apparatus in that the handles are formed such that a handle grip 482 extends substantially around the perimeter of the outer shell 405, such as, for example, more than halfway about the perimeter of the outer shell 405.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the exercise apparatus 500. In some examples, the exercise apparatus 500 comprises a weight storage portion 502 and an outer shell 505.

In some examples, the weight storage portion 502 comprises a core 521. In some examples, the core 521 is similar in many aspects to the core 121. In some examples, the core 521 includes a recess 523 at each end of the core 521. In some examples, each of the recesses 523 comprise an integrated handle 525 arranged therein. In some examples, the integrated handle 525 extends over the recesses 523. In some examples, the handle 525 is formed from a plastic or a metal material. In some examples, the handles 525 are removable or repositionable.

As shown in FIG. 12, in some examples, the outer shell 505 comprises a cloth cover that wraps around the weight storage portion 102. In some examples, the outer shell 505 includes one or more handles 524. In some examples, the handles 524 are similar in many aspects to the handles 124. In some examples, the handles 524 comprise webbing straps that are sewn onto the outer shell 505. In some examples, the handles 524 are removable or repositionable. In some examples, the outer shell 505 further includes one or more openings arranged thereon. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the outer shell 505 includes an opening 527 arranged at each end of the outer shell 505. In some examples, the handles 524 extend over each of the openings 527 of the outer shell 505.

In some examples, the outer shell further comprises one or more fasteners 514, 572, 574 arranged thereon. In some examples, the fasteners 514, 572, 574 arranged thereon. In some examples, the fasteners 514, 572, 574 are zippers. In other examples, fasteners 514, 572, 574 are any one or more of buttons, hooks and clasps, snaps or hook and loop fastener strips.

In some examples, fasteners 572 may be used to open the outer shell 505 so as to remove the outer shell 505 from the weight storage portion 502 of the exercise apparatus 500. In some examples, opening the outer shell 505 using the fastener 572 comprises releasing a fastener 572 that extends around a perimeter of the outer shell 505 so as to split the outer shell 505 such that a portion of the outer shell 505 can be folded off of the weight storage portion 502. In such examples, a remaining portion of the outer shell 505 can then be slid off of the weight storage portion 502 so as to remove the outer shell 505 from the weight storage portion 502.

In some examples, the fastener 574 extends along a length of the outer shell 505. In some examples, fastener 574 may be used to connect the outer shell 505 of the weight storage portion 502 to other components, such as, for example, a mat rolling portion.

In some examples, fastener 514 is used to open the outer shell 505 and access the weight storage portion 502 through the outer shell 505.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the exercise apparatus 500 of FIG. 12. In some examples, the outer shell 505 further comprises a cover 510. In some examples, the fastener 514 extends along the edge of the cover 510 to releasably secure the cover 510 to the rest of the outer shell 505. In some examples, the cover 510 extends over an opening 511 formed when the cover 510 is moved into an opening position. In some examples, the outer shell 505 further includes another fastener 515 that extends along the outside of the opening 511 to which the fasteners 514 of the cover 510 connect.

FIG. 14 is another side view of the exercise apparatus 500 of FIG. 12. In some examples, the weight storage portion 502 further includes an insert 576 one or more weights 506a, 506b, and a storage compartment 578. In some examples, after the cover 510 is moved into an open position to form the opening 511 in the outer shell 505, the insert 576 can be accessed. In some examples, the insert 576 is a removable insert 576 formed within the core 521 of the weight storage portion 502. In some examples, the insert 576 can be pivoted or fully removed from its position on the core 521 of the weight storage portion 502 to expose the storage compartment 578. In some examples, the insert 576 includes one or more indentations 518 arranged thereon. In some examples, the indentations 518 are formed such that they are contoured to the shape of the weights 506. In some examples, the indentations 518 are configured to hold the weights 506 snugly in position within the storage compartment 578 such that the weights 506 do not move within the storage compartment 578 when stored within the exercise apparatus 500.

In some examples, the storage compartment 578 is formed within the core 521 of the weight storage portion 502. In some examples, the storage compartment 578 forms a space in which the weights 506a, 506b are stored. In some examples, as shown in the example of FIG. 13, the weights 506a, 506b are dumbbells. In some examples, the weights 506a, 506b are weighted balls. In some examples, the weights 506a, 506b are kettlebells, barbells, or other types of weighted objects.

FIG. 15 is another side view of the exercise apparatus 500 of FIG. 12. In some examples, the weights 506a, 506b are removable from the storage compartment 578 such that they may be individually used for exercise by a user. In some examples, the weights 506 may be re-inserted into the storage compartment 578 such that they may once again be stored in the exercise apparatus 500. In some examples, when the weights 506 are stored in the exercise apparatus 500 and the cover 510 is moved into the closed position. The exercise apparatus 500 may be lifted by a user using the handles 524 or handles 545 such that the user may perform weightlifting exercises using the exercise apparatus with the weights 506 therein.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an example exercise racking apparatus 600. In some examples, the exercise racking apparatus 600 include a rolling rack 602, one or more rollers 604, and one or more bins 606. In some examples, the exercise racking apparatus 600 is used to store rollers 604, exercise mats, and/or colored balls.

In some examples, the rolling rack 602 includes an upper ring 608, a lower ring 610, one or more vertical members 612, and one or more wheels 614. In some examples, the upper ring 608 is arranged above the lower ring 610 and is connected to the lower ring 610 by the vertical member 612. The wheels 614 are connected to the lower ring 610 at a side of the lower ring 610 opposite the upper ring 608. In some examples, the wheels 614 permit the rolling rack 602 to be rolled across a floor upon which the rolling rack 602 is arranged.

In some examples, the bins 606 are attached to the rolling rack 602 by the upper ring 608 or the vertical members. In some examples, the bins 606 include an interior volume which may house various exercise equipment, including, for example, colored weighted balls.

In some examples, the rollers 604 are arranged within the rolling rack 602 within an interior space of the upper ring 608.

In some examples, the exercise racking apparatus 600 is used to facilitate transport of rollers 604 and other exercise equipment.

This disclosure should be understood to include (as illustrative and not limiting) the subject matter set forth in the following numbered clauses:

Clause 1. An exercise apparatus storage system, comprising:

- a mat rolling portion including an exercise mat;
- a weight storage portion including one or more exercise weights; and
- an outer shell arranged around the mat rolling portion and the weight storage portion.

Clause 2. The exercise apparatus storage system of clause 1, wherein the weight storage portion is arranged inside of the mat rolling portion.

Clause 3. The exercise apparatus storage system of clause 2, wherein the mat rolling portion is spring loaded by a spring biasing mechanism.

Clause 4. The exercise apparatus storage system of clause 3, wherein the spring biasing mechanism is charged when the exercise mat is moved from a rolled to an unrolled configuration.

Clause 5. The exercise apparatus storage system of clause 4, wherein the exercise mat is moved from an unrolled to a rolled configuration when the spring biasing mechanism is discharged.

Clause 6. The exercise apparatus storage system of clause 5, further comprising a button configured to discharge the spring biasing mechanism.

Clause 7. The exercise apparatus storage system of clause 1, further comprising a plurality of handles arranged on the outer shell of the exercise apparatus storage system.

Clause 8. The exercise apparatus storage system of clause 1, wherein the weight storage portion includes a cover that is secured over an opening in the outer shell through which the one or more exercise weights are accessible.

Clause 9. The exercise apparatus storage system of clause 1, wherein the mat rolling portion is arranged adjacent to the weight storage portion.

Clause 10. The exercise apparatus storage system of clause 9, wherein the mat rolling portion is separated from the weight storage portion by a barrier.

Clause 11. The exercise apparatus storage system of clause 1, wherein the one or more exercise weights are weighted balls.

Clause 12. A method of using an exercise apparatus comprising a mat rolling portion including an exercise mat, the method comprising:

- unrolling the exercise mat from a rolled to an unrolled configuration to charge a spring biasing mechanism of the mat rolling portion; and
- discharging the spring biasing mechanism to cause the exercise mat to be rolled from the unrolled to a rolled configuration.

Clause 13. The method of clause 12, further comprising pressing a button to initiate the discharging of the spring biasing mechanism.

Clause 14. The method of clause 13, wherein unrolling the exercise mat comprises rotating a core around which the exercise mat is rolled in a first direction.

Clause 15. The method of clause 14, wherein discharging the spring biasing mechanism comprises rotating the core in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

Clause 16. The method of clause 12, wherein the exercise apparatus further

comprises a weight storage portion comprising an exercise weight.

Clause 17. The method of clause 16, wherein the weight storage portion is

arranged within the mat rolling portion.

Clause 18. The method of clause 16, wherein the weight storage portion is arranged adjacent to the mat rolling portion.

Clause 19. The method of clause 16, wherein the exercise weight is a weighted ball.

Clause 20. The method of clause 16, wherein the exercise apparatus further comprises an outer shell with a plurality of handles attached thereto.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the full scope of the following claims.

EXERCISE APPARATUS

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Provisional Applications (1)