Patent Application
20240252905
The present invention relates generally to fitness equipment, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a portable exercise apparatus that is configured to provide a user the ability to efficiently exercise their core muscles as well as their extremity muscles such as arms wherein the present invention provides resistance through a pulley system.
As is known in the art, there are numerous types of exercise equipment and fitness routines available to individuals for use during an exercise program. The health and fitness industry has been proliferated with technology and equipment over the last several decades. Recreational athletes to professional athletes utilize specific equipment and routines to achieve their fitness objectives. Fitness is typically broken down into two categories of cardiovascular training and resistance training. Cardiovascular training is executed with the objective to achieve an increased heart rate for a certain period of time. Cardiovascular routines can be performed either with or without equipment and are focused on increasing the endurance of the participant. Resistance training involves the use of weights, bands or some type of force that is opposed to the movement of the user. Resistance training is executed with the objective of targeting a particular muscle group and increase the strength thereof.
There are numerous types of resistance exercise equipment such as but not limited to universal stack weight style and free weight style. Free weights are quite popular for some athletes and the use thereof includes a bar. An issue with free weights or other weight and bar combinations resides both with storage and use complications thereof. A conventional set of dumbbells is typically stored in a rack which can require more space than an individual may have available to dedicate.
Additionally, large weights with bars also take up space and further require an individual to have a partner to spot the exercise in order to ensure safety while performing the exercise. While other exercise machines exist, no existing portable machine provides the ability to exercise core muscles as well as a full body workout wherein the device is easily stored and/or transported.
It is intended within the scope of the present invention to provide a portable exercise apparatus that is configured to provide a user the ability to exercise core muscles as well as other muscles groups such as arms and legs wherein the present invention provides resistance through a pulley system.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a portable exercise apparatus that is configured to provide a user a plurality of techniques to exercise core muscles as well as alternate muscle groups wherein the present invention includes a base platform.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that is portable and employs resistance elements to facilitate an exercise routine for a user wherein the base platform in a preferred embodiment is approximately four to five inches thick.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a portable exercise apparatus that is configured to provide a user a plurality of techniques to exercise core muscles as well as alternate muscle groups wherein the platform has mounted to the surface thereof a plurality of pulleys and a rotatable seat.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that is portable and employs resistance elements to facilitate an exercise routine for a user wherein the base platform includes a support member extending upward therefrom.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a portable exercise apparatus that is configured to provide a user a plurality of techniques to exercise core muscles as well as alternate muscle groups wherein the support member has operably coupled thereto a set of rotational bar members.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that is portable and employs resistance elements to facilitate an exercise routine for a user wherein the base platform includes wheels mounted to one side thereof.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable exercise apparatus that is configured to provide a user a plurality of techniques to exercise core muscles as well as alternate muscle groups that further includes a controller having a touch screen interface.
An alternate object of the present invention is to an exercise apparatus that is portable and employs resistance elements to facilitate an exercise routine for a user wherein the present invention further includes an audio speaker and wireless connectivity.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a portable exercise apparatus that is configured to provide a user a plurality of techniques to exercise core muscles as well as alternate muscle groups wherein the base platform further includes foot support members.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that is portable and employs resistance elements to facilitate an exercise routine for a user wherein the pulley system includes cables and handgrips and is adjustable for alternate resistance.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a portable exercise apparatus that is configured to provide a user a plurality of techniques to exercise core muscles as well as alternate muscle groups wherein the support member is configured to be folded adjacent to the base platform.
An alternative objective of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that is portable and employs resistance elements to facilitate an exercise routine for a user wherein the present invention is lightweight and easy to transport.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.
A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:
Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated an exercise apparatus 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.
An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.
It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.
Now referring to the Figures submitted as a part hereof, the exercise apparatus 100 includes a base platform 10 that is manufactured from a suitable durable rigid material having a first end 8 and second end 9. The base platform 10 includes upper surface 11 that is of suitable size to accommodate an individual thereon either in a standing or sitting position. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base platform 10 is manufactured so as to be approximately four to five inches in thickness to facilitate improved storage and transportation. While the base platform 10 is illustrated herein as being rectangular in shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the base platform 10 could be provided in alternate sizes and shapes. The base platform 10 includes wheel members 15 mounted thereto proximate the first end 8. The wheel members 15 are retractably mounted utilizing suitable techniques and are operable to assist a user move the exercise apparatus 100 when needed. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the base platform 10 could have various quantities of wheel members 15 and further be mounted in alternate locations. The base platform 10 has mounted thereto foot support member 5 proximate the first end 8. The foot support member 5 is manufactured from a suitable rigid material and extends substantially across the width of the base platform 10. The foot support member 5 is configured to be utilized as a brace for the feet of a user of the exercise apparatus 100 while performing certain exercises. It is contemplated within the scope of the present that the exercise apparatus 100 could have more than one foot support member 5.
Furthermore, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the foot support member 5 could be secured in alternate locations. While not particularly illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the exercise apparatus 100 could further include a cover member. The cover member would be operable to be superposed the base platform 10 and provide coverage of all elements thereon so as to facilitate an individual in a wheelchair to utilize the exercise apparatus. Those skilled in the art should recognize that the cover member could be releasably secured to the base platform 10 utilizing various techniques and further be constructed from alternate suitable materials.
Secured to upper surface 11 of the base platform 10 is seat member 18. Seat member 18 is mounted via support post 19 utilizing suitable durable techniques. The seat member 18 is rotatable so as to facilitate an ability for a user superposed thereon to rotate their directional orientation in order to execute various exercises. It is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the seat member 18 could be movably mounted on the base platform 10 or further be mounted in alternate locations in order to facilitate execution of alternate exercises. A plurality of pulleys 20 are secured to the of the base platform 10 and are underneath the base platform 10. The pulleys 20 are conventional pulleys operably coupled with cables 25 wherein cables 25 include grip members 26. It should be understood that the cables 25 illustrated herein are exemplary and do not stipulate a particular orientation for the cables 25. The cables 25 are operably coupled to torsion wheel 30 which is mounted underneath the base platform 10. The torsion wheel 30 is rotatably mounted underneath the base platform 10 and is configured to provide variable resistance when a user engages the grip members 26 and moves in a desired direction. Directional movement of the grip members 26 is dependent upon an exercise and it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the directional movement could be applied in numerous alternate directions. The torsion wheel 30 applies variable resistance to the user during movement of the grip members 26 which is transferred to the torsion wheel 30 through the pulleys 20 and cable 25. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the exercise apparatus 100 could have various alternate arrangements and quantities of pulleys 20 and achieve the desired objective discussed herein.
Mounted to the base platform 10 proximate the second end 9 is support member 40. Support member 40 extends upward from the base platform member 10 and is manufactured from a durable rigid material such as but not limited to metal. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the support member 40 can be folded downward to be adjacent the upper surface 11 of the base platform 10 so as to facilitate transport of the exercise apparatus 100. The support member 40 has operably coupled thereto controller 45. Controller 45 includes a graphical interface screen to facilitate utilization thereof. The controller 45 is operably coupled to the torsion wheel 30, pulleys 20, speaker 50, rotational bar member 60 and upper pulley 7, mounted within support member 40, in order to provide operation and control thereof. The controller 45 includes the necessary electronics to store, receive, transmit and manipulate data. Controller 45 provides an interface for a user to select a type of exercise to be performed. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the controller 45 can be configured to track user performance and provide data about exercises performed.
The rotational bar member 60 is mounted to the support member 40 beneath the controller 45. Rotational bar member 60 includes a first bar 66 and second bar 67 that are mounted to hub member 68. Rotational bar member 60 functions similarly to primary hub/pedals of a bicycle wherein a user engages the first bar 66 and second bar 67 and applies force to move in a rotational manner in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first bar 66 and second bar 67 could be formed in various manner or have elements secured thereto in order to provide alternate hand positions or techniques to engage. It should be further under stood within the scope of the present invention that the rotational bar member 60 can be moved to alternate locations on the support member 40. Additionally, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the rotational bar member 60 is further configured to adapt so as to facilitate a rowing motion utilizing first bar 66 and second bar 67. It should be further understood that the rotational bar member 60 is mounted such that the rotational bar member 60 can be swiveled to either side of the support member 40.
Various rapid change mechanical fasteners will facilitate the changing of the rotational movement to the rowing movement for the rotational bar member 60.
Speaker 50 is mounted beneath the rotational bar member 60 and is configured to provide audio output to a user of the exercise apparatus 100. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the speaker 50 could be wirelessly coupled to a remote device such as but not limited to a smartphone, in addition to being operably coupled to the controller 45.
Proximate the upper end 39 of the support member 40 is the upper pulley 70 and upper bar member 80. The upper pulley 70 is operably coupled to torsion wheel 30 via upper cable 72. The upper bar member 80 is operably coupled to the end of the upper cable 72 which is routed through the upper pulley 70 and it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the upper bar member 80 is removable and further provides an element to implement exercises such as but not limited to pull-up, dead lift, bench press and curls. The upper bar member 80 when in use is moved in a direction either downward or away from the support member 40 wherein a resistance to the movement is executed by the torsion wheel 30. The upper bar member 80 rests in cradle 82 when not in use and is manufactured from a durable rigid material such as but not limited to metal. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternate elements in addition to and/or in conjunction with the upper bar member 80 could be operably coupled to the end of the upper cable 72 to be employed by a user of the exercise apparatus 100 to execute a desired exercise.
Referring in particular to
Connector 110 is manufactured from metal and is configured to facilitate quick exchange of items such as but not limited to handles. The connector includes a base member 120 wherein the base member 120 has formed therein channel 125. Channel 125 is configured to mateably engage pin 117 of the upper portion 115 of the connector 110. The pin 117 is captively secured into the channel 125 and maintained in position by force of the user pulling on an implement operably coupled to upper portion 115. Upper portion 115 includes loop 112 that is operable to facilitate to couple with carabiner 113.
In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.
