Patent Application
20100184573
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to fitness apparatuses. In particular, the present invention relates to fitness apparatuses that may secure between two surfaces and allow for stretching exercises.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventional fitness apparatuses provide for stretching exercises through a variety of ways. Some allow for interaction between a user and a fixed item to allow a user to perform various stretches. Most of these apparatuses provide a type of extension which is affixed to a set location and then allows the user to stretch his or her muscles by performing various exercises. Because many of these types of apparatuses have fixed extension, they do not accommodate the height of certain people. Other fitness apparatuses that do move, do not necessarily accommodate all types of users because of their requirement to be affixed to a given location, such as a wall, or otherwise, prevents a full range of exercise.
When a fitness apparatus is affixed to a given location such as a wall, the portion of the fitness apparatus facing the wall, does not allow for full usage of the apparatus. The portion of the fitness apparatus facing the wall, often one-half of the machine, cannot be used simply because the wall blocking it. Further, when fitness apparatuses are attached to a wall, the weight of extensions attached to the fitness apparatus, often require stringent limitations on both the weight and force a user may apply to the fitness apparatus. For example it is impractical to have a five foot bar extending from the fitness apparatus attached to a wall, because a user placing force upon the far end of the five foot bar can significantly affect the structure supporting the wall.
Those fitness apparatuses that are not affixed to a wall, often do not allow for full body stretching often because of inadequate mobility of the extensions used for stretching or inadequate means they use to allow for stretching is inadequate. For example, some fitness apparatuses provide for several extensions, yet the extensions do not extend either low enough to allow for proper stretching of the legs and the performance of ground based stretches; or alternately do not extend high enough to allow for full stretching of the arms, or off-ground based stretches.
Further, present stretching devices do not adequately supply multiple extensions which extend along the same vertical plane to allow for a variety of multi-limb exercises such as near ground based pushups, (which requires the usage of both arms to emphasize greater exertion on the pectoral muscles), similar to a declined bench press, or dips, which emphasize exertion on the triceps and require suspension of the body just above waist level.
Thus there exists a need for an freestanding fitness apparatus, that is capable of bracing between one or more planes.
Although these systems represent great strides in the area of fitness apparatuses, many shortcomings remain.
The novel features believed to be characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Referring now to the figures,
First shaft member 12 includes a base portion 16 for distributing various forces exerted on fitness apparatus 10. Base portion 16 mounts first shaft member 12 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In the preferred embodiment, base portion 16 and plate member 24 are substantially flat surfaced and square shaped, however, they may take other forms in alternative embodiments. For example, in another embodiment, base portion 16 or plate member 24 may be square, ovular, triangular, circular, or take any other shape, form or fashion. Similarly, base portion 16 or plate member 24 need not necessarily be flat, but may rounded, elliptically fashioned, or rounded along a bottom or top face.
In one embodiment, substantially perpendicular extensions 32 are fixedly attached to receptacles 30. In certain embodiments substantially perpendicular extensions 32 may be fixedly attached to receptacles 30 via welding.
A longitudinal sleeve portion 22 establishes an end portion of first shaft member 12, for mating second shaft member 14. A plate 38 is disposed within longitudinal sleeve portion 22. A flange portion 36 is adapted to a plate 38 to operatively associate first shaft member 12 with longitudinal sleeve portion 22.In an alternative embodiment flange portion 36 may be a nut. Flange portion 36 is adapted to engage a second shaft member 14 via sub-member 26. In certain embodiments sub-member 26 may be apportioned into a sub-shaft 25 and pipe portion 23. Pipe portion 23 operatively connects plate member 24 to sub-shaft 25. Flange portion 36 includes a larger diameter than pipe portion 23, which is a non-threaded portion of sub-member 26. Though sub-shaft 25 and flange portion 36, are threaded to engage one another in the present invention, this need not necessarily the case in alternative embodiments. In alternative embodiments, the interior of flange portion 36 may be smooth and sub-shaft 25 may be rounded so that flange portion 36 and sub-shaft 25 engage one another via sliding, instead of rotating. Flange portion 36 may adapt to sub-shaft 25 via a compression fitting, which may be of a standard type or of a flare fitting. In certain embodiments, a small gap may separate flange 26 and sub-shaft 25 when the two are situated within one another. Alternatively, in yet other embodiments, a pin or brace may be included at the end of sub-shaft 25 to prevent sub-shaft 25 from extending too far into or out of longitudinal sleeve portion 22.
Second shaft member 14 includes a pipe portion 23, a plate member 24, and a sub-shaft 25. Sub-shaft 25 is threaded to correspond to the interior of flange portion 36. Plate member 24 is shaped to brace fitness apparatus 10 to a surface. Pipe portion 23 separates sub-shaft 25 and plate member 24 and acts to provide a grip for rotating second shaft member 14. In operation, first shaft member 12 engages second shaft member 14 via sub-shaft 25 and flange portion 36. Threads of sub-shaft 25 correspond to threads of flange portion 36. Sub-shaft 25 is rotated within the threads of flange portion 36 to expand and collapse the longitudinal length of fitness apparatus 10.
Each of receptacles 30 couple substantially perpendicular extensions 32 through various means. In the preferred embodiment, substantially perpendicular extensions 32 and receptacles 30 are welded to one another. In an alternative embodiment a screw-handle combination is used to secure substantially perpendicular extensions 32 to receptacles 30 allowing substantially perpendicular extensions 32 to removably couple to receptacles 30. However, in Substantially perpendicular extensions 32 may be welded, secured, or formed as a component of receptacles 30. Alternatives to the screw-handle combinations used to secure receptacles 30 to substantially perpendicular extensions 32 may also be employed in alternative embodiments. For example, a clasp and strap combination may be attached around the perimeter of receptacles 30, and upon inserting an substantially perpendicular extension 32, tension may be exerted around the perimeter to secure substantially perpendicular extension 32 within receptacle 30.
Sides 34 span the length of longitudinal portion 14 and longitudinal sleeve portion 18. Though the preferred embodiment depicts sides 34 being four in number and flat, in alternative embodiments, sides 34 may be rounded and may be more or less than four. In yet another embodiment, one side 34 of first shaft member 12, may be substantially rounded, while another side 34 may be flat. Further, though the preferred embodiment depicts sides 34 as having a uniform width as they extend in the longitudinal direction, in alternative embodiments, sides 34 may decrease in width as they longitudinally extend towards second shaft member 14. In another embodiment, sides 34 may increase in width as they longitudinally extend towards second shaft member 22. In still another alternative embodiment, two or three of sides 34 may be of equal width while another side 34 is of a lesser or greater width. The width of sides 34 may be uniform or one or two sides may be wider than another side. In yet other embodiments, the width of each of the sides may increase as first shaft member 12 extends away from base portion 16. It should be understood that sides 34 are sufficiently aligned to allow base portion 16 and plate member 24 to align along substantially parallel planes. Further, it should be understood that first shaft member 12 is substantially hollow.
In certain embodiments, first shaft member 12 includes at least two longitudinally distributed substantially perpendicular extensions 32 and at least one additional substantially perpendicular extension 32 disposed opposite the at least two longitudinally distributed substantially perpendicular extensions 32. First shaft member 12 and second shaft member 22 secure the fitness apparatus between two planes while distributing loads exerted on the at least two longitudinally distributed substantially perpendicular extensions 32 and the at least one additional substantially perpendicular extension 32. The two longitudinally distributed substantially perpendicular extensions 32 establish a v-shape while the at least one additional substantially perpendicular extension 32 is separated from the two longitudinally distributed substantially perpendicular extensions 32 by at least ninety degrees. In an alternative embodiment, the two longitudinally distributed substantially perpendicular extensions 32 may form an angle of less than ninety degrees relative to one another. In yet another embodiment, the first shaft member 12, has a non-uniform cross section.
Referring now to the figures,
Second shaft member 22, has a plate member 24 and a sub-shaft 25. Sub-shaft 25 is configured to mate with first shaft member 12. Collars 15 removably couple first shaft member 12 and include receptacles 30. Receptacles 30 couple substantially perpendicular extensions 32 using securing mechanisms 31. Mating apparatus 17 removably couples collar 15 to first shaft member 12, via longitudinally spaced apertures 20.
First shaft member 12 includes a base portion 16 for distributing various forces exerted on fitness apparatus 10. Base portion 16 mounts first shaft member 12 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Further, base portion 16 operates in conjunction with plate member 24 to secure fitness apparatus 10 between two planes. In the preferred embodiment, base portion 16 and plate member 24 are substantially flat surfaced and square, however, they may take other forms in alternative embodiments. For example, in another embodiment, base portion 16 or plate member 24 may be square, ovular, triangular, circular, or take any other shape, form or fashion. Similarly, base portion 16 or plate member 24 need not necessarily be flat, but may rounded, elliptically fashioned, or rounded along the bottom.
Longitudinally spaced apertures 20 extend along the length of first shaft member 12. In the preferred embodiment, first shaft member 12 includes sides 34, each including longitudinally spaced apertures 20 evenly distributed among them. However, in alternative embodiments, first shaft member 12 may take any other shape form or fashion and longitudinally spaced apertures may be incorporated along in first shaft member 12 in any manner. For example, in an alternative embodiment first shaft member 12, may be substantially round, triangular, ovular, rectangular, elliptical, and may incorporate any number of sides and surfaces. Further each of the longitudinally spaced apertures 20 may be included along only one, two, or three sides, and may be unevenly spaced, or alternate in any fashion. For example, only one side may include longitudinally spaced apertures 20, while other sides have no longitudinally spaced apertures 20. Alternatively, each of the four sides may include several longitudinally spaced apertures 20 oriented in a staggered pattern with one side having longitudinally spaced apertures 20 located at four inches, twelve inches, twenty inches, twenty eighty inches, etc. from base portion 16, while an adjacent side has longitudinally spaced apertures 20 located at six inches, fourteen inches, twenty two inches, and thirty inches, etc. from base portion 16.
Collars 15 removably couple first shaft member 12. Mating apparatuses 17 couple collars 15 to first shaft member 12 by extending through an opening in collars 15 into longitudinally spaced apertures 20. Mating apparatuses 17 includes a bolt attached to a handle. As the handle is rotated, the bolt extends into and retracts from longitudinally spaced apertures 20. In certain embodiments the bolt may be threaded, while in other embodiments, the bolt may be smooth.
Collars 15 removably couple first shaft member 12 and includes receptacles 30. Receptacles 30 couple substantially perpendicular extensions 32 and a securing mechanism 30. Mating apparatus 17 removably couples collar 15 to first shaft member 12, via longitudinally spaced apertures 20. An opening within collar 15 is threaded and corresponds to the securing mechanism 30 employed in the preferred embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, any number of alternative devices may be employed including, but not limited spring loaded pins, fixed pins, relaxed pins, or simple friction fits to couple collar 15 to first shaft member 12. For example, in an alternative embodiment, first shaft member 12 may have a series of longitudinally extending detents, and collar 15 may have a corresponding surface, so that when collar 15 may snap into place at designated location of first shaft member 12. Collars 15 appear in the preferred embodiment to be of a uniform width however, this need not be so in alternative embodiments. For example in an alternative embodiment one collar 15 may be wider than another collar 15. Accordingly, by having a varying width, each of collars 15, may be restricted to a different vicinity of first shaft member 12, due to its varying thickness.
Receptacles 30 extend from collar 15 to allow for extensions to be inserted for grip. In the preferred embodiment, two receptacles 30 are oriented in a v-shaped pattern to form an angle of less than ninety degrees, while a third receptacle 30 protrudes from collar 15 at approximately ninety degrees and opposite receptacles 30 formed in a v-shaped fashion. Each of receptacles 30 protrudes from collar 15 at an angle substantially perpendicular to a respective side 34. Substantially perpendicular extensions 32 provide a grasping means and are oriented substantially straight in the present invention. A securing mechanism 30 secures a portion of substantially perpendicular extensions 32 within receptacles 30. Substantially perpendicular extensions 32 appear to extend in a straight fashion, but may take other shapes in alternative embodiments, including being rounded or curved. Each substantially perpendicular extension 32 may be of a different shape and length than other substantially perpendicular extensions 32. Each receptacle 30 may also be formed at various locations on collar 15 and extend at any angle both relative to another receptacle 30 and to normal. For example, in an alternate embodiment, four receptacles 30 may extending from a side of collar 15. Or, alternatively, three receptacles 30 may extend from one side of collar 15, while a fourth receptacle 28 extends from an opposite side of a collar 15 and a fifth receptacle 30 extends from yet another side of collar 15. In the event that collar 15 is substantially rounded, any receptacle 30 may extend at any angle along the periphery of collar 15. Further, in other embodiments, receptacles 30 may extend at any angle relative to normal. For example, receptacles 30 as depicted may extend in a v-shaped fashion, with one receptacle 30 located above another receptacle 30, while each extends from the same collar 15. Similarly receptacles 30 may be located at various points around the perimeter of a collar 15. For example, each of the three receptacles 30 could be located 120 degrees from one another.
Each of receptacles 30 couple substantially perpendicular extensions 32 via a securing mechanism 30. In the preferred embodiment, a bolt-handle combination is used to secure substantially perpendicular extensions 32 to receptacles 30, as substantially perpendicular extensions 32 are removably coupled to receptacles 30. However, in alternative embodiments, substantially perpendicular extensions 32 may be permanently attached to receptacles 30. Substantially perpendicular extensions 32 may be welded, secured, or formed as a component of receptacles 30. Alternatives to the screw-handle combinations used to secure receptacles 30 to substantially perpendicular extensions 32 may also be employed in alternative embodiments. For example, a clasp and strap combination may be attached around the perimeter of receptacles 30, and upon inserting an substantially perpendicular extension 32, tension may be circumferentially exerted around the perimeter to secure substantially perpendicular extension 32 within receptacle 30.
In operation collars 15 are disposed about first shaft member 12. Second shaft member 22 secures to first shaft member 12 via longitudinal sleeve portion 22. Second shaft member 22 rotates and secures to first shaft member 12, such that the until the length is sufficiently collapsed to allow fitness apparatus to fit between two horizontal structures. Second shaft member 16 and first shaft member 12 then counter rotate to allow for an expansion in length of fitness apparatus 10. Accordingly, fitness apparatus 10 is expanded until it secures between two structures. The length of fitness apparatus should be substantially perpendicular to the horizontal structures it secures to. While the preferred embodiment may be mounted in a substantially vertical fashion, i.e. between a ceiling and a floor, in alternative embodiments, the fitness apparatus 10, may be mounted between two vertical structures, i.e. two walls. First shaft member 12 and second shaft member 22 may be sufficiently expanded to self support the weight of fitness apparatus 10, between two vertical walls, such that fitness apparatus 10, is suspended in horizontal fashion between two structures.
Collars 15 may be adjusted along the longitude of first shaft member 12. Accordingly, a collar 15, may be moved along the longitude of first shaft member 12, until a desired location is reached. Once reached, a screw-handle assembly may be used to secure collar 15 to first shaft member 12, via longitudinally spaced apertures 20. This process may be repeated for subsequent collars 15. Once collars 15 have reached a desired location along first shaft member 12, substantially perpendicular extensions 32 may be coupled to receptacles 30. Similarly, substantially perpendicular extensions 32 may then be secured to receptacles 30 via screw-handle combinations.
The components of fitness apparatus 10 may be made from a wide variety of materials. These materials may include metallic or non-metallic, magnetic or non-magnetic, elastomeric or non-elastomeric, malleable or non-malleable materials. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include metals, plastics, polymers, wood, alloys, composites and the like. The metals may be selected from one or more metals, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, nickel, magnesium, or any other structural metal. Examples of plastics or polymers may include, but are not limited to, nylon, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester (PE), polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), or polycarbonate and combinations thereof, among other plastics. The fitness apparatus and its various components may be molded, sintered, machined and/or combinations thereof to form the required pieces for assembly. Furthermore each the fitness apparatus and its various components may be manufactured using injection molding, sintering, die casting, or machining.
It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.
All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of various embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that other variations can be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
