INTERCHANGEABLE FITNESS APPARATUS

Abstract

An exercise apparatus is disclosed. The exercise apparatus includes an elongate bar, a rolling member including an outer surface and a centrally-located axial aperture that extends through the rolling member, and at least one pair of apertures disposed within the elongate bar, each aperture of the pair of apertures being configured to receive a locking pin. A distance between the at least one pair of apertures is slightly greater than a length of the centrally-located axial aperture, and at least one pair of apertures is disposed entirely on a right or left side of a midpoint of the elongate bar.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for an interchangeable fitness apparatus. In particular, this disclosure relates to a fitness apparatus that can be transformed between a balancing push-up bar, a plank bar, an abdominal wheel and a mace-like fitness club.

BACKGROUND

Core fitness refers to the strength and conditioning of the muscles in the core of the body, including the abs, obliques, lower back, and hips. A strong core can improve overall stability, balance, and posture, as well as reduce the risk of injury in everyday activities and athletic endeavors.

There are a variety of exercises and techniques used to improve core fitness, including traditional exercises such as crunches and planks, as well as more dynamic movements such as kettlebell swings and medicine ball throws. Additionally, activities such as yoga and Pilates can also help to improve core strength and flexibility.

Benefits of improving core fitness can include increased athletic performance, better posture and balance, reduced back pain, and improved overall physical health. However, it is important to note that core fitness is just one aspect of overall fitness and should be combined with a balanced diet and regular cardiovascular exercise for optimal health and wellness.

Core workout appliances are tools and equipment designed to target and strengthen the muscles in the core of the body. These appliances can be used in a variety of settings, including gyms, fitness studios, and even at home. Some of the most popular core workout appliances include stability balls, ab rollers, and resistance bands. Stability balls are large, inflatable balls that can be used for a variety of exercises, such as planks, crunches, and bridges, to challenge the core muscles and improve balance and stability. Ab rollers are small devices that can be used to perform rollouts and other exercises to target the abs and obliques. Resistance bands are versatile tools that can be used for a range of exercises, such as standing twists and seated rows, to target the core muscles from different angles and intensities.

Other core workout appliances include medicine balls, kettlebells, and foam rollers. Medicine balls can be used for a variety of exercises, such as wood chops and Russian twists, to engage the core muscles while also improving overall strength and power. Kettlebells are weights with a handle, which can be used for exercises such as swings and Turkish get-ups to build core strength and endurance. Foam rollers are cylindrical pieces of foam that can be used for self-massage and myofascial release to alleviate muscle tension and improve flexibility.

A mace is a fitness tool that has become increasingly popular in core training. It is a long metal rod with a weight at one end that is swung in a variety of movements to work different muscle groups. The mace is used in core training to improve balance, stability, and strength.

When performing mace exercises, the core muscles must engage to stabilize the body and control the movement of the mace. This can help to strengthen the abdominal muscles, lower back muscles, and hip muscles, which are all essential for good core strength. One popular mace exercise for core training is the 360, where the mace is swung in a circular motion around the body. This exercise targets the entire core, including the obliques, and requires coordination and balance to perform correctly.

Other mace exercises that can help to strengthen the core include the shovel, where the mace is swung from one side of the body to the other, and the barbarian squat, where the mace is held overhead while squatting. Incorporating a mace into core training can add variety to a workout routine and help to improve core strength, stability, and balance.

Core workout appliances can be a valuable addition to any fitness routine, providing a range of options to challenge and strengthen the muscles in the core of the body. However, many core workout appliances are designed to be used for a particular exercise which can necessitate buying and/or keeping a large number of such appliances at home studios or commercial gyms. Accordingly, a core workout fitness apparatus capable of transitioning between more than one conditioning appliance is an unmet need in the art.

SUMMARY

An exercise apparatus includes an elongate bar, a rolling member that includes an outer surface and a centrally-located axial aperture that extends through the rolling member, at least one pair of apertures disposed within the elongate bar, each aperture of the pair of apertures being configured to receive a locking pin, and a removable endpiece to further elongate the elongate bar. A distance between the at least one pair of apertures is slightly greater than a length of the centrally-located axial aperture, and the at least one pair of apertures is disposed entirely on a right or left side of a midpoint of the elongate bar.

In one embodiment, the removable endpiece can include a threaded portion on a proximal end portion to engage with a complimentary threaded portion on an end portion of the elongate bar and a knurled end on a distal end portion, opposite the proximal end portion. In another embodiment, the rolling member can include a scalable opening configured to allow sand, water, or a substantially equivalent material to be introduced, thereby enabling adjustable weight of the rolling member for varied exercise difficulty. The term “substantially equivalent material” refers to any material that can be introduced into the rolling member to alter its weight in a manner similar to sand or water. Examples include, but are not limited to, small particulate matter such as gravel, metallic shot, or plastic pellets, as well as viscous fluids such as gels or oils. These materials should be selected based on their ability to flow into the rolling member through the sealable opening and their compatibility with the structural integrity of the rolling member during exercise. The phrase is intended to encompass materials that provide similar functional benefits as sand or water in enabling adjustable weight for varied exercise difficulty.

In yet another embodiment, the knurled end portion can have a cross-sectional diameter that is greater than a cross-sectional diameter of the axial aperture that extends through the rolling member.

In another embodiment, the elongate bar can further include a removable extension bar with a knurled end portion to facilitate use of the apparatus in a mace configuration. In one embodiment, the rolling member can be formed of a resilient plastic material. In another embodiment, a grip can be disposed on one side of the elongate bar. In yet another embodiment, the rolling member can further include a sleeve extending through the centrally-located axial aperture, the sleeve serving to reduce friction between the rolling member and the elongate bar.

In another embodiment, a pair of quick-release pins can be configured to secure the rolling member in a desired position along the elongate bar. In one embodiment, the exercise apparatus can be configured to roll in any direction to enhance balance and coordination during exercise. In another embodiment, the elongate bar can include a coating selected from the group consisting of black oxide, Carakote, and zinc. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus can further include a pair of clamp members configured to retain the rolling member at a selected position along the elongate bar.

In another embodiment, the exercise apparatus can include an elongate bar having a plurality of apertures extending through the cross-sectional diameter of the elongate bar, a rolling member that includes an axial aperture configured to receive the elongate bar therethrough, and a plurality of locking pins configured to secure the rolling member in a selected position along the elongate bar. The apparatus can be configurable as a push-up, plank hold, or abdominal roll-out bar when the rolling member is positioned at a midpoint of the elongate bar, and as a mace when the rolling member is positioned at an end portion of the elongate bar.

In one embodiment, the rolling member can be in the shape of a bowtie in cross-section. In another embodiment, the rolling member can include a hollow interior and can be configured to receive water, sand, or an equivalent material for adding additional weight to the rolling member. In yet another embodiment, an extension bar can be attachable to the elongate bar to provide additional length to the elongate bar.

In another embodiment, the exercise apparatus can include an elongate bar, a rolling member slidably disposed along the elongate bar, and one or more removable endpieces attachable to the elongate bar. The rolling member can include a sleeve to facilitate smooth sliding along the bar. The apparatus can further include a set of quick-release clamps to secure the rolling member in a desired location along the elongate bar.

In one embodiment, the rolling member can be configured to roll omnidirectionally. In another embodiment, the apparatus can further include a knurled handle for improved grip during use in a mace configuration. In yet another embodiment, the removable endpieces can include a flared portion to prevent the rolling member from sliding off of the elongate bar.

Certain advantages of the systems and methods include a device that serves as an all-in-one fitness bar that targets the entire body, with greater focus on the core and upper body; an apparatus that can be used as a push-up stand, an ab wheel and is convertible into a mace-like fitness club; the device improves on a balance bar because of the forward and backward rolling direction of the ball whereas traditional balance bars (or boards) only roll side to side. With the addition of a rolling ball, the apparatus can essentially roll in any direction, greatly increasing the functionality of the device; an improvement on traditional push-ups stands due to the inherent instability of the apparatus; increased workout intensity due to the ability of the apparatus to move side to side, forward and backward, and any angle; an improvement on traditional ab wheels which traditionally include of short handles connected to a wheel, wherein the longer bar allows for placement of the hands in a wider stance, making push-ups and planks natural and comfortable; because the apparatus utilizes a ball shape, it can roll out at an angle in a more natural manner; additionally, the bar is able to slide through the ball due to the brass bearing sleeve, it greatly increases the instability of the device, causing more muscles to become engaged to help stabilize the body.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of any described embodiment, suitable methods and materials are described below. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. In case of conflict with terms used in the art, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present embodiments are illustrated by way of the figures of the accompanying drawings, which may not necessarily be to scale, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an interchangeable fitness apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a ball portion of the interchangeable fitness apparatus of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a interchangeable fitness apparatus in use according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show alternative embodiments of rollers to be used with the interchangeable fitness apparatus;

FIG. 5 illustrates a removable endpiece to an interchangeable fitness apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates an interchangeable fitness apparatus with an extension endpiece, according to one embodiment; and

FIGS. 7A and 7B show bar clamp members for use with the interchangeable fitness apparatus, in open and closed configurations, respectively, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is an interchangeable fitness apparatus (hereinafter ‘apparatus’) 100 according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a bar 101. In preferred embodiments, bar 101 is formed of a resilient material that resists bending under the weight of a user. Examples include, but are not limited to steel, iron and plastics, with the latter being preferably confined to strong plastics such as polycarbonate. In cases where the bar 101 is iron or steel, the bar may be coated with black oxide, Carakote, zinc or other materials to promote resiliency and reduce wear.

In this embodiment, the bar 101 includes a plurality of apertures 103, 104, 105, 106 that extend through the diameter of the bar 101. In this embodiment, the apertures are arranged in sets of two. In this example, apertures 103 and 104 define a first set, and apertures 105 and 106 define a second set. Each set of apertures is spaced to accommodate a rolling member, in this example, a spherical ball member 102, by being spaced slightly further apart than the cross-sectional diameter of the ball 102, as shown.

Referring to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional elevation view of the ball 102 is shown. In this embodiment, the ball 102 is a solid sphere and formed of a resilient plastic material such as Nylon, polyurethane, high-density polyurethane (HDPE) or other materials. The ball 102 can be of any diameter DBALL however, in a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the ball 102 DBALL is six inches. The diameter of the ball can be a factor in using the apparatus 100 according to a preferred workout regimen as explained in greater detail below.

In this embodiment, an aperture 112 bisects the diameter of the ball 102 in a straight line through opposite sides. In a preferred embodiment, a bearing sleeve 114 is attached to the outer diameter surface of the aperture 112. The bearing sleeve preferably has an inner cross-sectional diameter d_Sleeve-1 equal to, or slightly greater than the cross-sectional diameter of the bar 101 d_BAR (FIG. 1). For example, the cross-sectional diameter of the bar d_BAR can be 25 mm and the inner cross-sectional diameter d_Sleeve-1 of the bearing sleeve 114 can be 25.4 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the bearing sleeve 114 can have a thickness of about 2.3 mm, although other thicknesses may be substituted.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the bar 101 can be fed through the aperture 112 of the ball 102, allowing the ball to slide along the length of the bar 101 as indicated by the dashed double arrow. The ball 102 can be held in a preferred location on the bar 101 using a pair of quick release pins 108 inserted into selected apertures, e.g., apertures 105 and 106 or 103 and 104. It should be understood that the positions of the apertures 103, 104, 105, 106 are exemplary and that the bar 101 can accommodate more or fewer apertures according to preference.

The apparatus 100 can be used to facilitate a number of different exercises, in particular, core exercises. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the apparatus 100 can be used in performing core exercises such as push-ups, plank holds and abdominal roll outs. In use, the user can place the ball 102 at a desired location on the bar 101 according to the type of exercise that will be performed. In the example of push-ups, plank holds and abdominal roll outs, the user may elect to place the ball 102 in the center of the bar 101. The user can elect to keep the ball 102 centered on the bar 101 through the use of the quick release pins 108 which confines the lateral movement of the ball between, e.g., apertures 105 and 106.

The apparatus 100 can facilitate greater core exercising than performing the same exercises without the apparatus. For example, when using the apparatus 100 to perform push ups as shown, the user uses more of the target muscles (or integrates accessory muscles) to keep his arms from shifting forward or backward. Similarly, the user improves strength, coordination and balance by keeping his body square to the bar 101, e.g., not tilting to one side.

To perform abdominal roll outs, the user may assume a push-up configuration and, while keeping his arms straight, pushes the apparatus 100 away from him a desired distance, then returns the apparatus 100 to the original location. Again, the apparatus aids in building core strength, balance and coordination as the user attempts to keep the bar 101 level and the ball 102 rolling smoothly back and forth, e.g., along the indicated dashed line in FIG. 3.

In this embodiment, the apparatus 100 is interchangeable so as to facilitate performing different exercises. For example, the apparatus 100 can be interchanged from the appliance used to perform push-ups, plank holds and abdominal roll outs previously described, to a mace. In this embodiment, to interchange the apparatus 100, the user would position the ball 102 at the end of the bar 101. It should be understood that if the apparatus 100 is in the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the quick-release pins 108 would first be removed, then the ball 102 can be slid down the bar 101 until the ball 102 is positioned between the apertures 103, 104 at the end portion of the bar 101. At this point, the quick release pins 108 would be inserted into the aperture 103, 104 to keep the ball 102 in place at the end of the bar 101.

To facilitate exercising with the apparatus 100 configured as a mace (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 where the ball 102 has been slid from the center C of the bar 101 to the left-hand side of the bar as shown in dashed line), the bar 101 can optionally include one or more grips 116. The grips may be positioned where a user would naturally hold the apparatus to perform certain exercises; for example, a mace grip 116 can be incorporated on the right of the bar as shown. Grips may also be used on either side of the ball 102 when performing push-up, plank holds and abdominal roll outs; however, to avoid interference with the sliding action of the ball 102, it can be preferred to use grips capable of being easily attached and detached when using the ball 102 in the center C of the bar 101.

In this and other embodiments, the ball 102 portion of the apparatus 100 can be interchanged with different types and shapes of rollers to facilitate different—or greater or lesser core strength training. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the ball 102 is in the shape of a sphere which can require the most balance and coordination while performing exercises such as push-ups, plank holds and abdominal roll outs. This is because as the sphere rolls, a narrow strip portion along the circumference of the sphere is the only part that contacts the ground.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, alternatives to the ball 102 shown in FIGS. 1-3 are shown in cross-sectional form. In these examples, the dashed line bisecting the ball alternatives represents the rolling axis, e.g., the axis through which the aperture is located and through which the bar 101 is inserted. In this example, the roller 200 depicted in FIG. 4A can provide additional surface area on which the roller can roll, thereby decreasing the strength, balance and coordination required when using ball 102. Similarly, FIG. 4B shows another embodiment of a roller 300, whereby the roller contacts the ground at two points, i.e., the left and right sides. Roller 300 can be considered an intermediate in difficulty between the roller shown in FIG. 4A and ball 102.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include a removable endpiece 501 to the bar 101. In this example, the endpiece 501 includes a threaded portion 502 and a flared portion 504. In this example, the threaded portion 502 has exterior threads that are complimentary to an interiorly threaded portion 503 on a terminal end portion of the bar 101 as illustrated. The flared portion 504 has a cross-sectional diameter d_f that is greater than the inner diameter d_Sleeve-1 of the bearing sleeve 114 so that the ball 102 is prevented from escaping the end of the bar 101 having the endpiece 501 installed. In this embodiment, the threaded endpiece allows a user to utilize the apparatus 100 in the mace configuration with a secure attachment that keeps the ball 102 from escaping the bar 101 during exercise.

Still referring to FIG. 5, in this and other embodiments, one or more clamp members 505 can be used as alternative to the quick-release pins 108. In this example, one or more clamp members 505 can be placed anywhere along the length of the bar 101, for example, on left and right sides of the ball 102 to prevent the ball 102 from sliding along the length of the bar 101. The clamp member 505 can include a quick-release mechanism to allow it to be easily and quickly attached and detached from the bar 101 by a user.

In these and other embodiments, ball 102 or any roller (e.g, roller 200, 300) can be weighted. In an example accomplishing this feature, ball 102 or any roller can be formed to be hollow with a scalable opening designed to allow substances to be introduced therein. Example substances include, without limitation, sand, water, weights and other materials. Accordingly, the difficulty of exercises and strength training can be adjusted according to preference, especially when using the apparatus 100 in the mace configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the apparatus 100 can employ an extension bar 601 for selective elongation of the bar 101. In this embodiment, the extension bar 601 can include a knurled end portion 602 which can be particularly beneficial when the apparatus is configured for use as a mace. The extension bar 601 includes a first interiorly-threaded end portion 603 for receiving an complimentary, exteriorly-threaded portion 503 of the bar 101 so that the bar 101 and the extension 601 may be attached together to form a single elongated bar. The extension bar 601 may be of any desired length and chosen to provide advantages to any workout or strength training routine. The extension bar 601 may include grips, similar to those employed for the bar 101, and the knurled end portion 602 may be integral with the extension bar 601 or, in an alternative embodiment, the knurled end portion 602 may be removable, e.g., by employing an interiorly-threaded portion 604, complimentary to a second exteriorly-threaded end portion 605 of the extension bar 601.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, in all embodiments, one or more bar clamp members 700 can be used for retaining the ball 102 on a selected portion of the bar 101, providing users with the freedom to place and retain the ball 102 within a desired location on the bar 101. In this embodiment, the clamp member 700 includes left (702) and right (703) sides, hingedly joined by a hinge 704. FIG. 7A illustrates the clamp member 700 in an open configuration where the left (702) and right (703) sides are open, providing a larger open aperture 705, into which the bar 101 can be placed. A thumb lever 701 hingedly joins the left (702) and right (703) sides. When the thumb lever 701 is rotated into the locked position (FIG. 7b), it draws the left (702) and right (703) sides together, thereby applying a squeezing force onto the bar 102 which holds the bar clamp member 700 in place. Accordingly, a user may place a bar clamp member 700 on either side of the ball 102 to keep it in a desired location on the bar 101.

In one example, the apparatus 100 can be configured for use as a mace by placing the ball 102 on a left or right side of the bar 101, which may include an attached extension bar 601 if preferred. The ball 102 can be prevented from slipping off of an end of the bar 101 by, for example, using a retaining pin or the knurled end of the extension bar 601. The ball 102 can be made to stay in place at the end of the bar 101 through use of a single clamp member 700, placed on a side of the ball 102 opposite the side that abuts the end of the bar 101.

A number of illustrative embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments presented herein. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: an elongate bar;a rolling member comprising an outer surface and a centrally-located axial aperture that extends through the rolling member;at least one pair of apertures disposed within the elongate bar, each aperture of the pair of apertures being configured to receive a locking pin; anda removable endpiece to further elongate the elongate bar;wherein a distance between the at least one pair of apertures is slightly greater than a length of the centrally-located axial aperture; andwherein the at least one pair of apertures is disposed entirely on a right or left side of a midpoint of the elongate bar.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable endpiece comprises: a threaded portion on a proximal end portion to engage with a complimentary threaded portion on an end portion of the elongate bar; anda knurled end on a distal end portion, opposite the proximal end portion.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rolling member includes a sealable opening configured to allow sand, water, or a substantially equivalent material to be introduced, thereby enabling adjustable weight of the rolling member for varied exercise difficulty.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the knurled end portion has a cross-sectional diameter that is greater than a cross-sectional diameter of the axial aperture that extends through the rolling member.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate bar further comprises a removable extension bar with a knurled end portion to facilitate use of the apparatus in a mace configuration.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rolling member is formed of a resilient plastic material.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a grip disposed on one side of the elongate bar.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rolling member further includes a sleeve extending through the centrally-located axial aperture, the sleeve serving to reduce friction between the rolling member and the elongate bar.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pair of quick-release pins configured to secure the rolling member in a desired position along the elongate bar.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the exercise apparatus is configured to roll in any direction, to enhance balance and coordination during exercise.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate bar includes a coating selected from the group consisting of black oxide, Carakote, and zinc.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further including at least one clamp member configured to retain the rolling member at a selected position on the elongate bar.

13. An exercise apparatus, comprising: an elongate bar having a plurality of apertures extending through the cross-sectional diameter of the elongate bar;a rolling member including an axial aperture configured to receive the elongate bar therethrough; anda plurality of locking pins configured to secure the rolling member in a selected position along the elongate bar;wherein the apparatus is configurable as a push-up, plank hold, or abdominal roll-out bar when the rolling member is positioned at a midpoint of the elongate bar, and as a mace when the rolling member is positioned at an end portion of the elongate bar.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the rolling member is in the shape of a bowtie in cross-section.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the rolling member includes a hollow interior and is configured to receive water, sand, or an equivalent material for adding additional weight to the rolling member.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising an extension bar attachable to the elongate bar to provide additional length to the elongate bar.

17. An exercise apparatus, comprising: an elongate bar;a rolling member slidably disposed along the elongate bar, and one or more removable endpieces attachable to the elongate bar;wherein the rolling member includes a sleeve to facilitate smooth sliding along the bar; andwherein the apparatus further comprises a set of quick-release clamps to secure the rolling member in a desired location along the elongate bar.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the rolling member is configured to roll omnidirectionally.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a knurled handle for improved grip during use in a mace configuration.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the removable endpieces include a flared portion to prevent the rolling member from sliding off of the elongate bar.