FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to workout equipment and, in particular, to a lightweight, portable system that may be configured for multiple different workouts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional workout equipment limits user in many ways. Most traditional workout devices are single-purpose devices that can only be used to achieve a single task. Traditional workout devices are bulky, heavy and have to be assigned to a fixed location, which can tremendously limit versatility. Attempts to overcome these shortcomings have led to other limitations and disadvantages. As one example, existing devices do not provide users with a flat stand-alone base allowing users to perform an extensive variety of workouts (e.g., back squat, front squat, overhead squats, deadlifts, lunge, standing calf raise, bent-over row, military press, etc.). Another reoccurring limitation is the inability to provide users with the capability of having their point of resistance anchored at any 360° point around the device.
Multi-purpose workout devices are more successful, and have fewer limitations, but they do not include reconfiguring for use as a lat pull down device, or seated fly machine. Another limiting workout option capability associated with the prior art is the inability to convert the device into a flat bench press, incline bench press and decline bench press. Not allowing for all three of these positions of workout extremely limits the user's ability to achieve an isolated muscle workout.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention improves upon the existing art by providing a modular, portable, multi-purpose workout system that may be easily transported and reconfigured for numerous workouts, including standing and seated workouts. The system at least includes a platform, a seat with a backrest and front/rear support arms, and a pair of variable resistance modules, each module including an outwardly extending cable that is pulled by a user. For standing workouts, at least one of the variable resistance modules is coupled to the platform, and a user pulls up on the cable while standing on the platform. For seated exercises, at least one of the variable resistance modules is coupled to the backrest of the seat, and the cable is pulled outwardly and toward a seated user.
The variable resistance cables may be pulled with separate handles or pulled simultaneously with a barbell component forming part of the system. The barbell component has opposing ends with cable connectors, and the ends of the barbell component may be coupled to one or both of the variable resistance modules for standing or seated workouts.
The preferred embodiment includes a plurality of elongated rigid members, and the variable resistance modules are coupled to the platform or the backrest of the seat using the elongated members depending upon the type of workout.
The most preferred embodiment includes four elongated rigid members, each with two ends. The platform is rectangular and, for standing workouts, the platform is supported on all four sides with the members making floor contact. The variable resistance modules are coupled to the sides of the platform for pull-up type workouts.
For some seated workouts, one of the elongated members is coupled to the backrest of the seat in a vertical orientation with one end of the member extending above the backrest, and one of the variable resistance modules is coupled to the end of the member extending above the backrest. For other seated workouts, one of the elongated members is coupled to the backrest of the seat in a horizontal orientation with both ends of the member extending beyond the sides of the backrest, with the variable resistance modules being coupled to the ends of the horizontal member.
In the preferred embodiment, the seat, including the backrest and front/rear support arms, is foldable into a flattened shape and combined with the four members, platform and resistance modules to form a compact portable configuration and carried like a suitcase or backpack.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustrating the basic elements of the invention;
FIG. 2A is a drawing that shows the seat prior to collapsing;
FIG. 2B shows one stage of seat collapsing;
FIG. 2C depicts a subsequent stage of seat collapsing;
FIG. 2D shows a further stage of seat collapsing;
FIG. 2E illustrates yet a further stage of seat collapsing;
FIG. 2F shows the seat in a collapsed or near-collapsed condition;
FIG. 3A is a top-down view of a platform showing locking pins;
FIG. 3B is a side view of a platform showing locking pins in engaged and disengaged conditions;
FIG. 4A shows how each resistance housing mount includes opposing square openings that receive the ends of a respective one of the resistance housings;
FIG. 4B illustrates how a mount preferably includes a rotational coupling enabling the mount to swivel and lock into position so as to be parallel or perpendicular to the base member attachment for different workouts;
FIG. 5A is an oblique, exploded detail drawing that shows the construction of a variable resistance housing assembly;
FIG. 5B is a partial cross section that shows the construction of a variable resistance housing assembly;
FIG. 6A illustrates a barbell component that comprises textured gripping sections and length-adjustable straps with connectors that extend from housings at both ends;
FIG. 6B is a cross section of a ratcheting mechanism operative to extend and retract cords to and from the end housings of the barbell component;
FIG. 7A shows how shorter members stabilize the seat, while one of the longer members is attached to the back of the seat horizontally with clips for certain seated workouts;
FIG. 7B shows how the configuration of FIG. 7A allows two resistance housings to be mounted on the ends of a horizontal member, enabling a user to perform a seated fly workouts;
FIG. 8A shows how shorter members stabilize the seat, while one of the longer members is attached to the back of the set vertically with clips for different seated workouts;
FIG. 8B shows how the configuration of FIG. 8A allows a barbell component to be coupled to tan upper resistance housing, enabling a user to perform any variety of pull-down workouts such as the lateral pull-downs;
FIG. 9A depicts the way in which the resistance housings may be attached o opposing sides of a platform;
FIG. 9B, like FIG. 9A, shows a user doing squats with a barbell component; and
FIG. 10 illustrates the way in which all of the various components may be taken apart and configured into a compact form for easy transport.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This invention improves upon the prior art by providing a lightweight, portable, cost-effective system that may be easily transported and reconfigured for numerous workouts not addressed by prior-art in a single set of component parts.
FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustrating the basic elements of the invention, depicted generally at 100. The system includes a plurality of rigid, elongated base members 102, 104, 106, 108, preferably in the form of perforated square steel tubing. In the preferred embodiments, member 102, 104 are shorter than members 106, 108 enabling the members to form a rectangle (as opposed to a square) for reasons explained below.
The base members are assembled with corner pieces 110 that snap into the ends of the base members. The preferred corner pieces include spring-loaded balls 112 that fit into the holes of the perforated base members. The corner pieces are manually pulled apart, causing the balls to retract and release.
The system further includes a seat 114 having front and rear arms 116, 118 that terminate in bracket structures 115, 117. The bracket structures engage to the base members using snap-in peg pieces 120, 122. The seat includes a backrest 121 and a bottom rest 123 hinged at 124. The seat further includes pivoting front and rear support arms 116, 118 that engage with hooks 130 on the support arms enabling the seat to assume any comfortable position for any user. Clips 160 on the back of the seat enable the members 106, 108 to be temporarily installed on the back of the seat for different sitting workouts as described below.
Continuing the reference to FIG. 1, the system further includes a platform 132 that fits onto the assembled base in place of, or in conjunction with, the seat assembly. As best seen in FIG. 3, the platform 132 preferably includes a plurality of overhanging lips 304 and deployable pins 302 that engage with holes in the perforated base members to secure the platform in position during use.
The system further includes a barbell component 150 (FIG. 6A) that comprises textured gripping sections 152, 154 and length-adjustable straps 156 with connectors 158 that extend from housings 151, 153 at both ends of the barbell component. FIG. 6B shows a cross section of a ratcheting mechanism operative to extend and retract cords 156 to and from the housings 151, 153. After use, or for a different user, button 602 may be depressed, causing the cord 156 to be retracted within a respective housing due to force provided by internal spring 604.
Again returning to FIG. 1, a pair of right and left adjustable resistance housings 134, 136 attach to different parts of the base members through housing mounts 138, 140. In FIG. 1, they are shown coupling to side members 106, 108 in a horizontal plane; however they may be mounted differently for different workouts as described below.
As shown in FIG. 4A, each resistance housing mount includes opposing square openings 402, 404 that receive the ends of a respective one of the resistance housings. The mounts are spread apart at spring-loaded seams 406, then brought together around the resistance housing to hold it in position. The mounts include pins 408, 410 that each extend through two aligned holes in a base member. As shown in FIG. 413, the mount preferably includes a rotational coupling 420 enabling the mount to swivel and lock into position so as to be parallel or perpendicular to the base member attachment for different workouts as explained in further detail below.
FIG. 5A, B are a detail drawings that show the construction of the variable resistance housing assemblies. FIG. 5A is an oblique exploded view, and FIG. 5B is a partial cross section. Each housing includes a cord 502 wound on a central spool 504 coupled to opposing rods 506, 508. Each cord terminates in a connector 503 that may be used as a hand grip, and each housing further includes removable end caps 510, 512 to receive one or more spring-loaded resistance inserts 514. In FIG. 5B, for example, four inserts 514 are installed over rods 506, 508. Note that the rods and inserts connect through non-round cross-sections such that rotation of the rods must work against the combined resistance of the springs associated with the inserts. For example, each insert 514 might add 10 pounds of resistance associated with the pulling of cord 502.
The components that make up the invention may be constructed from any suitable materials as long as they provide appropriate strength, reliability and longevity. As mentioned, base members 102, 104, 106, 108 are preferable metal. The same holds true for most portions of the seat structure and barbell 150. Other components may be made of plastics if sufficiently rigid and durable. Most if not all of the components could also be fabricated from more exotic, lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, though this would also raise manufacturing and selling costs.
The various components may be configured in numerous ways to facilitate a wide variety of workouts. FIGS. 7A, B, for example, illustrate one way in which the system may be configured for seated fly workouts. Referring to FIG. 7A, shorter members 102 stabilize the seat, while one of the longer members (i.e., 106) is attached to the back of the set with clips 702 as shown. As shown in FIG. 7B, this enables the two resistance housings to be mounted on the ends of the member 106, and locked at right angles thereto, enabling a user to perform a seated fly workout as shown. As with all possible workouts, the angles of the seat and/or back of the chair may be adjusted to comfort and/or effectiveness.
In FIGS. 8A, B, one of the longer base members 106, 108 is mounted vertically on the back seat 121 of the chair, and one of the resistance housings is mounted above the user at right angles to the vertical base member. The connectors from the barbell component 150 are connected to the cord from the resistance housing, in this case enabling the user to perform any variety of pull-down workouts such as the lateral pull-down shown.
In FIG. 9, the user has installed the resistance housings on opposing sides of the base members positioned on a floor, including installed platform 132. Upon adjusting cable length from the barbell housings per FIG. 6, the setup enables the user to perform various squatting workouts. The back squat involves placing the bar on the back of the shoulders, as shown, while the front squat holds the bar at the front of the shoulders, it will be appreciated that pull-up-type workouts are also easily accommodated.
FIG. 10 illustrates the way in which all of the various components may be taken apart and configured into a compact form for easy transport. The disconnected base members 102, 104, 106, 108 fit into the back of platform 132, which in turn may be positioned against the seat assembly in folded-up form. FIG. 2 shows the way in which the seat folds up for transport or storage. Smaller parts may be stored in a bag (not shown) and fitted into the compacted assembly. Straps 910 may be added for carrying as a backpack. The barbell 150 may be carried separately or secured to the compacted bundle of components.
The invention is affordable, and allows numerous different lower and upper body workouts at home, at the office, and while traveling without having to spend thousands of dollars on gym equipment. The system is completely portable, and will fit into the trunk of a small car. The estimated total weight of the device would be in the range of 30 to 50 lbs.
Patent Application
20230074910
