MULTI-PURPOSE EXERCISE BENCH WITH VERSATILE RESISTANCE ACCESSORY

Abstract

A multi-purpose exercise bench having a versatile resistance accessory configurable for use to provide weight-training resistance in a variety of exercises is provided. A multi-purpose exercise bench comprises: an elongated frame configured to rest on a flat floor in a stable manner; a lower seat portion supported on the frame; a resistance accessory mounted to the frame, the resistance accessory comprising: a pad movably mounted to the frame to be movable between a first position and a second position; a locking mechanism operable to lock the pad in either of the first position and the second position; and a plurality of resistance bands attached to the pad. A multi-purpose exercise system include the multi-purpose exercise bench and an exercise bar defining at least one groove dimension to receive at least one receiver ring attached to at least one of the resistance bands.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a multi-purpose exercise bench, and more particularly to a multi-purpose exercise bench having a versatile resistance accessory configurable for use to provide weight-training resistance in a variety of exercises.

BACKGROUND

Exercise benches of various sizes and configurations are well-known in the art. Such benches are used in weight training to assist in the performance of a variety of muscle-building exercises. Different bench configurations permit an exerciser to perform different exercises thereon to exercise and isolate different sets of muscles.

Some exercise benches are generally fixed, and facilitate performance of only one exercise or group of exercises. Some exercise benches are more versatile, and provide a range of adjustability to facilitate performance of a broader ranges of exercises for training different muscle groups.

One common type of bench includes a flat seat portion and an adjustable backrest that is adjustable between a flat position and an inclined position. In the flat position, both the seat and back portions are generally horizontal, and the user may lie in a supine position to perform chest presses and lateral butterflies, isolating a different set of upper body muscles then when the same exercises are performed on an incline bench. In addition, the exerciser can sit upright on the flat bench and perform a shoulder press exercise. In the inclined position, the seat remains generally horizontal and the backrest is inclined to permit a user to sit on the seat and recline in an at least partially upright position against the inclined backrest to perform a variety of upper body exercises on the bench, such as a chest press, lateral butterfly, and arm curl, each of which isolates and exercises a particular set of upper body muscles.

Such benches are commonly used in conjunction with free weights, such as a barbell born weight disks or “plates” and/or dumbbells. Some exercises may be performed with elastic resistance bands, often without the benefit of an exercise bench. Some exercises may have been performed using elastic resistance bands in conjunction with an exercise bench. Some exercise benches include integral resistance members, such as those manufactured and/or sold as BowFlex® brand home gyms by Nautilus, Inc. It has been observed that many of such exercise benches lack versatility to facilitate the broad range of exercises associated with a conventional multi-purpose exercise bench.

A simpler arrangement combining the conventional range of exercises associated with a multi-purpose exercise bench and the advantages of resistance band training is desired.

SUMMARY

The present invention pertains to a multi-purpose exercise bench having a versatile resistance accessory configurable for use to provide weight-training resistance in a variety of exercises. In one embodiment, a multi-purpose exercise bench comprises: an elongated frame configured to rest on a flat floor in a stable manner; a lower seat portion supported on the frame; a resistance accessory mounted to the frame, the resistance accessory comprising: a pad movably mounted to the frame to be movable between a first position and a second position; a locking mechanism operable to lock the pad in either of the first position and the second position; and a plurality of resistance bands attached to the pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

An understanding of the following description will be facilitated by reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a multi-purpose exercise bench including a versatile resistance accessory in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-purpose exercise bench of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show side views of the accessory of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an adjustable pad of the accessory of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the pad illustrating the limited folding action of an exemplary pad;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of exemplary swing arms of the accessory;

FIG. 7 is a drawing of an exemplary resistance band housing unit for mating with a swing arm.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a resistance band housing unit of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9A-9C show the placement of the swing arms on the pad and the mating of the resistance band housing units on the swing arms;

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an exemplary pad, showing exemplary mating structures;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary locking mechanism for locking the pad in one or a plurality of predetermined positions;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 11;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are drawings of an exemplary backrest/upper seat;

FIGS. 14A-14E show exemplary flat pin receivers working along with the flat pins to provide a quick-release mechanism for coupling and decoupling the backrest to the bench;

FIG. 15 includes front (upper left), side (lower left) and top (right) views of the lower seat of the bench of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the set of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary barbell configured to be used with the resistance bands by way of a receiver ring system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates various bars and handles to be used with barbell receiver ring system;

FIG. 19 illustrates a drawing leg and back accessory of the bench;

FIG. 20 is a drawing of an exemplary shin pad cushion;

FIG. 21 is a drawing of a knee cushion rail cap; and

FIGS. 22a-22o illustrate various exercises that may be accomplished with the multi-purpose bench of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a multi-purpose exercise bench having a versatile resistance accessory configurable for use to provide weight-training resistance in a variety of exercises.

An exemplary bench is shown in FIGS. 1-21. Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary multi-purpose bench 1 is shown that has structure somewhat similar to a conventional multi-purpose bench, in that it includes a frame supporting a seat 28 and an adjustable back rest 24 that permit the bench to be used as either a flat bench or an incline bench in a variety of exercises. The frame includes a longitudinally extending frame rail 16 supported by legs, which optionally are configured to fold from an open position, in which they extended generally transversely to the frame rail, to a closed position, in which they are folded to form an acute angle with the frame rail. Additionally, the exemplary bench 1 includes a knee cushion 20 and shin cushion 22 providing a leg-station suitable for leg extensions and leg curls, as is generally known in the art.

In accordance with the present invention, the bench 1 further includes a versatile resistance accessory including a pad 8 mounted to the frame. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pad 8 is mounted at the head end of the bench, adjacent the back leg 12. In accordance with the present invention, the pad 8 provides an attachment point for one or more resistance bands that may be used to provide resistance during strength training exercises.

In a preferred embodiment, the pad 8 is mounted to the frame for movement between first and second positions. In the embodiment shown, the pad 8 is pivotably mounted to the back leg 12, and is pivotable between a first position in which the pad 8 is substantially vertical, and a second position in which the pad 8 is substantially horizontal, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

Further the pad is preferably lockable in one or more positions, so that the pad 8 and resistance bands tend to provide resistance during strength training. In the illustrated embodiment, the pad is provided with pins that nest within a horizontal portion of the back leg 12, so that the pad 8 may rotate relative to the rear leg, as best shown in FIG. 2. More specifically, the exemplary pad 8 includes pad inserts 8C that fit into the foot of the back leg 12. A ball bearing ring 8E allows the pad to fold smoothly and without play. Further, the pad includes a flange 81 including a plurality of holes 8J, and the back leg 12 includes a flange 12 with a plurality of holes 12B, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 10. The holes are arranged to align at predetermined angular positions of the pad 8, to permit a pin to be placed through the aligned holes to effectively prevent relative motion of the flanges and pad/leg to lock the pad in position for use. Any suitable arrangement may be used to provide the pin. FIG. 11 shows an exemplary arrangement in which a locking mechanism is mounted on the rear leg 12. The mechanism includes a slidably mounted locker bolt 14B (the pin) that is caused to be inserted through or withdrawn from the aligned holes of the flanges 81, 12A by way of a pivotable actuator 14E in toothed engagement with the locker bolt 14B to cause translational motion thereof when the actuator is pivoted, as best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. In this embodiment, the locker both 14B has a tapered end to provide a snug fit in the holes of the flanges and to facilitate alignment thereof during insertion.

In some embodiments, the pad 8 is not merely a unitary rigid plate-like body, but instead includes first and second portions movable relative to one another, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. In this embodiment, The pad includes a hinged portion hingedly connected to a main portion of the pad's platform 8A. Accordingly, the hinged portion is pivotable between a first position and a second position, as shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the pad 8 includes a stop 8H to limit the range of motion of the hinged portion relative to the remainder of the platform 8A. The hinge 8G permits the hinged portion to be pivoted into a position better suited for performance of an exercise. Accordingly, the hinged portion provides an extra measure of adjustability to the pad. For example, the pad may be locked in a substantially upright position, and the hinged portion may then be further pivoted toward an upright position for use in a leg press exercise.

The resistance bands are mounted to the pad 8. In this embodiment the resistance bands are joined in a resistance band housing unit 10, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. As shown in FIG. 8, the housing 10 includes a hollow outer tube 10B and a hollow inner center tube 10A. The outer tube 10B has a plurality of openings, and the resistance bands 10C are looped around the inner tube 10A, which is positioned within the outer tube 10B, and the resistance bands 10C exit through the holes in the outer tube 10B. This serves to anchor multiple resistance bands to a single housing unit 10. An opposite end of the resistance band may be joined to an attachment clip 10D, such as a carabiner, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The clip 10D facilitates attachment of selected resistance bands to a bar or other member for exercise purposes.

The pad 8 includes swing arms 6, which serve as attachments points for attaching the resistance band units 10 to the pad 8. Preferably, the swing arms 6 are attached toward the distal end of the pad on both lateral sides, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. Each swing arm 6 defines a path allowing a swing arm pin 6C to be received and retained by the swing arm, as shown in FIGS. 6, 9A and 9B. The pin 6C is placed through the inner tube 10A of the housing unit, then is placed in the path of the swing arm unit 6 to fix the resistance band unit 10 to the swing arm 6 and pad 8, as shown in FIGS. 6, 9A and 9B. After mounting, the resistance band housing unit is permitted to rotate about the pin 6C while still being retained by the swing arm unit 6, to permit the resistance bands to rotate into an operative position for a variety of exercises, e.g., due to a change in position of the pad 8.

To facilitate use of the exercise bench in certain exercises, e.g., with the pad 8 positioned horizontally along the floor, it may be desirable to straddle the bench while standing on the pad 8, as shown in FIGS. 22c, 22d and 22e. Accordingly, the backrest 24 of the bench may be configured to operate substantially as in a conventional adjustable incline bench, and thus may include a backrest 24, cushion 24A. However, the bench may be modified in accordance with the present invention to include with a quick-release mechanism allow for easy, e.g., tool-free, decoupling of the backrest from the bench. In the exemplary embodiment show in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the bench is configured with a quick release mechanism that includes receivers 26 on the bench frame that include plate-like attachment pins for receipt in pin receivers. In the exemplary embodiment, the pins are plate-like and generally flat, and the pin receivers are generally of a split-ring design, as shown in FIGS. 13A-14B. Accordingly, pin receivers 24B, 26A tend to pivot about the pins, e.g. 16B, 26B, through a broad range of motion, but at a predetermined angular orientation, the pin aligns with the split in the ring-like receiver to permit the pin to exit the receiver, and thus the backrest and its supports to be decoupled from the frame, as best shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B.

Any suitable seat may be used. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the bench includes a seat as provided in accordance with the present invention, as shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a drawing of the lower seat from the front (upper left), side (lower left) and top (right) view. The front view shows the lower seat 28 on wheels 28C on the frame rail 16. Also shown are the handles 30 which are able to screw loose enough to be folded against the lower seat 28; the wheel housing unit 28B. Also seen in the front view is the cushion 28A to go on top of the wheel housing unit. The side view shows how the resistance bands can clip onto the lower seat via the clip holder 28F and that the flat pin 16B is a part of the wheel housing unit along with a stopper hole 28H that allows the lower seat to be locked into position. The top view shows the folding capability of the handles.

FIG. 16 is an exploded drawing of the lower seat, including the wheel housing unit 28B; the wheel frame 28D; the wheels 28C; the wheel pins 28E; the lower seat handle housing 30A; and the lower seat handles 30B. Together these sit on and ride along the frame rail 16.

FIG. 17 is a drawing of an exemplary barbell to be used with the resistance bands. The exemplary barbell is typical of various other accessories in that it comprises a bar 32 configured to define grooves to receive a receiver ring 32A. This ring is shaped to fit into the grooves of the barbell to rotate freely yet not able to become disengaged from the bar. The larger part of the ring is to be used to allow the resistance band clips to fit onto.

FIG. 18 is a drawing of various alternative bars and handles to be used with barbell receiver ring 32A system includes but is not limited to, a barbell 32; a short bar 34; triceps rope 36; single handles 38; ankle cuffs 39; an EZ curl bar 40; pull-down bar 42; belt 44; tricep bar 46; and a close grip handle 48.

FIG. 19 is a drawing of an optional leg and back accessory 50. This accessory comprises swing arms with hooks 50C attached to heavy duty cloth straps 50A that can be wedged between a door and a door frame via a protrusion 50B. The swing arm has a hook to accept a latch 50D. The hook and latch allows the leg and back accessory to be wrapped around and secured to the front foot of the bench. Two of these straps may be connected via a stiff spacer 50E to complete one full leg and back accessory.

FIG. 20 is a drawing of an exemplary shin pad cushion 22A. The shin pad cushion holder is attached to the back part of the front leg approximately half way down and secured with the shin cushion bolt 22B.

FIG. 21 is a drawing of an exemplary knee cushion rail cap 20A. This is used to hold the knee cushions 20. The knee cushion pole 20B fits into the holes of the knee cushion rail cap. These are secured to the front end of the frame rail 16 via knee cushion bolts 20C.

In use, the assembled bench may be adjusted as desired before performing an exercise—e.g., to position the lower seat 28 in a suitable location along the frame rail, and to position the backrest 24 at a suitable position on the frame (flat or inclined), or removed from the frame, e.g., by manipulating the backrest 24 and its associated pin receivers relative to the pins on the frame rail 16 and/or lower seat 28 until the pins align with the splits in the pins receivers, and the moving the backrest to separate the pin receivers from the pins.

Next, the pad may be positioned as desired, e.g., in a upright or horizontal position, e.g., by unlocking the pad 8 by moving the appropriate actuator of the pad locking mechanism, pivoting the pad 8 until the holes in the flanges of the pad 8 and rear foot 12 align with the pad in the desired position, and then manipulating the actuator of the locking mechanism to lock the pad in the desired position.

Next the user may selected an appropriate bar/handle, attach the appropriate receiver rings 32A to the bar/handle, if necessary (in some embodiments the rings are permanently joined to the bar/handle), and then attach the clips of one or more resistance bands of the resistance band housing units 10 to the receiver rings 32A to provide the desired level of resistance.

Next, the user may manipulate the bar/handle in performance of the desired strength training exercise, against the resistance of the attached resistance bands.

A list of reference numerals is provided below for reference purposes:

2A  Small Rubber Pad
2B  Large Rubber Pad
6   Swing Arm
6A  Swing arm Plate
6B  Swing arm Spring
6C  Swing Arm Pin
6D  Swing arm Pin Lock
6E  Swing Arm Hinge
8   The Pad
8A  Platform
8B  Rail
8C  Pad Inserts aka hinges
8D  Pad protective strips for rail
8E  Ball Bearings
8F  Screws For Hinges
8G  Hinge
8H  Stopper For Hinge
8I  Pad Flange
8J  Pad Flange Hole
10  Resistance Band Housing Unit
10A Hollow Center Tube
10B Outer shell
10C Resistance bands
10D Clips
12  Back Leg
12A Back Foot With Flange
12B Flange Hole
12C Pin Or Bolt
12D Leg Protective Strip
12E protective strips for back foot
14  Pad Locker
14A Pad Locker Handle
14B Locker Bolt
14C Guide For The Bolt
14D Guide For The bolt and Pin insert
14E Pad locker Hinge Pin
16  Rail
16A End Cap
16B Flat Pin
16C Rail Holes
18  Front Leg
18A Bolt or pin
18B Front Foot
18C Front foot caps
20  Knee Cushion
20A Knee Cushion Rail Cap
20B Knee Cushion Pole
20C Knee cushion Bolt
22  Shin Cushion
22A Shin Cushion holder
22B Shin Cushion Bolt
24  Upper Seat
24A Cushion
24B Upper Seat Rails With Flat Pin Receivers
24C Cross Brace Big
24D Cross Brace Small
24E Screws For Cushion
26  Incline Adjuster
26A Flat Pin Receiver
26B Bolt
26C Stabilizers
28  Lower Seat
28A Cushion
28B Wheel Housing Unit
28C Wheels
28D Wheel Frames
28E Wheel Pins
28F Clip Holder
28G Stopper Bolt
28H Stopper Hole
30  Lower Seat Handles
30A Handle Housing That Holds Knobbed screw
30B Handle With Knobbed Screw
31  Front Leg
32  Barbell
32A Receiver Ring
34  Short Bar
36  Triceps Rope
38  Single Handles
39  Ankle Cuffs
40  EZ Curl Bar
42  Pull-Down Bar
44  Belt
46  Tricep Bar
48  Close Grip Handle
50  Accessory
50A Cloth Strip
50B Protrusion
50C Swing Arm With Hook
50D Latch
50E Spacer
PARTS LIST
2A  Small Rubber Pad-Attached to the top front of the pad for
    comfort
2B  Large Rubber Pad-Attached to the top back of the pad for
    comfort
6   Swing Arm-The swing arm allows the resistance bands to be
    secured in place quickly and easily
6A  Swing Arm Plate-Is the part of the swing arm that is secured
    directly to the rail of the pad and is the foundation of the
    swing arms
6B  Swing Arm Spring-This add tension to the swing arm pin
6C  Swing Arm Pin-This is what the resistance bands are
    secured with
6D  Swing arm Pin Lock-This holds the swing arm in place
6E  Swing Arm Hinge-This part houses the swing arm pin
    and spring
8   The Pad-This is the platform that the swing arms attach to the
    sides of, where the user may stand on for certain exercises and
    which folds in an up or down position depending on the desired
    location of the swing arms
8A  Platform-The platform of the pad is the biggest portion of the
    pad and may be used to stand on when the pad is folded
    down against the floor. The back of the platform also acts as
    a foot rest for the user when the pad is folded up against the
    leg.
8B  Rail-The rails run along the sides of the platform. They act as
    structural support for the pad and is what the swing arms are
    attached directly to
8C  Pad Inserts/Hinges-The back of the pad has two “pegs” that fit
    into the foot of the back leg. They are used the secure the pad
    to the bench and as a hinge point for the pad and gives the pad
    its folding capabilities.
8D  Pad Protective Strips For Rail-these plastic or rubber pieces
    cap the bottom of the pad to prevent the metal of the rail from
    scratching the floor
8E  Ball Bearings-These ball bearings are sandwiched between the
    pad inserts and the inside of the back foot. They provide
    smooth and stable folding of the pad.
8F  Screws For Hinges-Because of the rigidity of the pad and the
    back foot, the pad inserts cannot be a piece of the pad. They
    must be separate. Once the pad inserts are placed into the
    back foot, the rails of the pad can now be screwed to them
8G  Hinge-The hinge runs along the platform of the pad from one
    rail to the other and is located more to the front of the pad. The
    purpose of the hinge is that when the pad is folded up against
    the leg, that portion of the pad can hinge forward for a more
    comfortable foot rest
8H  Stopper For Hinge-The stopper is a piece of metal that
    prevents the front portion of the platform from folding too far
81  Pad Flange-This is simply an area for holes at the back of the
    rails of the pad.
8J  Pad Flange Hole-The holes in the pad flange line up with the
    holes of the back foot flange for the pad locker bolt to slide
    into.
10  Resistance Band Housing Unit-This is designed to house
    multiplebands in one unit for convenience and easy handling
10A Hollow Center Tube-This center tube secures the resistance
    bands on the outside of it. the center of the tube slides onto the
    swing arm pins.
10B Outer Shell-The outer shell of the resistance band housing unit
    helps to secure the resistance bands in place neatly and acts as
    a shield for the portion of the bands wrapped around the hollow
    center tube.
10C Resistance Bands-The exercise bench uses a series of
    resistance bands from heavy duty to very lightweight
10D Clips-The clips of the resistance bands can be hooked on the
    bar, grip, handle or lower seat clip, depending on the exercise
    desired
12  Back Leg-The back leg of the bench can be folded open or
    closed. The top of the leg has a unique shape to allow it to fold
    without fitting snug against the bottom of the rail. This small
    gap is enough for the pad to be used when folded against the
    back leg.
12A Back Foot With Flange-On the top of the farthest extensions
    of the back foot is an area for holes.
12B Flange Hole-These holes are to be used in conjunction with the
    pad flange and the pad locker.
12C Pin Or Bolt-This is simple a way to secure the back leg to the
    rail and still be able to hinge for folding open or closed.
12D Leg Protective Strip-These plastic or rubber pieces are secured
    to the back of the back leg to prevent the metal of the back leg
    from scratching the floor when the leg is folded closed.
12E Protective Strips For Back Foot-These plastic or rubber pieces
    cap the bottom of the back foot to prevent the metal of the
    back foot from scratching the floor
14  Pad Locker-The purpose of the pad locker is to lock the pad
    in place when it is folded up or down.
14A Pad Locker Handle-The pad locker handle is used to
    manipulate the pad locker bolt in and out of the flange holes
14B Locker Bolt-The locker bolt fits snugly into both the back foot
    flange and the pad flange holes. While the bolt is moved into
    the holes the pad cannot move from its position.
14C Guide For The Bolt-The guide for the bolt is two rises on the
    top of the back foot with small protrusions that fit into grooves
    in the side of the bolt. This keeps the bolt lined up with the
    holes of the flanges
14D Guide For The bolt and Pin insert-This is another guide just like
    the bolt guide and works the same way. the difference is that
    this particular guides not only guide the bolt but also act as a
    hinge point for the pad locker handle
14E Pad locker Hinge Pin-This is simply a small pin that fits
    through the guide for the bold and pin insert and the handle of
    the pad licker allowing the handle to be used as needed
16  Rail-The rail is the horizontal piece held up by the legs and
    on which the upper and lower seats sit.
16A End Cap-The rail is capped on its end closest to the back leg
16B Flat Pin-The flat pin sits near the back of the rail and is used
    to secure the upper seat to the rail via a rod called the
    incline adjuster
16C Rail Holes-There are a series of holes in the rail to be used
    in conjunction with the lower seat and a stopper bolt. These
    holes are used to stop the lower seat from rolling.
18  Front Leg-The front leg is the front leg of the bench
18A Pin or Bolt-This secures the front leg to the rail while still
    allowing it to fold open or closed against the rail
18B Front Foot-The front foot is at the bottom of the front leg
    and stabilizes the bench.
18C Front foot caps-The front foot caps are rubber or plastic caps
    to protect the floor from being scratched by the foot
20  Knee Cushion-The knee cushion is located near the front of
    the rail. The cushion is useful for many abdominal or leg
    exercises
20A Knee Cushion Rail Cap-The knee cushion rail cap is secured
    to the front of the rail and is used to hold the knee cushion pole
20B Knee Cushion Pole-The knee cushion pole is used to hold
    the actual pads used for cushioning
20C Knee cushion Bolts-The knee cushion bolts secure the knee
    cushion rail cap to the rail
22  Shin Cushion-The shin cushion is located approximately
    half way down the back of the front leg. It is useful for
    cushioning during certain abdominal exercises
22A Shin Cushion holder-The shin cushion holder is a piece
    secured directly to the front leg and holds the actual pad
    used for cushioning
22B Shin Cushion Bolt-This bolt secures the shin cushion holder
    to the front leg
24  Upper Seat-The upper seat is the long portion of the working
    surface of the exercise bench
24A Cushion-For the upper seat
24B Upper Seat Rails With Flat Pin Receivers-the upper seat rail
    or frame has two flat pin receivers to be used to secure the
    upper seat to the lower seat
24C Cross Brace Big-This helps to hold the upper seat rails or
    frame together
24D Cross Brace Small-This helps to hold the upper seat rails or
    frame together
24E Screws For Cushion-These secure the cushion to the frame
26  Incline Adjuster-This rod is used to secure the upper seat
    to the rail. It is also used to adjust the angle of the upper seat
26A Flat Pin Receiver-This is a portion of the incline adjuster
    used with the flat pin of the rail
26B Bolt-this bolt secures the incline adjuster to the upper seat
26C Stabilizers-These keep the upper seat stable during use
28  Lower Seat-This is the small portion of the working surface
    of the exercise bench
28A Cushion-For the lower seat
28B Wheel Housing Unit-This is the major portion of the lower
    seat which everything is secured to.
28C Wheels-The 8 wheels are mounted under and inside of
    the wheel housing unit to allow ease of use when adjusting
    the angle of the upper seat cushion
28D Wheel Frames-These hold the wheels
28E Wheel Pins-These are the ball bearing axis for the wheels
28F Clip Holder-These are secure to either side of the wheel
    housing unit and is used to clip the resistance band to
    during certain exercises
28G Stopper Bolt-This is used to not allow the wheel housing
    unit to roll along the rail
28H Stopper Hole-the hole used by the stopper bolt in conjunction
    with the rail holes
30  Lower Seat Handles-These are on either side of the wheel
    housing unit and to be used during certain leg or abdominal
    exercises. The handles are featured to be able to unscrew
    enough to be folded against the lower seat, and screwed
    tightly again to secure it in place.
30A Handle Housing That Holds Knobbed Screw-This secures
    the actual handle to the wheel housing unit
30B Handle With Knobbed Screw-The knobbed end of the screw
    ensures that the handle cannot unscrew completely from the
    handles
32  Barbell-this barbell is shorter than traditional barbells
    because it doesn't use traditional weights. It is
    approximately 48 inches
32A Receiver Ring-The receiver ring fits into a groove of the
    barbell or other handle. It is shaped so that it cannot be
    removed from the bar yet spins freely. It also has a portion
    to allow multiple resistance bands to be attached to it.
34  Short Bar-This is a bar approximately 16 inches with a
    single groove and receiver ring in the middle of it
36  Triceps Rope-A traditional tricep rope with a receiver ring
38  Single Handles-Traditional handles with a receiver ring
39  Ankle Cuffs-Cushioned cuffs with a receiver ring on each
40  EZ Curl Bar-Just like the barbell just with an ergonomic shape
42  Pull-Down Bar-A traditional pull down bar with a receiver ring
44  Belt-A belt to be used for leg presses with a receiver rings
    on each side of it
46  Tricep Bar-A traditional tricep bar with a receiver rings
48  Close Grip Handle-A traditional close grip handle with an
    area to accept multiple resistance band clips
50  Accessory-The accessory can be use two different ways.
    The first way is as an overhead pull down device. The cloth
    straps can be placed between a door and a door frame. The
    protrusion in each strap prevents the strap from pulling
    through the door opening when the door is closed. There
    are two swing arms which resistance bands housing units
    can be secured to. The second way to use the accessory is
    as a leg exerciser. This is accomplished by clasping it
    around the front foot of the exercise bench and securing
    it via the latch and hook on the swing arms
50A Cloth Strip-These are thin enough to fit most doorways
    yet strong enough to handle the load stress placed upon it
50B Protrusion-This is sewn into the straps and prevents the
    straps from pulling through the doorway
50C Swing Arm With Hook-These are just like swing arms
    in every respect except they have a hook portion to it to
    work along with the latch
50D Latch-The latch secures the accessory around the front foot
50E Spacer-The spacer ensures proper spacing between the straps

Having thus described a few particular embodiments of the invention, various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements as are made obvious by this disclosure are intended to be part of this description though not expressly stated herein, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only, and not limiting. The invention is limited only as defined in the following claims and equivalents thereto.

Claims

1-21. (canceled)

22. A multi-purpose exercise system, comprising: a multi-purpose exercise bench comprising:an elongated frame configured to rest on a flat floor in a stable manner, said frame comprising a longitudinally-extending member supported at each end by a respective leg, at least one of said legs comprising a ground-engaging support member extending transversely to the longitudinally-extending member for engaging the floor to support the frame in the stable manner;a lower seat portion supported on the frame;a resistance accessory mounted to the frame, the resistance accessory comprising: a pad movably mounted to the ground-engaging support member of the frame to be movable between a first position and a second position;a locking mechanism operable to lock the pad in either of the first position and the second position; anda plurality of resistance bands attached to the pad, each of said plurality of resistance bands terminating with a respective receiver ring; andan exercise bar defining a groove dimensioned to receive one of said receiver rings.

23. The multi-purpose exercise system of claim 22, wherein said exercise bar comprises a rigid bar defining the groove by providing a groove portion having a cross-section smaller than a corresponding cross-section of portions of the bar adjacent the groove portion.

24. The multi-purpose exercise system of claim 23, wherein the rigid bar is configured as one of a barbell, a short bar, an EZ-curl bar, and a tricep bar.

25. The multi-purpose exercise system of claim 22, wherein said exercise bar is configured as one of a barbell, an EZ-curl bar, and a tricep bar, and wherein said exercise bar comprises a longitudinally-extending bar having a pair of opposed ends, the exercise bar defining a plurality of grooves, a respective one of said plurality of grooves being defined adjacent each of said pair of opposed ends.

26. A multi-purpose exercise system, comprising: a plurality of resistance bands, each of said plurality of resistance bands terminating with a respective receiver ring; andan exercise bar defining a groove dimensioned to receive one of said receiver rings.

27. The multi-purpose exercise system of claim 26, wherein each receiver ring is shaped to fit into the groove to rotate freely.

28. The multi-purpose exercise system of claim 26, wherein each receiver ring has a first part shaped to fit into the groove to rotate freely, and a second part, larger than the first part, that provides an attachment point for respective resistance bands.

29. The multi-purpose exercise system of claim 28, wherein each receiver ring is formed as a continuous loop.

30. The multi-purpose exercise system of claim 26, wherein each receiver ring is formed as a continuous loop.

31. The multi-purpose exercise system of claim 26, further comprising: at least one resistance band housing comprising a hollow outer tube and a hollow inner tube positioned within the hollow outer tube, each of the plurality of resistance bands extending around the inner tube and passing transversely through a wall of the hollow outer tube.

32. The multi-purpose exercise system of claim 31, further comprising a leg and back accessory 50, the leg and back accessory comprising: a flexible strap, the strap having a pair of opposed ends, the flexible strap comprising a protrusion adjacent a first end of the strap, the protrusion having a thickness greater than a remaining portion of the strap;a swing arm assembly for attaching the plurality of resistance bands to the accessory, the swing arm assembly being joined to the strap adjacent a second end of the strap opposite the first end of the strap, the swing arm assembly comprising: a swing arm plate joined to the pad, the swing arm plate comprising a swing arm pin lock defining a curved path; anda swing arm pin having a first end captured by the swing arm plate, and a second end movable between an open position in which the second end is free of the curved path so that the resistance bands can be looped over the swing arm pin and a closed position in which the second end is captured within the curved path by the swing arm plate so that the plurality of resistance bands is retained by the swing arm pin.

33. The multi-purpose exercise system of claim 32, wherein the swing arm assembly comprises a hook, and wherein the leg and back accessory further comprises a latch joined to the strap adjacent its first end, the latch being adapted to mate with the hook to join the first end of the strap to the send end of the strap.

34. The multi-purpose exercise system of claim 32, further comprising a stiff spacer for joining multiple leg and back accessories.

35. A multi-purpose exercise system comprising a leg and back accessory, the leg and back accessory comprising: a flexible strap, the strap having a pair of opposed ends, the flexible strap comprising a protrusion adjacent a first end of the strap, the protrusion having a thickness greater than a remaining portion of the strap;a swing arm assembly for attaching a plurality of resistance bands to the accessory, the swing arm assembly being joined to the strap adjacent a second end of the strap opposite the first end of the strap, the swing arm assembly comprising: a swing arm plate joined to the pad, the swing arm plate comprising a swing arm pin lock defining a curved path; anda swing arm pin having a first end captured by the swing arm plate, and a second end movable between an open position in which the second end is free of the curved path so that the resistance bands can be looped over the swing arm pin and a closed position in which the second end is captured within the curved path by the swing arm plate so that the plurality of resistance bands is retained by the swing arm pin.

36. The multi-purpose exercise system of claim 35, wherein the swing arm assembly comprises a hook, and wherein the leg and back accessory further comprises a latch joined to the strap adjacent its first end, the latch being adapted to mate with the hook to join the first end of the strap to the send end of the strap.

37. The multi-purpose exercise system of claim 35, further comprising a stiff spacer for joining multiple leg and back accessories.