Patent Grant
11617915
The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus, and more particularly, to a transformable and multi-purpose exercise or gym apparatus that transforms or converts into furniture, the exercise apparatus that combines exercise equipment with furniture to give an unprecedented home exercise experience to a user.
A complaint regarding living spaces and work spaces, is that there is not enough room for the various types of furniture and apparatus that an individual may want in a specific room. One problem is that more people are living in smaller homes and apartments, and furniture is often designed only for a single purpose (e.g. a desk for work, a dining table for eating, a bed for sleeping). Another example of single purpose piece of equipment is an exercise machine, which, similar to furniture, takes up a lot of space. Unless a person lives in a home with a surplus of square footage, a home exercise machine may not be a viable option. Lack of space for an exercise machine has led many people to join private gyms. However, membership at a private gym is not a luxury that every person can afford.
One way that people have tried to solve the problem of lack of space for an exercise machine is by utilizing machines that can convert into other pieces of furniture. Several exercise apparatuses that convert to perform a number of different exercises have been disclosed in the past. One such example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,763, entitled “Portable convertible multifunction exercise apparatus and method” (“the '763 Patent”). The '763 Patent discloses a portable, convertible and multifunction exercise apparatus that uses a single platform that has selectively length adjustable resistance bands. Rotatable spring biased wheels can lock the bands to different lengths, where the longer the length, the less resistance, and the shorter the length the greater the resistance. The platform can transform from a stepper, into a bench, into an incline seat with foldable legs. Contained within the platform storage unit are several bar handles and leg attachments. An exercise bar having a rotatable midportion can have handle grip ends removably attachable to the bands and/or the bar, so that a variety of additional exercises can be performed, allowing the user to exercise all muscle groups for a total body workout.
Another example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 9,682,307, entitled “Exercise Equipment with Integrated Desk” (“the '307 Patent”). The '307 Patent discloses an exercise apparatus that includes a desk with a working surface. However, the apparatus is limited to positioning a desk surface on a treadmill and cannot be used a strength training apparatus.
The above discussed disclosures provide convertible and multifunction exercise apparatuses that allow individuals to accomplish their fitness, health conditioning, weight loss and rehabilitation goals with a single multipurpose apparatus. However, they cannot be used as typical non-workout furniture. Therefore, there is a need for an improved workout or exercise apparatus that provides increased functionality and utilization of space as compared to that of above-identified disclosures, and that combines an exercise apparatus with furniture to give users an unprecedented home exercise experience.
The present invention seeks to provide a solution to the problems outlined above by providing an exercise apparatus that transforms into furniture and different gym equipment.
In one aspect of the present invention, a transformable exercise apparatus converts into furniture and different types of gym equipment to give users an unprecedented home exercise experience. The transformable exercise apparatus has a main frame. The main frame has a pair of base arms arranged substantially parallel to each other, a pair of front legs extending substantially perpendicular from the pair of base arms, a pair of rear legs extending substantially perpendicular from the pair of base arms, and a pair of top arms, each of the pair of top arms connecting respective pair of front legs and pair of rear legs. The exercise apparatus also includes a plurality of telescopic members stored in the pair of front legs, and a first table top and a second table top. The second table top comprises collapsible legs. The collapsible legs fold and allow for placing the second table top and the first table top over the pair of top arms, thereby transforming the exercise apparatus into a furniture. The second table top is capable of demounting from the pair of top arms, wherein the collapsible legs extend from a collapsed configuration for placement on the pair of top arms, to an expanded configuration for placement on a ground, thereby and transforming the second table top into a workbench. The plurality of telescopic members extend from the front legs, and the plurality of telescopic members receive a pull-up bar at the top, thereby transforming the exercise apparatus into a pull up exercise apparatus.
The exercise apparatus includes base arms placed parallel to each other. The exercise apparatus further includes front legs and rear legs extending from the base arms. The exercise apparatus includes top arms, each connecting respective front and rear leg of each base arm. The exercise apparatus presents a plurality of telescopic members that store in the front legs. The exercise apparatus includes a first table top and a second table top. The second table top encompasses collapsible legs. The collapsible legs fold and allow for placing the second table top and the first table top over the top arms transforming the exercise apparatus into a furniture. The second table top demounts from the top arms, expands the collapsible legs and positions on the ground transforming the second table top into a workbench (such as for laying on for doing bench press exercises). The telescopic members extend and includes a pull-up bar at the top, transforming the exercise apparatus into a pull-up exercise apparatus.
In another aspect of the present invention, the base arms include an additional base arm that mounts perpendicularly to the base arms. The additional base arm includes a center rear leg having a slidable sleeve with a weight bearing projection. The weight bearing projection receives weights. One of the rear legs stores a L-shaped arm and the other stores an elongated arm. The L-shaped arm includes a pulley having a cable, in which one end encompasses a hand grip and the other end mounts to the slidable sleeve. The elongated arm mounts over the center rear leg and the L-shaped arm mounts over the elongated arm transforming the center rear leg, the elongated arm and the L-shaped arm into a lat pull-down exercise apparatus.
In another aspect of the present invention, the top arms provide rails that receive a U-shaped bar. The U-shaped bar presents a foot bar configured to slide along the U-shaped bar and includes weights. The U-shaped bar slides along the rails transforming the exercise apparatus into a leg press exercise apparatus.
In one advantageous feature of the present invention, the exercise apparatus converts into a furniture that looks to the naked eye as an ordinary piece of furniture that keeps up with current design trends to appeal to the users' desire for an aesthetic living space. The exercise apparatus transforms into furniture and also into workout apparatus all the while using the same space. A user can use exercise apparatus for performing various exercises and avoid finding space for other products that must be stored in a closet or under a bed.
In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the exercise apparatus transforms or converts from furniture to exercise equipment in a quick and efficient way. For example, when the user wants to use the exercise apparatus as a bench press, the table top can convert quickly into a bench, and pop pins allow for quick assembly of the barbell/squat rack.
The exercise apparatus operates as various kinds of gym quality exercises and gym machines and also integrates into the design of the furniture so that when the furniture is in its home state, it does not appear as exercise equipment, and/or the exercise parts will supplement the furniture. The exercise apparatus encompasses movable and/or detachable parts and pieces that manipulate to convert into an exercise equipment. The conversion from furniture to exercise equipment is quick and efficient.
In yet another advantageous feature of the present invention, the exercise apparatus is not hidden away, and by simply and quickly converting the exercise apparatus into a workout apparatus, the user can use the space where the furniture already exists. The exercise apparatus can be used in smaller spaces while ensuring rest of the home's ambiance clean and at the same time exercise on authentic exercise machines, and have it convert back to designer quality furniture.
In yet another advantageous feature of the present invention, the exercise apparatus eliminates the need for a user to attain a separate gym equipment for exercising and separate furniture. This saves space for the user in the room or office.
Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGUREs. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature.
Further features and advantages of the present subject matter will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:
The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may however be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and/or section from another element, component, region, layer, and/or section.
It will be understood that the elements, components, regions, layers and sections depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom,” “upper” or “top,” “left” or “right,” “above” or “below,” “front” or “rear,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to idealized embodiments of the present invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. The numbers, ratios, percentages, and other values may include those that are ±5%, ±10%, ±25%, ±50%, ±75%, ±100%, ±200%, ±500%, or other ranges that do not detract from the spirit of the invention. The terms about, approximately, or substantially may include values known to those having ordinary skill in the art. If not known in the art, these terms may be considered to be in the range of up to ±5%, ±10%, or other value higher than these ranges commonly accepted by those having ordinary skill in the art for the variable disclosed. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any elements that are not specifically disclosed herein.
Turning to the Figures,
From the above, it is evident that first base arm 26 and second base arm 28 mount substantially parallel to each other, and third base arm 30 mounts perpendicularly to first base arm 26 and second base arm 28. First base arm 26, second base arm 28 and third base arm 30 form a letter “U” shape and act as a base (or base arms) for main frame 16. Each of first base arm 26, second base arm 28 and third base arm 30 comes in a variety of shapes e.g., in an elongated rectangular or a cylindrical configuration.
First base arm 26 provides first leg 32 and second leg 34. As can be seen, first leg 32 is at first end 18 and second leg 34 is at second end 20. First leg 32 and second leg 34 extend perpendicularly from first base arm 26. Similarly, second base arm 28 provides third leg 36 and fourth leg 38. As can be seen, third leg 36 is at first end 18 and fourth leg 38 is at second end 20. Third leg 36 and fourth leg 38 extend perpendicularly from second base arm 28. Further, third base arm 30 provides fifth leg 40 extending from its center. Each of first leg 32, second leg 34, third leg 36, fourth leg 38 and fifth leg 40 comes in a variety of shapes e.g., in an elongated rectangular or a cylindrical configuration. As can be seen, first leg 32 and third leg 36 act as front legs of main frame 16. Further, second leg 34 and fourth leg 38 (and/or fifth leg 40, shown as a center rear leg) act as rear legs of main frame 16. In one example, first leg 32 and third leg 36 mount at a distance from the far end of first base arm 26 and second base arm 28, respectively to provide stability and counterbalance for main frame 16. Each of first leg 32, second leg 34, third leg 36, fourth leg 38 and fifth leg 40 provides a material made of metal, wood, hard plastic or any other suitable material. Each of first leg 32, second leg 34, third leg 36, fourth leg 38 and fifth leg 40 encompasses a hollow structure and has about the same height.
Main frame 16 further presents first top arm 42 connecting first leg 32 and second leg 34. First top arm 42 connects first leg 32 and second leg 34 using a variety of connecting mechanisms such as welding, fasteners, for example. Similarly, main frame 16 presents second top arm 44 connecting third leg 36 and fourth leg 38. Second top arm 44 connects third leg 36 and fourth leg 38 using a variety of connecting mechanisms such as welding, fasteners, for example. As can be seen, first top arm 42 mounts substantially parallel to first base arm 26 and second top arm 44 mounts substantially parallel to second base arm 28. Together with first leg 32, second leg 34, third leg 36, fourth leg 38, first base arm 26, second base arm 28 and third base arm 30; first top arm 42 and second top arm 44 form a base structure for exercise apparatus 12 for use as a workout apparatus and/or furniture. A person skilled in the art understands that first top arm 42 and second top arm 44 act as top arms of main frame 16. The first top arm 42 and the second top arm 44 form a pair of top arms 42, 44, each of the pair of top arms connecting respective pair of front legs and pair of rear legs, and are substantially parallel to each other. The top arms 42, 44 can be of a variety of shapes, however, in a preferred embodiment the top arms 42, 44 are cylindrical in shape so that a user gripping the arms 42, 44 (such as when doing a tricep dip exercise) will not have to grip any hard corners.
Each of first leg 32, second leg 34, third leg 36, and fourth leg 38 (and/or fifth leg 40 stores additional components for converting exercise apparatus 12 into a variety of workout or gym apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. This allows exercise apparatus 12 to utilize only that surface area already occupied by main frame 16 and saves space in a room. The first leg 32 and third leg 36 form a pair of front legs extending substantially perpendicular from the pair of base arms 26, 28 at the first end of the main frame 16. The second leg 34 and fourth leg 38 form a pair of rear legs extending substantially perpendicular from the pair of base arms 26, 28 at the end of the main frame 16. The first leg 32 and second leg 34 are substantially parallel to each other and are on the right side of the main frame 16. The third leg 36 and the fourth leg 38 are substantially parallel to each other and on the left side of the main frame 16.
As specified above, exercise apparatus 12 allows for use as furniture and workout apparatus. In order to use exercise apparatus 12 as furniture, exercise apparatus 12 presents first table top 72 and second table top 74. First table top 72 includes a platform or desk made of hard plastic, wood, metal or any other suitable material. First table top 72 presents a rigid or semi-rigid material having suitable strength and thickness. First table top 72 is capable of withstanding external pressure or weight of items including weight of user 14 without breaking or deformation. First table top 72 comes in a variety of shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, square, oval or any other shape depending on the need. In one example, edges of first table top 72 are rounded or provided in a curved manner to prevent user 14 from getting injured. Similarly, second table top 74 includes a platform made of hard plastic, wood, metal or any other suitable material. Second table top 74 presents a rigid or semi-rigid material having suitable strength and thickness. Second table top 74 is capable of withstanding external pressure or weight of items including weight of user 14 without breaking or deformation. Second table top 74 comes in a variety of shapes, including but not limited to, rectangular, square, oval or any other shape depending on the need. In one example, edges of Second table top 74 are rounded or provided in a curved manner to prevent user 14 from getting injured.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, user 14 uses second table top 74 as a chair or workbench for using exercise apparatus 12 as workout apparatus or as furniture, say as a dining table or work station, etc.
When not in use, user 14 removes U-section member 94 from telescopic members 48 and inserts into the hollow portion formed at first base arm 26 and second base arm 28 from first end 18 (not shown). A person skilled in the art understands that U-section member 94 mounts to first base arm 26 and second base arm 28 and utilizes only the surface area already occupied by first base arm 26 and second base arm 28 and saves space in a room.
In order to perform barbell press exercise, user 14 lies on his back on second table top 74 as shown in
In order to perform the lat pull-down exercise, user 14 holds hand grip 58 at the top as shown in
In one alternate embodiment, user 14 holds and pulls U-shaped bar 106 while ensuring that U-shaped bar 106 is stowed under first table top 72 and releases to strengthen his arms. Here, user 14 exercises by pulling and releasing U-shaped bar 106 along rails 104 to strengthen his arm muscles. When not in use, user 14 lifts U-shaped bar 106 and slides such that pins 108 reach closer to second end 20. Here, U-shaped bar 106 positions underneath first table top 72 as shown in
The presently disclosed exercise apparatus can come with various additional options, such as a mobile application designed to build a community, as is known in the art, and assist users with achieving optimal results with the help of instructors. A monitor may be placed on the apparatus when used as a desk. The monitor may be connected a computer that can show video on demand and live streaming exercise routines, and provide personal instructions while using the exercise apparatus. The instructors can be configured the same as equipment to mirror the user. Optionally, the exercise apparatus can be configured to calculate calories burned by the user exercising and vibrate the table to alert the user about when it is time to eat or alert them as to whether they are doing something that hurts their health. In such situations, instructors will be able to tilt the camera and swivel it to allow the user to use the space while keeping a connection with the instructor. Additional features may include integration with services that provide a snapshot of users with health statistics and may also include smart enable features such as counting pull ups, reps of bench press, amount of weight lifted, and the like.
Alternatively, the exercise apparatus can come with an option for use as a coffee table. Here, the coffee table operates like any ordinary coffee table, and rectangular to compliment a couch.
The embodiments provide for several advantages over the prior art. For example, One problem this invention solves is that it conserves space by combining a workout apparatus and a desk or table top, preventing a possible eyesore of exercise equipment in a bedroom or living room. As a desk, the furniture looks to the naked eye as an ordinary piece of furniture that keeps up with current design trends that appeal to the users' desire and presents a more professional appearance of an office space.
Another advantage is that the user can exercise in this area and avoid finding space for other products that must be stored in a closet or under a bed. The conversion from furniture to exercise equipment is quick and efficient.
Various kinds of gym quality exercises are integrated into the design of the furniture so that when the furniture is in its home state, it does not appear as exercise equipment, and/or the exercise parts will supplement the furniture.
The presently disclosed exercise apparatus allows for usage as furniture to place electronic device or use as a dining table, etc. Further, the exercise apparatus transforms into a gym equipment and configures into a different exercise apparatus allowing the user to perform different exercises with a single apparatus. The exercise apparatus is portable and allows for easy storage in a room. Depending on the need, the user may transform the exercise apparatus into a furniture or any other desired exercise apparatus to exercise or muscle building. The exercise apparatus stores all components within its own structure without occupying additional surface or ground area within a given room or office. This allows to efficiently utilize the space, more specifically the floor surface area, within a given environment, room or office while gaining the benefits of a furniture and/or gym equipment. The exercise apparatus provides a single apparatus that transforms into different exercise equipment and avoids use of expensive exercise apparatuses for performing different exercise as known in the art. The exercise apparatus is easy to assemble and disassemble by a single user. When not in use, the exercise apparatus allows for usage as a table for simply placing items such as desktop, clothes, accessories, etc. The presently disclosed exercise apparatus transforms and provides multi-purpose utility that combines exercise equipment with furniture to give an unprecedented home exercise experience to a user.
The exercise apparatus is relatively small when compared to expensive gym equipment. As such, the user can easily place the exercise apparatus at one place and use it as furniture and also as a workout apparatus for performing various exercises. A person skilled in the art understands that the exercise apparatus utilizes space efficiency, requires less resources and materials to manufacture, making less of an ecological or environmental impact on the earth's resources. The exercise apparatus can be manufactured more inexpensively than most exercise apparatuses and, therefore, be sold to users at a lower price point than many exercise apparatuses that are currently on the market. The presently disclosed exercise apparatus allows user to perform various exercises and build muscles at home itself without having to go to a gym. Further, when needed, he can simply transform the exercise apparatus into a furniture for use as a dining table, work station, etc. all the while utilizing the same space.
A person skilled in the art appreciates that the exercise apparatus may come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the need and comfort of the diner. Further, different materials in addition to or instead of materials described herein may also be used and such implementations may be construed to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, many changes in the design and placement of components may take place without deviating from the scope of the presently disclosed exercise apparatus.
While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.
While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the words that have been used are words of description and not of limitation. As is understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, a variety of modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the following claims, which should be given their fullest, fair scope.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/745,836, filed on Aug. 10, 2020 by Jack Duplechain. This patent application also claims benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/965,127, filed on Jan. 23, 2020 by Jack Duplechain. The contents of each are incorporated by reference their entireties, for all purposes.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20210228935 A1 | Jul 2021 | US |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 29745836 | Aug 2020 | US |
| Child | 17156623 | US |
