U.S. patent application number 09/866010 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-12 for multi-functional exercise apparatus.
Invention is credited to Liao, Chung-Min.
Application Number | 20020187885 09/866010 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25346737 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020187885 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liao, Chung-Min |
December 12, 2002 |
Multi-functional exercise apparatus
Abstract
This invention is about a multi-functional exercise apparatus,
whose main structure is comprised of one internal bar, two pulling
components, two rollers and two handlebars. Pairs of spring buttons
are positioned at the center and two ends of the internal bar,
which helps to connect the internal bar with pulling components and
handlebars with simplicity. While two rollers are attached to the
internal bar, they are sandwiched by the pulling components and the
handlebar. In addition, the extension of the bar sleeve of the
pulling component includes an elastic rope that has foot strap at
the other end and is used to secure feet to the apparatus. It is
important to point out that the rollers can be removed at will, and
the positions of the handlebar and the pulling components can be
exchanged with each other to some extent for maximum benefit.
Besides, the internal bar can be attached with a clamp for securing
onto the door panel. Because the above parts of the exercise
apparatus can be assembled freely, depending on different muscle
exercises needed, user can select various positions, such as
standing, kneeling, lying, and so on, and use different exercise
techniques, such as stretching, stepping, pressing, curling and leg
lifting, to exercise his/her arms and legs. Users can also obtain
maximum results and achieve effective physical workouts under the
principle of safe, versatile and simplicity of use features.
Inventors: |
Liao, Chung-Min; (Taichung,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHUNG-MIN LIAO
928 N. MARGUERITA AVE
ALHAMBRA
CA
91801
US
|
Family ID: |
25346737 |
Appl. No.: |
09/866010 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2208/0204 20130101;
A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 2208/0219 20130101; A63B 21/4015
20151001; A63B 2071/027 20130101; A63B 21/1663 20130101; A63B 22/20
20130101; A63B 2208/0252 20130101; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B
21/1645 20130101; A63B 21/1654 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/126 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A multi-functional exercise apparatus that includes: one
internal bar where numerous pairs of spring buttons are fixed for
the ease of attachment with other components; two pulling
components that includes bar sleeves used to connect the pulling
component to the above-mentioned internal bar, elastic ropes that
provide resistance forces, and foot straps that secure user's feet
to the apparatus; one or more rollers that can be attached to the
above-mentioned internal bar and its center rim edge can be
attached to the bar sleeves end of the pulling components to
provide rotation on the ground; two handlebars are connected to the
left and right sides of above-mentioned internal bar, and can be
attached to the center rim edge of the roller, providing user a
place to hold on.
2. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein
pairs of spring buttons in the internal bar can be positioned at
the center and at the ends; the containment of springs in each
spring buttons helps components with clipping holes to be connected
to the internal bar a snap-on action.
3. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein it
can be furnished with two rollers positioned at two sides of the
internal bar, and clipping holes on the rollers' center rim make
their attachment to the internal bar a snap-on action.
4. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
bar sleeve in pulling components can be furnished with two clipping
holes, and these clipping holes on the pulling components make it
easy to be connected to the internal bar.
5. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
foot straps contains hook and loop strips to provide users
conveniences for putting on and taking off.
6. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
bar body of handlebars can have clipping holes that corresponds to
the spring buttons on the internal bar; the handlebars can be
connected to the internal bar simply by snap on the spring buttons
on the internal bar onto the clipping holes on the handlebars.
7. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
roller can be taken off and make the exercise apparatus a weight
lifting exercise apparatus; user should first fasten foot strap
onto his/her feet, grasp the handlebars, stand up and perform
pressing and curling exercises.
8. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 7, wherein the
handlebars can also be positioned in the middle of internal bar,
while the pulling components can be positioned at two sides of the
internal bar, to provide a different way to weight lifting
exercise.
9. A multi-functional exercise apparatus consists of: one internal
bar where numerous pairs of spring buttons are fixed for the ease
of attachment with other components; two pulling components that
includes bar sleeves used to connect the pulling component to the
above-mentioned internal bar, elastic ropes that provide resistance
forces, and foot straps that secure user's feet to the apparatus;
one clamp that contain a U-shaped bracket, a screw, a bar sleeve;
this assembled structure requires user to place the U-shaped
bracket over the top or the bottom of the door panel and securing
it by tightening the screw, select an exercise position such as
standing or lying, secure feet to the foot straps and apply
exercise techniques such as kicking, stepping, to exercise
different muscles groups in legs, wrists, hips, abdomen, etc.
10. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein the
bar sleeve of the clamp can be furnished with pairs of clipping
holes that correspond to the spring buttons on the internal bar,
and these clipping holes on the bar sleeve make it easy for the
clamp to be attached to the internal bar.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to exercise apparatus, specifically
to such apparatus that provides easy assembling and changeable
characteristics. The user can select various positions, such as
standing, kneeling and lying, and utilize different exercise
techniques, such as stretching, stepping, pressing and curling, to
meet his/her various muscle exercise needs. Besides, the secure
strap design, and the characteristics of easy and safe operation
make it an innovative and practical invention.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] With the development of industry and commerce, economy
becomes more and more thriving and prosperous; as a result, people
today have less time for various outdoor sports. Consequently, the
health conditions of many middle-aged persons and even young people
are in the bad condition. The situation needs our special attention
because health is the wealth of a person, and citizens' health is
also an important index to a country. Therefore, in recent years,
to compensate for the shortage of sports facilities, countless
exercise apparatus are invented and developed, and the number of
fitness centers providing related apparatus and complete exercise
consultation services has increased dramatically.
[0003] There are many kinds of exercise apparatus on the market;
one often used in fitness centers is the roller exercise apparatus
shown as FIG. 12. It has a roller 71, and two side handlebars 72.
There is an elastic rope 73 at the end of each handlebar 72; the
elastic rope 73 is fixed at the back end of the knee pedestal 74.
When operating, the user kneels with both knees actually in contact
with the knee pedestal 74, and the user can hold onto both
handlebars 72. When pushing the rollers 71 forward, user can
naturally stretch out his/her body. Since the back end of the
elastic rope is fixed at the knee pedestal 74, the user must
overcome the resistance force of the elongated elastic rope 73
during exercising. So, through the repeated exercise, the user can
exercise various muscles. However, the exercise apparatus 70 still
has the following shortcomings:
[0004] 1. Because one end of the elastic rope is fixed on the
pedestal, user must keep his/her knees pressed down against
pedestal during the entire operation; otherwise, it is easy to make
the pedestal shoot off as a result of the resistance force from the
elongated elastic rope. The fact that user has to pay special
attention that his/her knees do not leave the ground can
significantly deteriorate one's exercising mood. To those with
better health conditions and those who want to stretch forward with
their knees above the ground, the effectiveness of exercising the
abdomen and leg muscle, in this case, will be relatively limited.
Moreover, if knees leave the ground during stretching progress, not
only will knees get hurt when they fall back to the ground, hands
can also get hurt due to the rapid resilient impact of the
pedestal. Obviously, apparatus 70 possesses some latent risks.
[0005] 2. Since the exercise apparatus 70 is a single constitution
design, the assembly of the structure cannot be changed or fixed in
any other way. Therefore, it is confined to only one way of
exercising. To the user, it is easy to get bored. Also, because
only certain part of body muscle will be exercised, the
effectiveness of this exercise apparatus is hence limited.
[0006] Thus, according to the shortcomings of the current
roller-type exercise apparatus, there is opportunity for great
improvement.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0007] Due to the above-mentioned cause, this multi-functional
exercise apparatus was invented based on the extensive study on
different exercise apparatus and on comprehensive ideas researched.
Providing simple assembling and changeable structure, the user can
select various positions, such as standing, kneeling, lying and so
on, and use different exercise techniques, such as stretching,
stepping, pressing and curling according to the needs of different
muscles and body weaknesses. Besides, the secure foot strap design
and easy safe operation make it highly effective and practical in
exercising.
[0008] The main purpose of the invention is to provide a
multi-functional exercise apparatus, which is comprised of an
internal bars, rollers, handlebars, pulling components and a clamp,
that is simple to assemble and provide versatile exercise
selections. Thus, versatility and simplicity of the exercise
apparatus can significantly improve the results of physical
fitness, and enhance relaxation and pleasure.
[0009] The second purpose of the invention is to provide a
multi-functional exercise apparatus, which has foot straps at the
end of its pulling components. With the removable hook and loop
strip in the design of the foot strap, the feet can be securely
strapped to the apparatus, which results in an increased operating
safety and more effective physical workouts. Accordingly, this is
an easy, safe and versatile exercise apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A number of advantages of the multi-function exercise
apparatus become evident:
[0011] 1. Multiple ways of exercising: since the exercise apparatus
applies simple assembling and easy alternating combination by
internal bar, rollers, handlebars, pulling components and clamp,
etc, the user can selectively assemble it and choose from many
exercise techniques according to his/her muscle exercise needs.
[0012] 2. Easy and safe operation: since the invention utilizes
hook and loop foot straps to secure feet with the apparatus,
exercising simply becomes easier and safer.
[0013] 3. Improved enjoyment and effectiveness: since the exercise
apparatus has many simple assembling features that can be utilized
in many different ways, it can bring users refreshing feeling and
increases the effectiveness of the physical workouts.
[0014] 4. Compact and easy to transport: since the exercise
apparatus is consisted of components that can be easily
disassembled, the size of the apparatus can be significantly
decreased during transportation.
[0015] In conclusion, the invention "multi-functional exercise
apparatus" can be simply assembled and easily changed to
accommodate various muscle groups and ability levels. User can
select many positions, such as standing, kneeling, lying, etc., and
do more exercises, like arm or leg lifting, stretching, stepping,
kicking, pressing and curling, to optimize muscle exercises.
Besides, the secure strap design, simplicity of use, easier and
safer operation features make it a highly practical and
cost-effective exercise apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0016] FIG. 1 is showing the appearance of the exercise
apparatus.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a partial 3D figure of the exercise apparatus.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a partial 3D disassembled figure of the exercise
apparatus.
[0019] FIG. 4 is showing the application of the exercise
apparatus.
[0020] FIG. 5 is another assembling and application illustration of
the exercise apparatus.
[0021] FIG. 6 is another assembling and application illustration of
the exercise apparatus.
[0022] FIG. 7 is another partial 3D assembled figure of the
exercise apparatus.
[0023] FIG. 8 is another partial 3D assembled figure of the
exercise apparatus.
[0024] FIG. 9.about.FIG. 11 are other three applications of the
exercise apparatus.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a 3D assembled figure of the traditional exercise
apparatus.
1 REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS A Exercise apparatus 11 Spring
buttons 10 Internal bars 22 Bar sleeve 20 Pulling components 23
Foot strap 21 Elastic rope 41 Clipping hole 221 Clipping hole 511
U-shaped bracket 231 Hook and loop strip 53 Bar sleeve 30 Roller 72
Handlebar 40 Handlebars 74 Knee pedestal 50 Clamp 51 Pedestal 52
Screw 531 Clipping hole 60 Door panel 70 Exercise apparatus 71
Rollers 73 Elastic rope 75 Clamp
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] FIG. 1 shows the appearance of the invention, the
multi-functional exercise apparatus (apparatus A). Apparatus A is
mainly comprised of one internal bar 10, two pulling components 20,
two rollers 30 and two handlebars 40 (FIG. 2 & FIG. 3).
[0027] Pairs of spring buttons 11 are positioned at the center and
at two ends of the internal bars 10 respectively. The containment
of the spring in each spring button 11 makes attachments of
components a snap-on, which provides an easy way to assemble and
disassemble the apparatus.
[0028] The pulling components 20, which can be connected to the
left and right ends of the internal bar 10, are comprised of bar
sleeves 22 with clipping holes 221 that corresponds to the spring
buttons 11 on the internal bar 10 and elastic ropes 21 with foot
straps 23. The pulling components 20 can be connected to the
internal bar 10 by snap-on the spring buttons 11 onto the clipping
holes 221 on the bar sleeves of the pulling components. The elastic
rope 21 is used to provide stretch resistance force.
[0029] The rollers 30 are positioned toward the center section of
the internal bar 10. Roller's center rim can be attached to the bar
sleevess 22 of the two pulling components 20 to allow roller
rotation on the ground.
[0030] Handlebars 40 can be positioned at left and right ends of
the internal bars 10 by snapping-on the spring buttons 11 that are
located at left and right ends of the internal bar 10 onto the
clipping holes 41 on the handlebars 40.
[0031] Using the above apparatus combination, user's feet can be
securely strapped with the foot strap 23, and the hands can hold
onto two handlebars 40. By employing the kneeling position, the
user can exercise muscles of arm, abdomen, wrist, etc, by
repeatedly forwarding and backwarding the body and extending and
retrieving two arms, and achieve easy, safe and effective
results.
[0032] FIG. 4 is an implementation example of the exercise
apparatus. The exercise apparatus A can also be used with kneeling
posture. First, feet should be secured with foot straps 23. The
foot straps 23 can securely strap user's feet by utilizing hook and
loop 231 mechanisms. Next, hold onto the handlebars 40 and slightly
open the legs to ensure the balance of the body. Then push the
apparatus A forward with two arms; the rotation of the roller will
provide a smooth ground movement of the apparatus A. While
different muscles must try to keep the balance of the body and
overcome the resistance force of the elongated elastic rope, these
muscles are effectively exercised. Since the foot straps 23 of the
pulling components 20 can securely strap the feet, the user can
choose to use kneeling posture or even choose to lift his/her knees
off the ground for a more rigorous abdomen muscles exercise. Thus,
when compared with the old design, apparatus A provides an extra
flexibility, more comprehensive and safer exercising operation.
[0033] FIG. 5 is another implementation example. Since, the
apparatus A can be put together in a number of ways, user can take
off two rollers 30 and make it an ordinary weight lifting device.
Besides kneeling posture, user can also exercise with apparatus A
in standing posture. First, user will secure both foot with two
foot straps 23. Next, hold onto two handlebars 40 then lift it up
and down. This will exercise different muscles in arms, chest,
abdomen, etc. In addition, the user can experience different arm
lifting exercise by positioning the two handlebars 40 at the center
of internal bar 10 and positioning the two pulling components 20 at
two endings of the internal bar 10.
[0034] FIG. 7 is partial 3D figure of apparatus A in an alternate
combination. The exercise apparatus A can also be attached with a
clamp 50, which has a U-shaped bracket 511, a screw 52 on one side
and two clipping holes 531 on the other side. Clamp 50 can be
attached to the internal bars 10 by snapping-on the spring buttons
11 that are located at center of the internal bar 10 onto the
clipping holes 531 on the clamp bar sleeve 53. Numerous ways of
exercising can be achieved (FIG. 8 to FIG. 11).
[0035] Among those, the clamp 50 can be positioned on the top of
the door panel 60 by sliding U-shaped bracket 511 onto the top of
the door panel 60. Tighten screw 52 to securely position the
apparatus A on the top of the door panel 60. Next, user will strap
his/her feet with foot straps 23 that are attached with the pulling
components 20. User can exercise muscles on wrists, waist, legs,
hips, etc., by utilizing exercise techniques such as stepping and
leg lifting.
[0036] In addition, the clamp 50 can also be positioned on the
bottom of the door panel 60, and the user can select the standing
position. After securing feet to the foot straps 23, the user can
perform curling and backward leg lifting. This will exercise the
muscles on arms, legs, wrists, and hips, etc. Not only limited to
that, the user also can select the lying position. After securing
feet to the foot straps 23, user can perform stepping and kicking
exercises in the air to achieve the same best exercise effects.
* * * * *