U.S. patent application number 12/313095 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-21 for compact fitness center for truck sleeper compartments.
Invention is credited to James A. Cole.
Application Number | 20090131230 12/313095 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40642589 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090131230 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cole; James A. |
May 21, 2009 |
Compact fitness center for truck sleeper compartments
Abstract
A compact fitness system that provides many of the aspects and
benefits of a weight training system that would be found in a gym,
including stacked weights, pulleys, cables, hand grips, supporting
structure, and a bench. The compact nature of the present fitness
system is such that it can easily fit into the sleeper compartment
of a modern over the road tractor trailer cab. The size of the
various components is scaled back in order to constitute a system
that can fit easily into a truck sleeper cab. Similar compact
fitness systems can be tailored to fit into other vehicles and
aircraft.
Inventors: |
Cole; James A.;
(Plaineville, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RICHARD L. BIGELOW
203 TREMONT STREET
NEWINGTON
CT
06111
US
|
Family ID: |
40642589 |
Appl. No.: |
12/313095 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60989463 |
Nov 21, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 2011/0003 20130101;
B60R 2011/0042 20130101; A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 21/0628
20151001; B60R 11/00 20130101; A63B 2225/72 20130101; A63B 2210/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/94 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06 |
Claims
1. A compact fitness system designed for installation and use in
the sleeper compartment of over the road trucks comprising: a.
stacked weights, b. pulleys, c. hand grips, d. cables, e. a base,
f. one or more vertical supports, g. one or more horizontal
supports, h. one or more front stabilizing brackets, i. one or more
guide rods, j. a lock down mechanism to hold the weights in place
during transit, and k. a "J" wedge stack stabilizer.
2. A compact fitness system as in claim 1 where the total weight of
the system is less than 300 lbs.
3. A compact fitness system as in claim 1 where the three
dimensional envelope of the system is between twenty and thirty
inches in length; between twenty and thirty inches in width; and
between five and six and a half feet high.
4. A compact fitness system as in claim 1 where the base, vertical
supports, horizontal supports, front stabilizing brackets, and
guide rods are made of lightweight metals such as aluminum or
titanium.
5. A compact fitness system as in claim 1 where the three
dimensional envelope of the system is twenty-four inches long by
twenty-four wide by five and a half feet high.
6. A compact fitness system as in claim 1 where the stacked weights
total between two hundred and two hundred fifty pounds.
7. A compact fitness system as in claim 1 where the system can be
secured to the floor of the sleeper compartment.
8. A compact fitness system as in claim 1 where the system can be
secured to the overhead of the sleeper compartment.
9. A compact fitness system designed for installation and use in
recreational vehicles, tour buses, and aircraft: a. stacked
weights, b. two or more pulleys, c. one or more hand grips, d.
cables, e. a base, f. two more vertical supports, g. one or more
horizontal supports, h. two front stabilizing brackets, i. a lock
down mechanism to hold the weights in place during transit, j. a
"J" wedge stack stabilizer, and k. two or more guide rods.
10. A compact fitness system as in claim 9 where the total weight
of the system is between 200 and 300 lbs.
11. A compact fitness system as in claim 9 where the three
dimensional envelope of the system is between twenty and thirty
inches in length; between twenty and thirty inches in width; and
between five and six and a half feet high.
12. A compact fitness system as in claim 9 where the base, vertical
supports, horizontal supports, front stabilizing brackets, and
guide rods are made of lightweight metals such as aluminum or
titanium or a strong lightweight composite material.
13. A compact fitness system as in claim 9 where the three
dimensional envelope of the system is twenty-four inches long by
twenty-four wide by five and a half feet high.
14. A compact fitness system as in claim 9 where the stacked
weights total between two hundred and two hundred fifty pounds.
15. A compact fitness system as in claim 9 where the system can be
secured to the floor of the vehicle or aircraft.
16. A compact fitness system as in claim 9 where the system can be
secured to the bulkhead or overhead of the vehicle or aircraft.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This non-provisional patent application claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/989,463 filed on Nov.
21, 2007.
FEDERAL RESEARCH STATEMENT
[0002] None
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to a compact fitness center and more
particularly to a fitness center that is compact enough to fit into
the sleeper compartment of an over the road tractor trailer while
still providing most of the weight training benefits of a standard
weight system. Applicant intends to market his invention under the
trade name RoadFit.TM.. For brevity's sake, the instant invention
shall be referred to as the RoadFit.TM. System in this
application.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0004] The prior art contains many examples of fitness devices that
can be used by truckers. However, virtually all of these devices
are simple systems that generally involve some type of elementary
fitness system that centers around exercises that are performed
while the truck driver is seated in his seat. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,159,133 to Shugg teaches a seat mounted workout system.
US Patent Application 20060194679 by Hatcher teaches another
seat-based exercise system. US Patent application 20060186638 by
Varner shows an external workout system that is mounted on the
exterior of the tractor. Finally, US Patent Application 20060287170
by Gerschefske teaches another portable workout system that a
trucker would have to set up and break down every time he or she
wanted to use it.
[0005] While the above referenced devices provide some degree of
fitness and strength training, they can in no way replicate the
benefits that are obtained by exercising and training with free
weights or weight machines. It is generally agreed that the optimum
fitness and strength is obtained through the use of free weights or
robust weight machines that incorporate stacks of weights. Clearly
the above referenced devices do not incorporate free weights or
stacks of weights in a machine and are therefore less than optimal.
The instant invention provides a compact fitness and strength
training center incorporating stacks of weights which can be
installed in the sleeper compartment of a tractor trailer and still
comply with any governmental restrictions on weight, stability, and
safety in the sleeper compartment.
[0006] While the RoadFit.TM. System has wide application in the
trucking industry, it can also be adapted to other mobile platforms
such as recreational vehicles, passenger and freight trains,
coastal and open ocean vessels, executive motor coaches, and even
executive jets. The instant invention is carefully designed to meet
all height, weight, clearance and stability objectives consistent
with the safe operation and storage of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed toward a compact fitness
system that provides many of the benefits of a weight training
system that would be found in a gym. The compact nature of the
present fitness system is such that it can easily fit into the
sleeper compartment of a modern over the road tractor trailer cab.
The device comprises many of the same type of stacked weights,
pulleys, hand grips, cables, rigid structure, modified bench, etc.,
that would be found in a gym or fitness center based system,
however, the size of the various components is scaled back in order
to constitute a system that can fit easily and securely into a
truck sleeper cab.
[0008] Over the road truckers experience a difficult life. Not only
are they away from their homes for extended periods of time, they
also experience a mostly sedentary life with little chance for
exercise or a more healthy life style. As a result many truckers
put on a considerable amount of excess weight and suffer many of
the maladies associated with excess weight including heart
problems, diabetes, poor circulation, bone and joint problems, etc.
Increased medical costs and diminished performance while driving
often occur as a result of these problems.
[0009] In addition to the sedentary and unhealthy life style, many
truckers have a considerable amount of time on their hands as a
result of regulations restricting the number of hours they can
drive. Most truckers can drive no more than eleven hours a day.
Even if they sleep a total of seven hours a day, that still leaves
some five waking hours a day with little more to do than to eat and
read, watch a video, converse with other truckers, maintain their
vehicles, access the internet, etc.
[0010] Applicant's invention provides a means whereby over the road
truckers can improve the quality of their physical fitness during
the free time they have during the day. Better physical fitness
results in a better quality of life for drivers, lower medical
costs for drivers and their companies, and more alert drivers on
the highway. One of the most attractive aspects of the RoadFit.TM.
System is that it can be used anywhere that the trucker parks--a
truck stop, a travel center, a rest area, a depot, along the side
of the road, or even when the trucker is parked at home. The
trucker doesn't have to search for a gym that is open when he or
she happens to come by or work his schedule around periods when
gyms are open.
[0011] The key to the RoadFit.TM. System is its size. While it
incorporates many of the features of a gym-based system, it is
compact enough to fit into open, yet unobtrusive space in a sleeper
compartment. For example, the RoadFit.TM. System could easily be
placed into the area in the sleeper compartment where cabinets are
currently situated. Generally, the maximum three dimensional
envelope of the device is approximately twenty-four inches long by
twenty-four inches wide by six and a half feet high. However, this
can be modified to fit the particular envelope that the individual
truck sleeper compartment presents.
[0012] Another key aspect of the RoadFit.TM. System is its total
weight. Since the system is designed to be installed in the sleeper
cab of an over the road tractor, it has to conform to weight and
stability specifications of the trucking industry and any
governmental regulations. It would be impractical and even somewhat
risky to have a 1,000 pound weight machine in the sleeper
compartment of a truck. Such a large system would render the truck
unstable and somewhat dangerous. However, a more constrained system
weighing on the order of 300 lbs would merely replicate the weight
of an additional driver or passenger. In light of the foregoing,
many of the structural components will be made of strong yet
lightweight materials such as aluminum or titanium. In addition,
the total amount of weight in the stack would be limited to about
200 lbs. The amount of weight in the stack can be varied to
accommodate any safety requirements and regulations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a frontal view of the compact fitness system 10
showing the stacked weights 20, pulleys 30, hand grips 40, cables
50, base 60, vertical supports 70, horizontal support 80, and front
stabilizing bracket and support 90.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the compact fitness
system 10 positioned behind the passenger's seat 75 in a truck cab
and in front of the bed 85 in the sleeper cab.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a cutaway side view of a truck cab and sleeper
compartment 100 showing the relative position of the compact
fitness center 10 in the sleeper compartment.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a closer view of the bottom bracket 60 of the
compact fitness center in the truck sleeper compartment showing the
manner in which it fits into the limited space in the
compartment.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a view of one method for using the compact
fitness center 10 where a trucker actually stands outside the truck
in order to use the compact fitness center.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention is directed toward a compact fitness
system that can easily fit into the sleeper compartment of a modern
over the road tractor trailer cab. The device comprises many of the
same type of stacked weights, pulleys, hand grips, cables, rigid
structure, modified bench, etc., that would be found in a gym-based
system, however, the size of the various components is modified and
generally reduced in size and weight in order to comprise a system
that can fit easily into a truck sleeper compartment and still
comply with any governmental regulations concerning additional
weight in the combined cab/sleeper compartment.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a frontal view of the RoadFit.TM.
System 10 is shown. The stacked weights 20 are of the type normally
found in gym-based systems with the exception of the fact that they
are somewhat smaller in size per unit in order to fit the reduced
size of the RoadFit.TM. System. The actual weights are made of
carbon steel or similar rugged metal or composite. Most of the
other components of the system are made of light weight metals in
order to minimize the overall weight of the system. For example,
the pulleys 30, cables 50, casings 55, base 60, vertical supports
70, horizontal support 80, and rear stabilizing bracket and support
90 would be made of aluminum or even titanium.
[0020] FIG. 1 also shows the relative configuration of the base 60,
vertical supports 70, horizontal support 80, and rear stabilizing
bracket and support 90. These base and vertical supports are much
closer together than would be evident in a standard gym-based
fitness system in order to meet the maximum envelope size of the
RoadFit.TM. System. In addition, the maximum height of the vertical
supports is 6.5 feet in order that it can fit unobtrusively into
the sleeper cab.
[0021] FIG. 1 also shows a key feature of the RoadFit.TM.
System--the rear stabilizing bracket and support 90. This support,
which is not normally found in a weight machines at a gym or
fitness center, is required in order to provide stability to the
overall system. It is designed to be affixed to the rear wall or
side wall of the sleeper compartment. These structures are designed
so that they can be firmly and solidly affixed to the floor and
overhead of the sleeper compartment. Some sleeper compartments may
require additional structure in the overhead and floor in order to
ensure solid and stable connections. Once the rear support is
affixed to the rear wall of the sleeper compartment it provides a
rigid and stable structure that the rest of the RoadFit.TM. System
can be affixed to in order to provide a rigid and stable fitness
system.
[0022] Another key feature of the RoadFit.TM. System is a lock down
mechanism (not shown) which is designed to hold the stack firmly in
place as the truck/sleeper compartment traverses the open road. The
lock down mechanism comprises a sleeve assembly that envelopes part
of the guide rod that go through holes in the stack weights. The
sleeve is generally made of light weight metal. A rubber gasket is
attached to the bottom of the sleeve assembly. This rubber gasket
engages the top of the stack weights. A cam lever attached to the
upper portion of the sleeve causes the sleeve to tighten around the
guide rod and also press down on the stack when the cam lever is
engaged.
[0023] Another key feature of the RoadFit.TM. System is the J wedge
stack stabilizer (not shown) which fits in between the stack
weights and the frame in order to reduce motion of the stack while
the truck/sleeper compartment is travelling over the road. The J
wedge stack stabilizer is made of flexible highly durable plastic
or composite.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the compact fitness
system 10 positioned behind the passenger's seat 75 in a truck cab.
This view shows the relative size of the compact fitness center
such that it fits between the passenger's seat and the bed 85.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a cutaway side view of a truck cab and sleeper
compartment 100 showing the relative position of the compact
fitness center 10 in the sleeper compartment 110.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a view of the bottom bracket 60 of the compact
fitness center 10 in the truck sleeper compartment showing the
manner in which it fits into the limited space in the compartment.
The bottom bracket 60 is composed of a plate and reinforcing bars
to which the vertical components of the compact fitness center are
firmly attached by welding or by using bolting. Similarly the
bottom bracket 60 is either welded or bolted to the floor of the
sleeper compartment.
[0027] While not shown in any figure, the upper portion of the
compact fitness center may be optionally affixed to the top of the
sleeper compartment or an optional upper stability bracket that is
welded or bolted to the overhead of the sleeper compartment. This
gives the compact fitness center more stability and adds to the
overall structural integrity of the truck and sleeper
compartment.
[0028] FIG. 5 shows a view of one method for using the compact
fitness center 10 where a trucker actually stands outside the truck
in order to use the center. The compact fitness center is so
comprised such that the trucker can either work out inside the
sleeper compartment or standing outside the cab as is shown in the
picture. The trucker use the compact fitness center from inside the
sleeper compartment in many different ways, such as while sitting
on the bed, while sitting on a small bench or stool in front of the
compact fitness center or even sitting on the floor.
[0029] The compact fitness center must make maximum optimum use of
lightweight materials (with the exception of the stack weights
themselves) in order to allow for the maximum amount of stack
weight and still meet the requirements of any governmental
regulations.
[0030] While the instant invention has been specifically designed
for installation and use in the sleeper compartments of over the
road trucks, it can be easily adapted to other vehicles such as
recreational vehicles, yachts, tour buses, passenger rail cars, and
even airplanes. In summary, the compact fitness system would find
applicability and usefulness in any type of travelling vehicle
where people are required to sit for extended periods of time and
have little opportunity to exercise and maintain muscle tone.
* * * * *