U.S. patent application number 12/228998 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-25 for wall-mounted home fitness training equipment.
Invention is credited to Darren Donofrio.
Application Number | 20100048368 12/228998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41696923 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100048368 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Donofrio; Darren |
February 25, 2010 |
Wall-mounted home fitness training equipment
Abstract
An overall fitness trainer and can be a wall mounted unit that
can utilize clip resistance bands as well as other techniques.
These bands generally clip on the unit and onto different handles,
bars and attachments to perform exercises. The unit can have a
removable/adjustable pull up bar, dip bar and seat. It also
includes a spring loaded, pull pin carriage that moves freely up
and down a vertical spine. This allows for easy adjustment of the
carriage and allows the user to attach the bands at multiple
angles, widths and levels. This in turn increases the number of
exercises the user can perform on the unit. The unit also typically
has an o ring that attaches through the arm of the pull up
attachment as well as a 1/2 O-ring at the bottom of the unit again
increasing the number of exercises the user can perform. The unit
can be attached to the wall with lag bolts into two or more studs.
Some embodiments of the invention have an adjustable swivel foot
that takes the stress off of the lag bolts and also adds to the
overall load capacity of the unit. The apparatus typically has an
optional telescoping central vertical spine that splits in two
pieces to make the unit easier to ship. The central vertical spine
allows attachments to be added and removed using spring loaded pins
or plunger pins. Various embodiments of the invention can have an
oscillating and telescopic bench, a dip bar, a seat, a knee
stabilizer and a foot rest. All of these accessories can be
attached and removed to the central spine adding to the versatility
and scope of exercises that can be performed.
Inventors: |
Donofrio; Darren;
(Plainfield, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CLIFFORD H. KRAFT
320 ROBIN HILL DR.
NAPERVILLE
IL
60540
US
|
Family ID: |
41696923 |
Appl. No.: |
12/228998 |
Filed: |
August 19, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/130 ;
482/131; 482/138; 482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4029 20151001;
A63B 21/00047 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 1/00 20130101;
A63B 23/1218 20130101; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 23/1227
20130101; A63B 21/169 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/130 ;
482/131; 482/138; 482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/04 20060101
A63B021/04 |
Claims
1. A wall mounted exercise unit comprising a single vertical spine
adapted to be mounted to at least one wall stud, said vertical
spine having a top and bottom end; a horizontal bar removably and
slidingly attached to said vertical spine, said horizontal bar
adapted for attachment of a plurality of accessories; an arm bar
removably and slidingly attached to said vertical spine, said arm
bar having arm rests and hold bars; an extension section attached
to the top of said vertical spine, said extension section extending
outward from said vertical spine, said extension section being
adapted for attachment of a plurality of accessories; a pull-up bar
removably attached to said extension section; and wherein, said
plurality of accessories includes at least one accessory chosen
from the group consisting of leg press, ankle cuffs, leg extension,
single handle, curl bar, bench, step, sling, plyo ball, baseball
bat, golf club, baseball and football.
2. The exercise unit of claim 1 further comprising a rigid yoke
attached to said extension section or said horizontal bar with at
least one elastic cord.
3. The exercise unit of claim 1 further comprising a pull handle
attached to said horizontal bar with at least one elastic cord.
4. The exercise unit of claim 1 wherein said vertical spine
includes at least one stud plate.
5. The exercise unit of claim 1 further comprising a seat removably
and slidingly attached to said vertical spine.
6. The exercise unit of claim 1 further comprising a backrest
attached to said arm bar.
7. The exercise unit of claim 1 further comprising a backrest
removably and slidingly attached to said vertical spine.
8. The exercise unit of claim 1, wherein said plurality of
accessories includes at least one device attached with an elastic
cord.
9. The exercise unit of claim 1 wherein said plurality of
accessories includes at least one ball.
10-11. (canceled)
12. The exercise unit of claim 1, wherein said vertical spine
comprises two parts.
13-16. (canceled)
17. A method of home fitness and exercise comprising the steps of:
attaching a vertical spine to wall studs on an interior wall;
removably attaching a sliding horizontal bar to said vertical
spine; removably attaching an arm bar to said vertical spine;
removably attaching an extension member to a top end of said
vertical spine; removably attaching at least one of a plurality of
accessories to either said horizontal bar, said vertical spine or
said extension member with an elastic cord: performing one or more
exercises using said at least one of said plurality of accessories,
wherein said plurality of accessories includes an accessory chosen
from the group consisting of leg press, ankle cuffs, leg extension,
single handle, curl bar, rope, bench, step, sling, plyo ball,
baseball bat, golf club, baseball, bench and football.
18-19. (canceled)
20. A wall mounted exercise unit comprising: a single vertical
spine adapted to be mounted to at least one wall stud, said
vertical spine having a top and bottom end; a horizontal bar
removably and slidingly attached to said vertical spine, said
horizontal bar adapted for attachment of a plurality of
accessories, each of said removable accessories being attached with
at least one elastic cord; an arm bar removably and slidingly
attached to said vertical spine, said arm bar having arm rests and
hold bars; an extension section attached to the top of said
vertical spine, said extension section extending outward from said
vertical spine, said extension section being adapted for attachment
of a plurality of removable accessories, each of said removable
accessories being attached with at least one elastic cord; a
pull-up bar removably attached to said extension section.
21. The wall mounted exercise unit of claim 20 wherein said
removable accessories include a baseball bat.
22. The wall mounted exercise unit of claim 20 wherein said
removable accessories include a golf club.
23. The wall mounted exercise unit of claim 20 wherein said
removable accessories include a baseball.
24. The wall mounted exercise unit of claim 20 wherein said
removable accessories include a football.
25. The wall mounted exercise unit of claim 20 wherein said
removable accessories include an ankle cuff.
26. The wall mounted exercise unit of claim 20 wherein said
removable accessories include a plyo ball.
27. The wall mounted exercise unit of claim 20 wherein said
removable accessories include a curl bar.
28. The wall mounted exercise unit of claim 20 wherein said
removable accessories include a single handle.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of home
exercise equipment and more particularly to a wall-mounted home
fitness unit with removable parts that adapts to numerous different
exercises.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] It is known in the art to provide exercise equipment into
the home which can be wall-mounted. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
4,339,125 teaches a single column exercising apparatus using a
stack of weights. U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,525 teaches a wall-mounted
shower exercise machine used for stretching muscles. U.S. Pat. No.
4,402,504 teaches an adjustable exercise device that uses a
two-ended cable for providing resistance to pulling. U.S. Pat. No.
6,328,679 teaches a wall-mountable device that uses a horizontal
hinge rod assembly with springs. U.S. published application
2001/0004624 teaches a body exerciser that leans against a wall.
U.S. published application 2003/0158024 teaches a door mounted
exercise device that allows pulling on bungee cords. None of these
prior art systems allow parts to be removed and exchanged for
different exercises. Also most of the prior art wall-mounted home
systems do not allow adjustment for different users and for causing
different muscles to be exercised. It would be advantageous to have
a wall-mounted, home exercise system that overcomes the
difficulties of prior art systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to an overall fitness trainer
and can be a wall mounted unit that can utilize clip resistance
bands as well as other techniques. These bands generally clip on
the unit and onto different handles, bars and attachments to
perform exercises. The unit can have a removable/adjustable pull up
bar, dip bar and seat. It also includes a spring loaded, pull pin
carriage that moves freely up and down a vertical spine. This
allows for easy adjustment of the carriage and allows the user to
attach the bands at multiple angles, widths and levels. This in
turn increases the number of exercises the user can perform on the
unit. The unit also typically has an o ring that attaches through
the arm of the pull up attachment as well as a 1/2 O-ring at the
bottom of the unit again increasing the number of exercises the
user can perform. The unit can be attached to the wall with lag
bolts into two or more studs with two being preferred. Some
embodiments of the present invention have an adjustable swivel foot
that takes the stress off of the lag bolts and also adds to the
overall load capacity of the unit. The present invention typically
has an optional telescoping central vertical spine that splits in
two pieces to make the unit easier to ship. The central vertical
spine allows attachments to be added and removed using spring
loaded pins or plunger pins. Various embodiments of the invention
can have an oscillating and telescopic bench, a dip bar, a seat, a
knee stabilizer and a foot rest. All of these accessories can be
attached and removed to the central spine adding to the versatility
and scope of exercises that can be performed. The present invention
is suitable for physical therapy/rehabilitation facilities,
commercial gyms and schools, as well as home use.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0006] Attention is directed to several figures that illustrate the
concepts of the present invention:
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention with several accessories attached.
[0008] FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 with several metal
accessories on the vertical spine.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0010] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 5 shows a user facing the unit performing an
exercise.
[0012] FIG. 6 shows a particular embodiment of a two-piece
spine.
[0013] FIG. 7 shows a detail of a removable horizontal bar.
[0014] FIG. 8 shows a detail of a removable arm bar.
[0015] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the invention with an ankle
cuff.
[0016] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the invention with a baseball
bat.
[0017] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the invention with a
baseball.
[0018] FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the invention with the bench
attached and extended.
[0019] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for
chest presses.
[0020] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for
chin-ups.
[0021] FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for
curls.
[0022] FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of the invention with a
football.
[0023] FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the invention with a golf
club.
[0024] FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of the invention with a plyo
ball.
[0025] FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for a
single curl.
[0026] FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for a
squat.
[0027] FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for a
tricep exercise.
[0028] Several drawings and illustrations have been presented to
aid in understanding the present invention. The scope of the
present invention is not limited to what is shown in the
figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The present invention relates to a wall-mountable home
fitness or exercise apparatus and method that allows a user to
perform numerous exercises on the same piece of equipment by simply
changing out accessory parts. The unit generally has a single rigid
central spine. A two inch rectangular steel channel is preferred;
however, any strong vertical member can be used. Onto this spine, a
group of removable accessories can be attached or removed at will.
Several different elastic cord attachments and attachment points
inject resistance into various exercises. At least the following
accessories can be used with the present invention: straight bar
with 1/2 O-ring and outer attachments, leg press, ankle cuffs, Ab
blaster/leg extension, single Handle, curl bar, rope, bench, step,
Ab slings, Plyo ball, boxing gloves w/sewn in D-ring, base ball bat
handle, golf handle, baseball/softball and football. It should be
noted that the abbreviation Ab means abdomen.
[0030] Turning to FIG. 1, a portion of a wall 1 and a floor 2 can
be seen. A vertical spine 3 is securely attached to the wall 1. At
the top of the spine 3, an outward hanging portion 10 allows
attachment of various items such as a bungie 19 and bar 15, a
boxing bag or punching bag, or other device. Further down the spine
3, a horizontal bar 7 is shown with a bungie 18 and hand pull 16.
Further down, a set of arm bars 6 and back rest 5 can be seen.
Still further down, a seat 4 is attached. Each of these attachments
shown can slide up and down on the spine 3. In addition, each
attachment or accessory can be removed using a pin or spring-loaded
pull pin, where the pin inserts in a hole 12 in the spine 3. In
particular, any of the accessories can be arranged vertically in
any order. The order shown in FIG. 1 is simply to illustrate a
particular configuration of the device.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 without the bungies.
Here several stud mounts or stud plates 14 can be seen. These are
typically chosen to reach between two studs so that secure mounting
can be made with a pair of lag bolts on each of these stud mounts
14. The embodiment of FIG. 2 has three stud mounts 14 vertically
along the spine 3. Shown also in FIG. 2 is a ring 11 attached to
the center of the horizontal bar 7.
[0032] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2. The
stud mounts 14 can be clearly seen against the wall 1. Each of the
attachments or accessories can have a partial or full channel to
fit around the spine 3. The seat has a channel 8; the arm bar a
channel 12; the horizontal bar has a channel 13. The top extension
10 can also be removed vertical from the spine 3. In FIG. 3, the
ring 11 on the horizontal bar can be seen as well as a ring or
half-ring 17 on the top extension 10. Other rings or attachments
may be built into various accessories.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a straight-on front view of the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-3. The stud mounts 14 can be seen. It should be noted that
the stud mounts 14 can be of any length to fit any types of studs
or to attach to more than two studs. While two studs are preferred
for strength and ease of mounting, any number of studs is within
the scope of the present invention. FIG. 4 also shows a pull-up bar
9 mounted to the top of the unit onto the top extension 10 (see
FIGS. 1-3).
[0034] FIG. 5 shows a stick-figure user performing one particular
exercise. It should be noted that the apparatus and method of the
present invention allows numerous different exercises to be
performed. A complete list of exercises supported by the present
invention can be found at the end of this disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows a detail of a particular embodiment and
realization of the vertical spine 3. This particular embodiment
allows the spine 3 to be split into an upper part 3a and a lower
part 3b for ease of packing and shipping. The two parts of the
spine can be coupled together with bolts for strength or by any
other strong coupling method. The particular embodiment shown in
FIG. 6 has dimensions to aid in the understanding of the invention.
These dimensions are for example only; any dimensions are within
the scope of the present invention. These are preferred dimensions;
however, many different dimensions may be used. In this particular
example, both the top and bottom half-spines are 36 inches long.
Each has holes 2 inches apart, and each hole is 0.44 inch in
diameter.
[0036] FIG. 7 shows a detail of an embodiment of the horizontal bar
7. Here a partial channel 20 allows it to be inserted and removed
from the vertical spine 3 (shown in FIG. 2). A spring-loaded pull
pin 23 allows the bar 7 to be moved vertically along the spine 3
and to be removed. Each end of the bar 7 has attachment points 22
for bungies or other exercise accessories. The center of the bar 7
can be optionally equipped with a half-ring 21 and a full ring
11.
[0037] FIG. 8 shows a detail of an embodiment of an arm bar 6. The
bar 6 can have flat plates 15 which can hold pads or soft rolls to
protect the arm. A half channel 25 allows attachment and removal
from the spine 3 (see FIG. 2). Fittings 24 can hold vertical
handles.
[0038] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the invention with an ankle
cuff 26. Here the user stands and can pull the cuff 26 against a
bungie. FIG. 10 shows an embodiment with a baseball bat 27. A
standing user can swing the bat 27 into a bungie. FIG. 11 shows a
baseball 39 attached to a bungie. A standing user can practices
throwing the ball 39 against the force of the bungie. FIG. 12 shows
an embodiment of the invention fully benched. A seat 29, back 28
and legs 30 from a sitting bench that can be used in many exercises
or with weights. The back 28 and seat 29 can be adjusted both in
angle and height. FIG. 13 shows an arrangement of the device set up
for chest presses. A bar 31 can be pressed outward against a
bungie. FIG. 14 shows an arrangement set up for chin-ups. A
standing user can chin themselves vertically on the bar 9. FIG. 15
shows a set up for curls using the bar 32. FIG. 16 shows an
embodiment of the invention with a football 33. A standing user can
pass the football 33 against the force of the bungie. FIG. 17 shows
a set up with a golf club 34. Here an individual can swing the club
34 into the force of the bungie. FIG. 18 shows a set up with a plyo
ball 35. The user can manipulate the ball 35 against the force of
the bungie. FIG. 19 shows a set up for a single curl using a hand
grip 18 that works against the force of a bungie. FIG. 20 shows an
embodiment of the invention set up for squats. A strap 36 and pad
37 allow the user to perform squats. FIG. 21 shows a setup with a
special handle 38 for a tricep exercise.
[0039] The present invention forms a complete system that can
accommodate numerous exercises by simply changing the arrangement.
The frame can mount simply to the wall in a garage, house or other
building.
[0040] Several descriptions and illustrations have been presented
to aid in understanding the present invention. One skilled in the
art will realize that numerous changes and variations are possible
without departing from the spirit of the invention. Each of these
changes and variations is within the scope of the present
invention.
List of Exercises Supported by the Present Invention
Chest Exercises
[0041] 1 Arm Standing Chest Press w/ Handle [0042] Standing Chest
Press w/ Straight Bar [0043] Close Grip Bench Press Curl Bar [0044]
Standing Chest Fly w/ Handles [0045] Seated Incline Bench Press
Straight Bar [0046] Seated Incline Bench Fly w/ Handles [0047]
Seated Bench Press w/ Straight Bar [0048] Seated Bench Press w/
Handles [0049] Seated Bench Flies w/ Handles [0050] Dips on Dip Bar
attachment [0051] Single Arm Chest Fly w/ Handle Perpendicular to
Machine [0052] 2 Handled Chest Squeeze [0053] Pullovers w/ handles
or straight bar [0054] Cable Cross Over Handles [0055] Elevated
Resistance Push Ups (Feet on Bench)
Back Exercises
[0055] [0056] High Standing Row Straight Bar [0057] Reverse Grip
High Standing Row Straight Bar [0058] One arm high row handle
[0059] One arm low row handle [0060] Straight Arm Pull Downs
Straight Bar [0061] Low Pulley Row sitting on Step Handle or
Straight Bar [0062] Wide Handled Reverse Fly Handles [0063] Seated
One Arm Pull Down Handle [0064] Seated Pulldown Straight Bar [0065]
Wide Bent Over Row Straight Bar [0066] Good Mornings Straight Bar
or Rope [0067] Pull Ups [0068] Chin Ups [0069] Back Hyper
extensions [0070] Lat Pull Over on Bench Handles
Biceps
[0070] [0071] Standing Curls Straight Bar [0072] Standing Curls
Curl Bar [0073] 1 Arm Alternating Standing Curl Handles At multiple
angles [0074] 2 Arm Standing Curls Handles [0075] 1 Arm Hammer Curl
[0076] 1 Arm Handled Concentration Curl [0077] High Handled Curl
[0078] High Curl Bar [0079] Seated Curl Back To Machine [0080]
Incline Handled Curl
Triceps
[0080] [0081] Push Downs Curl Bar [0082] Push Downs Straight Bar
[0083] Push Downs Rope [0084] Incline French Presses Curl Bar or
Handles [0085] Flat French Presses Curl Bar or Handles [0086]
Reverse Grip Pushdowns Curl Bar [0087] 1 Arm Seated Tricep
Extensions [0088] 1 Arm Handled Reverse Grip Pushdown [0089]
Standing Tricep Extension Back To Machine Rope/Curl Bar [0090] 1
Arm Kick Backs Handle [0091] 2 Arm Kick Backs Facing Machine Curl
Bar [0092] Dips [0093] Bench Dips [0094] Cross Body Tricep
Extension Handles [0095] Close Grip Bench Press Bar
Shoulders
[0095] [0096] Seated Shoulder Press Bar [0097] 1 Arm Handled
Shoulder Press [0098] 1 Arm Handled Arnold Shoulder Press [0099]
Upright Rows Bar [0100] Upright Rows Handle [0101] 1 Arm Handled
Lateral Raises [0102] 2 Arm Straight Bar Frontal Raises [0103] 1
Arm Handled Frontal Raises [0104] Bent Over Flies Handled [0105]
Handled External Shoulder Rotation [0106] Handled Shoulder Rotation
Lying Down [0107] Standing Military Press Bar [0108] Handled
Internal Shoulder Rotation [0109] Shrugs Bar [0110] Elevated Push
Ups W/ or W/O Band Resistance
Legs
[0110] [0111] Squat Bar W/ Resistance [0112] Squat In U-Can Squat
Belt [0113] 1 Legged Squat In U-Can Squat Belt [0114] Squats W/
Handled Resistance [0115] Lunges Bar [0116] Lunges Handled
Resistance [0117] Standing Leg Curls [0118] Toe Raises In U Can
Squat Belt [0119] Toes Raises Bar/Handles [0120] Straight Leg Dead
Lift Bar [0121] Standing Leg Curl Ankle Strap [0122] Standing Leg
Kick Ankle Strap [0123] Standing Knee Ups Ankle Strap [0124] Lying
Down Single Leg Raise Ankle Strap [0125] Lying On Side Single Leg
Raise [0126] Leg Raises Incredi-ab Attachment/Ankle Strap [0127]
Standing Leg Abductor Ankle Strap [0128] Twisting Leg Raises on Dip
Attachment [0129] Seated Leg Extensions Incredi-ab or Ankle Strap
[0130] Standing Leg Adductor Ankle Strap
Abs
[0130] [0131] Crunches On Knees Facing Unit Rope [0132] Resistance
Crunches on Bench Rope/Multiple Angles [0133] Crunches With
Exercise Ball and Band Resistance [0134] Hanging Leg Raises Pull Up
Bar [0135] Knee Ups Sitting on Bench Incredi-ab Attachment [0136]
Oblique Knee Ups on Bench Incredi-ab Attachment [0137] Bridged Leg
Lifts Ankle Strap [0138] Russian Twist Medicine Ball &
Resistance Bands [0139] Diagonal Chops Medicine Ball &
Resistance Bands [0140] Forward Facing Chops Medicine Ball &
Resistance Bands [0141] Standing Arm Rotation Handle [0142]
Standing Rotational Chops Ball Handle [0143] Captain's Chair
Exercise on Dip Bar Back Support [0144] Resistance Side Bends
[0145] Seated Ab Twist
Sports Specific
[0145] [0146] Baseball Throw [0147] Softball Throw [0148] Football
Throw [0149] Golf Swing [0150] Baseball Swing [0151] Boxing Punch
Training Gloves w/ D Ring [0152] Heavy Bag Station Attach Bag to
Pull Up Arm [0153] Kicking Training Ankle Bands
* * * * *