U.S. patent application number 12/383799 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-30 for attachments and accessories for a collapsible exercise device.
Invention is credited to Bryan Scott Myers.
Application Number | 20100248911 12/383799 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42784995 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100248911 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Myers; Bryan Scott |
September 30, 2010 |
Attachments and accessories for a collapsible exercise device
Abstract
An exercise device accessory package comprised of stabilizing
attachments and accessories for a collapsible exercise device. A
set combination of extension bars, cables and grips provide
strength and support for increased weight and resistance. The
accessory attachments may include push pins for securing the
additional attachments. New contoured weights offer unique
advantages for this type of exercise device in that they mount
outboard the existing seat slide and are contoured to match the
elongated seat slide. The added elongated weights are designed to
evenly distribute the weight throughout the seat slide to avoid
being centered in any one single point along the exercise devices
slide frame. This combination of attachments increases the
resistance and stability for lower body exercises. The stabilizing
attachments and accessories may also include permanent hand grips
that pivot 90 degrees to accommodate stability when in use and for
storability when not in use.
Inventors: |
Myers; Bryan Scott; (Fort
Worth, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Bryan Myers
14613 Chimney Meadow # 115
Fort Worth
TX
76155
US
|
Family ID: |
42784995 |
Appl. No.: |
12/383799 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/96 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0628 20151001;
A63B 23/0405 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 21/154 20130101;
A63B 21/068 20130101; A63B 21/0622 20151001; A63B 21/078
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/96 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/068 20060101
A63B021/068 |
Claims
1. A collapsible exercise device accessory package, comprising A
set of horizontal and vertical support members; having U-shaped
connectors on one end and open slotted on the opposite end for
connecting to an existing Total Gym accessory. Two separate height
adjustable bars with push pin inserts support the Total Gym from
the rear floor support base. Two horizontal telescoping stabilizer
bars insert inside the rear floor base support for tilt stability.
The support members will connect with the U-shaped connectors to
the Total Gym rear floor base support and on the opposite end to
the Total Gym aerobic leg press platform. The extension of the
Total Gym Tower addition offers additional resistance.
2. A collapsible exercise device leg press foot platform extension
bar to support additional weight. The restraining cable or bar
attaches to the 45 degree extension bar for stability and is
foldable when not in use. The extension cable or extension bar are
attached to the forward floor base at one end and secured on the
opposite end to the 45 degree extension bar. The leg press foot
platform is equipped with the addition of a removable calf raise
platform.
3. A collapsible exercise device accessory package comprising a set
of multi-sized contoured weights that mount alongside the slide
rail with hand grips for ease of handling and adjustable hand grips
mounted and aligned on either side of the Total Gym seat slide; the
hand grips have adjustable positioning pins to accommodate user
preference with the handles aligned along the long axis of the seat
slide and pivot 90 degrees at the center for storability.
4. A collapsible exercise device accessory package, with removable
and adjustable hand grips as claimed in claim 3.
5. A collapsible exercise device accessory package, where a leg
press extension bar is attached to the existing Total Gym leg press
foot platform as claimed in claim 3. The leg press extension bar
attaches to pivoting mounts on the back side of the existing Total
Gym leg press foot platform.
6. A collapsible exercise device accessory, with a leg press
extension bar restraining cable and bar as claimed in claim 3 that
attaches on one end to the Total Gym forward base floor support
cross member loop weld and on the opposite end to the leg press
extension bars lower base floor cross member loop weld.
7. A collapsible exercise device accessory as a package claimed in
claim 2 wherein both the leg press extension bar and restraining
cable are removable.
8. A collapsible exercise device accessory package, wherein the
existing Total Gym leg press foot platform is secured to the Total
Gym female coupling ends by push pins as claimed in claim 2.
9. A collapsible exercise device accessory package, comprising a
raised calf raise foot platform as claimed in claim 2 with
protruding notches on the bottom side for connecting to the Total
Gym leg press foot platform.
10. A collapsible exercise device accessory package, wherein the
raised calf exercise platform is removable as claimed in claim
2.
11. A collapsible exercise device accessory package, comprising of
contoured weights, as claimed in claim 3 that mount along the long
axis of the seat slide; the weights have positioning holes on
either end for mounting on weight support bars positioned through
existing Total Gym seat slide weighs support bar holes.
12. A collapsible exercise device accessory package, wherein the
contoured weights are equipped with hand grips as claimed in claim
3.
13. A collapsible exercise device accessory package; wherein the
contoured weights are provided in multiple sizes and shapes as
claimed in claim 3.
14. A collapsible exercise device accessory package, further
comprising two permanently installed tilt stability telescoping
bars as claimed in claim 1; the tilt control telescoping bars are
mounted inside either end of the "Total Gym's" rear floor base
support member; the tilt control telescoping members extend outward
and horizontally from inside the Total Gym's rear floor base
support member.
15. A collapsible exercise device accessory package wherein the
`Total Gym" tower is extended as claimed in claim 1 vertically to
offer additional height resistance levels.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention(s) relates to attachments that support
newly invented accessories for a collapsible exercise device. The
present invention(s) relates to attachments and accessories wherein
the exerciser adds additional weight to the existing exercise
device to gain additional muscle growth in the lower body. It is
also proven that greater upper body growth can be achieved with the
same invention(s).
DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING AND PATENTED COLLAPSIBLE EXERCISE DEVICE
ART
[0002] This collapsible exercise device invention "Total Gym" was
patented by Engineering Fitness International, Inc. This "Total
Gym" model is currently on the market and being sold via American
Telecast infomercials. This exercise devise is endorsed and
demonstrated by "Chuck Norris and Christi Brinkley".
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0003] This invention relates to additional attachments and
accessories for the Engineering Fitness International, Inc (EFI)
"Total Gym" collapsible exercise device that are designed for
increasing resistance and weight capacity for lower body muscle
development. The simple positioning of stabilizing attachments will
allow the exerciser to increase the weight capacity and resistance
of the Total Gym. It's proven that added upper body muscle
development can also be achieved. The attachments provided may
comprise horizontal and vertical joining bars that connect to and
without altering existing "Total Gym" accessories. Combining and
utilizing "Total Gym's" existing accessories with the added
stabilizing attachments reduces cost and adds value. The purpose is
to allow for `Total Gym's" existing accessories to become
multi-functional. The added horizontal stabilization bars affix to
the Total Gym's rear floor base cross member and connect on the
opposite end to the Total Gym's existing and now multi-functional
aerobic leg press accessory. This leg press accessory can then be
repositioned and used for a second purpose. Two vertical
stabilization bars then affix to the end of the existing Total Gym
aerobic leg press accessory to provide mid point stability
underneath the Total Gym frame. This allows the exerciser to add a
significant amount of weight without jeopardizing the structural
integrity of the Total Gym. The existing Total Gym leg press foot
platform will not be replaced, but becomes multi-functional by
adding a single stabilizing extension bar. An attachable and
foldable 45 degree extension bar is attached to the foot platform
that extends to the floor providing added stability and support to
the exerciser during leg press exercises. A single woven flex cable
is added and extends from the base of the 45 degree extension bar
and back to the existing forward floor support bar to affix the 45
degree extension bar in place. The leg press foot platform may
include a raised calf exercise accessory for additional lower leg
exercises. The development of unique and contoured weight devices
are designed to replace the standard round weight plates. The new
contoured weights run parallel to and outboard the seat slide. The
weight's are then mounted on separate existing weight support bars
running through the existing upper and lower seat slide ports. The
linear design of the weights allows the exerciser to add weight
without concern for clearance between the weights and the floor.
Two adjustable hand grips are added on either side of the seat
slide to allow the exerciser to hold and pull in unison the seat
slide and added weight plates during leg press exercises. The
convenience of six pull pins may be incorporated to enhance the
exercisers ease of attaching and detaching the additional
accessories. The combined uses of the attachments prove to increase
the strength, weight capacity and resistance capacity of the Total
Gym, making it appealing to a much larger market. As a result,
additional exercise techniques are now possible for lower body
muscle development. When not in use, the accessory devices are
detachable and foldable to allow for easy storage. This being one
of EFI's "Total Gym" marketing and selling points to the home gym
market.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A problem associated with the current weight and resistance
capacity of the `Total Gym" is a lack of lower body muscle growth
potential. While the "Total Gym" offers many effective upper body
exercises, the same cannot be said for that of the lower body
exercises. The "Total Gym" does prove to offer sufficient upper
body resistance exercises by combining both body weight and seat
slide angle. Because the typical person's lower body is
exponentially stronger than the upper body, the "Total Gym" does
not allow for adding a sufficient amount of weight or resistance
for a person to gain any substantial or equivalent growth in the
lower body. To gain this balance between upper and lower body
muscle growth, a person would be faced with purchasing a
traditional leg press machine or squat bar system to accomplish
this. This defeats the "home gym" concept and may require a person
to purchase a secondary weight lifting system at a much higher
price than that of the `Total Gym". Many of which are too
expensive, large and heavy to place in the home setting. This alone
negates the purpose of the light weight, collapsible and easily
stored "Total Gym" concept. Short of purchasing a secondary lower
body exercise system, a person may have to join a fitness club to
gain access to these types of secondary machines; thus defeating
the advantages and purpose of owning a collapsible and storable
in-home exercise machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the existing Collapsible
Exercise Device (U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,955) et al, "Total Gym".
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a device in which the
present inventions are attached to the existing and patented
collapsible exercise device;
[0007] FIGS. 3 and 3a is a top and oblique view of the horizontal
extension bar devices;
[0008] FIGS. 4 and 4a is a top and oblique view of the adjustable
vertical extension bar devices in the collapsed and storable
position;
[0009] FIGS. 5 and 5a is a top and oblique view of the adjustable
vertical extension bar devices in the upright and fixed
position;
[0010] FIGS. 6 and 6a is a top and oblique view of the adjustable
and foldable hand grip devices attached to the seat slide;
[0011] FIGS. 7 and 7a is a front view of the 45 degree foot
platform support bar device;
[0012] FIGS. 8 and 8a is a front view of the 45 degree support bar
device in the extended and folded position;
[0013] FIGS. 9 and 9a is a front view of the foot platform
restraining cable device;
[0014] FIG. 9c is a front view of the alternate foot platform
restraining bar device;
[0015] FIGS. 10 and 10a is a front view of the foot platform
extension bar device and push pin devices;
[0016] FIGS. 11 and 11a is a top view of the contoured weight plate
devices;
[0017] FIGS. 12 and 12a is an oblique view of the contoured weight
plate devices mounted onto the seat slide;
[0018] FIG. 13 is a top and oblique view of the tilt control bar
devices;
[0019] FIG. 14 is a side view of the attachable calf raise foot
platform device;
[0020] FIG. 15 is a front view of the raised "Total Gym" tower
option;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiments of the invention(s), examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1, shows the
existing and patented collapsible exercise device, "Total Gym" that
includes identification of all points of the device that are
necessary for explaining and illustrating their relationship to the
newly invented attachments and accessories. The existing components
of the Total Gym are listed: Rear Floor Base A, Aerobic Leg Press
Accessory B, Under Carriage Slide Frame Cross Member C, Leg Press
Foot Platform D, Forward Floor Base E, Female Insert Ports F, Weigh
Support Bars G, Seat Slide H and Seat Slide Rails I.
[0022] FIG. 2, shows all invented devices attached and in the
operational position on the Total Gym collapsible exercise
device.
[0023] FIG. 3-3a, the horizontal extension bar devices 1 utilize
U-shaped ends 2 that attach to the exercise device's rear floor
support base A in FIG. 1 for stability and are affixed with two
push pins through push pin holes 3. Two female insert positions 4
are designed for connecting with the total gym accessory B. The
horizontal extension bar devices 1 are affixed at one end to the
Total Gym rear floor support base A and on the opposite side with
the now multi-functional Total Gym accessory B. A feasible and
alternative method of attaching the Total Gym accessory B to the
rear floor support base A would be a telescoping extension option
that would place the horizontal extension bar devices 1 inside the
Total Gym accessory B extensions that would slide in and out for
connecting with the Total Gym rear floor support base A and hidden
when being used for its original purpose as an aerobic leg press
accessory B.
[0024] FIG. 4-4a, the vertical and adjustable extension bar device
5 that folds and affixes to the total gym accessory B and folds for
storage. The vertical and adjustable extension bar device may also
be designed as a permanent fixture of the total gym accessory B,
making it a foldable and single piece accessory that affixes to
itself.
[0025] FIG. 5-5a, depicts the vertical extension bar device 5
pivoted to the upright position for attaching to and supporting the
underneath side of the cross bar C, FIG. 1, of the Total Gym
collapsible exercise device. The vertical extension bar device 5
prevents the exercise device from bending at its center point when
additional free weights are added to the exercise device. The
vertical extension bars 5 have one cross section bar 23 that joins
them FIG. 5. The vertical extension bar device is height adjustable
by utilizing push pins and the respective height control ports 21.
The purpose is to accommodate the design of the multiple height
resistance positions of the Total Gym collapsible exercise
device.
[0026] FIG. 6-6a, the hand grips 7 will attach directly to the
total gym seat slide H on either side to offer the exerciser the
ability to keep the movement of the seat directly proportionate to
that of the lower body squat exercise. The hand grips 7 adjust and
can be positioned higher or lower on the seat slide frame H to
accommodate a variety of exerciser body and arm lengths.
Repositioning the hand grips 7 is accomplished by using push pins
that insert into adjustment ports along the sides of the Total Gym
seat slide frame H. The hand grips 7 will pivot 90 degrees towards
the bottom of the seat slide H for storage and while the exerciser
is utilizing the total gym for upper body exercises.
[0027] FIG. 7-7a, the leg press extension bar 10 is attached at one
end to the total gym's leg press foot platform D. The leg press
extension bar swivels from the leg press foot platform D at the
swivel mounts 9 that are attached to the back of the leg press foot
platform D. While in use the lower end of the 45 degree extension
bar 10 will extend outward FIG. 7-7a, and firmly against the floor
for added strength and stability during leg press exercises.
[0028] FIG. 8-8a, the 45 degree support bar 10 can be folded and
extended from the back side of the leg press foot platform D usage
and storage purposes.
[0029] FIG. 9-9a, the leg platform restraining cable 11 is designed
to keep the 45 degree support bar 10 from pivoting beyond its firm
placement on the floor. The restraint cable 11 is affixed at one
end to the base of the 45 degree support bar 10 and on the opposite
end to the forward floor base E of the Total Gym collapsible
exercise device. Each end of the restraining cable 11 is affixed
with adjustable and releasable latches 12 that affix to permanent
loop welds on both the 45 degree support bar 10 and the forward
floor base E. The restraining cable 11 is designed to keep the 45
degree support bar 10 in position during use. The 45 degree support
bar 10 renders the existing leg press foot platform D as a
multi-use accessory. The addition of a removable single calve raise
exercise accessory 17 is connected to the front of the leg press
foot platform D.
[0030] FIG. 9c, depicts the alternate option to the leg platform
restraining cable. The restraining cable 11 is replaced with a
solid flat metal restraining bar 13. The solid flat metal
restraining bar 13 is attached at one end to the forward floor base
E and on the opposite end to the bottom of the 45 degree support
bar 10. Both ends are attached to the same loop welds as that of
the return restraining cable 11.
[0031] FIG. 10-10a, depicts the two push pins 14 that affix the leg
press foot platform D to the forward floor base E. This keeps the
leg press foot platform D from dislodging and slipping away from
its fixed position. The push pins 14 are inserted through two holes
positioned outward the female insert ports F. The push pins 14 can
be removed and the leg press platform D released for times when the
Total Gym collapsible exercise device is in the folded and storable
position.
[0032] FIG. 11-11a, depicts the invention of contoured weights 15
that are designed specifically for use with the Total Gym
collapsible exercise machines and "like" machines. The design of
the contoured lifting weights is multi purpose. The current design
of this type of exercise device does not readily accommodate
additional weight. Due to a lack of center strength on the slide
rails I in FIG. 1, adding traditional round weights poses a
challenge to the structural integrity of the exercise device.
[0033] FIG. 12-12a, the contoured lifting weights 15 are designed
to be mounted on either side of the seat slide H by two weight
support bars G that run underneath and through the upper and lower
portion of the seat slide H. Weight support bars G are currently
sold as accessories, and included in this invention will be the
requirement for inner collars 6 to be affixed FIG. 2, to each of
the four ends of the weight support bars G. This restricts movement
of the weight support bars G while the Total Gym collapsible
exercise device is in use. The invented elongated contoured weight
plates 15 allow for dispersing the added weight evenly FIG. 11-12,
and throughout the length of the seat slide H. Unlike traditional
round weights, the elongated weight plates 15 put less pressure on
the center portion of the exercise device. The elongated weight
plates 15 have holes on either end FIG. 11-12, for inserting and
mounting on the weight support bars G. A standard spring latch 6 is
then placed on the outer side of the contoured weight plate 15 and
on the weight support bar G to keep the contoured weight plate 15
from sliding off of the exercise device. The contoured weight
plates will range in weight from 10 lbs to 50 lbs in increments of
5 lbs. The elongated weights 15 are easier for the user to handle
than traditional round weights. The contoured weight plates 15
consist of solid metal and covered with a soft coating for
protection. Each contoured weight plate 15 having one hand grip
insert 20, FIG. 11-12 on one end allows the exerciser the ability
to handle the contoured weight plates 15 and minimizes the chances
of dropping the weights. The concept of the collapsible exercise
device is ideal for the contoured weight plates 15. While the
exercise device is in the folded and storable position the
contoured weights can be stored in a similar fashion. The contoured
weight plates 15 require very little space and can be stored in a
closet or next to a wall in the upright position. This allowance
continues the concept of the collapsible exercise device.
[0034] FIG. 13, depicts two telescoping stabilizer bar devices 16
that are added and inserted inside the rear base floor support A.
This invention provides for added tilt stability to prevent the
exercise device from tipping to either side while the contoured
weights are mounted on the Total Gym. This allows for added safety
while mounting the weight and during use of the exercise device.
The design of this type of exercise device with its hollow rear
floor base A allows for easy installation of the telescoping
stabilizer bars 16. The design of the exercise device with this
hollow rear floor base A makes it easy for the exerciser to extend
and retract the telescoping stabilizer bars 16. While not in use,
the telescoping stabilizer bars 16 are hidden inside the existing
rear floor base A.
[0035] FIG. 14, depicts the raised calf exercise device 17. The
removable raised calf exercise device 17 attaches with two insert
pins to the existing leg press foot platform D.
[0036] FIG. 15, depicts the "Total Gym" tower extension 8 for
increased resistance. Raising the tower beyond its existing height
increases the body resistance percentage beyond the current `Total
Gym max claim of 72% body weight resistance.
LEGEND
[0037] Alphabetical: Denotes item illustrations related to the
existing and patented Collapsible Exercise Device [0038] A. Rear
Floor Support Base [0039] B. Aerobic leg press accessory [0040] C.
Slide frame support bar [0041] D. Leg press foot platform [0042] E.
Forward floor support base [0043] F. Female insert ports [0044] G.
Weight support bars [0045] H. Seat Slide [0046] I. Seat Slide Frame
Numeric: Denotes item illustrations of all invented attachments.
[0047] 1. Horizontal Extension Bars [0048] 2. Push Pin holes [0049]
3. U-Shaped Connectors [0050] 4. Female insert ports [0051] 5.
Vertical extension bars [0052] 6. Inner collars [0053] 7. Hand
Grips Pivot point and bracket [0054] 8. Tower Extension [0055] 9.
45 degree stabilizing bar swivel mounts [0056] 10. 45 degree
stabilizer bar [0057] 11. Extension cable [0058] 12. Extension
cable latches [0059] 13. Flat metal extension bar [0060] 14. Push
Pins [0061] 15. Contoured weights [0062] 16. Telescoping stabilizer
bars [0063] 17. Calve Raise Accessory [0064] 18. Seat Slide Frame
adjustment ports [0065] 19. Slide Frame Adjustment ports
* * * * *