U.S. patent application number 13/277752 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-25 for vertical exercise equipment.
This patent application is currently assigned to RECREATION SUPPLY, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Alan W. Gore, Jason B. Luedeke, Randal L. Lundquist, Jonathan R. Wolf. Invention is credited to Alan W. Gore, Jason B. Luedeke, Randal L. Lundquist, Jonathan R. Wolf.
Application Number | 20130102443 13/277752 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48136428 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130102443 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lundquist; Randal L. ; et
al. |
April 25, 2013 |
VERTICAL EXERCISE EQUIPMENT
Abstract
A weightlifting device allowing for a variety of bodyweight
exercises to be performed. The device having a foundation and
support bars. Hinged arms and a cage extend from the support bars.
The cage is adapted to hold an exercise ball. A crossbar is
attached to the support bars as well as adjustable abdominal
straps.
Inventors: |
Lundquist; Randal L.;
(Mansfield, OH) ; Luedeke; Jason B.; (Delaware,
OH) ; Gore; Alan W.; (Powell, OH) ; Wolf;
Jonathan R.; (Centerburg, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lundquist; Randal L.
Luedeke; Jason B.
Gore; Alan W.
Wolf; Jonathan R. |
Mansfield
Delaware
Powell
Centerburg |
OH
OH
OH
OH |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
RECREATION SUPPLY, INC.
Sunbury
OH
|
Family ID: |
48136428 |
Appl. No.: |
13/277752 |
Filed: |
October 20, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/068 20130101;
A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/4007 20151001; A63B 23/0216
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/93 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06 |
Claims
1. A weightlifting device, comprising: a pair of base bars; a
support bar extending from each base bar, said support bar having a
top portion; a brace extending from each said base bar and
terminating at said support bar; a cross-member running between
said support bars; at least one hinged arm extending from said
support bars; a cage extending from said support bar, said cage
adapted to hold a exercise ball; a crossbar attached to said top
portion of said support bars; and multi-position supports affixed
to said top portion.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said cage includes first and
second bars, wherein said first and second bars are
semi-circular.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said cage is nylon netting
adapted to hold an exercise ball.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one hinged arm
folds up in order to clear a workout envelope.
5. The device of claim 1, further comprising adjustable abdominal
straps removably attached to said multi-position support.
6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
attachment devices extending from said support bars, said braces,
and said crossbar.
7. The device of claim 1, further comprising grips located on said
braces, said cross-member, said hinged arms, and said crossbar.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein an exercise ball is held within
said cage, said exercise ball providing back support for a
user.
9. A weight lifting device, comprising: a foundation portion;
support bars extending vertically from said foundation portion;
hinged arms extending substantially horizontally from said support
bars; a cage attached to said support bars, said caged adapted to
hold an exercise ball; at least one abdominal strap suspended from
said support bars; and a crossbar attached to said support
bars.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein said cage includes a first bar
attached to said support bars and a second bar attached to said
first bar.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein said first and second bars are
semi-circular.
12. The device of claim 9, wherein said cage is nylon netting.
13. The device of claim 9, wherein said hinged arms fold up against
said support bars.
14. The device of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of I
attachment devices, said attachment devices adapted attach
resistance bands to said device.
15. The device of claim 9, wherein said suspended abdominal straps
are suspended from multi-position supports attached to said support
bars.
16. A weightlifting device, comprising: support bars extending from
a base portion, said base portion including: base bars, said base
bars having converging axes; a cross-member, connecting said
support bars; braces, said braces extending from said base bars and
terminating at said support bars; a top portion of said support
bars, said top portion bent between 30 and 90 degrees relative to a
remainder of said support bars; at least one multi-position support
attached to said top portion; at least one abdominal strap
suspended from said at least one multi-position support; a crossbar
affixed to said top portion of said support bars; U-shaped brackets
extending from said support bars; hinged arms attached to said
U-shaped brackets, said hinged arms adapted to fold upright against
said support bars; and a cage extending from said support bars,
said cage comprising: a first semi-circular bar attached to said
support bars and a second semi-circular bar attached to said first
bar.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein said cage is adapted to hold an
exercise ball.
18. The device of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of
resistance band attachment points.
19. The device of claim 16, further comprising grips located on
said braces, said hinged arms, said cross-member, and said
crossbar.
20. The device of claim 16, wherein when said exercise ball is held
in said cage, said exercise ball is a back support.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed
to exercise equipment. More particularly, exemplary embodiments of
the present invention relate to a vertical exercise device for use
in performing bodyweight exercises.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIVE FIELD
[0002] The use of body weight exercises has been recognized as a
very effective method of developing strength and fitness.
Bodyweight exercises that are typically used in exercise routines
include push-ups, decline and incline push-ups, dips and assisted
dips, chin-ups and assisted chin-ups, leg squats, and various other
exercises and variations thereof.
[0003] While it is possible to perform all of the above exercises
using a variety of equipment found in a gymnasium or at home, the
prior art fails to identify a piece of equipment on which a person
may perform all of the above mentioned exercises safely and
efficiently. Moreover, requiring several pieces of equipment
represents a significant monetary investment making it prohibitive
for home exercise. In a gym setting, the need of a single user to
use several pieces of equipment possesses several problems such as
inconvenience to others waiting on a particular piece of equipment
to become available and space requirements for all of the various
exercise equipment. Consequently, there is a need for a single
exercise device that allows a user to safely and efficiently
perform a wide range of bodyweight exercises.
SUMMARY OF THE GENERAL INVENTIVE CONCEPT
[0004] An exemplary weightlifting device according the inventive
concept includes a foundation. The foundation includes base bars, a
cross-member, and a pair of braces. Support bars extend vertically
from each base bar and provide the frame for the weightlifting
device. The cross-member spans the space between the support bars
and maintains proper separation between the support bars. The
braces run from the base bars to the support member and may be used
in exercises such as inclined push-ups and other exercises.
[0005] Hinged arms extend substantially horizontally from the
support bars. The hinged arms are hingedly connected to the support
bars and may be folded up against the support bars to move them out
of the workout envelope when not in use. When fully extended, the
hinged bars are substantially horizontal and allow a user to
perform exercises such as dips and knee raises.
[0006] The top portion of the support bars is bent at an
approximately 90 degree angle. Suspended from this top portion are
abdominal straps. The abdominal straps are attached to the top
portion of the support bars by a multi-position support. The
multi-position support allows the abdominal straps to be adjusted
horizontally to accommodate different exercises and users. A
crossbar is also provided on the top portion of the support bars.
The crossbar may be used as a chin-up or pull-up bar.
[0007] A novel feature found on exemplary embodiments of the
weightlifting device according to the inventive concept, is the
cage that extends from the support bars. The cage has a first bar
and a second bar. The first bar is attached to the support bars and
extends outward from the opposite side of the support bars as the
hinged arms. The second bar is attached to and extends downward
from the first bar. Both the first and second bars are
semi-circular. The cage is designed to hold an exercise ball. The
exercise ball may be easily removed for various exercises to be
used alone or in conjunction with the exemplary weightlifting
device. While the exercise ball is in the cage the ball acts as a
back pad. Thus, the exercise ball residing in the cage supports and
protects the user during exercises. In other exemplary embodiments
the cage may be nylon webbing attached to the support bars. In
still other exemplary embodiments the cage may be other
configurations of metal bars or straps arranged to hold an exercise
ball.
[0008] attachment devices may also be located on the exemplary
weightlifting device. The attachment devices provide an attachment
point for resistance bands. The attachment devices are positioned
to provide a variety of possible exercises including squats,
assisted chin-ups, pectoral flys, front rows, and a plethora of
additional exercises. One of ordinary skill in the art would
understand that the attachment devices may be hooks, loops, slots,
or other features allowing for the attachment of the resistance
bands.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects
of the present invention will be readily apparent from the
following descriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments,
wherein like reference numerals across the several views refer to
identical or equivalent features, and wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the vertical exercise
device according to the inventive concept;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front view of the vertical exercise device
according to the inventive concept;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the vertical exercise device
according to the inventive concept with exemplary arms in an
extended configuration; and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of the vertical exercise device
according to the inventive concept with exemplary arms in a folded
configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)
[0014] An exemplary embodiment of a vertical exercise device
(device) 5 or power tower according to the inventive concept is
illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. As shown, the device 5 includes a
foundation 10 having a pair of support bars 15 extending vertically
therefrom, a pair of hinged arms 20 extending from the support bars
15, crossbar 25 fixed to the upper portion of the support bars 15,
and a cage 30 for supporting an exercise ball attached to the rear
of the support bars 15.
[0015] The foundation 10 has a base bars 35 having elongated bodies
and arranged parallel to a support surface. In the exemplary device
5, the base bars 35 have converging axes wherein the distance
between the base bars 35 is greater in the front workout area than
in the rear of the device 5. A support bar 15 extends vertically
from each base bar 35. The support bars 15 may be mechanically
fastened to the base bars 35. In other exemplary embodiments, the
support bars 15 may be welded or permanently affixed to the base
bars 35.
[0016] A cross-member 40 is provided between the support bars 15.
The cross-member 40 separates the support bars 15 and maintains the
proper support bar 15 spacing. A brace 45 extends from each support
bar 15 and terminates on the base bars 35. As with other pieces of
the device 5, the braces 45 may be removably or permanently affixed
thereto.
[0017] As stated above, a pair of hinged arms 20 extends from about
the midpoint of the support bars 15. In other exemplary
embodiments, the hinged arms 20 may extend from any point along the
support bars 15. The hinged arms 20 are connected to the support
bars 15 by U-shaped brackets 50. The U-shaped bracket 50 extends
from and is affixed to a support bar 15. The hinged arm 20 is
adapted for complementary engagement with the U-shaped bracket 50;
allowing for a hinged type connection. In other exemplary
embodiments a pin may be used to connect the hinged arm 20 to the
U-shaped bracket 50. The hinged connection allows the hinged arms
20 to fold up against the support bars 15 in order to remove the
hinged arms 20 from the workout envelope. The hinged connection is
also limited to only allow the hinged arms 20 to extend
substantially parallel to the support surface. This allows the
hinged arms 20 to be used for exercises such as dips and knee
raises.
[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a cage 30 extends from the support
bars 15 in the opposing direction as the hinged arms 20. The cage
30 includes a first bar 55 and a second bar 60. The first bar 55 is
semi-circular and is attached to each support bar 15. The second
bar 60 is attached to and extends downward from the first bar 55.
Together the first and second bars 55, 60 are adapted to hold an
exercise ball 65 as shown in FIG. 3. The exercise ball 65 held by
the cage 30 may act as a back support for users when performing
knee raises, pull-ups or other exercises. This ability to provide
back support to a user increases the effectiveness of the exercise
and helps a user maintain form during the exercise. In other
exemplary embodiments the cage 30 may be nylon webbing attached to
the support bars 15. In still other exemplary embodiments the cage
30 may be other configurations of metal bars or straps arranged to
hold an exercise ball 65.
[0019] The top portions 70 of the support bars 15 are bent in the
direction of the hinged arms 20. This bend allows additional
exercise features to be placed on the top portions 70 of the
support bars 15. In other exemplary embodiments, the top portions
70 of the support bars 15 are bent at an angle between about 30 to
90 degrees. A multi-position support 75 is affixed to each top
portion 70. The multi-position support 75 is an attachment point
for abdominal straps 80 or other exercise features. The
multi-position support 75 provides several attachment points for
the abdominal straps 80 in order to accommodate a variety of
exercises and users. One of ordinary skill in the art should
understand that multi-position support 75 may be a slot, nylon
webbing straps, other attachment mechanism. The combination of the
abdominal straps 80 and the exercise ball 65 held in the cage 30
replace traditional vertical keen raise arms mounted on traditional
power towers.
[0020] A crossbar 25 is also affixed to the top portion 70 of the
support bars 15. As with the cross-member 40, the crossbar 25
maintains the support bar 15 separation. The crossbar 25 also
serves as a chin-up and pull-up bar. Although shown having an
angled body, the crossbar 25 may also be straight. In addition, one
of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that a variety of
methods may be used to attach the crossbar 25 to the top portions
70 of the support bars 15.
[0021] The device 5 also has attachment devices 85 strategically
positioned on the crossbar 25, the support bars 15, and the braces
45. The attachment devices 85 provide attachment points for bungee
cords or elastic bands. The attachment devices 85 may be hooks,
loops, slots, or other features designed to retain at least one end
of a resistance band. The cords and bands may be used to perform
resistance training with the device 5. In addition, the cords and
bands may be positioned to allow the user to perform assisted
pull-ups, chin-ups, or dips. Grips 90 are also provided on the
braces 45, the cross-member 40, the hinged arms 20, and the
crossbar 25. The grips provide additional safety to a user when
performing bodyweight exercises.
[0022] While certain embodiments of the present invention are
described in detail above, the scope of the invention is not to be
considered limited by such disclosure, and modifications are
possible without departing from the spirit of the invention as
evidenced by the following claims:
* * * * *