U.S. patent application number 13/396374 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-15 for exercise system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to STAMINA PRODUCTS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is John BUSE, Newton LIN, Robert W. MCBRIDE, Tyler ROGERS. Invention is credited to John BUSE, Newton LIN, Robert W. MCBRIDE, Tyler ROGERS.
Application Number | 20130210593 13/396374 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48946061 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130210593 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MCBRIDE; Robert W. ; et
al. |
August 15, 2013 |
EXERCISE SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
An exerciser includes a frame assembly, and a movable user
support disposed on the frame assembly. The movable user support is
constructed and arranged to support an exercising person and allow
the exercising person to move while in supported relation on the
movable user support, with an extremity of the exercising person
free to be moved with respect to the movable user support. The
exerciser also includes a ballet barre assembly. The ballet barre
assembly includes a ballet barre positioned to be engaged by the
extremity of the exercising person supported on the movable user
support, and support structure configured to support the ballet
barre at a fixed position that is at least 60 centimeters above a
plane of movement for the movable user support. An attachment
including the ballet barre assembly, and an associated method of
exercising, are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
MCBRIDE; Robert W.;
(Springfield, MO) ; BUSE; John; (Houston, MO)
; ROGERS; Tyler; (Springfield, MO) ; LIN;
Newton; (Taichung, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MCBRIDE; Robert W.
BUSE; John
ROGERS; Tyler
LIN; Newton |
Springfield
Houston
Springfield
Taichung |
MO
MO
MO |
US
US
US
TW |
|
|
Assignee: |
STAMINA PRODUCTS, INC.
Springfield
MO
|
Family ID: |
48946061 |
Appl. No.: |
13/396374 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 1/00 20130101; A63B
23/0205 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 23/03525 20130101;
A63B 21/00065 20130101; A63B 21/0428 20130101; A63B 21/023
20130101; A63B 23/1218 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B
2208/0204 20130101; A63B 22/0089 20130101; A63B 2208/0252 20130101;
A63B 2225/093 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00 |
Claims
1. An exerciser comprising: a frame assembly; a movable user
support disposed on the frame assembly and constructed and arranged
to support an exercising person and allow the exercising person to
move while in supported relation on the movable user support with
an extremity of the exercising person free to be moved with respect
to the movable user support; and a ballet barre assembly, said
ballet barre assembly comprising: a ballet barre positioned to be
engaged by the extremity of the exercising person supported on the
movable user support; and support structure configured to support
the ballet barre at a fixed position that is at least 60
centimeters above a plane of movement for the movable user
support.
2. The exerciser of claim 1, wherein the support structure
comprises: a support leg coupled to the frame assembly; and an
extension leg coupled to the ballet barre; wherein the extension
leg and the ballet barre are movable relative to the support leg to
adjust the ballet barre in one of a plurality of positions.
3. The exerciser of claim 2, further comprising locking structure
configured to selectively lock the extension leg relative to the
support leg.
4. The exerciser of claim 3, wherein said locking structure
comprises a turn knob configured to selectively extend through
apertures in both the extension leg and the support leg to prevent
relative motion therebetween.
5. The exerciser of claim 2, wherein the support structure
comprises a plurality of support legs and a plurality of extension
legs.
6. The exerciser of claim 1, wherein the ballet barre extends to
opposing sides of the support structure generally perpendicular to
directions of movement of the movable user support.
7. The exerciser of claim 1, further comprising an adjustment
structure configured to selectively fix the ballet barre at a
desired height.
8. The exerciser of claim 1, wherein the fixed position is between
60-130 cm.
9. The exerciser of claim 1, wherein the fixed position is between
80-100 cm.
10. The exerciser of claim 1, wherein the support structure
comprises: a stationary support coupled to and extending above an
end of the frame assembly; and a slidable barre support configured
to slide along the stationary support, to adjust the ballet barre
in one of a plurality of positions; wherein the slidable barre
support is configured to slide from a bottom end of the stationary
support to a top end of the stationary support.
11. The exerciser of claim 1, wherein the support structure
comprises: a stationary support coupled to and extending above an
end of the frame assembly; and a pivotable ballet barre support,
pivotally coupled to the stationary support; wherein the pivotable
ballet barre support is configured to pivot away from the frame
assembly, to adjust the ballet barre in one of a plurality of
positions.
12. The exerciser of claim 1, wherein the ballet barre assembly is
positioned on an end of the frame assembly such that the movable
user support is biased towards the ballet barre assembly.
13. The exerciser of claim 1, wherein the ballet barre assembly is
positioned on an end of the frame assembly such that the movable
user support is biased away from the ballet barre assembly.
14. An attachment for an exerciser of the type including a movable
user support disposed on a frame assembly and constructed and
arranged to support an exercising person and allow the exercising
person to move while in supported relation on the movable user
support with an extremity of the exercising person free to be moved
with respect to the movable user support, and a mounting structure
disposed on the frame assembly, the mounting structure being
constructed and arranged to detachably mount the attachment to the
frame structure, said attachment comprising: a ballet barre
positioned to be engaged by the extremity of the exercising person
supported on the movable user support; and support structure
configured to support the ballet barre at a fixed position that is
at least 60 centimeters above a plane of movement for the movable
user support.
15. The attachment of claim 14, wherein the support structure
comprises a support leg configured to fixedly couple to the
mounting structure, and an extension leg configured to fixedly
couple to the ballet barre, wherein the extension leg and the
ballet barre are movable relative to the support leg to adjust the
ballet barre in one of a plurality of positions.
16. The attachment of claim 15, further comprising locking
structure configured to selectively lock the extension leg relative
to the support leg.
17. The attachment of claim 16, wherein said locking structure
comprises a turn knob configured to selectively extend through
apertures in both the extension leg and the support leg to prevent
relative motion therebetween.
18. The attachment of claim 15, wherein the support structure
comprises a plurality of support legs and a plurality of extension
legs.
19. The attachment of claim 14, wherein the ballet barre extends to
opposing sides of the support structure generally perpendicular to
directions of movement of the movable user support.
20. The attachment of claim 14, further comprising an adjustment
structure configured to selectively fix the ballet barre at a
desired height.
21. The attachment of claim 14, wherein the fixed position is
between 60-130 cm.
22. The attachment of claim 14, wherein the fixed position is
between 80-100 cm.
23. The attachment of claim 14, wherein the support structure
comprises: a stationary support coupled to and extending above an
end of the frame assembly; and a slidable barre support configured
to slide along the stationary support, to adjust the ballet barre
in one of a plurality of positions; wherein the slidable barre
support is configured to slide from a bottom end of the stationary
support to a top end of the stationary support.
24. The attachment of claim 14, wherein the support structure
comprises: a stationary support coupled to and extending above an
end of the frame assembly; and a pivotable ballet barre support,
pivotally coupled to the stationary support; wherein the pivotable
ballet barre support is configured to, pivot away from the frame
assembly, to adjust the ballet barre in one of a plurality of
positions.
25. The attachment of claim 14, wherein the exerciser is further of
the type wherein the movable user support is biased towards the
mounting structure, such that the movable user support is biased
towards the attachment.
26. The attachment of claim 14, wherein the exerciser is further of
the type wherein the movable user support is biased away from the
mounting structure, such that the movable user support is biased
away from the attachment.
27. A method of enabling a person to exercise comprising: providing
a movable user support which supports an exercising person and
allows the exercising person to move while in supported relation on
the movable user support, with an extremity of the exercising
person free to be moved with respect to the movable user support;
and providing a ballet barre spaced from said movable user support
in a position to be engaged by the extremity of the exercising
person supported on the movable user support; wherein the ballet
barre is configured to be supported by a ballet barre assembly at a
fixed position that is at least 60 centimeters above a plane of
movement for the movable user support; and wherein movement of the
movable user support is either in a first direction towards the
ballet barre, or in a second direction away from the ballet
barre.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the movable user support is
configured such that movement thereof in the first direction is
accomplishable by pressing the extremity against the ballet barre
while another portion of the exercising person engages the movable
user support.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein the ballet barre is supported
such that the exercising person may position their body between the
ballet barre and the plane of movement for the movable user
support.
30. The method of claim 27, wherein the ballet barre is further
configured to be adjustably supported at a plurality of heights
above the plane of movement for the movable user support.
31. The method of claim 30, further comprising adjusting the ballet
barre to one of the plurality of heights above the plane of
movement for the movable user support.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein said ballet barre assembly
includes a support leg and an extension leg that are movable
relative to one another, with the ballet barre fixedly coupled to
the extension leg, wherein said adjusting comprises moving the
ballet barre and extension leg relative to the support leg, and
locking the extension leg relative to the support leg.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein said locking the extension leg
relative to the support leg comprises screwing a turn knob through
apertures in both the extension leg and the support leg to prevent
relative motion therebetween.
34. The method of claim 32, wherein the ballet barre extends to
opposing sides of the extension leg, generally perpendicular to the
first and second directions of movement of the movable user
support.
35. The method of claim 27, wherein movement of the movable user
support in the second direction is resisted by one or more
resistance elements coupling the movable user support to the ballet
barre assembly.
36. The method of claim 27, wherein the fixed position is between
60-130 cm.
37. The method of claim 27, wherein the fixed position is between
80-100 cm.
38. The method of claim 27, wherein the movable user support is
biased in the first direction towards the ballet barre.
39. The method of claim 27, wherein the movable user support is
biased in the second direction away from the ballet barre.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods of exercising and
to exercise apparatuses for carrying out those methods.
[0002] One of the consistent challenges in the fitness industry is
devising exercise methods and apparatuses that allow the user to
achieve maximum, diverse fitness effects by performing exercises in
comfortable positions. For example, a type or set of exercises may
be particularly attractive and beneficial to the user if it
provides strengthening, toning and cardiovascular benefits.
[0003] A popular type of exercise equipment provides a carriage
mounted on a track for sliding or rolling movement along the track.
Depending on the particular variation, the carriage may be
connected to a resistance system including one or more resilient
members, such as springs or bungee cords, (or alternatively,
gravity) which bias the carriage towards a particular position. The
carriage may also be connected to pull cords that are trained over
a pulley system, allowing the user to move the carriage by pulling
the pull lines. The user exercises with such an apparatus by using
the arms or legs to move the carriage along the tracks.
Sliding-carriage multi-function exercise equipment of this type
typically includes a foot rest, foot bar, trampoline, pedal, or
other structure against which the user can push off.
[0004] The present disclosure relates to a versatile exerciser and
method of use.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to an embodiment, an exerciser includes a frame
assembly, and a movable user support disposed on the frame
assembly, constructed and arranged to support an exercising person
and allow the exercising person to move while in supported relation
on the movable user support, with an extremity of the exercising
person free to be moved with respect to the movable user support.
The exerciser also includes a ballet barre assembly. The ballet
barre assembly includes a ballet barre positioned to be engaged by
the extremity of the exercising person supported on the movable
user support, and support structure configured to support the
ballet barre at a fixed position that is at least 60 centimeters
above a plane of movement for the movable user support.
[0006] According to another embodiment, an attachment is for an
exerciser of the type including a movable user support disposed on
a frame assembly and constructed and arranged to support an
exercising person and allow the exercising person to move while in
supported relation on the movable user support, with an extremity
of the exercising person free to be moved with respect to the
movable user support, and a mounting structure disposed on the
frame assembly. The mounting structure of the exerciser is
constructed and arranged to detachably mount the attachment to the
frame structure. The attachment includes a ballet barre positioned
to be engaged by the extremity of the exercising person supported
on the movable user support. The attachment also includes support
structure configured to support the ballet barre at a fixed
position that is at least 60 centimeters above a plane of movement
for the movable user support.
[0007] According to another embodiment, a method of enabling a
person to exercise includes providing a movable user support which
supports an exercising person and allows the exercising person to
move while in supported relation on the movable user support, with
an extremity of the exercising person free to be moved with respect
to the movable user support. The method also includes providing a
ballet barre spaced from said movable user support in a position to
be engaged by the extremity of the exercising person supported on
the movable user support. The ballet barre is configured to be
supported by a ballet barre assembly at a fixed position that is at
least 60 centimeters above a plane of movement for the movable user
support. Movement of the movable user support is either in a first
direction towards the ballet barre, or in a second direction away
from the ballet barre.
[0008] Other aspects of the inventive concept will become apparent
from the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The present disclosure will be described with reference to
the following drawings, in which like numerals represent like
features throughout the figures, and in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exerciser
having a ballet bar assembly including a ballet bar, according to
an embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the exerciser of FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevational view of the foot end of
the exerciser of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 depicts fragmentary side elevational views of various
embodiments of the ballet bar;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the exerciser having another
embodiment of the ballet barre assembly;
[0015] FIGS. 6A and 6B show a side perspective view of the
exerciser of FIG. 5, depicting a user performing a first exercise
thereon;
[0016] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a side perspective view of the
exerciser of FIG. 5, depicting a user performing a second exercise
thereon;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a reduced perspective view of the exerciser having
another embodiment of the ballet barre assembly;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a reduced perspective view of the exerciser having
another embodiment of the ballet barre assembly; and
[0019] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an exerciser
having a pair of ballet bar assemblies, according to another
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exerciser, generally
indicated at 10, according to one embodiment of the invention. The
exerciser 10 includes a frame assembly, generally indicated at 12,
a movable user support, generally indicated at 14, disposed on the
frame assembly 12 in a position to support the seat and back of the
user in a position which allows the body of the user while in
supported relation to move with the movable user support 14 with
the feet of the user free to be supported with respect to the
movable user support 14, and a ballet barre assembly, generally
indicated at 16, constructed and arranged to be mounted on the
frame assembly 12 in a position to be engaged by the feet of the
user while movably supported on the movable user support 14. The
movable user support 14 and frame assembly 12 can generally be of
the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,806,805 or 7,901,338, each of
which is incorporated by reference in their entirety. Other
components described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,806,805 or
7,901,338 can also be used in the present invention, as will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0021] The frame assembly 12 includes a frame 18, which is adapted
to support the movable user support 14, with the user supported
thereon. In some embodiments, the frame 18 may be positioned on a
stand 20, which is adapted to connect to the frame 18 to hold the
frame 18 in a generally horizontal plane above a support surface on
which the exerciser 10 is positioned. As is shown in FIG. 1, an
exploded perspective view of the exerciser 10, the stand 20
comprises a plurality of legs 22 connected at respective upper ends
thereof by cross bars 24, such that the stand portion 20 is
comprised of generally rectangular or trapezoidal segments having
legs 22 disposed at the corners of the segments. In an embodiment,
the plurality of legs 22 may raise the frame 18 above the support
surface by some amount. End caps 26 of a rubber or other non-skid
material may be provided at support surface-contacting ends of the
legs 22, which may additionally increase the height of the frame 18
above the support surface. Upper receptacle sections 28 of the
stand 20, which are adapted to receive corresponding mating
structures provided on the underside of the frame 18 (not shown in
the Figures), so as to operatively secure the frame 18 to the stand
20, may further increase the height of the frame 18. Accordingly,
the legs 22, end caps 26 and/or the upper receptacle sections 28 of
the stand 20 may be of any length that provides a convenient user
height for the frame portion 18. For example, in an embodiment the
stand 20 may be configured to raise the frame 18 above the support
surface such that the top plane of the movable user support 14 is
approximately 35-45 cm above the support surface. It may be
appreciated, however, that in other embodiments the stand 20 may be
taller or shorter.
[0022] Depending on the embodiment, the frame 18 and stand 20 may
be separable, so that the exerciser 10 can be stored easily.
Additionally, the stand 20 may be omitted or sold separately,
particularly if the height provided by the stand 20 is not required
for the exercises that are to be performed. Moreover, it may be
desirable to construct the stand 20 such that one end is wider than
the other.
[0023] The frame 18 is comprised of two generally parallel support
tracks 30, connected and braced by a number of cross members. Each
of the support tracks 30 has a generally C-shaped cross-section,
such that each support track 30 defines an interior track 32, in
the shape of a channel, which is adapted to receive engaging
portions of the movable user support 14. The engaging portions of
the movable user support 14 in this embodiment are rollers 33
(shown in phantom in FIG. 2) that rollingly engage interior tracks
32. The rollers 33 are mounted to the underside of the movable user
support 14 on appropriately-sized lateral projections, and allow
the movable user support 14 to roll along the support tracks 30
between limiting portions of the support tracks 30. The limiting
portions of the support tracks 30 define the extent of travel for
the movable user support 14. In some embodiments of the exerciser
10, one of the limiting portions may be a crossbar 34 that extends
between the two support tracks 30; the other limiting portion may
be defined by an endpiece 36 of the frame portion 18.
Alternatively, the limiting portions may simply be the ends of the
interior tracks 32 in the support tracks 30.
[0024] Although rollers 33 are used in the illustrated embodiment,
a number of bearings and other movement support structures are
known in the art, and any one of these known types of bearings may
be used in place of the rollers. For example, instead of rollers,
blocks of low-friction material may be used, and the interior
tracks 32 in the support tracks 30 may be lubricated in order to
facilitate sliding movement with reduced friction.
[0025] The support tracks 30 may be continuous bars that run the
length of the exerciser, or they may be comprised of sets of
shorter bars which are secured together by welds or fasteners. As
shown in FIG. 2, each support track is comprised of two shorter
support bars 38, 40. At one end, each shorter support bar 38, 40
connects to an endpiece 36, 37 to form an end of the frame 18 of
the exerciser 10. (The endpieces 36, 37 of the illustrated
embodiments are bars covered with decorative plastic moldings, but
they may be made in other configurations.) At the other ends of the
shorter support bars 38, 40, cooperating hinge structure 42 is
provided, such that the shorter support bars 38, 40 may be hingedly
connected together in a manner which allows the exerciser 10 to be
folded when not in use.
[0026] In alternative embodiments of the invention, the support
tracks may have a substantially rectangular cross section, and a
movable user support with rollers or other movement support
structures may be configured so as to rest on top of the support
tracks, rather than engaging inside tracks defined within them. The
precise manner of engagement of the movable user support and the
support tracks can be of various configurations as will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0027] Several body-engaging components are mounted on the movable
user support 14 so as to facilitate the body positioning of the
user for certain exercises. In an embodiment, two padded shoulder
blocks 44, one on each side of the movable user support 14, extend
vertically, and are positioned so as to engage the upper portion of
the user's torso (i.e., at the collarbone or shoulder region) when
the user is lying prone or supine on the movable user support 14,
so as to prevent the user from sliding relative to the movable user
support 14 in a direction away from the ballet barre assembly 16.
The shoulder blocks 44 may be removably attached to the movable
user support 14, for example, by a threaded connection.
[0028] A padded head rest 46 may also be mounted on the movable
user support 14, so as to receive the head of a user when the
user's torso is positioned on the movable user support 14. In the
position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the head rest 46 is
positioned such that its user-contacting surface is generally
horizontal and co-planar with those of the movable user support 14.
However, the head rest may be mounted on a multi-position bracket,
such that its angular position may be adjusted relative to that of
the movable user support so as to support the user's head in an
inclined position. In addition to the head rest 46, user support
pad 48 is mounted on the movable user support 14 so as to cover a
substantial portion of the movable user support 14 to provide
traction and comfort.
[0029] The exerciser 10 also carries a resilient resistance system
coupled to the movable user support 14. The crossbar 34 proximate
to the footrest has several slots 60 formed in it. Each slot 60 in
the crossbar 34 is sized and adapted to accept one end of a tensile
resilient resistance element 62. A bracket on the underside of the
movable user support 14 (not shown in the Figures) includes a
corresponding set of slots 60, each slot 60 adapted to accept the
other end of a tensile resilient resistance element 62. In this
embodiment, the crossbar 34 and bracket of the movable user support
14 each include four slots 60; however, the number of slots 60 may
be selected arbitrarily, depending on the total desired resistance,
the width of the crossbar 34 and bracket, and the total amount of
space required for each tensile resilient resistance element 62.
The exerciser 10 may be operated with any number of tensile
resilient resistance elements 62 installed in the slots 60.
[0030] The tensile resilient resistance elements 62 illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2 are elastomeric cords with knobs 64 installed at the
ends, so that the ends may be seated in the slots provided for
them. The tensile resilient resistance elements 62 may also
comprise tension coil springs, rubber bands, or similar structures.
Depending on the type of tensile resilient resistance elements 62,
hooks or other receiving structures may be used instead of slots.
As those of skill in the art will appreciate, one of the functions
of the tensile resilient resistance elements 62 is to bias the
movable user support 14 to return to a position proximate to the
ballet barre assembly 16 when moved by the user away from the
ballet barre assembly 16. However, particularly if the movable user
support 14 is inclined and able to move under the influence of
gravity, the resilient resistance system may be omitted.
[0031] The exerciser 10 of FIG. 1 also carries an arm exercise
system. Two pull lines 56 are connected to the underside of the
movable user support 14. From the underside of the movable user
support 14, the pull lines 56 are trained over pulleys 58 that are
carried by an upright bar 66 provided on the end of the exerciser
opposite the foot support. The pulleys 58 are adapted to swivel, so
as to allow the user to pull the pull lines 56 toward the ballet
barre assembly 16 in a variety of planes of motion. The pulleys 58
are also releasably mounted on the upright bar 66 by mounting
structure 68 so that their angle and orientation can be changed by
the user.
[0032] From the pulleys 58, the pull lines 56 extend towards the
ballet barre assembly 16, and are coupled to user grips 70 at their
ends. Between the ends of the pull lines 56 and the user grips 70,
take-up fittings 72 are provided. Each take-up fitting 72 has a
number of holes 74 formed in it, such that if the pull lines 56 are
too long, they may be wrapped around and through the take-up
fittings 72 to reduce their effective lengths. When the user grips
the user grips 70 and causes the pull lines 56 to extend, he or she
is working against the force bias provided by the tensile resilient
resistance elements 62. The arm exercise system, including the pull
lines 56, pulleys 58 and associated structures may be omitted in
various embodiments.
[0033] In some embodiments, the ballet barre assembly 16 may be
adjusted to be engaged by the feet of a user, as in a conventional
foot bar, so that a user of the exerciser 10 may push off of the
ballet barre assembly 16 to move the movable user support 14 in the
opposite direction, away from the ballet barre assembly 16. As used
herein, the term "feet" may refer to both of the user's feet
together or to one individual foot, and exercises using the feet
described herein may be performed with one foot, each foot
alternately, or both feet simultaneously.
[0034] By the operation of the resilient resistance system, the
movable user support 14 is constructed and arranged to absorb the
energy of movement of the user on the movable user support 14 in a
direction away from the ballet barre assembly 16 and to convert
that absorbed energy into a movement toward the ballet barre
assembly 16.
[0035] The user may control the degree of resistive bias by
changing the number of tensile resilient resistance elements 62
that are connected between the crossbar 34 and the movable user
support 14. The pull lines 56 are constructed and arranged such
that forces applied in a direction toward the ballet barre assembly
16 by the user's arms are converted into movements of the movable
user support 14 away from the ballet barre assembly 16.
Alternatively, the user may control the position of the movable
user support 14 solely by flexure of the legs against ballet barre
assembly 16.
[0036] When the user is lying on the movable user support 14 in a
supine position with his or her head on the head rest 46, the
user's feet are free from the movable user support 14, and extend
in a direction toward the ballet barre assembly 16. As can be seen
in FIGS. 1-3, in one example, the ballet barre assembly 16 includes
a ballet barre 80 that is supported above a top plane of movement
of the movable user support 14 by a vertically extending support
90. The ballet barre 80, which is also known as a plie bar or a
horizontal bar, is understood to be typically made from wood, and
used for various lower body stretching exercises, or in combination
with various dance exercises, such as ballet movements. As
described in greater detail below, while typically made from wood,
barres such as ballet barre 80 may be made from other substances,
such as a metal, a composite material, or the like, which may then
be covered with another substance like a rubber, foam, or plastic
coating to enhance the utility of the ballet barre 80, and may
provide padding for the same. In other embodiments, the outer
surface of the ballet barre 80 may be rigid. As further discussed
below, in an embodiment the ballet barre 80 may have a round cross
section, and typically may be approximately 2-6 cm in diameter,
thereby providing an ergonomic surface for individuals engaging the
ballet barre 80 during a workout. Other sizes of the ballet barre
80 are also possible in various embodiments. In the illustrated
embodiment, the vertically extending support 90 is configured to
raise the ballet barre 80 to a variety of positions above the
endpiece 37, where it may be engaged by the feet or hands of a user
of the exerciser 10. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment
the vertically extending support 90 includes support legs 100 that
are configured to be received in receptacles 110 in the endpiece
37. Although in the illustrated embodiment there are a pair of
support legs 100 that are received in a pair of corresponding
receptacles 110 at opposite ends of the endpiece 37, in another
embodiment, a single support leg 100 may be provided, received in a
single receptacle 110 located in the endpiece 37, or elsewhere on
the exerciser 10. In still further embodiments, more support legs
100 may be provided. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a pair
of securing knobs 120 are provided, each associated with each
receptacle 110, so as to engage the support legs 100 to selectively
prevent or otherwise hinder removal of the ballet barre assembly 16
from the remainder of the exerciser 10. Specifically, in the
illustrated embodiment the securing knobs 120 may screw into or out
of the endpiece 37, thus engaging or disengaging a corresponding
portion of the support legs 100 located therein. In some
embodiments the support legs 100 may have a receptacle configured
to receive an engaging portion of the securing knobs 120, while in
other embodiments the engaging portion of the securing knobs 120
may tighten against the structure of the support legs 100 such that
friction prevents or otherwise hinders removal of the support legs
100 from the receptacles 110. It may be appreciated that in some
embodiments other engagement mechanisms may be utilized in lieu of
the securing knobs 120, such as clamps or engagement pins. In some
embodiments, the engagement mechanism may have a quick release for
rapid release of the ballet barre assembly 16. Additionally, it may
be appreciated that in some embodiments the receptacles 110 may
comprise poles or other engagement structures that may be received
in or otherwise couple to the support legs 100.
[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the support legs 100 are
coupled to one another by a connecting bar 130. Although optional,
in such embodiments the connecting bar 130 may provide planar
stability for the ballet barre assembly 16. Additionally, by
coupling the support legs 100 together, there may be less of a
chance that one of the support legs 100 could be misplaced if
decoupled from the ballet barre 80, as described in greater detail
below. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the ballet barre 80
is coupled to the support legs 100 by a pair of extension legs 140,
which are configured to extend from the support legs 100 to extend
the ballet barre 80 to varying heights above the endpiece 37.
Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment the extension legs 140
are slidably received within the support legs 100, so that the
ballet barre 80 may be supported above the endpiece 37 by both the
height of the support legs 100 and an extended amount of the
extension legs 140. To secure the extension legs 140 at a desired
amount of extension from the support legs 100, one or more
engagement mechanisms may be provided to secure the extension legs
140 relative to the support legs 100. In the illustrated
embodiment, extension knobs 150 are provided, each associated with
each extension leg 140 and support leg 100. As shown, the extension
knob 150 has a pin end that may extend through an aperture 160 in
the support leg 100 to an associated portion of the extension leg
140. In some embodiments, an engaging portion of the extension
knobs 150, such as the pin, may press against the extension legs
140, so as to frictionally secure the ballet barre 80 to the a
desired height above the top plane of movement of the movable user
support 14. It may be appreciated that in some embodiments other
engagement mechanisms may be utilized in lieu of the extension
knobs 150, such as clamps, compression collars, or engagement pins.
In some embodiments, the engagement mechanism may have a quick
release for rapid adjustment of the height of the ballet barre
80.
[0038] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the extension legs
140 contain a plurality of apertures 160 therein, configured to
receive the engaging portion (or pins) of the extension knobs 150.
By receiving the engaging portions of the extension knobs 150 in
associated ones of the plurality of apertures 160, the extension
legs 140 may be secured to the support legs 100 at a variety of
positions, to raise the ballet barre 80 to associated heights
relative to the support legs 100. Increments between the apertures
160 on each extension leg 140 may vary across embodiments, and may
correspond to different increases in height for the ballet barre
80. As indicated above, however, it may be appreciated that in some
embodiments the adjustment may be infinitely variable (i.e. with a
frictional engagement between the support legs 100 and the
extension leg 140), and not reliant on incremental adjustments from
spaced engagement regions, such as the plurality of apertures 160.
It should be appreciated for this disclosure that the term
"adjustment structure" as used herein may refer to a combination of
apertures 160 and the extension knobs 150, a frictional engagement,
or any other structure allowing the height of the ballet barre 80
to be selectively fixed at a desired height.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the ballet barre
80 comprises a generally uniform cylindrical shape, with a circular
cross section. As shown in FIG. 4, however, other configurations of
the ballet barre 80 are also possible. For example, the
configuration of ballet barre 80 of FIGS. 1-3 is depicted in FIG. 4
as ballet barre 80a. It may be appreciated that the diameter of
ballet barre 80a may be of any suitable size, including but not
limited to being between 2-6 centimeters in diameter. Similarly,
ballet barre 80b is of an oval or elliptical shape in cross
section, and may have any appropriate sizes of major and minor
axes. The ballet barre 80 may also be of any other uniform or
simple geometric cross sectional shape. For example, ballet barre
80c is of a rectangular shape. These shapes are merely exemplary,
and any other shape may also be utilized. For example, ballet barre
80d depicts an ornamental geometric shape, with a generally flat
top and curved sides. Ballet barre 80e similarly depicts another
ornamental configuration, however having a curved top portion.
Additionally, while in some embodiments end extremities of the
ballet barre 80 may comprise flat faces, in other embodiments the
end extremities may be rounded or otherwise decorated.
[0040] While in the embodiment of ballet barre assembly 16, the
extension legs 140 are received within the support legs 100, it may
be appreciated that in other embodiments the converse may be true.
For example, FIG. 5 depicts ballet barre assembly 170 coupled to
exerciser 10. In an embodiment, elements of ballet barre assembly
170 may be generally similar to ballet barre assembly 16, as
described above. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of
ballet barre assembly 170, support legs 180 engage the exerciser
10. While the support legs 180 may be generally similar to support
legs 100, it may be appreciated that support legs 180 are slidably
received within extension legs 190, so that a ballet barre 200 may
be positioned at various heights relative to the support legs 180.
It may be appreciated that in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5,
the ballet barre 200 is similar to ballet barre 80 of FIGS. 1-3
(and represented as ballet barre 80a in FIG. 4), having a circular
cross sectional shape. In other embodiments, however, other shapes
may be utilized in the ballet barre assembly 170. As shown in the
illustrated embodiment, where the support legs 180 are received
within the extension legs 190, engagement knobs 210 may pass
through a portion of the extension legs 190 to engage a
corresponding region of the support legs 180. Likewise, in some
embodiments apertures or other engagement regions may be formed in
the support legs 180, to receive an engaging portion of the
engagement knobs 210. As above, in various embodiments other
engagements may be utilized in lieu of the engagement knobs 210,
including but not limited to pins, clamps, or compression collars,
to fix the support legs 180 relative to the extension legs 190. As
above with ballet barre assembly 16, in some embodiments the
engagement between the support legs 180 and the extension legs 190
may include a quick release mechanism for rapid adjustment of the
height of the ballet barre 200.
[0041] In some embodiments, such as that those illustrated in FIGS.
1-4, the ballet barre 80 may contain recesses therein configured to
receive an engaging end of the extension legs 140 therein. It may
be appreciated, however that other engagements between the ballet
barre 80 and the extension legs 140 are also possible in other
embodiments. For example, in ballet bar assembly 170 of FIG. 5, the
extension legs 190 terminate proximal to the ballet barre 200 at
barre supports 220, which provide a surface area of support for the
ballet barre 200. The ballet barre 200 is then bolted through both
the thickness of the ballet barre 200 and the barre supports 220.
In some embodiments, the barre supports 220 are shaped to match a
contour of an engaging portion of the ballet barre 200. For
example, in FIG. 5, where the ballet barre 200 is of a circular
cross section, the barre supports 220 may have an arcuate cross
section that matches the contour of the ballet barre 200. It may be
appreciated that in some embodiments, the barre supports 220 may
completely surround the ballet barre 200. Additionally, in various
embodiments, the engagement between the ballet barre 200 and the
receiving portion of the extension legs 190 (such as the barre
supports 220) may be through any appropriate mechanism, including
but not limited to being bolted, screwed, or otherwise coupled by a
mechanical fastener, or may be glued, welded, or otherwise adhered
thereto.
[0042] In accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure,
the ballet barre can be raised to approximately waist height of a
standing user. It may be appreciated, however, that in various
embodiments a user of the ballet barre may alternatively use the
ballet barre while standing on the movable user support 14, or
while standing on the support surface on which the exerciser 10 is
residing. As such, it may be appreciated that ballet barre
assemblies 16 and 170 are configured to selectively raise ballet
barres 80 or 200 to varying waist heights of users standing
adjacent to the exerciser 10 (e.g., when the frame 18 is raised
above the support surface by the stand 20), or users standing on
the movable user support 14, by positioning extension legs 140 or
190 relative to support legs 100 or 180. For example, in various
embodiments the ballet barres 80 or 200 may be raised so as to be
selectively fixed at a position that is greater than approximately
60 centimeters above the support surface. In an embodiment, the
ballet barres 80 or 200 may be raised so as to be selectively fixed
at a position that is greater than approximately 60 centimeters
above the top plane of movement of the movable user support 14,
which may be more than 60 centimeters above the support surface,
due to a height of the frame 18 (and the stand 20, where
present).
[0043] In more specific embodiments, the ballet barres 80 or 200
may be raised so as to be selectively fixed at a position that is
greater than approximately 75 centimeters above either the support
surface or the top plane of movement of the movable user support
14. In some embodiments the ballet barres 80 or 200 may be fixed at
respective positions that are as high as approximately 130 cm above
either the support surface or the top plane of movement of the
movable user support 14. For example, in some embodiments, the
ballet barres 80 or 200 may be raised so as to be fixed at
respective positions that are between 60-130 centimeters above
either the support surface or the top plane of movement of the
movable user support 14. In more specific embodiments, the ballet
barres 80 or 200 may be selectively fixed at respective positions
that are between 80-100 cm above either the support surface or the
top plane of movement of the movable user support 14. In more
particular embodiments, the ballet barres 80 or 200 may be
supported approximately 90 cm above either the support surface or
the top plane of movement of the movable user support 14. It may be
appreciated, however, that the ballet barres 80 or 200 may also be
adjusted from such waist-height positions to either a greater or
lesser height. Such adjustability may allow for a greater number of
exercises to be performed on the exerciser 10 coupled to the ballet
barre assemblies 16 or 170, as described in greater detail
below.
[0044] As indicated above, in some embodiments the top plane of
movement may be raised above the support surface for the exerciser
10 by the stand 20. Accordingly, it may be appreciated that in some
embodiments the ballet barre assemblies 16 or 170 may be configured
to support the ballet barres 80 or 200 at various heights inclusive
or exclusive of the stand 20, so that a user of the ballet barres
80 or 200 may position the ballet barres 80 or 200 at a desired
height regardless of whether the frame 18 is positioned on the
stand 20. For example, in an embodiment where it is desirable to
support the ballet barres 80 or 200 at a variable height
approximately between 50-100 cm above the support surface, with the
stand 20 raising the top plane of the movable user support 14
approximately 35-45 cm above the support surface, the ballet barre
80 or 200 may need only be supported approximately 5-65 cm above
the top plane of movement for the movable user support 14 cm to
cover the same range, and thus the ballet barre assemblies 16 or
170 may be configured as such. In still another embodiment, the
ballet barre 80 or 200 is not adjustable on the ballet barre
assembly 16 or 170, but is instead fixed at a location that is at
least 60 cm above the top plane of the movable user support 14.
[0045] It may additionally be appreciated that ballet barre
assemblies 16 and 170 optionally extend outward to opposing sides
beyond the pair of extension legs 140 or 190. For example,
illustrated in FIG. 5 are barre ends 230, which are out of a
spatial volume defined by the range of movement of the movable user
support 14. In some embodiments, barre ends 230 may extend outwards
approximately the width of a user's hands or longer, to provide a
surface to grasp. For example, in various embodiments the barre
ends 230 may each extend outward from, the extension legs 140 or
190 at least by 10 cm, and ideally between approximately 10-30 cm,
although it can extend beyond 30 cm as well. It may be appreciated
that a user positioned on the user support pad 48 of the movable
user support 14 may engage the ballet barre 200 with either of
their extremities outside of the volume through which the remainder
of their body may be in while moving the movable user support 14
towards or away from the ballet barre assembly 170. Accordingly,
because the ballet barre 200 may extend outwards beyond the support
legs 180 that raise it above the exerciser 10, still more exercises
may be performed on the exerciser 10, as also described below. As
such, it may be appreciated that the ballet barre 200, including or
excluding the barre ends 230, may extend any appropriate length,
including but not limited to approximately between 60-120 cm
long.
[0046] Depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B are the exerciser 10 having the
ballet barre assembly 170 assembled thereon. As shown, the
extension legs 190 are fixed relative to the support legs 180 so as
to support the ballet barre 200 at approximately the height of a
waist W of a user U. As an example of an exercise facilitated by
ballet barre assembly 170, by standing on the user support pad 48
of the movable user support 14, the user U may engage the ballet
barre 200 with his either or both of his hands H, and push off
against the movable user support 14 with his/her feet F, to move
the movable user support 14 away from the ballet barre assembly
170, against the resistance provided by the tensile resilient
resistance elements 62 to exercise either or both of his arms or
back. Other such exercises may also be performed with the ballet
barre 200 at waist height. For example, the user U may position one
foot F against the ballet barre 200, while his other foot F may
remain on the user support pad 48 of the movable user support 14,
to conduct leg stretching exercises against the resistance of the
tensile resilient resistance elements 62.
[0047] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict another exercise which may be
performed on the exerciser 10 having the ballet barre assembly 170
assembled thereon. In particular, by engaging the ballet barre 200
with his hands H, the user U may position himself within the ballet
barre assembly 170, hanging through a region defined by an inner
portion of the ballet barre 200 on top, the extension legs 190 and
support legs 180 on either side, and the endpiece 37 on bottom,
with his feet F engaging the movable user support 14. While in some
exercises the user U may grasp the center region of the ballet
barre 200, during the illustrated exercise the user U grasps the
barre ends 230 thereof. By pushing on the movable user support 14
against the resistance of the tensile resilient resistance elements
62, the user U may simultaneously exercise his arms A and his legs
L. Due to the height that the ballet barre 200 may be raised to,
full extension of the arms A of the user U may be maintained
throughout this exercise, or a pull up into and out of full
extension of the arms A may be performed, with the feet F are
pushing against the resistance of the tensile resilient resistance
elements 62 to extend the legs L, as shown in FIG. 7B.
[0048] While in the embodiments of the ballet barre assemblies 16,
170 illustrated above, a minimum extension of the ballet barres 80,
200 may be determined by the length of the support legs 100, 180,
it may be appreciated that in other embodiments a greater range of
motion for the ballet barres may be facilitated by alternative
support assemblies. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates a ballet barre
assembly 240 configured to be supported on the endpiece 37 of the
exerciser 10. The ballet barre assembly 240 includes support legs
250 that are received into the receptacles 110 in the endpiece 37,
and may be secured thereto by the securing knobs 120. Extending
from the support legs 250 are stationary supports 260 extending
upward from the endpiece 37. Slidably mounted on each of the
stationary supports 260 is a slidable barre support 270, which is
configured to support a ballet barre 280 thereon. As shown, the
slidable barre support 270 is configured to slide generally from a
bottom end of the stationary supports 260 to a top end of the
stationary supports 260, facilitating a greater number of height
possibilities for the ballet barre 280. As shown in the illustrated
embodiment, a pair of stationary supports 260 may support the
ballet barre 280 therebetween, on the slidable barre supports 270.
The slidable barre supports 270 may be releasably fixed at
associated heights on the stationary supports 260, so as to raise
the ballet barre 280 to a certain height above the exerciser
10.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, such releasable fixing is
facilitated by the engagement of adjustment knobs 290, positioned
on the slidable barre supports 270, with apertures 300 formed on
the stationary supports 260. While in some embodiments the
adjustment knobs 290 may include threaded fasteners that extend
into the apertures 300, in other embodiments the adjustment knobs
290 may frictionally engage the stationary supports 260, or may
include quick-release pins. By releasing the adjustment knobs 290,
a position of the ballet barre 280 relative to the endpiece 37 of
the exerciser 10 may be modified, by raising or lowering the
slidable barre supports 270 on the stationary supports 260. In the
illustrated embodiment, a crossbar 310 connects the support legs
250, which may prevent the stationary supports from separating if
the ballet barre 280 (and the slidable barre supports 270) are
removed therefrom. It may be appreciated that in some embodiments
the slidable barre supports 270 may be removed from the stationary
supports 260 by raising the slidable barre supports 270 to the top
end of the stationary supports 260, where there may be no
obstruction preventing their removal. In other embodiments,
however, a crossbar or other engaging piece may prevent removal of
the slidable barre supports 270. In some embodiments, the ballet
barre assembly 240 may be considered or otherwise be part of a
tower configuration. It may be appreciated that in some embodiments
the adjustment knobs 290 may extend directly through the stationary
supports 260 into the ballet barre 280, such that the ballet barre
280 is coupled directly to the stationary supports 260, without
engagement through the slidable barre supports 270.
[0050] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment facilitating a greater
range of motion for the ballet barre. Specifically, FIG. 9
illustrates a ballet barre assembly 320 configured to be supported
on the endpiece 37 of the exerciser 10. The ballet barre assembly
320 includes support legs 330 that are received into the
receptacles 110 in the endpiece 37, and may be secured thereto by
the securing knobs 120. Extending from the support legs 330 are
stationary supports 340 extending upward from the endpiece 37. The
stationary supports 340 are configured to support pivotable ballet
barre supports 350, which contain at ends thereof a ballet barre
360. As shown in the Figure, the assembly of the ballet barre 360
and the ballet barre supports 350 may rotate about an axis X formed
at the joint between the ballet barre supports 350 and the
stationary supports 340, to facilitate pivotal movement of the
ballet barre 360 relative to the stationary supports 340. In the
illustrated embodiment, securing knobs 370 selectively tighten the
engagement between the ballet barre supports 350 and the stationary
supports 340, so as to lock the ballet barre supports 350 at a
certain angle .alpha. with respect to the stationary supports 340.
It may be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments locking
the ballet barre supports 350 at a variable angle .alpha. may be
through other securing mechanisms.
[0051] In some embodiments, the ballet barre supports 350 (and thus
the ballet barre 360) may rotate to either side of the stationary
supports 340 (i.e. either towards or away from the frame assembly
12 of the exerciser 10). It may be appreciated that where the
ballet barre 360 is rotated away from the frame assembly 12, a user
may engage the ballet barre 360 while standing on the same support
surface that the exerciser 10 is positioned on. As such, in some
embodiments a height that the ballet barre 360 may be raised to, as
described in greater detail below, may again be relative to the
support surface for the exerciser 10, instead of relative to the
top plane of movement for the movable user support 14.
[0052] Similarly to the ballet barre assemblies 16 and 170, the
ballet barre assembles 240 and 320 are configured to selectively
raise ballet barres 280 or 360 to waist height of a user of
exerciser 10 standing adjacent thereto, either on the movable user
support 14 or on the support surface. For example, in various
embodiments the ballet barres 280 or 360 may be raised so as to be
selectively fixed at a position that is greater than approximately
60 centimeters either above the top plane of movement of the
movable user support 14 or above the support surface. In more
specific embodiments, the ballet barres 280 or 360 may be raised so
as to be selectively fixed at a position that is greater than
approximately 75 centimeters above the top plane of movement of the
movable user support 14 or above the support surface. In some
embodiments the ballet barres 280 or 360 may be fixed at positions
that are as high as approximately 130 cm either above the top plane
of movement of the movable user support 14 or above the support
surface. For example, in some embodiments, the ballet barres 280 or
360 may be raised so as to be fixed at a position that is between
60-130 centimeters above either the top plane of movement of the
movable user support 14 or the support surface. In more specific
embodiments, the ballet barres 280 or 360 may be selectively fixed
at a position that is approximately between 80 and 100 cm above the
top plane of movement of the movable user support 14 or the support
surface. In more particular embodiments, the ballet barres 280 or
360 may be supported approximately 90 cm above either the top plane
of movement of the movable user support 14 or the support surface.
It may be appreciated, however, that the ballet barres 280 or 360
may also be adjusted from such waist-height positions to either a
greater or lesser height. Such adjustability may allow for a
greater number of exercises to be performed on the exerciser 10
coupled to the ballet barre assemblies 240 and 320, similarly to
those described above.
[0053] While in some embodiments, such as those depicted above, the
ballet barre assemblies may be installed at the endpiece 37 of the
exerciser 10 (such that the movable user support 14 is biased
towards the ballet barre thereof), in other embodiments, a ballet
barre assembly may be additionally or alternatively installed at
the endpiece 36, such that the movable user support 14 is biased
away from the ballet barre thereof. For example, FIG. 10 depicts
the exerciser 10 including both the ballet barre assembly 16
installed at the endpiece 37, as well as a ballet barre assembly
380 installed at the endpiece 36.
[0054] In an embodiment, elements of ballet barre assembly 380 may
be generally similar to one or more of ballet barre assemblies 16,
170, 240, or 320, as described above. In the illustrated
embodiment, ballet barre assembly 380 is generally similar to
ballet barre assembly 16, and is configured to support a ballet
barre 390 above a top plane of movement for the movable user
support 14 by a vertically extending support 400. In various
embodiments, the ballet barre 390 may be generally similar to the
ballet barres 80, 200, 280, or 360. In the illustrated embodiment
of the ballet barre assembly 380, the vertically extending support
400 includes support legs 410 that engage the exerciser 10, and may
be generally similar to support legs 100. While in some embodiments
support legs 410 may be non-removably attached to endpiece 36, in
other embodiments support legs 410 may be removably attached. In
the illustrated embodiment, the support legs 410 are received in
receptacles 110 of the endpiece 36, and another pair of the
securing knobs 120 are provided and associated therewith, so as to
engage the support legs 410 to selectively prevent or otherwise
hinder removal of the ballet barre assembly 380 from the remainder
of the exerciser 10.
[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the support legs 410, like
the support legs 100, are coupled to one another by a connecting
bar 420. Although optional, in such embodiments the connecting bar
130 may provide planar stability for the ballet barre assembly 16.
In the illustrated embodiment, the support legs 410 of the ballet
barre assembly 380 include thereon the pullies 58 supporting the
pull lines 56, allowing the ballet barre assembly 380 to replace
that function of the upright bar 66.
[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the ballet barre assembly 380
may be otherwise similar in function and operation to the ballet
barre assembly 16. For example, extension legs 430 may be slidably
received in the support legs 410, and may be secured by engagement
knobs 440, which may pass through a portion of the support legs 410
to engage a corresponding region of the extension legs 430.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, apertures or other engagement
regions, such as apertures 450 in the illustrated embodiment, may
be formed in the extension legs 430, to receive an engaging portion
of the engagement knobs 440. As above, in various embodiments other
engagements may be utilized in lieu of the engagement knobs 440,
including but not limited to pins, clamps, or compression collars,
to fix the extension legs 430 relative to the support legs 410. As
above with ballet barre assembly 16, in some embodiments the
engagement between the support legs 410 and the extension legs 430
may include a quick release mechanism for rapid adjustment of the
height of the ballet barre 390. In other embodiments, the ballet
barre assembly 380 may be otherwise similar in function and
operation to the ballet barre assemblies 170, 240, or 320. Likewise
it may be appreciated that the ballet barre assembly 380 may either
be engaged by a user supported by the movable user support 14, or
by a user standing on the support surface supporting the exerciser
10, and that a height of the ballet barre 390 may be adjusted
accordingly depending on the user's size, body type, comfort
preference, or so on, as well as accounting for presence or absence
of the stand 20.
[0057] It may be appreciated that materials utilized in the
exerciser 10 and in ballet barre assemblies such as ballet barre
assemblies 16, 170, 240, 320, or 380 may vary across embodiments.
In particular, in various embodiments one or more components may be
constructed of metal, wood, plastic, elastomer, or any other
appropriate material. In some embodiments, for example, the ballet
barres 80, 200, 280, 360, or 390 may be constructed generally of
wood, while other components of the ballet barre assemblies 16,
170, 240, 320, or 380 may be constructed generally of metal and/or
plastic. It may also be appreciated that the components of the
exerciser 10 and the ballet barre assemblies 16, 170, 240, 320, or
380 may be formed or otherwise assembled by any suitable process.
For example, components may be integrally formed together, welded
together, coupled by machine elements or adhesion, or so on.
Additionally, components of the exerciser 10 and the ballet barre
assemblies 16, 170, 240, 320, or 380 may variously be hollow or
solid in their construction or configuration
[0058] As may be appreciated from the descriptions above, the
exercisers including the ballet barres according to the present
inventive concepts provide numerous advantages. For example, the
user can perform exercises in a supine or prone position, which is
usually at least perceived to be more comfortable by the user.
Additionally, the type of exercises that can be performed on
exercisers according to the invention may have cardiovascular,
strength, and flexibility benefits. Furthermore, certain known
types of exercises, such as Pilates exercises, or other ballet
exercises, may be performed on exercisers according to the
invention, if desired by the user.
[0059] Although certain embodiments have been described herein,
those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that modifications
may be made within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *