U.S. patent application number 13/658882 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-24 for exercise machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is Frank Marghella. Invention is credited to Frank Marghella.
Application Number | 20140113773 13/658882 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50485846 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140113773 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marghella; Frank |
April 24, 2014 |
EXERCISE MACHINE
Abstract
An exercise device including a first platform with an upper wall
and side walls. Connector assemblies are engaged with each side
wall and are selectively movable therealong. A first end of each
resistance band is selectively engageable with one of the connector
assemblies. A user positioned on the upper wall engages the second
end of each resistance band to perform resisted arm curls. A
harness worn on the user's torso is engaged with second ends of the
resistance bands and rollers on the harness engage a vertical
surface when performing squats. The exercise device includes a
second platform that pivots relative to the first platform and is
locked in position to present the vertical surface for the rollers.
A third platform is pivotally engaged with the second platform and
is positionable to present a chin-up bar. Resistance bands engage
connector assemblies on the third platform for performing pull-down
type exercises.
Inventors: |
Marghella; Frank; (Barrie,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Marghella; Frank |
Barrie |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
50485846 |
Appl. No.: |
13/658882 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/38 ; 482/129;
482/130 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/20 20130101;
A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 21/0552
20130101; A63B 21/4007 20151001; A63B 23/03541 20130101; A63B 1/00
20130101; A63B 23/0405 20130101; A63B 23/1218 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/38 ; 482/130;
482/129 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/04 20060101
A63B021/04; A63B 1/00 20060101 A63B001/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise device comprising: a platform having an upper wall
with a first end and a second end; said upper wall being adapted to
support a user thereon; a first side wall disposed adjacent a first
side of the upper wall; a second side wall disposed adjacent a
second side of the upper wall; a first connector assembly engaged
with the first side wall, and wherein the first connector assembly
is selectively movable along the first side wall; and a first
resistance band having a first end and a second end, wherein the
first end thereof is selectively engageable with the first
connector assembly and the second end thereof is adapted to be
engaged by the user supported on the upper wall.
2. The exercise device as defined in claim 1, further comprising: a
locking mechanism engaged with the first connector assembly, said
locking mechanism being movable between a locked position and an
unlocked position, and when the locking mechanism is in the locked
position, the first connector assembly is substantially prevented
from moving along the first side wall, and when the locking
mechanism is in the unlocked position, the first connector assembly
is movable along the first side wall.
3. The exercise device as defined in claim 1, wherein the upper
wall has a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second
ends thereof; and wherein the first connector assembly is movable
along a plane that is disposed substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis.
4. The exercise device as defined in claim 1, further comprising: a
second connector assembly engaged with the second side wall, and
wherein the second connector assembly is selectively movable along
the second side wall; and a second resistance band, where a first
end of the second resistance band is selectively engageable with
the second connector assembly and a second end of the second
resistance band is adapted to be engaged by the user supported on
the upper wall.
5. The exercise device as defined in claim 4, further comprising: a
harness adapted to be worn on the user's torso; and wherein the
harness is selectively engageable with the first and second
resistance bands.
6. The exercise device as defined in claim 5, wherein the harness
includes: a back, said back having a pair of sides disposed
substantially at right angles thereto; a pair of shoulder straps
engaged with the back and adapted to pass over the user's
shoulders; a waist band engaged with the back and adapted to pass
around the waist of the user; and a mounting bracket provided on
each side of the back; and wherein the first and second resistance
bands are selectively engageable with the mounting brackets.
7. The device as defined in claim 6, further comprising: a first
mounting tab provided on a first one of the mounting brackets on
the harness; and a second mounting tab provided on a second one of
the mounting brackets on the harness, and wherein the first and
second mounting tabs are selectively engaged by the first and
second resistance bands, respectively.
8. The device as defined in claim 7, wherein the first and second
mounting tabs are aligned with each other on the harness, and
wherein the first and second mounting tabs are positioned so as to
be adapted to align with a centerline of the sides of the user's
torso when the harness is worn by the user.
9. The device as defined in claim 6, wherein the back of the
harness further includes: at least one roller provided on a rear
surface of the back, said roller being mounted so as to rotate
about a horizontally oriented axis.
10. The device as defined in claim 9, wherein at least a portion of
the roller projects for a distance outwardly beyond the rear
surface of the back.
11. The device as defined in claim 1, further comprising: a second
platform; a first hinge assembly configured to pivotally orient the
second platform relative to the first platform; and a first locking
assembly engageable to lock the second platform to the first
platform at a selected angle.
12. The device as defined in claim 11, wherein the second platform
is oriented at right angles relative the first platform when the
device is in use, and the second platform is rotated into
substantial contact with the first platform when the device is
collapsed for storage.
13. The device as defined in claim 11, wherein the first locking
assembly is part of the first hinge assembly and includes a knob
that is rotated in a first direction to lock the first locking
assembly; and is rotated in a second direction to unlock the first
locking assembly.
14. The device as defined in claim 11, further comprising: a third
platform; a second hinge assembly configured to pivotally orient
the third platform to the second platform; and a second locking
assembly movable between a locked and unlocked position, and when
the second locking assembly is locked the third platform is secured
to the second platform at a fixed angle, and when the second
locking assembly is unlocked, the third platform is movable
relative to the second platform.
15. The device as defined in claim 14, wherein the second locking
assembly forms part of the second hinge assembly and includes a
knob that is rotated in a first direction to lock the second
locking assembly; and is rotated in a second direction to unlock
the second locking assembly.
16. The device as defined in claim 14, wherein the third platform
includes: a first side wall; a second side wall; a third connector
assembly and a fourth connector assembly; and wherein the third
connector assembly is movably engaged with the first side wall of
the third platform, and the fourth connector assembly is movably
engaged with the second side wall of the third platform; and
wherein the third and fourth connector assemblies are selectively
engaged with the first resistance band.
17. The device as defined in claim 16, further comprising a bar
extending between a free end of the first side wall of the third
platform and a free end of the second side wall of the third
platform, and wherein the third platform is selectively
positionable relative to the first platform to enable the bar to be
used to perform chin-ups.
18. The device as defined in claim 1, wherein the first platform is
adapted to be stabilized by the user's weight when the user is
supported on the upper wall.
19. The device as defined in claim 1, further comprising: a storage
cavity defined in the upper wall, and a panel selectively
positionable across an opening to the storage cavity.
20. A method of exercising comprising: engaging a first end of a
first resistance band on a first connector assembly extending
outwardly from a first side wall of a first platform; positioning
one's body on the upper wall of the first platform; engaging a
second end of the first resistance band on the body; lengthening
the first resistance band by performing one of an arm curl and a
squat; and permitting the lengthened first resistance band to
return to its original length; and repeating the last two steps a
desired number of times.
21. The method as defined in claim 20, further comprising the step
of: engaging a first end of a second resistance band on a second
connector assembly extending outwardly from a second side wall of
the first platform, where the second side wall is spaced a distance
from the first side wall; lengthening the second resistance band
substantially simultaneously with the first resistance band; and
permitting the lengthened second resistance band substantially
simultaneously with the first resistance band.
22. The method as defined in claim 21, further comprising the step
of: engaging each of the second ends of the first and second
resistance bands with a mounting tab on a harness worn on the
body.
23. The method as defined in claim 20, further comprising the step
of: positioning a roller on a harness worn on the body against a
vertical surface disposed at one end of the first platform; and
performing squats with the roller engaged on the vertical
surface.
24. The method as defined in claim 23, further comprising the step
of: positioning a second platform at right angles to the upper wall
of the first platform to present the vertical surface at one end of
the first platform.
25. The method as defined in claim 24, further comprising the step
of: positioning a third platform at an angle relative to the second
platform; locking the third platform at the angle; engaging a bar
disposed at a free end of the third platform; and performing one or
more chin ups using the bar.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This invention relates generally to athletic equipment. More
particularly, this invention relates to home gym equipment.
Specifically, this invention is directed to a device having one or
more platforms hingedly secured together and having connector
assemblies movably engaged on some of the side walls thereof and to
which resistance bands may be secured for performing arm curls,
squats, and pull-down type exercises when the user stands on the
platform. The device includes a chin-up bar engaged on a free end
of one of the platforms.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] We live in a very exercise conscious society. Amongst those
who regularly work-out there is tendency to over-exert themselves,
especially when it comes to lifting weights. The most common danger
is that people, when they first begin to lift weights, do not
slowly work weight lifting into their exercise routine. Lifting too
frequently or lifting weights that are too heavy too soon can lead
to serious muscle strain and injury. It is most advisable to slowly
integrate light weights at low repetition rates into a regular
exercise schedule and then increasing the weight and repetitions
over time.
[0005] Another danger for the more experienced person is that
people tend to become tempted to lifted heavy weights without
sufficient and proper supervision. In spite of what most people
think, there is always a possibility of dropping a weight and
getting trapped under a failed lift. Without somebody who is
experienced and strong enough to act as a spotter, a person may be
seriously injured if they fail to successfully lift the weight they
have selected.
[0006] Resistance training involves the application of elastic or
hydraulic resistance to strengthen contracting muscles rather than
using the effect of gravity as is the case with lifting of free
weights. Weight training and the two different types of resistance
training have very different effects on the body and on the way the
body moves when exercised. Weight training, for example, requires
the majority of a person's strength to be applied at the beginning
of the exercise motion. At this point, when the initial joint
movement is made, the person has to apply as much strength to begin
the motion as their muscles have to overcome the inertia of the
mass they are trying to lift. After this initial motion, the
overall resistance changes as the angle of the joint involved in
the lifting is changed. By comparison, hydraulic resistance
provides a fixed amount of resistance throughout the entire range
of motion and is dependent on the speed of that motion. Elastic
resistance provides the greatest resistance at the end of the
motion when the resistance band used for the exercise is stretched
to the greatest extent.
[0007] While a number of exercise device have been proposed in the
past, there is still a need in the art for an improved exercise
device which is simple and safe to use in a variety of settings
including home gyms.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The device of the present invention is an exercise machine
that combines safe elastic resistance training with the benefit of
free-weight style exercises. The device of the present invention
includes a first embodiment and a second embodiment. The first
embodiment comprises a single platform that includes adjustable
connector assemblies for securement of resistance bands thereon and
can be utilized to perform arm curls and squats. The second
embodiment includes first, second and third platforms that are
hingedly engaged with each other and are positionable relative to
each other so that the user is able to perform chin-ups and
pull-down type exercises.
[0009] The device includes a platform with two movable elastic
attachment points. The attachment points are located on each side
of the platform. In use, the platform is moved to a position where
it is disposed adjacent a vertical wall. The user wears a harness
which is secured in place around the torso with a suitable fastener
such as a hook and loop fasteners or belts. The platform has two
rollers which are positionable in abutting contact with the
vertical wall. The user attaches a first end of an elastic cord to
one of two movable attachment points on the sides of the platform.
The second end of each cord is secured to the harness to attachment
points that are located near the belt line on the harness and at a
location in line with the centerline of the side of the user's
body. The user can then perform squats with their back positioned
adjacent the vertical wall for support. This ensures that there is
less danger of the user losing their balance and falling when they
perform the squats. Additionally, the user can attach two more
elastic cords, one to each of the other movable attachment points
so that they are able to perform arm curls while they are
performing squats. It is also possible for the user to double up
the number of elastic cords or to use very much stronger resistance
bands so s to provide them with a more intensive work-out.
[0010] The device of the present invention may be further expanded
to include other movable and positional platforms which enable them
to perform chin-ups and pull-down type resistance training for the
arms. The device of the present invention includes step-ladder type
movable joints because of their strength and sturdiness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated of the
best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles,
is set forth in the following description and is shown in the
drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set
forth in the appended claims.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective rear view of a basic platform of the
exercise device in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the device in
accordance with the present invention showing a user performing arm
curls with a single elastic cord;
[0014] FIG. 3 an enlarged perspective view of the highlighted
region of FIG. 1 showing the first connector assembly engaged on
the first side wall of the platform;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first
connector assembly shown in FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-section through the first side wall and
the first connector assembly taken at right angles through the
longitudinal axis of the platform, and showing the locking
mechanism in a locked position;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-section through the first side wall and
the first connector assembly taken at right angles through the
longitudinal axis of the platform, and showing the locking
mechanism in an unlocked position;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective front view of a harness in
accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective rear view of the harness of FIG.
7;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective front view of a user simultaneously
performing squats and arm curls on the exercise device in
accordance with the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective rear view of a second embodiment of
the exercise device of the present invention, showing an expanded
platform;
[0022] FIG. 11 is perspective rear view of the exercise device of
FIG. 10 showing a user in a first position and beginning to perform
chin-up type exercises;
[0023] FIG. 12 is perspective rear view of the exercise device of
FIG. 10 showing a user in a second position during the performance
of chin-up type exercises;
[0024] FIG. 13 is perspective rear view of the exercise device of
FIG. 10 shown folded up for storage;
[0025] FIG. 14 shows a side view of the exercise device of FIG. 10
shown in a folded storage position;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a top view of the exercise device shown in a
folded storage position;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a front end of the exercise device shown in the
folded storage position; and
[0028] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the exercise device shown
in the folded storage position.
[0029] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a first embodiment of an
exercise device in accordance with the present invention, generally
indicated at 10. Exercise device 10 comprises a first platform 12
having an upper wall 14, a lower wall 16 (FIG. 5), a first side
wall 18, a second side wall 20, a first end 22 and a second end 24.
Platform 12 has a longitudinal axis "Y" that extends between first
and second ends 22, 24 and is disposed at right angles relative
thereto.
[0031] Upper wall 14 comprises a generally rectangular-cubed shaped
member that has a planar upper surface 14a (FIG. 5), a lower
surface 14b, and side surfaces 14c. Upper wall 14 further includes
a first end (not numbered) that is disposed adjacent first end 22;
and a second end 14d disposed adjacent second end 24. Upper wall 14
is configured to be sufficiently strong enough to support a user 26
(FIG. 2) thereon.
[0032] As best seen in FIG. 5, lower wall 16 includes a
substantially flat, planar region 16a that is configured to rest
upon a floor surface and extends between first and second side
walls 18, 20 and first and second ends 22, 24 of platform. Lower
wall 16 further includes a pair of upstanding flanges 16b that are
integral with planar region 16a and run along opposing side edges
of planar region 16a. Each flange 16b preferably extends from
proximate first end 22 of platform 12 to proximate second end 24
thereof. Flanges 16b are disposed substantially at right angles to
planar region 16a. A T-shaped flange 16c extends outwardly from an
exterior surface of flange 16b. T-shaped flange 16c includes a
horizontal leg 16d and a vertical arm 16e. Leg 16d is disposed at
right angles to flange 16b and arm 16e is disposed at right angles
to leg 16d. Thus, arm 16e is disposed substantially parallel to
upstanding flange 16b and is spaced a distance laterally away
therefrom such that a gap 28 is defined between a portion of arm
16e and flange 16b.
[0033] First and second side walls 18, 20 are interlockingly
engaged with lower wall 16. First and second side walls 18, 20 are
substantially identical to each other, so only first side wall 18
will be described further herein. First side wall 18 comprises a
generally rectangularly-shaped beam that extends from proximate
first end 22 of platform 12 to proximate second end 24 thereof. The
beam also extends from adjacent planar region 16a of lower wall 16
to a distance vertically above the upper surface 14a of upper wall
14. The beam is not solid but is instead comprised of a generally
rectangular-cubed core 28 having a fin 30 that extends radially
outwardly from each of the corners of the cube. An L-shaped flange
32 is provided at the free end of each fin 30. Flanges 32 are
arranged so that they essentially form the corners 18a of the beam
of first side wall 18. Each flange 32 includes a shorter limb 32a
and a longer limb 32b. The longer limbs 32b that form the exterior
surface of first side wall 18 are separated from the sides of core
28 of the beam by a gap 34. Limbs 32b are disposed parallel to the
sides of core 28 and to arm 16b of lower wall 16. The free ends of
limbs 32b on the exterior surface of first side wall 18 are
separated from each other by a space that forms a groove 36 (FIG.
1) that runs substantially from first end 22 of platform 12 to the
second end 24 thereof.
[0034] In accordance with a specific feature of the present
invention, each of the longer limbs 32b defines a plurality of
apertures 38 therein. Apertures 38 are oriented so that they extend
through limbs 32b generally at right angles to longitudinal axis
"Y". The apertures 38 in the exterior limbs 32b are preferably
aligned with the apertures 38 in the interior limbs 32b proximate
upper surface 14. Apertures 38 are spaced at regular intervals from
each other along each of the first and second side walls 18,
20.
[0035] First end 22 comprises a planar member 40 that is engaged
with upper wall 14, lower wall 16, and a first free end of each of
first and second side walls 18, 20. Planar member 40 has a U-shaped
upper edge 40a, a planar lower edge 40b, first and second side
edges 40c, 40d and a planar exterior face 40e. Second end 24
comprises the free ends of each of the first and second side walls
18, 20, the free ends of upper wall 14 and lower wall 16.
[0036] In accordance with a specific feature of the present
invention, a first movable connector assembly 42 is engaged with
each of the first and second side walls 18, 20 of platform 12.
Preferably, a second movable connector assembly 44 is also engaged
with each of the first and second side walls 18, 20. First and
second connector assemblies 42, 44 are substantially identical in
structure and function, so only first connector assembly 42 will be
further described herein.
[0037] First connector assembly 42 is shown in greater detail in
FIG. 4. First connector assembly 42 comprises a generally U-shaped
channel member 46, a ring member 48, a base 50, and a ball member
52. Channel member 46 includes a generally U-shaped central region
46a and a pair of flanges 46b that extend outwardly from the free
ends of central region 46a. A hole 46c is defined in each flange
46b. Central region 46a is sized to fit into groove 36 in one of
first and second side walls 18, 20. Flanges 46b are sized to fit
into gap 34 between limbs 32b and the side of core 28.
[0038] Ring member 48 includes a ring 48a and a pair of legs 48b
that extend outwardly from a side surface of ring 48a. Ring 48a is
illustrated herein as being generally rectangular in shape, but it
will be understood that any desired shape of ring may be utilized
herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Legs 48b are disposed generally at right angles to the plane of
ring 48a. Legs 48b are positioned so that they may be received
through holes 46c in flanges of channel member 46 when ring and
channel members 48, 46 are engaged with each other, as will be
described hereafter.
[0039] First connector assembly 42 further includes base 50. Base
50 includes a generally cubic shaped housing 50a and pairs of clips
50b disposed on each of the housing's upper and lower surfaces.
Each clip 50b includes two recessed regions 50c, 50d that are
shaped to selectively receive ring 48a of ring member 48 therein,
as will be hereinafter described. The pairs of clips 50b are
aligned vertically and horizontally with each other so first
recessed regions 50c are generally aligned along the same vertical
plane (with reference to FIG. 4) and the second recessed regions
50d are generally aligned along the same vertical plane. A tubular
arm 50e extends outwardly from an exterior surface of housing 50a.
Arm 50e defines a bore 50f therein. Although not shown herein, base
50 further includes a cavity that is defined in the interior face
50f (FIG. 6) that is configured to receive a portion of channel 46a
therein.
[0040] Ball member 52 comprises a circular ball 52a and a leg 52b
that is configured to be received within bore 50f of arm 50e of
base 50. Leg 52b includes a first region and a second region that
are of two different diameters. The first region is of a smaller
diameter and the second region is of a larger diameter. When ball
member 52 is to be engaged with base 50, leg 52 is inserted into
bore 50f and is pushed inwardly until the outermost edge of arm 50e
is disposed proximate the exterior surface of ball 52a. As is
evident from FIG. 6, when ball member 52 is engaged with base 50, a
gap 54 is defined between a region of the exterior surface of ball
52a and the exterior surface of housing 50a. The gap 54 has a width
that is approximately equal to the length of arm 50e.
[0041] Parts of connector assembly 42 comprise a locking mechanism
that locks the connector assembly 42 in any one of a plurality of
positions along the length of platform 12, as will be further
described herein. The components that form part of the locking
mechanism are channel member 46, base 50, clips 50b and ring member
48.
[0042] When connector assembly 42 is to be initially engaged with
first side wall 18, for example, ball member 52 is disengaged from
base 50 by pulling leg 52b out of arm 50e. Ring member 48 is then
detached from base 50 by pulling ring 48a outwardly in the same
direction as ball member 52 was detached from base 50. Ring 48a
moves from recessed regions 50c on clips 50b to recessed regions
50d and then completely off base 50. Channel member 46 may then be
withdrawn out of the cavity (not shown) in the interior face 50f of
base. Flanges 46b of channel member 46 are then engaged in the gap
34 between limbs 32b and the side wall of the core 28 of first end
wall 18. This is able to be accomplished by sliding flanges 46b
channel member 46 into the gap 34 at the second end 24 of platform
12. When flanges 46b are so engaged, the channel 46a thereof
extends through groove 36 and away from the exterior surface of
limbs 32b. Ring member 48 is then engaged with base 50 by engaging
ring 48a in recessed regions 50d on clips 50b such as is shown in
FIG. 6. As is evident from this figure, when this occurs, base 50
is retained on channel member 46 by the frictional engagement of
channel 46a with the wall of base 50 that defines the cavity in the
inner face 50f. At this point, connector assembly 42 is latched to
first side wall 18 but the locking mechanism is in the unlocked
condition. FIG. 6 shows the locking mechanism in the unlocked
position in that legs 48b of ring member 48 are disposed outwardly
of the exterior surface of limbs 32b. Connector assembly 42 is free
to slide along the length of groove 36 as indicated by arrow "A" in
FIG. 1 when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.
[0043] When connector assembly 42 is in the desired location on
first side wall 18, ring 48a of ring member 18 is pushed inwardly
in the direction of arrow "B" (FIG. 6). This motion causes ring 48a
to move from recessed regions 50d over the ridges 51 and into
recessed regions 50c. This motion causes legs 48b of ring member 50
to move through holes 38 in limbs 32b and into the apertures 46c in
flanges 46b of channel member 46. Once this has occurred, the
locking mechanism on connector assembly 42 is in the locked
condition (FIG. 5) and movement of connector assembly 42 along
groove 36 is not possible until the locking mechanism is moved back
into the unlocked position. It should be noted that the spring
force exerted by channel member 46 keeps ring member 46 firmly
engaged with base 50. When it is desired to move connector assembly
42 again, ring 48a is grasped and is moved in the opposite
direction to arrow "B" so that ring 48a moves from recessed regions
50c, over ridges 51 and into recessed regions 50d. Connector
assembly 42 is now able to slide along groove 36 but remains
latched to first side wall 18. Second connector assembly 44
functions in the same manner as connector assembly 42.
[0044] It will be understood that connector assemblies 42, 44 are
configured to be selectively engaged with the pre-drilled apertures
38 in first and second side walls 18, 20 in order to ensure
non-movement of connector assemblies 42, 44 under heavy loads that
are put thereon during exercise.
[0045] FIG. 2 shows the user 26 standing on the upper surface of
upper wall 14 in a region where his feet are substantially aligned
with first connector assembly 42. The exercise device of the
present invention further includes one or more resistance bands 56.
Resistance band 56 comprises an elastic band 56a, a connector end
56b disposed at one end of band 56a, and a handle 56c disposed at
the other end of band 56a. Handle 56c preferably comprises a D-ring
for easy gripping. Resistance band 56 preferably includes a
substantially rigid lower section 56d which includes connector end
56b. This rigid section 56d/56c allows user 26 to hook connector
end 56b over ball member 52 without needing to bend down fully.
Connector end 56b is trapped in gap 54 between ball 52 and the
exterior surface of base 50.
[0046] The user 26 grasps handle 56c in their hand 26a and does
curls by placing their feet in alignment with first connector
assembly 42 and raising and lowering their forearm as indicated by
arrow "C". This motion causes resistance band 56 to expand and
contract in length as indicated by arrow "D". The resistance
applied exercises the user's biceps. Other types of resistance
exercises may be performed utilizing device 10 simply by the user
26 positioning their arms and body in the correct orientation to
pull the resistance band 56 in any particular direction so as to
exercise particular muscle groups. The weight of the user 26
stabilizes device 10 during these motions. The user 26 may start
his exercise program utilizing a single resistance band 56 engaged
with the selected on of connection assembly 42 or 44. As the user
26 develops in strength, additional resistance bands 56 may be
engaged with the same connection assembly 42 or 44 to provide a
more resistant member that has to be pulled to exercise the user's
arms. Alternatively, a stronger and less elastic resistance band
may be engaged with connection assembly 42 or 44 or a plurality of
stronger and less elastic bands may be engaged on the same one of
the connection assemblies to give the user a more intense
workout.
[0047] FIGS. 7 and 8 show another element of the exercise device in
accordance with the present invention. This additional element is a
harness 58 that is configured in such a manner that it may be worn
on the user's torso 26b.
[0048] Harness 58 includes a back 58a, an adjustable waist band
58b, a pair of adjustable shoulder straps 58c, and bracing members
58d. Back 58a is ergonomically designed to fit into the lower back
region of user 26. Back 58a may be provided with compressible
padding 60 on its front surface to make it more comfortable for
user 26 to wear harness 58. Back 58a is further provided with a
rear surface in which one or more cavities 62 are defined. A roller
64 is mounted within each cavity on a horizontally oriented axel
(not numbered) that extends between regions of the rear surface
which define cavity 62. Rollers 64 preferably have a rubber-like
exterior surface which provides a soft contact with wall 72 and
provides a non-slip movement during use of device 10, as will be
described hereafter. At least a portion of each roller 64 extends
for a distance outwardly beyond the rear surface and only those
portions of roller 64 contact wall 72 when device 10 is used.
[0049] Bracing members 58d are secured to sides 58e and are
provided with connector tabs 66. Bracing member 58d preferably are
constructed for a rigid material such as rigid aluminum. The
connector tab 66 is positioned on each bracing member 58d such that
tabs 66 on harness 58 will fall in a position centered on the sides
of the user's body. This arrangement ensures that during use of
harness 58, the resistance forces are balanced at the body
centerline. FIG. 7 shows that waist band 58b is engaged with a
front surface of back 58a and is further engaged with the interior
surface of bracing members 58d. Waist band 58b includes a buckle 68
for securing harness 58 in place on the user's body. Instead of
buckle 68, waist band 58b may be provided with a hook and loop type
fastener.
[0050] FIG. 9 shows platform 12 positioned on a flat surface such
as a floor 70. In particular, platform 12 is located on floor 70 in
such a position that second end 24 of platform 12 is disposed in
abutting contact with a vertical wall 72. A first pair of connector
assemblies 42 is positioned a short distance inwardly from first
end 22 and laterally aligned with each other. A second pair of
second connector assemblies 44 is positioned a spaced distance
rearwardly from first connector assemblies 42 and a distance
inwardly from second end 24. The second connector assemblies 44 are
laterally aligned with each other. The user 26 positions his feet
in general alignment with the pair of second connector assemblies
44. A first set of resistance bands 56A is engaged with the pair of
first connector assemblies 42 and a second set of resistance bands
56B is engaged with the pair of second connector assemblies 44. The
user 26 holds the handle ends of resistance bands 56A in his hands
26a. The resistance bands 56B have the handle ends detached
therefrom and, instead, a looped connection end 74 is provided on
the free end of bands 56B. The connection end 74 is engaged with
the tabs 66 on harness 58. Resistance bands 56B preferably are
somewhat shorter than resistance bands 56A.
[0051] The user 26 positions his back adjacent wall 72 rollers 64
on back 58a of harness 58 into contact with wall 72. The user 26
bends his knees to perform a squat keeping the rollers 64 in
contact with wall 72 during the downward motion. When the user 26
straightens his legs, he continues to keep rollers 64 in contact
with wall 72. As he moves to the straightened leg position,
resistance bands 56B resist this motion and thereby enhance the
exercise, strengthening the user's leg muscles. At the same time,
since the user is holding the handle ends of resistance bands 56A
in his hands, the movement from the bent-knee position to the
straightened knee position can be accompanied by a curling motion
with the arms as previously described with reference to FIG. 2. The
user 26 thereby is able to simultaneously work their arm and leg
muscles using the device 10 of the present invention. It should be
noted from FIG. 9 that device 10 ensures that the user's torso is
kept in a vertical orientation that replicates the straight back
position of free-weight lifting.
[0052] As the user 26 gains strength by using exercise device 10,
more than one resistance band 56A or 56B may be engaged on some or
all of the pairs of connection assemblies 42, 44 to increase the
resistance for performing squats and or for performing arm curls.
Alternatively, a stronger and less elastic resistance band may be
engaged with connection assembly 42 or 44 or a plurality of
stronger and less elastic bands may be engaged on the same one of
the connection assemblies in order to give the user a more intense
workout.
[0053] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention,
upper wall 14 defines a compartment (not shown) that is accessible
under a panel 15 (FIG. 1). Panel 15 forms part of the upper surface
of upper wall 14 but may be rotated upwardly or slid outwardly in
the direction indicated by arrow "A1" to permit access to the
compartment. The compartment may be used for storage of resistance
bands 56, 56A, 56 and harness 58. It will be understood that the
compartment may be located in other easily accessible locations on
first platform 12 instead of in the location indicated in FIG. 1.
For instance, the compartment may be accessible from the second end
24 and the panel covering the opening to the compartment may form
part of second end 24.
[0054] FIGS. 10-12 disclose a second embodiment of the present
invention, generally indicated at 110. Exercise machine 110
includes a first platform 12 that has been previously described
herein. Exercise machine 10 further includes a second platform 180.
A first end of second platform 180 is engaged by way of a first
hinge assembly 184 to second end 24 of first platform 12. Second
platform 180 comprises a planar member 188 and first and second
side walls 190, 192 that are secured to member 188. A first end
190a, 192a of first and second side walls 190, 192 is engaged with
first hinge assembly 184. A second end 190b, 192b of first and
second side walls 190, 192 is engaged with second hinge assembly
186. First hinge assembly 184 includes side plates 184a, first
sleeves 184b that engage first and second side walls 18, 20 of
first platform 12; and second sleeves 184c that engage first and
second side walls 190, 192 of second platform 180. First hinge
assembly 184 includes a first locking assembly to secure second
platform 180 at a desired selected angle relative to first platform
12. The first locking assembly comprises a pair of screw-in knobs
194 which secure second sleeves 184c to side plates 184a. Knobs 194
are threadably rotated in a first direction to unlock the first
locking assembly and thereby enable second platform 180 to be
pivoted relative to first platform 12 to a desired angular
position. Knobs 194 are threadably rotated in a second direction to
lock the first locking assembly and thereby secure the first and
second platforms 12, 180 in that desired, selected angular
orientation relative to first platform 12. It will be understood
that side plates 184a and first sleeves 184b may be integrally
formed. A bracing bar 196 preferably extends between second sleeves
184c to give second platform 180 greater strength and rigidity.
First hinge assembly 184 comprises a step-ladder type joint that
secures first platform 12 to second platform 180 so that exercise
device 110 is sturdy enough and strong enough for the user 26 to
exercise thereon in safety.
[0055] Second platform 180 may be positioned relative to first
platform 12 so that second platform 180 may be used in place of the
vertical wall 72. In this instance, second platform 180 is
positioned at right angles to first platform 12 and knobs 194 will
be used to lock second platform 180 in this angular position. The
user 26 will connect the resistance bands 56B to connector
assemblies 44 and to harness 58. (He may also connect resistance
bands 56A to connector assemblies 42 as illustrated in FIG. 9.) The
user 26 will then position his back adjacent planar member 188 in
such a way that roller 64 on harness 58 contact the inner surface
of planar member 188. User 26 then performs squats as described
previously and may also perform simultaneous arm curls if
resistance bands 56A are engaged with first platform 12.
[0056] Exercise device 110 preferably further includes a third
platform 182 that is secured to second platform 180 by a third
hinge assembly 186. Third platform 182 is engaged by way of a
second hinge assembly 186 to a second end of second platform 180.
Second hinge assembly 186 includes side plates 186a, first sleeves
186b that engage first and second side walls 190, 192 of second
platform 180; and second sleeves 186c that engage first and second
side walls 198, 200 of third platform 182. First ends 198a and 200a
of first and second sides 198, 200 are received in first and second
sleeves 186c of second hinge assembly 186. Second hinge assembly
186 includes a second locking assembly in the form of screw-in
knobs 202. Knobs 202 engage second sleeves 186c and side plates
186a. Knobs 202 are rotated in a first direction to unlock the
second locking assembly so as to enable third platform 182 to be
pivoted relative to second platform 180 to a desired angular
position. Knobs 202 are rotated in a second direction to lock the
second locking assembly and thereby lock the second and third
platforms 180, 182 in the desired and selected angular position. It
will be understood that side plates 186a and first sleeves 186b may
be integrally formed. A second bracing bar 204 preferably extends
between second sleeves 186c to give third platform 186 greater
strength and rigidity. First and second hinge assemblies 184, 186
each comprise a step-ladder type movable joint that secures first
platform 12 to second platform 180, and second platform 180 to
third platform 182, so that exercise device 110 is sturdy enough
and strong enough for the user 26 to exercise thereon in
safety.
[0057] First and second side walls 198, 200 of third platform 182
are substantially identical to first and second side walls 18, 20
of first platform 12. A plurality of connection assemblies 206 are
engaged with first and second side walls 198, 200 for selective
securement of resistance bands, such as bands 56, 56A, and 56B
thereto to perform pull-down type exercises. Connection assemblies
206 are substantially identical to connection assemblies 42, 44 and
function in the same manner.
[0058] In accordance with yet another feature of the present
invention, a bar 208 is provided on third platform 182. Bar 209
extends between the second ends 198b, 200b of first and second side
walls 198, 200. Preferably, bar 208 is mounted on a pair of
mounting brackets 210, where each bracket 210 is mounted on a side
surface of the respective one of first and second side walls 198,
200. Mounting bracket 210 may be movably engaged on first and
second side walls 198, 200 in much the same way as connection
assemblies 206. It will be understood that second hinge assembly
186 may be adjusted to position third platform 182 in a more
vertical orientation relative to second platform 180 so as to
effectively raise the height of bar 208 relative to upper wall 14
or may be rotated away from a more vertical orientation to lower
the height of bar 208 relative to upper wall 14.
[0059] FIGS. 11 and 12 show how exercise device 110 may be used to
perform chin-ups. The user 26 stands on upper wall 14 of platform
12 in a position where his feet are situated a short distance
inwardly from first end 22. The user 26 grasps bar 208 so that each
of his hands 26a is positioned adjacent one of the first and second
side walls 198, 200 and pulls his body upwardly in the direction of
arrow "E" toward bar 208 and thereby lifting his feet 26b off upper
wall 14. When the user 26 has completed the chin-up, he lowers his
body in the opposite direction to arrow "E" and replaces his feet
26b on upper wall 14.
[0060] FIGS. 12-17 show that exercise machine 110 may be folded
into a compact unit. The folding is accomplished by rotating second
platform 180 downwardly in the direction of arrow "F" (FIG. 12) so
that planar member 188 is disposed adjacent upper wall 14 of first
platform 12. Third platform 182 is then rotated in the direction of
arrow "G" so that the surfaces 198c, 200c are brought into a
position adjacent surfaces 20c, 18c (FIG. 15). It will be
understood that knobs 194, 202 on each of the respective one of
first and second hinge assemblies 184, 186 enable the user 26 to
lock the respective hinge assembly in any desired angular
orientation, either for exercise purposes or for storage purposes.
Knobs 194, 202 are loosened to allow the platforms to be rotated
relative to each other and are tightened to lock them in desired
orientations relative to each other. As shown in FIG. 13, the
folded and locked exercise device 110 may itself be utilized as a
weight for performing arm curls by the user 26 grasping exercise
device 110 by way of bar 208 and raising and lowering it as
indicated by arrow "H".
[0061] The present device 10, 110 provides for a method of
exercising which includes the steps of: engaging a first end 56b of
first resistance band 56 on first connector assembly 42 extending
outwardly from first side wall 18 of first platform 12; positioning
the user's body 26 on upper wall 14 of first platform 12; engaging
second end 56a of first resistance band 56 on the user's body;
lengthening the first resistance band 56 by performing one of an
arm curl and a squat; permitting the lengthened first resistance
band 56 to return to its original length; and repeating the last
two steps a desired number of times.
[0062] The method of the present invention further comprises the
steps of: engaging a first end of a second resistance band 56 on a
second connector assembly 42 extending outwardly from a second side
wall 20 of first platform 12, where the second side wall 20 is
spaced a distance from the first side wall 18; lengthening the
second resistance band 56 substantially simultaneously with the
first resistance band 56; and permitting the lengthened second
resistance band 56 substantially simultaneously with the first
resistance band 56.
[0063] The method of the present invention further comprises the
step of: engaging each of the second ends 74 of first and second
resistance bands 56B with a mounting tab 66 on a harness 58 worn on
the user's body 26b.
[0064] The method of the present invention further comprises the
step of: positioning a roller 64 on harness 58 against a vertical
surface 72/188 disposed at one end 24 of first platform 12; and
performing squats with the roller engaged on the vertical surface
72/188.
[0065] The method of the present invention further comprises the
step of: positioning a second platform 180 at right angles to upper
wall 14 of first platform 12 to present the vertical surface 188 at
one end 24 of first platform 12.
[0066] The method of the present invention further comprises the
step of: positioning a third platform 182 at an angle relative to
second platform 180; locking the third platform at the angle;
engaging a bar 208 disposed at a free end of third platform 182;
and performing one or more chin ups using bar 208.
[0067] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0068] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact
details shown or described.
* * * * *