U.S. patent application number 14/336656 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-22 for stability bar system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Exemplar Design, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Exemplar Design, LLC. Invention is credited to Adam L. Ross.
Application Number | 20150024911 14/336656 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46653231 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150024911 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ross; Adam L. |
January 22, 2015 |
Stability Bar System
Abstract
A stability bar system is disclosed for use in exercising and
muscle toning. The system provides an unstable base to engage core
muscles while performing exercises. The bar has a central
attachment point, and multiple off-center attachment points on
which to attach resistance tubing, bands, cables, or straps. The
body of the bar is made from rigid plastic or metal, and allows for
diverse exercises by providing interchangeable attachments, and
multiple configurations, to vary stability and resistance. The bar
may also be used to perform body weight exercises. The stability
bar system is designed to allow an exerciser to engage core muscles
while focusing on other, primary muscles.
Inventors: |
Ross; Adam L.; (Mason,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Exemplar Design, LLC |
Mason |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Exemplar Design, LLC
Mason
OH
|
Family ID: |
46653231 |
Appl. No.: |
14/336656 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13399121 |
Feb 17, 2012 |
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14336656 |
|
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|
61444259 |
Feb 18, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/129 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 1/00 20130101; A63B
23/1218 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001;
A63B 23/03541 20130101; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 7/00 20130101;
A63B 23/1236 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/129 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/04 20060101
A63B021/04 |
Claims
1-24. (canceled)
25. An exercise apparatus comprising: a rigid bar comprised of a
center member shaped to removably receive at least two detachable
bars therein, the center member having a single central attachment
point and the detachable bars having a plurality of off-center
attachment points; a strap attached to the center member single
central attachment point; and at least one elastic band removably
attached to one of the plurality of off-center attachment points,
the elastic band having a handle attached thereto.
26. The exercise apparatus of claim 25 wherein said center member
includes threaded apertures therein for receiving threaded ends of
said detachable bars.
27. The exercise apparatus of claim 25 wherein the at least one
elastic band is one of an elastic resistance band, an elastic
resistance tube, and a cable band.
28. The exercise apparatus of claim 25 wherein the strap is
non-elastic.
29. The exercise apparatus of claim 28 wherein the strap is
comprised of nylon webbing.
30. The exercise apparatus of claim 25 wherein the central
attachment point and the plurality of off-center attachment points
respectively lie on the bar in opposed radial directions.
31. The exercise apparatus of claim 26 wherein the detachable bars
include abutment heads mounted thereon to prevent the detachable
bars from being screwed too far into center member and to allow for
proper orientation of the off-center attachment points.
32. The exercise apparatus of claim 25 wherein the off-center
attachment points are located in tabs depending from the detachable
bars.
33. The exercise apparatus of claim 25 wherein said center member
single attachment point is a slit.
34. The exercise apparatus of claim 25 wherein the plurality of
off-center attachment points are symmetrically distributed on
either side of the single central attachment point.
35. An exercise apparatus comprising: a rigid bar comprised of a
center member, having a threaded cuff therein, shaped to removably
receive at least two detachable bars therein, the detachable bars
having threaded ends thereon, the center member having a single
central attachment point and the detachable bars having a plurality
of off-center attachment points; a non-elastic strap attached to
the center member single central attachment point; and at least one
elastic band removably attached to one of the plurality of
off-center attachment points, the elastic band having a handle
attached thereto.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/444,259, filed Feb. 18, 2011, which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure generally pertains to exercise
apparatus, and more particularly, to exercise instability bars.
Some examples of exercise bars according to the present disclosure
may be used for fitness training to tone muscle and increase core
strength.
SUMMARY
[0003] Exercise instability bars and systems are generally
disclosed. Some example embodiments may include methods, apparatus,
and/or systems associated with exercise attachments or instability
bars.
[0004] Example exercise apparatus include a rigid bar fixed to a
sturdy frame, and optional removable resistance tubes or bands. The
bar itself should be strong and rigid enough to support body weight
to include body weight training such as pull-ups and pushups. A
central attachment point at the center of the bar connects it to a
sturdy frame. A plurality of off-center attachment points are
located on the "bottom" of the bar, with respect to the central
attachment point, which is located on the surface rotated by 180
degrees. The resistance bands are attachable, removable and
interchangeable on these off-center attachment points.
[0005] The off-center attachment points are distributed evenly on
both sides of the center attachment point, and are symmetrical on
either side of the center. An exemplary off-center attachment point
configuration may be as follows. Two off-center attachment points
may be set close to the middle of the bar. Midway between these
off-center attachment points and the end of the bar are two more
off-center attachment points. Finally, two off-center attachment
points are located at the end of the bar to provide the least
stabilization.
[0006] Resistance bands or tubes may be attached to any one of the
plurality of attachment points. The resistance bands have handles
on one end. Generally, two resistance bands are attached to the
bar--one on each side of the center, to accommodate the two sides
of a user. In an exemplary embodiment, this band may be an elastic
resistance band or tube, but it may also be another type of
attachment, such as a cable band, or a strap.
[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, a carabiner connects the
resistance band to an attachment point. The bands have a small loop
sewn on one end and a rubber handle sewn on the other. The end with
the small loop loops onto the carabineer. The carabiner then fits
onto an attachment point at the bottom of the bar. Other ways to
connect the handle and strap to the bar include hooks, loops, or
tabs on the bar.
[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the bar is formed from metal.
Oval hole pairs are punched into the tube for attachment points.
These holes can be any shape, but oval holes allow the connecting
carabiner to move smoothly when the device is in use. The holes
pairs are punched through the bar at the same length position on
the bar. There are a total of fourteen holes. Two holes are located
on the center top of the bar. These holes are for connecting the
central attachment, to connect to a frame. On the opposite side of
the bar are twelve holes for resistance band handle placement.
There may be three pairs of evenly spaced holes on either side of
the center. There can be any number of holes on the bar and these
holes can be any shape and placed at any location in the tube to
vary the stability and resistance.
[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the stability bar is plastic.
Three pieces make up the bar including the center member, and the
two identical partial bars that connect to the center member. The
center member has a cutout at the top of the device to connect a
strap. This strap attaches to a stable frame or structure. The
center member contains female threading allowing the two partial
bars to connect. Each partial bar has three molded loops. The holes
in the loops allow a carabiner to fit through, which connects the
resistance tubing. In an exemplary embodiment, there are a total of
six loops and one center cutout on the plastic bar. The loops are
evenly spaced over the length of the bar. The hole design,
placement, and number of holes may vary and accomplish the same
results in this disclosure.
[0010] The size and shape of both the plastic and metal bar may
vary. The length may vary, and the tubing may be circular,
rectangular, or oval in cross-section. The bar may be straight or
curved. Any number of holes may be placed at any location on the
bar to attach carabineers or other attaching pieces. The center
member of the plastic bar may attach in any way, not necessarily a
screw.
[0011] The center attachment piece connects the stability bar to a
sturdy frame for exercise. In one use, the bar is connected by the
center point to the frame, so it moves freely in any direction when
the bar is pushed or pulled, and the user must exert force to
stabilize it. The attachment points in the bar are located at
various points to provide different torque during exercise. The
wider the resistance bands or straps are attached, the more
unstable the bar and the more effort is required by the user to
stabilize the bar. When the bands are in place in the bar, the user
will use the resistance for exercise, and force on the bands and
straps control the movement of the bar. Additional work will be
performed stabilizing the bar. In the absence of bands or straps,
the bar may be used as a cable attachment or for body weight
exercises.
[0012] The exercise apparatus in the disclosure may be made by way
of fabrication, machining, and injection molding. The straps and
part of the center attachment piece may be fabricated, such as from
nylon or polyester. The bands and handles may be injection molded.
The resistance bands may be different sizes and resistance. The
straps may be manufactured in various sizes and shapes. The bar,
portions of the center attachment piece, and attachment pieces may
be machined.
[0013] A person could use the stability bar by attaching the center
attachment piece to a stable frame. Then based on the desired
exercise, the user would attach bands, straps, or cables to various
attachment positions on the bar, or use the bar itself for
pull-ups, push-ups, and other body weight exercises.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure
will become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several
embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore,
not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be
described with additional specificity and detail through use of the
accompanying drawings.
[0015] In the drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a front view of a metal stability bar system,
including the bar, strap, bands, handles, and attachment
pieces;
[0017] FIG. 2 is bottom view a metal stability bar, including the
plurality of attachment points;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a metal stability bar;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a front view of a plastic stability bar system
including the bar and strap;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one half of the bar in a
plastic stability bar system;
[0021] FIG. 6a shows an X-ray view of the middle piece of the
plastic stability bar system;
[0022] FIG. 6b shows a perspective view of the middle piece of the
plastic stability bar system;
[0023] FIG. 7 shows a stability bar system, attached to a frame,
and in use.
[0024] FIG. 8 shows a stability bar system, attached to a frame,
and in use in a second orientation
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood
that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described
herein, and illustrated in the Figures, may be arranged,
substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make
part of this disclosure.
[0026] The present disclosure pertains, inter alia, to exercise
systems, such as stability bar systems. Some example embodiments
according to the present disclosure may comprise a stability bar,
which may include a substantially straight bar, attachments, and
resistance bands.
[0027] An exemplary embodiment of the stability bar system 100 is
shown in FIG. 1. The stability bar system 100 includes an elongated
bar 200, with a metal body 201. Metal ring 222 is coupled to the
top of the bar 200 and connects strap 220 to the bar 200 at the
attachment point 206 at the center of the bar. Strap 220 may have a
body of nylon webbing 221 and an adjustable buckle 223. The metal
ring 222 and strap 220 assembly may or may not be easily detachable
from the center of the bar 200. The bar 200 has optional end-caps
203 and a plurality of attachment points 205 extending along the
bottom of the bar 200. The plurality of attachment points 205 allow
resistance bands 210, for example, to be attached and detached at
various points on the bar 200. The resistance bands 210 have a band
212, and a handle 214 as well as a bearing cylinder 213 to allow
the handle 214 to swivel.
[0028] FIG. 2 depicts the plurality of attachment points 205 on the
underside of a metal stability bar 200 with body 201. Each
attachment point 205 along the body 201 comprises a hole pair, 205a
and 205b extending through the bar 200 to provide a through-hole
for one carabiner 223 to be inserted into and out of the bar 201.
Similarly, hole pair 205c/205d through 205d/205l provide
through-holes for a carabiner 223 to enter and exit the bar body
201 and lock into the bar 200.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a metal stability bar 200,
including a metal body 201 and end-caps 203. The plurality of
attachment points 205 are oriented along one edge of the bar 201,
while the central attachment point 206 is on an opposite edge. A
carabiner 223 attaches into the central attachment point 206a/206b.
The central attachment point 206a and 206b lie on the same length
of the bar 200 so the bar is balanced on either side when it is
attached to a frame 500.
[0030] A second exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, is a
front view of a plastic stability bar system 101 including the bar
300, bar body 301, center member 322 and strap 320. The center
member 322 engages the bars 301a and 301b together with a screw
thread system. Strap system 320 is made from a nylon webbing or
strip 319 and buckle 323 for latching onto a stable frame 500.
[0031] FIG. 5 shows one side of the bar 301a, unscrewed and
disassembled from the central cuff 322. The external screw threads
302 of the bar 301 are exposed, which in an in-use position is
threaded into and locked into cuff 322 of FIG. 6a. Central cuff 322
keeps 301a and 301b locked and engaged in a rigid and stable
position. Abutment head 325 prevents further turns and allows
proper orientation of the tabs 305 to face downwards in relation to
the cuff 322 and slit 323, which points in a radially opposed
direction from the tabs 305.
[0032] FIG. 6a shows an X-ray view of the central cuff 322 of the
plastic stability bar system 101 depicting the internal female
threading 303. FIG. 6b shows a perspective view of the center cuff
322 including the outside barrel 304, and axially extending cut-out
323 on the radial tab 321 for the strap 320.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 7, stability bar system 100 may be attached
to frame 500 by attachment point 222, and operated in a first
orientation. The resistance band system 210 is hooked into a
narrow, or stable position, into points 205e/205f, and 205g/205h.
The user or person P is operating the stability bar system 100 in a
first orientation, facing towards the stability bar system 100. P
engages the triceps brachii and latissimus dorsi muscles, as well
as the core by keeping the bar 200 stable, while exerting a force
against the resistance created by the system 100.
[0034] FIG. 8 shows a stability bar system 100 attached to a frame
500 at connection 222, and in use by P. The resistance band system
210 is in a wide, less stable position, on attachment points
205a/205b, and attachment points 205k/205l. The user P is facing
away from the stability bar system 100 where the resistance is
coming from, and thus P is engaging pectoral muscles to press away
from the resistance. The core muscles are engaged to keep the bar
200 in a stable position.
* * * * *