U.S. patent application number 13/956964 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-05 for universal fitness apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to 2369048 ONTARIO INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is 2369048 ONTARIO INC.. Invention is credited to Michael Forhan, Scott Forhan.
Application Number | 20150038300 13/956964 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51260643 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150038300 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Forhan; Michael ; et
al. |
February 5, 2015 |
UNIVERSAL FITNESS APPARATUS
Abstract
An exercise apparatus having: a frame having a vertical support;
at least one articulating arm mount affixed to the vertical
support; a first articulating arm connected to the at least one
articulating arm mount; a second articulating arm connected to the
at least one articulating arm mount, the second articulating arm
adapted to independently articulate from the first articulating
arm; a pair of resistive elements, each resistive element
operatively connected to one of the first and second independently
articulating arms to provide resistance; and a cable and pulley
system connecting each resistive element to a point on a
longitudinal axis of one of the first and second articulating
arms.
Inventors: |
Forhan; Michael; (Ontario,
CA) ; Forhan; Scott; (Ontario, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
2369048 ONTARIO INC. |
Ontario |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
2369048 ONTARIO INC.
Ontario
CA
|
Family ID: |
51260643 |
Appl. No.: |
13/956964 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/72 ; 482/129;
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/156 20130101;
A63B 2022/0082 20130101; A63B 21/0428 20130101; A63B 2022/0084
20130101; A63B 21/023 20130101; A63B 21/04 20130101; A63B 21/0557
20130101; A63B 21/00072 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B
2210/50 20130101; A63B 2022/0079 20130101; A63B 23/03541 20130101;
A63B 21/00069 20130101; A63B 22/0076 20130101; A63B 21/154
20130101; A63B 21/055 20130101; A63B 21/151 20130101; A63B 21/00047
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/72 ; 482/129;
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/00 20060101
A63B022/00; A63B 21/00 20060101 A63B021/00; A63B 21/055 20060101
A63B021/055 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame having a vertical
support; at least one articulating arm mount affixed to the
vertical support; a first articulating arm connected to the at
least one articulating arm mount; a second articulating arm
connected to the at least one articulating arm mount, the second
articulating arm adapted to independently articulate from said
first articulating arm; a pair of resistive elements, each
resistive element operatively connected to one of said first and
second independently articulating arms to provide resistance; and a
cable and pulley system connecting each resistive element to a
point on a longitudinal axis of one of said first and second
articulating arms.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and the second
articulating arms each comprise a cam rotatably connected to said
at least one articulating arm mount, wherein rotation of the cam
allows a horizontal articulation of the first or the second
articulating arms.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a separate articulating arm
mount for the first articulating arm and the second articulating
arm.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each articulating arm mount
comprises a cam rotatably connected to said vertical support,
wherein rotation of the cam allows a vertical articulation of the
first or the second articulating arms.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said first and second
articulating arms are connected through a sleeve to said at least
one articulating arm mount.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of first and second
articulating arms comprises a series of holes displaced along a
longitudinal axis of said first or second articulating arm, wherein
a length of said first or second articulating arm is adjustable
within said sleeve by engaging different holes in said first or
second articulating arm.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said resistive
elements comprises a base and a plurality of elongate members, said
elongate members providing elastic resistance.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the base is connected to said
first or second articulating arm such that the base is on a plane
generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said first or
second articulating arm.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said plurality of resilient
elongate members each, independently, have a different resistive
force.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the different resistive force
is achieved by using resilient elongate members having at least one
of: different diameters, thicknesses, densities or lengths.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each resilient elongate
member has a different width and thickness, wherein the different
resistive force is achieved based on the thickness of each elongate
member.
12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the different resistive force
is achieved by using elongate members having different
materials.
13. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each of the elongate members
have a connection point at a midpoint of said resilient elongate
member.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a plurality of resilient
elongate members can be connected to said cable to achieve
different resistances.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cable is configured to
receive at least one of a hand grip, a stirrup, a strap, and a
bar.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a
base.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the base is configured to
receive at least one of a bench, a balance board and a rowing
apparatus.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the vertical support is
connected to the base with a pin, whereby the vertical support can
rotate on the pin for storage of the exercise apparatus.
19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the base comprises wheels
for moving said exercise apparatus.
20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resistive elements are
removable or rotatable for storage of said exercise apparatus.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] n/a
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] n/a
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present disclosure relates to exercise and fitness
devices, and in particular relates to fitness apparatus capable of
providing static and dynamic resistance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] With an increase in publications and access to programming
about health and wellness, society, in general, is taking a more
active role in assuming more responsibility for individual health
profiles. As a result, there is an increasing demand for health and
fitness products that support attaining and maintaining healthy
levels of fitness. To meet the health and fitness goals of
individuals, multi-function exercise machines were developed.
Historically, such machines are often tailored to provide a range
of traditional exercise in an effort to provide a means for
effective all around fitness while considering other factors such
as portability, and storage in some cases.
[0005] Typically, multi-functional machines use a stack of weights
to provide resistance needed for users during more traditional
exercise methods. A user repetitively raises some, or all, of the
weight stack and the force of gravity provides the resistance
needed to allow the user to exercise. These machines typically use
pulleys to assist in overcoming the initial inertia of the
resistance weight and channel the connection interface between user
and weight stack into a usable space. However, due to the mass of
some of the weights, these machines tend to be heavy and can be
difficult for a user to move at home.
[0006] In effort to increase portability of traditional stack
weight machines, exercise machines were developed using flexible
members, such as rods or bows, to provide resistance. One such
device available on the market incorporates two sets of flexible
rods of varying resistance with the bottom end of each set of rods
attached to the base of the machine with rods extending vertically
upwards therefrom. A cable is attached to the top of each of the
set of rods by means of a large hook that is threaded through loops
at the top of each rod. By bundling the rods in this manner, the
user can adjust the amount of resistance during exercise. By
displacing the cables, a user can utilize the resistance provided
by the flexible rods to exercise various muscle groups. Another
such device uses a horizontal positioning of the rod(s), with the
fulcrum aligned with the midpoint of the vertical axis of the
machine. To capture the resistance rods, the device uses a capture
mechanism that can be used to engage one or more of the rods to
provide the resistance, As with the device that utilizes vertical
rods, the horizontal rod device utilizes a traditional cable
interface between the resistance of the rod(s) captured by the
capture device and the user to perform exercise by moving a
connected interface to the cable (for example a handle, bar, strap
etc.) thus displacing the cable and the connected source of
resistance.
[0007] However, many such devices have limited flexibility with
regards to the types and number of exercises that can be performed,
focusing on traditional, known movements in weight training and
further have limited customizability of the exercise apparatus to
the body of a user of the apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present disclosure provides an exercise apparatus
comprising: a frame having a vertical support; at least one
articulating arm mount affixed to the vertical support; a first
articulating arm connected to the at least one articulating arm
mount; a second articulating arm connected to the at least one
articulating arm mount, the second articulating arm adapted to
independently articulate from said first articulating arm; a pair
of resistive elements, each resistive element operatively connected
to one of said first and second independently articulating arms to
provide resistance; and a cable and pulley system connecting each
resistive element to a point on a longitudinal axis of one of said
first and second articulating arms.
[0009] Thus, the present disclosure provides a fitness apparatus
that changes the old fitness paradigm of pain and breaking down the
body in order to improve. In consideration of the pillars of
applied kinesiology and its increasing depth in understanding of
the body's true design and its' ability to actualize tremendous
potential, by incorporating tools such as isometrics, gaits and
neuromechanics and their subsequent integration, the present
disclosure provides for devices that transition through these
stages in a seamless progression. The disclosed devices are simple,
efficient and accommodating for varieties of physicalities of
various users.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A more complete understanding of the present invention, and
the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily
understood by reference to the following detailed description when
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exercise apparatus
in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an exercise apparatus
in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a base support;
[0014] FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of a base support;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a vertical
support;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an articulating arm
support mechanism;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a resistive
apparatus;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a resistive apparatus;
and
[0019] FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the resistive
apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 2. Exercise apparatus
110 has a robust structure. About the core of the structure are two
independent articulating arms to which are coupled a plurality of
resilient elongate members (collectively a resistive device), a
cable and pulley system and a work area for the user. Such
apparatus can accommodate several potential means of performing
exercise. The fitness apparatus is adapted to allow a user to
exercise against either a static or dynamic resistance profile
through the use of either locking feature or flexible, resilient
elongate members of the resistive device respectively.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, exercise apparatus 110 comprises a base
120, which provides an exercise surface/area that can be used as a
platform or for integrating components (not shown) with the fitness
apparatus. The components may include, for example, but are not
limited to, benches, balance boards, exercise balls, among other
options.
[0022] In one embodiment, base 120 includes brackets 122 on either
side thereof to provide structural support as well as edging for
potential integrating components or for a user. Further, base 120
may comprise a series of apertures to support such equipment as
well as to reduce the weight of the base.
[0023] In one embodiment, base 120 is dimensioned to fit within
base support 130. One example of base support 130, for example, is
shown with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0024] In particular, base support 130 includes a pair of base side
rails 132 which are dimensioned to fit on the outsides of base 120
in one embodiment. Further, a forward connector bracket 136 and
rear connector bracket 138 on each of the side rails 132 are
adapted to receive a flange member 140 and a flange member 142,
respectively, on base 120.
[0025] Base attachment connections 144 are used to secure base 120
to the base support 130 through rear connection bracket 138 using
flange member 142.
[0026] Base support 130 further comprises a rear horizontal cross
member 150 that is connected to the base side rails 132 through
brace brackets 152. A base sub-plate 154 further supports the rear
horizontal cross member 150.
[0027] Vertical brackets 156 and 158 are used to support vertical
member 160 as provided in detail below.
[0028] Wheels 162 and 164 may optionally be added to the rear
horizontal cross member 150 in order to allow for increased
portability of the exercise apparatus 110.
[0029] While the above describes a base and base support, other
configurations of a base and base support are possible, and the
present disclosure is not limited to any particular base. In
particular, the vertical member 160 may be mounted to a wall, pole
or column in one embodiment, for example, eliminating the need for
a base altogether. Further, it may not be necessary to have base
120, rather simply the base support 130 and base side rails
132.
[0030] A vertical member 160 is, for example, shown with regard to
FIG. 4. Vertical member 160 provides a rigid upright for connecting
a horizontal crossbeam (articulating arm support assembly 184), and
includes a lower pivot assembly 166 which includes a hole 168
configured to receive a pin. In particular, referring again to FIG.
3, rear brackets 156 and 158 include holes 170 and 172 which allows
a pin to be inserted through holes 170, 168, and 172, thereby
providing a pivot to allow vertical member 160 to move from an
assembled position as shown in FIG. 1 to a stored position (not
shown) where vertical member 160 lays against base 120.
[0031] Brackets 156 and 158 further include holes 174 and 176
respectively and vertical member 160 further includes a hole 178,
wherein holes 174, 176 and 178 align to allow a locking pin to the
vertical member in the functioning position of FIG. 1. Locking pin
may be spring loaded and/or threaded at the distal end thereof such
that pin may be conveniently, selectively, removably coupled within
a desired hole and conveniently maintain an outer tube in a desired
position with respect to an inner pin.
[0032] At the upper end of vertical member 160 a pair of vertical
cam plates 180 are provided for vertical rotation of the
articulating arms as explained in detail below. Further, an
articulating arm support pivot assembly 182 is provided on each
side of vertical member 160.
[0033] While the above vertical member may be used in some
embodiments, in various other embodiments a different vertical
member may be used altogether. Further, some embodiments may
eliminate the vertical member altogether, and the present
disclosure is not limited to a particular configuration for the
vertical member.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, an articulating arm support
assembly 184 is configured to interact with the pivot assembly 182.
In particular articulating arm support assembly 184 includes a bore
which rotationally couples to pivot assembly 182, thereby providing
for vertical adjustment of a distal end of articulating arms, as
described below.
[0035] Articulating arm support assembly 184 further includes a
plate 186 as best seen in FIG. 5. Plate 186 includes an adjustment
knob 188 which is configured to engage with the vertical cam plate
180 to adjust the vertical rotation of the articulating arm. As
seen in FIG. 5, the adjustment of the vertical arm can either
adjust the distal end of the arm up or down based on the adjustment
knob engagement with cam plate 180.
[0036] Articulating arm support assembly 184 further includes a
horizontal cam plate 190 rotationally coupled to assembly 184. An
adjustment pin 192 engages a bracket 193 affixed to assembly 184
and further engages one of a plurality of holes within cam plate
190, thereby allowing a distal end of an articulating arm 196 to
horizontally rotate. As seen in FIG. 5, using horizontal cam plate
190, the distal end of articulating arm 196 can be rotated towards
or away from a central line of exercise apparatus 110. Thus, the
combination of the mechanisms using cam plate 180 and cam plate 190
allow the distal end of articulating arm 196 to be rotated in
either the vertical and/or horizontal direction.
[0037] An articulating arm base sleeve 194 is affixed to cam plate
190 and is configured to slidably receive an articulating arm 196.
In one embodiment, articulating arm 196 includes a plurality of
holes along the longitudinal axis thereof, thereby allowing for the
adjustment of the length of articulating arm 196. In particular, a
knob 198 is configured to hold articulating arm 196 within sleeve
194 by engaging holes with sleeve 194 and articulating arm 196.
[0038] Based on the above, articulating arm 196 is adjustable in
three dimensions, allowing placement of the distal end of the arm
in a location optimal for a particular exercise for a particular
user.
[0039] Articulating arm support 184 is further configured to
support a resilient device housing 200 in the examples of the
present disclosure. Resistive device housing 200 is configured to
support a plurality of elongate resilient members 202, as best seen
in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. Further, resistive device housing 200 has an
end which allows connection of the resistive device housing 200 to
the articulating arm support assembly 184 as described below.
[0040] While the above describes two articulating arm supports 184,
in other embodiments where independent vertical articulation is not
required, a single articulating arm support may instead be
utilized. Other alternatives are also possible.
[0041] In one embodiment, the orientation of the resistive device
housing 200 and resilient elongate members 202 are centrally
positioned such that the fulcrum of the resilient elongate members
is located at the base of each articulating arm 196. The resilient
elongate members 202 flex when a force is applied to them utilizing
cables 204, and are used to provide resistance for the user to
exercise against. Cables 204 engage both the top and bottom of
resilient elongate members 202 to pull the top and bottom of
resilient elongate members 202 simultaneously. The user is able to
adjust the amount of resistance used during exercise by using a
"hook and loop" capture mechanism to alter the resistance to the
users preference. In particular, loops 206 can be engaged by a hoop
or clip 208, which can be used to capture a combination of cables
204 to select the elongate resilient members 202 and form the
resistance required by a user for a particular exercise.
[0042] In one embodiment, six flexible, resilient elongate members
202 may be used, although resilient elongate members 202 can be
used singularly or in a multitude of combinations. In other
embodiments more or less resilient elongate members 202 may be
used.
[0043] Resilient elongate members 202 are positioned to contact a
fulcrum of resistive device housing 200 about their midpoints. By
having midpoints of the resilient elongated members 202 positioned
in contact with resistive device housing 200, movement of the ends
of the resilient elongate members 202 is resisted. The resilient
elongate members 202 are flexibly coupled to the fulcrum of
resistive device housing 200. Further, each of elongate resilient
members 202 may have a different resistance and thus a combination
of the resilient members may provide different resistance.
[0044] A variety of configurations of the resistive devices can be
utilized without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. For example, a plurality of separate flexible resilient
elongate members can be utilized.
[0045] In one such embodiment, the midpoint of resistive device
housing 200 is integral with the resilient elongate members. For
example, the resistive device housing 200 may be molded as a single
integral piece. The midpoint of the resistive device, for example,
is indirectly coupled to the articulating arm support 184,
maintaining a consistent angle of actuation--in this embodiment it
functions at a right angle to the support 184.
[0046] In one embodiment, the housing 200 is connected in part
through the use of slotted section in horizontal crossbeam of
resistive device housing 200. A plate (not shown) may extend from
articulating arm base sleeve 194 and in one embodiment resistive
device housing 200 is removabley connected using the plate and
slotted section. This configuration may further support changing
the resistive device housing 200 to a different resistive device
housing with different resilient elongate members or for the
removal of the resistive device housing 200 for storage of the
apparatus 110.
[0047] In an alternative embodiment, resistive device housing 200
is integrally coupled to the frame.
[0048] In a further alternative embodiment, resistive device
housing 200 is movably coupled to frame. By being movably coupled,
resistive device housing 200 allows the plurality of resilient
elongate members 202 to be rotatable between a first position
(e.g., substantially horizontal) for use, and a second position
(e.g., substantially vertical) for storage.
[0049] Resilient elongate members 202 provide resistance against
which the user can exercise. Each flexible, resilient elongate
member has a first end and a second end that extend away from
respective midpoint thereof. Each resilient elongate member is
comprised of a resilient material. In one embodiment, the resilient
elongate member is comprised of nylon, urethane, although other
materials are possible, such as a variety of durable, flexible
resins, wood laminates, steel leaf springs, fiberglass and/or
acetal, among others.
[0050] The resilient elongate members may further comprise a
coating on the nylon material or other material employed, such as a
protective coating. For example, a polyolefin material, or a
variety of other coatings may provide a protective layer and/or an
aesthetically pleasing appearance.
[0051] In one embodiment, the resilient elongate members are
adapted to provide a range of different amounts of resistance. In
one embodiment, the amount of resistance provided by resilient
elongate members corresponds with the diameter/thickness of the
resilient elongate member. A variety of different diameter or
thicknesses may be employed. For example, resilient elongate
members may have varying diameters of 1/4 inch up to 3 inches in a
multitude of increments. Other dimensions are however possible, and
the examples above are not limiting. Similarly, rather than the
diameter, the thickness and/or density may instead be varied.
[0052] In an alternative embodiment, all the resilient elongate
members have the same diameter.
[0053] In a further alternative embodiment, each elongate member
may have the same width but have a different thickness, wherein the
thickness is used to determine the resistive force of the elongate
member.
[0054] In yet another embodiment, different resistance amounts are
provided irrespective of the diameter of the resilient elongate
members, e.g., by employing different materials.
[0055] In yet a further embodiment, the lengths of the elongate
members 202 may also be varied to provide different
resistances.
[0056] Elongate resilient members 202 are engaged by cable 204
through a cable and clip assembly 212, as seen in FIG. 7. In
particular, the engagement of resilient elongate members 202 is
provided by a durable locking mechanism, engaging the resilient
elongate member(s) at each end of its' full length.
[0057] Once engaged, resilient elongate members 202 are subject to
the force applied at a pulley and flex as a result of the
application of force. By selecting the number and configuration of
resilient elongate members to engage, the user is able to select
the amount of resistance with which to exercise.
[0058] Once resilient elongate members are engaged by hook or clip
208 to loop 206, either singularly or in plurality, the profile of
resistance is varied based on the selection.
[0059] In one embodiment the pulleys between the pulling force and
the engagement of the resistive device guide the cable to provide a
user with a consistent load profile.
[0060] Thus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
disclosure, resistive devices include (i) a plurality of resilient
elongate members 202; (ii) a fulcrum on housing 200; and (iii)
capture devices (loops 206). The plurality of resilient elongate
members are positioned on fulcrum. In another embodiment, the
resistive devices and resilient elongate member assemblies
comprises a plurality of resilient elongate members coupled
integrally to a fulcrum, which is coupled to the frame of exercise
apparatus 110.
[0061] Referring again to FIG. 1, articulating arm 196 can have a
plurality of pulleys 220, 222 or 224 which may accommodate a cable
(not shown) to attach a bar, handle or other mechanism to the
resilient elongate members 202. A pulley 214 may be used with
elongate members 202. Each of pulleys 214, 220, 222 and 224 may be
affixed using a pin to allow the pulley to swivel as force is
applied.
[0062] Such cable and pulley system provides a mechanism for
utilizing the resistive device provided by the selective engagement
of the plurality of resilient elongate members 202. In one
embodiment, the articulating arm 196 and cable and pulley system
are selectively integrated to at least one of the plurality of
elongate members 202, and also to the articulating arm support
assembly 184.
[0063] Ballstops fastened to respective ends of the cable prevent
cables from slipping off the pulleys of cable and pulley system.
Ballstops also enable a degree of tension in the cable and pulley
system.
[0064] When performing certain exercises on the machine, the user
stands on base 120. A cable is fixed at a first end, either to
frame of apparatus 110 or resilient elongate members 202, is
threaded over the plurality of pulleys, and can be selectively
attached at its second end to variety of available interface
apparatus' (handles, bars, straps, stirrups, etc.). The cable being
fixed at first end to the frame enable the device to be used in an
isometric manner. The cable being fixed at first end to the
resilient elongate members 202 enables the user to engage a
selection of elongate members using the device in a dynamic
manner.
[0065] As previously mentioned, to exercise using the machine,
force is exerted on a cable. The cable is adapted to be moved by
the user against the static resistance of the frame or apparatus
110, or resistance of the resilient elongate members. When force is
exerted on the user interface end of the cable, both ends of
resilient elongate members that are engaged by using hook or clip
208 will move.
[0066] As seen in FIG. 1, two articulating arms are provided in the
present disclosure, each of which is independent of the other. In
other words, each arm can be adjusted both horizontally and
vertically, along with adjustments in the length of each arm,
independent of the other arm.
[0067] Further, as provided in FIG. 1, two resistance devices 200
are provided, one associated with each of the articulating arms.
Therefore, the resistance on each side of the exercise apparatus
may be adjusted and may be different from the other side in some
embodiments.
[0068] Thus, in accordance with the above, the fitness apparatus
110 of the present disclosure has a robust structure where the core
of the structure involves two independent articulating arms which
are coupled to a plurality of resilient elongate members
(collectively the resistive device), a cable and pulley system, and
a work area for a user, which allows for the use of the exercise
apparatus 110 for various potential exercises. The fitness
apparatus allows a user to exercise against either static or
dynamic resistance profiles through the use of either a locking
feature or a flexible resilient elongate members respectively. The
configuration of the fitness apparatus provides various benefits,
including but not limited to the independent functioning arm that
can be manipulated to locate the usable end of the arms in a
multitude of locations, thus accommodating user's own physicality.
Further, the attachment method and the resistive device on its own
accord accommodate a plurality of exercise determined by the user
and the user's preference of resistance profile.
[0069] Articulating arms 196 articulate independently of each other
thereby, increasing the ability of the user to engage in
non-traditional exercises that challenge and create core strength
gains in addition to muscle organization opportunities.
[0070] As provided above, in one embodiment, each resilient device
housing 200 is removable thereby allowing for storage of the
device. In particular, to store the device, the articulating arms
can be positioned to be parallel with vertical member 160 and the
pin engaging holes 174, 176 and 178 can be removed, thereby
allowing the member 160 to be folded against base 120 to create a
slim profile of a stored device.
[0071] While the above exercise apparatus 110 is described above
with a particular configuration, the apparatus can include a
variety of components combined in a variety of configurations
without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
invention. For example, apparatus 110 can be configured such that
one or more of the referenced components is not present. For
instance, the articulating arm support assembly 184, which
facilitates the articulating arm 196, is designed so arm 196 can
reach a multitude of working positions enabling a multitude of
physicalities to use the apparatus 110. However, in some
embodiments, horizontal or vertical adjustment may be omitted, for
example.
[0072] The embodiments described herein are examples of structures
or systems having elements corresponding to elements of the
techniques of this application. This written description may enable
those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments having
alternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements of
the techniques of this application. The intended scope of the
techniques of this application thus includes other structures or
systems that do not differ from the techniques of this application
as described herein, and further includes other structures or
systems with insubstantial differences from the techniques of this
application as described herein.
[0073] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly
shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was
made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the
accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications
and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is
limited only by the following claims.
* * * * *