U.S. patent application number 15/254746 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-02 for gym cage.
The applicant listed for this patent is Marcus Carter. Invention is credited to Marcus Carter.
Application Number | 20170056702 15/254746 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58097890 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170056702 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carter; Marcus |
March 2, 2017 |
GYM CAGE
Abstract
An exercise apparatus has at least one vertical wall structure,
a floor and a ceiling forming a cage that can be square,
rectangular, circular, oval or another suitable configuration. An
arrangement of strategically placed attachment points on the wall
structure, floor and ceiling enables easy attachment and detachment
of a variety of resistance devices (e.g., a handheld and/or inline
cable operated resistance creation device, or a stretch band
resistance device) to any of the vertical and/or horizontal
structures within the gym cage, thereby providing a nearly 360
degree dimensional point of resistance to perform a wide variety of
exercises for different muscle groups and subgroups of the body. In
one embodiment, the cage includes an arrangement of spaced apart
vertical and horizontal frame members forming a rear wall and
opposite side walls.
Inventors: |
Carter; Marcus; (Tampa,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Carter; Marcus |
Tampa |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58097890 |
Appl. No.: |
15/254746 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62213230 |
Sep 2, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/153 20130101;
A63B 23/1209 20130101; A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 21/4047
20151001; A63B 21/16 20130101; A63B 71/022 20130101; A63B 21/4035
20151001; A63B 23/03541 20130101; A63B 17/00 20130101; A63B
21/00069 20130101; A63B 23/03525 20130101; A63B 23/0405 20130101;
A63B 21/4034 20151001; A63B 2220/806 20130101; A63B 21/0724
20130101; A63B 23/03533 20130101; A63B 21/018 20130101; A63B
21/0087 20130101; A63B 23/1245 20130101; A63B 21/00192 20130101;
A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 21/4039 20151001; A63B 21/023 20130101;
A63B 21/005 20130101; A63B 21/4029 20151001; A63B 23/1254 20130101;
A63B 21/00047 20130101; A63B 2071/0647 20130101; A63B 2225/093
20130101; A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 69/0062 20200801; A63B
21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/05 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/04 20060101
A63B021/04; A63B 21/00 20060101 A63B021/00; A63B 21/055 20060101
A63B021/055 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: at least one vertical wall
structure and a floor; at least one resistance creation device for
performing a variety of exercise movements against a force of
resistance with the at least one resistance creation device
attached to a structure to thereby exercise different muscle groups
of the human body; and a plurality of attachment points on the at
least one vertical wall structure and the floor for selective
attachment and detachment of the at least one resistance creation
device thereto for performing the variety of exercise
movements.
2. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising:
a ceiling structure above the floor, and the at least one vertical
wall structure extending vertically between the floor and the
ceiling structure, and wherein the plurality of attachment points
are on the ceiling structure, the at least one vertical wall
structure and the floor.
3. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein at least
some of the plurality of attachment points are inset within the at
least one wall structure.
4. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein at least
some of the plurality of attachment points are exposed on a surface
of the at least one wall structure.
5. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein at least
some of the plurality of attachment points are adjustably
positionable on the at least one wall structure.
6. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein at least
some of the plurality of attachment points are inset within the
floor.
7. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein at least
some of the plurality of attachment points are inset within the
ceiling structure.
8. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein at least
some of the plurality of attachment points are exposed on a surface
of the ceiling structure.
9. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein at least
some of the plurality of attachment points are adjustably
positionable on the ceiling structure.
10. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 1 further
comprising: a plurality of vertical wall structures; and the
plurality of attachment points on the plurality of vertical wall
structures.
11. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein the
plurality of vertical wall structures are each defined by an
arrangement of spaced apart vertically extending frame members.
12. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 10 wherein the
plurality of wall structures are solid walls.
13. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein the
ceiling structure is adjustably movable between a range of adjusted
height positions relative to the floor, and the ceiling structure
being releasably locked at a plurality of selected adjusted height
positions throughout the range of adjusted positions.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This non-provisional patent application is based on
provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/213,230 filed Sep. 2,
2015.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus and,
more particularly, to a apparatus having one or more vertical walls
or frame members with attachment points thereon to facilitate
selective attachment of various resistance devices thereto in order
to perform a variety of exercises of different muscle groups.
DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART
[0003] The exercise and development of different muscle groups and
subgroups of the human body requires an extensive variety of
movement of the arms, legs, back and shoulders through various
ranges of movement at different angles while moving against the
force of resistance. Conventionally, exercises of the various
muscle groups have been performed with the use of free weights,
such as on a barbell or dumbbells. Over time, more advanced
equipment has been developed for exercising targeted muscle groups
by moving a bar, handgrip or other device through a range of
movement. In many cases, these various types of equipment will use
a cable that is directed through a series of pulleys and attached
to a stack of weights. The user can select the amount of weight by
using an adjustably positionable pin within the stack of weights so
that only the selected amount of weight is lifted by the cable as
the user performs the exercise movement. The angle of movement is
usually restricted to a certain range and limited number of
exercises for specific targeted muscle groups. Accordingly, in
order to exercise all of the various muscle groups and subgroups of
the human body, it is necessary to have a large number of different
exercise machines, with each exercise machine limited to a specific
muscle group and/or subgroup. For convenience, various home gyms
have been developed that allow for a variety of exercise movements
to be performed, usually by using different stations on the home
gym and interchanging various equipment, such as handles, bars, leg
engaging devices, etc. However, home gyms have limitations and are
not able to provide for a full range of exercises to properly
strengthen, tone and build all the different muscle groups and
subgroups of the human body.
[0004] Accordingly, there remains a need for a single apparatus
that allows for exercise of all the different muscle groups and
subgroups of the human body, for purposes of strength training,
muscle toning and muscle building (i.e., bodybuilding). Moreover,
there remains a need for a single apparatus that allows for
attachment of various resistance devices at all different angles
through virtually a 360 Degree dimensional point of attachment so
that a user can perform all different types of exercises to
properly exercise and develop all the different muscle groups and
subgroups of the human body. Furthermore, there remains a need for
a single apparatus that allows for use of various resistance
devices that selectively attach to a large number of attachment
points at different angles throughout virtually a 360 Degree
dimensional point of attachment while eliminating the need for
heavy weights, such as weight plates.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to an exercise apparatus,
and more particularly a gym cage that is designed to be used as a
supporting structure for a variety of other exercise devices.
[0006] The apparatus consists of a metal skeletal frame having one
or more walls and can be square, rectangular, circular, oval, or
various other configurations. A rectangular shape with four sides
and three walls is illustrated in the attached drawings. The gym
cage can be constructed in various dimensions as long as it is
sufficiently tall, wide, and deep to allow for a tall standing
person to complete a variety of exercises within its dimensions.
The embodiments illustrated in the attached drawings are
approximately 8 foot tall, 7 foot wide, and 5 feet deep.
[0007] The gym cage apparatus does not utilize weight plates,
rather it relies upon a variety of strategically placed attachment
points that enable cabled resistance devices to be attached. By
attaching a hand held resistance device (see FIGS. 38-40), a
stretch band resistance device (not shown), or any other similar
resistance device to any of the vertical bars, and/or horizontal
bars and/or adjustable height ceiling, and/or metal floor of the
gym cage, the user has virtually a 360 degree dimensional point of
resistance to perform a wide variety of exercises.
[0008] The key function of the gym cage apparatus is to provide the
strategically placed attachment points for easily and quickly
attaching and disconnecting the resistance devices throughout a
workout routine. Presently, three types of attachment points are
contemplated and include inset (i.e., recessed) attachment points,
fixed hook attachment points and adjustably positionable hook
attachment points. Other attachment mechanisms and designs are
contemplated within the scope of the invention as well. Resistance
devices that are fully contemplated for use with the present
invention include, but are not limited to, adjustable resistance
devices, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,905,904, which can
include adjustable resistance handgrip devices, and bar devices, as
well as adjustable resistance inline devices. Elastomeric
resistance bands and cords are also contemplated for use with the
present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present
invention, reference should be made to the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the gym cage of the
present invention illustrating a rear wall having an arrangement of
vertical, spaced frame members and a horizontal frame member with
inset attachment points on the frame members or bars of the
cage;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view taken along the plane of
the line indicated by the arrows 2-2 in FIG. 1 showing the inset
attachment points on vertical bars forming side walls of the gym
cage, along with rack hooks on at least one of the vertical bars
for supporting a barbell;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an isolated front elevational view of a coupler
and inset attachment point illustrating the quick connect coupler
locked into the inset attachment point on one of the bars of the
gym cage structure;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an isolated side elevational view in partial cross
section taken along the plane indicated by arrows 4-4 in FIG. 3
showing the coupler and inset attachment point of FIG. 3 and
illustrating the quick connect coupler locked into the inset
attachment point;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an isolated side elevational view, shown in
partial cross section, showing the coupler quick release from the
inset attachment point and illustrating one finger quick release of
the coupler from the inset attachment point;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an isolated side elevational view showing an
adjustable resistance handgrip connected to and extending from an
inset attachment point of the gym cage structure and illustrating
the cable of adjustable resistance handgrip extended in an operable
position for performing an exercise;
[0016] FIG. 6A is a side elevational view, in partial cross
section, showing the coupler stem firmly set into the handgrip
cradle of the adjustable resistance handgrip enabling the user to
connect to the inset attachment point using one hand;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view showing an inline
adjustable resistance device for use with the gym cage of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 8 is an isolated front elevational view of a fixed hook
attachment point on the gym cage of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 9 is an isolated side elevational view of the fixed
hook attachment point taken along the plane indicated as 9-9 in
FIG. 8;
[0020] FIG. 10 is an isolated front elevational view of an
adjustable hook attachment point on the gym cage illustrating the
ability to reposition an attachment point up or down on a vertical
bar of the gym cage;
[0021] FIG. 11 is an isolated side elevational view, shown in cross
section, taken along the plane of the arrows indicated as 11-11 in
FIG. 10 and illustrating release of a spring-loaded locking knob to
allow up or down adjusted movement and respositioning of the
adjustable hook attachment point;
[0022] FIG. 12 is an isolated elevational view of a dropdown
ceiling in the gym cage illustrating a cord that is pulled to
adjust the height of the dropdown ceiling relative to the sidewalls
and top of the gym cage;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the dropdown ceiling taken
along the plane indicated by the arrows 13-13 of FIG. 12;
[0024] FIG. 14 is an isolated side elevational view of the dropdown
ceiling taken along the plane indicated by the arrows 14-14 in FIG.
12;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of an interior locking
mechanism of the dropdown ceiling taken along the plane indicated
by the arrows 15-15 in FIG. 12;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a metal floor of the gym cage
illustrating an arrangement of inset attachment points in the gym
cage floor;
[0027] FIG. 17 is an isolated cutaway of the gym cage metal floor
taken along the plane indicated by the arrows 17-17 in FIG. 16;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a front elevational view showing a chair with a
first arm attachment device connected with the inline adjustable
resistance devices and illustrating a range of movement of the arm
attachment device for performing a shoulder exercise;
[0029] FIG. 19 is a side elevational view taken along the plane of
the line indicated by the arrows 19-19 in FIG. 18 showing one of
the arm members of the arm attachment device on the chair fitted
with the inline adjustable resistance device of FIG. 7 for
performing the shoulder exercise;
[0030] FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of the chair with the
left and right arm members of the arm attachment device each fitted
with the inline adjustable resistance devices shown connected to
the inset attachment points on the floor of the gym cage;
[0031] FIG. 21 is a front elevational view showing the chair with a
second arm attachment device thereon and wherein left and right arm
members are each fitted with the inline adjustable resistance
devices and illustrating a range of movement of the second arm
attachment device in the performance of a shoulder exercise between
a start position and end position;
[0032] FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the chair and second
arm attachment device of FIG. 21 illustrating movement of the
second arm attachment device between the start and end positions in
the performance of the shoulder exercise;
[0033] FIG. 23 is a rear elevational view of the chair and the
second arm attachment device of FIG. 21 showing movement of the
second arm attachment device while sliding upwardly in a groove
within the back of the chair in the performance of the shoulder
exercise between the start and end positions;
[0034] FIG. 24 is an isolated front elevational view showing a
barbell supported within the rack hooks on the vertical bars of the
gym cage;
[0035] FIG. 25 is a front elevational view showing a user
exercising with the barbell wherein the inline adjustable
resistance devices of FIG. 7 are connected near opposite ends of
the barbell;
[0036] FIG. 26 is a front elevational view of a further embodiment
of the gym cage of the present invention having solid walls, and
illustrating a solid rear wall of the gym cage structure with inset
attachment points on the rear wall and cameras to display exerciser
images on a TV monitor mounted on the rear wall;
[0037] FIG. 27 is an isolated side elevational view, shown in cross
section and taken along the plane of the line indicated by the
arrows 27-27 in FIG. 26 showing front and rear cameras mounted
within the gym cage and inset attachment points on a solid side
wall of the gym cage, as well as the TV monitor mounted in the
solid rear wall of the gym cage;
[0038] FIG. 28 is a side elevational view showing a user seated on
the chair of the present invention and using two of the adjustable
resistance handgrips connected to a center column adjustable
positioning attachment point similar to the type shown in FIGS. 10
and 11 wherein the user is performing a chest and arm exercise;
[0039] FIG. 29 is an isolated top plan view taken along the plane
indicated by the arrows 29-29 in FIG. 28;
[0040] FIG. 30 is a front elevational view showing the chair
mounted to the floor of the gym cage with a leg attachment device
fitted to the chair for use in performing various arm and leg
exercises;
[0041] FIG. 31 is a side elevational view taken along the plane
indicated by the arrows 31-31 in FIG. 30 and illustrating a range
of adjusted movement and extension and retraction of the leg
attachment device on the chair for performing various arm and leg
exercises;
[0042] FIG. 32 is a side elevational view showing the leg
attachment device fitted to the chair and a user performing a bicep
exercise with the adjustable resistance handgrips attached to inset
attachment points in the floor of the gym cage;
[0043] FIG. 33 is a front elevational view showing the user of the
gym cage in FIG. 32 performing the bicep exercises with the
adjustable resistance handgrips and leg attachment member fitted to
the chair;
[0044] FIG. 34 is an isolated side elevational view showing the leg
attachment device on the chair being used to perform a quad
exercise wherein the inline adjustable resistance device is
connected between an end of the leg attachment device and an inset
attachment point on the floor of the gym cage;
[0045] FIG. 35 is a front elevational view showing the chair with
the leg attachment device fitted thereto and the user performing
the quad exercise as in FIG. 34, wherein two inline adjustable
resistance devices are connected between the leg attachment device
and inset attachment points in the floor of the gym cage;
[0046] FIG. 36 is an isolated side elevational view showing the
chair and leg attachment device with a user performing a hamstring
exercise, wherein the inline adjustable resistance devices are
connected between an end of the leg attachment device an inset
attachment point on a vertical frame member or wall of the gym
cage;
[0047] FIG. 37 is an isolated top plan view taken along the plane
indicated as 37-37 in FIG. 36 and showing the two inline adjustable
resistance devices connected between the leg attachment device and
attachment points on the vertical wall of the gym cage;
[0048] FIG. 38 is an isolated side elevational view of the chair
and leg attachment device illustrating a user performing a calves
exercise wherein two inline adjustable resistance devices are
connected between the end of the leg attachment device and
attachment points on the floor of the gym cage;
[0049] FIG. 39 is a front elevational view taken along the plane
indicated by the arrows 39-39 in FIG. 38 showing the two inline
adjustable resistance devices connecting between the leg attachment
device and the attachment point in the floor of the gym cage;
[0050] FIG. 40 is an isolated side elevational view showing a range
of adjusted movement and adjusted positions of the seatback of the
chair between a vertical position, an inclined angle position and a
horizontal bench position; and
[0051] FIG. 41 is an isolated rear elevational view of the seatback
on the chair taken along the plane indicated by the arrows 41-41 in
FIG. 40.
[0052] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0053] The gym cage of the present invention is shown and generally
indicated as 10 throughout the drawings. The gym cage 10 includes
at least one vertical wall structure and, in a preferred
embodiment, includes a rear wall structure 12 and opposite side
wall structures 14, 16 (i.e., left and right walls) extending
upwardly from a floor 18 to a top 19 of the cage 10.
[0054] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vertical side wall structures
14, 16 and rear wall structure 12 of the gym cage 10 may be formed
by an arrangement of parallel vertically extending bars or frame
members 20 that are spaced apart to allow visibility through the
entire gym cage. The rear wall structure 12 and side wall
structures 14, 16 may further include at least one horizontal bar
or frame member 22, as seen in FIG. 1. The top 19 of the cage 10
may be formed by a similar arrangement of spaced and parallel bars
or frame members or, alternatively, the top 19 may be a solid
structure, similar to the floor 18 of the cage 10 which is shown in
FIG. 16. The rear wall structure 12, opposite side wall structures
14, 16, top 19 and floor 18 provide for an arrangement of
attachment points 24 for selective, interchangeable and removable
attachment of resistance devices, such as the adjustable resistance
handgrip device 30 shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, as well as the inline
adjustable resistance device 40 shown in FIG. 7. Attachment of
these adjustable resistance devices to the various attachment
points 24 on the vertical wall structures, top and floor of the gym
cage 10 allow for virtually 360 degrees of attachment points to
perform a wide variety of exercises for exercising, developing,
toning and building different muscle groups and subgroups of the
human body. The gym cage 10 may further include an adjustable
height ceiling 50, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 12-15 to allow users
of different heights to easily reach the attachment points 24 on
the adjustable height ceiling 50 in order to attach the various
adjustable resistance exercise devices (e.g., 30 and 40).
[0055] The attachment points 24 on the vertical wall structures
(i.e., the back wall and opposite side walls) as well as the
ceiling/top and floor of the gym cage 10 may be either fixed or
adjustable in position. Moreover, the attachment points 24 may be
recessed or inset, as seen in FIGS. 3-6 or exposed on a surface of
the wall structures 12, 14 and 16, ceiling/top 19 and floor 18 of
the cage 10, in the form of hook attachment points 70, as seen in
FIGS. 8 and 9. Moreover, the attachment points may be adjustably
positionable, such as adjustably positionable hook attachment
points 80 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0056] The inset attachment points 60 generally consist of a pocket
area 62 within the walls or frame members 20, 22 of the gym cage
10, such as within the frame members 20, 22 of the rear wall
structure 12 and opposite side wall structures 14, 16, as well as
within the ceiling/top 19 of the gym cage 10 and the floor 18 of
the gym cage. The inset attachment points 60 further include a
transverse attachment bar 64 that extends within the pocket 62,
connecting to the frame member or other structure on opposite sides
of the pocket 62 so that the transverse attachment bar 64 is inset
from the surface of the walls, ceiling and floor of the gym cage.
As seen in FIGS. 3-6A the inset attachment points 60 are
particularly suited for attachment of a quick connect coupler 32 on
the adjustable resistance handgrip device 30. In particular, the
quick connect coupler 32 includes a generally C-shaped claw 34
fitted to a coupler stem 36 that is attached to a cable 39
extending from the spool 31 of the adjustable resistance handgrip
device 30. The open mouth of the generally C-shaped claw 34 of the
quick connect coupler is normally closed by a spring loaded latch
35, as seen in FIG. 4. The quick connect coupler 32 is easily
attached to the attachment point 24 (either the inset attachment
point 60 or the hook attachment point 70 or adjustable hook
attachment point 80) by jamming the quick connect coupler 32 into
the bar of the inset attachment point or hook and causing the bar
of the attachment point 24 to move the spring loaded latch 35 open,
until the bar passes within the enclosure of the claw 34 and clears
the latch 35, whereupon the spring loaded latch 35 is urged back to
the closed position, as seen in FIG. 4. To remove the quick connect
coupler 32 from the attachment point, a one finger quick release
mechanism 38 is operated to urge the latch 35 open so that the bar
(i.e., inset or hook) of the attachment point 24 can be moved out
through the open mouth of the claw 34 of the quick connect coupler,
as illustrated in FIG. 5. Easy one handed attachment of the quick
connect coupler 32 to the attachment point 24 is achieved by the
structure of the quick connect coupler 32 and frame 33 of the
handgrip device 30. Specifically, referring to FIG. 6A, the frame
33 of the handgrip device includes a cradle 37 that is specifically
sized and configured for congruent receipt of the coupler stem 36
therein, holding the quick connect coupler 32 secure relative to
the handgrip resistance device frame and grip handle, so that the
user, with one hand grasping the handle 33a of the handgrip device,
can jam the quick connect coupler 32 against the attachment point
24, with the bar of the attachment point 24 urging the spring
loaded latch 35 open until the bar of the attachment point is
secure within the grasp of the claw 34 of the quick connect coupler
32, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 7, the inline adjustable resistance device
40 includes two separate attachment hooks 42, 44 for attachment to
an item of equipment, such as a barbell 110, arm attachment device
120, 130 or leg attachment device 140, as well as one of the many
attachment points 24 on the gym cage. One of the hooks 42 of the
inline adjustable resistance device 40 is fitted to the end of a
fixed cable 43, while the other hook 44 is fitted to a cable 45
that extends from the resistance spool 31 of the device.
[0058] The operation of the adjustable resistance handgrip device
30 and the inline adjustable resistance device 40 is consistent
with the disclosure in U.S. Pat. No. 8,905,904. In general, the
adjustable resistance is achieved by opposing piston heads 47, 48,
as seen in FIG. 7, wherein resistance is created by either
compression of air between the piston heads, a spring between the
piston heads or a magnetic force created by opposing force magnets
on each of the piston heads. Adjusting the distance between the
piston heads 47, 48, by screw rotation of either or both pistons,
with the use of an adjustment knob 49, allows for adjusting the
resistance of force to rotate the spool 31. This in turn translates
to a force of resistance of pulling the cable from the spool, as
described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 8,905,904. In the
instance magnets are used, an electromagnet may be positioned on
the left side of the chamber within the spool and a standard magnet
may be placed on the head of the piston on the right side of the
chamber. The magnets create a repulsive field between them, and the
strength of the repulsive field can be controlled by the electrical
current flowing to the electromagnet, thereby controlling the force
of resistance of pulling the cable from the spool.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the adjustable positionable
hook attachment points 80 include a hook 82 fitted to a central hub
83 that is fastened to a guide block 84 by a bolt 85 that passes
through a vertical slot 25 in a frame member 20 of the gym cage 10.
The guide block 84 is specifically sized and configured for sliding
movement within a hollow interior channel 23 of the frame member 20
of the gym cage. The adjustable positionable hook attachment point
80 further includes a locking pin 86 arrangement including a second
bolt 87 that extends through the vertical slot 25 of the frame
member and into the guide block. The portion of the bolt 87
extending exteriorly of the frame member, including the bolt head,
is surrounded by a movable knob 88. A spring 89 is fitted between
the bolt head and the inner end of the knob 88 so that the knob can
be pulled outwardly against the force of the spring 89 away from
the frame member 20. A collar 88a of the knob 88 is specifically
sized and configured for selective receipt within any one of an
arrangement of vertically spaced holes 27 formed along the open
slot 25 of the frame member 20. To adjust the hook attachment point
80 up or down, the knob 88 is pulled outwardly against the force of
the spring 89 and released from the hole 88 in the frame member 20
allowing the hook 82, guide block 84 and bolts 85, 87 to slide up
or down until the knob 88 is aligned with one of the spaced holes
27 along the open slot 25 at the desired height or position of the
hook attachment point. When reaching the desired position, the knob
88 is released and the knob collar 88a is allowed to snap into
place within the aligned hole 27 on the open slot 25 of the frame
member 20 thereby securing the hook attachment point 80 at the
desired adjusted position.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 12-15, an adjustable height dropdown
ceiling 50 is shown. The dropdown ceiling 50 is provided with an
arrangement of attachment points 24, either or both the inset
attachment points 60 and/or hook attachment points 70, and is able
to be adjusted in height relative to the floor 18, top 19 and
vertical wall structure of the gym cage 10. The dropdown ceiling 50
secured in place by opposing locking pin members 52 on opposite
ends of the dropdown ceiling which are received within any select
set of a spaced arrangement of locking apertures or holes 54 on the
same horizontal plane in the wall structure of the gym cage, as
seen in FIG. 12. To adjust the height of the dropdown ceiling 50,
the user pulls a cord 55 to operate a pulley and spring mechanism
57 (see FIG. 15) that urges the locking pins 52 inwardly towards
the interior of the dropdown ceiling, and out of the locking holes
54 in the wall frame members 20 of the gym cage so that the
dropdown ceiling 50 is free to move up or down while the cord 55
remains pulled and the locking pins 52 remain in the retracted
position. To assist with raising or lowering the dropdown ceiling,
a vertical bar 56 extends down from the dropdown ceiling 50 and can
be grasped by the user. This vertical bar 56 assists users of
different heights who may not otherwise be able to reach the
ceiling 50 and is otherwise necessary to pull the ceiling 50 down
to an adjusted lowered position. When the dropdown ceiling 50 is at
the desired height, the cord 55 is released, causing the locking
pins 52 to extend out from the sides of the ceiling 50 and into the
aligned locking holes 54 in the frame structures 20 of the gym
cage. The weight of the dropdown ceiling 50 is supported by a
spring roller 58 or coil and cable 59, as seen in FIG. 14.
Specifically, a spring loaded coil, pulley or roller 58 is mounted
within the top of the gym cage frame structure and a cable 59
extends down and connects to the dropdown ceiling 50. This allows
the user to raise or lower the dropdown ceiling 50 with minimal
effort, while preventing the ceiling from falling down onto the
user. A minimum amount of force is necessary to pull the ceiling 50
down, by grasping the vertical bar 56. Without pulling down on the
bar 56, the ceiling 50 will remain either stationary or begin to
rise upwardly as the spring loaded coil/pulley mechanism 58
supports the weight of the ceiling 50 and may in fact lift the
ceiling 50 back to the fully raised position when the locking pins
52 are disengaged.
[0061] FIG. 15 illustrates the general schematic of an arrangement
of the pulley and spring locking pin release mechanism 57 wherein
the cord 55 extends about an arrangement of pulleys and connects to
the arm members of the two locking pin structures which are urged
against springs when pulling down on the cord, thereby allowing the
locking pins 52 to retract into the ceiling. Upon release of the
cord 55, the springs urge the locking pins 52 outwardly so that
they can be received within the selected horizontally aligned set
of locking holes on the gym cage frame members 20.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, a barbell 110 is attached to
two inline adjustable resistance devices 40 that are secured to
attachment points 24 in the floor of the gym cage, allowing the
user to perform overhead presses or other exercise movements with
the barbell 110 against the force of resistance of the inline
adjustable resistance devices 40. During periods of rest, between
sets of overhead presses or other exercise movements, the user can
place the barbell 110 into any of the rack hooks 112 on oppositely
positioned frame members 20 of the gym cage 10, as shown in FIG.
25, while the barbell 110 still remains under tension exerted by
the cables of the inline adjustable resistance devices 40.
[0063] FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the
gym cage 10A wherein the rear wall 12A, opposite side walls 14A,
16A and ceiling 19A are solid so that others cannot see into the
sides or rear of the gym cage. The front may remain open to allow
for ventilation and ease of access in and out of the gym cage 10A.
Similar to the embodiment described above, the vertical walls,
ceiling and floor 18A are provided with attachment points 24 for
attaching the adjustable resistance devices. Additionally, cameras
160 may be provided at the four top corners of the gym cage 10A, to
capture views of the exercises from various angles. Moreover, a TV
monitor 162 is mounted to the rear wall 12A, allowing the user to
view themselves while performing various muscle building exercises,
so that they can verify that their posture and technique is
proper.
[0064] FIGS. 18-23 and 28-40 show a chair 150 in accordance with
the present invention for performing various arm, shoulder and leg
exercises. The chair 150 removably mounts to the floor 18 of the
gym cage and includes a seat base 152 and adjustably positionable
seatback 154. In several embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 18-23 and
30-39, various arm attachment devices and leg attachment devices
are provided for performing a variety of arm, shoulder and leg
exercises. Specifically, a first arm attachment member 120, as seen
in FIGS. 18-20, is attachable to the seatback for performing
shoulder exercises, wherein left and right arm members 122, 124 of
the arm attachment device 120 are each connected to inline
adjustable resistance devices 40 that connect to attachment points
24 on the floor 18 of the gym cage 10, permitting the user to
perform a shoulder exercise movement, as demonstrated in FIG. 18.
Similarly, a second arm attachment member 130 is adapted to be
installed on the rear side 155 of the seatback 154, and is slidably
moveable within a guide slot 156 on the seatback, through a range
of vertical movement, as seen in FIGS. 21 and 23. In this
embodiment, the opposite left and right arm members 132, 134 of the
second arm attachment device 130 are each connected to inline
adjustable resistance devices 40 that are anchored to attachment
points 24, such as inset attachment points 60, in the floor 18 of
the gym cage, allowing the user to perform a shoulder exercise by
moving the second arm attachment device 130 through the range of
movement shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.
[0065] The invention further includes a leg attachment device 140,
as shown in FIGS. 30-39 for performing various arm and leg
exercises. The leg attachment device adjustably mounts to the seat
base 152 and is adjustably positionable, as shown in FIG. 31, to
allow for performance of various exercises. During the performance
of leg exercises, the leg attachment device 140 is movable relative
to the seat base 152. In another position, as shown in FIG. 32, the
leg attachment device 140 may be fixed in the vertical upright
position to provide support of the arms while performing a bicep
curl exercise, wherein two adjustable resistance handgrip devices
30 are secured to attachment points in the gym cage floor and the
user performs the curl exercise, as demonstrated in FIG. 32 while
grasping the adjustable resistance handgrip devices in each hand.
Various quad, hamstring and calf exercises can be performed using
the leg attachment device 140, as shown in FIGS. 34-39, wherein two
inline adjustable resistance attachment devices 40 are secured to
the leg attachment device 140 and anchored to attachment points 24
in either the floor 18 of the gym cage 10 or a vertical wall
structure or frame member 20 of the gym cage.
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 40-41, the seatback 154 of the chair 150
is adjustable through a range of positions, as shown in FIG. 40 and
can be locked at any one of those positions including a vertically
upright position, one or more angled or inclined positions and a
horizontal bench position. A support leg 158 is hingedly or
pivotally fitted to the rear side 155 of the seatback and folds
down, as shown in FIG. 40 to engage the gym cage floor 18 and
support the seatback 154 in the horizontal bench position.
[0067] While the present invention has been shown in accordance
with several preferred and practical embodiments, it is recognized
that departures from the instant disclosure are fully contemplated
within the spirit and scope of the present invention which is not
to be limited except as defined in the following claims.
* * * * *