Gymnastic Apparatus

Abstract

A gymnastic apparatus comprising a main section and a plurality of wing sections. The main section has a padded base of rectangular configuration having four vertical upstanding corner posts connected by horizontal beams to form a quadratic frame. A number of vertical and horizontal exercise devices are supported by the quadratic frame. The base is mounted upon wheels to facilitate movement, and the wheels are retractable to allow the apparatus to rest upon a plurality of support legs. Pivotally mounted on each of the four vertical posts is a wing section of rectangular shape, each wing section also supporting a number of exercise devices. Each wing section is movable between a folded position nested alongside the sides of the main section, and a number of open positions extending outwardly from the main section. Adjacent wing sections are connected together by horizontal bars from which hanging type exercise devices are suspended. Additional exercise devices can be supported at one end by the main or wing sections with the other ends extending outwardly therefrom, and furthermore the unit is so designed that such additional exercise devices can be attached spanning the wing sections when the wing sections are in the parallel configuration.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains generally to the field of exercise devices and particularly to exercise and play devices for pre-school and elementary school children.

There exist in the prior art great numbers of play and exercise apparatus for children which incorporate virtually every type of swinging, hanging, crawl-through balancing and climbing device known to be of interest to children. Usually, the apparatus are large and non-collapsible, and are fixed in place on a school playground. Those few that can be installed indoors are difficult to assemble and disassemble and cannot be considered portable. Some foldable or collapsible devices have been developed in recent years, but theyse have not been very versatile, and thus their attractiveness to children has quickly diminished.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides collapsible exercise and play apparatus that is easily assembled, disassembled, moved, transported, and stored. The apparatus is extremely versatile. It can be assembled in a number of configurations, and can accommodate a great number of exercise and play devices of all types. The inventive apparatus consists of a main section and a plurality of wing sections pivotally attached on the main section. The main section is a framework defining a quadratic shape having a frontal configuration of such size as to easily fit through doors. Each of the corner posts of the main section supports a generally vertically oriented pivotable wing section of rectangular shape. Various hanging, swinging and crawl-through exercise and play devices of known types are supported by the main section and the wing sections. The main section is mounted upon retractable wheels which are extended to allow the apparatus to be moved, and are retracted to allow the apparatus to rest firmly on fixed legs. The main section has a padded floor for safety and use in tumbling.

The four wing sections are pivotally attached to the vertical corner posts of the main section. Each wing section is movable between a folded position nested alongside the main section, and a number of open positions extending outwardly from the main section. Each wing section comprises a vertically oriented rectangular frame which supports hanging and crawl-through exercise devices. A number of legs having non-skid feet extend downwardly from the wing sections. Adjacent wing sections can be attached together at the top by means of horizontal connector bars from which hanging devices such as rings and ropes can be suspended. In addition, both the main section and the wing sections can support exercise devices internal or external apparatus such as balance bars, sliding boards, or the like.

All of the components of the apparatus, such as the removable exercise devices, the connector bars, and the appurtenant devices such as the balance beams, can be stored on the floor of the main section. Auxiliary equipment such as mats and balls can also be stored there. Therefore, when the apparatus is disassembled, the wing sections folded, it becomes a compact unit, easily stored and transported. Also, while it covers a rather large floor area when in operating configuration, when in its storage configuration it uses a minimal amount of floor area.

The gymnastic apparatus of this invention is easily moved into place and assembled by one individual. It is self-supporting and rigid, and can be used outside or inside, in gymnasiums or all purpose rooms, for example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gymnastic apparatus of this invention showing the wing sections disposed in a first arrangement;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating the various positions to which the wing sections can be moved;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the gymnastic apparatus of the invention showing a number of the exercise device forms that can be incorporated into the structure of the wing sections;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the device of FIG. 3 showing examples of the exercise devices that can be incorporated into the end structure of the main section;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the invention, illustrating in detail a preferred manner of pivotally mounting and folding the wing sections;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the connector beam structure for attaching together adjacent wing sections;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the connector beam structure of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view taken through the line 8--8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top view, partially in section, of the wheel mounting and corner post structure of the inventive apparatus;

FIG. 10 is a side view taken along line 10--10 of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a side view, partially in section, of the wing section support legs.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Looking now particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the gymnastic apparatus of this invention comprises a main section 10 and a plurality of wing sections 12, 14, 16 and 18. Each of these sections comprises a framework of preferably tubular construction suitably contoured and welded together at the joints. Main section 10 is a quadratic box-like framework, having a rectangular base comprising a pair of bottom side beams 17 and 18, and a pair of bottom end beams 19 and 20. A floor 21, of vinyl covered foam or the like fastened to a plywood backing, is attached to beams 17, 18, 19 and 20. Floor 21 provides an element of protection for a child falling from above, and can also be used for tumbling. In addition, floor 21 provides a place for storing the removable components of the apparatus, as well as auxiliary equipment, when the apparatus is in the collapsed configuration.

Four corner posts 23, 24, 25 and 26 are attached at the corners to members 17, 18, 19 and 20 to extend upwardly therefrom. To complete the quadratic box-like framework of main section 10, a pair of top side beams 26 and 27, and a pair of top end beams 28 and 29, and attached to corner posts 23, 24, 25 and 26. To add strength and rigidity to the structure, and to provide support for the vertical and horizontal exercise devices to be described below, additional tubular members such as center posts 30 and 31, center top beam 32, and top rungs 33, 34, 35 and 36 are attached to the basic framework.

Main section 10 is provided with wheels at all four corners. The wheel structure of corner post 26 is shown in detail in FIGS. 9 and 10, and the structure at posts 24, 25, and 23 is identical. A pair of wheel support brackets 40a and 41a are fixedly attached to each side of corner post 26. Brackets 40a and 41a are of tubular construction and a wheel support rod 42 is slidably mounted therein. A pad 44 is attached to the lower end of wheel support rod 42, and a U-shaped axle bracket 45 is attached to pad 44. An axle 46 is mounted on bracket 45, and a wheel 47 is rotatably carried by axle 46. Wheel 47 is preferably of material that will not mar the surfaces of wooden floors such as those used in gymnasiums. Wheel support rod 42 terminates at its upper end in a clevis 50 having a pin 51. Pivotally attached to corner post 26 by means of a bracket 54 and pin 55 is a wheel control handle 56. Mounted on handle 56, at a point spaced from pivot pin 55, is another pivot pin 58. A wheel lift beam 59 is pivotally attached at one end to wheel support rod 42 by means of pin 51 and at the other end to handle 56 by means of pin 58. Rotative movement of handle 56 about pivot pin 55 thus causes compound movement of beam 59 and axial movement of wheel support rod 42. When handle 56 is in its upper position, as shown in FIG. 10, wheel 47 is in its extended position. The load carried by wheel 47 is passed to main section 10 through pin 55. The extended position of wheel 47 is used when the apparatus is being moved. Rotation of handle 56 through the arc indicated in FIG. 10 to its lower position causes wheel 47 to move to a retracted position, and the main section 10 is lowered so that the apparatus rests upon feet mounted on the wing sections, as described below. Means are provided for securing handle 56 in its upper position in the form of a locking sleeve 60 having a flexible neck 61 attached to corner post 26. Sleeve 60 is slipped over the top of handle 56 to hold handle 56 in the upper position, and is pulled upwardly to disengage from handle 56 to allow handle 56 to be moved to its lower position. Conventional wheel braking means, not shown, can be incorporated into the wheel structure, if desired.

A first group of exercise and play devices can be incorporated into the sides and ends of main section 10. For clarity, these devices have not been illustrated, but they could be like those shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Similarly, devices such as ladder bars can be incorporated into the top of main section 10. It is desirable to allow at least some open areas in the sides and the ends of the main section, however, to allow access to the interior to facilitate storage of parts of the apparatus and auxiliary devices therein.

Attached to main section 10 are four wing sections 12, 14, 16 and 18. Wing section 14 will be described in detail, the other wing sections being identical except, perhaps, for the particular horizontal and vertical exercise devices or shapes that are incorporated therein. Like structure of the other wing sections 12, 16 and 18 is designated with identical numbers having a letter suffix. Looking to FIG. 1, wing section 14 comprises a wing base beam 64, a wing top beam 65, and a pair of wing end posts 66 and 67. Wing beams 65 and wing posts 66 and 67 are contoured as necessary at their points of joinder and are rigidly attached together to form a rectangular framework in a vertical plane. The top of wing post 66, however, is not closed, for reasons described below. A vertical center post 69 is attached between wing beams 64 and 65 to add strength and to support vertical exercises devices.

Each of the wing sections 12, 14, 16, and 18 is attached to main section 10 by a pivot joint arranged in such a fashion as to allow the wing sections to be folded flush, or nested, against the side of the main section 10. Again, only the pivot connection between wing section 14 and main section 10 will be described, it being understood that the other wing sections 12, 16 and 18 are attached to the main section 10 in an identical manner. Like elements associated with wing sections 12, 16 and 18 are designated with identical numerals having a letter suffix.

Wing section 14 is pivotally attached to main section 10 by two hinge connections. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the upper hinge connection 72 comprises an upper main hinge 73 attached to the side of the corner post 23, an upper wing hinge 74 attached to the side of wing post 67, and an upper hinge pin 75. Lower hinge connection 77 is integrated into the structure which supports the wheels 47. Lower hinge connection 77 comprises a lower wing hinge 78 attached to the side of wing post 67 and so positioned along the length of the post 67 as to be interposed between wheel support rod brackets 40 and 41, which also function as hinges. Lower wing hinge 78 has a center opening 79 through which wheel support rod 42 passes, wheel support rod 42 acting also as the lower hinge pin.

In order to facilitate nesting of two wing sections on each side of the main section when the wing sections are folded, the hinges of each wing section extend outwardly at an angle from the posts upon which they are mounted. For example, looking to wing sections 12 in FIG. 5, main hinge 73a extends outwardly from post 26 at an angle outwardly to the plane of the end of main section 10. Its cooperating wing hinge 74a extends outwardly from post 67a at an angle outwardly to the plane of wing section 12. Thus, when wing section 12 is folded, it lies parallel to the side of main section 10. Main hinge 73 of wing section 14 is at an angle inwardly of the plane of the end of main section 10, and wing hinge 74 is at an angle inwardly to the plane of wing section 14. Thus, when wing section 14 is folded parallel to the side of main section 10, it is spaced therefrom. Lower hinges 78a (wing section 12) and 78 (wing section 14) are similarly oriented. The hinges of wing sections 16 and 18 are oriented in like manner so that these sections nest on the opposite side of main section 10.

Each of the wing sections 12, 14, 16 and 18 is provided with a pair of support legs. As illustrated in detail in FIG. 11, each leg 80 comprises a shoe 81 of non-marking, non-skid material, supported by a discs 82, which is fixedly attached to a screw 83. Attached to the underside of bottom wing beam 64, in alignment with wing post 69, is a leg member 84, to which is fixed an internally threaded nut 85, for example, by means of a pair of pins 86 and 87. Bottom beam 64 is provided with a pair of aligned openings 88 and 89 to permit screw 83 to extend upwardly therethrough. Thereby, the length of leg 80 can be adjusted, to accommodate uneven floors, for example. The length of each leg 80 is adjusted so that the shoes 81 are spaced from the floor when wheels 47 are extended, and firmly in contact with the floor when wheels 47 are retracted.

Adjacent pairs of wing sections are connected together by a connector beam 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the wing sections 12, 14, 16 and 18 are oriented parallel to the plane of the ends of main section 10, with wing sections 12 and 14 being connected together by a first connector beam 100, and wing sections 16 and 18 connected together by a second identical connector beam 100. Connector beams 100 can be disposed at the same height as wing top beams 65, or can be mounted at a height raised above wing top beams 65.

The details of the connector beam 100 are illustrated in FIGS. 6-8. Connector beam 100 comprises a pair of connector bars 101 and 102 which are welded together at points 103. Connector mounting rods 105 and 106 are attached to bars 101 and 102 at the ends thereof. Bars 101 and 102 are suitably drilled to receive a plurality of suspension hooks 107 to which hanging type exercise and play devices such as rings and ropes can be attached. Rods 105 and 106 slide into the open ends of wing corner posts 66, 66a, 66b, and 66c. The most advantageous length for connector beams 100 is a length substantially equal to the length of main section 10. This facilitates storage of the connector beams 100 within the framework of the main section 10, and also allows several interesting relationships to be formed of the main section 10 and the wing sections 12, 14, 16 and 18. For example, looking to FIG. 2, the wing sections 12, 14, 16 and 18 positioned as shown in the solid lines, connector beams 100 connect together wing sections 14 and 16, and 12 and 18, respectively, providing a second configuration substantially different from the first. This novel feature maximizes the usefullness of the apparatus, as well as making it more interesting for the children.

It is advantageous to have at least one of the connector beams 100 at a greater height to accommodate certain climbing and hanging devices. This is accomplished by elevating one of the connector beams 100 on a pair of extension means 110. Looking to FIGS. 6-8, each extension means 110 comprises a vertical extension column 111 of tubular construction suitable for receiving in an open end one of the connector rods 105 and 106. Attached to the lower end of extension column 111 is an extension rod 113. A bracket 115 is attached to the side of extension rod 111, and is connected by means of a pin 116 to one end of a brace 117. The other end of brace 117 is provided with a U-shaped bracket 118 having aligned openings 119, which seats on top beam 65 of one of the wing sections. Top beam 65 is provided with an opening 120, and a locking pin 122 passes through openings 119 and 120 to allow attachment and removal of the brace 117. A typical locking pin 122 has a curved handle portion 123 and a pivoted locking member 124 mounted on a pin 125 in a slot at the opposite end.

The basic structure of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus has been described above. The basic apparatus is quite versatile, and can be utilized to support a number of exercise and play devices of the horizontal, vertical, hanging and inclined types. In FIG. 3, examples of typical exercise and play devices are shown installed on wing sectijon 14. These are by no means the only forms that can be used. Wing section 14 has been provided with a middle horizontal bar 130, to which have been attached a number of vertical bars 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, and 136. Arranged with the framework of bars 130-136 are a plurality of exercise devices such as for example, a horizontal bar 137 in combination with two diagonal bars 138 and 139; a diamond arrangement of diagonal bars 140, 141, 142 and 143; a single diagonal bar 144; a circular bar 145; staggered horizontal bars 146, 147 supported by a vertical bar 148; and two arcuate bars 149 and 150. Shown in FIG. 4 is a ladder arrangement of a number of horizontal bars 152. In order to illustrate the basic apparatus clearly, the total number of exercise and play devices have not been shown. It should be realized, however, that such devices can be incorporated into all four wing sections, as well as the sides, ends, and top of the main section.

As noted in FIG. 1, hanging devices such as climbing ropes 150 and flying rings 151 can be installed on connector beams 100. Also, additional exercise devices, such as bars and beams, can internally be attached spanning the wing sections when the wing sections are in the parallel configuration. External devices, such as inclined trestle 156 (FIG. 1), can be attached to the main section or the wing sections.

The apparatus is utilized in the following manner: In the storage configuration, wing sections 12, 14, 16 and 18 are folded into nested relationship with main section 10. Alll detachable and auxiliary elements are stacked for storage upon floor 21. If desired, wheels 47 can be retracted to engage shoes 81 with the floor, to prevent inadvertant movement of the device. With wheels 47 in the extended position, (wheel control handle 56 in the upper position) the apparatus is pushed to the operating location. The narrow frontal area allows it to pass through conventional doorways. When the apparatus is positioned in the desired location, wing sections 12, 14, 16 and 18 are pivoted to the desired position, and connector beams 100 are installed to attach adjacent pairs of wing sections together. The apparatus can be used without connecting adjacent wing sections together, however. Once the wing sections are extended, wheels 47 are retracted by disengaging locking sleeve 60 from handle 56, and moving handle 56 to its lower position. This lowers the apparatus to rest upon the plurality of shoes 81. Depending upon the amount of extension of legs 80, some of the weight of the apparatus may be borne by the retracted wheels 47, or the entire weight borne by shoes 81. Screws 83 can be adjusted to compensate for an uneven floor, if necessary. The various demountable exercise devices can then be installed and the apparatus put into use.

Upon completion of use, the events take place in reverse cycle. The demountable devices and elements are removed and placed on floor 21. Then handle 56 is moved to its upper position and engaged by locking sleeve 60, so that wheels 47 are extended. Wing sections 12, 14, 16 and 18 are then folded alongside main section 10. The apparatus is then ready to be moved.

Many variations and modifications to the apparatus described above may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein, but is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A gymnastic apparatus for supporting exercise and play devices comprising:

a self-supporting main section having a base and first and second substantially vertical posts attached to said base and defining therebetween a first side of said main section,

first and second substantially vertically oriented wing sections pivotally attached respectively to said first and second posts, each of said wing sections being movable between a folded position alongside said main section and an extended position extending outwardly of said main section, and

connector means attachable to said wing sections at points spaced from said main section when said wing sections are in said extended position to connect said wing sections together, said connector means comprising a beam attached to the upper portions of said wing sections whereby hanging exercise and play devices may be suspended therefrom.

2. The gymnastic apparatus of claim 1 further comprising extension means attachable to each said wing section and to said beam for mounting said beam a distance above said wing sections.

3. The gymnastic apparatus of claim 1 wherein each said wing section terminates in a free end having an end post, and wherein said beam is attachable to said end posts.

4. The gymnastic apparatus of claim 1 wherein said beam is of length no greater than the length of said first side whereby said beam can be stored upon said base.

5. A gymnastic apparatus for supporting exercise and play devices comprising:

a self-supporting main section having a rectangular base and first, second, third and fourth substantially vertical posts attached to said base, said first and second posts and said third and fourth posts defining therebetween respectively first and second sides of said main section, said second and third posts and said fourth and first posts defining therebetween respectively first and second ends of said main section, said first and second ends being of lesser length than said first and second sides,

a first exercise or play device supported by said main section,

first and second substantially vertically oriented wing sections pivotally attached respectively to said first and second posts, each of said first and second wing sections being movable between a folded position alongside said main section and an extended position extending outwardly from said main section, the length of each of said first and second wing sections being greater than one half of the length of said first side, and not greater than the entire length of said first side, said first wing section being attached to said first post by first hinge means so oriented with respect to said first post as to allow said first wing section to fold flush against and substantially parallel to said first side, said second wing section being attached to said second post by second hinge means so oriented with respect to said second post as to allow said second wing section to fold into overlapping relationship with said first wing section and flush against and substantially parallel to said first wing section,

third and fourth substantially vertically oriented wing section pivotally attached respectively to said third and fourth posts, each of said third and fourth wing sections being movable between a folded position alongside said main section, the length of each of said third and fourth wing sections being greater than one half of the length of said second side and not greater than the entire length of said second side, said third wing section being attached to said third post by said third hinge means so oriented with respect to said third post as to allow said third wing section to fold flush against and substantially parallel to said second side, said fourth wing section being attached to said fourth post by fourth hinge means so oriented with respect to said fourth post as to allow said fourth wing section to fold and to overlapping relationship and flush against and substantially parallel to said third wing section, and

a second exercise or play device supported by said wing sections.

6. The gymnastic apparatus of claim 5 further comprising retractable wheel means mounted on said main section and fixed leg means mounted on each of said wing sections, said wheel means being movable between an operating position extending downwardly a distance greater than said leg means and a retracted position extending downwardly a distance no greater than said leg means, and means for moving said wheel means between said operating and said retracted positions.

7. The gymnastic apparatus of claim 6 wherein said wheel means comprises four wheels, one said wheel being positioned at each of the four corners of said main section, each said wheel being mounted upon a wheel support rod axially slidably attached to a respective one of said posts and substantially parallel thereto, and said means for moving said wheel means comprises a plurality of handles, each said handle being pivotally attached to a respective said post and beding operatively connected to a respective said wheel support rod, whereby arcuate movement of said handle causes axial movement of said wheel support rod to retract or extend said wheel.

8. The gymnastic apparatus of claim 7 wherein each said hinge means comprises upper and lower pairs of hinges, each said lower pair of hinges pivotally engaging a respective said wheel support rod, whereby said wheel support rod also fuctions as a hinge pin.

9. The gymnastic apparatus of claim 5 further comprisding first connector means for connecting together a first adjacent pair of said wing sections, said first connector means being attachable to the upper portion of each of said first pair of adjacent wing sections at points spaced from said main section.

10. The gymnastic apparatus of claim 9 further comprising second connector means for attaching together a second pair of adjacent of said wing sections, said connector means being attachable to the upper portion of each of said second pair of adjacent wing sections at points spaced from said main section.

11. The gymnastic apparatus of claim 10 wherein the length of each of said connector means is no greater than the length of said sides, and further comprising a floor attached to said base, whereby said connector means can be stored upon said floor.

12. The gymnastic apparatus of claim 10 wherein each of said wing sections is of rectangular shape of dimensions substantially equal to the dimensions of said sides.