Abstract:
An attachable exercise apparatus comprising a rotating handle assembly, a base, and a suction cup for mounting the apparatus to a flat surface, is herein disclosed. The handle assembly comprises an ergonomic cylindrical shape which spans an “L”-shaped frame. The suction cup comprises a large circular suction cup permanently attached to a bottom surface of the base and provides a lever mechanism to create an internal vacuum which allows the apparatus to be securely removably attached to a flat surface such as a pool wall, a gymnasium wall, a floor surface, and the like. The handle and frame are constructed of a hard, durable material, and the handle comprises a textured or coated slip resistant surface. The flat circular base allows the handle to rotate or be locked in position, while the base and suction cup remain stationary.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Aug. 28, 2009, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment, and in particular, to a gripping means particularly adapted for use with swimming pool exercise routines. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Physical fitness and health concerns are among the areas of highest concern among people in the world today. More than ever, people are frequenting health clubs and performing exercise routines at home in order to lose weight, improve muscle tone, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many people turn to exercise routines that are performed in a pool due to their low impact properties, which reduces the occurrence of muscular-skeletal side effects. Most of these routines or exercises require the user to stay in one place, such as while swimming in place, or performing balancing type routines. In such cases, the users attempt to stay in position by holding onto the side or edge of the pool. 
     One (1) problem associated with such pool exercises is that the grip afforded by the edge of the pool is often insufficient to secure a person, largely due to its flat contours and lack of suitable gripping materials. Additionally, the surface may be slippery due to the fact that it is covered in water. Another frequently encountered difficult is when there exists a large difference between the water line and the top edge of the pool. Lack of proper grip severely inhibits both the range of available suitable exercise routines and the effectiveness of those which are undertaken. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide gripping devices to aid a user during exercise routines. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,031, issued in the name of Olschewski, describes a pool exercise device which provides a rotatingly height adjustable horizontal bar gripping means which is detachable from a pair of supports installed within the wall of a pool. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,217, issued in the name of Bracone, describes a swimming pool ballet bar which is attached to a flat ground surface adjacent to a pool structure and which provide a horizontal gripping bar near a wall of the pool for aid in performing pool exercises. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,405, issued in the name of Oren, describes a grip handle for physical exercises which provides a rotating handle mounted along a vertical surface. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices are not suitable for use in water. Also, many such devices require permanent installation in a pool or the like. Furthermore, many such devices do not allow a full range of adjustability and motioning for a user&#39;s arms during use. In addition, many such devices are not readily usable and reusable in a large range of desired locations or positions. Accordingly, there exists a need for an exercise gripping device without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need to provide a secure gripping means for a user during swimming pool exercises in a manner which is removable, adjustable, and which provides a full range of motioning during exercise. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means for a user to perform various exercise movements and workouts within a swimming pool. The apparatus comprises a stationary base assembly and a rotating handle assembly. 
     Another object of the present invention is to removably mount to a wall portion of a pool structure to facilitate exercise routines performed within the water. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow for mounting to various other flat surfaces to aid in the performance of other types of exercises. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to be utilized alone or in pairs to facilitate various exercises requiring support of either one or both hands. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide removable attachment to flat surfaces in a manner which does not damage the surface. The stationary base assembly comprises a suction cup which produces a suction force upon a flat surface for secure positioning. The suctioning force is controllable via a suction lever located on an exterior portion of the suction cup. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a removably attachable handle and frame assembly which connects to the base assembly. The handle comprises a cylindrical-shaped grip affixed to the frame parallel to the mounting surface. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the handle of a textured or coated slip-resistant gripping surface. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow full circular rotation of the handle and frame assemblies relative to the base in a plane parallel to the mounting surface, in order to facilitate movement of a user&#39;s hands and arms during exercise routines. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a means to lock the handle assembly in a desired position relative to the base via an internal locking pin and hub post assembly. This allows a user to provide a stationary grip as desired for particular exercise routines. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of procuring one or more instances of the apparatus, placing the apparatus over a desired flat surface, providing a suction force to hold the apparatus in place via the suction lever, attaching the handle assembly to the base assembly, selectively allowing or disallowing the rotating motion of the handle assembly as desired based upon the necessities of desired exercise routines, utilizing more than one of the apparatus in tandem as desired, and adjusting or relocating the relative position of the apparatuses as necessary. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of an attachable exercise device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the attachable exercise device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the attachable exercise device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of the attachable exercise device  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 2 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                  10 
                 attachable exercise device 
               
               
                   
                  20  
                 handle assembly 
               
               
                   
                  21  
                 grip 
               
               
                   
                  22  
                 axle 
               
               
                   
                  23  
                 gripping surface 
               
               
                   
                  24  
                 frame 
               
               
                   
                  26  
                 hub receiver 
               
               
                   
                  28  
                 locking housing 
               
               
                   
                  30  
                 protrusion 
               
               
                   
                  32  
                 first detent 
               
               
                   
                  33  
                 second detent 
               
               
                   
                  40  
                 locking knob 
               
               
                   
                  42  
                 locking pin 
               
               
                   
                  60  
                 base assembly 
               
               
                   
                  62  
                 base plate 
               
               
                   
                  63 
                 operational indicia 
               
               
                   
                  64  
                 hub post 
               
               
                   
                  66  
                 slot 
               
               
                   
                  68  
                 aperture 
               
               
                   
                  80  
                 suction cup 
               
               
                   
                  90  
                 suction lever 
               
               
                   
                  92  
                 suction rod 
               
               
                   
                  94  
                 rod offset portion 
               
               
                   
                  96  
                 actuator rod 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 suction zone 
               
               
                   
                 150 
                 flat surface 
               
               
                   
                 160 
                 user 
               
               
                   
                 170 
                 pool structure 
               
               
                   
                 180 
                 water surface 
               
               
                   
                 190 
                 adhesive 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The present invention describes an attachable exercise device (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for a user  160  to perform various exercise movements and workouts while grasping one (1) or two (2) units of the apparatus  10  being secured to flat surface  150 . According to a preferred method of use; two (2) units of the apparatus  10  are shown here being mounted to a wall portion of a pool structure  170  just above a water surface  180 , allowing a user  160  to perform various aquatic-based exercises. However, the apparatus  10  may be mounted to various other flat surfaces  150  such as gymnasium walls, floor surfaces, and the like, to aid in the performance of various other types of exercises, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  comprises a stationary base assembly  60  and a rotating handle assembly  20  which provides an ergonomic cylinder-shaped grip  21 . The apparatus  10  is secured to the flat surface  150  via a circular suction cup  80  approximately six (6) to ten (10) inches in diameter being similar in diameter to that of the base assembly  60  and to a width of the handle assembly  20 . Furthermore, the apparatus  10  is envisioned being introduced as a single unit  10  or as a pair of devices  10 , thereby providing a means for a user  160  to perform various aquatic or similar exercises. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , perspective and section views of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  is illustrated here in a vertical orientation upon a horizontal flat surface  150  having the handle assembly portion  20  extended upwardly. The handle assembly  20  comprises a cylindrical-shaped grip  21  spanning a “U”-shaped frame  24  and being affixed thereto said frame  24  via a linear horizontal axle  22 . The frame  24  provides a removable attachment means to the base assembly  60  via a centrally located and downwardly extending hub receiver  26 . The hub receiver  26  comprises an integral hollow cylindrical structure into which a hub post portion  64  of said base assembly  60  is inserted. Furthermore, said hub receiver  26  provides integral features which allow the handle assembly  20  to freely rotate three-hundred and sixty (360) degrees relative to the base assembly  60 . The hub receiver  26  further comprises a locking housing  28  which provides enclosure of an internal locking pin  42  having an external locking knob  40 . The locking pin  42  is to engage the hub post  64 , thereby allowing the handle assembly  20  to either freely rotate or be locked in position at a fixed angle (see  FIG. 4 ). The handle assembly  20  is envisioned to be constructed of a hard, durable material such as plastic and/or metal, being introduced in various decorative colors and patterns. Furthermore, the grip portion  21  is envisioned to have a textured or coated slip resistant gripping surface  23 . 
     The base assembly  60  comprises a base plate  62 , a hub post  64 , a suction cup  80 , and a suction lever  90 . The base plate  62  comprises a low-profile cylindrical form approximately six (6) to ten (10) inches in diameter, having a closed top surface, and an arcuate concave bottom surface. The top surface of the base plate  62  comprises an integral and centrally-located hub post  64  protruding perpendicularly upward from said base plate  62  as seen here. The hub post  64  comprises an annular slot  66  and a plurality of equally-spaced apertures  68  within said slot  66 . Said slot  66  and apertures  68  enable mechanical engagement with the aforementioned locking pin  42  (see  FIG. 4 ). The base plate  62  and hub post  64  portions are envisioned to be constructed of a hard, durable material such as plastic and/or metal, being introduced in various decorative colors and patterns. 
     The base plate  62  provides an attachment means to the suction cup  80  along a bottom surface of said base plate  62 , and is envisioned being made using rubber, latex, or an equivalent flexible sealing material. The cup-shaped suction cup  80  provides an inner suction zone  100  which acts upon the flat surface  150  when in contact, to produce a suction force produced by manual rotation of an outwardly extending suction lever  90 , thereby increasing or decreasing a pressure within said suction zone  100  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a section view of the apparatus  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 2 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  is depicted here in a horizontal orientation being affixed to a vertical flat surface  150 . The apparatus  10  comprises a locking pin  42 , a slot  66 , and a plurality of locking apertures  68 . The locking pin  42  and locking housing  28  provide relative incremental engagement via interfering molded features. The locking pin  42  is incrementally motioned in a linear manner within a bored hole portion of the locking housing  28  by a user  160  using the permanently attached locking knob  40 . The locking pin  42  comprises a corresponding annular protrusion  30  located at an intermediate position along its length. The protrusion  30  provides slight mechanical engagement with a first detent feature  32  and a second detent feature molded or machined in an annular manner within the hole portion of the locking housing  28 . Positive mechanical engagement of the protrusion  30  and the detents  32 ,  33  allow the locking pin  42  to respectively engage the slot  66  and aperture  68  portions of the hub post  64 , thereby providing three (3) versatile operational functions. First, the locking pin  42  may be withdrawn completely from the locking housing  28 , thereby allowing easy removal of the handle assembly  20  from the stationary base assembly  60 . Secondly, the locking pin  42  may be partially inserted into the locking housing  28  until the protrusion  30  engages the first detent  32 , thereby causing an end portion of said locking pin  42  to engage the slot  66  and allowing the handle assembly  20  to rotate freely in a three-hundred and sixty (360) degree circle. Thirdly, said locking pin  42  may be inserted further until the protrusion  30  engages the second detent  33 , thereby causing an end portion of said locking pin  42  to engage an aligned aperture  68 , and arresting the rotary motion of the handle assembly  20  at a particular desired rotated position. 
     The apparatus  10  provides an internal mechanism to produce a reduction of pressure within the suction zone  100  being formed between the suction cup  80  and the flat surface  150 . The base assembly  60  portion of the apparatus  10  comprises a suction lever  90 , a suction rod  92 , and an actuator rod  96 . The suction lever  90  and suction rod  92  form a torsion rod mechanism which extends through the base plate  62 , thereby providing motioning of the suction cup  80  via an interconnected actuator rod  96 . The suction rod  92  comprises a centrally-located rod offset section  94  which provides a rotating attachment means between the suction rod  92  and the actuator rod  96 , thereby forming a crank and connecting rod mechanism which causes the actuator rod  96  to reciprocate in a perpendicular direction with respect to the suction rod  92  upon rotation of the suction lever  90 . An end portion of the actuator rod  96  is envisioned to be permanently molded into, or otherwise affixed to a central portion of the suction cup  80 , thereby resulting in a respective reciprocating motion of a center region of the suction cup  80  upon rotation of the suction rod  92 . The bottom arcuate surface of the base plate  62  provides supportive attachment thereto an upper perimeter region of the suction cup  80  via common industrial adhesives  190 , thereby supporting the suction cup  80  as anticipated forces are applied to the handle assembly portion  20  of the apparatus  10  during use. Operational indicia  63  is imprinted onto the base plate  62  adjacent to the section lever  90 , in order to direct the user  160  on current positioning of the suction cup  80 . In use, if the suction lever is pointing toward an “OFF” position, the internal pressure within the suction zone  100  is normalized, thereby allowing removal of the apparatus  10  from the flat surface  150  (see  FIG. 2 ). Conversely, when the suction lever  90  is rotated toward an “ON” position, the suction cup  80  is expanded upwardly, thereby increasing an amount of suction within the suction zone  100  to secure the apparatus  10  to the flat surface  150 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user  160  in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring the apparatus  10 ; selecting a flat surface  150  onto which to mount the apparatus  10  being suitably positioned to perform a desired exercise or similar activity; installing the apparatus  10  by pressing the suction cup portion  80  of the apparatus  10  against said flat surface  150 ; flipping the suction lever  90  to the “ON” position of the operational indicia  63  to produce a suction within the suction cup  80 , thereby securing the base assembly portion  60  of the apparatus  10  to the flat surface  150 ; attaching the handle assembly  20 , if not previously installed, by pulling the locking knob  40  outwardly; inserting the hub post  64  into the hub receiver  26 ; pressing the locking knob  40  inwardly into the locking housing  28  until the protrusion portion  30  of the locking pin  42  engages the first detent  32 , thereby engaging the slot  66  portion of the hub post  64 ; grasping the grip portion  21  of the handle assembly  20  to perform desired aquatic exercises or similar activities; and, benefiting from a removable, portable, and versatile exercise aid to enhance aquatic and other exercises while utilizing the present apparatus  10 . 
     In order to remove the apparatus  10  from the flat surface  150  the user  160  must flip the suction lever  90  to the “OFF” position of the operation indicia  63  to eliminate suction within the suction cup  80 , thereby freeing the apparatus  10  from said flat surface  150 . 
     Furthermore, a second unit of the apparatus  10  may be procured and utilized in conjunction with the previously installed unit  10 . Said second unit of the apparatus  10  may be installed as described above, by repeating the above steps, thereby allowing a user  160  to perform additional exercises requiring a pair of apparatus units  10  being spaced apart and gripped using both hands (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     The apparatus  10  may be configured in a non-rotating manner by performing the following additional steps: locking the handle assembly portion  20  at a fixed angular position in relation to the base assembly  60  by pressing the locking knob  40  further toward the locking housing  28  until the protrusion portion  30  of the locking pin  42  engages the second detent  33 ; engaging the locking pin  42  into an aligned aperture portion  68  of the hub post  64 ; and utilizing the handle assembly  20  at a fixed angle to perform various additional exercises which require the apparatus  10  not to rotate. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.