Abstract:
A collapsible workout apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a crossbar member with support legs pivotally attached at each end. The supports legs are operable to pivot outward to a trapezoid shape to form a self-standing structure with the crossbar member substantially parallel to the surface. A protrusion is pivotally attached at the base of each of the support legs. When extended outward, the protrusions also are substantially parallel to the surface. The crossbar member and protrusions, when extended, are operable to enable a user to perform push-ups or pull-ups efficiently. The support legs and protrusions can be pivoted to be substantially parallel to the crossbar member for easy storage and portability.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims priority in provisional Application Ser. No. 60/512,627, filed Oct. 20, 2003. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention pertains in general to athletic equipment and, more particularly, to a portable workout device that is collapsible. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The desire for individuals to maintain some level of physical fitness has seen an increase in the last one or two decades. Some individuals will pursue a workout regimen in an athletic club which has a great deal of expensive equipment, some equipment being multi-functional in nature and some being associated with only a single function, such as a bench press, dumb bells, etc. However, due to the expense of health clubs, a large number of individuals desire to have the workout equipment in their home. To this end, low cost, portable, multi-functional workout devices have been developed. There are some home use weight machines, for example, that are comprised of a bench and a plurality of rods and the such that can be configured to provide different levels of resistance. These, although being somewhat expensive, are fairly compact and allow an individual the ability to exercise different muscle groups. However, they are complex and expensive and difficult to store. Other types of workout equipment for use by an individual in the home can be very simple. One such workout device is a wheel with two handles on the side which are used to exercise the abdominal muscles. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a workout apparatus. The apparatus includes a crossbar member, a first pivot device disposed on a first end of the crossbar member, and a second pivot device disposed on a second end of the crossbar member. A first set of support legs is provided that comprises a first downwardly extending leg with one end thereof disposed in the first pivot device and pivotable therein and a second downwardly extending leg having a first end pivotably engaged with the first pivot device. The first and second downwardly extending legs are operable to pivot from a substantially parallel relationship to each other to a non-parallel relationship in a diverging form. A restraining device is provided for restraining the first and second downwardly extending legs from diverging beyond a predetermined point. A second set of support legs is provided that comprises a third downwardly extending leg with one end thereof disposed in the second pivot device and pivotable therein and a fourth downwardly extending leg having a second end pivotably engaged with the second pivot device. The third and fourth downwardly extending legs are operable to pivot from a substantially parallel relationship to each other to a non-parallel relationship in a diverging manner. A restraining device is provided for restraining the first and second downwardly extending legs from diverging beyond a predetermined point. The crossbar member and the first and second set of support legs are structurally load bearing to support the weight of an individual suspended from the crossbar member with the distal ends of the first and second downwardly extending legs of the first and second supporting sets disposed on a flat surface. A first protrusion extends from a pivot point proximate to but disposed a short distance from the end of the first leg of the first set of support legs, the first protrusion operable to pivot upward from a first position that is parallel to the crossbar member to a position that is substantially parallel to the first leg of the first set of support legs. A second protrusion is provided that extends from a pivot point proximate to but disposed a short distance from the end of the third leg of the second set of support legs, the second protrusion operable to pivot upward from a first position that is parallel to the crossbar member to a position that is substantially parallel to the third leg of the second set of support legs. The first and second protrusions in the first position extending toward each other from the respective one of the first and third legs in the respective one of the first and second sets of support legs. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the workout apparatus of the present disclosure; 
       FIGS. 2   a - 2   c  illustrate the multiple steps required to collapse the workout apparatus into a compact configuration; 
       FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  illustrate a detail of a collapsing cross-bar; 
       FIGS. 4   a - 4   d  illustrate a detail of the collapsing end portion; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a hinge utilized in the embodiment of  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b;    
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the mechanism for supporting the two downward extending legs on each side of the workout apparatus; 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a detail of the hinge mechanism for one of the downward extending legs; and 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a detail for the rotation of the legs toward the cross-bar member when collapsing the apparatus. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a perspective view of the workout apparatus of the present disclosure. There is provided a main cross member  102  that provides the main support structure, as will be described herein below. The cross member  102  has disposed at one end thereof a first pivoting device  104  and at the other end thereof a second pivoting device  106 . Pivoting device  106  has associated therewith two downwardly extending legs  108  and  110  which are tubular in shape in the disclosed embodiment, but could be other shapes and configurations. Leg  110  extends from a pivoting end  112  on the pivoting member  104  downward to a foot  114  and member  108  has a foot  116  and extends downward from a pivoting end (not shown). Similarly, pivoting member  106  has two downwardly extending legs  120  and  122 , leg  120  having illustrated a pivoting end  124  pivoted in the pivoting member  106  and a foot end  126  associated with the diametrically opposite end thereof. Similarly, the downwardly extending leg member  122  has a foot end  128  associated with the end diametrically opposite to pivoting member  106 . 
   The two downwardly extending legs  108  and  110  and the two downwardly extending legs  120  and  122  are operable to pivot outward to a trapezoid shape such that they provide a self standing apparatus such as a “sawhorse.” In this configuration, the two feet  114  and  116  associated with the downwardly extending legs  108  and  110  are at a much farther distance than the two pivoting ends of legs  108  and  110 . This is also the case with respect to the downwardly extending legs  120  and  122 . 
   There are provided two cross member braces  130  and  132 . Brace  130  is disposed between a point  134  along downwardly extending leg  108  between the two ends thereof and at a point  136  along the length of the downwardly extending leg  110  substantially midway between the two ends thereof. The brace  130  has a locking hinge  138  in the middle thereof such that it can collapse and allow the two downwardly extending leg members  108  and  110  to pivot toward each other. Similarly, the brace  132  is attached to a point  140  along the length of the downwardly extending leg  120  between the two ends thereof substantially midway therebetween and to a point  142  along the length of the downwardly extending leg  122  substantially midway therebetween. A locking hinge  144  is disposed in the middle of the brace  132 . The locking members  138  and  144  are pivoting type hinges such that each of the braces  130  and  132  is comprised of two portions that pivot at the associated ones of the locking hinges  138  and  144 , which will be described in more detail herein below. 
   The downwardly extending leg  110  has disposed proximate the end thereof a protruding member  150  that extends from a hinge  152  disposed on a pivot on the surface of the downwardly extending leg  110  outward therefrom and extending toward the interior of the workout apparatus and disposed, when erected, substantially parallel to the work surface of the floor on which the apparatus is disposed. There is provided a support member  154  that supports the distal end of the protruding member  150  above the surface of the floor to support weight. Similarly, there is a protruding member  156  that protrudes from a pivoting point on the distal end of the downwardly extending leg  120  proximate the foot  126  which protrudes outward therefrom toward the center of the workout apparatus along and parallel to the plane that is formed by the cross member  102 , the downwardly extending leg  110  and the downwardly extending leg  120 . It is disposed parallel to the floor surface and pivoted by a hinge  158  on the downwardly extending leg  120 . A support member  160 , similar to the support member  154 , extends downward from the protruding member  156  on the distal end thereof relative to the hinge  158 . 
   The workout apparatus, when assembled, will have a height that is approximately three to four feet. It is at a height such that an individual can lay under the workout apparatus and extend their arms upwards to grab the support member  102  such that they can pull themselves up. By using this configuration, an individual can work certain muscles with less strain than a straight pull-up which involves an overhead bar. The individual can then face downward to the floor and place one hand on the protruding member  150  and the other hand on the protruding member  156 , such that the legs of the individual extend in either direction from the workout apparatus. The dimensions of the workout apparatus are such that the individual can place their hands at approximately the width of their shoulders or slightly closer together. It is noted that the two distal ends of the protruding members  150  and  156  do not touch in this described embodiment, or are not connected together. Therefore, the individual can do push-ups or they can do pull-ups with very little effort other than turning their body. This allows for a very efficient workout. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c , there is illustrated a diagrammatic view of how the workout apparatus collapses. With specific reference to  FIG. 2   a , it can be seen that the first step of collapsing the workout apparatus is to pivot protruding members  150  and  156  upwards such that they are substantially parallel with respect to the downwardly extending legs  110  and  120 . The next step, illustrated in  FIG. 2   b , is to push upward on the locking hinges  138  and  144  to pull the downwardly extending legs  110  and  108  toward each other and the downwardly extending legs  120  and  122  toward each other. The next step, illustrated in  FIG. 2   c , is to move the collapsible legs  120  and  122  toward the cross member  102  and the collapsed legs  108  and  110  toward the cross member  102 , such that they are substantially parallel thereto. This provides a very compact workout apparatus that can be stored in a storage bag or the such. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3   a  and  3   b , there is illustrated a diagrammatic view of the brace  130  and the locking hinge  138 . The downwardly extending legs  108  and  110 , the cross member  102  and the protruding members  150  and  156 , as well as the downwardly extending support members  154  and  160 , can be fabricated from different materials or from the same material. A typical material could be a lightweight tubular aluminum which would provide both the light weight and the strength. However, a plastic such as polycarbonate could also be utilized, although this may bend more than desirable. Although round tubes are illustrated, other shapes could also be utilized. Any type of extruded metal or other material would also be useful. 
   The brace  130  is fabricated from a first member  302  and a second member  304 . Member  302  is pivoted at one end with a pivot pin  305  to the outside of the downwardly extending leg  108  and then to a pivot pin  306  on the locking hinge  138 . Similarly, the member  304  is pivoted on one end with a pivot pin  310  to the downwardly extending leg  110  and to the pivot pin  306 . 
     FIG. 3   b  illustrates that, when an upwardly directed force is directed toward the bottom of the locking hinge  138 , it will allow the two members  302  and  304  to pivot about the center pivot  306  such that the two downwardly extending legs  108  and  110  can be pushed together. The members  302  and  304  are typically of a flat bar stock and disposing outside of the plane of the apparatus such that, when the two downwardly extending legs  108  and  110  are touching each other, the bottom surfaces of the members  302  and  304  are adjacent each other and do not interfere with the two surfaces of the downwardly extending legs  108  and  110  touching each other. However, members  302  and  304  could be tubular and could be disposed in such a manner that they are in the same plane as the legs  408  and  110 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a - 4   d , there is illustrated a detail of the manner in which the protruding members  150  and  156  are pivoted. Illustrated in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  is only the protruding member  150 . The protruding member  150  is connected to the downwardly extending leg  110  with a hinge  402  and the downwardly extending support member  154  is connected to the protruding member  150  with a hinge  404 . The hinge  402  is configured such that, when it is rotated, the protruding member  150  will swing up parallel to the downwardly extending leg member  110 . The downwardly extending support member  154  will pivot outward parallel to the protruding member  150 . This is illustrated in  FIG. 4   b  and, as such, when the protruding member  150  is pivoted downward, the hinge  402  will have a stop that will substantially prevent it from pivoting downward further, but the primary force is maintained on the support member  154 , the hinge  404  bearing the weight on the edge thereof. 
   An alternate embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 4   c  and  4   d , wherein the protruding member  150  is pivoted on the outside of the downwardly extending leg  110  about a pivot pin  410  and the downwardly extending support member  154  is pivoted with a hinge  412  on the end of the protruding member  150 . In operation, the downwardly extending support member  154  will rotate outward from the downwardly extending leg  110  such that it will be disposed along the longitudinal axis of the protruding member  150 . The protruding member  150  then can be rotated upward to a position parallel to the outside of the downwardly extending leg  110 , this is illustrated in  FIG. 4   d . In this manner, the protruding member  150  will be parallel to the outside of the downwardly extending leg  110  and it will not interfere with the cross member  102  when the workout apparatus is collapsed. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is illustrated a detail of the hinge  402 , this being similar and substantially identical to the hinge  404 . There are provided two flanges  502  and  504  that are operable to be wrapped about the outer surface on either side of the downwardly extending leg  110 . There are provided two pivot holes  506  and  508  for receiving a pivot pin disposed through a hole in the downwardly extending leg  110 . This hinge  402  will allow the protruding member  150  to rotate downward and stop when it is in the horizontal position, as there is an arcuate shaped surface below the two flanges  502  and  504  (not shown). The bottom surface of the hinge extending outward therefrom is a “trough” shape such that it will receive the proximate end of the outwardly protruding member  150  (tubular in shape) and there will be two holes  510  and  512  for attaching the hinge  402  to the proximal end of the protruding member  150 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is illustrated a detail of the pivot member  104 , which is similar to the pivot member  106 . The pivot member  104  has associated therewith a main body  602 . The main body  602  has disposed on either end thereof a recess  604 . The recess  604  is operable to receive a pivoting member  606  of the downwardly extending leg  110  on one side thereof, with a similar pivoting member  606  disposed on the downwardly extending leg  108  (not shown). This pivoting member  606  is operable to pivot such that the downwardly extending leg  110  is able to be pivoted between a perpendicular and a flare position. The main body  602  has a pivoting well  610  disposed therein which is operable to receive a second pivoting body  612  that is attached to the end of the cross member  102 . This pivot end is operable to allow the main body  602  to rotate with respect to the pivoting body  612  such that the main body  602  can pivot inward relative to the pivoting body  612 , as will be described herein below. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is illustrated a detail of the pivoting member  606  and a cutaway of the recess  604 . The recess  604  is illustrated such that it has a top wall  702  and a back wall  706 . The back wall  706  provides a stop function. A pivot pin  708  is disposed through a pivot hole  710  in the pivoting member  606 . The pivoting end  606  has an arcuate shape from the upper end thereof with a flat surface  712  that is operable to interface with the back surface of the body  602 . Therefore, the pivoting member  606  can pivot about the pivot pin  708  to a vertical position and then it can flare outwards until the flat surface  712  contacts the back wall  706  of the body  602 , at which time the pivoting action will stop. However, if the brace  130  is not utilized, then an undue amount of stress can be placed on the pivot pin  708 . Therefore, the primary force for restraining the outward pivoting of the downward extending leg members  108  and  110  is provided by the brace  130 . Typically, the body  602  and the pivoting end  608  will be fabricated of a metal and the downwardly extending leg member could be fabricated from a different material such as polycarbonate. Note that the brace  130  could be nothing more than a cable. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is illustrated a detail of the pivoting relationship of the pivoting body  612  and the body  602 . The bottom surface of the pivoting body  612  is illustrated in phantom and a pivot pin  802  is illustrated as being disposed through a portion of the lower inner corner of the pivoting body  612 . The pivoting body  612  will have an arcuate surface  804  proximate to the pivot pin  802 . Therefore, when the pivoting body  612  rotates about the pin  802  relative to the body  602 , the interior side of the body  602  will pivot toward the bottom surface of the cross member  104 .