Abstract:
An overall fitness trainer and can be a wall mounted unit that can utilize clip resistance bands as well as other techniques. These bands generally clip on the unit and onto different handles, bars and attachments to perform exercises. The unit can have a removable/adjustable pull up bar, dip bar and seat. It also includes a spring loaded, pull pin carriage that moves freely up and down a vertical spine. This allows for easy adjustment of the carriage and allows the user to attach the bands at multiple angles, widths and levels. This in turn increases the number of exercises the user can perform on the unit. The unit can be attached to the wall with lag bolts into two or more studs.

Description:
[0001]    This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 12/228,998 filed Aug. 19, 2008. Application Ser. No. 12/228,998 is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of home exercise equipment and more particularly to a wall-mounted home fitness unit with removable parts that adapts to numerous different exercises. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    It is known in the art to provide exercise equipment into the home which can be wall-mounted. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,339,125 teaches a single column exercising apparatus using a stack of weights. U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,525 teaches a wall-mounted shower exercise machine used for stretching muscles. U.S. Pat. No. 4,402,504 teaches an adjustable exercise device that uses a two-ended cable for providing resistance to pulling. U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,679 teaches a wall-mountable device that uses a horizontal hinge rod assembly with springs. U.S. published application 2001/0004624 teaches a body exerciser that leans against a wall. U.S. published application 2003/0158024 teaches a door mounted exercise device that allows pulling on bungee cords. None of these prior art systems allow parts to be removed and exchanged for different exercises. Also most of the prior art wall-mounted home systems do not allow adjustment for different users and for causing different muscles to be exercised. It would be advantageous to have a wall-mounted, home exercise system that overcomes the difficulties of prior art systems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention relates to an overall fitness trainer and can be a wall mounted unit that can utilize clip resistance bands as well as other techniques. These bands generally clip on the unit and onto different handles, bars and attachments to perform exercises. The unit can have a removable/adjustable pull up bar, dip bar and seat. It also includes a spring loaded, pull pin carriage that moves freely up and down a vertical spine. This allows for easy adjustment of the carriage and allows the user to attach the bands at multiple angles, widths and levels. This in turn increases the number of exercises the user can perform on the unit. The unit also typically has an o ring that attaches through the arm of the pull up attachment as well as a ½ O-ring at the bottom of the unit again increasing the number of exercises the user can perform. The unit can be attached to the wall with lag bolts into two or more studs with two being preferred. Some embodiments of the present invention have an adjustable swivel foot that takes the stress off of the lag bolts and also adds to the overall load capacity of the unit. The present invention typically has an optional telescoping central vertical spine that splits in two pieces to make the unit easier to ship. The central vertical spine allows attachments to be added and removed using spring loaded pins or plunger pins. Various embodiments of the invention can have an oscillating and telescopic bench, a dip bar, a seat, a knee stabilizer and a foot rest. All of these accessories can be attached and removed to the central spine adding to the versatility and scope of exercises that can be performed. The present invention is suitable for physical therapy/rehabilitation facilities, commercial gyms and schools, as well as home use. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0007]    Attention is directed to several figures that illustrate the concepts of the present invention: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with several accessories attached. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with several metal accessories on the vertical spine. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  shows a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  shows a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  shows a user facing the unit performing an exercise. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  shows a particular embodiment of a two-piece spine. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  shows a detail of a removable horizontal bar. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  shows a detail of a removable arm bar. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  shows an embodiment of the invention with an ankle cuff. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of the invention with a baseball bat. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  shows an embodiment of the invention with a baseball. 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  shows an embodiment of the invention with the bench attached and extended. 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for chest presses. 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for chin-ups. 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for curls. 
           [0023]      FIG. 16  shows an embodiment of the invention with a football. 
           [0024]      FIG. 17  shows an embodiment of the invention with a golf club. 
           [0025]      FIG. 18  shows an embodiment of the invention with a plyo ball. 
           [0026]      FIG. 19  shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for a single curl. 
           [0027]      FIG. 20  shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for a squat. 
           [0028]      FIG. 21  shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for a tricep exercise. 
           [0029]      FIG. 22  shows a baseball bat handle with a ring. 
           [0030]      FIG. 23  shows a baseball with a ring. 
           [0031]      FIG. 24  shows a medicine ball with a ring. 
           [0032]      FIG. 25  shows boxing gloves with rings. 
           [0033]      FIG. 26  shows a straight bar. 
           [0034]      FIG. 27  shows a football with a ring. 
           [0035]      FIG. 28  shows a curl bar. 
           [0036]      FIG. 29  shows a squat belt. 
           [0037]      FIG. 30  shows a band with clips. 
           [0038]      FIG. 31  shows a golf club handle. 
       
    
    
       [0039]    Several drawings and illustrations have been presented to aid in understanding the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to what is shown in the figures. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0040]    The present invention relates to a wall-mountable home fitness or exercise apparatus and method that allows a user to perform numerous exercises on the same piece of equipment by simply changing out accessory parts. The unit generally has a single rigid central spine. A two inch rectangular steel channel is preferred; however, any strong vertical member can be used. Onto this spine, a group of removable accessories can be attached or removed at will. Several different elastic cord attachments and attachment points inject resistance into various exercises. At least the following accessories can be used with the present invention: straight bar with ½ O-ring and outer attachments, leg press, ankle cuffs, Ab blaster/leg extension, single Handle, curl bar, rope, bench, step, Ab slings, Plyo ball, boxing gloves w/sewn in D-ring, base ball bat handle, golf handle, baseball/softball and football. It should be noted that the abbreviation Ab means abdomen. 
         [0041]    Turning to  FIG. 1 , a portion of a wall  1  and a floor  2  can be seen. A vertical spine  3  is securely attached to the wall  1 . At the top of the spine  3 , an outward hanging portion  10  allows attachment of various items such as a bungie  19  and bar  15 , a boxing bag or punching bag, or other device. Further down the spine  3 , a horizontal bar  7  is shown with a bungie  18  and hand pull  16 . Further down, a set of arm bars  6  and back rest  5  can be seen. Still further down, a seat  4  is attached. Each of these attachments shown can slide up and down on the spine  3 . In addition, each attachment or accessory can be removed using a pin or spring-loaded pull pin, where the pin inserts in a hole  12  in the spine  3 . In particular, any of the accessories can be arranged vertically in any order. The order shown in  FIG. 1  is simply to illustrate a particular configuration of the device. 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 1  without the bungies. Here several stud mounts or stud plates  14  can be seen. These are typically chosen to reach between two studs so that secure mounting can be made with a pair of lag bolts on each of these stud mounts  14 . The embodiment of  FIG. 2  has three stud mounts  14  vertically along the spine  3 . Shown also in  FIG. 2  is a ring  11  attached to the center of the horizontal bar  7 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  shows a side view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-2 . The stud mounts  14  can be clearly seen against the wall  1 . Each of the attachments or accessories can have a partial or full channel to fit around the spine  3 . The seat has a channel  8 ; the arm bar a channel  12 ; the horizontal bar has a channel  13 . The top extension  10  can also be removed vertical from the spine  3 . In  FIG. 3 , the ring  11  on the horizontal bar can be seen as well as a ring or half-ring  17  on the top extension  10 . Other rings or attachments may be built into various accessories. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  shows a straight-on front view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 . The stud mounts  14  can be seen. It should be noted that the stud mounts  14  can be of any length to fit any types of studs or to attach to more than two studs. While two studs are preferred for strength and ease of mounting, any number of studs is within the scope of the present invention.  FIG. 4  also shows a pull-up bar  9  mounted to the top of the unit onto the top extension  10  (see  FIGS. 1-3 ). 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  shows a stick-figure user performing one particular exercise. It should be noted that the apparatus and method of the present invention allows numerous different exercises to be performed. A complete list of exercises supported by the present invention can be found at the end of this disclosure. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  shows a detail of a particular embodiment and realization of the vertical spine  3 . This particular embodiment allows the spine  3  to be split into an upper part  3   a  and a lower part  3   b  for ease of packing and shipping. The two parts of the spine can be coupled together with bolts for strength or by any other strong coupling method. The particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  has dimensions to aid in the understanding of the invention. These dimensions are for example only; any dimensions are within the scope of the present invention. These are preferred dimensions; however, many different dimensions may be used. In this particular example, both the top and bottom half-spines are 36 inches long. Each has holes 2 inches apart, and each hole is 0.44 inch in diameter. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  shows a detail of an embodiment of the horizontal bar  7 . Here a partial channel  20  allows it to be inserted and removed from the vertical spine  3  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). A spring-loaded pull pin  23  allows the bar  7  to be moved vertically along the spine  3  and to be removed. Each end of the bar  7  has attachment points  22  for bungies which can also be called stretch cords, or other exercise accessories. The center of the bar  7  can be optionally equipped with a half-ring  21  and a full ring  11 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 8  shows a detail of an embodiment of an arm bar  6 . The bar  6  can have flat plates  15  which can hold pads or soft rolls to protect the arm. A half channel  25  allows attachment and removal from the spine  3  (see  FIG. 2 ). Fittings  24  can hold vertical handles. 
         [0049]      FIG. 9  shows an embodiment of the invention with an ankle cuff  26 . Here the user stands and can pull the cuff  26  against a bungie.  FIG. 10  shows an embodiment with a baseball bat  27 . A standing user can swing the bat  27  into a bungie.  FIG. 11  shows a baseball  39  attached to a bungie. A standing user can practices throwing the ball  39  against the force of the bungie.  FIG. 12  shows an embodiment of the invention fully benched. A seat  29 , back  28  and legs  30  from a sitting bench that can be used in many exercises or with weights. The back  28  and seat  29  can be adjusted both in angle and height.  FIG. 13  shows an arrangement of the device set up for chest presses. A bar  31  can be pressed outward against a bungie.  FIG. 14  shows an arrangement set up for chin-ups. A standing user can chin themselves vertically on the bar  9 .  FIG. 15  shows a set up for curls using the bar  32 .  FIG. 16  shows an embodiment of the invention with a football  33 . A standing user can pass the football  33  against the force of the bungie.  FIG. 17  shows a set up with a golf club  34 . Here an individual can swing the club  34  into the force of the bungie.  FIG. 18  shows a set up with a plyo ball  35 . The user can manipulate the ball  35  against the force of the bungie.  FIG. 19  shows a set up for a single curl using a hand grip  18  that works against the force of a bungie.  FIG. 20  shows an embodiment of the invention set up for squats. A strap  36  and pad  37  allow the user to perform squats.  FIG. 21  shows a setup with a special handle  38  for a tricep exercise. 
         [0050]    As has been described, the present invention includes many different attachments and exercise devices that may be attached with snaps or rings, with or without stretch cords. 
         [0051]      FIG. 22  shows a baseball bat handle that is a streamlined version of a full length bat. The bat is cut off so that the user holds only the handle. A ring can attached to a stretch cord and onto any part of the apparatus. 
         [0052]      FIG. 23  shows a baseball with an embedded  0 -ring. This can be attached with a clip to a stretchable cord and to any piece of the apparatus. The ball can be gripped and a user can go through a pitching action. 
         [0053]      FIG. 24  shows a handled medicine ball with a ring that can be attached with a stretch cord to any part of the apparatus. 
         [0054]      FIG. 25  shows a pair of boxing gloves that can have rings that can be attached with a stretch cord to any part of the apparatus. A user can thus box against the force of the cord strengthening arm and wrist muscles. 
         [0055]      FIG. 26  shows a straight bar that can be used with the present invention. 
         [0056]      FIG. 27  shows a football with a ring that can be moved against the force of the cord such as in a pass movement strengthening the arm muscles. 
         [0057]      FIG. 28  shows a curl bar that can be used with the present invention. 
         [0058]      FIG. 29  shows a squat belt that can be worn around the waist using the straps shown. The belt can then be attached to the apparatus at one or several points with stretch cords. The belt can be used for squat or other exercises simply be setting where the cords are attached to the apparatus. 
         [0059]      FIG. 30  shows a typical stretch cord band with clips on each end. This type of band can be attached on one end to any of the accessories described, and on the other end to any part of the apparatus appropriate for a particular exercise. 
         [0060]      FIG. 31  shows a golf club handle that is cut off in a manner similar to the baseball handle of  FIG. 22 . Many other accessories can be made like the baseball handle of  FIG. 22  or the golf club handle of  FIG. 31 . In particular, a hockey stick can be cut off with an O-ring placed at the bottom part of the stick just above the blade, and a lacrosse stick can be made in a similar way by cutting it short and placing an O-ring on the back side just underneath the end. 
         [0061]    The present invention forms a complete system that can accommodate numerous exercises by simply changing the arrangement. The frame can mount simply to the wall in a garage, house or other building. 
         [0062]    Several descriptions and illustrations have been presented to aid in understanding the present invention. One skilled in the art will realize that numerous changes and variations are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Each of these changes and variations is within the scope of the present invention. 
       List of Exercises Supported by the Present Invention 
     Chest Exercises 
       [0063]      1  Arm Standing Chest Press w/Handle 
         [0064]    Standing Chest Press w/Straight Bar 
         [0065]    Close Grip Bench Press Curl Bar 
         [0066]    Standing Chest Fly w/Handles 
         [0067]    Seated Incline Bench Press Straight Bar 
         [0068]    Seated Incline Bench Fly w/Handles 
         [0069]    Seated Bench Press w/Straight Bar 
         [0070]    Seated Bench Press w/Handles 
         [0071]    Seated Bench Flies w/Handles 
         [0072]    Dips on Dip Bar attachment 
         [0073]    Single Arm Chest Fly W/Handle Perpendicular to Machine 
         [0074]      2  Handled Chest Squeeze 
         [0075]    Pullovers w/handles or straight bar 
         [0076]    Cable Cross Over Handles 
         [0077]    Elevated Resistance Push Ups(Feet on Bench) 
       Back Exercises 
       [0078]    High Standing Row Straight Bar 
         [0079]    Reverse Grip High Standing Row Straight Bar 
         [0080]    One arm high row handle 
         [0081]    One arm low row handle 
         [0082]    Straight Arm Pull Downs Straight Bar 
         [0083]    Low Pulley Row sitting on Step Handle or Straight Bar 
         [0084]    Wide Handled Reverse Fly Handles 
         [0085]    Seated One Arm Pull Down Handle 
         [0086]    Seated Pulldown Straight Bar 
         [0087]    Wide Bent Over Row Straight Bar 
         [0088]    Good Mornings Straight Bar or Rope 
         [0089]    Pull Ups 
         [0090]    Chin Ups 
         [0091]    Back Hyper extensions 
         [0092]    Lat Pull Over on Bench Handles 
       Biceps 
       [0093]    Standing Curls Straight Bar 
         [0094]    Standing Curls Curl Bar 
         [0095]    1 Arm Alternating Standing Curl Handles At multiple angles 
         [0096]    2 Arm Standing Curls Handles 
         [0097]    1 Arm Hammer Curl 
         [0098]    1 Arm Handled Concentration Curl 
         [0099]    High Handled Curl 
         [0100]    High Curl Bar 
         [0101]    Seated Curl Back To Machine 
         [0102]    Incline Handled Curl 
       Triceps 
       [0103]    Push Downs Curl Bar 
         [0104]    Push Downs Straight Bar 
         [0105]    Push Downs Rope 
         [0106]    Incline French Presses Curl Bar or Handles 
         [0107]    Flat French Presses Curl Bar or Handles 
         [0108]    Reverse Grip Pushdowns Curl Bar 
         [0109]    1 Arm Seated Tricep Extensions 
         [0110]    1 Arm Handled Reverse Grip Pushdown 
         [0111]    Standing Tricep Extension Back To Machine Rope/Curl Bar 
         [0112]    1 Arm Kick Backs Handle 
         [0113]    2 Arm Kick Backs Facing Machine Curl Bar 
         [0114]    Dips 
         [0115]    Bench Dips 
         [0116]    Cross Body Tricep Extension Handles 
         [0117]    Close Grip Bench Press Bar 
       Shoulders 
       [0118]    Seated Shoulder Press Bar 
         [0119]    1 Arm Handled Shoulder Press 
         [0120]    1 Arm Handled Arnold Shoulder Press 
         [0121]    Upright Rows Bar 
         [0122]    Upright Rows Handle 
         [0123]    1 Arm Handled Lateral Raises 
         [0124]    2 Arm Straight Bar Frontal Raises 
         [0125]    1 Arm Handled Frontal Raises 
         [0126]    Bent Over Flies Handled 
         [0127]    Handled External Shoulder Rotation 
         [0128]    Handled Shoulder Rotation Lying Down 
         [0129]    Standing Military Press Bar 
         [0130]    Handled Internal Shoulder Rotation 
         [0131]    Shrugs Bar 
         [0132]    Elevated Push Ups W/or W/O Band Resistance 
       Legs 
       [0133]    Squat Bar W/Resistance 
         [0134]    Squat In U-Can Squat Belt 
         [0135]    1 Legged Squat In U-Can Squat Belt 
         [0136]    Squats W/Handled Resistance 
         [0137]    Lunges Bar 
         [0138]    Lunges Handled Resistance 
         [0139]    Standing Leg Curls 
         [0140]    Toe Raises In U Can Squat Belt 
         [0141]    Toes Raises Bar/Handles 
         [0142]    Straight Leg Dead Lift Bar 
         [0143]    Standing Leg Curl Ankle Strap 
         [0144]    Standing Leg Kick Ankle Strap 
         [0145]    Standing Knee Ups Ankle Strap 
         [0146]    Lying Down Single Leg Raise Ankle Strap 
         [0147]    Lying On Side Single Leg Raise 
         [0148]    Leg Raises Incredi-ab Attachment/Ankle Strap 
         [0149]    Standing Leg Abductor Ankle Strap 
         [0150]    Twisting Leg Raises on Dip Attachment 
         [0151]    Seated Leg Extensions Incredi-ab or Ankle Strap 
         [0152]    Standing Leg Adductor Ankle Strap 
       Abs 
       [0153]    Crunches On Knees Facing Unit Rope 
         [0154]    Resistance Crunches on Bench Rope/Multiple Angles 
         [0155]    Crunches With Exercise Ball and Band Resistance 
         [0156]    Hanging Leg Raises Pull Up Bar 
         [0157]    Knee Ups Sitting on Bench Incredi-ab Attachment 
         [0158]    Oblique Knee Ups on Bench Incredi-ab Attachment 
         [0159]    Bridged Leg Lifts Ankle Strap 
         [0160]    Russian Twist Medicine Ball &amp; Resistance Bands 
         [0161]    Diagonal Chops Medicine Ball &amp; Resistance Bands 
         [0162]    Forward Facing Chops Medicine Ball &amp; Resistance Bands 
         [0163]    Standing Ann Rotation Handle 
         [0164]    Standing Rotational Chops Ball Handle 
         [0165]    Captain&#39;s Chair Exercise on Dip Bar Back Support 
         [0166]    Resistance Side Bends 
         [0167]    Seated Ab Twist 
       Sports Specific 
       [0168]    Baseball Throw 
         [0169]    Softball Throw 
         [0170]    Football Throw 
         [0171]    Golf Swing 
         [0172]    Baseball Swing 
         [0173]    Boxing Punch Training Gloves w/D Ring 
         [0174]    Heavy Bag Station Attach Bag to Pull Up Arm 
         [0175]    Kicking Training Ankle Bands