Modular fitness system and methods of use

A modular fitness system and associated methods of use are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the system provides a plurality of elongate weighted segments, and a plurality of handle links sized and configured for accommodating a hand of a user. The segments and handle links are removably engagable with one another in series so as to form an exercise structure. Thus, the user is capable of selectively engaging at least one of the segments having a desired weight with at least one of the handle links in order to form an appropriate configuration of the exercise structure for performing one or more desired exercises therewith.

BACKGROUND

The subject of this provisional patent application is a fitness system, particularly a modular fitness system, and associated methods of use, capable of being selectively arranged and configured for allowing a user to engage in a wide variety of fitness-related exercises.

Applicant(s) hereby incorporate herein by reference any and all patents and published patent applications cited or referred to in this application.

By way of background, time limitations created by everyday life tend to make it difficult for many people to find opportunities to exercise. Additionally, comprehensive conditioning of the human body has traditionally required numerous, and often large, exercise devices. These devices are typically large, heavy and expensive and, thus, are usually located in health clubs, gyms and the like. As such, users of such devices must make the added effort of travelling to such locations in order to exercise. Thus, there remains a need for a relatively compact exercise device, or system, capable of allowing a user to engage in a wide variety of fitness-related exercises wherever it might be convenient.

Aspects of the present invention fulfill these needs and provide further related advantages as described in the following summary.

SUMMARY

The present invention solves the problems described above by providing a modular fitness system and associated methods of use. In at least one embodiment, the system provides a plurality of elongate weighted segments, and a plurality of handle links sized and configured for accommodating a hand of a user. The segments and handle links are removably engagable with one another in series so as to form an exercise structure. Thus, the user is capable of selectively engaging at least one of the segments having a desired weight with at least one of the handle links in order to form an appropriate configuration of the exercise structure for performing one or more desired exercises therewith.

The above described drawing figures illustrate aspects of the invention in at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which are further defined in detail in the following description. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now toFIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a modular fitness system20. As illustrated in the exploded view ofFIG. 2, the system20comprises, in at least one embodiment, a plurality of elongate weighted segments22and a plurality of handle links24configured for being removably engagable with at least one of the segments22in series, thereby forming an exercise structure26. As illustrated inFIG. 1, in at least one embodiment, the segments22and handle links24are sized and shaped for being selectively engaged with one another in alternating series such that the resulting exercise structure26is ring-shaped. It should be noted at the outset that the term “ring” is intended to generally mean any exercise structure having a substantially continuous shape—i.e., circle, square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, octagon, etc.—whether symmetrical or not. Additionally, while the accompanying drawings illustrate the exemplary system20as comprising a set of four segments22and four handle links24, in further embodiments, the system20may comprise any number and combination of segments22and handle links24so as to be capable of selectively forming a substantially ring-shaped exercise structure26when removably engaged with one another in series; thus, the present invention should not be read as being so limited.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, in at least one embodiment, each of the handle links24is sized and configured for accommodating a hand28of a user30. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, when the segments22and handle links24are engaged so as to form a ring-shaped exercise structure26, the exercise structure26is sized for allowing the user30to grasp opposing handle links24and hold the exercise structure26substantially around their waist32, the purpose for which is discussed further below.

As illustrated in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 3, in at least one embodiment, each handle link24provides opposing handle ends34and each segment22provides opposing segment ends36. In at least one such embodiment, each handle end34is open and sized for approximating an outer diameter of the segment end36of one of the segments22, thereby allowing the segment end36to be selectively inserted within the handle end34. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the handle ends34and segment ends36provide complementary engagement mechanisms38for preventing the handle ends34and corresponding segment ends36from being unintentionally disengaged from one another. In at least one such embodiment, as illustrated best inFIG. 3, the engagement mechanisms38comprise an at least one spring-biased pin40positioned within each segment end36and configured for selectively indexing into a corresponding at least one pin aperture42positioned on each handle end34. It should be noted that the spring-biased pins40and corresponding pin apertures42are intended to simply illustrate one type of exemplary engagement mechanism38. In further embodiments, any other engagement mechanisms38—now known or later developed—capable of preventing the handle ends34and corresponding segment ends36from being unintentionally disengaged from one another may be substituted. In at least one alternate embodiment, each segment end36is open and sized for approximating an outer diameter of the handle end34of one of the handle links24, thereby allowing the handle end34to be selectively inserted within the segment end36. Additionally, in at least one such alternate embodiment, the at least one spring-biased pin40is positioned within each handle end34and configured for selectively indexing into a corresponding at least one pin aperture42positioned on each segment end36. In still further embodiments, any other configuration for allowing the handle ends34and segment ends36to be removably engaged with one another—now known or later developed—may be substituted. In yet still further embodiments, the handle links24are sized and shaped for being selectively engaged with another handle link24(while still being selectively engagable with segments22), and the segments22are sized and shaped for being selectively engaged with another segment22(while still being selectively engagable with handle links24), thereby allowing the user30to create exercise structures26that incorporate adjacently (i.e., consecutively) engaged handle links24and/or adjacently engaged segments22as desired.

As mentioned above, each of the segments22is weighted, the purpose for which is discussed further below. In at least one embodiment, each of the segments22is constructed of a material—or combination of materials—of appropriate weight, such as metal, steel, lead, iron, plastic, rubber or any other material having sufficient weight, now known or later developed. In at least one such embodiment, each segment22is made to have appropriate dimensions and thickness so as to achieve the desired weight, depending on the material or materials of construction. In at least one other embodiment, each of the segments22is at least partially hollow and configured for receiving a weighted material—or combination of materials—such as sand, water, or any other material having sufficient weight, now known or later developed. In at least one such embodiment, the weighted material is removable, thereby allowing the user30to selectively increase or decrease the weight of a given segment22. In at least one still further embodiment (not shown), each of the segments22is configured for removably receiving an at least one internal weight, thereby allowing the user30to selectively increase or decrease the weight of a given segment22. In at least one such embodiment, each of the segments22is configured for being selectively opened, thus allowing for the insertion and/or removal of the at least one internal weight. Similar to the segments22themselves, the at least one internal weight may achieve the desired weight using any of the same structural configurations and/or materials of construction discussed above. In still further embodiments (not shown), each segment22is capable of slidably receiving an at least one external weight about an outer surface44of the segment22, similar to that of a barbell. In such embodiments, where one or more weighted materials and/or objects are able to be selectively added to a given segment22, the segment22may be constructed of a relatively lighter-weight material—or combination of materials—in at least one embodiment, such as plastic for example. In still further embodiments, each of the segments22may achieve an appropriate weight using any other means, now known or later developed, capable of allowing the system20to substantially carry out the functionality described herein.

Given that each segment22has a given weight and is capable of being engaged with other segments22in combination with at least one handle link24, in at least one embodiment, the resulting exercise structure26is able to incorporate segments22of either equal weights (thereby creating a substantially uniform distribution of weight across the exercise structure26) or differing weights (thereby creating an unbalanced exercise structure26, which can be beneficial when performing certain exercises). Relatedly, in at least one embodiment where the weight of each of the segments22cannot be selectively modified by the user30, each of the segments22provides a weight indicia (not shown) for indicating the approximate weight of that segment22, in order to assist the user30in identifying and selecting segments22having desired weights. In at least one such embodiment, the weight indicia is an at least one color, or combination of colors, applied to at least a portion of the outer surface44of each segment22, the particular colors being indicative of the weight of the associated segment22on which each color is applied. For example, in at least one embodiment, a blue-colored weight indicia may indicate that the segment22is five pounds, a yellow-colored weight indicia may indicate that the segment22is ten pounds, and a red-colored weight indicia may indicate that the segment22is fifteen pounds. In at least one such embodiment, the colored weight indicia may be applied to the outer surface44of the segment22directly, such as through painting the segment22, for example. In at least one further embodiment, the colored weight indicia may be applied to the outer surface44of the segment22by coating the segment22in a colored material, such as rubber, plastic or foam for example. In still further embodiments, the colored weight indicia may be applied to the outer surface44of the segments22using any other methods and/or materials, now known or later developed. In still further embodiments, the weight indicia is a number representing the weight of the segment22. In still further embodiments, any other type or form of indicia, now known or later conceived, capable of indicating the approximate weight of a given segment22, may be utilized.

In at least one embodiment, the system20provides a variety of interchangeable handle links24of different sizes and configurations, each handle link24capable of being removably engaged with at least one of the segments22in series for creating exercise structures26consisting of various combinations of handle links24and segments22which, in turn, allow the user30to perform various fitness-related exercises. In a bit more detail, in at least one embodiment, as best shown inFIG. 1, each of the handle links24is an elongate handle bar46sized for accommodating the user's hand28. Accordingly, in at least one such embodiment, when such handle links24are engaged with the segments22in series so as to form a ring-shaped exercise structure26, the user30is capable of performing a variety of exercises. For example, while grasping the handle bars46and holding the exercise structure26around their waist32, over their head48, or out in front of them, the user30may perform trunk twists, chops, side dips, lunges, lateral twists, sit-ups, squats, step-ups, arm curls, chin raises, shoulder presses, tricep raises, burpies, squat jumps, bent-over rows, or any other exercises, now known or later developed, that could benefit from incorporating the exercise structure26having such handle links24.

In at least one embodiment, as best shown inFIG. 5, another type of handle link24provides an attachment point50configured for removable engagement with an end52of an at least one elastic resistance band54. The attachment point50may be a hook, carabiner, or any other structure or mechanism, now known or later developed, capable of removable engagement with the resistance band54. In at least one further embodiment, the end52of the resistance band54is permanently secured to the attachment point50. Accordingly, in at least one such embodiment, when such handle links24are engaged with the segments22in series, the user30is capable of positioning the exercise structure26on the ground56(or a similar surface), placing an appropriate amount of weight on the exercise structure26(i.e., at least one foot58on the exercise structure26, seated on the exercise structure26, laying on the exercise structure26, placing a weighted object on the exercise structure26, etc.) to prevent the exercise structure26from unintentionally moving out of position on the ground56, grasping a free end60of the at least one resistance band54, and performing a variety of exercises, including but not limited to arm curls, squats, bent-over rows, seated rows, lying pullovers, incline chest presses, overhead presses, forward raises, lateral raises, tricep raises, or any other resistance band exercises, now known or later developed, that could benefit from incorporating the exercise structure26having such handle links24.

In at least one embodiment, as best shown inFIG. 6, another type of handle link24provides an elevated handle bar62that allows the handle link24to be grasped by the user's hand28while the exercise structure26is positioned on the ground56(or a similar surface). Accordingly, in at least one such embodiment, with the exercise structure26providing two such opposing handle links24that incorporate the elevated handle bar62, the user30is able to perform push-ups, or any other exercises, now known or later developed, that could benefit from incorporating the exercise structure26having such handle links24. Relatedly, in at least one embodiment, as best shown inFIG. 4, another type of handle link24provides an elevated ball grip64that allows the handle link24to be grasped by the user's hand28while the exercise structure26is positioned on the ground56(or a similar surface), thereby enabling the user30to perform similar exercises as when the exercise structure26incorporates handle links24having the elevated handle bar62. In at least one still further embodiment, as shown inFIG. 7, the handle link24is removably engagable with a pair of push-up feet66configured for elevating the handle link24a distance above the ground56(or a similar surface) on which the push-up feet66are positioned, thereby allowing the handle link24to be grasped by the user's hand28. In at least one embodiment, the push-up feet66incorporate the same engagement mechanism38as the segments22. Accordingly, in at least one such embodiment, a pair of such handle links24may be used to perform push-ups or any other exercises, now known or later developed, that could benefit from incorporating such handle links24. It should be noted that the particular configuration of the push-up feet66shown inFIG. 7is merely exemplary; thus, in further such embodiments, the push-up feet66may take on any other size, shape, or configuration—now known or later developed—capable of being removably engaged with the opposing handle ends34of the handle link24so as to elevate the handle link24a distance above the ground56and support the weight of the user30.

WhileFIGS. 1-6show the exercise structure26as being substantially ring-shaped, it should be noted that the exercise structure26may selectively take on any number of non-ring-shaped configurations as well—depending, in part, on the particular exercises that the user30desires to perform. Select non-limiting examples of such non-ring-shaped configurations are illustrated inFIGS. 8-10.

In at least one embodiment, as best shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, the segments22and handle links24may be engaged in series so as to form a substantially semi-circular-shaped exercise structure26. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, depending on the particular types of handle links24being used, the user30may grasp either the handle links24(FIG. 8) or segments22(FIG. 9) and perform a variety of exercises, including but not limited to arm curls, squats, overhead presses, forward raises, lateral raises, tricep raises, or any other exercises, now known or later developed, that could benefit from incorporating the exercise structure26having such handle links24. In at least one such embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 8, another type of handle link24provides a stirrup handle68, which can assist in performing at least some of the possible exercises while the exercise structure26is in a semi-circular-shaped configuration (among other configurations). This particular handle link24is also an example of a handle link24that has only one handle end34capable of removable engagement with one of the segment ends36.

In at least one embodiment, as best shown inFIG. 10, the segments22and handle links24may be engaged in series so as to form a pair of substantially semi-circular-shaped exercise structures26. Additionally, opposing segment ends36of each of the exercise structures26are removably engagable with handle links24that provide a stabilizing foot70, thereby allowing each of the exercise structures26to be positioned on the ground56(or a similar surface) in a substantially vertical orientation. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, with the exercise structures26so positioned on the ground56, substantially parallel with and spaced apart from one another, and the user30positioned therebetween, the user30is able to grasp either the handle links24or segments22(depending on the particular arrangement of handle links24and segments22) and perform a variety of exercises, including but not limited to bar dips or any other exercises, now known or later developed, that could benefit from incorporating the exercise structure26having such handle links24. It should be noted that the particular configuration of the stabilizing foot70shown inFIG. 10is merely exemplary; thus, in further such embodiments, the stabilizing foot70may take on any other size, shape, or configuration—now known or later developed—capable of being removably engaged with the segment end36of one of the segments22so as to allow the exercise structure26to be positioned on the ground56in a substantially vertical orientation and assist in supporting the weight of the user30.

It should be noted that the particular types of handle links24shown and described herein are merely exemplary, and the present invention should not be read as being so limited. In further embodiments, the handle links24may take on any other size, shape, or configuration—now known or later developed—capable of being removably engagable with at least one of the segments22in series for assisting the user30in performing one or more fitness-related exercises.

Aspects of the present specification may also be described as follows:

1. A modular fitness system comprising: a plurality of elongate weighted segments; a plurality of handle links sized and configured for accommodating a hand of a user; and the segments and handle links removably engagable with one another in series so as to form an exercise structure; whereby, the user is capable of selectively engaging at least one of the segments having a desired weight with at least one of the handle links in order to form an appropriate configuration of the exercise structure for performing one or more desired exercises therewith.

2. The modular fitness system according to embodiment 1, wherein: each segment provides opposing segment ends; and each handle link provides an at least one handle end removably engagable with the segment end of one of the segments.

3. The modular fitness system according to embodiments 1-2, wherein each handle end is open and sized for approximating an outer diameter of the segment end of one of the segments, thereby allowing the segment end to be selectively inserted within the handle end.

4. The modular fitness system according to embodiments 1-3, wherein the handle ends and segment ends provide complementary engagement mechanisms for preventing the handle ends and corresponding segment ends from being unintentionally disengaged from one another.

5. The modular fitness system according to embodiments 1-4, wherein the engagement mechanisms comprise an at least one spring-biased pin positioned within each segment end and configured for selectively indexing into a corresponding at least one pin aperture positioned on each handle end.

6. The modular fitness system according to embodiments 1-5, wherein each of the segments is constructed of at least one of metal, steel, lead, and iron.

7. The modular fitness system according to embodiments 1-6, wherein each of the segments is at least partially hollow and configured for receiving a weighted material.

8. The modular fitness system according to embodiments 1-7, wherein the weighted material is removably received within each of the segments for allowing the user to selectively increase or decrease the weight of the segments as desired.

9. The modular fitness system according to embodiments 1-8, wherein each of the segments provides a weight indicia for indicating an approximate weight of said segment in order to assist the user in identifying and selecting segments having desired weights.

10. The modular fitness system according to embodiments 1-9, wherein the weight indicia is an at least one color applied to at least a portion of an outer surface of each segment, the at least one color being indicative of the weight of the associated segment on which said color is applied.

11. The modular fitness system according to embodiments 1-10, further comprising a variety of interchangeable handle links of different sizes and configurations, each said handle link capable of being selectively engaged with at least one of the segments in series in order to form an appropriate configuration of the exercise structure for performing one or more desired exercises therewith.

12. The modular fitness system according to embodiments 1-11, wherein the segments and handle links are sized and shaped for being selectively engaged with one another in series such that the resulting exercise structure is substantially ring-shaped.

13. The modular fitness system according to embodiments 1-12, wherein the ring-shaped exercise structure is sized for allowing the user to grasp opposing handle links and hold the exercise structure substantially around a waist of the user.

14. The modular fitness system according to embodiments 1-13, wherein the system comprises a set of four segments and four handle links.

15. The modular fitness system comprising: a plurality of elongate weighted segments, each segment providing opposing segment ends; a plurality of handle links sized and configured for accommodating a hand of a user, each handle link providing an at least one handle end; the segment ends and handle ends removably engagable with one another in alternating series so as to form a substantially ring-shaped exercise structure sized for allowing the user to grasp opposing handle links and hold the exercise structure substantially around a waist of the user; whereby, the user is capable of selectively engaging at least one of the segments having a desired weight with at least one of the handle links in order to form an appropriate configuration of the exercise structure for performing one or more desired exercises therewith.

16. A modular fitness system comprising: a plurality of elongate weighted segments, each segment providing opposing segment ends; a plurality of handle links sized and configured for accommodating a hand of a user, each handle link providing an at least one handle end; the segment ends and handle ends removably engagable with one another in alternating series so as to form a substantially ring-shaped exercise structure sized for allowing the user to grasp opposing handle links and hold the exercise structure substantially around a waist of the user; and the segment ends and handle ends providing complementary engagement mechanisms for preventing the handle ends and corresponding segment ends from being unintentionally disengaged from one another; whereby, the user is capable of selectively engaging at least one of the segments having a desired weight with at least one of the handle links in order to form an appropriate configuration of the exercise structure for performing one or more desired exercises therewith.

In closing, regarding the exemplary embodiments of the present invention as shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that a modular fitness system, and associated methods of use, is disclosed and capable of being selectively arranged and configured for allowing a user to engage in a wide variety of fitness-related exercises. Because the principles of the invention may be practiced in a number of configurations beyond those shown and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not in any way limited by the exemplary embodiments, but is generally directed to a modular fitness system and is able to take numerous forms to do so without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the particular geometries and materials of construction disclosed, but may instead entail other functionally comparable structures or materials, now known or later developed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the various features of each of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any logical manner and are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

While aspects of the invention have been described with reference to at least one exemplary embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims and it is made clear, here, that the inventor(s) believe that the claimed subject matter is the invention.