Portable modular exercise apparatus for multiple users

A portable modular exercise apparatus for multiple users is separable into multiple components by pin connections. The modularity of the versatile exercise device enables numerous types of exercises by multiple users simultaneously. The apparatus comprises two upright support towers, a base with base pads under each support tower, an overhead crossbeam and a supplemental sliding push up cross bar, a number of resistance bands which attach to the apparatus for the purpose of resistance training, and a carrying bag to contain and transport all of the components. Pin connections allow the device to easily be assembled and taken apart without tools.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

Not Applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to exercise equipment and particularly to a portable modular exercise apparatus comprised of a plurality of components enabling numerous types of exercises by multiple users; the modular exercise apparatus comprises an overhead crossbeam, two upright support towers, a base support under each support tower, a base pad associated with each base support, and a supplemental sliding push up cross bar with handles, a plurality of resistance or tension bands which attach to the various components of the apparatus for the purpose of resistance training, and a carrying bag to contain and transport all of the components.

Portable multi-purpose exercise devices which use elastic bands for resistive training are well known in the art. Likewise, large gym systems with multiple stations for multiple users are also abundant in the field. What is needed is a modular and portable multi-function multi-user exercise device which is separable into different components for different exercises so that a number of people can exercise at the same time by taking different components and performing different exercises with the components. The prior art fails to produce such a versatile exercise device.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,640, issued Jun. 25, 2002 to Cournoyer, describes an upper body exercise device having a pair of arcuate posts having lower footrests for resting on the ground, and a U-shape spacer bar, mounted to the top ends of the arcuate posts for free abutting against an upright wall. The two posts therefore remain substantially parallel to each other and to the upright wall. The posts are provided with notches distributed along their length, in a horizontally registering pair of which a push-up bar may be inserted for support of the push-up bar at a selected height over ground. The exerciser takes minimal ground space, yet allows many different types of exercises to be performed by an individual.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,104,505, issued Jul. 21, 1914 to Holworthy, provides a horizontal bar exercise apparatus which can be fitted in private houses. The apparatus comprises a base, standards projecting therefrom, a horizontal exercise bar connecting the standards and bracing members.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,222, issued Jul. 16, 1996 to Banda et al, shows a portable upper body exercise device designed to be used with a rod or a bar. The exercise device is lightweight and detachable. It does not require clamps or screws to secure it to a tabletop.

U.S. Patent Application #20090062087, published Mar. 5, 2009 by Poppinga, indicates an adjustable exercise apparatus that comprises a support component, first and second actuation elements, and first and second straps. The support component can be a belt or vest, for example, and can includes first and second ends that can be interconnected to form the support component in a loop. The first and second actuation elements are disposed along the support component and can be used to engage a portion of the respective first and second straps. Distal ends of each of the first and second straps can be engaged by a user for performing an exercise. In this regard, the straps can be at least partially elastically deformable. Further, the first and second actuation elements can be used to adjust the lengths of the straps to alter the tensile force exerted by the straps during exercise.

U.S. Patent Application #20070087920, published Apr. 19, 2007 by Dachraoui et al, puts forth a portable exercise device which has a generally rectangular, box-like main body in two portions, hinged together for opening and closing and having a storage area within. Recessed areas operable for attaching suitably equipped resistance tubing are disposed in an array that enables a variety of exercises.

Two U.S. Patent Applications, #20060160682 published Jul. 20, 2006 and #20060030463 published Feb. 9, 2006 by Maloy et al, concern a training device for exercising muscle groups of the entire body which comprises a portable rotating base which may have resistance bands attached for exercising the arms while twisting the body.

U.S. Patent Application #20030083178, published May 1, 2003 by Gilman, illustrates a portable functional training resistance apparatus used to exercise, rehabilitate and promote muscular strength and flexibility throughout the entire human body and a method for its use. This apparatus comprises a rigid base with a recess, strong enough to bear the weight of an adult exerciser who is standing, sitting, leaning, laying or vigorously moving about said base while performing exercises. The base is designed to receive various adaptors in the recess for the user to stand, sit, lean or lay on while performing exercises. The base has a plurality of attachment points, strategically placed on opposite sides of the recess, used to receive a means of resistance for exercise movements where added resistance is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,930, issued Feb. 13, 2001 to Ignaczak, is for a push-up trainer having a base and a pair of handgrip assemblies. The handgrip assemblies are each slidably mounted to the base, allowing for lateral movement of the handgrips. Each handgrip assembly allows for rotation of each handgrip around a vertical axis and around its horizontal lengthwise axis. Each of the sliding and rotational motions may selectively be allowed or locked out using a spring biased pin.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,125,367, issued Oct. 24, 2006 to Stearns, shows a multi-purpose exercise apparatus. The exercise device includes a frame, and left and right force receiving members movably mounted on the frame. The force receiving members are selectively linked to one another to facilitate a first mode of exercise, wherein a person's hands or legs are repeatedly moved toward and away from one another. When so linked, the force receiving members may alternatively be biased toward one another or away from one another. The force receiving members may be decoupled to facilitate a second mode of exercise, wherein a person stretches and/or leans forward and then returns backward.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,868, issued Jul. 13, 1993 to Montgomery, claims an exercise device including a push-up board and two push-up handles. The two C-shaped push-up handles are mounted along various positions of the push-up board. Only one end of the C-shaped handles is located within symmetrically-spaced holes of the push-up board. Since only one end of the C-shaped handle is secured within the board and with the shape of the inserted handle end being round, the C-shaped handles are rotatable about the anchored end to provide a vast array of movement and varied exercise routines. A position most comfortable for the user is obtainable by rotation of the handle about the one end located in the push-up board. Numerous pre-set positions are available for doing push-ups to obtain a maximum health benefit from basic push-ups. Further, an adjustment is provided for maximum strength development and wrist comfort when doing difficult push-ups through a series of wide to narrow hand separation positions.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,802, issued Apr. 27, 1993 to Swisher, illustrates an exercise apparatus for providing improved muscle conditioning via push-ups or similar exercises. The apparatus comprises an elongated body with end supports and two rotatably affixed hand grips. The elongated body has a plurality of pairs of bushing lined holes. Each hole of each pair is equally spaced from the elongated body's vertical centerline. The hand grips are rectangularly shaped having a pin extension that slidably and rotatably fits in the body's bushing lined holes. The top horizontal portion of the rectangle is an ergonomically shaped handle. The pin and, consequently, the hand grip are locked into place in the body via a spring clip which engages the pin at its free end. The spring clip engages the underside of the body such that the hand grips cannot be withdrawn from the body until the clip is removed. While being used, the user grabs the ergonomically contoured handles and performs a push-up or similar exercise. The invention allows the user to properly space the hand grips for maximum comfort and variation of exercises. While pushing up and returning down, the user can rotate his hands and wrists through a mechanically limited range of motion as demanded by the body's natural tendency to do so during such an exercise.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,402,179, issued Jan. 3, 1922 to Piscitelli, relates an exercising harness which is worn on the back of the user and which has a series of elastic ropes slidably contained within cord holder on the back of the harness. The group of ropes has a handle at each end.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,070, issued Jun. 29, 1999 to Donohue, describes an exercise device for exercising a user's upper body including a U-Shaped guard mounted around a user's waist, a non-elastic cord extending around a central portion of the guard, guide means on said guard for positioning the cord to allow free longitudinal sliding movement and a hand hold at each end of the cord to allow the user to grasp one of the hand holds in each hand and force the cord to slide alternately in opposite directions along the guard.

U.S. Patent Application #20090082183, published Mar. 26, 2009 by Haynes, shows a vest inFIG. 5which has a fastener on the back thereof for fastening to a pouch having connected resistance bands. The user may exercise using the resistance bands while the pouch remains in place by virtue of the attachment to the apparel.

U.S. Patent Application #20090062088, published Mar. 5, 2009 by Ismail et al, discloses a portable, light-weight exercise apparatus that includes a jacket or vest made light-weight material and coated with low surface friction coating, and can be worn on the user's upper body. The jacket having an upper protuberance member and a lower protuberance member, each with an aperture for engaging a pair of resistance cables that are respectively connected to a pair of grip handles. Depending on the desired exercise of certain muscle groups, the user engages resistance cables in either the lower protuberance member, or the upper protuberance member. In another embodiment, the jacket comprises of two track-like members means placed on the back-side of the jacket, for adjusting the resistance cables, and a single protuberance member where the resistance cables are secured therein.

U.S. Patent Application #20050148448, published Jul. 7, 2005 by Mersch, claims a push-up board portable exercise device having a base member and a plurality of handle grips. At least two of the handle grips are adjustable on the base member. The handle grips permit a user to exercise the chest muscles, shoulders, back, arms, and triceps of the user. The base preferably has a non-slip bottom creating a unit that will not tip over or slip.

U.S. Patent Application #20060128540, published Jun. 15, 2006 by Engle, discloses an apparatus for circuit and other fitness training which comprises a housing having an internal space wherein multiple resilient members, such as elastic cords or stretchable bands, are fully contained while in a rest state; an attachment point where each resilient member is securely affixed to the housing; and an aperture located substantially opposite the attachment point, through which resilient members are accessible, and to which a handle assembly is removably attached. A user may selectably attach the handle assembly to one or several resilient members in order to select the desired resistive force. Because resilient members are fully contained within the housing when in a rest state, the resilient members exert a resistive force immediately upon being extended from the aperture in the housing.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,488,282, issued Feb. 10, 2009 to Leavitt, is for an exercise device including an exercise platform and an incline base that can be used together or separately. The exercise device can be used for aerobics, strength-training and yoga or a combination thereof. The exercise platform can be rectilinear U-shaped and can include pull rings and exercise tubes connected thereto and the incline base can be adjustable from a horizontal position to variable degrees of incline.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,357,766, issued Apr. 15, 2008 to Langer et al, puts forth a body conditioning apparatus having a relatively rigid platform and a resilient elevating and locating member receivable in an opening at an elevated center of the platform for adapting the platform for use in balance enhancing exercises. The locating member includes a releasable grip configured to hold the apparatus at the selected surface without surface modification. At least one resiliently stretchable cord attachment may be received through circumferential openings in the platform.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,108,643, issued Sep. 19, 2006 to Wilson et al, provides a push-up device comprising an elongate floor-supported platform having sliding handgrips mounted thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the handgrips, which are constrained to move only along a track, which may be linear or curvilinear and lying in a substantially horizontal plane, are interconnected by linking means such as belts. The linkage is such that the handgrips remain equidistant from a fixed centerline midway between the handgrips throughout their range of motion. In the preferred embodiment, the linking means are belts that are supported by pulleys housed within the floor-supported platform. In yet a further embodiment, the platform includes wall and/or ceiling attachment means and can be employed for performing pull-ups.

What is needed is a multipurpose exercise device separable into multiple components by pin connections, which components are usable simultaneously by a number of different users on different components separable from the same device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose exercise device separable into multiple components by pin connections, which components are usable simultaneously by a number of different users on different components separable from the same device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a carrying case to contain all the separated components.

One more object of the present invention is to provide pin connections to connect the various components.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide telescoping, adjustable towers for height adjustment.

A further object of the present invention is to provide hand grips that can slide or be secured in place on the auxiliary horizontal bar used for push ups.

In brief, the present invention comprises a portable modular exercise apparatus comprised of a plurality of components enabling numerous types of exercises by multiple users; the modular exercise apparatus comprises two upright support towers, a base under each support tower, an overhead crossbeam and a supplemental sliding push up cross bar, a plurality of resistance or tension bands which attach to the various components of the apparatus for the purpose of resistance training, and a carrying bag to contain and transport all of the components.

An advantage of the present invention is it provides a carrying case allowing for easy transport and storage of the device.

Another advantage of the present invention is it provides a means to connect and disconnect the various components without using tools.

One more advantage of the present invention is it provides adjustments for individuals of different heights.

An additional advantage of the present invention is it provides a means for sliding pushups.

A further advantage of the present invention is it provides adjustments that allow for various difficulty levels for users, from beginner to advanced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

InFIGS. 1-15, a portable multipurpose modular exercise device10is separable into multiple different modular exercise components by pin11connections, including a base stand20, base pads30used with the entire device10or just the base stand20or separately on the floor, an auxiliary cross bar50used with the base stand20or on the floor, and an upper cross bar40supported by vertical tower posts41adjustably attached to the base stand20. The modular exercise components are usable simultaneously by a number of different users working out on different modular exercise components separated from the same device, as shown inFIGS. 4-10.

InFIGS. 1-4, a base stand20comprises two spaced vertical base posts21interconnected by at least one horizontal support bar27removably attached between the two vertical base posts21and connected to each of the vertical base posts21by removable pins11. The base posts21comprise a series of vertically spaced mating paired support brackets22to receive and support a modular component supported horizontally between one of the pairs of support brackets22at a time. The base posts21also comprise at least one pair of aligned horizontal brace brackets26with at least one on each of the base posts21, extending between the base post21and an external vertical surface. The horizontal brace brackets26rest against the external vertical surface for support at least at the top of the base posts21and to space the base post away from the external vertical surface to allow a user to stand between the base posts21. The pair of aligned horizontal brace brackets26further comprise a support bar25horizontally resting against the vertical surface (wall) to spread the load over two or more wall studs to prevent the brace brackets from going through the wall. Additionally, the base legs32,33, and34(base front leg, base side leg, and base back leg, respectively) stabilize the device10to keep it from tipping over or sliding. The base back foot35attached to the base back leg rests against the vertical surface (wall) for added stability after seating in the leg bracket37and secured by a pin11.

InFIGS. 1,2, &4, a modular auxiliary cross bar50is removably attached by loop pins11between one pair of mating paired support brackets22at a time on the base posts20. InFIGS. 5 & 6, the modular auxiliary cross bar50is alternately separated from the base posts20and positioned on a floor surface resting on a pair of downwardly extending feet51, one at each end of a rigid horizontal bar52.FIGS. 1,2,4,5, &6show the auxiliary cross bar50comprising the rigid horizontal bar52having a pair of hand grips54slidably and pivotally attached to the auxiliary cross bar50so that the hand grips54may slide along a ridge53in the top of the auxiliary cross bar50at a selected angle for sliding exercises (as shown inFIGS. 2,5, &11), or may alternately be individually secured to the auxiliary cross bar50in a desired position and desired angle for non-sliding exercises using removable loop pins11. The auxiliary cross bar50, therefore, enables a user to perform a variety of exercises such as push ups, sliding push ups, and thrusts over a range of difficulty from easy to difficult, as the auxiliary cross bar50is positioned from a top pair of brackets22on the base posts20, down to lower pairs of brackets22, and to the floor (FIGS. 5 & 6).

FIGS. 1-3show a pair of vertical tower posts41each telescopically extending upwardly from a collar24on one of the base posts. An upper cross bar40is supported by the pair of vertical tower posts41with the upper cross bar40having a series of smooth gripping portions48for a user to grasp for pull ups and a series of notches43to receive at least one resistance band60for a user to perform a variety of pull down exercises. The vertical tower posts41are adjustable in height and adjust the height of the upper cross bar40to accommodate users of different heights and different exercises being performed using the upper cross bar.

InFIGS. 1-4and7, a pair of base pads31rests on a floor surface and are each removably connected to one of the base posts20by removable pin connections with a series of pad pins15in the base pad assembly30inserted into holes16in the base front leg32. The base pads31comprise resilient support surfaces to support a user performing exercises, and as shown inFIGS. 7-10, the base front legs32have at least one opening in each of the legs32to receive a pin11for attaching at least one resistance or tension band60thereto for performing a variety of exercises using the base pads31in conjunction with other modular components or, alternately, using the pads31removed from the other modular components to perform a variety of upper body work and lower body work exercises.

InFIGS. 1-13, all of the modular components are removably interconnected by pins11through mating openings in the components so that the device10may be fully assembled for use or the modular components separated for use of the components by a number of different users simultaneously. The pin connections11allow the entire device10to be disassembled by hand without the use of tools and inserted into a carrier80, as inFIG. 15, for transportation, thereby providing a portable, multipurpose, and modular exercise device separable into multiple, different exercise components. Thus a number of different users can be working out simultaneously on different exercise components separated from the same device.

InFIG. 1, the modular portable exercise device10is shown with all of the components assembled for use.

InFIG. 2, the modular portable exercise device10is shown with all of the components separated for storage.

InFIG. 3, the modular portable exercise device10is shown having all of the components assembled for use and also shows a user performing pull down exercises on a resistance band60slung over the upper cross bar40.

InFIG. 4, the base stand20, base pads30, and auxiliary cross bar50of the modular portable exercise device10are shown with a user performing push up exercises on the auxiliary cross bar50secured across two support brackets22of the base stand20.

InFIG. 5, the auxiliary cross bar50of the modular portable exercise device10is shown with the hand grips54.

InFIG. 6, the auxiliary cross bar50of the modular portable exercise device10is shown resting on a floor surface with a user performing push up exercises on the auxiliary cross bar50, the user wearing an optional vest70(shown dashed) and using an optional resistance band60secured between the back of the vest70and the auxiliary cross bar50for adding extra stress while performing push ups.

InFIG. 7, the base pads31of the modular portable exercise device10are shown with a user performing lifting exercises on a resistance band60attached to the base pad assembly30.

InFIG. 8, the base pad assembly30of the modular portable exercise device10is shown with a user sitting on the base pads31performing sit up exercises on a resistance band60attached to the base pad assembly30.

InFIG. 9, the base pad assembly30of the modular portable exercise device10is shown with a user laying back on the base pads31performing leg extension and arm extension exercises using resistance bands60attached to the base pad assembly30.

InFIG. 10, the base pad assembly30of the modular portable exercise device10is shown with a user sitting on any external surface performing arm lift exercises using a resistance band60attached to the base pad assembly30.

InFIG. 11, the rotational adjustability of the hand grips54used with the auxiliary cross bar50is shown. The hand grips54are adjusted by inserting the hand grip56with the high friction grip surface57into the hand grip base58by fitting the pins15in the hand grip54into the center hole and selected pairs of the circular array of holes16on the top of the hand grip base58. The circular array of holes16in the hand grip base58allow for a variety of angular positions for the hand grip54. The groove59through the bottom of the base58slides over the linear ridge53of the auxiliary cross bar50to adjust the location of each of the hand grips54with a pin11inserted through the opening12in each hand grip and into one of a spaced linear array of mating holes in the linear ridge53and also to permit sliding pushups or other exercises with the hand grip sliding freely on the linear ridge53and pins inserted just in two outer openings in the linear ridge to act as stops to limit the outer range of sliding motion of the hand grips. The enlarged view of a first pin11shows the pin shaft14inserted in the openings to assemble components of the device10and a finger loop13for easy extraction of the pin11to disassemble the components of the device10.

InFIGS. 12 and 13, a pair of straight pins11A mount on the opposite side of the hand grip base58removably insertable in a pair of spaced openings12A in each hand grip base58so that the second pair of straight pins11A ride under the overhanging ridge55along the length of the horizontal bar52to retain the hand grips on the linear ridge53while a person is performing sliding push ups or other exercises using the sliding motion along the auxiliary cross bar.

InFIG. 14, the optional vest70and the optional resistance band60secured between the back of the vest is shown being used with the auxiliary cross bar50of the modular portable exercise device10resting on a floor surface for adding extra stress while performing push ups.

InFIG. 6, the vest70is shown worn by a user with the vest comprising adjustable straps71to support the vest70on the user and the means for attaching at least one resistance band60to the vest70and then between the vest and the auxiliary cross bar50to increase the stress on user doing push ups on the auxiliary cross bar50.

InFIGS. 6 and 14, the means for attaching the at least one resistance band to the vest70is shown comprising mating hook and loop fasteners between hook and loop fastener strips74on a back surface72of the vest70and a mating hook and look fastener sleeve64on the resistance band60which is stretched between two ends of the auxiliary cross bar50with each handle62of the resistance band hooked over one end of the auxiliary cross bar50and over the back surface of the vest70of the user with mating hook and loop fasteners therebetween.

InFIG. 15, the storage and carry bag80for the modular portable exercise device10is used to carry all of the separated parts shown inFIG. 2. The bag80has straps81that allow for easy carrying.

InFIGS. 1-3, the upper cross bar40is shown comprising a pair of horizontal parallel spaced members44having notches43spaced apart along a top surface of each of the members44. A resistance band60is wrapped around a pair of the spaced members44and secured in the notches43to increase the stress of the exercise.

In use, the modular components of the present invention10can be separated out and used independently with tension straps (also called resistance bands)60attached to them for both upper body work and lower body work, as well as work as a regular work out bench, as inFIG. 10. While one user worked out on the base pads30doing various exercises, as inFIGS. 7,8,9and10, another user could work out on the auxiliary cross bar50as inFIG. 6, and another user could work out on the upright apparatus10using the upper cross bar, as inFIG. 3, minus the base pads30.

In the fully assembled upright configuration ofFIG. 1, tension straps60can connect to the upper cross bar40above the shoulders and pulled down to simulate the exercise for the arms performed when doing pull ups. Pull ups can also be performed on a smooth hand receiving part48.

The portable modular exercise apparatus10is comprised of a plurality of components enabling numerous types of exercises by multiple users. The modular exercise apparatus10comprises two upright support towers41a base20under each support tower, an overhead crossbeam40and a supplemental sliding push up cross bar50, a plurality of resistance bands60which attach to the various components of the apparatus for the purpose of resistance training, and a carrying bag80to contain and transport all of the components.

The device10is a multi-function, multi-user exercise device which is separable into different components for different exercises so that a number of people can exercise at the same time by taking different components and performing different exercises with the components. The device when assembled stands higher than a person with the two tall towers41, the base20, and base pads31resting on the ground and several support brackets25and35resting against a wall. All of the components attach adjustably together using pins11with finger pull rings13inserted in different holes12to adjust the height or width of the different components. No tools are required. The exercise device allows for a complete range of users from beginners to advance fitness users by adjusting the different components.

The tower components20and41telescope up or down to adjust for different individuals of different heights. The upper cross bar40is supported by two telescoping towers to adjust the height of the upper cross bar40. In the fully assembled upright configuration ofFIG. 3, tension straps60(also called resistance bands) can connect to the upper cross bar40above the shoulders to be pulled down to simulate the pull up exercise for the arms. The straps may be attached near the outer ends of the upper cross bar for doing resistance pec (pectoral muscle) pull downs, as inFIG. 3. And the tension of the straps60can be increased by winding them around the upper cross bar. Also the upper cross bar40may be adjusted in height, by altering the height of the towers41which telescope up, to allow different users of different heights to reach up to the upper cross bar and perform actual pull ups holding onto the smooth hand grip48portion of the cross bar40.

The base bars or stand20, which can be separated from the two towers, have notches or support brackets22to receive an auxiliary cross bar50(advance bar) for performing push ups or sliding push ups with the auxiliary cross bar50mounted in notches22at different heights so that at the highest point, a beginner can do push ups leaning against the wall at a slight angle from the vertical or do other exercises, such as leg thrusts at various angles depending on the height of the auxiliary cross bar. The handles54slide in the auxiliary cross bar and can slide freely for sliding push ups or be secured at any desired distance apart for still push ups. The auxiliary cross bar50can be separated from the combined device10and used independently on the floor for horizontal push ups, either regular push ups at different arm widths or sliding push ups. For advanced fitness users, a vest70with hook and loop fastener strips74(shown horizontally, but preferably should be attached vertically on the back of the vest) receives a tension or resistance strap60with a mating hook and loop fastener covering64connecting the strap to the back of the vest70and further connecting to the auxiliary cross bar50to create additional tension resistance on the user performing pushups on the bar shown in use with the bar.

The base pads31can be separated out and used independently with tension or resistance straps60attached to them to include upper body work and lower body work, and work as a regular work out bench as inFIG. 10.

It is understood that the preceding description is given merely by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.