System and Method for Exercise Equipment

An adaptable exercise system enables the portable and adaptable placement of exercise equipment that can be adjusted to suit the intended exercises to be performed. The system provides a cross bar and legs that can be used in water, sand, gravel, sod or any location. The legs are height adjustable and allow for a variety of configurations and thus exercises.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment systems, and more specifically, to tools or systems that facilitate body movement, including for use by people with limited physical mobility. One of the problems commonly associated with common exercise equipment systems are their use-efficiency. For example, the equipment must be fixed in place or secured to other structure limiting their use to that place or an accommodating location.

Further, some systems are difficult for persons doing physical therapy, but who are not buff and well-maintained to begin with. Such exercise system can cause a person's excess body weight to hinder their therapy process, and could cause pulled muscles and other injuries.

Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of exercise equipment system, many shortcomings remain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another.

Further, the system and method of use will be understood, as to its structure, operation, and manufacture, at least, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1Bshow a perspective view of an adaptable exercise system100in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The system100overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional exercise equipment systems.

An example system100shown inFIGS. 1A and 1Bincludes a cross bar103supported by legs105. The legs105are pivotally attached in pairs at either end of the cross bar103using attachment mechanisms140(FIG. 1B). The legs105are joined as pairs by, for example, a connection resource104shown inFIGS. 1A and 1Bin the form of bands or lanyards, where the bands104are used partly to stabilize the legs105. In a preferred embodiment, the height of the cross bar103is between 4-8 feet from the ground. A preferred width of an operating functioning version of the system100might be 54 inches wide, or perhaps 48 inches wide, but numerous other widths will be described herein. Thus, these sizes are given merely as examples and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 1Bshows the system100with fastening mechanisms140that are operated by a user or assembler responsible for setting up and securing the system100. The fastening mechanisms140connect the legs105to the cross bar103. The system100can be permanently located, but has features intended to make moving or dis-assembling the system100easy, practical, and safe. This includes a single user having the ability to set up, take down, and move the system100into and out of either water or land environments.

As depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the height of the cross bar103is adjustable via height-adjustment mechanisms201, which inFIGS. 2A and 2Bare shown as clamping devices201cd. However, as will be shown in more detail herein, numerous other height-adjustment mechanisms201besides clamping devices201cdare contemplated herein.

The cross bar103could be as small as a half inch in diameter to as much as three inches, depending on a user's size of hands and/or their intended use, e.g. aerial yoga AKA suspension yoga as shown inFIG. 13. The cross bar103and legs105could be made out of, but not limited to; a steel composite, stainless steel, aluminum, or metal alloy, plastic, or PVC, plastic, or plastic composite such as Kevlar. The cross bar103and legs105could also be composed of wood, bamboo, or other natural material. Bamboo has several advantages: its usability in a water-based environment, lower weight yet sufficient strength, along with easy and low-cost availability in Asian Pacific, and South American countries.

As shown inFIG. 11, an embodiment of the cross bar103is fitted with a knurled type of surface1104to improve grip for a user. The cross bar103could also have a neoprene or some type of rubber sleeve, either as a covering or embedded therein, again for improving grip.

In the specific case ofFIGS. 2A and 2B, the clamping devices201cdare adjustable as depicted by semi-vertical linear motion ‘A’. Meanwhile, the rotation allowing the lower leg105LLto extend away from the upper leg105ULis depicted by rotational motion ‘B’. The height adjustment mechanism201in the form of the clamping device201cdis then rotated to secure the lower leg105LLin place with respect to the upper leg205, as depicted by rotational motion ‘C’. Each leg105is adjustable to accommodate uneven surfaces or to alter the position and height of the cross bar103.

FIG. 2Cshows another embodiment of the height-adjustment mechanism201, this time a type of cylindrical cuff-shaped height adjustment mechanism201chaving specific features, such as O-rings embedded therein. The cuff-shaped height adjustment mechanism201operates by being rotated about the axis of the legs105.

As shown in various Figures, the lower leg105LLcan have a predetermined amount of adjustment holes which can vary based on proposed lengths, weights, and strengths of material, and even vary depending on intended usage. These holes provide an insertion point to be used by, for example, the hitch pins201hp.

As shown inFIG. 9A, in an embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism201can be a stainless steel hitch pin201hp. A further embodiment can have a monofilament lanyard104(see e.g.FIGS. 1A-1B) located between the two hitch pins201hp, although other solutions can be used for the connection-resource104. Further, the connection-resource104need not be connected directly to the hitch-pins201hp, and may serve to provide support for the legs105. The hitch pin201hpacts as individual adjustment point for the height of the system but that adjustment point could be a variety of locking mechanisms or different types of pins, and could be made out of different structures, as shown at least within10A-10D, including but not limited to a friction clamp or a cam lock.

The lower legs105LLwill have holes to accommodate the hitch pins201hp. The upper legs105ULcan either be configured with holes such that during use, the hitch pin201hppenetrates both the lower and upper legs105, or where the hitch pin201hppenetrates only the lower leg105ULbut then is located underneath the lowest portion of the upper leg105UL.

During use of the system100, a side-to-side lateral motion will occur, but the upper leg105ULwill also transfer a consistent and considerable downward force to the lower leg105LL, specifically at the location of the height adjustment mechanism201. Thus, it will be advantageous for the system100to provide mechanical reinforcement in this area, so that the height adjustment mechanism201is not the sole site for bearing this considerable downward force. However, it is also important that whatever solution is implemented does not impede or cause problems for any height adjustment activity, assembly, or dis-assembly being performed by the user.

One way to achieve this is with O-rings, but another way is with reinforcement ridging within a coupling-area of the legs105, as shown inFIG. 2D. InFIG. 2D, the upper leg105ULis shown with a flared bottom edge294, which matches with an interior ridging298machined into an interior surface of the lower leg105LL. InFIG. 2D, various of the portions are exaggerated for clarity.

In an embodiment, the upper leg105ULis a narrower diameter and thus slides into the lower leg105LL. However, in doing so, there could also be an insert for being located between the two leg-tubes that keep them separated, and allows for some shear forces and torsion due to lateral movement to be absorbed. Such an insert could be made out of a variety of man-made or natural materials and could be placed in different locations within the various legs105. It is also possible to include a movable counter-sunk interior into the lower leg105LL, which maintains adjustability but reduces downward strain on the lower leg105LL.

One embodiment works as follows: as an assembler slides the legs together, but this step can be rotated improperly thus making lining up the hitch pin201hpand a specific hole within the upper leg105ULdifficult. To that end, as shown inFIG. 9B, a groove916could be added to the inside of the lower leg105LL, and a tongue (flange)912added to the outside of the upper leg105UL, thereby keeping the two legs105more properly aligned. This feature acts to simplify and fool-proof a process of matching the hitch pin201hpwith a specific pin hole.

Thus, in all cases, it is necessary that the height-adjustment mechanisms201have specific machining and durability properties consonant with achieving both easy installing and removal, but also during use, a pronounced ability to stay together and not give, crack, degrade, bend, and act as a type of temporary but strong joint for where the upper legs connect to the lower legs. As such, the height-adjustment mechanisms201must be of a tempered quality that will not, over time, develop “mechanical arthritis”.

To summarize the height adjustment mechanism201, any of the various height-adjustment mechanisms201disclosed herein must be durable, sturdy, and have the ability to withstand variations in force applied thereto, including both vertical and horizontal forces, and also to have the ability to tolerate some limited amount of lateral movement.

The various legs105enable numerous separate configurations of the system100and also enable the system100to be prepared and moved where it is most useful, including uneven terrain (e.g. campsites, lake bottoms, parks). For example,FIGS. 3A and 3Bshow an example system100located in a pool305holding a body of water303. In an embodiment, the cross bar103can be located just above the water303level and a user301pulls themselves toward the cross bar103by holding thereto. When the cross bar is raised distance307out of the water303, a user301pulling oneself from the water will then exert a specific type of force to pull themselves from the water303. The specific upward force needed to pull oneself from the water is less than it would be on land, due to the specific buoyancy gained on the user's body weight by the water, yet the muscles employed in doing so are still getting usage, that is, being exercised.

That is, the muscular effort necessary for a person to lift their buoyant body while in the water is less than when they are out of the water. As such, using the system100, a person with excess body weight or other physical impairment can exercise key muscle groups important to good health without over-straining their joints, and without their body weight working against them. Accordingly, the exercises performed with the system100enable the adaptation to users of different strength or skill including persons with compromised physiology including but not limited to paraplegics. An example is shown inFIG. 12. Along with the reduction in effort is a corresponding reduction in strain and joint pain. In this way, the system100accommodates users with compromised health and mobility, as well as accommodating fully able-bodied persons.

Either way, whether a person with compromised physiology, or a fully able-bodied person, the system100provides a much wider variety of exercises and physical therapy strategies than a mere movable chin-up bar or pull-up bar.

An alternative method of use for the system100shown inFIG. 4, where the legs105are adjusted to a first height403on one side and a second height405on another. By so arranging the legs105, the cross bar103is no longer parallel to the ground and enables other movements by the user301.

Another use of system100is depicted byFIG. 5. In this embodiment, the legs105are adjusted so that the foremost legs105are perpendicular to the ground by setting them to height505and the rear legs105to height503. In this configuration the user301is able to push against the foremost legs105or the cross bar103.

While these methods of use have been presented as examples of the use of system100, other usages are contemplated. These that have been depicted thus far are given only as examples and should not be considered as limiting.

Referring now toFIG. 6, an example method of assembly of system100is depicted. The method601includes transporting the system to the desired location603, determining the configuration of the legs for the intended exercises605, setting the heights of the legs607, securing the legs to the cross bar609, using the equipment to assist with exercises611, adjusting the legs for a subsequent exercise613and disassembling the system when the exercises are complete615.

It is a goal of the embodiments herein to make the assembly-process achievable and as foolproof as possible. To the extent possible, the embodiments herein strive to reduce half-assembly and mis-assembly for the system100. Accordingly,FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7Cshow example usability aspects of the fastening mechanisms140.FIG. 7Ashows a way to increase the height of the cross bar103, where additional legs105are added. In an embodiment, a first increase of height can require four more legs105. After that, additional legs105and additional height adjustment mechanisms140can be added, as suggested at least withinFIG. 7A.

Next, an embodiment of the fastening mechanism140can include e.g. a friction clamp with a wing nut and carriage bolt assembly, as shown in for exampleFIGS. 7B-7E. The inside of the fastening mechanism140could be knurled to increase its grip of the cross bar103, likewise could be made out of a variety of material and sizes. As shown at least withinFIG. 7B, one embodiment of a fastening mechanism140comprises an inward fastener704and an outward fastener708. In particular, the specific type of fastening mechanisms716are shown as threaded finger-tighteners as an example way of assembling/dissembling. However, the embodiments herein should not be considered as limited solely to the finger-tighteners for the fastening mechanisms140. For example, as shown inFIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, the attachment mechanisms140could range from friction clamps to some type of a twist and lock clamp, a pin, a screw on assembly, or a cam lock.

Moving back toFIG. 7C, both the inward and outward fasteners704and708have flared/gripping surfaces712iand712orespectively. These are for securing and sealing the fasteners704/708to the top cross bar103.

In an embodiment, reinforcing sleeves786are attached to a top surface of the upper legs105ULusing e.g. welds, as shown at least withinFIG. 7D. However, the reinforcing sleeves786could be attached by other means, and could have additional features.

Next, other types of fastening mechanisms can also be used, such as the expanding rubberized grips780shown inFIG. 7E, which make the various parts easier to work with and grip, are water-resistant, and are also easier to finger-sense (e.g. provide tactile indications where visibility is constrained or limited). Specifically, the rubberized grips can include but are not limited to “warning track” strips784that make it easier for a user to determine by feel, e.g. by finger-feel, that the cross bar103is either vary close to or has properly moved into the desired position within the fastening mechanism140. Further, the fastening mechanism140can be fitted with raised surfaces or dots788on the interior (thus shown by dashed-line inFIG. 7E) where either the leg105or the cross bar103is intended to be seated, such that a user can sense the increased resistance of the dots788as the various parts are sliding together, and thus again get a tactile non-visual indication of proper fit.

These various features can work together to make the overall system100less expensive to manufacture, avoid requiring a tapping of threaded surfaces within the legs105, and also make the legs105less likely to be subject to salt-water erosion, rust, and other decay known to occur in conjunction with water environments.

The above features, and others described herein, are advantageous for preventing the cross bar103from falling apart or off during use, that is, seeming to be properly attached but in fact only loosely attached, or improperly attached. A user may not find this out until they attempt to use the system100at which time the cross bar103falls off while the user's body weight is attached thereto. This condition is prevented within the system100, due to the various types of fool-proofing or safety-proofing of the fastening mechanisms140described herein.

Next, in an embodiment, the fastening mechanisms140can be varied according to the specific type of embodiment of the system100being sold. Some embodiments will be suitable for being installed permanently, while other embodiments may be designed for frequent movement, frequent installation, and frequent de-installation. That is, there will be varying embodiments depending on length of time the device is expected to be installed. Some versions of the system100described herein are not moved, and remain in place relatively permanently, like a child's swingset, which may sit in place for 2 or 3 years. In such a case, the fastening mechanisms140may be different than for the other versions of the system100which are made to be dis-assembled and transported more often. That is, various different embodiments can be sold, to match up with various different types of end-users and their constraints.

Further additional embodiments exist, some for easy transport in a car and travel environment, for fitting within either checked baggage or fitting under the plane, narrower for single-person use in confined spaces, and\or a lower height, perhaps for people of varying height or needing a different type of usage involving less space.

There also exists a wrap-around aspect, in which a careless assembler is prevented making a half-hearted assembly of a system100. Specifically, in an embodiment shown inFIG. 7F, a customized bolt720within the fastening mechanism140must extend all the way through to an opposite side of the cross bar103, where that customized bolt720must mate with a specific nut either embedded within or part of the cross bar103.FIG. 7Falso shows a type of sleeve-cover760which matches with the fastening mechanism140, and can be labeled in e.g. bright day-glow yellow. This sleeve-cover760has an elastic tendency to extend across one side of the fastening mechanism140to the other, such that even an impaired assembler will know to complete the assembly of the system100on both sides of the fastening mechanism140. Further, in the event the inward/outward fasteners704/708may be coming loose, the sleeve-cover760may be dislodged out of its position, giving a type of “compromised safety” warning. With its day-glow yellow color, the sleeve-cover760being out of position is intended to act to notify\warn the user that the inward/outward fastener704/708has worked its way loose or was never proper in the first place. This feature is aimed primarily at the traveling embodiment of the system100, in which a user frequently assembles and dis-assembles the system100. However, this feature could also be found advantageous by a user intending to install a system100just once and never move it. Nonetheless, no matter what, it is still a good safety practice to check over the system100before putting one's body weight thereupon.

Next, the system100can be manufactured in various sizes. For example, sometimes, container loads from overseas manufacturer can be more easily arranged when the entire item is not greater than 48 inches long. If so, an embodiment with a cross bar103spanning <=48 inches has an advantage of being more space-effective within some types of shipping containers, and thus can be more cost-effective to ship. An even narrower embodiment also exists, for customers having limited space. This narrower embodiment can be set up more easily, but the wider embodiments have the advantage of separating the load-bearing elements to be further apart, thus increasing overall stability of the system100. An embodiment with a cross bar103spanning >, 48 inches also exists, at least because an embodiment that spans a wider ground-area, a wider footprint, may have the effect of distributing the weight and downward forces across a broader area. Further, not all embodiments herein will require overseas manufacture.

Next, regarding materials, the legs105can be made using a predetermined grade of steel or other alloy. A graphite/aluminum composite can also be used, which has the advantage of lighter weight, lower cost, higher availability, and uses materials that are less likely to be politically sensitive (e.g. steel, in light of potential steel tariffs).

Shipping

The length and weight of the system100when un-assembled, can cause unusual stress and torque on the cardboard boxes typically used for shipping. This can result in crushing and distortion of the cardboard, and to the point that the various portions therein can be chipped or scuffed.

To address this,FIG. 8Ashows a specific type of customized reinforced shipping tube container804A to have a variety of reinforcements and bracing therein depending on the specific type of system100being shipped. The cylindrical shipping tube804A can have various lengths. Meanwhile,FIG. 8Bshows a customized box/package mechanism804B that is not a stock “one size fits all” type of box but instead contoured to the specific dimensions, weights, and changing centers of gravity associated with the system100.

Specifically,FIGS. 8A-8Bshows protective sleeves808at strategic places in the containers804A\804B. There are two key mechanical principles at place here. A first mechanical principle is that the system100in a dis-assembled state has many long heavy elements, and thus is best shipped in a long, elongated box or container such as container804A\804B. It is well known that shippers, e.g. Fed Ex, UPS, other, that handling long heavy boxes is more difficult, more subject to mis-loading and mis-handling, than more conventional cubical boxes.

A second mechanical principle is that the ends of the various bars103and legs105of the system100are, in many ways “where the action is”, that is the mechanical action. As such, these elements must not be dinged, dented, compromised, or altered by troubles and mis-handling in the shipping process. For example, after assembly, the cross bar103will be somewhat protected from impact by the attachment mechanisms140. However, during shipping, no such protection exists as the attachment mechanisms140are not connected to anything during shipping, thus the ends of the cross bar103may be more vulnerable at this time. A third mechanical principle is that long containers (tubes or boxes) that are also heavy, often may have an unusual center of gravity, in which someone may lift the container with only their hands, and then quickly drop it or lose control of it because they lifted the wrong end, and did not realize where the center of gravity is located. This can result in damage to the contents of the tube or box (e.g. container804).

For example, if the ends of the cross bar103are dented or cracked, the fasteners704/708may have trouble holding their grip. The mechanical strength of the fasteners704/708, and their ability to grip, is based on a uniform cylindrical surface of the cross bar103being located therewithin. If the cross bar103has alterations to it, the fasteners704/708being semi-cylindrical themselves, may not be able to properly enclose and properly seal around the cylindrical shape of the cross bar103. Consequently, the cross bar103can be manufactured with cylindrical reinforcements490at both ends, as shown inFIG. 4.

To address this, the various versions of the system100can be packed to have the center of gravity of the actual packaged unit to be near to the center as reasonably possible, using e.g. low cost spacers and position-holders, and specialized proprietary low-cost low-weight high-strength bracing therein.

The various legs105and cross bar103could be fitted out with a variety of “skins” (surfaces either part of or attached thereto) to change the functionality, appearance, or color of the system100. Within the various Figures herein, all tubing of the system100is shown as round but could be different shapes including but not limited to; triangular, square, pentagonal, heptagonal, octagonal etc.

In an embodiment within the system100, the feet are easily interchangeable and could be made of a variety of materials to adhere to a surface or to protect a surface, such as heavy rubber feet410(shown inFIG. 4). For example, the feet410could include a plastic disc to disburse and distribute the weight and downward forces of each lower leg105LLwhen located in a pool with a plastic liner, where it is desired to not tear that plastic liner.

As shown inFIG. 13, any extension legs105work with the hitch pin holes already existing on the lower legs105LL(see e.g.FIGS. 9A-9B) and yields varying heights e.g. as shown inFIG. 13and can have a variety of types of feet underneath the legs105, for example the round feet410shown inFIG. 4. This attachment allows for use as such as aerial yoga (suspension yoga), bungee, and other uses that require the participant to be elevated higher off the ground.

Next, a mechanism for carrying and transporting the embodiments herein could include a canvas carry bag. However, the system could be a type of box, could have a zipper, wheels, could be made of plastic or other material, and/or could have a cart format.