Abstract:
A kit of parts is provided for assembly into exercise apparatus of various configurations, as desired and defined by the user. The apparatus, when configured to form a supporting cell, conveniently allows the attachment of a plurality of exercise devices of the same or different type while, in addition, can be used as a storage center for items normally found at a fitness center such as bands, weights, balls, bars, barbells, etc.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application No. 60/688,069 filed Jun. 7, 2005, and entitled “SUPER CELL UNIVERSALLY INTERCHANGEABLE WORKOUT STATION”. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to apparatus, including a kit of assembly parts, which enables the construction of one or more exercise workout stations, as defined and assembled by a user.  
         [0003]     There are a great many individualized pieces of fitness and exercise equipment commercially available at the present time. These pieces of equipment are normally single-purpose by design, but in some instances a plurality of such pieces of equipment are combined to form multi-purpose exercise apparatus.  
         [0004]     Such “multi-station” machines are comprised of a series of weight stacks, seats, cables, benches, bars, pulleys and the like, all configured into a preset, fixed arrangement. Although these multi-station machines offer a variety of exercise devices and permit multiple users to work out at the same time, they lack the versatility of being integrated with almost any other type of exercise equipment. Moreover, once configured at the factory, these multi-station machines are difficult, if not impossible to reconfigure, rearrange and/or expand into different or larger multi-stations.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     A principle object of the present invention is to provide apparatus which is capable of being assembled and configured into any number of strength-training, exercise systems. More particularly, the invention concerns apparatus which can be formed into one or more readily customizable, and universally interchangeable, workout stations, which can either stand on their own or be attached to existing fixtures, such as previously purchased stand-alone exercise equipment or the fixtures, walls, etc. of an exercise room.  
         [0006]     Still another object of the present invention is to provide user-defined exercise apparatus which may be configured into a multi-user workout station, as described above, which conveniently allows the attachment of a plurality of exercise devices of the same or different type while, in addition, can be used as a storage center for items normally found at a fitness center such as bands, weights, balls, bars, barbells, etc.  
         [0007]     It is a still further object of the present invention to provide apparatus which may be configured into a user defined workout station and then later either reconfigured into another workout station or expanded into a larger multi-user station.  
         [0008]     These objects, as well as further objects which will become apparent from the discussion that follows, are achieved, in accordance with the present invention, by providing a kit of parts which may be assembled and erected into exercise apparatus of various configurations, as desired and defined by the user.  
         [0009]     As a minimum, this kit comprises the following elements:  
         [0010]     (1) a plurality of frames adapted for substantially upright installation, each frame comprising two substantially identical elongate vertical members of a first prescribed length, each having two ends, which are connected together in parallel and in spaced-apart relationship by a horizontal crossbar of a second prescribed length adjacent each end, each of said vertical members having a plurality of points of attachment along its length; and  
         [0011]     (2) at least one elongate horizontal member of a third prescribed length, each horizontal member adapted for connecting a separate one of the vertical members of a first frame with a corresponding one of the vertical members of a second frame, respectively, adjacent one of the upper and lower ends of the vertical members, thereby to form a supporting cell of frames.  
         [0012]     The frames, which as a minimum have two vertical members connected in parallel relationship by the two crossbars, preferably comprise a large number of crossbars spaced equidistantly along the length of the vertical members, like rungs of a ladder to form a ladder-like structure.  
         [0013]     Preferably also, the kit comprises a plurality of such horizontal members, enabling the user to assemble and connect two or more of the frames into various self-standing structures to form the supporting cell of frames. For example, two frames and two horizontal members may be connected in a Z-shaped configuration, with one horizontal member interconnecting two vertical members (one in each frame) near the top, and the other horizontal member interconnecting the same two vertical members near the bottom.  
         [0014]     In another configuration, four horizontal members may connect two frames in a box-like or rectangular configuration to form a self-supporting cell.  
         [0015]     In still further configurations, three or more frames may be interconnected to form a self-standing cell in the shape of a triangle, a pentagon, an octagon, etc.  
         [0016]     The vertical and horizontal members included in the kit are all of a prescribed, standardized length. Advantageously, and in accordance with a further feature of the present invention, additional horizontal members may be provided that are all in a different, standardized length (either longer or shorter than the above-noted horizontal members). These additional horizontal members may be used for interconnecting frames or for connecting frames to a building structure, such as a wall. They may also be used to interconnect two or more self-supporting cells to form a larger, multi-user station.  
         [0017]     As noted above, the vertical members in each frame have a plurality of points of attachment along their length. These facilitate the removable attachment of any one of a number of exercise devices to form a multi-user fitness workout station of virtually any desired design. In addition, once configured and assembled into a cell, the vertical members provide support for one or more storage devices, attached inside and/or outside the cell, permitting convenient storage of such items as bands, balls, bars, weights, etc.  
         [0018]     The kit of standardized parts, according to the invention, offers a number of advantages over the exercise apparatus of the prior art.  
         [0019]     1. They eliminate the need, required for many items, to be attachable to a reinforced wall or other solid building surface. Such building structures are difficult to utilize for exercise equipment since drywall walls are inadequate for the support of such equipment and wall struts are not readily found.  
         [0020]     2. By replacing individual exercise machines or dedicated multi-user workstations with self-standing supporting cells, to which a large variety of exercise devices may be attached, the floor space normally required for a fitness center may be reduced to a relatively modest “footprint” of one, or just a few, supporting cells.  
         [0021]     3. The exercise apparatus according to the invention is easily transportable. The supporting cell or cells may be easily disassembled and transported, together with their attachable exercise devices, to another location. The apparatus is ideal for military use, for example, since it can be transported and assembled in a tent.  
         [0022]     4. The exercise apparatus according to the invention is substantially less costly to manufacture, transport and install than the many individual exercise units or multi-station units known in the art. The single framework forming a supporting cell, according to the present invention, shares common parts onto itself, it allows the sharing of common parts, such as bars, weights, bands, etc., among the various exercise devices and, most importantly, it forms a common support structure for the attachment of one or more or a large variety of exercise devices. There is a substantial cost saving since these various exercise devices need not each have its own separate support structure.  
         [0023]     5. Last but not least, the exercise apparatus according to the invention eliminates most of the barriers disabled users face in using other machines which require frames and standing supports to hold them sturdy. These known structures almost always interfere with someone in a wheelchair. By offering a user-defined supporting framework that allows for virtually unlimited interchangeability of attachments, the invention allows users in wheelchairs to custom design their own equipment so that they can take advantage of the many fitness exercises that able-bodied persons also enjoy.  
         [0024]     For a full understanding of the present invention, reference should now be made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical group of standardized parts which may form an assembly kit, according to the present invention, for erecting a supporting cell for exercise apparatus.  
         [0026]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of two frames connected in a Z-shaped configuration to form a supporting cell.  
         [0027]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of a single frame attached to a wall.  
         [0028]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of two frames connected in a rectangular configuration to form a supporting cell.  
         [0029]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of three frames connected in a pentagonal configuration to form a supporting cell.  
         [0030]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of two supporting cells of the type shown in  FIG. 4  connected together to form a multiple-cell configuration.  
         [0031]      FIGS. 6, 7  and  8  are perspective, side and top views, respectively, of the rectangular supporting cell of  FIG. 3  with various exercise devices attached thereto.  
         [0032]      FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, illustrating the preferred embodiment of the mode of attachment of an exercise device on a supporting cell.  
         [0033]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the mode of attachment of an exercise device on a supporting cell.  
         [0034]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the mode of attachment of an exercise device on a supporting cell.  
         [0035]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the supporting cell of  FIG. 3  incorporating a cable-operated exercise device and having another exercise device, called a “Kaplan Cell”, arranged in front of it.  
         [0036]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the supporting cell of  FIG. 12  with the cable-operated exercise device incorporated therein.  
         [0037]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the supporting cell of  FIGS. 12 and 13 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 15  is a detailed perspective view of the Kaplan Cell shown in  FIG. 12 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the supporting cell of  FIG. 3 , similar to that of  FIGS. 6-8 , with various other exercise and storage devices attached thereto.  
         [0040]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of two supporting cells of the type shown in  FIG. 3 , connected together side by side and supporting a large variety of exercise and storage devices.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0041]     The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 1-17  of the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are designated with the same reference numerals.  
         [0042]      FIG. 1  illustrates an assembly kit of standardized parts which can be used to erect exercise apparatus in any one of a number of different configurations, as will be explained below. In this particular instance, the kit includes two “frames”  10   a  and  10   b  each comprising two substantially identical vertical members  12  and  14  which are connected together at each end by round crossbars  16 . Preferably, the frames  10  are provided with a greater number of these crossbars, interconnecting the vertical members, which are spaced equidistantly along the lengths of the vertical members like rungs of a ladder.  
         [0043]     The vertical members  12  and  14  are each provided with holes, slots, hooks or the like equidistantly spaced along opposite sides, which serve as points of attachment for exercise devices, storage devices or other useful devices or things, when the respective frames are assembled in a workout space.  
         [0044]     Advantageously, the frames  10  are also provided with adjustable feet  18  at the bottom of each vertical member, in the manner known in the art, permitting level adjustment of the frames on an uneven, or slanted floor.  
         [0045]     Included in the kit are a plurality of bars  20   a ,  20   b ,  22   a ,  22   b ,  24   a  and  24   b , in prescribed, standardized lengths for connecting the frames  10  together to form a self-standing “supporting cell” of frames for a workout station. The bars can also be used to connect a single frame to a building fixture or structure, such as a wall, or to connect multiple supporting cells together.  
         [0046]      FIG. 2A  illustrates how two frames  10   a  and  10   b  may be easily connected in a Z-shaped configuration using one of the horizontal bars  20   a . The horizontal bar  20   a  is attached to the tops of two vertical members  14  and  12 , respectively, of the frames  10   a  and  10   b  by bolts  21  which pass through the bar  20   a  and are screwed into threaded holes in the vertical members.  
         [0047]      FIG. 2B  shows how a single frame  10 , comprising vertical members  12  and  14 , may be affixed to a wall  15  by means of short horizontal bars  22   a  and  22   b , attached at the tops of the vertical members  12  and  14  by bolts  21 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 3  illustrates a supporting cell  26  formed of kit parts  10   a ,  10   b ,  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c  and  20   d , connected together in a box-like configuration. The bars  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c  and  20   d  are attached to the upper and lower extremities of the frames  10   a  and  10   b , respectively, by means of bolts  21  which pass through the vertical members and are screwed into threaded holes at the ends of the bars  20 .  
         [0049]      FIG. 4  illustrates how three frames  10   a ,  10   b  and  10   c  can be joined together by horizontal bars  20   a ,  20   b  and  20   c  to form a pentagonal shaped supporting cell  28 . As in the case of the configuration in  FIG. 2 , the horizontal bars  20  are bolted to the tops of the vertical members  12  and  14  of each frame.  
         [0050]      FIG. 5  illustrates how two supporting cells, for example of the type  28  shown in  FIG. 4 , may be connected together by means of the horizontal bars  24   a  and  24   b  to form an expanded, double supporting cell.  
         [0051]     As may be seen, a kit of parts of the type shown in  FIG. 1  may be used to design and construct supporting cells of various sizes and shapes to form a basic unit for the attachment of one or more exercise devices. A particular example, illustrating the use of the supporting cell  26  of  FIG. 3  to create customized exercise apparatus, will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 6-9 .  
         [0052]      FIGS. 6-8  illustrate a supporting cell of the type  26  shown in  FIG. 3  to which are attached a number of exercise devices. Attachment is by means of bolts which are screwed into threaded holes at the tops of the vertical frame members and by quick connections, which are illustrated in  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , that make use of the holes, or other attachment means, in the sides of each vertical member.  
         [0053]     Shown in  FIG. 6  are a horizontal ladder  30 , attached to the tops of the frames  10   a  and  10   b  by bolts; a horizontal bar  32 , also attached by bolts to the tops of the frames; a chin-up station or barbell holder  34 ; a combination squat rack/bench press/horizontal push-up station  36  and a so-called “dipping station”  38  comprised of two separately connected bars  38   a  and  38   b.    
         [0054]     The horizontal bar  32  may be used to support a hanging punching bag, boxing “speed bag” or other similar accessory.  
         [0055]     Alternatively, or in addition, various other exercise devices may be removably attached to the supporting cell  26 . As noted above in connection with  FIG. 5 , two or more supporting cells may be connected together to provide additional space for a larger variety of exercise devices.  
         [0056]     Set forth below is a list of the common exercise devices which may be removably attached to one or more supporting cells. By providing a common structure for supporting these devices, the devices need not each have their own supporting structure, resulting in a substantial reduction in cost. 
        ( 1 ) a bench press;     ( 2 ) a barbell rack;     ( 3 ) a weight rack;     ( 4 ) a pair of balance beams;     ( 5 ) a squat rack;     ( 6 ) a calf block;     ( 7 ) a leg rest;     ( 8 ) a dip station;     ( 9 ) a punching bag;     ( 10 ) a horizontal ladder;     ( 11 ) a horizontal chin-up bar;     ( 12 ) a horizontal push-up bar;     ( 13 ) a foot stand;     ( 14 ) a connection device for elastic bands;     ( 15 ) a cable pull device connected to a resistance means; and     ( 16 ) a sliding bench.        
 
         [0073]     Tipping of the supporting cell, and thus the entire structure, during use of the exercise devices is prevented by the addition of horizontal stabilizer bars  39   a  and  39   b . These bars may be bolted directly to the frames  10   a  and  10   b  or to the interconnecting horizontal members  20   c  and  20   d  as shown.  
         [0074]      FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate alternative arrangements for removably attaching exercise devices to the vertical members  10   a  and  10   b  of a frame. In  FIG. 10  the vertical members  10  are provided with spaced-apart slots; in  FIG. 11 , the vertical members  10  are provided with spaced-apart hooks for hanging the various devices.  
         [0075]      FIGS. 12-14  show still another use of the supporting cell  26  of  FIG. 3 . In this case, the supporting cell is provided with two exercise devices, namely; (1) a cable-operated exercise device  40  for pulling a handle against an adjustable resistance, and (2) a so-called “Kaplan Cell”  50  with a large stability ball  51 . As is best illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the cable-operated device  40  comprises two vertical members  41   a  and  41   b  attached top and bottom to the horizontal members  20   a  and  20   c . Short crossbars  43   a ,  43   b ,  43   c  and  43   d  serve to interconnect the vertical members  41   a  and  41   b  to the horizontal members  20   a  and  20   c , forming a U-shaped structure within the supporting cell. The crossbars  43  support two vertical rods  42   a  and  42   b  which, in turn, serve as rails for a moveable carriage  44 . This carriage is connected to the distal ends of two cables  47   a  and  47   b  (shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 13 ) that may be pulled by a user to raise the carriage  44  upward against the force of the resistance. The means of resistance may be a weight stack (not shown), from which the user may select one or more weights, one or more elastic bands (shown in  FIG. 14  as springs  49   a  and  49   b  attached to a hook rack) and one or more hydraulic or pneumatic dampers (not shown), or a combination of these.  
         [0076]     The Kaplan Cell  50  is shown in detail in  FIG. 15 . This Cell, which may be attached to the base of the supporting cell  26 , comprises two foot pads  52   a  and  52   b  as well as two foot bolsters  54   a  and  54   b , for use when the person sits either on an accompanying seat or is supported by the ball  51 . Cable extensions  47   c  and  47   d  may be clipped onto the proximal ends of the cables  47   a  and  47   b , respectively, to permit the user to exercise in the sitting position by pulling the cables in a “rowing” motion.  
         [0077]      FIG. 16  illustrates the rectangular supporting cell  26  with a further variety of exercise devices attached thereto. These devices include a heavy punching bag  70 , a boxing “speed ball”  72 , a dip station  74  and a squat rack  76 . In addition, the supporting cell serves as a storage unit  78  for various items such as medicine balls, weights, elastic bands and the like.  
         [0078]      FIG. 17  illustrates how an arrangement of the type shown in  FIG. 16  may be expanded to include still further exercise devices, as desired. In this case, two supporting cells  26  are connected together by horizontal bars to accommodate the addition of a Kaplan Cell  50  and also a second type of cable-operated resistance device  80  as well as a sliding bench  82 . The cable-operated device  80 , which allows a user to pull one or both of two cables from any one of number of points along an arc, is fully disclosed in my co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/408,213, filed Apr. 20, 2006, which application is incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0079]     There has thus been shown and described a novel user-defined exercise apparatus which fulfills all the objects and advantages sought therefor. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification and the accompanying drawings which disclose the preferred embodiments thereof. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is to be limited only by the claims which follow.