Abstract:
An All-In-One Training Device, Cardiovascular and Strength training/conditioning apparatus for mixed martial arts, martial arts, cross fit, boxing, sports/athletic training, and rehabilitation therapies. The device is designed to efficiently combine cross training exercises of varying training methods to allow for training, conditioning, and strength training in a wide variety of sports, disciplines, and therapeutic uses without taking up a large amount of space.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a nonprovisional application of a provisional application Ser. No. 61/783,421, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is generally related to devices or apparatuses for training. In particular, aspects of the invention is related to the areas of health/fitness (cross fitness, martial arts, boxing, and athletic/sports training) and rehabilitation (wounded veterans, Alzheimer patients, etc) as a circuit training and strength/condition tool that provides a combination of cardiovascular and strength benefits in one apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Fitness machines have been used by individuals to enhance their physiques, increase muscle strength, and improve overall health. At the same time, serious athletes that compete at professional or semi-professional levels also wish to use specialized training or fitness machines that tailor to their needs. This causes a concern whenever an individual moves from a casual fitness schedule to a more rigorous one: the less-intensive fitness machines need to be replaced because they can&#39;t adapt to the new routines of the individual. Current fitness machines or devices are designed as such so to encourage individuals to purchase new ones. 
     At the same time, existing fitness machines can&#39;t be used as a rehabilitation device due to the structure and limitations of existing fitness machines. Again, if an individual desires to have a rehabilitation device, one could not convert the existing fitness machine for that purpose. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention overcome the shortcomings of the prior technology by providing an efficient and versatile combination of fitness elements as an all-in-one fitness and rehabilitation device. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, one embodiment includes a heavy or training bag, a dip station, an abdominal station, a curl station, a triceps station, a row station, a speed bag, battle ropes of 30+ feet in length, and an adjustable bar for stretching and elevated push-ups. The base allows for the attachment of various pieces of equipment such as a double end speed bag in place of the heavy bag and for the attachment of an agility ladder of 30+ feet in length. The construction of the apparatus allows the user to do circuit training that involves both cardiovascular exercise/conditioning and strength training/conditioning in order to achieve an efficient total body workout. The workout is efficient because it allows circuit training without interruption, there is minimal rest time due to the lack of having to change equipment or use other pieces of equipment. The apparatus can function as a simultaneous workout station for multiple individuals. In one embodiment, the apparatus fits in a 3-4 ft by 5-6 ft area and takes up little space. The apparatus is 5-6 ft high, but can be adjusted based on the users preference and the height of their ceilings. In another example, the apparatus achieves this in a compact, attractive, and simplistic form factor. 
     In a further embodiment, the apparatus also has practical applications for rehabilitation/physical therapy as well. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a frontal view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a first tower of the apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a second tower of the apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of the apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a frontal view illustrates an apparatus  1000  according to one embodiment of the invention. The entire footprint for the apparatus is a width of four feet width, a depth of three feet, and height of six feet. The apparatus  1000  includes a base  300 , a first tower  100 , a second tower  200 , and one or more exercise attachments. For example, the base  300  includes two vertical posts (e.g., first tower  100  and second tower  200 ) each having a footing  312 . 1  and  312 . 2 . For the purposes of simplicity 0.1 and 0.2 will be added to figure numbers to delineate an element&#39;s location with regard to which is closer to the first tower  100  or the second tower  200 . In this example, the two vertical posts are connected by support bars  304  and  316 . For example, the supporting bars  304  and  316  may be one or more metal tubes measured 2″×2″×3′ disposed perpendicular to the vertical posts  320 . 1  and  320 . 2 . In another example, the support bars  304  and  316  may be diagonally connected to the two vertical posts  320 . 1  and  320 . 2 . In a further example, the support bars  304  and  316  may be connected to the vertical posts  320 . 1  and  320 . 2  in a combination of horizontal or diagonal dispositions. According to this embodiment, the supporting bars  304  and  316  may be adjustable or fixed on the vertical posts  320 . 1  and  320 . 2 . Moreover, the vertical posts  318 . 1  and  318 . 2  of the first tower  100  and second tower  200  further include notches to receive the supporting bars in different positions along the length of the vertical posts  318 . 1  and  318 . 2 . 
     For example, one of the support bars  304  and  316  may be adjustable while the others may be permanently fixed to the vertical posts. The footing  312 . 1  and  312 . 2 , in this example, may be 3 feet in length to maintain the stability of the base  100 . It is to be understood that other lengths of the footing  312 . 1  and  312 . 2  may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In this example each footing  312 . 1  and  312 . 2  extends 3 feet in front of the apparatus  1000 &#39;s vertical receiving posts  320 . 1 ,  320 . 2  and 2 foot behind the vertical posts  320 . 1  and  320 . 2 . In a further example, the footing  312 . 1  and  312 . 2  can have diagonal extensions of 1 or more inches at 1 or more degrees in any direction to aid in stability of the vertical posts  320 . 1  and  320 . 2 . In another example, the footing  312 . 1  and  312 . 2  may be horizontal extensions, which extends 1 or more inches or feet in either direction to aid in stability of the vertical posts. 
     According to  FIG. 1 , the second set of dip posts may be attached to the support bars  304  and  316 . In this example, the dip posts  306 . 1 ,  306 . 2  are vertical posts that attach to the bottom, horizontal, support bars between tower  100  and tower  200  by way of the receiving posts  308 . 1  and  308 . 2  of the base. In a further example, the vertical dip posts  306 . 1  and  306 . 2  may be connected to the horizontally or diagonally disposed support bars  304  and  316 . In another example, dip bars  302 . 1  and  302 . 2  may be attached horizontally to the first tower  100 , second tower  200 , or the support bars  316  simultaneously or individually. According to this embodiment, the dip posts  306 . 1 ,  306 . 2  are adjustable in height and are 2″×2″×3′. In this example, the dip bars  302 . 1  and  302 . 2  are removable. In an alternative example, the dip bars  302 . 1  and  302 . 2  may be fixed. According to the embodiment of this invention, in this example, the vertical dip posts  306 . 1  and  306 . 2  may be secured to the support bars  304  and  316  with one removable bolt screw and weight pin per dip post  306 . 1  and  306 . 2 . It is important to note that a wide variety of weight pins or bolt screws may be used to secure the dip posts. 
     In a further example, the dip posts  306 . 1 ,  306 . 2  may be welded to the receiving posts and not bolted to the device just as the first tower  100  and second tower  200  are attached to the base  300  of the device. Moreover, the dip posts  306 . 1 ,  306 . 2  include 0.5/8 inch holes or greater toward the distal end of the dip posts  306 . 1  and  306 . 2  to allow for height adjustability. In this example, the dip posts  306 . 1  and  306 . 2  have soft coated dip bars or handles  302 . 1 ,  302 . 2 , about 6′ in length, extending perpendicular to dip posts  306 . 1  and  306 . 2  from the top of the posts  306 . 1 ,  306 . 2 . In another example, these handles  302 . 1  and  302 . 2  may or may not have a soft grip coating or may extend horizontally or vertically from the top of the posts  306 . 1  and  306 . 2 . The posts may include varying handle shapes without substantially departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In this example, the dip posts  306 . 1 ,  306 . 2  have 6 inch platforms extending from the front of the post 
       302 . 1  and  302 . 2 . In operation, the apparatus  1000  allows a user to store/hang undulating ropes. In another example, the handles may not be present or be made in varying shapes, sizes, and lengths. 
     In this example, referring to  FIG. 1 , the bottom “T”-shaped bar  310 , at the bottom midline of the first tower  100  and second tower  200 , includes a flip down, removable handle extending from the bottom support bars  316 . In operation, this T”-shaped bar  310  allows the user to hook their feet under it to do varying upper abdominal exercises or allows the user to grasp the “T”-shaped bar  310  and do a variety of lower and upper abdominal exercises. In the embodiment of this invention, the “T”-shaped bar  310  is rotatable and permanently attached to the bottom support bar between tower  100  and tower  200  by a flip down lever, approximately 12′ in length. The “T”-shaped bar  310  is 12 inches in length. In another example, the flip down handle attachment may be removable and can include varying lengths and shapes of the handle and lever. 
     In this example, the horizontal, middle support bar  304  is adjustable and removable. The support bar  304  is a 2 inch bar of 3.5 feet in width. It may be used for a variety of exercises, including stretching exercise, seated dips, or elevated push up exercises. However, this is not meant to be an exhaustive list of its uses or application. In another example, the support bar  322  may be attached to the top of the apparatus  1000 , between the first tower  100  and the second tower  200  as a pull up bar or TRX (suspended resistance training) bar  322  for various resistance exercises utilizing Olympic steady rings without departing from the scope or spirit of the device. This is not an exhaustive list of all the attachments that may be used with the invention. 
     In this example, the undulating/battling ropes (not shown) are supported in various lengths, weights, and materials. In this example the ropes of 30 feet in length, with a 2 inch diameter, can be secured around a rear post  326  of the apparatus  1000  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). In a further example, the ropes can be knotted or tied around the center of the bottom, the support bar  316 , of the device. The support bar  316  acts as an anchor for the undulating/battling ropes during rope exercises. In another example, the undulating/battling ropes may be attached to the bottom of tower  100  or tower  200  without departing from the scope or spirit of the device. Additionally, the undulating/battling ropes may be attached to any part of the invention. 
     In another example, an agility ladder (not shown) may be attached to the support bar  304  and  316  in place of the undulating/battling ropes without departing from the scope or spirit of the device. The device supports agility ladders of various sizes, lengths, and weights for agility exercises. In this example, the agility ladder extends 15 feet in length from the front of the device. The base  300  acts as an anchor and prevents the agility rope from sliding during its use. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , Tower  100  is a 6′×2 inch diameter, circular, steel tube that extends vertically from the first receiving post of  320 . 1 . In this example, an L-shaped 2 inch, circular bar attaches perpendicular to the top of tower  100  and extends 2.5 feet from the front of the device and 1 foot behind the apparatus. In this example, a standard steel t-joint, as shown in  122 , is used to join the top bar and the post of tower  100 . In another example, 18-gauge, square, tubular steel pipes may be used by welding the pipes together. In other words, no joint is needed. In another example, a diagonal support strut  114 , may be used between the horizontal bar extending from the front of the apparatus at tower  100  to add strength and integrity to the bar extending from the top of the first tower  100 , for hanging a punching bag  118 . However, various tube shapes, sizes, heights, weights, diameters, or supports that may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention, as this is not an exhaustive list. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the distal end of the bar  122  extending horizontally from the top and front of the apparatus  1000  has a hanging unit which consists of a 4-inch i-bolt and dual swivel loop, as shown in  104 , at the distal end, which may vary in length or diameter. In this embodiment of the invention, a dual swivel loop, is attached to the i-bolt  104  via an s-ring attached to the i-bolt. Further, attached to the dual swivel loop are two steel carabiner hooks. Each carabiner hook has a 6 inch chain attached to it. In this example, each chain has 7 links, with the middle link attaching to the end of the carabiner hook, leaving 3 links hanging from each side of the carabiner hook for a total of four hanging chains, to create the hanging unit,  104 . In another example, chains but may include more or less links of varying lengths and diameter for various heights of hanging the punching bag without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     Additionally, steel wire, nylon straps, or various hanging methods may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Further, the end the hanging unit attaches to the D-rings of the punching bag, allowing it to hang from the tower  1 . In another example, a stabilizing unit  124 , including a 15 inch bungee cord, is attached to the distal end of smaller punching bags of 3-5′ feet in height weighing 60-80 pounds via a carabiner hook attached to a dual swivel loop. The other end of the stabilizing unit attaches to footing  312 . 1  of the invention via a carabiner hook and dual swivel loop, attached to an i-bolt in the front footing  312 . 1  of the invention. The stabilizing unit attaches to the bottom of the punching bag via a d-ring to keep the punching bag in place. In conjunction with the hanging unit, the stabilizing unit  124  allows a bag to turn about its axis, while staying in place, allowing a user to hit the punching bag without the need for a partner to hold the bag in place. In a further example, a chain or braided rope may be used in place of the bungee cord and may attach to the front footing  312 . 1  of the first tower  100  or body of the first tower  100  via a Velcro strap. However, this is not an exhaustive list of ways to attach the stabilizing unit to the device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2  counterweight  112  is attached to the distal end of the rear horizontal post of tower  100  to prevent the apparatus  1000  from tipping over under the weight of the punching bag and prevents the post  116  of tower  100  from breaking under the weight of the punching bag  118  by preventing stress on the horizontal, T-shaped bar  122  extending from the top of apparatus  1000 . The counter weight has an 8 inch shock spring,  110 , in the middle, welded in the center of the chain to absorb the shock on the invention from punching the punching bag. In this example, the counter weight consists of a 5.5 foot chain or steel wire connected to the distal end of the rear horizontal pipe, as shown in  108 . In this example, the center of the counter weight consists of 10×10 lbs. Olympic weight plates, stacked on an 8 inch steel tube welded to flat square base of 6″×6″ at its distal end. The top end of the tube has 3 carabiner hooks that attach to the 5.5 foot chain. The counterweight center tube base allows for weight plates of varying sizes, weights, and materials without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, as this is not an exhaustive list of counter weights that may be used. The counterweight  112  is imperative to the structure of tower  100  because it counters the weight of the punching bag to prevent tower  100  from bending or becoming unstable. Balance is maintained between the weight of the punching bag  104  and the counterweight  112  in a 1:2 ratio. For example, this embodiment of the invention shows a 70 lbs. punching bag of 6′ length with a counter-weight of 140 pounds. Varying weights and bags may be used, as this is not an exhaustive list of weight combinations, bags, or weights that may be used. 
     In another example, the t-shaped joint connection and counter-weight hanging chain may be replaced with an L-shaped 2 inch, square tubular bar, that allows for the counterweight to extend from the distal end of the bar via steel cable wire, attaching to the counter weight, with a shock absorbing spring in the middle without departing from the scope or spirit of this invention, as this is not an exhaustive list of counterweight attachments. 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 3 , the second tower  200  is a 6′×2 inch diameter, circular, steel tube that extends horizontally from the receiving post  320 . 2  of the device. In this example, an L-shaped 2 inch, square, steel bar attaches perpendicular to the top of the second tower  200  and extends 2.5 feet from the front of the device. This allows for the attachment of a speed bag platform  226 . 1  and  226 . 2 . The speed bag platform attaches to tower  2  via 4 2×6 inch bolts. The platform consists of 2×1 inch thick, circular, 18-inch diameter boards  226 . 1  and  226 . 2 . In this example, the boards have rubber underlay  220  between them to soundproof and absorb the high volume, repetitious impact/vibrations of the speed bag as it is hit. In a further example, the speed bag platform has three, 5 lbs. weights placed at the top to prevent the upward movement of the speed bag platform as it is hit. The speed bag  204  is attached to the platform by a general speed bag, ball-bearing swivel. In this example a large size, leather, speed bag is used, but any size speed bag made of any material may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     In another example, three pulleys attach to tower  2 . In this example, referring to  FIG. 3 , the top pulley consists of dual pulley wheels using 2×4 inch diameter plastic pulley wheels  206 . 1  and  206 . 2 . In a further example, the pulley wheels are joined together by a 2 inch×6 inch bolt between 2×12″×4″ metal slats extending from the top of tower  2  to hold the wheels in place  218 . 1  and  218 . 2  and  218 . 3 . The wheels are able to turn independently of each other without friction due to the use of silicone grease for lubrication of the wheels. In a further example, 3 pulley wheels may be placed side by side, allowing for 3 workout attachments. However, varying amounts of pulley wheels may be combined without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as this is not an exhaustive list of the amount of pulley wheels or workout attachments that may be used. 
     Further, one cable wire passes over the top of each pulley, as shown in  206 . 1  and  206 . 2 . Cable 1 (3 ft length)  208 , after passing over the first top pulley wheel  206 . 1 , attaches to a vertical triceps attachment. Cable 2 (7 ft length)  214 , passes over the top of the first pulley wheel  206 . 2 , extends down and under the third pulley  212 , a single 4″ diameter pulley wheel located in the middle of tower  200  and connects to a vertical curl/row bar attachment. The fourth pulley wheel  216  attaches via 2× 12″×4″ metal slats extending from the bottom of the second tower  200  to hold the wheel in place and is held in place by a 2 inch×6 inch bolt. In another example, pulley  3  may be attached at any point on tower  2  to allow for varying degrees, types, and angles of workouts. In this example, the distal ends of each cable wire attach to the center weight plate holder that via a carabiner hook. In this example, a sliding Olympic weight plate holder  210  with 2× 2″×6″ horizontal posts that allow for varying Olympic sized weight plates to be held in place for using the curl/row, or triceps workout attachments, is attached to the second tower  200 . However, varying types of shapes and weights may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. General weight clamps may used to keep the weight plates in place and prevent them from sliding or moving during use. 
     Further, the exercise apparatus  1000 , includes a flip down, t-shaped bar  310  that extends 8 inches from the bottom support  316  of the apparatus  1000  at its midline to allow for floor-lying lower and upper abdominal workouts. Additionally an 8 inch post  326  extends from bottom support of the apparatus  1000 , opposite the t-bar  310  at its midline to allow for the securing of undulating ropes, an agility ladder, or other workout equipment that requires securing with a post. 
     The exercise apparatus  1000  allows a user to implement the following workout regimen; 5 mins on the punching bag, 1 min reverse push ups, 1 min incline pushups, 1 min of dips, 1 min of knee/leg raises on dip bars, 1 minute speed bag, 1 min tricep extentions, 1 min curls, 1 min rows, 1 min crunches on the t-bar  310 , and 1 min battling ropes secured to post  326 . 
     The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. They simulate a user facing the apparatus and various parts are numbered. The basic concept is that the user is able to use the apparatus and obtain an efficient, total body workout, by circuit training with the apparatus.