Abstract:
A modular, easily constructible exercise assembly providing pull-up type exercise routines is disclosed. This particular solution is designed to be secured to a stationary upright object, or anchor. The unique construction of the exercise assembly can be broken down into base components to conveniently fit into a back pack. Its specific structure and design is optimized to limit wear and material failure. Additionally, adjustability is provided to various components as detailed herein. For example, an exercise bar can articulate at different angles and extend and lengthen as selected by a user. Also, a securing bar is adjustable for coupling the exercise assembly to different sized stationary objects.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This patent application claims benefit of the priority date of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 62/347,683 filed on Jun. 9, 2016, entitled “Mountable Exercise Assembly and Method of Use Thereof,” accordingly, the entire contents of this patent application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention pertains generally exercise devices and methods of employing such providing a personal workout. More particularly, the invention relates to an exercise bar assembly apparatus, portable and mountable to a stationary object, for performing pull-ups, chin-ups dips, and the like. 
       Description of the Prior Art 
       [0003]    It is well known that regular physical activity is beneficial to overall health. In fact, routine exercise is proven to provide numerous benefits, including, but not limited to, prevention of excess weight gain, maintenance of healthy body fat percentage, increased energy, and improved mood and sleep quality. For people with busy schedules, finding the time and location to exercise is often inconvenient. For example, most portable exercise devices are heavy and bulky making such devices difficult to transport and assemble. As an added problem, many of these exercise devices are expensive to maintain due to numerous moving and intricate parts. 
         [0004]    Also known are the many different exercises that exist for toning and strengthening numerous different muscle groups; as are known those that utilize own bodyweight instead of weights or resistance devices. Advantages for each are unique, however, the present invention seeks to provide for pull-up, chin-up, dips, and other hanging exercises to further include stretching and some core/leg lift type exercises. 
         [0005]    Examples of portable exercise devices in the prior art include U.S. Pub. Pat. App. No. 2006/0019806, entitled “Portable Exercise Assembly,” invented by Mikulski and U.S. Pub. Pat. App. No. 2004/0127339, entitled “Portable Device for Assisting Chin-Up and Dip Exercises” invented by Finn. Both Mikulski and Finn recognize disadvantages with bulky size and weight of exercise apparatuses resulting in the inability of those utilizing such exercise equipment to travel or easily relocate the device. Further, such problem is specifically recognized by those who train on a regular or strictly scheduled basis. However, neither solution uses existing stationary objects for stability, or the anchor. Also, Mikulski uses resistance training and Finn employs rubber or elastic material for assisted training. Conversely the present invention simply provides for unassisted, own body weight repetitions to work particular muscle groups. 
         [0006]    Also importantly, very few portable exercise devices are specifically designed to configure with a stationary object commonly referred to as an anchor. Some of these examples use a door frame or door jam as the anchor. However, there remains a need to provide a suitable portable exercise assembly utilizing a tree, or any upright elongated structure as the anchor. Hence, it is an object of the present invention to provide such device having components easily disassembled and transportable, having similar interchangeable parts. It is further an object of the present invention to provide a solution with an adjustable exercise bar for various exercises also considering size and/or preference of a user. It still further an object of the present invention to provide a design that will yield optimum wear and longevity. Yet still, it is an object of the present invention to provide a solution using own weight against which muscle groups work; hence the solution is devoid of elastic or rubber adding unnecessary complexity to the design. It is yet further an object of the present invention to provide a solution that is cost effective and commercially viable. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies, more specifically, the present invention, in a first aspect, is a mountable exercise bar assembly, for mounting to a substantially stationary object comprising: a base plate having a mating surface (e.g. flat) for contacting and mating to the stationary object; a securing bar coupled to the base plate and extending at least partially around the stationary object for securing and stabilizing the mountable exercise assembly; an extension arm extending outwardly from the base plate; an exercise bar, in turn, extending substantially laterally (also preferred horizontally) from the outwardly extending extension arm, the exercise bar for performing a plurality of exercises by a user. In the most general sense, exercise bar assembly comprises a plurality of components being detachable for assembly and disassembly for stowage and transport. 
         [0008]    The mountable exercise bar assembly, herein, for mounting to a substantially stationary is additionally characterized in that the base plate further comprises a parallel pair of opposing lateral side plates extending outwardly from the (flat) mating surface. The securing bar is additionally connected to the base plate via the opposing pair of lateral side plates and the extension arm connects to the base plate via the securing bar. The securing bar has a dual purpose in that it also acts as a pin fulcrum for the extension arm, wherein the extension arm further rotates about the fulcrum. The rotation provides vertical adjustment to a user wherein the extension arm is locked in place. 
         [0009]    The mountable exercise bar assembly in this aspect is additionally characterized in that the extension arm further comprises: a first steel tubular extension arm; and a second steel tubular extension arm having a telescoping relationship with the first steel tubular each having a plurality of holes equally spaced apart that align at various extension lengths. 
         [0010]    The mountable exercise bar assembly in this aspect is additionally characterized such that the exercise bar further comprises a handle bar section extending laterally with respect to the extension arm, the handle bar section further having elbow portions proving a partially curved shape, similar in shape to a bicycle handle bar. Outwardly from the handle bar section a first articulating member is coupled to a first end of the handle bar section via a first joint; a second articulating member is coupled to a second end of the handle bar section via a second joint; a left hand bar is slidingly and adjustably connected to the first articulating member as to selectively extend the left hand bar; and a right hand bar is slidingly and adjustably connected to the second articulating member as to selectively extend the right hand bar, the first and second articulating members providing a range of angle adjustment an a top aspect to the exercise bar. 
         [0011]    The mountable exercise bar assembly is additionally characterized as further comprising a stabilizing strap coupled to a lower portion of the base plate and extending entirely around the stationary object. In the preferred embodiment, the stabilizing bar is configured above the stabilizing strap. Further to the base plate the opposing pair of lateral side plates each comprises a tab extending toward one another and contacting each other and wielded together providing additional structural integrity to the base plate. 
         [0012]    The extension arm herein is additionally characterized wherein the extension arm is rotatably coupled to the base plate wherein a horizontal position corresponds to a nine o&#39;clock position and wherein the extension arm further has past horizontal ten and eleven o&#39;clock positions and further the extension arm has before horizontal eight, seven and six o&#39;clock position, the six o&#39;clock being the straight up and down vertical position. Lastly, the pair of opposing lateral sides each comprises a carve out, the carve out providing ascetically pleasing design, the carve out further comprising a scripted source identifier. 
         [0013]    While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC §112, or similar applicable law, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC § 112  are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC §112, or similar applicable law. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a mountable exercise bar assembly; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged view about area  2 - 2  depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is profile view thereof; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the mountable exercise bar assembly taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the first preferred embodiment; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view thereof. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    Initially with regard to  FIG. 1 , a first preferred embodiment of a mountable exercise bar assembly apparatus  10  of the present invention is shown to a substantially stationary object  99 . In the present example, a tree  99  is illustrated, however, the invention is additionally optimally designed to accommodate a pole, a column, a station, a pillar, or the like, whether generally cylindrical, or not, or even rectilinear, as further detailed herein. 
         [0022]    Also as shown with enlarged view,  FIG. 2 , the center piece of the present invention  10  is its baseplate  11 . The baseplate  11  may take many forms however the preferred structure has a substantially flat mating surface  12  for contacting and mating to the stationary object  99 . The flat mating surface  11  could additional be curved even though the stationary object  99  may be curved or cylindrical. Hence, it should be appreciated that mating surface  12  could be manufactured curved. 
         [0023]    With further regard to the baseplate  11  and  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , extending horizontally out from the baseplate  11  mating portion  12  are a pair of parallel opposing lateral side plates  13 ,  14 . For coupling around a stationary object  99 , securing bar  21 ,  22  is provided connected to the baseplate  11  via the opposing pair of lateral side plates  13 ,  14 . Securing bar  21 ,  22  has two parts that have a sliding relationship with forward part  21  that slides into the after part  22  wherein holes  23  are provided on each part  21 ,  22  providing adjustability via a pin  45 . A stabilizing strap is provided below the securing bar  21 ,  22 . Hence, the invention may be characterized as a base plate  11  having a rigid structure  21 ,  22  at an upper portion thereof, at least partially around an upright stationary object and a non-rigid strap at a lower portion thereof around the entirety of the upright stationary object. 
         [0024]    An extension arm  31 ,  32  further connects to the baseplate  11  via the securing bar  21  further wherein the securing bar is a pin fulcrum ( FIG. 4 ) for the extension arm  31 ,  32 . Stated differently, the extension bar  31 ,  32  rotates about the fulcrum provided by securing bar  21  for optimum vertical adjustment of the exercise assembly device  10 . In turn, the baseplate extends horizontally along the first and second lateral side plates  13 ,  14 ; except however, this is rotationally adjustable. Specifically, if the illustrated horizontal position can be termed the nine o&#39;clock position, the invention  10  baseplate  11  lateral side plates  13 ,  14  provide for the extension arm  31 ,  32  to be rotated past horizontal to the ten and eleven o&#39;clock (approximately) positions and before horizontal to the eight, seven and six o&#39;clock positions; the six o&#39;clock being the straight up and down vertical position. 
         [0025]    Still further with regard to  FIG. 1  and close-up  FIG. 2 , an exercise bar  41 ,  43 , in turn, extends substantially laterally from the outwardly extending extension arm  31 ,  32 . The exercise bar  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  48  is for performing a numerous exercises by a user such as pull ups, chin ups, dips, leg lifts as well as a variety of other exercises and stretches. It should be appreciated that the bar  41 ,  43  extends out both lateral sides, or just one; and two base plates  11  could be provided or just one. 
         [0026]    Additionally with regard to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 5 , the extension bar comprises multiple components  41 ,  42   43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  46 ,  47 ,  48  and  49 . Specifically, a handle bar section  41  extends laterally with respect to the extension arm  31   32 . Elbow portions  42  are included to yield a partially curved shape  41 ,  42 , such as similar in shape to a bicycle handle bar. Attached to the handle bar  41 , are additional telescoping hand bar sections  43  and articulating sections  48  on both sides via joints  44 . The structure that provides the articulation  44  is initially formed where cylindrical handle bar  41  tapers to a flat surface  47 . Articulating section  48  in turn has a flat joint section that slides in relation to flat surface  47 . Locking portion  49  has a plurality of pins around and outer periphery thereof locking to selective holes on the respective flat surfaces  47 . 
         [0027]    Further with regard to  FIG. 2 , the extension arm  31 ,  32  more specifically has a first steel tubular extension arm  31  coupled with a second steel tubular extension arm  32  having a telescoping relationship with the first steel tubular extension bar  31 . Also, the second bar  32  is slidingly received by the first bar  31  and secured via various holes equally spaced apart that align at various extension lengths. These holes can be appreciated by viewing the top ( FIG. 5 ) and bottom views ( FIG. 6 ) together. And further, pins  45  are used to lock the receiving relationship in place. This relationship  31 ,  32 , is identical to those of relationships  21 ,  22  and  43 ,  48  ( FIG. 5 ). 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  illustrates a profile view and a cross-sectional view, respectively. Close inspection of the base plate  11  shows the rotational capabilities of the extension arm  31 ,  32  using mating holes  15 ,  33  on the extension arm  31 ,  32  and lateral sides  13 ,  14 . Another unique aspect is a carve out  16  to lateral sides  13 ,  14 . The carve out  16  is ascetically pleasing showing the extension arm  31 ,  32  behind. In a preferred embodiment the carve out  16  is a scripted number seven that may also serve as a logo or an inventor source identifier. 
         [0029]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , a top plan view of the first preferred mountable exercise bar assembly is shown. As stated, the exercise bar  41 , is comprised of multiple components  41 ,  42   43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  46 ,  47 ,  48 ,  49  for length and aspect adjustability. It should be appreciated that a right side has identical components as a left side. Particularly, a first articulating member  48  is coupled to a first end of the handle bar section  41  via a first joint  44  (left side in the top view  FIG. 5 ); and, a second articulating member  48  is coupled to a second end of the handle bar section  41  via a second joint  44  (right side in the top view  FIG. 5 ). Additionally, a left hand bar  43  is slidingly and adjustably connected to the first articulating member  48  as to selectively extend the left hand bar  43 . Similarly, a right hand bar  43  is slidingly and adjustably connected to the second articulating member  48  as to selectively extend the right hand bar  43 . Hand grips  46  covering the left and right hand bars  43  are optionally included. 
         [0030]    Further regarding  FIG. 5  and all the figures, tab  17  is provided to each of the first and second lateral side plates  13 ,  14  on the base plate  11 . The tab  17  is present to allow the lateral side plates  13 ,  14  to be wielded together for improved structural integrity of the base plate  11 . More specifically, each side plate  13 ,  14  has a tab  17  extending toward one another and contacting each other and wielded or joined together. 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  illustrates a bottom view of the first preferred mountable exercise assembly  10 . Importantly, the first and second articulating members  48  providing a range of angle adjustment in a top or bottom aspect to the exercise bar. In a preferred embodiment, the range of angle adjustment is 220 degrees. That is, joint  44  provides 110 degrees of angle adjustment on either side of handle bar  41  axis  51 . 
         [0032]    Additionally with regard to  FIG. 6  and all of the figures, securing bar  21  and  22  is generally rectangular in shape and is located above a stabilizing strap  24 . The securing bar  21 ,  22  wraps at least partially around the stationary object  99 . As stated, the stabilizing strap  24  is coupled to a lower portion of the base plate  11  (mating surface  12 ) and extends entirely around the stationary object  99 . Stabilizing strap  24  may be secured with a buckle, or a feed through ratchet for tightening and may be comprised of nylon or polyester cargo webbing, for example. Dimensions of the device  10  may vary, however, as an example handle bar  41  has a length of 3 feet and stabilizing strap  24  is approximately 5 to 8 feet long and 1.5 to 3 inches wide. It is further important to note, the exercise bar assembly  10  is made up from several appropriately sized components being detachable for assembly and disassembly, and for stowage and transport, such as in a user&#39;s backpack. 
         [0033]    While the particular Mountable Exercise Bar Assembly as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims. 
         [0034]    Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.