Abstract:
A multiple purpose exercise apparatus has a rigid exercise frame, a universal attachment arm, a multi-exercise arm unit, a bench unit, a leg unit, and a leg exercise unit. The exercise apparatus utilizes elastomer bands to provide the resistance necessary to perform the strength training exercises. The exercise frame provides a sturdy base having a plurality of attachment apertures to which the bench and exercise units attach. The attachment apertures allow for small incremental adjustments of the positions of the bench and exercise units to accommodate a wide range of users and exercises. The universal attachment arm releasably and pivotally attaches to the exercise frame and provides for easy attachment of various exercise components. The multi-exercise arm unit attaches to the universal attachment art and allows the user to conveniently perform press-bar or butterfly exercises without having to change exercise components. The bench unit is highly adjustable to accommodate a wide range of users and exercises and attaches to the exercise frame. The leg unit, also highly adjustable, attaches at the front of the exercise frame and is generally used to support the bench unit and the leg exercise unit.

Description:
This application is based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/116,172 filed Jan. 18, 1999 and which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to resistance machines for exercise, more particularly, machines that utilize elastomeric bands. 
     The prior art is replete with examples of exercise machines utilizing various means for presenting the necessary resistance needed to perform strength training exercises. These include free weights, stacked weights, torsion resistance mechanisms, and elastomer bands. 
     Exercise devices utilizing elastomer bands are very popular. Currently, equipment such as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,072,309 to Wilson, is quite popular. One drawback with existing elastomer band equipment is that such equipment utilizes separate press-bar and butterfly units. As a result, it is difficult to quickly change from an exercise which utilizes the press-bar component to an exercise which utilizes butterfly component, a common occurrence during a workout routine. In addition, the press-bar component only provides flexing movement of the bar in a vertical arc. Although this makes the exercise using the press-bar component more similar to free weights, it fails to provide a range of flex in the horizontal plane which would make the exercise more parallel with its free weight counterpart. 
     Additional problems with the prior art involve the instability of the ground support frame and the limited range of adjustments that the bench and leg units are capable of moving through. The instability of the machine leads to unsafe conditions and limits some of the exercises one is capable of performing with it. The lack of adjustments of the bench and leg units present problems in configuring the machine to optimize the chosen exercise and to provide the most comfort to the exerciser. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A multiple purpose exercise apparatus has a rigid exercise frame, a universal attachment arm, a multi-exercise arm unit, a bench unit, a leg unit, and a leg exercise unit. The exercise apparatus utilizes elastomer bands to provide the resistance necessary to perform the strength training exercises. The exercise frame provides a sturdy base having a plurality of attachment apertures to which the bench and exercise units attach. The attachment apertures allow for small incremental adjustments of the positions of the bench and exercise units to accommodate a wide range of users and exercises. The universal attachment arm releasably and pivotally attaches to the exercise frame and provides for easy attachment of various exercise components. The multi-exercise arm unit attaches to the universal attachment art and allows the user to conveniently perform press-bar or butterfly exercises without having to change exercise components. The bench unit is highly adjustable to accommodate a wide range of users and exercises and attaches to the exercise frame. The leg unit, also highly adjustable, attaches at the front of the exercise frame and is generally used to support the bench unit and the leg exercise unit. The leg exercise unit is designed to accommodate a wide range of users and may be used for various leg exercises. 
     A feature and advantage of an embodiment of the invention is that the exercise frame provides a very sturdy base which is not susceptible to tipping over backwards. 
     Another feature and advantage of an embodiment of the invention is that redundant elements of exercise components are eliminated. 
     Another feature and advantage of an embodiment of the invention is that attachment of various exercise components is made easier allowing the user to quickly move from one exercise to another when a change of the exercise component being used is required. 
     Another feature and advantage of an embodiment of the invention is that the user can move from an exercise utilizing a press-bar to an exercise utilizing a butterfly motion without changing the exercise component. 
     Another feature and advantage of an embodiment of the invention is that the press-bar configuration has a more free weight-like feel due to the bar&#39;s ability to swing in both the vertical and horizontal planes. 
     Another feature and advantage of an embodiment of the invention it that the user can comfortably move into a bench press position that will work a more full range of motion. 
     Another feature and advantage of an embodiment of the invention is that it can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of users and exercises. 
     Another feature and advantage of an embodiment of the invention is that the leg unit is highly adjustable thereby providing comfort to a wide range of users. 
     Another feature and advantage of an embodiment of the invention is that the leg pads of the leg unit can be easily removed and replace allowing for further adjustment of the leg unit. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exercise frame, support post, and platform according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the multi-exercise component attached to the exercise frame. 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view in partial cross section of the attachment arm attached to the exercise frame according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 5 a  is a side plan view of the attachment arm depicting its ability to rotate about a horizontal axis. 
     FIG. 5 b  is a top plan view of the attachment arm depicting its ability to pivot about a vertical axis according to an embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An exercise apparatus generally designated as  10  is shown in FIG.  1 . Apparatus  10  comprises exercise frame  12 , bench unit  14 , leg unit  16 , universal attachment arm  18 , leg exercise unit  20 , and an arm exercise component  22 . Exercise apparatus  10  utilizes elastomer bands  24  to provide the desired resistance force which may be supplemented by additional weights. Elastomer bands  24  are commonly known and used in the industry and therefore will not be discussed in detail. 
     In one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, exercise frame  12  generally comprises channel member  26 , transverse stabilizer bar  28 , and heal support  30 . Channel member  26 , preferably constructed of steel, comprises vertical channel portion  32 , horizontal channel portion  34 , and attachment apertures  36 . Vertical channel portion  32  resists twisting by incorporating a narrow channel portion  38  and wide channel portion  40  with a chamfered portion  42  connecting them. Vertical channel portion  32  has a plurality of attachment apertures  36  used to connect bench unit  14  and universal attachment arm  18 , and to further provide support for band support pins  44  and to adjust the tension of elastomer bands  24 . Apertures  36  on vertical channel portion  32  are preferably aligned in front and rear vertical columns  46  and  48 , respectively. 
     Horizontal channel portion  34  is preferably integral with vertical channel  32  and contains attachment apertures  36  which are positioned to facilitate the attachment of: heal support  30  at the rear  50  of horizontal channel portion  34 ; transverse stabilizer bar  28  at the front  52  of horizontal channel portion; the optional transverse stabilizer wings  54 ; bench unit  14  and leg unit  16 . Additional apertures  36  are provided to accommodate various positions of bench unit  14  and leg unit  16 . Shoulder portions  56  are positioned at the top edge and toward the front  52  of horizontal channel portion  34  to further accommodate in the positioning of leg unit  16 . Generally, the attachment of the various exercise components is accomplished using nuts and bolts, pins, or any other suitable fastening technique. Transverse stabilizer wings  54  provide additional support to prevent frame  12  from tipping. Each stabilizer wing  54  has a horizontal planar member  58  which contacts the flow and a wing connecting portion  60  which attaches to horizontal channel portion  34 . 
     A second embodiment of exercise frame  12  is shown in FIG.  2 . In this embodiment, horizontal channel portion  34  is replaced with horizontal bar  62  comprised of square tubing which has a curved portion at its read in which the bottom end of vertical channel portion  32  is inserted. Bench connecting portion  64  consisting of a channel portion  66  having aligned attachment apertures  36  for attaching bench unit  14  to frame  12  is located on the top of horizontal bar  62  near the rear. Heal support  30  and transverse stabilizing bar  58  are used to prevent frame  12  from tipping. Leg unit  16  can be attached to horizontal bar  62  at its front end using pins  68 . One pin  68  is inserted through one of the tubes  70  welded to the top of horizontal bar  62 . A second pin  68  is inserted in one of the provided apertures  36  so that leg unit  16  is positioned at the desired angle. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1,  2 , and  3 , leg unit  16 , including a forward upright support post  71 , provides support for bench unit  14  and leg exercise unit  20  and generally comprises lower channel member  72  and upper channel member  74 . Lower channel member  72  attaches to horizontal channel portion  34  and supports upper channel member  74  and resistance member  76 . Apertures  36  and pins  68  are used to secure upper channel member  74  and to rotatably attach resistance member  76  to lower channel member  72 . Lower channel member  72  connects to horizontal channel portion  34  with a pins  68  and a band support pin  44 . Upper channel member, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 supports bench unit  14  and leg exercise unit  20  and has connecting portion  78  consisting of a more narrow channel portion relative to lower channel member  72  which can be inserted within lower channel member  72 . Upper channel member  74  utilizes apertures  36  to facilitate securing connecting portion  78  within lower channel member  72 , and attaching bench unit  14  and padded leg support  80 . 
     Cord guide  82 , used to guide cord  84  used with leg exercise unit  20 , is secured above connecting portion  78  and within upper channel member  74 . Preferably, cord guide  82  is rotating grooved disk. Opening  86 , located on the front side of upper channel member  74 , allows cord  84  to access cord guide  82 . Padded leg support  80  generally comprises a bar portion  88  which, is inserted through apertures  36  of upper channel member  74  and cylindrical pads  90  which attach at the ends of the bar portion and secure it in place. Padded leg support  80  is used to support the knee area of the user&#39;s legs while using the leg exercise unit. Connecting ring  92  located at the top of upper channel member  74  is used to pivotally attach leg exercise unit  20 . 
     Resistance member  76  comprises lever arm  94  having a connector end  96  and a band end  98 , cord connector  100 , band support pin  44 , and rubber stoppers  102 . Connector end  96  utilizes an aperture  36  to rotatably connect to lower channel member  72  as discussed above. Lever arm  94  extends between connector end  96  and band end  98 . Band support pin  44  extends through band end  98  and is used to support one end of elastomer band  14 . Rubber stoppers  102  connect around band support pin  44  and restrict the downward movement of resistance member  76  to the top of horizontal channel portion  34 . Cord connector  100 , depicted as a vertically oriented hoop, is used to attached cord  84  of leg exercise unit  20  to resistance member  76 . To create the desired resistance, elastomer bands  24  are attached to the band support pins  44  of resistance member  76  and lower channel member  72 . Further adjustment of the resistance and the range of leg exercise unit  20  can be accomplished by adjusting the position of connector end  96  on lower channel member  72 . 
     One embodiment of lower channel member  72 , shown in FIG. 1, connects within horizontal channel portion  34  using pin  68  and band support pin  44 . Pin  68  is inserted through aperture  36  of horizontal channel portion  34  and corresponding aperture  36  of lower channel member  72  thereby rotatably connecting lower channel member  72  to horizontal channel portion  34 . Band support pin  44  is inserted through an aperture  36  of lower channel member and rests within the desired shoulder portion  56  of horizontal channel portion  34  to fix the position of lower channel member  72 . The angle and position of lower channel member  72  can be adjusted according the user&#39;s desires through selection of the appropriate apertures  36 . 
     FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of lower channel member  72  which corresponds with the second embodiment of frame  12 . In this embodiment lower channel member  72  utilizes link connector  104  to attach lower channel member  72  to horizontal bar  62 . Link connector  104  has an upper aperture  106  positioned above an oval aperture  108 . Pins  68  are inserted through upper aperture  106  and oval aperture  108  and through the corresponding apertures  36  of horizontal bar  62  to attached lower channel member  72  in the desired position. 
     Bench unit  14  is shown in FIG. 1 in its traditional horizontal position, but may be adjusted from a 30° decline to a 45° incline. Bench  100  comprises rigid planar support member  110  having a cushioned surface  112 , rear connecting bar  114 , and front connecting bar  116 . Rear connecting bar  114  has apertures  36  which correspond with apertures  36  of vertical channel portion  32  to facilitate connecting of bench  100  to frame  12 . Rear connecting bar  114  pivotally and removably connects within vertical channel portion  32  at either front vertical column  46  or rear vertical column  48  of apertures  36 , or at the rear of horizontal channel portion  34  using connecting pin  68 . Front connecting bar  116  has apertures  36  which can be aligned with an aperture  36  of upper channel member  74  or lower channel member  72  depending on the position of bench  100  the user desires. 
     Leg exercise unit  20 , shown in FIG. 1, comprises: leg extension bar  118 ; leg curl bar  120  having two aligned apertures  36 ; elbow connector portion  122  having aligned apertures  36 ; elbow connector portion  122  having aligned apertures  36 ; telescoping bar  124 ; cord connector  126 ; and padded bars  128 . Leg extension bar  118  and leg curl bar  120  attached to elbow connector portion  122  and are perpendicular to each other. Elbow connector portion  122  pivotally attaches to connector ring  29  by way of inserting a bolt through apertures  36  of elbow connector portion  122  and securing it with a nut. Alternative methods for attaching elbow connector portion  122  to ring connector  92  are available such as a pin or other suitable connector having a shaft about which elbow connector portion  122  may rotate. Telescoping bar  124  is partially contained within leg curl bar  120  and has two aligned apertures (not shown) that correspond with the aligned apertures  36  of leg curl bar  120  allow for locking pin  130  to be inserted through leg curl bar  120  and telescoping bar  124  to prevent the further extension of telescoping bar  124 . Padded bars  128  attach at the ends of telescoping bar  124  and leg extension bar  118  and have detachable cylindrical pads  90  which provide a comfortable surface for the user&#39;s legs to contact while performing the leg exercise. Cord  84  attaches to leg extension bar  118  with cord connector  126 . After properly arranging bench  100  and attaching cord  84  for using leg exercise unit  20 , the user must attach one or several elastomer bands  16  between the band support pins of resistance member  76  and lower channel member  72  to get the desired resistance for the exercise. 
     Leg exercise unit  20  can be adjusted so that almost any user can use the unit comfortably. Bench  100  and padded leg support  80  can be raised or lowered at upper channel member  74  to adjust for the length of the user&#39;s leg for conducting a leg extension exercise. Adjustments can also be made to the amount telescoping bar  124  extends to accommodate a variety of users for conducting a leg curl exercise. 
     Multi-exercise unit  22 , shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, provides the user with the option of configuring it to be used as a press-bar or a butterfly apparatus. Multi-exercise unit  22  generally comprises: universal connector portion  134 ; support channel  136 ; push bars  138 ; band support pins  44 ; locking pins  140 ; and handles  142 . Universal connector portion  134  is configured to attach universal attachment arm  18  to facilitate connecting multi-exercise unit  22  to vertical channel portion  32  of frame  12 . Universal connector portion  134  is generally a square tube which connects to and extends from the middle of support channel  136 . Universal connector portion  134  has receiving end  144  for receiving and connecting to universal attachment arm  18 . Vertical side walls  146  and base  148  form support channel  136  which contains rotatable ends  149  of push bars  138 . Shafts  150  extend through aligned apertures  36  of side walls  146  and bores  152  (not shown) of rotatable ends  149  to rotatably attach push bars  138  to support channel  136 . When inserted properly, locking pins  140  extend through additional aligned apertures  36  of side walls  146  and through corresponding aligned apertures  36  (not shown) of push bars  138 . 
     With locking pins  140  inserted, push bars  138  are locked in the horizontal position shown in FIG.  1  and operate as a press-bar and can be used for performing various exercise such as, the bench press, the overhead press, and many other exercises which generally require a fixed bar. In addition, a bar may be inserted through handles  142  to allow the user to perform exercises which require the hands to be in close proximity to each other. When push bars  138  are not locked with locking pins  140 , multi-exercise unit  22  operates as a butterfly apparatus allowing push bars  138  to rotate in a vertical plane about shafts  150  thereby allowing the user to perform various exercises requiring the butterfly motion. 
     Band support pins  44  are positioned along the length of push bars  138  and adjacent the ends of wing support channel near base  148 . The user can adjust the resistance to the butterfly motion by positioning elastomer bands  24  around these band support pins  44 . Resistance for using multi-exercise unit  22  in its press-bar configuration is accomplished by connecting elastomer bands  24  to band support pins  44  of universal attachment arm  18 . 
     Universal attachment arm  18  is envisioned to be compatible with many exercise units, such as arm exercise unit  22  as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, to eliminate redundant components, to reduce the weight of exercise components, and to make the setting up of exercise apparatus  10  easier. In addition, universal attachment arm  18  provides a range of motion that provides a more natural lifting experience. Universal attachment arm  18  comprises lever bar  154  having component connecting end  156  and coupling end  158 , pivotable coupling  160 , and band support  162  as shown in FIGS. 4,  5   a , and  5   b . Component connecting end  156  of lever bar  154  can be attached to a compatible exercise component by inserting it into the corresponding receiving end of the component. A pin is used to secure the connection. Band support  162  is connected to lever bar  154  and comprises band support pin  44  for holding an end of an elastomer band  14  and rubber stoppers  102  which protect frame  12  and restrict the movement of lever bar  154 . An additional band support pin  44  (not shown) must be inserted through aligned apertures  36  of vertical channel portion  32  to attached elastomer bands  24  so that the desired resistance to vertical motion can be applied to lever bar  154 . 
     Pivotable coupling  160  attaches to coupling end  156  of lever bar  154  and generally comprises bubble shaft  164  and socket portion  166 . Bubble shaft  164  is contained within socket portion  166 . The exterior surface  168  of bubble shaft  164  conforms with and slideably engages interior surface  170  of socket portion  166 . Bubble shaft  164  and socket portion  166  are inserted within vertical channel portion  32  and aligned with corresponding apertures  36  of rear vertical column  48  of frame  12  to allow pin  68  to be inserted through shaft  164  to secure pivotable coupling to frame  12  as shown in FIG.  4 . It is envisioned that exterior surface  168  of bubble shaft  164  and interior surface  170  of socket portion  166  are coated with a non-stick material to reduce friction between the surfaces. It is further envisioned that pivotable coupling  160  could be formed from as a ball and socket coupling to provide an even greater range of motion. 
     Generally, it is desirable for universal attachment arm  18  to be allowed to pivot, swing, or rotate about pivotable coupling  160  when using an exercise component as a press-bar. However, there are times when it is desirable that universal attachment arm  18  remain in a fixed position. This is accomplished by inserting locking pin  172  through aperture  36  of lever bar  154  and aligned apertures  36  of front vertical column  46  of frame  12 . This is the desired arrangement when arm exercise unit  22  is configured for a butterfly motion. 
     FIGS. 3,  5   a  and  5   b  depict the planes within which universal attachment arm  18  may pivot, swing, and rotate when locking pin  172  is not inserted. FIG. 3 shows how universal attachment arm  18  may swing about the axis of lever bar  154 . FIG. 5 a  shows how, in one configuration, universal attachment arm  18  may rotate about the horizontal axis aligned with bubble shaft  164 . FIG. 5 b  shows how universal attachment arm  18  may swing about a vertical axis aligned with the center of the bubble portion of bubble shaft  164  or socket portion  166 . 
     To accommodate for other types of exercises where it is desirable to have bench unit  14  removed and a flat horizontal surface, platform  174 , depicted in FIG. 2, may be used. Platform  174  generally comprises legs  176  and rigid planar base  178 . Legs  176  are designed to maintain base  178  above horizontal channel portion  34 , but it may use horizontal channel portion  34  as additional support for base  178 . Base  178  connects to each leg  176  and may be made from steel, plastic, or other sufficiently stiff material. 
     Various configurations of exercise apparatus  10  along with example of exercises that can be performed on exercise apparatus  10  are shown in the attached Appendix. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.