Patent Publication Number: US-2020298050-A1

Title: Fitness apparatus

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a fitness apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus that helps to perform various exercises such as yoga, stretching, bodybuilding, and therapeutic exercises. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Health is very important in everyone&#39;s life. In today&#39;s world, most people need to sit in front of a desktop to earn for their family but sitting in the same posture for long hours adversely affects the health of individuals. The most affected body parts include the spine and the eyes due to the body posture and illumination from the desktop&#39;s screen. Regular fitness exercises are advised by the healthcare professional to limit the adverse effects of long working hours on health. Generally, fitness exercises require specialized equipment and supervision. Unfortunately, not everyone lives near a fitness center. Because of the unavailability of nearby fitness centers, the individuals may become reluctant to stick with their daily workouts. 
     Moreover, during epidemics, healthcare emergencies, and like, public places including fitness clubs are generally closed. For example, the pandemic due to COVID-19 resulted in lockdown in various parts of the United States. Public places like health clubs have to be closed. Moreover, the workers were advised to work from their homes. Long working hours and lack of proper exercises at home, adversely affected the health of the workers. 
     To overcome the problem of not having nearby fitness centers, various exercise equipment has been developed that can be used at home. However, there is a need for effective equipment that can help in performing yoga-based exercises at home. U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,306A discloses an apparatus for stretching tendons, muscles, and associated soft tissues of human joints. The apparatus includes a generality planar frame having two sides, two ends, a lower surface adapted to be supported by a ground support surface and an upper surface. Elongated upright support has a first end which is secured to the frame so that the second end of the upright support extends generally vertically upwardly from the frame. At least one pulley is secured adjacent the upper end of the upright support. Thereafter, an elongated cord has one end adapted to be secured to the limb of a human user and this cord extends through the pulley. The human user, by pulling on the cord, stretches the limb of the human user in the desired fashion. By attaching the cord to different limbs and assuming different positions, the human user can stretch his or her tendons, muscles, and associated soft tissues of numerous joints and numerous stretching positions. The above apparatus only allows a user to perform a limited number of yoga postures. Moreover, yoga postures related to gravity cannot be practiced. The apparatus is cumbersome and restricts the range of motions. 
     Another U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,974B1 discloses a stretching device for stretching and strengthening the muscles of the lower back and legs of the user. The stretching device generally includes an attachment bracket, pull cord, and pulley. The attachment bracket attaches to the top of a door frame and the pull cord and pulley are attached to the attachment bracket. The pull cord engages the pulley so that a sling is formed on one side of the pulley. A user inserts their leg into the sling and raises and lowers the sling causing muscles in the legs and back to stretch. Several stretching routines are possible which isolate and target certain muscle groups. However, the above device only helps in stretching exercises. Moreover, limited space is available for exercise because the device needs to be tied to a door frame. The device cannot be used in an open space like a beach or park. Also, the device cannot be used for practicing bodybuilding and therapeutic exercises. 
     Further, EP2181734B1 discloses trapeze exercise apparatus that provides the user with almost limitless opportunities to customize the apparatus to their exercise needs by varying the bar height, the number of bars, or even removing the bar altogether, depending upon such factors as the user&#39;s height and the area of the body the user desires to exercise. It also provides the user with the ability to perform a wide variety of exercises using a single piece of equipment. In some embodiments, the disclosed exercise apparatus includes a suspended bar at a user-configurable height, wherein the suspended bar is prevented from rotation about its longitudinal axis. The disclosed exercise apparatus includes a rotation mechanism by which the apparatus can be rotated about a vertical axis or about an axis of the apparatus so that the exercise apparatus may be used to perform exercises that involve twisting or turning. The above apparatus provides ropes tied to a bar for performing the various stretching exercise, however, the apparatus cannot be used in any open space as the bar needs to be attached to the roof. 
     Thus, the fitness apparatuses disclosed in the prior art have one or more disadvantages, which limit their commercialization and popularity among exercisers. A long-term need is appreciated for an apparatus that can aid an exerciser to practice different yoga postures. There is a need for an apparatus that can help the exerciser in doing a range of yoga postures and stretching exercises in an open space without the danger of getting hurt by flipping or being limited within certain motions due to the physical limitations posed the apparatus&#39; design. Therefore, the apparatus should be safe to use and also facilitate an individual to learn advanced stages of yoga exercises. Moreover, the apparatus should allow individuals to perform exercises at home during epidemic situations. 
     The phrase “yogasizr ropes” hereinafter refers to a static climbing rope and more particularly to a 9 mm static climbing rope. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The above shortcomings of the prior art are addressed by the present invention which is directed to an exercise apparatus that provides support in performing various exercises including yoga, stretching, bodybuilding, and therapeutic exercises. 
     It is another object of the present invention that the exercising apparatus provides for the increased fitness level of a user by stretching and strengthening different parts of the body at the same time. 
     It is still another object of the present invention that the exercising apparatus provides for an enhancement of the workout by accomplishing more in less time, thus improving the productivity of the workout. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention that the portable exercising apparatus is easy to carry and set up at any open location, like a park, beach, yoga studio, or in one&#39;s own yard or house. 
     It is a further object of the present invention that the exercising apparatus is economical to manufacture, low in maintenance, have high durability and safer to use. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention that the exercising apparatus provides for maintaining health fitness and avoiding health issues like stiffness, decreased range of motion, sore back and other issues that may result from poor circulation, lack of stretching and various detrimental or insufficient yoga type practices. 
     In one aspect, the present invention discloses an apparatus, used to perform various exercises without the danger of being hurt by losing balance while performing the exercises as the invention provides a safety feature to protect the exerciser from injury. 
     In one aspect, the present invention discloses an apparatus comprising at least three poles forming a supporting structure of the apparatus, a crossbar mounted on a first side of the poles for attaching the poles at one point from first side, at least two pulleys attached to the crossbar for rotating on its own axis, at least two yogasizr ropes mounted on the pulleys for performing exercise by a user, safety locks enclosing the yogasizr ropes to protect the user from getting hurt due to flipping while performing the yoga, number of foot-handle assembly attached to the first and second part of the yogasizr ropes for moving the yogasizr ropes according to requirement and a belt interconnected between a third part of the yogasizr ropes for supporting abdomen of the user. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic view of the fitness apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. 
     In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms “comprising,” “comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with “including,” “having” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases “consisting essentially of,” consists essentially of,” and the like or the respective closed phrases “consisting of,” “consists of, the like. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only. 
     The present invention is directed to an apparatus for doing multiple exercises by stretching and twisting the body parts in various directions without facing much difficulty. The invention makes the exercises easy by supporting various body parts, which increases the number of repetitions of the exercise. The invention makes the exercise interesting and exciting to encourage the user for performing the exercise. People may get bored or discouraged from a limited exercise practices and habits, so the invention encourages the users by providing a variety of ways to exercise the body, mind and spirit. A generally accepted outcome of yoga practice is an improved mood and disposition by helping to remove mental and physical stressors and anxiety through abdominal breathing while stretching and working into and through various postures and asanas. In this way positive chemicals and hormones like serotonin are released into the body. The positive hormones are self-reinforcing that helps to bring out positive behaviour of the user. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , illustrates schematic view of the fitness apparatus  100 , wherein the apparatus comprises, at least three poles  101  installed in the apparatus  100 . The poles  101  are basically metal poles  101  which are used to form tripod structure to support the apparatus  100 . The poles  101  are placed at equal distance to each other. The angle of each pole  101  is also equal. 
     The poles  101  may be used to form various postures by holding them. The postures includes shoulder stretching, leg holding, dancer pose etc. A cap  110  covers the top side of the poles  101  to strongly hold the poles  101  from the top side, wherein the cap is preferably a metal plate. The pole holders  112  are attached at the bottom side of the poles  101  for holding the poles  101  in one position. Feet  113  are attached to the pole holders  112  for providing balance to the poles  101 . The feet  113  consist of a hole to secure it to the ground by using a bolt. Weight lifting plates may also be used to fix the feet  113  with the ground. In this case around fifty pound is needed for securing the back-side pole and two plates of around twenty five pound are needed to secure the front poles. A sixty-pound sand bag may also be used for securing the back side pole in a cost effective manner. If the apparatus is installed on a beach than a rebar stake may also be used to secure the feet to the ground. 
     A rubber band is inserted through another hole in the feet  113  that goes around the bottom perimeter of the tripod. This increases the variety of exercises as the user may pull up on the elastic band. The band may also be used to lift the leg against its resistance to strengthen the legs and hips. The elastic band on the base may use to pull on for assisted stretches as well as for resistance in different positions. 
     The crossbar  102  is mounted on a top side of the poles  101  to attach the poles  101  from the first side. The top sides of the poles  101  are join at a point by the crossbar  102 . The crossbar  102  is basically rectangular cube shape. To attach the crossbar  102  with the poles  101 , the cap  110  is positioned between crossbars  102  and poles  101 , wherein numbers of bolts  115  are used to attach the crossbar  102  with the cap  110 . 
     At least two pulleys  103  are attached to the crossbar  102 . The pulleys  103  rotate in first and second direction. The first and second direction is basically the forward and backward direction. The pulleys  103  are connected with the crossbar  102  with the help of hooks  107  in such a way that the hooks  107  penetrate the pulleys  103  from the center. There are two extra hooks attached to the crossbar  102  for providing support to the poles  101  by holding the poles  101  through yogasizr ropes  109 . Two triangle hooks  108  are attached at both the ends of the crossbar  102  for connecting the pulleys  103  in wider area for performing different exercise. 
     The yogasizr ropes  104  are mounted on the pulleys  103  in such a way that the yogasizr ropes  104  overlap the pulleys  103 . The yogasizr ropes  104  are for performing the exercises. The fabric used to make the yogasizr ropes  104  is polyester and thickness of the yogasizr ropes is preferably 9 mm which makes the yogasizr ropes  104  stronger enough to carry heavy weight without getting torn. 
     The yogasizr ropes  104  further comprises of safety locks  114 . The safety locks  114  enclose the ropes and can be moved on the yogasizr ropes to change the position as per requirement. The safety locks  114  are to protect the user from getting hurt by flipping while performing the yoga by using the apparatus. 
     Numbers of foot-handle assembly  105  are attached to a first and second part of the yogasizr ropes  104 . The first and second part is basically the top and middle part of the yogasizr ropes  104 . The foot-handle assembly  105  helps the user in holding the yogasizr ropes  104  easily as it provide better griping area so that the user does not feel difficulty in doing exercise by holding the yogasizr ropes  104 . Two wrist holders  111  are attached to the middle part of said yogasizr ropes to help the user in performing the yoga. 
     After inserting hands in the foot-handle assembly  105  associated on the top of the yogasizr ropes  104  and foots on the foot-handle assembly  105  at the middle of the yogasizr ropes  104 , the user may perform various exercise like stretching the body, push-ups, pull-ups etc. When the user pull his/her hand after holding the foot-handle assembly  105  with the legs inserted in the foot-handle assembly  105  on middle part than the legs are pulled in the air and when the pressure is generated by the legs than the hands are pulled in the air. 
     A belt  106  is interconnected between a third part of the yogasizr ropes  104 . The third part of the yogasizr ropes  104  is the bottom part. The belt  106  connects the bottom of the yogasizr ropes  104 . The belt  106  is to help the user to do the exercise by supporting the abdomen of the user. 
     To perform push-ups by using the apparatus  100 , the user needs to lie down on the belt  106  and hold the foot-handle assembly  105 . After coming in this position, when the user apply pressure downward from hands than the belt  106  pulls the user&#39;s body upward and on releasing the pressure, the hands comes back in upward position and the body comes back in downward position. 
     If the user needs to stretch his leg, then the user has to put his feet on the feet-handle assembly and hand on another feet-handle assembly. After coming in this position, the user needs to push his hand downward, due to the downward movement of hand, the yogasizr rope pulls the leg upward. 
     Similarly, other exercises may perform on the apparatus by changing the position and holding foot-handle assembly  105  placed on different parts of the yogasizr ropes  104 . For example, if the prusik cord handle assembly, that is used to slide the handle up and down the rope for various positions of adjustment, is attached to the inversion hooks hanging from the crossbar (see  FIG. 109 ), then the user can wrap the ‘abdomen belt’ under the lower back and when he/she goes upside down the legs wrap in front of the ropes, securing the pose 
     According to another embodiment, elastic bands may attach to the cap  110  to perform the exercise by pulling down the elastic bands. The user may attain important movement patterns to stretch and strengthen the arms, shoulders, chest and core. 
     The user does not need to face much difficulty while doing various yoga or aerobic exercises as the invention provides a support to perform the exercise without the risk of being injured. However, one may increase the difficulty or the resistance of various poses by changing the angle of lean (for example doing pushups) or even doing various poses in space like “Leonardo” (stretches the whole body) and increasing the challenge by doing pull-ups in the “Leonardo” position for example. Many other poses could be illustrated similarly. Thus, the physical challenge a practitioner wants can be easily accommodated with the synergistic effect of the ropes, pulleys and tripod. Many other poses could be illustrated similarly. Thus, the physical challenge a practitioner wants can be easily accommodated with the synergistic effect of the ropes, pulleys and tripod. Moreover the user does not need to spend money to buy different machines to do various exercise as the invention provides a single platform to do the same. 
     Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention.