Patent Publication Number: US-2006019806-A1

Title: Portable excercise assembly

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      This is a continuation-in-part application of presently pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/477,951 filed on Jan. 5, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to a portable exercise assembly comprising a base and/or mounting assembly each structured to be selectively oriented in either an operative position or a collapsed position and made from a strong light weight material which, when in their collapsed position, are capable of being easily hand carried from location to location and when in their operative position are structured, in cooperation with a plurality of associated operative components, to allow a user to perform a full range of exercises involving substantially all of the major muscle groups. A resistance assembly is provided to offer sufficient resistance to satisfy both the more dedicated, as well as the more casual exercise or work-out enthusiast.  
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART  
      In recent years there has been an ever increasing tendency for the general population to follow a healthier life style. Such an improved life style frequently incorporates a somewhat restricted low fat diet in addition to an increased amount of physical activity, in the form of exercise. Typically, an exercise regiment followed by most individuals seriously concerned with the improvement of their overall well-being and body fitness, comprises cardiovascular type exercises as well as exercises directed to the development of specific muscle groups. In the latter category, there has been a proliferation of a variety of different types of exercise devices and/or apparatus, which facilitate the performance of a specific exercise, dependent on which portion of the body or which specific muscle group a person wishes to exercise and/or develop.  
      Known exercise devices of the type set forth above typically include one or more resistance elements, such as but not limited to springs, flexible material bows, weights, etc. which are connected to a plurality of attachment members and/or platforms removably securable to certain portions of a person&#39;s body. Such known structures thereby allow the performance of one or more exercises in a manner which hopefully will provide the most benefit to the muscle grouping being exercised. In addition, as part of certain known or conventional exercise assemblies, the utilization of substantially large and somewhat fixed apparatus are sometimes required. Generally, such apparatus includes some type of support platform on which a user is positioned. The support platform is then oriented at a preferred angular orientation relative to a floor, ground or other support surface. The platform thereby supports and serves to orient a portion of the user&#39;s body in a position which facilitates movement of the user&#39;s body or a particular muscle group in an intended position to best accomplish the desired exercise.  
      While platforms and their associated support frames of the type set forth above are used in a variety of different exercise assemblies, for the performance of certain specified exercises, there are generally recognized disadvantages associated with such apparatus. Such disadvantages are typically associated with, but are not necessarily limited to size, weight, and to a certain extent, instability. Instability is a recognized disadvantage or even possible danger, particularly with exercise apparatus which supports the body engaging platform in a raised location above the ground, floor or other support surface on which such apparatus is normally positioned.  
      The recognized disadvantages associated with size and weight result in the inability of those utilizing such exercise equipment to travel with or easily re-locate a preferred exercise apparatus. This problem is particularly understood by “body builders” or those individuals who train and/or exercise on a regular or strictly scheduled basis. By way of example, one often finds that in a motel or hotel, there is no spa or gymnasium facility available. On the other hand, when such physical exercise facilities are available, they are frequently operated only during somewhat limited hours of use, which prevents utilization of such facilities, except during conventional hours. Such conventional periods of usage is often inconvenient for those traveling on business, since business hours are usually spent away from the hotel and the affiliated gymnasium or exercise equipment. In addition, to the above, it is not uncommon for a “body builder” to prefer to workout in a certain amount of privacy or isolation, which is difficult, if not impossible, when using a public or semi-public facility, such as a gymnasium, hotel spa, etc.  
      Those associated with the design and manufacture of exercise equipment have recognized many of the types of disadvantages associated with the size and weight of existing equipment. As a result, most sporting goods stores offer a relatively large choice of “body toners” and other exercise devices, which are portable, but which may be somewhat limited in the types of exercise and amount of resistance available while utilizing such equipment. For example, one device may allow for the performance of certain upper body exercises but be devoid of any type of equipment which will allow the performance of meaningful lower body exercises. A body builder or other individual seriously interested in the development of the overall body, rather than being content with the development of a certain specific muscle group, must acquire one machine for a specific exercise or group of exercises and another machine for other exercises. In addition, known portable machines, will usually be very limited in the amount of resistance available to the body builder when performing his exercise. This of course is important due to the fact that a relatively significant amount of resistance is usually required by an individual having the various muscle groups being highly developed.  
      Accordingly, there is a need. for exercise equipment which is sufficiently lightweight and compact to be portable and therefore be easily carried by a user between different locations. Such a preferred exercise assembly should also be designed to facilitate positioning and set-up, at either the home or place of business and also be of sufficiently small size, when hand carried to an airport, to be acceptable as “free allowed check in baggage”. In addition, such improved exercise equipment or apparatus should be specifically structured to have sufficient versatility to perform substantially all of the basic and most important exercises for body builders or the more conscientious exercise enthusiast. Such basic exercises may include, but are not necessarily limited to, leg presses, leg extensions, alternate leg curls, bench press/dips, pull-ups, military press, rowing movement, arm curls, triceps extensions, alternate hamstring flexes, sit-ups, etc. Also a major importance in such an improved exercise assembly is the providing of a sufficient amount of resistance, through both the utilization and placement of a plurality of resistance members, to offer sufficient resistance to the more sophisticated exercise enthusiast to satisfy the requirements for sufficient and continued development of the various muscle groups of the body. Accordingly, an improved exercise assembly of the type referred to herein should have a resistance range from substantially ten pound (10 lb.) to in excess of approximately one hundred fifty pounds (150 lb.) and further should be structured to allow the incremental variance in change in at least ten pound (10 lb.) increments. Finally, such an improved exercise assembly should operate on a smooth, almost effortless basis, and accurately direct the resulting resistance or stress only to the intended muscle groupings.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention is directed towards a portable, light weight exercise assembly designed to facilitate the performance of a full range of body exercises in order to provide the desired exercise and resistance or stress to substantially all the major muscle groups of the body. In addition, the exercise assembly of the present invention and its associated components, offer sufficient resistance, when performing the above noted exercises, to satisfy the more sophisticated or dedicated exercise enthusiast, as well as the more casual user of exercise equipment.  
      More specifically, the portable exercise assembly of the present invention includes a base comprising a plurality of base segments selectively disposable relative to one another into either an operative position or a stored, collapsed position. In a first embodiment, the plurality of base segments comprise two base segments, each having an elongated configuration, wherein the operative position of the base is defined by the two base segments disposed in an end to end orientation. The aforementioned stored position is defined by the two base segments disposed in a collectively folded, overlying and substantially parallel relation to one another. The two base segments are disposable in either of the above noted positions due to the fact that correspondingly positioned ends thereof are hingedly or otherwise movably interconnected, so as to allow the selective orientation of the two base segments between the operative and stored positions.  
      The base of this first embodiment comprises a track assembly extending along at least a majority of the length thereof and being defined by each of said two base segments including two spaced apart beams, disposed in parallel relation to one another, and being separated along their respective length, by a channel. When the two base segments are disposed in the operative position, the channel and two beams of each base segment are disposed in an aligned, substantially parallel orientation relative to one another.  
      The base further comprises a first platform removably secured at any one of a plurality of positions along the length of the base, when in its operative position. The first platform is disposed and structured to engage and support different portions of the user&#39;s body, depending upon the particular exercise being performed. To this end, the first platform is preferably of sufficient length and width to provide adequate support and stability to various frontal and rear portions of the user&#39;s body, when performing the various exercises. An under-portion of the first platform is cooperatively structured with the aforementioned track assembly, such that the first platform can be removably secured to an outer exposed surface of the base, when in its operative position, and along the length thereof.  
      A trolley, may used as an optional component and is removably secured to the base and cooperatively structured with the track assembly so as to be slidable or otherwise movable along the length thereof. When the trolley is used, it is structured to supportingly engage, as well as possibly supply resistance to, the feet and/or lower legs of the user during the performance of certain exercises.  
      As an alternative embodiment to the trolley, the exercise assembly of the present invention includes an elongated bar, which may be removably connected to one or more of a plurality of elastic resistance elements. The elongated bar may further include two spaced apart foot cushions each associated with a foot restraining strap. The feet of the user pass between the strap and the respective foot cushion, such that the bottom of the foot engages the foot cushion for purposes of comfort when the feet apply resistance against the bar and the upper or top portion of the foot engages the under portion of the restraining straps.  
      Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a base formed from a plurality of elongated segments removably attached to one another in an end-to-end relation, wherein each of the segments comprise a true linear configuration. More specifically, each of the elongated linear segments of this embodiment of the exercise assembly of the present invention is preferably formed from a high strength, relatively light weight material having a tubular construction. By way of example, each of the base segments could be formed of a metallic material tubing, having a square or multi-sided, cross-sectional configuration, which defines the aforementioned tubular construction. The base, when in its operative position defined by the plurality of segments attached in an end-to-end orientation, also has a true linear configuration along at least the majority of its length. However, at least one of the plurality of base segments includes an enlarged portion extending laterally outward from a central, longitudinal access of the base. The enlarged portion is more particularly defined by a frame disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to a central opening. This enlarged portion serves to provide stability to the base when the base is disposed on a supporting, normally horizontally oriented surface, such as the floor or the like. In addition, the enlarged portion may provide support or attachment for a platform or cushion structure, disposable on the base, in overlying or attached relation to the enlarged portion, so as to support at least a portion of the user&#39;s body thereon. A restraining assembly, preferably in the form of two outstanding posts or stanchions, is removably secured to the base, substantially adjacent to the enlarged portion. The restraining posts are disposed and structured to engage and provide at least some, minimal resistance to various portions of the user&#39;s body while, the user performs exercises utilizing one or more elastic resistance elements, as described in greater detailed hereinafter.  
      Yet another embodiment of the present invention may be generally referred to as a “mini” exercise assembly and includes a mounting assembly structured to be removably attached in supported engagement on an upright, substantially vertically oriented supporting structure, such as but not limited to a door. Utilization of the mounting assembly in this manner negates the necessity of utilizing either of the aforementioned embodiments of the base in that an elastic resistance assembly is removably secured to one or more of a plurality of mounts, removably secured to the door or like supporting structure. More specifically, each of the mounts are structured to engage predetermined portions of the supporting door or other supporting structure, such as along the upper and lower peripheral edges thereof. A gripping assembly is associated with this embodiment, as well as the other embodiments of the exercise assembly of the present invention and includes a plurality of retaining straps or like structures, which are removably attached to various portions of the user&#39;s body, such as the feet, ankles, hands, etc.  
      In each of the above set forth embodiments, the gripping assembly may be utilized so as to be gripped or otherwise similarly engaged by the hands or feet of the user for purposes of selectively positioning the resistance assembly between the aforementioned “stressed” position and the “non-stressed” position. In addition to the restraining straps or like structures as set forth above, the gripping assembly may include one or more, somewhat similarly structured, gripping bars removably attached to one end of the resistance assembly. Also two of the gripping bars may be used in combination with one another by connecting each of the bars to an opposite end of the resistance assembly. The versatility of the structure of the gripping assembly is such that its utilization with any of the embodiments of the base and/or the mounting assembly, may or may be not be incorporated into the performance of the various exercises, primarily dependent on the desires of the user and/or the muscle groups intended to be exercised.  
      As in the majority of modern day exercise equipment, the exercise assembly of the present invention incorporates a resistance assembly. The resistance assembly of the present invention comprises, a plurality of elongated resistance elements, each of which are formed from an elastic material. Each of the resistance elements, when extended from a normal or relaxed position to an outwardly extended, stressed position, provides an intended or designated amount of resistance. The amount of resistance capable of being provided by the resistance assembly will depend upon the number of individual resistance elements being utilized at one time in the performance of individual ones of the plurality of exercises. Naturally, the location at which the resistance elements are attached to the base, mounting assembly and/or gripping assembly, as well as the number of resistance elements being utilized, is again dependent upon the particular exercise being performed and the particular muscle grouping being stressed.  
      Therefore, the various embodiments of the portable, exercise assembly of the present invention, are each structured to provide a complete body workout for body builders, as well as casual users of exercise equipment. Also, because of the ability to selectively position the base between the aforementioned stored position and operative position or otherwise at least partially disassemble the various components of the exercise assembly, it is capable of being easily hand carried from location to location. Further, the structure of the operative components associated with the exercise assembly emphasizes and facilitates the ability of a user to perform all exercises which work most if not all of the major muscle groups. Such exercises include, but are not necessarily limited to: leg presses, leg extensions, alternate leg curls, bench presses/dips, pull-ups, military presses, rowing motion, arm curls, triceps extensions, alternate hamstring flexes, and sit-ups. Of course, the aforementioned listing of exercises is not meant to be inclusive of all the different types of exercises capable of being performed. To the contrary the aforementioned exercises are intended to be representative only of a large number of different exercises. The portable, exercise assembly of the present invention can also be used to perform a variety of other exercises which may be individualized or customized by the user for purposes of working parts of the body not necessarily associated with the major muscle groups.  
      These and other features of the present invention will become more clear when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:  
       FIG. 1  is side view of an exercise assembly of the present invention in an operative position.  
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the embodiment of the exercise assembly of  FIG. 1  shown in a stored position.  
       FIG. 3  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 .  
       FIG. 5  is a front view of a plurality of resistance elements which collectively define a resistance assembly of the exercise assembly of the present invention.  
       FIG. 6  is an elongated bar which may be used as a gripping bar or alternatively may be used to engage the feet of the user and therefore includes foot cushions with associated retaining strap.  
       FIG. 7  is an end view, in detail, of a component of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 8  is a connector structure associated with the embodiment of  FIG. 7 .  
       FIG. 9  is an additional structural feature associated with the embodiment of  FIG. 7 .  
       FIGS. 10, 10A ;  11 ,  11 A;  12 ,  12 A;  13 ,  13 A;  14 ,  14 A; and  15 ,  15 A are each top schematic views showing the exercise assembly of the present invention in combination with a user performing a variety of different exercises.  
       FIG. 16  is a top view of another embodiment of the resistance assembly of the present invention including a gripping bar, other than that shown in  FIG. 6 .  
       FIG. 17  is a front view of an elongated gripping bar, differing from the embodiments of  FIGS. 6 and 16 , which may or may not be used with a second gripping bar and which is capable of being gripped by the hands or engaged by the feet of the user.  
       FIG. 18  is a top view of another embodiment of a base of an exercise assembly of the present invention differing from the embodiment of  FIGS. 3 and 4 .  
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a composite of various components of the base of the embodiment of  FIG. 18  shown in disassembled form.  
       FIG. 20  is a top view of the base of the embodiment of the  FIG. 19  shown in an operative position with a user exerting a force on a resistance assembly associated with the exercise assembly of the present invention.  
       FIGS. 21 through 24  are each perspective views of a user demonstrating the performance of a plurality of different exercises utilizing the base of the embodiment of  FIG. 18 .  
       FIG. 25  is yet another embodiment of the exercise assembly of the present invention shown in its operative position mounted on an upright, substantially vertically oriented supporting structure.  
       FIG. 26  is a portion of a gripping assembly associated with the embodiment of  FIG. 25 .  
       FIG. 27  is a front view of a mount associated with the embodiment of  FIG. 25 .  
       FIG. 28  is a front view of a pad associated with the embodiment of  FIG. 27 .  
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mount associated with the embodiment of  FIG. 25 .  
       FIG. 30  is a pad associated with a retaining structure shown in  FIG. 31 .  
       FIG. 31  is a front view of a retaining structure removably attachable to various portions of the user&#39;s body.  
       FIG. 32  is a composite view of a pair of handles of a gripping assembly used with the embodiment of the exercise assembly of  FIG. 25 .  
       FIG. 33  is a perspective view of a cushion which may be used in the performance of exercises utilizing the embodiment of  FIG. 25 . 
    
    
      Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      The present invention relates to a portable exercise assembly which, in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 through 15 ,  15 A, is generally indicated as  10  and includes a base  12  designed to be supported on a floor or any other applicable supporting surface, generally but not necessarily, in a substantially horizontal orientation. The base  12  is capable of being selectively oriented in either an operative position, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 3  and  4  or a stored position, as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
      More specifically, the base  10  comprises a plurality of base segments which, in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , preferably includes two base segments  14  and  16  each having a substantially elongated, preferably straight line configuration and which are movably connected to one another by one or more hinge structures  18 , or other applicable, movably interconnecting, structures. The hinge structures  18  allow the selected positioning of the base segments  14  and  16  relative to one another so that the base segments  14  and  16  may assume either the operative position of  FIG. 1  or the stored position of  FIG. 2 . The operative position comprises both of the elongated base segments  14  and  16  disposed in an end-to-end relation to one another, such that the correspondingly positioned ends  14 ′ and  16 ′ of each base segments  14  and  16  respectively, are disposed in immediately adjacent or contiguous relation to one another. Accordingly, when in the operative position, the entire base  12  assumes an elongated, configuration.  
      The length of each segment  14  and  16  may vary and may or may not be substantially equal to one another. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the overall dimension and configuration of the base  12  is preferably such as to accommodate the supporting engagement with at least a portion of the user&#39;s body, dependent upon the exercise being performed, as best shown and more fully explained with reference to  FIGS. 10, 10A  through  15 ,  15 A.  
      With primary reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , each base segment  14  and  16  may comprise two elongated, spaced apart beams  20  and  21 , which are secured to one another, in at least one embodiment, in substantially parallel relation by end braces  22 . Other brace structures may be used to interconnect the respective beams  20  and  21  of each of the base segments  14  and  16  in a manner which does not interfere with the utilization of the exercise assembly  10  or the performance of various exercises thereon. Accordingly, the structural configuration of each base segment  14  and  16 , which incorporates the spaced apart beams  20  and  21 , serves to define a track assembly for the removable mounting and/or moveable positioning of a first platform  26  and a second platform  28 , or elongated gripping bar  101  (See  FIG. 17 ) thereon. More specifically, the track assembly comprises a channel  25  formed between each of the beams  20  and  21  of each base segment  14  and  16 . The channel  25  communicates with the upper, exposed surface  15  of the base  12  as best shown in  FIG. 3 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the elongated channel  25  of each base segment  14  and  16  may also extend in communicating relation with and through the under surface  17  of the base  12  as shown in  FIG. 4 . When the base  12  is in its operative position, the respective elongated channels  25  of each base segment  14  and  16  are disposed in aligned relation to one another, such that, the channels  25  collectively extend along substantially the entire length, or at least a majority of the length, of the base  12 . The width or transverse dimension of each of the channels  25  is sufficient to receive a mounting bracket  26 ′ and  28 ′, as best shown in  FIGS. 1 and 7  respectively, for the removable mounting and sliding travel or positioning, of the first and second platforms  26  and  28 , respectively.  
      As is apparent from the accompanying Figures, the first platform  26  and the second platform  28  may vary in size and locations along the length of the base  12 . The first platform  26  is of a sufficient dimension and configuration to provide stable support for either a front or rear portion of the user&#39;s body, so as to facilitate proper orientation of a user while performing each of a plurality of different exercises. The second platform  28  may be an optional component and included in at least one embodiment. When utilized, the second platform  28  comprises a portion of a trolley assembly generally indicated as  30 . The trolley assembly  30  includes a support frame  32  which may have a feet engaging portion  34 , removably or fixedly secured thereto, so as to engage the feet or lower legs and offer resistance for example, when performing leg presses. The feet engaging portion  34  and support frame  32  may be removed from the second platform  28  and the second platform  28  may be used for attachment to a portion of a resistance assembly  70  or  70 ′, to be described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 16 . Further, the mounting bracket  28 ′ of the trolley assembly  30  is dimensioned and configured to slide along the length of respective ones of the channels  25 , disposed between the beams  20  and  21 , of one or both of the base segments  14  or  16 . In order that the feet, ankles or other portions of the user&#39;s body may be secured to the platform  28  and/or feet engaging portion  34 , a retaining strap  40  may be mounted on the feet engaging portion  34  by means of connecting apertures  42 . Alternatively, foot and/or ankle straps, preferably having a loop or annular configuration and generally indicated as  44 , may be secured to the platform  28  so as to temporarily anchor or secure the foot or ankle to the second platform  28 , or various other portions of the base  12 .  
      As an alternative to the trolley assembly  30  and specifically the second platform  28 , the exercise assembly of the present invention further contemplates the use of an elongated gripping bar of the type generally indicated as  80  in  FIGS. 6 and 17 . Gripping bar  80  includes two, spaced apart cushions  103  each having a foot and/or ankle restraining strap  89  mounted in spaced apart but cooperative relation thereto. The gripping bar  80  is dimensioned and configured to move relative to the support frame and along the length of either of or the base segments  14  and  16 , such as by sliding over exposed surfaces of beams  20  and  21 . Another embodiment of the griping bar is indicated as  80 ′ and shown in  FIG. 16 . The elongated gripping bar  80 ′ is designed to be removably attached to a resistance assembly comprising one or more resistance elements, using rings  85  and oppositely disposed retaining pins  86  as shown. As an alternative, either of the gripping bars  80  as shown in  FIG. 6  or  80 ′ as shown in  FIG. 16  can be substituted for the gripping bar  101  shown in  FIG. 17 , dependent upon the particular exercise intended to be performed by a user and also on whether the user intends to grip a particular gripping bar with his or her hands and/or engage the gripping bar with his or her feet. Regardless of the embodiment utilized, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the gripping bar  80 ,  80 ′ and  101  are structured to define a gripping assembly, wherein the various gripping bars are intended to be engaged or otherwise “gripped” by various portions of the user&#39;s body, including the hands, ankle, feet, etc. Each of the gripping bars are removably connected to the resistance assembly  70  in a manner which allows the selective positioning or movement of the resistance assembly  70  between a stressed position and a non-stressed position.  
      Also with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , it should be noted that in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 a  plurality of connectors  90  primarily in the form of eyebolts may be removably inserted into the sides of either of the beams  20  and  21  and attached at any number of locations along the base segments  14  and  16 . The connectors  90  are used to attach one end of one or more elastic resistance elements which define part of the resistance assembly  70 , as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. As an alternative embodiment another means of connecting a plurality of elastic resistance elements  72 ,  73 ,  75 , etc. defining the resistance assembly  70 , to the base segments  14  and  16  includes the provision of an elongated slide bar  120  disposed in transverse relation and in interconnected engagement with each of beams  20  and  21 . The slide bar  120  includes a plurality of apertures  125  disposed in spaced relation to one another and extending along each end. The apertures  125  are used to connect a plurality of elastic resistance elements  72 ,  73 ,  75  to the slide bar  120  in spaced relation to one another. The slide bar  120  can be positioned at various locations along the length of the base segments  14  and  16  and interconnecting somewhat transverse relation to the beams  20  and  21  through the provision of aligned pairs of elongated slots  122 . The slots  122  may be disposed in spaced relation to one another and at various locations along the entire length of either of the base segments  14  and  16 . Other structural components associated with the exercise assembly  10  of the present invention include a shoulder restraint  50  comprising two elongated dowels  53  each having one end at least partially surrounded by a padding  55  and the opposite end  53  dimensioned and configured to fit within appropriately disposed apertures  57  formed at a plurality of different locations along the length of each of the base segments  14  and  16 . The apertures  57  are dimensioned to be at least minimally greater than the transverse dimension of the opposite end  531  of the dowels  53 . In addition, a head rest  54  may be removably secured to the base  12  at various locations along the length thereof, so as to extend upwardly and outwardly from the upper exposed surface  15  in an orientation to support the head of a user. The head rest  54  is frequently, but not exclusively, used when the shoulders of the user are disposed in engagement with the shoulder restraint  50 , as clearly shown in  FIGS. 10, 10A . In addition to the above, a stability structure is provided in the form of grips  60  which include an elongated pin  62 , dimensioned to be removably inserted within appropriate openings or apertures  64 , preferably formed at one or more locations along the side of the base  12 . The opposite ends of pins  62  may include a grip structure  66  disposed and configured to facilitate the gripping thereof by the user, when the user is performing certain exercises.  
      Another feature of the present invention is shown in different embodiments, in  FIGS. 5, 16  and  17 , comprises the resistance assembly generally indicated as  70 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the resistance assembly  70  comprises a plurality of elongated resistance elements  72 ,  73 , and  75  each formed of an elastic material and normally disposed in a relaxed non-stressed position, as represented. However, upon stretching or extending each of the resistance elements  72 ,  73 , and  75 , a predetermined resistance will be provided such as when a first end  76  of each of the resistance elements is anchored or otherwise removably connected to the base, by means of one of a plurality of connectors  90  or the aforementioned slide bar  120 . The connectors  90  may assume a variety of structural configurations, such as an annulus or ring formed on an exposed end thereof. The opposite end  78  of each of the resistance elements  72 ,  73 , and  75  is connected to a gripping assembly including one of a plurality of gripping bars  80 ,  80 ′ and/or  101  dependent upon the various exercises being performed. Typically, the resistance assembly  70 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , comes in two sets, wherein each set comprises an equal number, which of course may vary, of resistance elements  72 ,  73 , and  75 , so as to provide a balanced or symmetrical resistance when performing the various exercises. Obviously one or more of the resistance elements  72 ,  73 , and  75  may be used at the same time and each of the various resistance elements may be structured to offer a different amount or degree of resistance. More specifically, the individual ones of the resistance elements  72 ,  73 , and  75  may be structured to provide a different resistance when extended from their non-stressed to their stressed or stretched orientation. As indicated in  FIG. 5  and by way of example, the various resistance elements  72 ,  73 , and  75 , may be specifically structured to provide a resistance of fifteen pounds (15 lb.), thirty pounds (30 lb.) and sixty pounds (60 lb.), respectively. Also it should be noted that each of the opposite first and second ends  76  and  78  may each include a snap-type connector  79  or a connecting ring as at  81 .  
      The embodiments of  FIGS. 16 and 17  disclose a structural variation of the resistance assembly  70 , therein indicated as  70 ′ and comprising a plurality of resistance elements  72 ′,  73 ′ and  75 ′, as well as an additional element  77 , each being formed of an elastic material and offering a different or equal amount or resistance when forced from a normally non-stressed position, as shown in  FIG. 16 , to a stressed or stretched position (not shown). In the embodiment of  FIG. 16 , the gripping bar  80 ′ may be used when the user engages gripping bar  80 ′ with his hands. In the embodiment of  FIG. 17 , the gripping bar  101  is intended to be engaged by the feet and/or ankles by the user, which engage the cushions  103 ′ and are removably secured in. engagement with the gripping bar  101  through the retaining straps  105 . When utilizing either of the bars  80 ′ or  101 , the resistance assembly  70 ′ is removably attached thereto. More specifically, the connectors  85  are secured in the position shown in  FIG. 16  and  17  by correspondingly disposed spaced apart locking pins  86 . The opposite ends of each of the resistance elements  72 ′,  73 ′,  75 ′ and  77  are fixedly secured to one another as at  87 , and the collectively secured ends  87  may be attached to the base  12  and/or other anchoring structure by adjustable and removably connected chain members  88 . When it is desired to remove one or more of the resistance elements, such as resistance element  77 , in order to lessen or otherwise vary the resistance, when the connector ring  85 , associated with the resistance element  77 , is removed from the gripping bar  80 ′. Once detached, the connector ring  85  remains detached or is otherwise retained by the chain  88  in the area of the collectively secured ends  87  of the resistance elements as shown. This eliminates the need and necessity of connecting or disconnecting each of the opposite ends  76  and  78  of the individual resistance elements  72 ,  73 , and  75 , of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 . As shown, in the embodiment of  FIG. 16  the resistance assembly  70 ′ may be connected by the adjustment chain  88  and quick release snap-type connector  88 ′ to the base  12  by means of eyebolt connectors  90 . However, in the embodiment of  FIG. 17 , the resistance assembly  70 ′ may be connected between gripping bar  80  and gripping bar  101 , both of which are engaged by different portions of the user&#39;s body such that the resistance assembly  70 ′, including the plurality of resistance element  72 ′,  73 ′,  75 ′ and  70 ′ are repeatedly disposed between their stressed position and non-stressed position. Further, depending upon the orientation of the user, a head rest as at  54 ′ may be utilized to support the head or neck area of the user.  
      With reference to  FIGS. 10, 10A  through  15 ,  15 A, a user is schematically represented on the exercise assembly  10  in the performance of a variety of exercises. It is emphasized that while the structural embodiments of the exercise assembly  10  are represented as using the aforementioned connectors  90 , the slide bar  120  could be substituted for connectors  90 , where applicable. It is further emphasized that the exercises schematically represented in  FIGS. 10, 10A  through  15 ,  15 A are representative only, of some of the numerous exercises that may be performed utilizing the exercise assembly  10  of the present invention. More specifically, in  FIGS. 10, 10A  a user  100  exerts a downward force on the gripping bar  80  as one or more of the resistance elements of the resistance assembly  70  are connected by the aforementioned connectors  90  to an upper end or portion of the base  12 . Further, during this exercise the shoulder restraint  50  serves to anchor and stabilize the position of the user  100 , while his head may be further supported by the head cushion  54 .  FIG. 11  and  11 A show the orientation of the user  100  holding the gripping bar  80  and having his feet anchored or stabilized as they engage the second platform  28  and or the trolley assembly. The resistance assembly  70  is interconnected between connectors  90  located at the opposite ends of the base  12 , relative to their position in  FIGS. 10, 10A .  FIGS. 12 and 12 A have the user  100  arranged in a substantially identical orientation to that of  FIGS. 11, 11A , wherein the user serves to exert a force on the gripping bar  80 , which may be more specifically defined as a pull-up. Again it is shown that the resistance assembly  70  is anchored at the end of the base  12  as the feet of the user  100  are secured or stabilized by the second platform  28 .  
       FIGS. 13 and 13 A represent the user  100  performing alternate hamstring flexes, as the resistance assembly  70  is secured at one end to the base  12  by connectors  90 . Their opposite ends are secured to the feet or ankle portions of the user  100 , utilizing straps  44 , as discussed above and disclosed in  FIG. 9 . Also during the performance of this exercise the hand grips  60  are utilized to provide additional stability in the orientation or positioning of the user  100  in performing this exercise. Although not specifically shown, a variation of the exercise as shown in FIGS.  13  and . 13 A may be performed utilizing the elongated bar  80  of  FIG. 6  rather than the individual foot restraining loops  44  attached to the feet of the user as represented. When using the bar  80  or a structural modification thereof, the user&#39;s feet can be fitted between the foot cushions  87  and the respective restraining straps  89 , such that the elastic resistance element  70  are secured to the connectors  90 ′ shown in  FIG. 6 .  
       FIGS. 14 and 14 A shows the user  100  performing alternate leg curls, wherein the feet of the user  100  are secured to one end of the resistance assembly  70  and the opposite ends thereof are secured to spaced apart portions of the base  12  by connectors  90 . The shoulder restraint  50  is utilized to further stabilize the position or orientation of the user  100  during the performance of the aforementioned exercise. Further, as yet another alternative embodiment, the exercise assembly  10  allows the user to perform “upright” leg curls rather than the alternate leg curls as set forth above. When performing the upright leg curls the heels of the user are effectively locked underneath or in grippingly engagement with an elongated bar of the type either shown in FIGS.  6  of  16 . In practice, the heels of the user engage the bar  80 , and the user is reclined on his or her back. The feet, along with the bar  80  having the resistance elements attached thereto, are moved towards the torso of the user, such that the knee extends upwardly from the base segments  14  and  16 .  
       FIGS. 15 and 15 A shows the user  100  performing a sit-up type exercise, wherein the feet and/or ankles are stabilized by means of the strap  44 , secured to the second platform  28  while the user&#39;s back is engaged and supported by the first platform  26 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 18  through  24 , the exercise assembly of the present invention comprises another embodiment which includes a base generally indicated as  110  having a substantially linear configuration along a majority of its length. More specifically, the base  110  comprises a plurality of elongated segments  112 ,  114 , and  116 , each having a substantially linear configuration extending along a majority of their respective lengths, wherein the base segments  112 ,  114 , and  116  are selectively separable as shown in the composite view of  FIG. 19  or are removably attached in an end-to-end, coaxial relation to one another as shown in  FIGS. 18 and 20 . Each of the base segments  112 ,  114 , and  116  are formed from a high strength, substantially light weight material which preferably include a tubular construction. Therefore, the transverse dimension of the various base segment  112 ,  114 , and  116  may vary such that they may be telescopically interconnected to one another at their correspondingly position ends. In addition, mounting brackets as at  118  may be removably secured to the base  110  along its length and to any or all of the base segments  112 ,  114  and  116 . As further demonstrated in  FIG. 20  the connecting brackets  118  are used to removably attach the various elastic, resistance elements of the resistance assembly  701  to various portions or locations along the length of the base  110 .  
      The base  110  and particularly at least one of the plurality of segments such as base segment  116  includes an enlarged section  130 . The enlarged section is at least partially defined by a frame  12  which is integrally or otherwise fixedly secured to the remainder of the base segment  116  and which also preferably includes the aforementioned tubular construction. The frame  132  is disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to a central opening  134 . In addition by virtue of its configuration, the frame  132  extends laterally outward from both sides of the base  110  such that the central opening  134  is sufficiently dimensioned to add stability to the base  110 , such as when it is in the operative position shown in  FIGS. 20 and 22  through  24 . In addition, the dimension of the central opening  134  should be sufficient to allow a portion of a user&#39;s body, such as the user&#39;s head to extend there through, as demonstrated in  FIG. 21 , in order to facilitate the user performing a “bench press” exercise while remaining in a substantially upright, sitting position. In addition, the enlarge portion  132 , may also be used as a support structure for a pad or platform (not shown) on which a portion of the user&#39;s body  100  is positioned, while performing the various exercises as at least partially demonstrated in  FIGS. 20, 23 , and  24 .  
      Other structural features of the base as shown in  FIGS. 18 through 24  include the provision of a restraining assembly at least partially defined by one or more upstanding posts or stanchions  136 , removably or fixedly connected to the base  110  substantially adjacent to the enlarged portion  130 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 19  the restraining posts  136  are secured directly to the frame  132 . In addition, elongated pads or cushions  138  may be provided so as to be removably attached in overlying, covering relation to the posts  136  so as to provide additional comfort to the user. As shown in  FIGS. 20, 23 , and  24  the posts  136  may engage and at least partially restrain different portions of the user&#39;s body, such as the shoulders ( FIGS. 20 and 23 ) and/or the legs or thigh areas ( FIG. 24 ) Also as demonstrated in  FIG. 22 , the posts  136  may be engaged by the feet of the user  100  as the user  100  exerts a pulling force on the resistance assembly  70 ′, by means of a gripping bar  101 .  
      The exercise assembly of the present invention further includes yet another embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 25 through 31  and which may be generally referred to as a “mini assembly” in that various structural components comprising this embodiment can be utilized without the need of either base  10  or  110  as described above. Further, the “mini assembly” further emphasizes the versatility and portable nature of the exercise assembly of the present invention, by virtue of it being easily and efficiently transported by being hand carried or by being carried in some type of kit or container which is supported on the user&#39;s body when being transported.  
      More specifically, the embodiment of  FIGS. 25 through 31  comprises a mounting assembly generally indicated as  140  and comprising a plurality of mounts  142  and  144  respectively structure to removably engage and be supported on and upright supporting structure  150  such as a door or like object normally disposed in a substantially vertical orientation as shown in  FIG. 25 . The mount  142  is preferably in the form of a u-shaped clamp and includes two outwardly extending connecting brackets  146  onto which one or more elastic resistance elements  72 ,  73 , etc. may be removably secured. The clamps  142  are structured to be supported in overlying engaging relation to an upper peripheral edge  150 ′ of the supporting structure or door  150 . Conversely, the mount  144  is preferably in the form of an L-shaped bracket structured to be disposed in confronting engagement with one surface  151  of the supporting structure or door  150 , adjacent to the lower peripheral edge  150 ″. Each of the one or more L-shaped mounts  144  includes. a flexible material connector or attachment member  148  which. may be disposed to extend beneath the lower peripheral edge  160 ″ such that the outer end thereof  149  is removably attached to one or more of the elastic resistance elements  72 ,  73 , etc. The opposite end of the resistance elements  72 , and  73  may be removably connected to the gripping bar  107 ′ which also may define a part of the aforementioned gripping assembly as shown and is represented in  FIG. 26 . In order to prevent damage to the supporting structure  150 , appropriately positioned pads or cushions  160  may be disposed between the u-shaped clamp or mount  142  and the upper peripheral edge  150 ′ of the supporting structure or door  150 . Other structural components associated with the exercise assembly of the embodiment of  FIGS. 25 through 31  include a body restraining portion  162  in the form of a strap, belt, etc., which is designed to removably surround and engage the hands, ankles, feet or other portions of the user&#39;s body. In addition a pad or cushion  164  may be utilized to overly the skin or surface area of the portion of the user&#39;s body engaged by the retraining strap  162 . Also, one or more handles  166  each having a connector  90 ″ may be used to engage the free ends of the various resistance elements  72  or  73  instead of the gripping bar  107 ′. Finally, a head cushion  54 ′ may be utilized to add comfort and also possibly protect the user&#39;s head and/or neck area and may be applied in a position similar to that shown in  FIG. 17 , dependent primarily on exercise being performed by the user.  
      It is again emphasized that regardless of which of the embodiments of the exercise assembly, as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 31 , are utilized, substantially a full range of exercises may be performed, wherein such exercises include, but are not limited to, leg extensions, leg presses, military press, rowing, arm curl, bench press/dip, pull ups, sit ups, hamstring flexes and others.  
      Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.  
      Now that the invention has been described,