Patent Publication Number: US-7909748-B2

Title: Exercise apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 61/110,215, filed on Oct. 31, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The disclosed invention relates to an exercise apparatus, and more particularly to a trapeze for exercise. 
     2. Background Art 
     Trapeze is a term commonly used to refer to a short horizontal bar hung between two ropes or cords suspended from above. Trapezes are typically used by acrobats and aerialists in circus and dance performances. Their movement is typically from front to back and they are mounted high enough off the floor so that the user can swing from the trapeze without touching the ground. A variation of the traditional trapeze is the dance trapeze, or single-point trapeze, which is a low mounted trapeze used by modern dance companies in aerial dance. The ropes of the dance trapeze can be joined together at a swivel to allow the trapeze to spin or rotate. The dance trapeze may be mounted close enough to the ground to allow the user to grab the bar while standing on the ground. Recently, there has been an interest in using both the traditional trapeze and the dance trapeze as a part of an exercise routine. However, the single fixed-height, suspended trapeze bar, limits the exercise options available with known trapeze devices. Having an ability to change the bar height or bar configuration would greatly increase the variety of exercises which could be accomplished on the equipment. It is also desirable, in some cases, to prevent the bar from rotating while it is in use so that it is more stable for the user. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a user configurable 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. In some embodiments, 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. 
     In one embodiment, the exercise apparatus includes a rotation mechanism; a first elongated member connected to the rotation mechanism; a second elongated member connected to the rotation mechanism; at least two attachment points disposed on the first elongated member; at least two attachment points disposed on the second elongated member; and a support. The support can include a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is removably attached to an attachment point on the first elongated member and the second end is removably attached to an attachment point on the second elongated member. 
     In another embodiment, the exercise apparatus includes a first elongated member comprising at least one attachment point; a second elongated member comprising at least one attachment point; and a support. The support can include a bar having a first end and a second end; wherein the first end comprises an anti-rotation feature and is attached to the at least one attachment point of the first elongated member in a manner that prevents the bar from rotating about its longitudinal axis, wherein the second end comprises an anti-rotation feature attached to the at least one attachment point of the second elongated member in manner that the support is prevented from rotating about its longitudinal axis. For example, the support can include a first cap attached to the first end of the bar, wherein the first cap comprises an anti-rotation feature attached to the at least one attachment point of the first elongated member, and a second cap attached to the second end of the bar, wherein the second cap comprises an anti-rotation feature attached to the at least one attachment point of the second elongated member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention. Dimensions shown in the figures are merely exemplary and other dimensions would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         FIG.1  is an exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partially exploded view of an exemplary elongated member of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is close up view of an exemplary attachment point of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary attachment point of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a close up view thereof; 
         FIG. 6  is perspective view of an exemplary end cap for an exemplary support; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary end cap shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an exemplary removable hand or foot hold; 
         FIG. 9  is an exemplary end of an elongated member of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is another exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a partially exploded view of another exemplary elongated member; 
         FIG. 12  is a close up view of another exemplary attachment point; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the exemplary attachment point of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a close up view thereof; 
         FIG. 15  is an exemplary embodiment of an end cap; 
         FIG. 16  is another exemplary embodiment of an end cap; 
         FIG. 17  is the end cap of  FIG. 16  with a loop attached thereto; 
         FIG. 18  is another exemplary embodiment of an end cap; 
         FIG. 19  is another exemplary embodiment of an end cap; 
         FIG. 20  is another exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is the exemplary exercise apparatus of  FIG. 20  attached to an exemplary rotation mechanism; 
         FIG. 22  is another exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a close up thereof; 
         FIG. 24  is the exemplary exercise apparatus of  FIG. 22  attached to an exemplary rotation mechanism; 
         FIG. 25  is another exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a close up thereof; 
         FIG. 27  is another exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a close up thereof; 
         FIG. 29  is another exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a close up view thereof; 
         FIG. 31  is another exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 32  is a close up view thereof; 
         FIG. 33  is another close up view thereof showing an exemplary support of  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 34  is another exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 35  is an exemplary attachment point of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  is an exemplary core of the exemplary elongated member of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a close up view of an exemplary attachment point of  FIG. 34  connected to an exemplary support of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 38  is an exemplary end cap of an exemplary support of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 39  is an exemplary end cap of an exemplary elongated member of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 40  is another exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 41  is an exemplary core of the exemplary elongated member of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 42  is an exemplary attachment point of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 43  is another exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 44  is another exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 45  is a close up view of an exemplary attachment point of  FIG. 44  before being connected to an exemplary support of  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 46  is another view of the exercise apparatus of  FIG. 44  with a single elongated member; 
         FIG. 47  is another exemplary embodiment of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 48  is a close up view of an exemplary attachment point of  FIG. 47 ; 
         FIG. 49  is close up view of showing an exemplary end cap of an exemplary support of  FIG. 47 ; 
         FIG. 50  is close up view showing the connection of the exemplary support of  FIG. 49  to the exemplary attachment point of  FIG. 48 ; 
         FIG. 51  is a partial view of  FIG. 47  with an exemplary support positioned in a different location; 
         FIG. 52  is a close up view showing the connection of the exemplary support in  FIG. 51 ; and 
         FIG. 53  is a close up view of an exemplary rotation mechanism for the exercise apparatus of  FIG. 47 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The Figure in which an element first appears is typically indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. 
     While specific configurations and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. A person skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other configurations and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the pertinent art that this invention can also be employed in a variety of other applications. 
     In the detailed description of the invention that follows, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an exemplary embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     An exemplary exercise apparatus  100  is shown in  FIG. 1  having a first vertical support or elongated member  102  and a second vertical support or elongated member  104  joined together by a connector  112 , which in this embodiment is a carabiner, which is connected to a swivel or rotation mechanism  106 . Rotation mechanism  106  may be suspended from a ceiling, wall, or other support so that exercise apparatus  100  is suspended above the floor or other surface on which a user will stand to use the apparatus. First and second elongated members  102 ,  104  each have one or more attachment points  108  to which a variety of exercise devices may be removably connected to apparatus  100 . One example of such an exercise device is bar or support  110 . Other examples include foot holds  113 , hand hold  838 , or elongated extension members which themselves may include additional attachment points or foot or hand holds. 
     First and second elongated members  102 ,  104  may be directly connected to rotation mechanism  106 , or indirectly connected to rotation mechanism  106  via a loop, ring, clip, carabiner or other similar structure  112  attached to rotation mechanism  106 . An end of first and second elongated members  102 ,  104  may have a loop  940  (as shown in  FIG. 9 ) that is utilized to make the connection to rotation mechanism  106 . Rotation mechanism  106  may be mounted to a ceiling, wall, or other structure such that exercise apparatus  100  may rotate about a vertical axis or about an axis of exercise apparatus  100  to permit exercises that involving twisting or turning. An exemplary rotation mechanism  106  may be a swivel such as, but not limited to, a ball bearing swivel. Examples of suitable swivels include those available from the Petzl Company of Crolles, France. 
     Each elongated member  102 ,  104  may be made of rope such as braided or twisted fiber or cord, including rope composed of synthetic fiber (e.g., nylon), natural fiber (e.g., cotton) or a combination thereof. As shown in  FIG. 2 , each elongated member  102 ,  104  may have a core  214  and a sheath  216  surrounding core  214 . In one embodiment, core  214  may be rope, such as a braided or twisted rope. Core  214  may include any type of rope known in the art such as rope composed of synthetic fiber, natural fiber, or a combination thereof, including, but not limited to, nylon rope or cotton rope. In some embodiments, core  214  may be a twisted rope and may have a diameter between about one-quarter inch and about 2 inches. In one particular embodiment, core  214  may be a twisted cotton with a diameter of about one inch. 
     The material for sheath  216  may be selected from one or materials that may be treated (e.g., surface treated) to prevent moisture, dirt, or other contaminants from reaching or penetrating core  214 . In addition, the material for sheath  216  may be selected to allow easy cleaning or disinfecting of elongated members  102 ,  104 . Sheath  216  may be polyester webbing attached together along its edges to surround core  214 . For example, sheath  216  may be two or more pieces of polyester webbing attached together along their edges to surround core  214 . In one embodiment, sheath  216  may be wrapped around core  214  and then the ends of sheath  216  are stitched or bonded to surround core  214 . In another embodiment, the sheath  216  may be formed into a tube and the core  214  is pulled through the tube. The sheath  216  may be textured to increase the tactile experience of a user of the equipment. In one embodiment, the sheath  216  may be a polymer coating or a textured coating applied to a rope core. In other embodiments, the sheath  216  may include fabric or webbing. For example, sheath  216  may include a synthetic webbing such as a nylon or polyester webbing. Suitable webbing can include webbing having a width between about 1 inch and about 4 inches. In some embodiments, sheath  216  may include two or more pieces of joined webbing. In one embodiment, sheath  216  may be an about two inch wide polyester webbing having a thickness of about 0.040 inch and a rating of about 2600 pounds available as product code E116 from Bainbridge International of England. 
     In other embodiments, core  214  may be wire, fabric, webbing, chain (e.g., metal or plastic chain), or combinations thereof and sheath  216  surrounding core  214  may be rope, fabric, or webbing. For example, elongated members  102 ,  104  may have a core  214  of webbing surrounded by a sheath  216  of rope, fabric, or webbing. In another example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the core (not shown) may be webbing and the sheath  1016  may be twisted rope having a diameter between about 0.25 and about 2 inches, such as twisted rope having a diameter of about ⅞ inches, forming an elongated member  1002 ,  1004  with a total diameter from about 0.5 to about 3 inches or about 0.5 to about 1.5 inches, such as about 1 inch to about 1 and ⅛ inches. Also, padding (e.g. foam, rubber, cotton, synthetic, or textile padding) may be located between the core and any sheathing of the elongated members. 
     In some embodiments, core  214  of elongated members  102 ,  104  may act as a load bearing component. For example, core  214  of elongated members  102 ,  104  may bear the full weight of the user of the exercise apparatus. Examples of suitable materials for such a core include stranded rope, webbing such as parachute webbing, and metal or wire cable. 
     In other embodiments, sheath  216  of elongated members  102 ,  104  may act as a load bearing component. For example, sheath  216  of elongated members  102 ,  104  may bear the full weight of the user of the exercise apparatus. Examples of suitable materials for such a sheath include nylon webbing (e.g., about 2 inch wide nylon webbing rated for anywhere from about 2,400 to about 4,800 lbs) or polyester webbing (e.g., about 2 inch wide polyester webbing rated for anywhere from about 2,400 to about 10,000 lbs.). In some embodiments, elongated members  102 ,  104  do not contain a core material and instead comprise a tube of load bearing material such as a tube of nylon or polyester webbing. Examples of suitable nylon or polyester webbings have thicknesses from about 0.050 inch to about 0.075 inch and widths of about 2 inches, although smaller or larger thicknesses and widths may be utilized. 
     Each elongated member  102 ,  104  includes one or more attachment points  108  to which a variety of exercise devices may be removably connected. For example, in  FIG. 1 , each elongated member  102 , 104  has eight attachment points  108 . Each end of support  110  may be removably connected to any of the attachment points  108  on each elongated member  102 ,  104 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , support  110  may be mounted in a horizontal position using attachment points  108  which are opposite to each other. Alternatively, support  110  may be mounted at an angle using attachment points  108  which are offset from each other. Additional elongated member  110  may be removably connected to any of attachment points  108  so that multiple supports  110  are mounted on elongated members  102 ,  104 . 
     In addition, foot or hand loops  838 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , may be mounted to attachment points  108  along elongated members  102 ,  104 . An elongated extension member  111  that includes a foot loop  113  can also be attached to elongated members  102 ,  104  to provide the user with a foot support. An elongated extension member  111  can have the same construction as the elongated members  102 ,  104  or could be of a different construction. For example, elongated extension member  111  could include a strap or a rope. Elongated extension member  111  may also include one or more attachment points  108  for mounting a support  110  or for attaching a hand hold such as hand loop  838 . 
     Attachment points  108  may include loops  208  of webbing or other fabric having a first end  218 , a second end  220 , and a looping portion  322 . For example, in the case of elongated members  102 ,  104  having core  214  surrounded by a sheath  216 , the webbing or other fabric used for loops  208  could be made of the same material as sheath  216 . Suitable materials include nylon or polyester webbing. Suitable webbing width can range, for example, from about 0.75 inch to about 1 inch, although other widths can also be used. In one embodiment, an about 0.75 inch wide nylon webbing having a thickness from about 0.070 inch to about 0.075 inch and a rating of about 2775 pounds can be used. Such a material may also be used for other loops associated with the elongated members  102 ,  104  including a foot or hand loop or the end loop  940 . 
     Any loops of webbing or other fabric may be attached to sheath  216  before it is used to cover core  214  or they may be attached to sheath  216  after it has been applied to core  214 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , two pieces of sheath  216  (e.g., nylon or polyester webbing) can be stitched or bonded flat along one side edge. First and second ends  218 ,  220  of loop  208  can then be stitched or bonded to sheath  216  (e.g., with acrobatic stitching) on an inner surface  224 . The other edges of sheath  216  are stitched or bonded closed to form a tube wherein loop portion  322  extends outwardly from sheath  216 . An inner surface of loop portion  322  may have an elastic strip  326  attached thereto to aid in retaining any additional exercise members that may be inserted in loop portion  322 , such as a support  110 . The elastic strip  326  may provide a textured surface to provide a friction fit and prevent movement of support  110  with respect to loop  208 . Loops  208  may provide an attachment point for an additional exercise member to be removably connected to elongated members  102 ,  104 , as discussed above, and alternatively, or in addition, may act as a hand or foot hold for the user of the exercise apparatus. 
     In one embodiment, exercise apparatus  100  has a plurality of attachment points  108 , such as loops  208 , so that exercise apparatus  100  is user configurable and provides the user with almost limitless opportunities to customize the apparatus to the user&#39;s individual exercise needs. For instance, a support  110 , such as a bar, may be attached at a variety of attachment points  108  along the length of elongated members  102 ,  104  depending upon the height of the user or the part of the body the user desires to exercise, thereby making exercise apparatus  100  customizable. Exercise apparatus  100  also provides the user with the ability to perform a wide variety of exercises using a single piece of equipment. 
     For example, a user may hang, sit, stand, or otherwise support their weight on support  110 . Support  110  may be a bar  528  having a cap  530  at each end. In one embodiment, each cap  530  of bar  528  is removably connected to an attachment point  108 , such as a loop  208 , on each of elongated members  102 ,  104 . Bar  528  can be constructed of a solid or hollow metal (e.g., steel) tube. Alternatively or in addition, bar  528  can include wood, plastic, or composite materials. For example, in some embodiments, bar  528  can include fiberglass or carbon fiber composite. Bar  528  can include a rubber or foam coating for improved grip. While bar  528  is shown as being straight, it may also have a contoured shape. In some embodiments, cap  530  slides over the outer diameter of the ends of bar  528 . In some embodiments, cap  530  is threaded and screws onto ends of bar  528 . In some embodiments, cap  530  includes anti-rotation features or elements to prevent bar  528  from rotating about its longitudinal axis when it is connected to attachment points  108  on each of elongated members  102 ,  104 . In other embodiments, the support includes a bar and the bar includes integral anti-rotation features or elements to prevent the support from rotating about its longitudinal axis when it is connected to attachment points  108  on each of elongated members  102 ,  104 . For example, the support can include a bar having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises an anti-rotation feature and is attached to an attachment point of the first elongated member in a manner that prevents the bar from rotating about its longitudinal axis and the second end comprises an anti-rotation feature and is attached to an attachment point of the second elongated member in a manner that prevents the bar from rotating about its longitudinal axis. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , each end cap  530  has a channel  632  around its periphery that receives a loop  208 . A wall  634  defines at least part of channel  632  and wall  634  may have a groove  636  that holds loop  208  in place in channel  632  to prevent bar  528  from rotating along its longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, wall  634  may gradually slope upwardly towards either side of groove  636 . The groove  636  may hold loop  208  in place to prevent relative movement between loop  208  and end cap  530 , thereby preventing bar  528  from rotating. In other embodiments, the support can include a bar having a first end and a second end and each end of the bar has a channel around its periphery that can receive a loop  208 . As discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 11-19 , the bar may have a plurality of features for receiving a loops. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 11-14 , each loop  1108  on elongated member  1102  may have a slot  1242  that receives a protrusion  1444  of an end cap  1430  or a protrusion of a bar end. End cap  1430  may have a channel  1432  that receives loop  1108  and protrusion  1444  may extend outwardly from channel  1432  and may be inserted in slot  1242  of loop  1108  to hold bar  1428  in place and prevent bar  1428  from rotating. Similarly, a bar end may have a channel that receives loop  1108  and a protrusion of the bar end may extend outwardly from the channel and may be inserted in slot  1242  of loop  1108  to hold the bar in place and prevent the bar from rotating. Elongated member  1102  may have a core  1114  that includes a twisted rope  1114   a  surrounded by rubber foam padding  1114   b.    
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 15  the end cap  1530  may screw onto the bar  1528 . End cap  1530  may have a channel  1532  for receiving a loop  1508  and one or more extensions  1548  extending into channel  1532  that hold loop  1508  in place to prevent bar  1528  from rotating. End cap  1530  is turned until loop  1508  is tightly sandwiched between end cap  1530  and bar  1528 . Extensions  1548  may be a plurality of spaced apart nubs. The nubs may hold loop  1508  in place to prevent relative movement between loop  1508  and end cap  1530 , thereby preventing bar  1528  from rotating. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 16-17  the end cap  1630  may screw onto the bar  1628 . End cap  1630  may have a channel  1632  for receiving a loop  1708  and one or more extensions  1648  extending into channel  1632  that hold loop  1708  in place to prevent bar  1628  from rotating. End cap  1670  is turned until loop  1708  is tightly sandwiched between end cap  1630  and bar  1628 . Extensions  1648  may be a two or more flanges. The flanges may hold loop  1708  in place to prevent relative movement between loop  1708  and end cap  1630 , thereby preventing bar  1628  from rotating. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 18  the end cap  1830  may screw onto the bar  1828 . End cap  1830  may have a channel  1832  for receiving a loop  1808  and one or more extensions  1848  extending into channel  1832  that hold loop  1808  in place to prevent bar  1828  from rotating. End cap  1870  is turned until loop  1808  is tightly sandwiched between end cap  1830  and bar  1828 . Extensions  1848  may be two or more pins. The pins may hold loop  1808  in place to prevent relative movement between loop  1808  and end cap  1830 , thereby preventing bar  1828  from rotating. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 19 , the end cap  1930  may have a clip  1950  that receives the loop  1908  and a portion of clip  1950  may have a hook (not shown) that catches loop  1908  and holds it in place to prevent bar  1928  from rotating. The hook may hold loop  1908  in place to prevent relative movement between loop  1908  and end cap  1930 , thereby preventing bar  1628  from rotating. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 20-21 , the exercise apparatus  2000  has a single main elongated member  2002  with a middle portion  2152  connected to the rotation mechanism  2106 . Middle portion  2152  may be covered with a slip resistant material so that elongated member  2002  has equal lengths on either side of the connection point to rotation mechanism  2106 . Alternatively, single main elongated member  2002  may be joined or tied at or near middle portion  2152  to the connection point to rotation mechanism  2106 . 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 22-24 , the exercise apparatus  2200  has elongated members  2202 ,  2204  that can be raised and pinned. An elongated member  2202 ,  2204  may have one or more first straps  2354  with a pin  2356  and one or more second straps  2358  with a slot  2360 . First and second straps  2354 ,  2358  are spaced such that when an elongated member  2202 ,  2204  are raised upon itself first strap  2354  aligns with a second strap  2358 . Each loop  2208  may be formed by inserting pin  2356  of each first strap  2354  into slot  2360  of each corresponding second strap  2358 . 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 25-26 , an exercise apparatus  2500  may have elongated members  2502 ,  2504  with a chain link core  2614 . Chain link core can provide a variety of locations to which attachment points can be easily anchored. Elongated members  2502 ,  2504  may be bendable to clip an end of an elongated member to an attachment point  2508  or to clip two attachment points of one or more elongated members together. In one such embodiment, the material for sheath  2516  should be pliable to allow such bending. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 27-28 , an exercise apparatus  2700  may have elongated members  2702 ,  2704  with a core  2814  comprising stuffing such as, but not limited to, fiber, textile, rope, foam, rubber, and combinations thereof. Elongated members  2702 ,  2704  may be bendable to clip an end to an attachment point  2708  or to clip two attachment points of one or more elongated members together. In one such embodiment, the material for sheath  2716  should be pliable to allow such bending. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 29-30 , an exercise apparatus  2900  may have elongated members  2902 ,  2904  with a sheath  2916  of foam or rubber and a core  2914  (e.g., which includes fabric, strap, or webbing) that is exposed at each attachment point  2908 . Attachment points  2908  may be loops and may have an adjustment member  3062  slidably attached to each loop to adjust the size of loop, for example to form a secure hold for a hand or foot. Adjustment member  3062  may be used to tighten the loop against a support such as bar  2928 . Each elongated member  2902 ,  2904  may have a hook and loop type fastener  2964  for bending the elongated member to attach an end to one of the attachment points  2908 . In such an embodiment, the materials for elongated members  2902 ,  2904  should be pliable to allow such bending. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 31-33 , an exercise apparatus  3100  may have elongated members  3102 ,  3104  wherein each attachment point  3108  comprises two loops, as best shown in  FIG. 32 . An inner loop  3108   a  can be used to secure a support to an elongated member and an outer loop  3108   b  can be used, for example, as a foot or hand hold. End caps  3130  of bar  3128  may be screwed onto bar  3128  as shown in  FIG. 33 . Each of elongated members  3102 ,  3104  may have a clip  3166  for bending the elongated member to attach an end to one of attachment points  3108 . In such an embodiment, the material for elongated members  3102 ,  3104  should be pliable to allow such bending. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 34-39 , the exercise apparatus  3400  may have elongated members  3402 ,  3404  wherein the core  3514  may be a metal cable with one or more swaged areas  3568 . A slidable jacket  3570  may slide over the swaged area  3568  to maintain its position along core  3514 . Each slidable jacket  3570  may have a handle or ring  3572  through which the loop  3408  is attached. Spaces between slidable jackets  3570  on core  3514  may be covered with rubber to achieve a uniform thickness, as shown in  FIG. 36 . End caps  3730  may have a clip  3850  that receives loop  3408  and a portion of clip  3850  may have a hook  3874  that catches loop  3408  and prevents bar  3428  from rotating. The end of the elongated members  3402 ,  3404  may also have an end cap  3930  with a clip  3950  and hook  3974  for bending the elongated member to attach an end to one of loops  3408 . In such an embodiment, the material for elongated members  3402 ,  3404  should be pliable to allow such bending. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 40-42 , an exercise apparatus  4000  may have elongated members  4002 ,  4004  wherein core  4114  may include a rope covered with a padding or filler such as, for example, foam padding. There may be breaks in the padding or filler for knots  4176  (e.g., butterfly knots) tied in the rope to be exposed for connecting the attachment points  4008 , such as a loop or strap, as best shown in  FIGS. 41-42 . 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 43 , an exercise apparatus  4300  may have elongated members  4302 ,  4304  with a bar  4328  attached to a loop  4308  at one end. The other end of each elongated members  4302 ,  4304  is attached to a hanging frame  4378  which is attached to cord coiled around a pulley  4380 . A pull string  4382  is attached to pulley  4380  that is pulled to allow adjustment for the height of exercise apparatus  4300  from the ground, thereby making exercise apparatus  4300  configurable for users of different height or for performing exercises on different areas of the user&#39;s body. Such an apparatus may also include additional attachment points along elongated members  4302 ,  4304  for connecting hand or foot holds, additional support members, or elongated extension members. 
     In another embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 44-46 , the exercise apparatus  4400  may have elongated members  4402 ,  4404 . One end of each of elongated members  4402 ,  4404  is attached to a hanging frame  4478  which has a cord coiled inside. Hanging frame  4478  has a hole  4484  for each elongated member  4402 ,  4404  to be attached thereto. A pull string  4482  is attached to hanging frame  4478  that is pulled to allow adjustment for the height of exercise apparatus  4400  from the ground, thereby making exercise apparatus  4400  configurable for users of different height or for performing exercises on different areas of the user&#39;s body. As shown in  FIG. 45 , the other end of each elongated member  4402 ,  4404  may be folded over on itself to form an opening  4586  for receiving an end cap  4530  of bar  4428 . End cap  4530  has a protrusion  4544  extending outward from a channel  4532  in end cap  4530 . Protrusion  4544  fits into a slot  4588  in elongated member  4402 ,  4404  formed in the region of opening  4586  to hold bar  4428  in place and prevent it from rotating. As best seen in  FIG. 46 , a single elongated member  4602  may be attached to hanging frame  4478 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 47-53 , the exercise apparatus includes a first vertical support or elongated member  4702  and a second vertical support or elongated member  4704  joined to a connector  4712 , which in one embodiment is a delta carabiner, which is connected to a swivel or rotation mechanism  4706 . Rotation mechanism  4706  may be suspended from the ceiling, wall, or other support so that exercise apparatus  4700  is suspended above the floor or other surface on which a user will stand to use the apparatus. First and second elongated members  4702 ,  4704  each have one or more attachment points or loops  4708  to which a variety of exercise devices may be removably connected to apparatus  4700 . One example of such an exercise device is bar or support  4710 . Support  4710  may include a gripping material. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 48 , first and second elongated members  4702 ,  4704  may have a twisted rope sheath  4716  and webbing may form the core of sheath  4716  and may extend outwardly from sheath  4716  as loops  4708 . The number of loops  4708  may vary. In one embodiment, each elongated member includes at least two loops  4708  Sheath  4716  may have a wrap  4809  above and below each loop  4708  to prevent twisted rope sheath  4716  from unraveling as a result of loops  4708  extending outwardly from sheath  4716 . The material for wrap  4809  may be the same material as loops  4708 . Alternatively, wrap  4809  may include a wire, tape, or surface treatment to twisted rope sheath  4716 . In some embodiments, a rope sheath such as a synthetic rope sheath can be melted or fused in such locations to prevent unraveling. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 49-50 , support  4710  may include a bar  4728  with end caps  4730  on either end that are attached to loops  4708  on first and second elongated members  4702 ,  4704 . Each end cap  4730  may have a narrow portion or channel  4932  for receiving loops  4708  and a flange  4933  between bar  4728  and channel  4932 . Channel  4932  may be sized to correspond to the width of loop  4708  so that loop  4708  has a snug fit in channel  4932  in order to minimize movement of loop  4708  with respect to bar  4728 , such as rotation about its longitudinal axis. Alternatively, bar can include a first and a second end and each end has a narrow portion or channel for receiving loops  4708 . Such a channel may be sized to correspond to the width of loop  4708  so that loop  4708  has a snug fit in the channel in order to minimize movement of loop  4708  with respect to the bar, such as rotation about its longitudinal axis. 
     Support  4710  may be removably attached to any of loops  4708  spaced along first and second elongated members depending upon the height of the user or the area of the body the user desires to exercise. In addition, as best seen in  FIGS. 51-52 , support  4710  may be attached to an end loop  4740  present at the end of first and second elongated members  4702 ,  4704 . Channel  4932  receives end loop  4740  in a similar manner as when support  4710  is attached to a loop  4708 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 53 , the ends of elongated members  4702 ,  4704  attached to connector  4712  may be doubled over through a ring  5303  or other similar structure to provide a connection to connector  4712 . The doubled over portion of elongated members  4702 ,  4704  may be surrounded with wrapping  4809  to hold the doubled over portion together. Rotation mechanism  4706  may be mounted through a carabiner  5307  or similar device to a ceiling, wall, or other structure such that exercise apparatus  4700  may rotate about a vertical axis or about an axis of the apparatus to permit exercises that involving twisting or turning. An exemplary rotation mechanism  4706  may be a swivel, such as a ball bearing swivel. Examples of suitable swivels include those available from the Petzl Company of Crolles, France. 
     In one embodiment, one or both elongated members can be marked at or near one or more attachments points to indicate suggested attachment of a support such as a bar or other accessory such as a foot or hand hold. For example, an elongated member can have markings to indicate the height of an attachment point or attached support or accessory from the floor or to indicate corresponding horizontal attachment points to assist a user in connecting a support, such as a bar, in a horizontal orientation. 
     The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance. 
     The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.