Patent Publication Number: US-9895572-B2

Title: Exercising apparatus

Description:
This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/064,739 filed Oct. 16, 2014. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates an exercising apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus that provides a functional working platform for exercising with dumbbells. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In fitness centers, machines, lifting racks, free weights, and other devices are used in order to help individuals reach their fitness goals. Whether one is a beginner, college athlete, or a professional bodybuilder, it is imperative to workout with proper form and technique in order to maximize results as well as prevent both injuries and unwanted damage to equipment. 
     Many common weight-training regiments incorporate working muscle groups of the upper and lower body on different days. When working upper body muscle groups, individuals tend to focus on one or more muscle regions per day that include but are not limited the chest, back, shoulders, biceps, and triceps. When training these muscle groups, the use of free weights are quite popular, especially for pressing exercises. Pressing exercises generally incorporate either an Olympic barbell rack setup or dumbbells used with a small, adjustable, and mobile workout bench. The main difference between the two is that a rack setup comprises support components that position the weights above the ground into a safe starting and ending position for the user, while small, adjustable, and mobile workout benches do not. Therefore, the users performing dumbbell press movements (as well as other exercises) on small, adjustable, and mobile workout benches must expel additional energy lifting the weights into a proper starting position. When exercising alone with dumbbells, as the dumbbells increase in weight, it becomes correspondingly more dangerous and difficult to get them into the proper position to begin various movements. After completing a dumbbell exercise, users risk injury when lowering dumbbells onto their body or dropping them on the ground. Dropping dumbbells creates disruptive noise and may cause damage to both equipment and facilities. 
     Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus to position dumbbells for strength training. 
     SUMMARY 
     An apparatus for supporting an exercise weight is disclosed according to some embodiments. The apparatus includes a frame comprising a base member structurally configured to be placed on a surface, a weight support member coupled to the base member, and at least one movable member movably coupled to the weight support member, wherein the movable member is configured to be moved along an axis parallel to the longer axis of the weight support member. The apparatus further includes at least one arm, wherein a first end of the at least one arm is coupled to the movable member. Further, the apparatus includes at least one cradle coupled to a second end of the at least one arm, wherein the at least one cradle is structurally configured to support an exercise weight. Moreover, the apparatus includes an actuator coupled to the movable member, wherein the actuator is configured to change a position of the movable member along the axis. 
     According to some aspects, an apparatus to position dumbbells for strength training is disclosed. The apparatus allows users to place dumbbells into cradles and position them vertically to accommodate different exercises and user preferences. The cradles are mechanically adjustable. Once the user has completed an exercise, the user can replace the dumbbells in the cradle. This minimizes the risk for injury as well as the problems associated with dropping dumbbells. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective-view of an exercising apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective-view of the exercising apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective-view of a cradle of the exercising apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective-view of the exercising apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective-view of an exercising apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective-view of the exercising apparatus of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a rear-view of the exercising apparatus of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective-view of the exercising apparatus of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 9  is a side-view of the exercising apparatus of  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is provided with reference to the figures. Exemplary, and in some case preferred, embodiments are described to illustrate the disclosure, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations in the description that follows. The present disclosure is primarily related to fitness training environments, but it may be applied to other settings and situations. 
     The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for supporting an exercise weight. The apparatus includes a frame comprising a base member structurally configured to be placed on a surface, a weight support member coupled to the base member, and at least one movable member movably coupled to the weight support member, wherein the movable member is configured to be moved along an axis parallel to the longer axis of the weight support member. The apparatus further includes at least one arm, wherein a first end of the at least one arm is coupled to the movable member. Further, the apparatus includes at least one cradle coupled to a second end of the at least one arm, wherein the at least one cradle is structurally configured to support an exercise weight. Moreover, the apparatus includes an actuator coupled to the movable member, wherein the actuator is configured to change a position of the movable member along the axis. 
       FIGS. 1-4  illustrate an exercising apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment.  FIGS. 5-8  illustrate an exercising apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exercise apparatus  100  for supporting an exercise weight is illustrated in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment. The exercise apparatus  100  comprises a frame including a base member  104  structurally configured to be placed on a surface. The frame is configured to stand freely on the surface. Further, the exercise apparatus  100  includes a weight support member  106  coupled to the base member  104 . The weight support member  106  may be attached to the base member  104  in any suitable orientation. For example, the weight support member  106  may be attached to the base member  104  such that the weight support member  106  is vertical in relation to the surface. 
     The base member  104  may include a first beam  108 , a second beam  110  and a third beam  112 , wherein the first beam  108  is parallel to the second beam  110 . The length of the first beam  108  is equal to a length of the second beam  110 . Further, the first beam  108  and the second beam  110  are spatially aligned to form parallel edges of a rectangle. A first end  114  of the third beam  112  is coupled to the first beam  108 , and a second end  116  of the third beam  112  is coupled to the second beam  110 , wherein the third beam  112  is perpendicular to each of the first beam  108  and the second beam  110 . The weight support member  106  is coupled to the third beam  112  at a first end  118  of the weight support member  106 . The first beam  108 , the second beam  110  and the third beam  112  may comprise metal tubes with a rectangular or a square cross-section. 
     The exercise apparatus  100  further includes a movable member  122 , wherein the movable member  122  is movably coupled to the weight support member  106 . The movable member  122  is configured to be moved along an axis parallel to the longer axis of the weight support member  106 . The movable member  122  may at least partially embrace a portion of the weight support member  106 . 
     The exercise apparatus  100  further includes two arms  124 - 126 , wherein the first ends of each of the two arms  124 - 126  are coupled to the movable member  122 . The second ends of each of two arms  124 - 126  are coupled to two cradles  128 - 130  respectively. Therefore, the two cradles  128 - 130  are coupled to the movable member  122  via the two arms  124 - 126  respectively. The two cradles  128 - 130  are structurally configured to support an exercise weight. For example, the exercise weight may be a dumbbell or a barbell.  FIG. 2  illustrates two dumbbells  202 - 204  placed on the two cradles  128 - 130 . For example, the two cradles  128 - 130  may be used to support and hold dumbbells of various weights up to 200 lbs. 
     In an instance of the embodiment, each of the arms  124  and  126  includes a one single piece. In another instance of the embodiment, the arm  124  may include multiple pieces including a first portion beginning from a first end of the one arm  124 , a second portion beginning from the second end of the arm  124  and an elbow portion interspersed between the first portion and the second portion. This essentially gives a U-shaped structure to the arm  124 . The first portion, the second portion and the elbow may be coupled using any known means. A similar structure may be used for the arm  126 . The arm  124  and the arm  126  both have the same size, shape, and material. 
     Each of the cradles  128 - 130  includes a pair of receiving portions respectively. The receiving portions are structurally configured to receive a portion of the exercise weight. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the cradle  128  includes a first receiving portion  302  and a second receiving portion  304 . Further, the first receiving portion  302  is separated from the second receiving portion  304  by a gap  306  that allows a user&#39;s hand to grasp a holding portion of the exercise weight placed in the cradle  128 . Each receiving portion of the pair of receiving portions may include a saddle portion. Further, each receiving portion of the pair of receiving portions includes a groove. The cradle  128  and the cradle  130  both have the same size, shape, and material. 
     The cradles  128 - 130  further include a backing member. For example, the cradle  128  includes a backing member  308 . A first side  310  of the backing member  308  is coupled to the second end of the arm  124  and a second side  312  of the backing member  308  is coupled to each of the first receiving portion  302  and the second receiving portion  304  at a lower portion of the second side. 
     In an instance of the embodiment, the cradles  128 - 130  are adjustable, such that they are able to translate, rotate, and swivel about their connections with the arms  124 - 126  respectively. These connections may include pullout pin locking mechanism. This flexibility allows a user to grip the exercise weights differently. For example, users generally hold dumbbells at differently when performing flies as opposed to press exercises. 
     Further, the cradles  128 - 130  may go back to a default position once the user is done with the exercise set. 
     The exercise apparatus  100  further includes an actuator (not shown) coupled to the movable member  122 . The actuator is configured to change a position of the movable member  122  along the axis parallel to the longer axis of the weight support member  106 . The actuator may be one of a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, an electromechanical actuator and a fuel-powered actuator. The hydraulic actuator further being a manual rotary hydraulic pump in the preferred embodiment. Further, the movable member  122  is configured to remain at a position along the axis independent of each of presence of the exercise weight in the cradles  128 - 130  and an operational state of the actuator. In this case, the actuator is required only to change the height of a cradle from ground, whereas no energy is expended in maintaining the cradle at a desired height. 
     In an instance of the embodiment, the weight support member  106  may include a locking mechanism, such that the movable member  122  smoothly translates vertically up or down along the weight support member  106  when the locking mechanism is disengaged or released. For example, by releasing the locking mechanism, the user may move the movable member  122  to the appropriate height off the ground. The locking mechanism may be either a pullout pin or a rotatable crank. 
     In case the locking mechanism is a pullout pin, the user simply pulls a spring-loaded handle extending orthogonally from both the weight support member  106  and the movable member  122 . The spring-loaded handle is attached to a cylindrical shaft that penetrates one of a plurality of equidistant holes placed vertically up the entire length of the weight support member  106 . The spring-loaded handle is screwed into a housing that extends orthogonally out of the movable member  122 . Each of the plurality of holes is dimensioned to snuggly fit within the aforementioned cylindrical shaft concentrically. When the user pulls the spring-loaded handle, the cylindrical shaft retracts from one of the plurality of equidistant holes. With the spring-loaded handle in the retracted position, the user can smoothly use a vertical force upwards or downwards to translate the movable member  122  to the appropriate location. When the movable member  122  is in place, the user simply releases the spring-loaded handle, causing the cylindrical shaft to penetrate one of the selected plurality of equidistant holes. The locking mechanism works with the spring to prevent the pullout pin or handle from moving out of place. 
     However, in case the locking mechanism is a rotatable crank, the rotatable crank would work in conjunction with a system of beveled gears. The rotatable crank may further comprise a handle, extending orthogonally from the edge of the crank, away from the rear of the weight support member  106 . By rotating the handle, the beveled gears work in unison transforming rotational motion into translational motion. The final beveled gear comprises a threaded cylindrical hole. The gear is concentrically attached to a threaded shaft housed within the main beam. By turning the handle, the rotatable crank&#39;s movement actuates the system of beveled gears. The final threaded gear then moves up or down the threaded shaft based on the direction of rotation. This system of gears and rotatable crank are all connected to the movable member  122 , which move simultaneously based on the movement of the final threaded gear. A pin may be inserted into the movable member  122 , the weight support member  106 , and rotatable crank as a locking mechanism to prevent unwanted movement of the movable member  122 . 
     Yet further, the exercise apparatus  100  includes a user support member  402  configured to support weight of a user as shown in  FIG. 4 . A user may sit or lie down on the user support member  402 . The user adjusts the movable member  122  such that the position of the exercise weight placed in the cradles  128 - 130  is at arm&#39;s length from the user. The user support member  402  may be used for exercises that include but are not limited to seated military press (shoulder press), bench press, inclined bench, pectoral flies, incline flies, and more. If the user wishes to perform standing exercises such as standing military press, the user may simply move the user support member  402  out of the way. 
     Further, the user support member  402  comprises two adjustable two padded sections (not shown). One of the padded sections is longer than the second one. The short section functions as a seat bottom and the long section functions as a seat back. The long and the short sections may change angles in conjunction with the translation of the movable member  122 . For example, when a user raises the movable member  122  upwards, the angle between the long and short section of the bench will decrease, allowing users the ability to perform exercises at an inclined angle. When a user lowers the movable member  122  downwards, the angle between the long and short section of the bench will increase. 
     Now, referring to  FIGS. 5-9 , an exercise apparatus  500  for supporting an exercise weight is illustrated in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 5  illustrates a first perspective view of the exercise apparatus  500 ,  FIG. 6  illustrates a second perspective view of the exercise apparatus  500 ,  FIG. 7  illustrates a rear view of the exercise apparatus  500 ,  FIG. 8  illustrates a third perspective view of the exercise apparatus  500 , and  FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of the exercise apparatus  500 . 
     The exercise apparatus  500  comprises a frame including a base member  504  structurally configured to be placed on a surface. The frame is configured to stand freely on the surface. The base member  504  may include a first beam  508 , a second beam  510  and a third beam  512 , wherein the first beam  508  is parallel to the second beam  510 . The length of the first beam  508  is equal to a length of the second beam  510 . Further, the first beam  508  and the second beam  510  are spatially aligned to form parallel edges of a rectangle. A first end of the third beam  512  is coupled to the first beam  508  and a second end of the third beam  512  is coupled to the second beam  110 , wherein the third beam  512  is perpendicular to each of the first beam  508  and the second beam  510 . 
     Further, the exercise apparatus  500  includes a weight support member, which comprises two sections, a first section  506 A and a second section  506 B. The first section  506 A and the second section  506 B may be a metal tube with a rectangular, square, or a circular cross-section. A first end  514  of the first section  506 A is coupled to the base member  504 . Specifically, the first end  514  of the first section  506 A is coupled to the third beam  512 . The first section  506 A may be attached to the base member  504  in any suitable orientation. For example, the first section  506 A may be attached to the base member  504  such that the weight support member is vertical in relation to the surface. An additional support member  516  may be coupled to the first section  506 A. The length of the additional support member  516  is shorter than the length of the first section  506 A. Further, the additional support member  516  is coupled in parallel and in close proximity to the first section  506 A. 
     A plate member  518 , coupled to at least one of the first section  506 A and the additional support member  516 , extends in a perpendicular direction to the first section  506 A and the additional support member  516 . The plate member  518  provides a platform for a first end  520  of the second section  506 B. The second section  506 B is coupled to the plate member  518 . The second section  506 B extends vertically upwards and away from the plate member  518 . 
     The exercise apparatus  500  further includes a movable member  522 , wherein the movable member  522  is movably coupled to the second section  506 B. The movable member  522  is configured to be moved along an axis parallel to the longer axis of the second section  506 B. The movable member  522  may at least partially embrace a portion of the second section  506 B. 
     The exercise apparatus  500  further includes two arms  524 - 526 , wherein the first ends of each of the two arms  524 - 526  are coupled to the movable member  522 . The second ends of each of two arms  524 - 526  are coupled to two cradles  528 - 530  respectively. Therefore, the two cradles  528 - 530  are coupled to the movable member  522  via the two arms  524 - 526  respectively. Each of the two arms  524 - 526  includes at least one member. For example, in the second exemplary embodiment, each of the two arms  524 - 526  includes two members. The arm  524  includes two members  524 A and  524 B. Similarly, the arm  526  includes two members  526 A and  526 B. More members may be used to provide more stability and strength to the two cradles  528 - 530 . The cradles  528 - 530  are structurally configured to support an exercise weight. For example, the exercise weight may be a dumbbell or a barbell.  FIGS. 6, 8 and 9  illustrate two dumbbells  532 - 534  placed on the two cradles  528 - 530  respectively. 
     The exercise apparatus  100  further includes an actuator (not shown) coupled to the movable member  522 . The actuator is configured to change a position of the movable member  522  along the axis parallel to the longer axis of the weight support member  106 . The actuator is at least one a pneumatic actuator, an electromechanical actuator and a fuel-powered actuator. Further, the movable member  522  is configured to remain at a position along the axis independent of each of presence of the exercise weight in the at least one cradle  528 - 530  and an operational state of the actuator. The actuator is explained in further detail in conjunction with the  FIGS. 1-4  above. 
     The frame of the exercise apparatus further includes at least one weight distribution member coupled to the weight support member at a first end of the at least one weight distribution member, wherein a second end of the at least one weight distribution member is coupled to at least one portion of the base member. Accordingly, the frame of the exercise apparatus  500  includes a weight distribution member, which comprises a structure as described below. The weight distribution member comprises each of a first weight distribution beam  540 , a second weight distribution beam  542  and a third weight distribution beam  544 . A first end  546  of the first weight distribution beam  540  is coupled to a portion of the first beam  508  of the base member  504 , wherein a first end  548  of the second weight distribution beam  542  is coupled to a portion of the second beam  510  of the base member  504 . Further, a second end  550  of the first weight distribution beam  540  is coupled to a first end of the third weight distribution beam  544 . Similarly, a second end  552  of the second weight distribution beam  542  is coupled to a second end of the third weight distribution beam  544 . Moreover, a second end  554  of the second section  506 B of the weight support beam is coupled to the third weight distribution beam  544 . 
     The first weight distribution beam  540  may be angled in relation to the first beam  508  of the base member  104 . Similarly, the second weight distribution beam  542  may be angled in relation to the second beam  510  of the base member  104 . The third weight distribution beam  544  is perpendicular to each of the first weight distribution beam  540  and the second weight distribution beam  542 . 
     The weight distribution member of the exercise apparatus  500  further includes each of a fourth weight distribution beam  556  and a fifth weight distribution beam  558 . A first end of the fourth weight distribution beam  556  is coupled to the first weight distribution beam  540 , wherein a second end of the fourth weight distribution beam  556  is coupled to the base member  104  (the first beam  508 ). Similarly, a first end of the fifth weight distribution beam  558  is coupled to the second weight distribution beam  542 , wherein a second end of fifth weight distribution beam  558  is coupled to the base member  104  (the second beam  510 ). Further, each of the fourth weight distribution member  556  and the fifth weight distribution member  558  is angled in relation to the base member  104 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the left side of the exercise apparatus  500  is symmetrical to the right side of the exercise apparatus  500 . Therefore, the components on the left side are physically and mechanically the same as the components on the right side; however, they are positionally mirror images of each other. 
     In the embodiments described above, various components may be coupled using one of, but not limited to, a weld, a magnetic, a screw or a bolt connection. Further, the couplings may be rigid or non-rigid couplings. 
     It will be appreciated that various above-disclosed embodiments, other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.