Patent Publication Number: US-2022233910-A1

Title: Multi-function exercise apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/199,762 filed Jan. 22, 2021, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to exercise apparatus, and more particularly to exercise apparatus for performing multiple exercises. 
     For fitness centers and even home gym enthusiasts, fitness equipment has been limited in the number of exercises that can be performed with a given apparatus. This can lead to an excessive number of apparatus in a gym so that the user can exercise all targeted muscle groups. 
     In the fitness center context, this can present delays for users who may need to wait on another user that may be targeting a specific muscle group during a given exercise period. In the pandemic environment, the availability of the shared apparatus may be further delayed by the need to sanitize the apparatus between users. Likewise, it has become increasingly popular for guided fitness sessions to be led by a fitness instructor, often with several participants in the class. 
     For guided instruction, it is desirable for each participant to have their own apparatus, to avoid time delays for participant circulation between apparatus and sanitizing apparatus between transitions from one apparatus to the next. Moreover, it is also desirable for each participant be able to view the instructor during the exercise to assist in maintaining proper form for conducting the exercise and/or keeping pace with the guided instruction. In the case of a home gym, the user may have mirrors within the gym to facilitate maintenance of proper form during an exercise routine. 
     It is also desirable for each apparatus to be able to carry its own weights and fitness accessories for the performance a given exercise regimen, rather than having these items retained at one or more centralized locations at the fitness center. 
     Conventional exercise apparatus do not meet these needs as they are limited in the number of exercises that can be performed on the apparatus and they are not designed to be easily reoriented in a desired direction, such as facing an instructor or a mirror. 
     As can be seen, there is a need for improved fitness apparatus that provides a single apparatus for performing multiple fitness regimens while permitting the user to easily reorient the apparatus in a desired direction. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a multi-function exercise apparatus is disclosed. The multi-function exercise apparatus includes a base assembly supporting an articulating frame assembly. The articulating frame assembly includes an exterior frame element pivotally coupled to a first end of the base assembly. The exterior frame element is operable for a full tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus. An interior frame element is pivotally coupled to the exterior frame element. The interior frame element is operable for a partial tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus. A cushion assembly is carried on the articulating frame assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the cushion assembly is maintained in a linear alignment with the exterior frame element. In the partial tilting configuration, a first cushion of the cushion assembly is maintained in a flat condition with the exterior frame element, defining a seat. At least one other cushion of the cushion assembly is carried by the interior frame element, defining a backrest when raised in the partial tilting configuration. 
     In some embodiments, the exterior frame element is movable in a first arc in the full tilting configuration and the interior frame element is movable in a second arc, opposite the first arc, when operated in the partial tilting configuration. 
     In some embodiments, a first support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first support arm is pivotally coupled to the interior frame element. The second end of the first support arm engageable with a first plurality of indexed engagement points defined in a spaced apart relation across a top surface of the base assembly. When engaged with a selected one of the first plurality of indexed engagement points, the interior frame element is supported at a selected partial tilting angle relative to the exterior frame element. 
     In some embodiments, a second support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second support arm pivotally coupled to the exterior frame element. The second end of the second support arm is engageable with a second plurality of indexed engagement points defined in a spaced apart relation along a top rail of the base assembly. When engaged with a selected one of the second plurality of indexed engagement points, the exterior frame element is supported at a selected full tilting angle relative to the base assembly. 
     In some embodiments, a pair of feet are attached to a front end of the base assembly. A pair of wheels attached to a rear end of the base assembly, opposite the pair of feet. A caster assembly is mechanically coupled to the front end of the base assembly. The caster assembly is operable to selectively position the caster assembly between a raised position and a lowered position. In the lowered position, the base assembly is movable on the pair of wheels and the caster assembly. In the raised position, the base assembly is supported by the pair of feet. 
     In some embodiments, a handle disposed at the front end of the base assembly. A plurality of linkages interconnect the handle with the caster assembly. Operation of the handle positions the caster assembly between the raised position and the lowered position. Preferably, a lifting of the handle operates the caster assembly to the lowered position. 
     In other aspects of the invention, a multi-function exercise apparatus is disclosed. The multi-function exercise apparatus includes a base assembly. An exterior frame element is pivotally coupled to a front end of the base assembly. The exterior frame element is operable for a full tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus. An interior frame element is pivotally coupled to the exterior frame element. The interior frame element is operable for a partial tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus. At least one cushion of a cushion assembly is carried on each of the exterior frame element and the interior frame element. 
     In some embodiments, a caster assembly is mechanically coupled to a front end of the base assembly. A pair of wheels are attached to a second end of the base assembly. The caster assembly is operable to selectively position the base assembly between a lowered position and a raised position. In the raised position, the base assembly is movable on the pair of wheels and the caster assembly. 
     In some embodiments, a handle is coupled at the front end of the base assembly. A plurality of linkages interconnect the handle with the caster assembly. Operation of the handle positions the caster assembly to move the base assembly between the raised position and the lowered position. Preferably, a lifting of the handle operates the caster assembly to support the base assembly in the raised position. 
     In some embodiments, when in the partial tilting configuration, a first cushion of the cushion assembly is maintained in a flat condition with the exterior frame element, defining a seat, and at least one other cushion of the cushion assembly is carried by the interior frame element, defining a backrest when raised in the partial tilting configuration. 
     In some embodiments, the exterior frame element is movable in a first arc when operated in the full tilting configuration and the interior frame element is movable in a second arc, opposite the first arc, when operated in the partial tilting configuration. 
     In some embodiments, a first support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first support arm is pivotally coupled to the interior frame element. The second end of the first support arm is engageable with a first plurality of indexed engagement points defined in a spaced apart relation across a top surface of the base assembly. A second support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second support arm is pivotally coupled to the exterior frame element. The second end of the second support arm is engageable with a second plurality of indexed engagement points defined in a spaced apart relation along a top rail of the base assembly. 
     When engaged with a selected one of the first plurality of indexed engagement points, the interior frame element is supported at a selected partial tilting angle relative to the exterior frame element. When engaged with a selected one of the second plurality of indexed engagement points, the exterior frame element is supported at a selected full tilting angle relative to the base assembly. 
     In yet other aspects of the invention, a multi-function exercise apparatus is disclosed. The multi-function exercise apparatus includes a base assembly. An exterior frame element is pivotally coupled to a first end of the base assembly. The the exterior frame element is operable for a full tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus about a first arc. An interior frame element is pivotally coupled to the exterior frame element. The interior frame element is operable for a partial tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus about a second arc opposite the first arc. The first cushion is carried on the exterior frame element and at least one second cushion carried on the interior frame element. A first support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first support arm is pivotally coupled to the interior frame element. The second end of the first support arm is engageable with a first plurality of indexed engagement points defined in a spaced apart relation across a top of the base assembly. A second support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second support arm is pivotally coupled to the exterior frame element. The second end of the second support arm is engageable with a second plurality of indexed engagement points defined in a spaced apart relation along a top rail of the base assembly. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the multi-function exercise apparatus showing the cushion in the flat position. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the multi-function exercise apparatus showing the cushion in the flat position. 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view showing the cushion in the first inclined position. 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation view showing the cushion in the second inclined position. 
         FIG. 5  is a detail side elevation view showing a caster wheel in the disengaged position. 
         FIG. 6  is a detail side elevation view showing the caster wheel in the engaged position. 
         FIG. 7  is a detail exploded perspective view of an accessory mount. 
         FIG. 8  is a detail perspective view of a first interlock assembly with a latch to retain the first support arm  14   d  (support arm). 
         FIG. 9  is a detail perspective view taken from area  9  of  FIG. 4 . of the underside of the cushion assembly showing the hook. 
         FIG. 10  is a top rear perspective view showing the multi-function exercise apparatus in a partial tilting configuration. 
         FIG. 11  is a detail perspective view taken from area  11  of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view showing the cushion in the full tilting configuration. 
         FIG. 13  is a detail perspective view taken from area  13  of  FIG. 12  showing the second indexed engagement points spaced along the upper rail. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. 
     Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-function exercise apparatus and method for conducting an exercise regimen with a single exercise apparatus that may be readily reoriented to face a desired direction for performance of an exercise. Each multi-function exercise apparatus may be provisioned with storage locations to maintain weights and other accessories with the apparatus, to equip the multi-function exercise with the necessary weights and accessories for performing a full body exercise regimen. 
     Non-limiting embodiments of a multi-function exercise apparatus  10  according to aspects of the present invention are shown in reference to the drawings of  FIGS. 1-11 . The apparatus is configured as a bench that includes a cushion assembly  12  having a plurality of cushion segments. The cushion assembly  12  is carried on an articulating frame assembly  14  that allows segments of the cushion assembly  12  to be reconfigured for a plurality of fitness exercises. The articulating frame assembly  14  is supported by a base  16 . The base assembly  16  includes a plurality of storage fixtures that are configurable to retain a plurality of weights and exercise accessories for conducting a desired fitness regimen. 
     The cushion assembly  12  includes a first cushion segment  12   a  located at a front facing end of the apparatus  10 , a second cushion segment  12   b  located at an intermediate position of the apparatus  10 , and a third cushion segment  12   c  that is positioned at an aft end of the apparatus  10 . 
     The articulating frame assembly  14  permits the cushion assembly  12  to be raised on either of a partial tilting configuration and a full tilting configuration. As seen in reference to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 10 , in the partial tilting configuration, the first cushion segment  12   a  is maintained in a flat orientation and supported on the base assembly  16  by an exterior frame element  14   a.  In this configuration, the first cushion segment  12   a  may serve as a seat. Each of the second cushion segment  12   b,  and the third cushion segment  12   c  are carried on an interior frame element  14   b.  The interior frame element  14   b  is configured to articulate about the exterior frame element  14   a  in an arching movement. In this configuration, the first cushion segment  12   a  serves as a seat, while the second cushion segment  12   b  and the third cushion segment  12   c  form a backrest. 
     The interior frame element  14   b  is supported by a first support arm  14   c  pivotally connected at a first end to the interior frame element  14   b.  A second end of the first support arm  14   c  may be connected with a first plurality of indexed engagement points  16   g  defined across a top surface  16   i  of the base  16 . Selection of a desired indexed engagement point  16   g,  best seen in reference to  FIG. 11 , permits the inner frame element  14   b  to be elevated to a desired vertical angle between 0 and about 80 degrees. Selection of the desired vertical elevation would depend upon the desired exercised to be performed, by way of non-limiting example, a supine press, an inclined press, and an overhead press configuration. 
     As seen in reference to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 12 , the apparatus  10  is shown in the full tilting configuration. In this configuration, the exterior frame element  14   a  is configured to support each of the first cushion segment  12   a,  the second cushion segment  12   b,  and the third cushion segment  12   c  in a linear orientation. The cushion assembly  12  and the frame assembly  14  pivot in an arc about an aft end of the base assembly  16 . 
     In this configuration, the exterior frame element  14   a  is supported by a second support arm  14   d.  A first end of the second support arm  14   d  is pivotally attached to the exterior frame element  14   a.  A second end of the second support arm  14   d  may be connected with a second plurality of indexed engagement points  16   h  that are defined in a spaced apart relation along the upper rail  16   c  as shown in  FIG. 13 . Selection of a desired one of the second indexed engagement point  16   h  permits the exterior frame element  14   b  to be supported in an elevated condition at a desired vertical angle between 0 and 80 degrees. In this configuration, the apparatus  10  may be used, for example, to perform a standing inclined press, a standing, overhead press, or inclined rowing exercises. 
     The base assembly  16  includes an upper rail  16   c,  a lower rail  16   d,  and a plurality of upright frame rails  16   e,  that are joined as a rectangular box configuration. The base assembly  16  may also include a plurality of feet  16   a.  The plurality of feet  16   a  may be vertically adjustable to ensure that the base assembly  16  is evenly supported by a floor surface  26  so that the apparatus  16  does not wobble or present an unstable exercise platform. 
     Each of the plurality of feet  16   a  may be carried by a selectively extensible foot support  16   f  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The extensible foot support  16   f  is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the feet  16   a  and extensible foot support  16   f  support the bench assembly as an out rigging to provide improved vertical stability for the apparatus  10 , particularly when the cushion assembly  12  and frame assembly are configured in an elevated condition. 
     The base assembly  16  may also include a plurality of wheels  16   b  disposed at an opposite end from the plurality of feet  16   a  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the plurality of wheels  16   b  are attached to the front end of the base assembly. With the plurality of feet  16   a  properly positioned in contact with the supporting floor surface  26 , the apparatus is prevented from rolling. 
     The base assembly  16  also includes a caster assembly  22 . As best seen in reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the caster assembly  22  is operable to selectively raise and lower a swivel mounted caster  22   b  from a bottom of the base assembly  16 . In the lowered position the caster  22   b  elevates the plurality of feet  16   a  from contact with the supporting floor surface  26 . In this position, the apparatus  10  may be readily positioned to a desired orientation. Swiveling of the swivel mounted caster  22   b  permits the apparatus  10  to be rotated within a close turn radius to limit the area of floor space to turn the apparatus  10  to the desired orientation. 
     The caster assembly includes a handle  22   a  that is disposed between the upright frame rails  16   e  at the foot end of the base assembly  16 . The handle  22   a  is coupled with the swivel mounted caster  22   b  via a plurality of linkages to provide a mechanical advantage to selectively raise and lower the frame assembly  16 . The mechanical advantage is particularly useful when the base assembly  16  carries a plurality of weights and exercise accessories. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the plurality of linkages include a first linkage  22   c  disposed at an end of the handle  22   a  distal from a pivot about which the handle  22   a  operates. A second linkage  22   d  extends substantially vertically to a bottom end of the base assembly  16 . The second linkage  22   d  is pivotally coupled to a distal end of a third linkage  22   e,  with a proximal end of the third linkage  22   e  pivotally coupled to the bottom rail  16   d  of the base assembly  16 . The swivel mounted caster  22   b  is carried by an intermediate portion of the third linkage  22   e.    
     The handle  22   a  and plurality of linkages are configured such that an upward lifting of the handle  22   a  extends the swivel mounted caster  22   b  such that the base assembly  16  is elevated from the supporting ground surface. This orientation provides the user better leverage to “lift” the apparatus  10  with a lifting of the handle  22   a.  Once the apparatus is placed in the desired orientation, the user may lower the handle  22   a  to retract the swivel mounted caster  22   b,  such that the base assembly  16  is supported on the plurality of feet  16   a.    
     The frame assembly  16  may also be configured with a plurality of weight and accessory supports and attachment points as shown in  FIG. 1 . The weights and accessories may include a weighted ball  18   a,  a plurality of dumbbells  18   b,  one or more kettle bells  18   c,  and one or more elastic resistance bands  20 . 
     The weighted ball  18   a  may be conveniently stowed on a plate  24   g  carried by the lower rails  16   b,  as seen in  FIG. 1 . The plate  24   g  may have a depression to retain the weighted ball  18   a,  the depression having a sufficient depth to prevent the weighted ball  18   a  from rolling off the apparatus  10  when the apparatus is being used for exercises or being repositioned. 
     An accessory support  24  as shown in  FIG. 7  is provided to carry the plurality of dumbbells  18   b  on the base assembly. The accessory support  24  is attached between the upper rail  16   c  and the lower rail  16   d  of the base assembly  16  via one or more fasteners  24   d  received in apertures  24   e  in the upper rail  16   c.  The accessory support  24  has at least one pair of upstanding arcuate arms providing a notch in which to retain a handle of the dumbbell  18   b.  The notch may have a cushion  24   b  to cushion a contact between the dumbbell  18   b  and the accessory support  24  when the dumbbell  18   b  is placed or removed in the accessory support  24 . 
     As will be appreciated, the at least one pair of upstanding arms may include a plurality of upstanding arms disposed in a spaced apart configuration, depending on a size of the dumbbell  18   b  carried thereon. The accessory support  24  may have a pin  24   g  protruding from a bottom end of thereof. The pins  24   g  are engageable with a plurality of apertures  24   f  defined in the lower rail  16   d.    
     The one or more elastic resistance bands  20  include a handle  20   a  at a distal end and a coupling at a proximal end as shown generally in  FIGS. 3-4 . The elastic resistance bands  20  may be coupled to the apparatus  16  at various locations to allow the user to conduct various exercises. By way of non-limiting example, the resistance band  20  may be coupled to a plurality of cleats  20   c  that are coupled to one or more of the upper rails  16   c  and the lower rail  16   d.  A plurality of cleats  20   c  may be disposed in a spaced apart relation along a longitudinal length of the upper rail  16   c  and the lower rail  16   d.  The plurality of cleats  20   c  provide the user a means of varying the resistance of the elastic resistance band  20  or a placement of the elastic resistance band  20  relative to the apparatus  10  to provide for a wide range of resistance band exercises. As best seen in reference to  FIG. 1 , the one or more elastic resistance bands  20  may be conveniently stowed by suspending the band  20  from the plurality of cleats  20   c.    
     The base assembly  16  may also include one or more modular resistance rails  25  such as seen in reference to  FIGS. 1 and 7 , attached to one or more of the upright rails  16 , upper rail  16   c,  or the lower rail  16   d.  The one or more modular resistance rails  25  include a plurality of slots  25   c  disposed in a spaced apart relation along a length of the modular resistance rail  25 . The plurality of slots  25  are adapted to attach the distal end of the elastic resistance band  20  to the apparatus  10 . 
     As best seen in reference to the detail views of  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the frame assembly  14  may also be provided with interlock features to prevent the user from positioning the articulating frame assembly  14  in an unsafe condition. A forward interlock, shown in  FIG. 8 , includes latch assembly  30 . The latch assembly  30  is pivotally coupled to a plate  30   c  extending between the exterior frame elements  14   a,  proximal to the first cushion segment  12   a.  An actuating flange extends laterally across the exterior frame element  14   a  proximal to an inboard end of the first cushion segment  12   a.  A cross member  28  extends laterally across the second support arm  14   d.  The cross member  28  has an aperture  28   a.  A pin  30   a  on the latch  30  is selectively engageable with the aperture  28   a.  When the exterior frame element  14   a  is moved to the lowered flat condition, the actuating flange engages with the latch  30  to disengage the pin  30   a  from the aperture  28   a.    
     When the interior frame element  14   b  is raised, to form the seatback with the second cushion segment  12   b  and the third cushion segment  12   c,  the second support arm  14   d  is retained by engagement of the pin  30   a  with the aperture  28   a,  so that the second support arm  14   d  is inoperative for engagement with the indexed engagement points on the base  16  to prevent the outer frame  14   a  from being supported in an elevated condition while the interior frame  14   b  is also supported in an elevated condition. 
     The second interlock is shown in reference to  FIG. 9 . The second interlock includes a hook assembly  32  that is attached at the distal end of the upper rail  16   c  proximal to the pivot axis  34  of the outer frame  14   a  with the upper rail  16   c.  The hook assembly  32  includes an arcuate finger  32   a  that defines an arcuate slot  32   c.  A pin  32   b  laterally extends from a flange extending from the interior frame element  14   b.  The arcuate slot  32   c  is dimensioned such that with the exterior frame  14   a  in the lowered position, the pin  32   b  is withdrawn from the arcuate slot  32   c,  permitting the interior frame  14   b  to be elevated. 
     When the exterior frame element  14   a  is in the elevated position the pin  32   b  is received within the arcuate slot  32   c.  With the pin  32   b  received within the arcuate slot  32   c,  movement of the interior frame element  14   b  is prevented by contact of the pin  32   b  with the arcuate finger  32   a.    
     It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.