Patent Publication Number: US-11045679-B2

Title: Versatile balance and exercise apparatus and methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present nonprovisional application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/580,854 that was filed on Oct. 13, 2016 (now U.S. Design Pat. No. D848556), which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a balance and exercise apparatus, and, more particularly, to a fitness device for physical training, balance development, and stretching of multiple muscle groups. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A variety of exercise devices are available that enable a user to exercise or stretch one part of the body or to train for a particular sport. Many of the available exercise devices are limited to a particular muscle group or to a single type of exercise. Some of these are exercise devices that enable pushup exercises to exercise the chest muscles. Others are sit up-type exercise devices to develop the muscles of the abdomen. Some exercise devices strengthen the core muscles. Additionally, there are sport-specific exercise devices that strengthen a particular set of muscles needed in the specific sport. Other exercise devices allow the user to practice movements that develop balance. These include various types of balance beams and balance balls. Some exercise devices enable the user to perform stretches. 
     Though exercise systems have been developed that exercise multiple muscle groups, these tend to be bulky, complex, expensive, and not transportable. 
     Thus, though there are exercise devices that are focused on one muscle group or a few muscle groups, on one sport, on stretching exercises, or on improving balance, there is a need for a versatile exercise device that consolidates all of these aspects into a single apparatus that is not complex, not expensive, not bulky, and is transportable while enabling a wide variety of exercises, stretches, and balance training. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a versatile exercise apparatus that includes a central foundation frame that is generally planar with two attached arched bars and with each of the arched bars extending substantially perpendicularly from the foundation frame. 
     The central foundation frame comprises two generally parallel lateral cross bars, two generally parallel longitudinal bars, four 4-way joints, and two partial circular bars. End portions of the two lateral cross bars, two parallel longitudinal bars, and two partial circular bars are attached to one of the 4-way joints. Each end of each of the two arched bars is also attached to one of the 4-way joints. 
     In one aspect the exercise apparatus includes a first module that is attachable to, and detachable from, a second module by the two longitudinal bars. Each module comprises a lateral cross bar, two four 4-way joints, one partial circular bar, and one arched bar. 
     In a first configuration, the first and second module are arranged in a corresponding orientation with the arched bar of each module oriented in the same or corresponding direction. In a second configuration, the first and second module are arranged in an opposing orientation with the arched bar of each module oriented in opposite or opposing directions. 
     In both configurations, the two partial circular bars, the two lateral cross bars, the four 4-way joints, and the two longitudinal bars joining the two modules form a center foundation frame. In the corresponding configuration, the arched bars of the two modules extend outwardly from the central foundation frame in the same direction. In the opposing configuration, the first arched bar of the first module extends outwardly perpendicularly from the central foundation in a first direction. The second module is rotated 180 degrees from its orientation in the first corresponding configuration, so the second arched bar extends outwardly and perpendicularly in an opposite direction. 
     The versatile exercise apparatus may be utilized for a variety of stretching and physical training exercises, because it provides multiple levels, angles, and bridges that may be used to train various parts of the body. Additionally, it may be used in either the corresponding or opposing configuration, which provide variations in the placement of the levels, angles, and bridges. Further, a single module may be disconnected from the remainder of the exercise apparatus leaving a subset array that may be used alone in a stable orientation and a rocking orientation to provide yet greater variety in exercises and stretches. 
     Additionally, the incorporation of two rounded elements in each module, the arched bar and the partial circular bar, provide multiple opportunities for balance training and maneuvers. 
     In one embodiment, the exercise apparatus is formed unitarily. In another embodiment, some of the elements are separable. In the separable embodiment, the exercise apparatus may be stored and transported more easily, and a portion of the exercise apparatus, a subset array, may be used as a supplemental exercise apparatus that is formed by the removal of one module from the full exercise apparatus. 
     In one aspect of the invention, the exercise apparatus is formed into a unitary device and is not separable. 
     In a further aspect of the invention, the exercise apparatus is formed of multiple separable elements. 
     In an additional aspect of the invention, the exercise apparatus is separable and is assembled into a first configuration with the arched bars oriented in the same direction. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the separable exercise apparatus is separable and assembled into a second configuration with the arched bars oriented in opposing directions. 
     In a further aspect of the invention, a first module is separated from the remainder of the separable exercise apparatus to create a subset array (the second module and the longitudinal bars) that is used alone. 
     In another aspect of the invention, a set of extenders is used to lengthen the longitudinal side bars of the separable aspect of the exercise apparatus. 
     In an additional aspect of the invention, a set of extenders is used to extend one arched bar or both arched bars a greater distance from the central foundation. 
     In a further aspect of the invention, the arched bars are partially or fully covered with a non-slip material. 
     In another aspect of the invention, at least four feet are attached on the bottom of the central foundation frame to reduce slippage of the exercise apparatus. 
     The object of the invention is to provide an exercise apparatus and methods which give an improved performance over the above described prior art apparatuses and methods. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a corresponding orientation. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a partially exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective detail view of one of the four 4-way joints of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention assembled in an opposing configuration. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention assembled in an opposing configuration. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention assembled in an opposing configuration. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention assembled in a rocking configuration using a subset array alone. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a rocking configuration using a subset array alone. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a stable configuration using a subset array alone. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a stable configuration using a subset array alone. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a stable configuration using a subset array alone. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a versatile balance and exercise apparatus and methods of assembly, conversion, and use. The versatile balance and exercise apparatus is an array of bars particularly designed to enable a user to enhance balancing skills and to perform a wide range of movements to increase general fitness, for core strengthening, to strengthen various muscle groups, to stretch, to improve balance, and to generally improve the physical condition of the user. In some aspects of the invention, a single fitness apparatus may be converted into multiple configurations that are usable for different exercises and stretches, thus increasing the value and versatility of the fitness apparatus. 
     In the first embodiment, the elements of the fitness apparatus are fixedly joined together. Therefore, the fitness apparatus of the first embodiment is not separable or collapsible. In the second embodiment, some of the elements of the fitness apparatus are attachable and detachable from other elements of the fitness apparatus, which enables convenient transport and/or storage of the fitness apparatus as well as the modification of the fitness apparatus to create multiple orientations to enable different exercises and drills. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , a versatile balance and exercise apparatus, shown generally as reference number  100 , is illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100  comprises a first module  200 , a second module  300 , four 4-way joints, and two longitudinal, generally parallel longitudinal bars  150  that serve to connect the two modules  200 ,  300 . 
     Each of the first and second modules  200 ,  300  comprises a lateral cross bar  210 ,  310 , a partial circular bar  220 ,  320 , two 4-way joints  400 , and an arched bar  230 ,  330 , respectively. In the first module, the lateral cross bar  210  is attached between first and second 4-way joints  400 , the partial circular bar  220  is attached between the first and second 4-way joints  400 , and the arched bar  230  is attached between the first and second 4-way joints  400 . In the second module, the lateral cross bar  310  is attached between the third and fourth 4-way joints  400 , the partial circular bar  320  is attached between the between third and fourth 4-way joints  400 , and the arched bar  330  is attached between the third and fourth 4-way joints  400 . The first joint  400  is attached to a first end  151  of a first longitudinal bar  150 , with the opposing second end  159  of the first longitudinal bar  150  attached to the third joint  400 . The second joint  400  is attached to a first end  151  of a second longitudinal bar  150 , with the opposing second end  159  of the second longitudinal bar  150  attached to the fourth joint  400 . 
     In the first embodiment, the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100  is not separable. The bars  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  150  are fixedly attached to the four 4-way joints  400 , or, alternatively, the joints and bars may be formed unitarily. This creates a single composite structure that is not collapsible and that cannot be broken down to create a more compact structure for storage. 
     The first embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  also illustrates the corresponding configuration in which both arched bars  230 ,  330  are disposed on the same side of the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100 . Optionally, the non-separable versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100  may be manufactured in an opposing configuration (the configuration seen in  FIGS. 7-9 ) in which one arched bar  230  is disposed on one side of the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100  and the other arched bar  330  is disposed on the opposite side of the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100 . In one aspect, four (or more) somewhat malleable feet  222 ,  322  may be disposed on the bottoms of the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100 , such as on the bottom of partial circular bars  220 ,  320 , on the bottom of the joints  400 , or on the bottom of the longitudinal bars  150 . These may reduce slippage and provide stability for use in some environments. In another aspect, a non-slip material  227 ,  327  ( FIG. 7 ) may be applied to the arched bars  230 ,  330  to aid in gripping and to reduce slippage of the user&#39;s hands. This non-slip material may be adhesively attached to the bars, may be sprayed onto the bars, or otherwise fixedly attached. 
     In  FIGS. 5-14  the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100  is illustrated in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. As in the first embodiment, the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100  comprises a first module  200 , a second module  300 , and two generally parallel longitudinal bars  150  that serve to connect the two modules  200 ,  300  in either the corresponding or opposing configuration. But the second embodiment differs in that at least one of the bars attached to each of the four 4-way joints is detachable and re-attachable. In one aspect only the arched bars  230 ,  330  are detachable from the 4-way joints  400 . In another aspect, only the longitudinal bars  150  are detachable from the 4-way joints  400 . Preferably, both the arched bars  230 ,  330  and the longitudinal bars  150  are detachable from the 4-way joints  400 , as shown. 
     Turning to the partially expanded view of  FIG. 5 , the longitudinal bars  150  each extend from a first end portion  151  to an opposing second end portion  159 . In the first module  200 , the lateral cross bar  210  extends between a first end portion  211  and an opposing second end portion  219 . The partial circular bar  220  extends between a first end portion  221  and an opposing second end portion  229 . The arched bar  230  extends between a first end portion  231  and an opposing second end portion  239 . Similarly, in the second module  300 , the lateral cross bar  310  extends between a first end portion  311  and an opposing second end portion  319 . The partial circular bar  320  extends between a first end portion  321  and an opposing second end portion  329 . The arched bar  330  extends between a first end portion  331  and an opposing second end portion  339 . Both arched bars  230 ,  330  have a curved or arched middle portion  235 ,  335 . At least a portion of the curved middle portion  235 ,  335  may substantially follow the curve of a circle. The curved middle portions  235 ,  335  may smoothly attach to generally straight end portions  231 ,  331 ,  239 ,  339  with the straight end portions  231 ,  331 ,  239 ,  339  connectable to one of the joint  400  projections. 
     The 4-way joint  400 , best seen in  FIG. 6 , has a first portion  401 , a second portion  402 , a third portion  403 , and a fourth portion  411 . When positioned in the corresponding configuration ( FIG. 5 ) or in the opposing configuration ( FIG. 7 ), the joints  400  are positioned at the corners of a rectangle formed by the longitudinal bars  150  and the two lateral cross bars  210 ,  310 . In the separable aspects of the invention, at least one movable locking mechanism (shown as retractable buttons  415  that engage with receiving holes defined by receiving hole edges  155 ,  FIG. 7 ) is disposed at the first portion  401 , second portion  402 , third portion  403 , or the fourth portion  411  of each joint  400 . 
     The two longitudinal bars  150  connect between the fourth portions  411  of the four 4-way joints  400 . The opposing end portions of the lateral cross bars  210 ,  310  of the two modules connect between the first portions  401  of the four 4-way joints  400 . The opposing end portions of the partial circular bars  220 ,  320  of the two modules connect between the second portions  402  of the four 4-way joints  400 . The opposing end portions of the arched bar  230 ,  330  of the two modules connect between the third portions  403  of the four 4-way joints  400 . 
     In both the corresponding and opposing configurations, an inner rectangular shape is formed with the two longitudinal bars  150  and the two lateral cross bars  210 ,  310  forming the edges of the rectangle and with the joints  400  disposed at the vertices of the rectangle. Each vertex is generally ninety degrees. The partial circular bars  220 ,  320  attach adjacent the lateral cross bars  210 ,  310  to form a curved portion outside the inner rectangle shape. Each vertex is generally ninety degrees. 
     In both the corresponding and opposing configurations, a central foundation of is formed that includes both the inner rectangular shape and the two partial circular bars  220 ,  320 . The inner rectangular shape and the partial circular bars  220 ,  320  are disposed generally within a plane. Thus, the central foundation is a central frame that includes the two lateral cross bars  210 ,  310 , the two longitudinal bars  150 , the two partial circular bars  220 ,  320 , and the four 4-way joints  400 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , which will be used as a reference for the “top” and “bottom” designations, the top of each of the two lateral cross bars  210 ,  310 , the two longitudinal bars  150 , the two partial circular bars  220 ,  320 , and the four 4-way joints  400  are oriented upwardly in  FIG. 5 . In the corresponding configuration, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the top of each of the two lateral cross bars  210 ,  310 , the two longitudinal bars  150 , the two partial circular bars  220 ,  320 , and the four 4-way joints  400  are oriented upwardly. 
     In the corresponding configuration, with the user facing forward, the user&#39;s hands may be positioned on the top portion of the arched bars  230 ,  330  to perform handstands, two-handed pushups, one-handed pushups, and other exercises using the user&#39;s weight as resistance. With the user facing away from the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100 , the user can perform various triceps and back exercises including dips. The user can also lie on the floor and hook the feet under one of the arched bars  230 ,  330  to do sit-ups. (The exercise apparatus can be used on any flat surface, but the term “floor” is used for convenience; thus the term includes the ground, yoga mats, carpet, cushioned matting, and other generally flat surfaces.) 
     In the opposing configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , the top of each of the elements of the first module  200  are oriented upwardly (using  FIG. 5  as a reference), and the top of each of the elements of the second module  300  are oriented downwardly (using  FIG. 5  as a reference). The two longitudinal bars  150  may be oriented upwardly or downwardly. 
     In the opposing configuration of  FIGS. 7-9 , the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100  is not symmetrical, so the user can practice balance training while working the muscles of the core, including abdominals, obliques, and lower back muscles. As the user balances on the uneven, asymmetrical exercise device, the core muscles are engaged and strengthened. The feet may be placed on the lateral cross bars  210 ,  310 , as in  FIG. 8 , with a hand on the upwardly-projecting arched bar  230 . Then the user may rock back and forth or do standing-types of exercises. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the user may sit on one of the lateral cross bars  210 ,  310  and may reach across to the upwardly-projecting arched bar  230 . To remain in this position, the core muscles are used to counteract the natural movement of the unsteady, asymmetrical exercise device. Counterbalancing this movement engages a wide range of muscles. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 10-14 , a subset array of the complete array of bars forming the exercise and balance fitness apparatus is separable from the remaining elements of the fitness device and is usable as an exercise and balance fitness apparatus on its own. Though this subset array is shown throughout the figures as the single first module  200  in combination with the two longitudinal bars  150 , this subset array may equally well be formed by the single second module  300  in combination with the two longitudinal bars  150 . Using a subset configuration increases the number and variety of exercises that can be performed compared to only the corresponding and opposing configurations. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the subset array with the partial circular bar  220  and arched bar  230  resting on the floor with the user holding onto the unattached end portions of the longitudinal bars  150 . This orientation provides balance training due to the rocking motion that ensues as the weight of the user is redistributed. If the user prefers to be more upright, an extension  160  ( FIG. 5 ) may be placed on each of the unattached end portions of the longitudinal bars  150 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates the subset array with safety protective caps  170  disposed on the exposed ends of the arched bars  230 ,  330 . The protective caps  170  are cylinders with a closed end that are formed to fittingly engage with the exterior walls of the arched bars  230 ,  330 . The protective caps  170  may be formed of a material that is smooth and solid, a slightly flexible material, or a material that has slip-resistant properties. 
       FIG. 11  also illustrates the rocking motion provided by the exercise apparatus when the subset array is positioned with the partial circular bar  220  and arched bar  230  resting on the floor with the user holding onto the lateral cross bar  210 . This orientation provides balance training as well as core strengthening. 
       FIGS. 12-14  illustrate an orientation of the subset array that does not incorporate the rocking motion of  FIGS. 8-11 .  FIG. 12  shows the subset array with the ends of the longitudinal bars  150  and the center of the arched bar  230  resting on the floor with the user gripping the lateral cross bar  210 . 
       FIGS. 13-14  illustrate the subset array with the bottom of the longitudinal bars  150 , a portion of the two joints  400 , and the bottom of the partial circular bar  220  resting on the floor. The user may position his hands on the upwardly extending arched bar  230  ( FIG. 13 ). This position allows for push-up type exercises when the user is facing forward and dip-type exercises when the user is facing backward. 
     As seen in  FIG. 14 , the user may alternatively position his feet on the upwardly-extending arched bar  230 . In this position, the user may perform various sit-up type exercises, yoga move, stretches, and pelvic-lifting exercises. 
     As seen throughout the figures, both the first and second embodiments of the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100  and the various apparatus orientations herein presented are usable to perform many different exercises for a variety of muscle groups and to practice balance training. With the separable modules of the second embodiment even a wider assortment of strengthening and balance exercises may be performed. 
     To use the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100  in the corresponding orientation, the user positions the fitness apparatus  100  on the floor. The user may place one or both hands or one or both feet on one or both arched bars  230 ,  330 . For example, when the user places his hands on the tops of the arched bars  230 ,  330 , he may perform handstands or other chest and arm exercises. In another example, the user may place one hand on top of one of the arched bars  230 ,  330  and twist his body to stretch the obliques. 
     To use the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100  in the opposing orientation, the user may position one of the arched bars  230  or  330  and one of the partial circular end bars  220  or  320  onto the floor to swing side to side for balance training. Either the feet ( FIG. 8 ), the hands, the feet and posterior ( FIG. 9 ), or other variations of body parts may be place on the central foundation base. 
     In the separable embodiment, the subset array may be created by detaching a single module when the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100  is either in the corresponding orientation or in the opposing orientation. The user detaches the two longitudinal bars  150  from the two joints  400  to which they are attached. This is done by disengaging the movable locking mechanism that is disposed at the intersection of the joint  400  and the longitudinal bar  150 . For example, as seen in  FIG. 6 , the depressible button  415  disposed at the intersection of the joint portion  411  may be depressed to release the joint portion  411  from the end  151  of the longitudinal bar  150 . Then the other longitudinal bar  150  is disengaged in a similar manner. Other types of locking mechanisms, as are known in the art, may optionally be used. 
     Optionally, the user may attach an extension  160  to the unattached ends  151  of the longitudinal bars  150  to lengthen the longitudinal bars  150  to facilitate some types of exercises. Optionally, the user may then cover the unattached ends  151  ( FIG. 5 ) of the longitudinal bars or the unattached ends  161  of the extensions  160  with protective covers  170  ( FIG. 11 ). The subset array that has been created can be turned to lay flat in a stable position with the bottoms of the longitudinal bars  150  and the bottoms of the partial circular bars  220  or  230  against the floor, leaving the arched bar  230  or  330  extending upwardly to be used for exercises and stretches. Or the subset array can be oriented in a rocking position with the centers of the two curved portions resting against the floor. One or both hands or one or both feet can be engaged with the subset array to perform the variety of exercises. 
     Due to its relatively compact size and manageable weight, both the first and second embodiments of the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100  are transportable. Particularly, the second embodiment provides advantages in storage and transport due to the ability to collapse at least a portion of the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100  to create a smaller volume. 
     The versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100  is suitable for use in a home gym, in schools, in recreational facilities, in gymnastics training centers, in group classes in gyms, and the like. The number and types of exercises, stretches, and balance drills that can be performed is large compared to the storage space required. The fitness device  100  may be used by adults or by children. 
     In the embodiments of the versatile balance and exercise apparatus  100  the bars  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  150  may be tubular metal or may be formed of manmade materials including plastic-type materials that may be solid or have an inner open space. Preferably the bars  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  150  are cylindrical metal with an interior open space. However the bars  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  150  may not be cylindrical or only portions of them may be cylindrical. For example, the arched bars  230 ,  330  and partial circular bars  220 ,  320  may have a center curved section that transitions into a square end portion that connects to a corresponding square portion of the joint  400 . 
     The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. 
     Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.