Abstract:
A multi-use exercise device includes a shaft extending between ground-engaging support structures with a pair of arms rotatable around the shaft into a plurality of various angular positions relative to the ground providing a plurality of different exercises with a plurality of different levels of difficulty. The exercise device can be used as a support structure for pushup and planking exercises, as well as shoulder mounted weight support for squats and lunges.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 61/702,381 filed Sep. 18, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an exercise device and in particular to a multi-use exercise device for facilitating a wide range of exercises at various degrees of difficulty. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventional exercise devices, which enable the user to perform elevated push-ups and dips, include a frame with two vertical stanchions interconnected by a horizontal cross brace. Typically, hand grips are mounted on the vertical stanchions to position the user&#39;s hands during the exercise. 
     Since user&#39;s come in various shapes and sizes, prior art inventions, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,015 issued Feb. 13, 1990 to Dissenger, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,637,851 issued Dec. 29, 2009 to Lormil, provide for the lateral adjustment of the vertical stanchions relative to each other, and the vertical adjustment of the hand grips by simply providing telescopic extendible frame members. 
     Unfortunately, prior art devices provide limited adjustments to increase the degree of difficulty of individual exercises or increase the number of different exercises that can be performed. Moreover, the aforementioned prior art devices include large and cumbersome frames, meant to remain stationary on the ground for all exercise. 
     An object of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a multi-adjustable exercise device providing various degrees of difficulty for each exercise, and a large increase in the number of exercises performed as both a stationary stand and a dynamic weight bearing structure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention relates to an exercise device comprising: 
     a ground engaging base including first and second elongated legs extending parallel to each other; 
     a shaft extending between the first and second legs spaced from the ground by the ground engaging base; 
     first and second spaced apart arms, each having a longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the shaft, each of the first and second arms is rotatable relative to the shaft, and lockable into several angular positions relative to the shaft and independent of each other; 
     first and second handles mounted on the ends of the first and second arms, respectively, each of the first and second handles rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis of the first and second arms, respectively, lockable at a plurality of angular positions; and 
     first and second weight supporting bars extending outwardly from opposite ends of the shaft, respectively, for supporting additional weights. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which represent preferred embodiments thereof, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a first embodiment of the exercise device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the exercise device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the exercise device of  FIGS. 1 to 3 ; 
         FIG. 5   a  is a front view of an extendable arm of the exercise device of  FIGS. 1 to 4 ; 
         FIGS. 5   b  and  5   c  are side views of the extendable arm of  FIG. 5   a  in the fully retracted and fully extended positions, respectively; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the exercise device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded isometric view of the exercise device of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the exercise device of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the exercise device  1  of the present invention includes a ground-engaging base comprising first and second elongated legs  2   a  and  2   b  extending parallel to each other. The first and second legs  2   a  and  2   b  provide a wide base, e.g. 16 to 24 inches wide, to support a person&#39;s body during exercise without flipping. The first and second legs  2   a  and  2   b  can be any suitable shape, e.g. V-shaped, C-shaped or rectangular shaped, and are made of a material, e.g. aluminum, strong enough to support a person&#39;s weight while exercising. In the illustrated embodiments, each of the first and second legs  2   a  and  2   b  are V-shaped with a mounting collar  3  at the apex, and rounded, ground-engaging feet at the outer free ends thereof. 
     A shaft  4  extends between the first and second legs  2   a  and  2   b , generally perpendicular thereto. The shaft  4  extends through the mounting collars  3 , which are secured together with a suitable fastener, e.g. a threaded fastener  5 , extending through the collars  3  into contact with the shaft  4 . The legs  2   a  and  2   b  provide separation between the shaft  4  and the ground, e.g. by approximately 4 to 6 inches, for reasons explained hereinafter. Typically the shaft  4  is cylindrical and made of a strong material, e.g. steel. 
     First and second arms  6   a  and  6   b  extend perpendicularly from the shaft  4  and are mounted on the shaft  4  so that the first and second arms  6   a  and  6   b  can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft  4  and can be locked in several different angular positions relative to the base or floor. In the illustrated embodiment, first and second sleeves  7   a  and  7   b , respectively, forming the base of the first and second arms  6   a  and  6   b , respectively, surround the shaft  4 , and are therefore rotatable relative to the shaft  4 . Spring loaded pull-pins  8   a  and  8   b  are used to lock the first and second sleeves  7   a  and  7   b , respectively, and therefore the arms  6   a  and  6   b , in one of several different angular positions defined by a series of radially extending holes  9   a  and  9   b  spaced in a line around the circumference of the shaft  4  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The first and second arms  6   a  and  6   b  can also be moved laterally, i.e. along the longitudinal axis, on the shaft  4  by sliding the sleeves  7   a  and  7   b  longitudinally towards or away from the first leg  2   a . Additional sets of radially extending holes  10   a  and  10   b ,  11   a  and  11   b  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) are provided to enable the first and second arms  6   a  and  6   b  to rotate relative to the shaft  4  at the various lateral positions, which enable the position of the arms  6   a  and  6   b  to be adjusted depending on the exercise, the user&#39;s size and arm separation. Typically, each set of holes  9   a ,  10   a  and  11   a  are separated by approximately 2 to 8 cm (1 to 3 inches) providing a total separation between arms  6   a  and  6   b  of about 40 cm to 55 cm, e.g. 41 cm, 46 cm and 51 cm. Moreover, for one set of exercises, e.g. pushups, the arms  6   a  and  6   b  are typically should width apart, while of another set of exercises, e.g. squats with the shaft  4  supported on the user&#39;s shoulders, the arms  6   a  and  6   b  should be slightly wider than the user&#39;s shoulders. 
     Each hole in each set of holes  9   a ,  10   a  and  11   a  are angular spaced apart around the circumference of the shaft  4  by approximately 20° to 40°. Accordingly, the angular position of the first and second arms  6   a  and  6   b  can be adjusted to provide a position that is generally perpendicular to a person&#39;s body during a push up, e.g. 0° to 15° from vertical or 75° to 90° from horizontal ground. Alternate positions provide a more difficult push up exercise, e.g. 30° to 50° from vertical, and rotating the first and second arms to a substantially horizontal position, e.g. 70° to 85° from vertical, provides an easier carry and storage arrangement, as well as a more convenient lifting position. 
     Alternative mechanical structures are possible to enable the first and second arms  6   a  and  6   b  to rotate about the shaft  4 , and for locking the first and second arms  6   a  and  6   b  into position at the various angular positions. 
     The length of each of the first and second arms  6   a  and  6   b  is also adjustable, by providing a telescopic structure, including an inner tube  13   a ,  13   b  and an outer tube  14   a ,  14   b . The relative positions of the inner and outer tubes can be unlocked and locked in various ways, including a lever actuated expanding friction sleeve  15   a  and  15   b  extending through a hole in the outer tube  13   a / 13   b  to the inner tube  14   a / 14   b . Rotation of the levers  15   a  and  15   b  causes the expanding friction sleeve to shrink enabling the outer tubes  14   a  and  14   b  to be slid relative to the outer tubes  13   a  and  13   b , respectively, from a retracted position to any number of extended positions. Rotating the levers  15   a  and  15   b  back to the locked position expands the friction sleeve locking the outer tubes  14   a  and  14   b  relative to the inner tubes  13   a  and  13   b , respectively. 
     Extending perpendicularly from the outer free ends of the first and second arms  6   a  and  6   b  are first and second handles  17   a  and  17   b , which are rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis of the first and second arms  6   a  and  6   b , respectively, about a 360° angle providing various hand positions for exercises, such as pushups (handles  17   a  and  17   b  fixed, pointed inwardly at each other), curls (handles  17   a  and  17   b  fixed, pointed outwardly in opposite directions), and squats (fixed, parallel to each other, pointing towards user). In this embodiment, the angular position of the handles  17   a  and  17   b  is adjusted in the same manner as the length, i.e. releasing the levers  15   a  and  15   b , which enables the outer tubes  14   a  and  14   b  to be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the inner tubes  13   a  and  13   b , respectively, thereby rotating the handles  17   a  and  17   b  about the longitudinal axis of the inner tubes  13   a  and  13   b.    
     To provide additional exercises, extension bars  21   a  and  21   b  are provided, extending outwardly from the ends of the shaft  4 , separate from the arms  6   a  and  6   b , for supporting conventional weight plates. The extension bars  21   a  and  21   b  can be permanently fixed to the opposite ends of the shaft  4  or they can be removable and conveniently locked into position, when desired. If the first and second arms  6   a  and  6   b  are rotated to the closed or storage position, proximate the first and second legs  2   a  and  2   b , the shaft  4  can be grasped by one or both hands, and the device  1  can be lifted like a dumbbell. Clips (not shown) can be provided for securing the weights on the bars  21   a  and  21   b.    
     Handles  22 , extending perpendicular to the shaft  4 , can be provided on the first and second legs  2   a  and  2   b , respectively, to facilitate lifting of the entire device  1  with the extra weight plates on the bars  21   a  and  21   b , in an alternative weight lifting exercise. A tray  24 , extending between the first and second legs  2   a  and  2   b  for contacting the ground, provides a foot rest to stabilize the device during some exercises or during adjustment of the various elements. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5   a  to  5   c , in an alternate embodiment of the present invention is provided for adjusting the length of the arms  6   a  and  6   b , and the rotational position of the handles  17   a  and  17   b . The inner tubes  13   a  and  13   b  are provided with a series of spaced apart and aligned holes  31 , while the outer tubes  14   a  and  14   b  are provided with a spring loaded pin  32 , which extends through the outer tubes  14   a  and  14   b  into engagement with one of the holes  31  for locking the outer tubes  14   a  and  14   b  relative to the inner tubes  13   a  and  13   b , respectively. A set screw  33 , with a lever or knob  34  on the end to facilitate rotation, is provided for loosening and tightening the handles  17   a  and  17   b  in any angular position desired perpendicular to the arms  6   a  and  6   b , respectively. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6 to 8 , an alternative mechanical structures can be provided for locking the inner and outer tubes in position, such as a compression friction clamp  40 , positioned at the top of the outer tubes  14   a  and  14   b  for locking both the position of the inner tubes  13   a  and  13   b , i.e. the length of the arms  6   a  and  6   b , as well as the angular position of the handles  17   a  and  17   b.    
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6 to 8 , the handles  22  and the tray  24  are omitted to simplify the design. Furthermore, each outer tube  14   a  and  14   b  includes a strengthening brace  42  extending from approximately the midpoint of the outer tube  14   a  and  14   b  to the base of the outer tube  14   a  and  14   b , i.e. the collar  7   a  and  7   b , respectively. The braces  42  provide reinforcement for the first and second arms  6   a  and  6   b , while the first and second arm  6   a  and  6   b  are in an upright position ( FIG. 6 ), and provide handles for lifting the device, while the first and second arms  6   a  and  6   b  are in a closed position ( FIG. 8 ). All the other elements are substantially the same as the previous embodiment. 
     The structure and adjustability of the present invention enables the user to perform dozens of different exercises, including several with the device stationary on the ground, several with the device being lifted off of the ground, several with the device lifted from one raised position to another, and several with the device supported on the user&#39;s body. 
     The first set of exercises in which the legs  2   a  and  2   b  are stationary on the ground and the arms  6   a  and  6  are extended upwardly in the upright position include pushups, high planks and side planks all with various arm angles and handle angles. 
     The second set of exercises in which the device is lifted off the ground with the arms  6   a  and  6   b  extended upwardly include, chest presses and curls. The handles  17   a  and  17   b  can be rotated to extend towards each other or away from each other. The bars  21   a  and  21   b  enable additional weight to the added for a more strenuous workout. When the arms  6   a  and  6   b  are rotated substantially parallel with the ground in the closed position, the device can also be used for deadlifts, arm raises, pull overs, and leg raises. With the arms  6   a  and  6   b  rotated downwardly, the shaft  4  or the braces  42  provide hand grips, and the bars  21   a  and  21   b  enable additional weight to be added. With the arms  6   a  and  6   b  in the closed position, the device becomes much less awkward to lift, eliminating the moment caused by the arms  6   a  and  6   b  extending in a direction perpendicular to the legs  2   a  and  2   b.    
     The third set of exercises are performed with the arms  6   a  and  6   b  rotated down adjacent the legs  2   a  and  2   b , respectively in the closed position. They include single arm curls, double arm curls, shoulder presses, triceps curls. Again, additional weight can be added onto the bars  21   a  and  21   b , and the arms  6   a  and  6   b  and the legs  2   a  and  2   b  extend in the same general direction providing a much less awkward device during lifting. 
     The fourth set of exercise are performed with the shaft  4  supported on the user&#39;s shoulders, and with the arms  6   a  and  6   b  rotated down parallel to the legs  2   a  and  2   b , respectively, in the closed position extending outwardly from each side of the user&#39;s head, wherein the handles  17   a  and  17   b , rotated to extend in opposite directions, provide convenient hand grips for balancing and supporting the device in place. Providing the handles  17   a  and  17   b  in front of the user and below shoulder height instead of behind the user and above should height greatly enhances the ease at which the device can be balanced on the user&#39;s shoulders throughout the range of exercises and movements. These exercises include a wide variety of squats and lunges.