Abstract:
A glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device including a vertical post and horizontal beam. The exercise device can be a stand alone exercise device, or can include a connector for connecting the exercise device to another exercise device or exercise station.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This application is a Non-Provisional application, which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/842,438, filed Jul. 3, 2013, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    An exercise device, in particular an exercise device configured to strengthen the hamstring and gluteus, for example, a Glute Ham Developer (GHD). 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In the past, there has existed various weight lifting equipment for exercising and developing various muscles and muscle groups of the body. However, there is a continuing need for new types and configurations of exercise equipment for exercising and developing specific portions of the body, for example, to strengthen the hamstring and gluteus. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    An improved exercise device. 
         [0005]    An improved exercise device configured to strengthen the hamstring and gluteus. 
         [0006]    An improved glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device. 
         [0007]    A glute ham developer (GHD) exercise attachment device. 
         [0008]    A glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device comprising or consisting of a vertical post connected to a horizontal beam. 
         [0009]    A glute ham developer (GHD) exercise attachment device comprising or consisting of a vertical post connected to a horizontal beam. 
         [0010]    A glute ham developer (GHD) exercise attachment device comprising or consisting of a vertical post connected to a horizontal beam, and a connector configured to connect the exercise attachment device to another support such as an exercise device, for example, a rig or rack. 
         [0011]    A glute ham developer (GHD) exercise attachment device comprising or consisting of a vertical post connected to a horizontal beam, the horizontal beam comprising a connector configured to connect the horizontal beam to another support such as an exercise device, for example, a rig or rack. 
         [0012]    A glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device comprising or consisting of a vertical post, one or more pads supported by the vertical post, and a horizontal beam connected to the vertical post. 
         [0013]    A glute ham developer (GHD) exercise attachment device comprising or consisting of a vertical post, one or more pads supported by the vertical post, a horizontal beam connected to the vertical post, and a connector configured to connect the exercise attachment device to another support such as an exercise device, for example, a rig or rack. 
         [0014]    A glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device comprising or consisting of a first vertical post, one or more pads supported by the first vertical post, a horizontal beam connected to the vertical post, a second vertical post connected to the horizontal beam, and one or more foot pegs connected to the second vertical post. 
         [0015]    A glute ham developer (GHD) exercise attachment device comprising or consisting of a first vertical post, one or more pads supported by the first vertical post, a horizontal beam connected to the vertical post, a second vertical post connected to the horizontal beam, one or more foot pegs connected to the second vertical post, and a connector configured to connect the exercise attachment device to another support such as an exercise device, for example, a rig or rack. 
         [0016]    An exercise device comprising or consisting of a glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device connected to another exercise device such as a rig or rack. 
         [0017]    An exercise device comprising or consisting of a glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device, another exercise device such as a rig or rack, and a connector configured to connect the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device to the another exercise device such as a rig or rack. 
         [0018]    The exercise device is configured to strengthen the ham string and gluteus. For example, the exercise device is a glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device. 
         [0019]    For example, the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device can be a stand alone glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device. As another example, the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device can be an exercise attachment device configured to be attached to another support such as a post connected to a floor, wall, and/or ceiling, or another exercise device (another piece of exercise piece of equipment). As a further example, the exercise device comprises glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device connected together or integrated together with other exercise equipment or exercise equipment stations (e.g. exercise rig, rack, and stand). 
         [0020]    The glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device, for example, can comprise or consist of a first vertical post connected to an upper first horizontal beam and lower second horizontal beam. The first horizontal beam and second horizontal beam can be oriented transversely relative to a length of the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device. A support pad, for example, a split pad can be connected to and supported on top of the first horizontal post. For example, the first horizontal beam, oriented transverse relative to a length of the exercise device, is connected to an upper end of the first vertical post (e.g. by welding or bolting), and a pair of split pads are supported by the first horizontal beam. The split pads and first horizontal beam can be configured so that the split pads can be moved or adjusted closer together or further apart to accommodate a particular user. The support pad or split pad, for example, can be cylindrical-shaped (e.g. partial or one-half cylinder-shaped) with the round side facing upwardly. The second horizontal beam is connected (e.g. bolted or welded) to a bottom end of the first vertical post. The second horizontal beam is oriented transversely relative to a length of the exercise device to provide stability (e.g. ends acting like outriggers). 
         [0021]    A third horizontal beam is connected to the first vertical post (e.g. by welding or bolting). A second vertical post is connected to the first horizontal beam. For example, the second vertical post is connected to the third horizontal beam in a manner to allow the second vertical post to be moved (e.g. slid on third horizontal beam) or adjusted closer to or further away from the first vertical post or split pads to accommodate the leg lengths of a particular user. For example, a lower end of the second vertical post is connected (e.g. bolted or welded) to a slider (e.g. section of box beam) configured to be supported by or surrounding the second horizontal beam. For example, the slider is fitted with a locking pin to cooperate with one of a series of holes provided along a length of the third horizontal beam to allow adjustment of the slider along the third horizontal beam and locking same into a selected position. 
         [0022]    The second vertical post, for example, is fitted with an ankle grip device. The ankle grip device, for example, can be provided by one or more ankle pegs. For example, a horizontal transversely oriented shaft is fitted through a hole in the vertical post and connected thereto (e.g. by bolting or welding). The shaft can be centered on the second vertical post providing opposed ends extending outwardly from the second vertical post. A pair of ankle pads (e.g. cylindrical-shaped pads) are provided on the opposed ends of the horizontal shaft, and configured to rotate. Another horizontal transverse oriented shaft with a pair of ankle pads can be provided at a different height on the second vertical post relative to the other horizontal shaft. The two shafts and respective pairs of ankle pads together being configured to grip and restrain the ankles of a user during use of the exercise device. 
         [0023]    The third horizontal beam is connected to one end to the first vertical post, and can be connected at an oppose end to another support. For example, the support can be a post, for example, supported on or connected to a floor, wall, and/or ceiling. Alternatively, the support can be a part or component of another exercise device or combined exercise device. For example, the another exercise device can be a rig or rack, in particular an exercise rig or rack. For example, the rig can comprise multiple posts connected together by beams, joists, or other suitable structure connecting together the posts into an integrated rig structure. As another example, the rack can comprise posts connected together by beams, joists, or other suitable structure, and configured to hold, store, or otherwise support weights, in particular free weights. 
         [0024]    The glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device can comprise a connector for connecting the exercise device to another exercise device such as a rig or rack. For example, a free end of the third horizontal beam is provided with a connector. The connector, for example, is configured to connect to a vertical post of the rig or rack. For example, the connector is a slider connected (e.g. bolted or welded) to the free end of the third horizontal beam. The position of the slider can be adjusted up or down the post for example, to place the third horizontal beam in a level horizontal position, and then lock same into position. For example, the slider is section of box beam or a U-shaped channel provided with a removable locking pin that passes through a pair of holes in the box beam or U-shaped channel and a cooperating pair of respective holes in the vertical post of the rig or rack. The vertical post of the rig or rack is provided with multiple pairs of spaced apart holes at different heights to allow height adjustment of the slider and respectively the height of the free end of the third horizontal beam. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exercise device. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevational view of the exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a top planar view of the exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a bottom planar view of the exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of the exercise device shown in  FIG. 1   
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is an opposite side elevational view of an exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an exercise attachment device. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the exercise attachment device shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is a rear view of the exercise attachment device shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  is a top planar view of the exercise attachment device shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is a bottom planar view of the exercise attachment device shown in FIG. 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is a side elevational view of a stand alone exercise device. 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  is an opposite side elevational view of the stand alone exercise device shown in  FIG. 13 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  is a side diagrammatic view illustrating a user in a partial sitting position on the exercise device. 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  is a side diagrammatic view illustrating a user in an extended laid out position on the exercise device. 
           [0041]      FIG. 17  is a side diagrammatic view illustrating a user in a back extended downwardly position on the exercise device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    An exercise device  10  is shown in  FIGS. 1  thru  7 . The exercise device  10  comprises or consists of a glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12  connected to a rig exercise device  14 . The glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12  and rig exercise device  14  are shown integrated together as a single exercise unit when assembled together. 
         [0043]    The glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12  comprises a first vertical post  16 . A first horizontal beam  18  is connected (e.g. bolted, welded and/or fastened) to an upper end of the first vertical post  16 , and oriented transversely relative to a length of the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12 . A second horizontal beam  20  is connected (e.g. bolted, welded, and/or fastened) to a lower end of the first vertical post  16 , and oriented transversely relative to a length of the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12 . The ends of the second horizontal beam  20  serve as outriggers for stabilizing the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12  on the floor. 
         [0044]    A support cushion, for example, a split cushion  22  is connected to and supported on top of the first horizontal beam  18 . The split cushion  22  comprises a pair of split cushions  24 ,  24  separated apart a distance. The bottom of each split cushion  24 ,  24  is provided with a slider (not shown) cooperating with the first beam  18 , and each having a locking pin (not shown) to allow the split cushions  24 ,  24  to be adjusted further apart or closer together. The locking pins cooperate with one of a series of holes (not shown) provided in the first horizontal beam  18  to change or adjust the position and separation distance of the split cushions  24 ,  24  along the length of the first horizontal beam  18 . 
         [0045]    A pair of handles  26 ,  26  are connected (e.g. bolted, welded, and/or fastened) to the first horizontal beam  18 , and extend outwardly in front of the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12 . The pair of handles  26 ,  26  can be oriented horizontally as shown. 
         [0046]    A pair of rollers  28 ,  28  are fitted to the second horizontal beam  20  by trunnion arrangement  28 A (e.g. pair of plates and axle supporting the rollers  28 ,  28 ) to allow moving the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12 . The rollers  28 ,  28  are configured to not be in contact with the floor when the exercise device is operational, for example, by being located a distance off the floor on the second horizontal beam. For example, when the glute ham exercise device  12  is separated from the rig exercise device  14 , the glute ham exercise device can be tilted at an angle to place the rollers  28 ,  28  in contact with the floor to allow the rollers  28 ,  28  to become operational to roll the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12 . 
         [0047]    The glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12  also comprises a third horizontal beam  30  connected (e.g. bolted, welded, and/or fastened) to the first vertical post  16 . 
         [0048]    A second vertical post  32  is connected to the third horizontal beam  30 . For example, the second vertical post  32  is connected in a manner that its position can be adjusted (e.g. by sliding) along a length of the third horizontal beam  30  to move the second vertical post  32  closer to or further away from the first vertical post  16  and split cushion  22  to adjust for the length of the legs of the user. A slider  34  is connected (e.g. bolted, welded, and/or fastened) to a lower end of the second vertical post  32 . For example, the slider  34  is made from a section of box beam having inner dimensions the same as or slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the third horizontal beam  30  to allow the slider  34  to slide along the length of the third beam  30 . The slider  34  is fitted with a locking pin  36  configured to cooperate with one of a series of holes provided along the length of the third beam  30  to adjust or change the location of the slider  34  and second vertical post  32  on the third beam  30  relative to the first vertical post  16  and split cushion  22 . 
         [0049]    The second vertical post  32  is fitted with an ankle grip device, for example, comprising a pair of shafts  38  that are spaced apart and located at different heights on the second vertical post  32 . For example, the second vertical post  32  is provided with two holes to accommodate the shafts  38 ,  38 , and the shafts are connected (e.g. bolted, welded, and/or fastened) to the second vertical post  32 . For example, a center of each shaft is located at the second vertical post  32  with opposite ends extending outwardly therefrom. A pair of cylindrical-shaped cushions  40 ,  40  are provided on the opposite ends of each shaft  38 . The shafts  38 ,  38  are spaced apart vertically on the second vertical post  32  in a manner to accommodate the ankles of a user between upper and lower sets of the pair of cushions  40 ,  40 . 
         [0050]    A foot plate  42  is connected (e.g. bolted, welded, and/or fastened) via a support  44  (e.g. bar, beam, or plate) to the second vertical post  32 . The foot plate  42  can be oriented vertically and spaced a predetermined distance from the cushions  40  to accommodate the feet of the user. 
         [0051]    The first vertical post  16 , second vertical post  32 , first horizontal beam  18 , second horizontal beam  20 , and third horizontal beam  30 , for example, can be made from sections of box beams (e.g. metal, steel, aluminum, plastic, composite, fiberglass, carbon graphite, Kevlar, or other suitable structural material) connected together by bolting, welding, forming, molding and/or fastening (e.g. using conventional or custom made fasteners and/or connectors). 
         [0052]    The rig exercise device  14  comprises spaced apart vertical posts  46  connected together by joist members (e.g. double length joist members  48 , regular length joist members  49 ) located at the upper ends of the vertical posts  46 . The vertical posts  46 , for example, can be box beams (e.g. made of metal, steel, aluminum, plastic, composite, fiberglass, carbon graphite, Kevlar, or other suitable structural material). The joist members  48 ,  49 , for example, can be made or fabricated of structural components (e.g. metal, steel, composite bars, shafts, rods, plates) connected (e.g. bolted, welded, and/or fastened) together. The joist members  48 ,  49  are connected (e.g. bolted, welded, and/or fastened) at the upper ends of the vertical posts  46  to assemble the rig exercise device  14 . 
         [0053]    The vertical posts  46  are provided with foot plates  50  at lower ends thereof for anchoring the vertical posts  46  to the floor. For example, the foot plates  50  can be provided with through holes for bolting and anchoring the foot plates  50  integrated with the vertical posts  46  to the floor. 
         [0054]    The glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12  can be connected to the exercise rig device  14 . For example, the third horizontal beam  30  of the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12  can be bolted, welded, and/or fastened. The fastener, for example, can be a conventional or custom made fastener or connector. The connection can be permanent (e.g. welded), or configured to be assembled and disassembled (e.g. bolted). 
         [0055]    For example, a connector  52  is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 . A free end of the third beam  30  of the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12  is fitted or connected to the connector  52 . The connector  52 , for example, can be a U-shaped bracket or section of box beam providing a slider configured to cooperate with a vertical post  46  of the rig exercise device  14 . The connector  52  can be configured to slide up and down on the vertical post  46 , and then be lock in position with a removable locking pin  53  ( FIG. 8 ). 
         [0056]    The connector  52 , for example, can be connected to the free end of the third horizontal beam  30  of the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12 . For example, a bolt ( FIG. 8 ) connects the connector  52  to the free end of the third horizontal beam  30 . 
         [0057]    The locking pin  53  of the connector  53  is configured to cooperate with a selected hole in a series of holes provided on each side of the vertical post  46  along a length thereof (e.g. the holes can be provided along a portion or the entire length of the vertical post  46 ). This allows the height of the connector  52  to be adjusted. For example, the height of the connector  52  is adjusted so that the third horizontal beam  30  of the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12  is oriented horizontally. 
         [0058]    The exercise device  10  can be an integrated exercise unit with the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12  connected to the rig exercise device  14 . For example, the exercise device  10  can be an integrated unit with the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12  and rig exercise device  14  assembled together at the same time. Alternatively, the glute ham developer (GHD) can be an accessory that to be later added to an existing already assembled rig exercise device  14 . 
       Stand Alone Glute Ham Developer (GHD) Device 
       [0059]    A stand alone glute ham developer (GHD) device  112  is shown in  FIGS. 9  thru  14 . 
         [0060]    The stand alone glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  112  comprises a first vertical post  116 . A first horizontal beam  118  is connected (e.g. bolted, welded and/or fastened) to an upper end of the first vertical post  116 , and oriented transversely relative to a length of the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  112 . A second horizontal beam  120  is connected (e.g. bolted, welded, and/or fastened) to a lower end of the first vertical post  116 , and oriented transversely relative to a length of the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  112 . The ends of the second horizontal beam  120  serve as outriggers for stabilizing the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  12  on the floor. 
         [0061]    A pair of stabilizer beams  120   a  can be each connected to respective ends of the second horizontal beam  120 . The stabilizer beams  120   a  are oriented transversely relative to the second horizontal beam  120 , and extend forwardly and outwardly in front of the stand alone glute ham developer (GHD) device  112 . A pair of reinforcing members  120   b  are connected between the second beam  120  and each stabilizer beams  120   a  to reinforce the structural connection and the relative orientation therebetween. 
         [0062]    A pair of gusset plates  120   c  can connect the second horizontal beam  120  to the first vertical post  116 , and reinforce this structural connection. 
         [0063]    A split cushion  122  is connected to and supported on top of the first horizontal beam  118 . The split cushion  122  comprises a pair of split cushions  124 ,  124  separated apart a distance. The bottom of each split cushion  124 ,  124  is provided with a slider (not shown) cooperating with the first horizontal beam  118 , and each having a locking pin (not shown) to allow the split cushions  124 ,  124  to be adjusted further apart or closer together. The locking pins cooperate with one of a series of holes (not shown) provided in the first horizontal beam  118 . 
         [0064]    A pair of handles  126 ,  126  are connected (e.g. bolted, welded, and/or fastened) to the first horizontal beam  118 , and extend outwardly in front of the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  112 . The pair of handles  126 ,  126  can be oriented horizontally. A pair of rollers  120   d  are each fitted to the bottom of each stabilizer beam  120   a  to allow moving the glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  112 . Alternatively, the rollers  120   d  can be replaced with feet (e.g. rubber or plastic resilient gripping feet). 
         [0065]    The stand alone glute ham developer (GHD) exercise device  112  also comprises a third horizontal beam  130  connected (e.g. bolted, welded, and/or fastened) to the first vertical post  116 . 
         [0066]    A second vertical post  132  is connected to the third horizontal beam  130 . For example, the second vertical post  132  is connected in a manner that it can be adjusted or slid along a length of the third horizontal beam  130  to move the second vertical post  132  closer to or further away from the first vertical post  116  and the split cushion  122  to accommodate the length of the legs of the particular user. A slider  134  is connected (e.g. bolted, welded, and/or fastened) to a lower end of the second vertical post  132 . For example, the slider  134  is made from a section of box beam having inner dimensions the same or slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the third horizontal beam  130  to allow the slider  134  to slide along the length of the third horizontal beam  130 . The slider  134  is fitted with a locking pin  136  configured to cooperate with one of a series of holes provided along the length of the third horizontal beam  130  to adjust or change the location of the slider  134  and second vertical post  132  on the third horizontal beam  130 . 
         [0067]    The second vertical post  132  is provided with an ankle grip device, for example, a pair of shafts  138  that are spaced apart and located at different heights on the second vertical post  132 . For example, the second vertical post  132  is provided with two holes to accommodate the shafts  138 ,  138 , and the shafts are connected (e.g. bolted, welded, and/or fastened) to the second vertical post  132 . A shafts  138 ,  138  can be centered on the vertical post  132  to provide opposed ends extending outwardly from the vertical post  132 . A pair of cylindrical-shaped cushions  140 ,  140  can be provided on the ends of the shafts  138 ,  138 . 
         [0068]    A foot plate  142  is connected (e.g. bolted, welded, and/or fastened) via a support  144  (e.g. bar, beam, or plate) to the second vertical post  132 . The foot plate  142  is oriented vertically and spaced a predetermined distance from the cushions  140 . 
         [0069]    The first vertical post  116 , second vertical post  132 , first horizontal beam  118 , second horizontal beam  120 , and third horizontal beam  130 , for example, can be made from sections of box beams (e.g. metal, steel, aluminum, plastic, composite, fiberglass, carbon graphite, Kevlar, or other suitable structural material) connected together by bolting, welding, and/or fastening (e.g. using conventional or custom made fasteners and/or connectors). 
         [0070]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , a third vertical post  117  is connected to the free end of the third horizontal beam  130 , for example, by a reinforcing plate  117 A and bolts or rivets. A fourth horizontal beam  117  is connected (e.g. by welding, bolting, or mechanical fastener(s)) to the bottom of the third vertical post  117  and oriented transversely relative to the third horizontal beam  130 . A pair of sets of trunnions  128 A (e.g. plates and axle) are connected to the fourth horizontal beam  121 , and support rollers  128  for moving the free standing glute ham exercise device  112  by tilting thereof. A pair of gusset plates  121 C can connect the fourth horizontal beam to the third vertical post, and reinforce the structural connection therebetween. 
         [0071]    A fifth horizontal beam  131  can connect between the second horizontal beam  120  and the fourth horizontal beam  121  to create a frame arrangement to strengthen the structure of the stand alone glute ham exercise device  112 . 
       Operation 
       [0072]    The operation and use of the glute ham exercise device  12  (or glute ham exercise device  112 ) is shown in  FIGS. 15  thru  17 . 
         [0073]    As shown in  FIG. 15 , a user sits on the split cushion  124 , and places his or her ankles between the sets of cushions  40  as shown. The user then leans backwards to the extended horizontal position, as shown in  FIG. 16 . The user further leans backwards to extend his or her backward further downward at an angle, as shown in  FIG. 17 . The user then returns to the sitting upward position shown in  FIG. 15 , and then repeats the entire operation a number of cycles.