Abstract:
An exercise device accessory package comprised of stabilizing attachments and accessories for a collapsible exercise device. A set combination of extension bars, cables and grips provide strength and support for increased weight and resistance. The accessory attachments may include push pins for securing the additional attachments. New contoured weights offer unique advantages for this type of exercise device in that they mount outboard the existing seat slide and are contoured to match the elongated seat slide. The added elongated weights are designed to evenly distribute the weight throughout the seat slide to avoid being centered in any one single point along the exercise devices slide frame. This combination of attachments increases the resistance and stability for lower body exercises. The stabilizing attachments and accessories may also include permanent hand grips that pivot 90 degrees to accommodate stability when in use and for storability when not in use.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention(s) relates to attachments that support newly invented accessories for a collapsible exercise device. The present invention(s) relates to attachments and accessories wherein the exerciser adds additional weight to the existing exercise device to gain additional muscle growth in the lower body. It is also proven that greater upper body growth can be achieved with the same invention(s). 
       DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING AND PATENTED COLLAPSIBLE EXERCISE DEVICE ART 
       [0002]    This collapsible exercise device invention “Total Gym” was patented by Engineering Fitness International, Inc. This “Total Gym” model is currently on the market and being sold via American Telecast infomercials. This exercise devise is endorsed and demonstrated by “Chuck Norris and Christi Brinkley”. 
       DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
       [0003]    This invention relates to additional attachments and accessories for the Engineering Fitness International, Inc (EFI) “Total Gym” collapsible exercise device that are designed for increasing resistance and weight capacity for lower body muscle development. The simple positioning of stabilizing attachments will allow the exerciser to increase the weight capacity and resistance of the Total Gym. It&#39;s proven that added upper body muscle development can also be achieved. The attachments provided may comprise horizontal and vertical joining bars that connect to and without altering existing “Total Gym” accessories. Combining and utilizing “Total Gym&#39;s” existing accessories with the added stabilizing attachments reduces cost and adds value. The purpose is to allow for ‘Total Gym&#39;s” existing accessories to become multi-functional. The added horizontal stabilization bars affix to the Total Gym&#39;s rear floor base cross member and connect on the opposite end to the Total Gym&#39;s existing and now multi-functional aerobic leg press accessory. This leg press accessory can then be repositioned and used for a second purpose. Two vertical stabilization bars then affix to the end of the existing Total Gym aerobic leg press accessory to provide mid point stability underneath the Total Gym frame. This allows the exerciser to add a significant amount of weight without jeopardizing the structural integrity of the Total Gym. The existing Total Gym leg press foot platform will not be replaced, but becomes multi-functional by adding a single stabilizing extension bar. An attachable and foldable 45 degree extension bar is attached to the foot platform that extends to the floor providing added stability and support to the exerciser during leg press exercises. A single woven flex cable is added and extends from the base of the 45 degree extension bar and back to the existing forward floor support bar to affix the 45 degree extension bar in place. The leg press foot platform may include a raised calf exercise accessory for additional lower leg exercises. The development of unique and contoured weight devices are designed to replace the standard round weight plates. The new contoured weights run parallel to and outboard the seat slide. The weight&#39;s are then mounted on separate existing weight support bars running through the existing upper and lower seat slide ports. The linear design of the weights allows the exerciser to add weight without concern for clearance between the weights and the floor. Two adjustable hand grips are added on either side of the seat slide to allow the exerciser to hold and pull in unison the seat slide and added weight plates during leg press exercises. The convenience of six pull pins may be incorporated to enhance the exercisers ease of attaching and detaching the additional accessories. The combined uses of the attachments prove to increase the strength, weight capacity and resistance capacity of the Total Gym, making it appealing to a much larger market. As a result, additional exercise techniques are now possible for lower body muscle development. When not in use, the accessory devices are detachable and foldable to allow for easy storage. This being one of EFI&#39;s “Total Gym” marketing and selling points to the home gym market. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    A problem associated with the current weight and resistance capacity of the ‘Total Gym” is a lack of lower body muscle growth potential. While the “Total Gym” offers many effective upper body exercises, the same cannot be said for that of the lower body exercises. The “Total Gym” does prove to offer sufficient upper body resistance exercises by combining both body weight and seat slide angle. Because the typical person&#39;s lower body is exponentially stronger than the upper body, the “Total Gym” does not allow for adding a sufficient amount of weight or resistance for a person to gain any substantial or equivalent growth in the lower body. To gain this balance between upper and lower body muscle growth, a person would be faced with purchasing a traditional leg press machine or squat bar system to accomplish this. This defeats the “home gym” concept and may require a person to purchase a secondary weight lifting system at a much higher price than that of the ‘Total Gym”. Many of which are too expensive, large and heavy to place in the home setting. This alone negates the purpose of the light weight, collapsible and easily stored “Total Gym” concept. Short of purchasing a secondary lower body exercise system, a person may have to join a fitness club to gain access to these types of secondary machines; thus defeating the advantages and purpose of owning a collapsible and storable in-home exercise machine. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the existing Collapsible Exercise Device (U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,955) et al, “Total Gym”. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a device in which the present inventions are attached to the existing and patented collapsible exercise device; 
           [0007]      FIGS. 3 and 3   a  is a top and oblique view of the horizontal extension bar devices; 
           [0008]      FIGS. 4 and 4   a  is a top and oblique view of the adjustable vertical extension bar devices in the collapsed and storable position; 
           [0009]      FIGS. 5 and 5   a  is a top and oblique view of the adjustable vertical extension bar devices in the upright and fixed position; 
           [0010]      FIGS. 6 and 6   a  is a top and oblique view of the adjustable and foldable hand grip devices attached to the seat slide; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 7 and 7   a  is a front view of the 45 degree foot platform support bar device; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 8 and 8   a  is a front view of the 45 degree support bar device in the extended and folded position; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 9 and 9   a  is a front view of the foot platform restraining cable device; 
           [0014]      FIG. 9   c  is a front view of the alternate foot platform restraining bar device; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 10 and 10   a  is a front view of the foot platform extension bar device and push pin devices; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 11 and 11   a  is a top view of the contoured weight plate devices; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 12 and 12   a  is an oblique view of the contoured weight plate devices mounted onto the seat slide; 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  is a top and oblique view of the tilt control bar devices; 
           [0019]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the attachable calf raise foot platform device; 
           [0020]      FIG. 15  is a front view of the raised “Total Gym” tower option; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  FIG. 1 , shows the existing and patented collapsible exercise device, “Total Gym” that includes identification of all points of the device that are necessary for explaining and illustrating their relationship to the newly invented attachments and accessories. The existing components of the Total Gym are listed: Rear Floor Base A, Aerobic Leg Press Accessory B, Under Carriage Slide Frame Cross Member C, Leg Press Foot Platform D, Forward Floor Base E, Female Insert Ports F, Weigh Support Bars G, Seat Slide H and Seat Slide Rails I. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2 , shows all invented devices attached and in the operational position on the Total Gym collapsible exercise device. 
         [0023]      FIG. 3-3   a , the horizontal extension bar devices  1  utilize U-shaped ends  2  that attach to the exercise device&#39;s rear floor support base A in  FIG. 1  for stability and are affixed with two push pins through push pin holes  3 . Two female insert positions  4  are designed for connecting with the total gym accessory B. The horizontal extension bar devices  1  are affixed at one end to the Total Gym rear floor support base A and on the opposite side with the now multi-functional Total Gym accessory B. A feasible and alternative method of attaching the Total Gym accessory B to the rear floor support base A would be a telescoping extension option that would place the horizontal extension bar devices  1  inside the Total Gym accessory B extensions that would slide in and out for connecting with the Total Gym rear floor support base A and hidden when being used for its original purpose as an aerobic leg press accessory B. 
         [0024]      FIG. 4-4   a , the vertical and adjustable extension bar device  5  that folds and affixes to the total gym accessory B and folds for storage. The vertical and adjustable extension bar device may also be designed as a permanent fixture of the total gym accessory B, making it a foldable and single piece accessory that affixes to itself. 
         [0025]      FIG. 5-5   a , depicts the vertical extension bar device  5  pivoted to the upright position for attaching to and supporting the underneath side of the cross bar C,  FIG. 1 , of the Total Gym collapsible exercise device. The vertical extension bar device  5  prevents the exercise device from bending at its center point when additional free weights are added to the exercise device. The vertical extension bars  5  have one cross section bar  23  that joins them  FIG. 5 . The vertical extension bar device is height adjustable by utilizing push pins and the respective height control ports  21 . The purpose is to accommodate the design of the multiple height resistance positions of the Total Gym collapsible exercise device. 
         [0026]      FIG. 6-6   a , the hand grips  7  will attach directly to the total gym seat slide H on either side to offer the exerciser the ability to keep the movement of the seat directly proportionate to that of the lower body squat exercise. The hand grips  7  adjust and can be positioned higher or lower on the seat slide frame H to accommodate a variety of exerciser body and arm lengths. Repositioning the hand grips  7  is accomplished by using push pins that insert into adjustment ports along the sides of the Total Gym seat slide frame H. The hand grips  7  will pivot 90 degrees towards the bottom of the seat slide H for storage and while the exerciser is utilizing the total gym for upper body exercises. 
         [0027]      FIG. 7-7   a , the leg press extension bar  10  is attached at one end to the total gym&#39;s leg press foot platform D. The leg press extension bar swivels from the leg press foot platform D at the swivel mounts  9  that are attached to the back of the leg press foot platform D. While in use the lower end of the 45 degree extension bar  10  will extend outward  FIG. 7-7   a , and firmly against the floor for added strength and stability during leg press exercises. 
         [0028]      FIG. 8-8   a , the 45 degree support bar  10  can be folded and extended from the back side of the leg press foot platform D usage and storage purposes. 
         [0029]      FIG. 9-9   a , the leg platform restraining cable  11  is designed to keep the 45 degree support bar  10  from pivoting beyond its firm placement on the floor. The restraint cable  11  is affixed at one end to the base of the 45 degree support bar  10  and on the opposite end to the forward floor base E of the Total Gym collapsible exercise device. Each end of the restraining cable  11  is affixed with adjustable and releasable latches  12  that affix to permanent loop welds on both the 45 degree support bar  10  and the forward floor base E. The restraining cable  11  is designed to keep the 45 degree support bar  10  in position during use. The 45 degree support bar  10  renders the existing leg press foot platform D as a multi-use accessory. The addition of a removable single calve raise exercise accessory  17  is connected to the front of the leg press foot platform D. 
         [0030]      FIG. 9   c , depicts the alternate option to the leg platform restraining cable. The restraining cable  11  is replaced with a solid flat metal restraining bar  13 . The solid flat metal restraining bar  13  is attached at one end to the forward floor base E and on the opposite end to the bottom of the 45 degree support bar  10 . Both ends are attached to the same loop welds as that of the return restraining cable  11 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 10-10   a , depicts the two push pins  14  that affix the leg press foot platform D to the forward floor base E. This keeps the leg press foot platform D from dislodging and slipping away from its fixed position. The push pins  14  are inserted through two holes positioned outward the female insert ports F. The push pins  14  can be removed and the leg press platform D released for times when the Total Gym collapsible exercise device is in the folded and storable position. 
         [0032]      FIG. 11-11   a , depicts the invention of contoured weights  15  that are designed specifically for use with the Total Gym collapsible exercise machines and “like” machines. The design of the contoured lifting weights is multi purpose. The current design of this type of exercise device does not readily accommodate additional weight. Due to a lack of center strength on the slide rails I in  FIG. 1 , adding traditional round weights poses a challenge to the structural integrity of the exercise device. 
         [0033]      FIG. 12-12   a , the contoured lifting weights  15  are designed to be mounted on either side of the seat slide H by two weight support bars G that run underneath and through the upper and lower portion of the seat slide H. Weight support bars G are currently sold as accessories, and included in this invention will be the requirement for inner collars  6  to be affixed  FIG. 2 , to each of the four ends of the weight support bars G. This restricts movement of the weight support bars G while the Total Gym collapsible exercise device is in use. The invented elongated contoured weight plates  15  allow for dispersing the added weight evenly  FIG. 11-12 , and throughout the length of the seat slide H. Unlike traditional round weights, the elongated weight plates  15  put less pressure on the center portion of the exercise device. The elongated weight plates  15  have holes on either end  FIG. 11-12 , for inserting and mounting on the weight support bars G. A standard spring latch  6  is then placed on the outer side of the contoured weight plate  15  and on the weight support bar G to keep the contoured weight plate  15  from sliding off of the exercise device. The contoured weight plates will range in weight from 10 lbs to 50 lbs in increments of 5 lbs. The elongated weights  15  are easier for the user to handle than traditional round weights. The contoured weight plates  15  consist of solid metal and covered with a soft coating for protection. Each contoured weight plate  15  having one hand grip insert  20 ,  FIG. 11-12  on one end allows the exerciser the ability to handle the contoured weight plates  15  and minimizes the chances of dropping the weights. The concept of the collapsible exercise device is ideal for the contoured weight plates  15 . While the exercise device is in the folded and storable position the contoured weights can be stored in a similar fashion. The contoured weight plates  15  require very little space and can be stored in a closet or next to a wall in the upright position. This allowance continues the concept of the collapsible exercise device. 
         [0034]      FIG. 13 , depicts two telescoping stabilizer bar devices  16  that are added and inserted inside the rear base floor support A. This invention provides for added tilt stability to prevent the exercise device from tipping to either side while the contoured weights are mounted on the Total Gym. This allows for added safety while mounting the weight and during use of the exercise device. The design of this type of exercise device with its hollow rear floor base A allows for easy installation of the telescoping stabilizer bars  16 . The design of the exercise device with this hollow rear floor base A makes it easy for the exerciser to extend and retract the telescoping stabilizer bars  16 . While not in use, the telescoping stabilizer bars  16  are hidden inside the existing rear floor base A. 
         [0035]      FIG. 14 , depicts the raised calf exercise device  17 . The removable raised calf exercise device  17  attaches with two insert pins to the existing leg press foot platform D. 
         [0036]      FIG. 15 , depicts the “Total Gym” tower extension  8  for increased resistance. Raising the tower beyond its existing height increases the body resistance percentage beyond the current ‘Total Gym max claim of 72% body weight resistance. 
       LEGEND 
       [0037]    Alphabetical: Denotes item illustrations related to the existing and patented Collapsible Exercise Device
       A. Rear Floor Support Base   B. Aerobic leg press accessory   C. Slide frame support bar   D. Leg press foot platform   E. Forward floor support base   F. Female insert ports   G. Weight support bars   H. Seat Slide   I. Seat Slide Frame
 
Numeric: Denotes item illustrations of all invented attachments.
     1 . Horizontal Extension Bars     2 . Push Pin holes     3 . U-Shaped Connectors     4 . Female insert ports     5 . Vertical extension bars     6 . Inner collars     7 . Hand Grips Pivot point and bracket     8 . Tower Extension     9 . 45 degree stabilizing bar swivel mounts     10 . 45 degree stabilizer bar     11 . Extension cable     12 . Extension cable latches     13 . Flat metal extension bar     14 . Push Pins     15 . Contoured weights     16 . Telescoping stabilizer bars     17 . Calve Raise Accessory     18 . Seat Slide Frame adjustment ports     19 . Slide Frame Adjustment ports