Patent ID: 12201871

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented inFIG.1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The present invention is directed toward an exercise apparatus which can be used to promote Long Strength Development (LSD) in an exerciser. Shown throughout the figures is an illustrative and non-limiting example of the invention, hereinafter referred to as exercise apparatus100.

Referring initially toFIG.1, the exercise apparatus100may include an apparatus frame102. At least one left and right pair of outer gliders184may be pivotally mounted on the apparatus frame102. At least one left and right pair of inner gliders164,174may be pivotally mounted on the apparatus frame102inside the left and right pair of outer gliders184, respectively, as best shown inFIG.2. The outer gliders184and the inner gliders164,174may be independently positional between a rearward and outwardly-extended position and a forward and inwardly-retracted position.

With continued reference toFIG.1, a weight rack136may be provided on the apparatus frame102. The weight rack136may include multiple stacked weight plates146, best shown inFIG.3. At least one cable and pulley system (not illustrated in order not to obscure the invention) may connect the weight plates146of the weight rack136to the outer gliders184and the inner gliders164,174. In some embodiments, the cable and pulley system may include a weight resistance cable and pulley system which connects the weight plates146to a first one of the inner gliders164,174and the outer gliders184and a counterweight resistance cable and pulley system (not illustrated in order not to obscure the invention) which connects the weight plates146to a second one of the inner gliders164,174and the outer gliders184. The number of the stacked weight plates146of the weight rack136can be selected for a particular exercise to vary the resistance of the inner gliders164,174and the outer gliders184as an exerciser sits or stands between the paired left and right inner gliders164,174and outer gliders184and uses his or her arms and/or legs to move the inner gliders164,174and the outer gliders184in an arc between the extended and retracted positions. In some embodiments, the first one of the outer gliders184and the inner gliders164,174may utilize weight resistance for sagittal and transverse functionality. In some embodiments, a second one of the outer gliders184and the inner gliders164,174may utilize counterweight or balance resistance to impart resistance to the arms and/or legs of the exerciser.

In some embodiments, the apparatus frame102may include a frame base104. The frame base104may extend along a front-to-back, longitudinal direction x and a left-to-right, transverse direction y of the exercise apparatus100. As best shown inFIG.3, a frame upright124may extend upwardly from the frame base104, preferably in a vertical direction z which is perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions x and y. The frame upright124may be fixedly attached to the frame base104. The outer gliders184and the inner gliders164,174may be pivotally mounted on the frame base104and the frame upright124, as will be hereinafter described.

The frame base104may have any design which is suitable for supporting the apparatus frame102in an upright position on a flat floor or other support surface generally arranged along a horizontal (x-y) plane. In some embodiments, the frame base104of the apparatus frame102may include a rear base segment106. In some embodiments, a front base segment108may extend from the rear base segment106. The rear base segment106may be straight and elongated. The front base segment108may be polygonal, curved, or combinations thereof. For instance and without limitation, the front base segment108of may be circular (e.g., semicircular, as shown). In some embodiments, the rear and front base segments106and108may form a D-shaped arrangement, facilitating placement of the exercise apparatus100adjacent to a wall or other vertical structure or surface.

In some embodiments, the exercise apparatus100may be selectively deployable in an extended, functional configuration and a folded, transport or storage configuration (FIGS.13and14). In the extended, functional configuration, the frame base104may extend fully outward relative to the frame upright124, maximizing stability provided by the frame base104. In the folded, transport or storage configuration, the frame base104may be collapsed. For instance, pair of front base segment hinges110may be provided in the front base segment108. The front base segment hinges110may facilitate collapsing or folding the frame base104, and thus facilitate selective deployment of the exercise apparatus in the extended, functional configuration and the folded, transport or storage configuration.

As illustrated inFIG.3, in some embodiments, the frame upright124may extend from substantially the midpoint of the rear base segment106of the frame base104. Alternatively or additionally, the frame upright124may extend from, or be in vertical alignment with, substantially the center of the circular or otherwise curved or otherwise shaped front base segment106when observed in top plan view. In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, all said features are included, i.e. the center of the front base segment108is located substantially at the midpoint of the rear base segment106, as best shown inFIG.10, maximizing stability of the exercise apparatus100in different lateral directions along the x-y plane.

With continued reference toFIG.3, the rear base segment106of the frame base104may include a widened central area or weight rack platform112. The weight rack136may be provided on the weight rack platform112behind the frame upright124.

The weight rack136may have any design which is suitable for the purpose of supporting the weight plates146in vertical relationship to each other and vertically movable along the weight rack136. As further illustrated inFIG.3, in some embodiments, the weight rack136may include at least one vertical rack rail138,140. The weight plates146may be slidably mounted on the at least one rack rail138,140. The at least one vertical rack rail138,140may include a pair of spaced-apart side rack rails138and may further include a center rack rail140extending between the side rack rails138. An elongated rail connector142may terminate the upper ends of and connect the side rack rails138and the center rack rail140to each other.

With reference toFIGS.1and2, the apparatus frame102may include at least one glider support, to which the outer gliders184and the inner gliders164,174may be pivotally attached. For instance and without limitation, the at least one glider support may include a base glider support114, an upper overhead glider support132, and a lower overhead glider support130. The base glider support114may be provided on the frame base104of the apparatus frame102. The lower overhead glider support130and upper overhead glider support132may be provided on and carried by the frame upright124, in spaced-apart relationship with the base glider support114. The inner gliders164,174may be pivotally attached to the base glider support114and the lower overhead glider support130. The outer gliders184may be pivotally attached to the base glider support114and the upper overhead glider support132. In some embodiments, at least one, and more preferably, all of the glider supports114,130and132may be generally arched, such as circular, and optionally concentric to the front base segment108. As best shown inFIG.2, the glider supports114,130and132may be parallel to one another and configured to be horizontally arranged when the frame base104rests on a horizontal floor or surface. In some preferred embodiments, the glider supports114,130and132form part of the apparatus frame102, i.e. are fixed non-movable relative to the rear base segment106and the frame upright124of the apparatus frame102.

As illustrated inFIG.3, in some embodiments, the frame upright124may include a pair of frame arms126at a top area thereof. The frame arms136may be arranged in a V-shaped relationship with one another and forming a Y-shape arrangement with the frame upright124. The lower overhead glider support130and the upper overhead glider support132may be supported by the frame arms126.

In some embodiments, the inner gliders164,174and the outer glider184may be selectively mounted at different points along the length of the base glider support114, the lower overhead glider support130and the upper overhead glider support132. In some embodiments, the glider supports114,130and132may include discrete mounting points for selectively mounting the inner gliders164,174and the outer glider184and specific, discrete positions therealong. For instance and without limitation, the discrete mounting points may include multiple glider mount openings116provided in each glider support114,130,132, and respective pivot pins182attaching each inner glider164,174and outer glider184to each corresponding glider support114,130,132.

With continued reference toFIG.3, in some embodiments, at least one roller or wheel118may be provided on the frame base104of the apparatus frame102, to facilitate rolling the exercise apparatus100along the floor or other surface. In some embodiments, the wheel or wheels118may be arranged in substantial transverse alignment (along transverse direction y) to facilitate frontward and rearward rolling of the exercise apparatus100. The wheel or wheels118may be provided on the rear base segment106of the frame base104. As illustrated inFIG.14, the wheel or wheels118may render the exercise apparatus100transportable on a surface198in the folded, transport or storage configuration. In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, frame base104is configured to rest on the ground when the exercise apparatus100is in the upright, usage position shown in the figures, and rolling mobility of the exercise100apparatus by the wheel or wheels118is prevented. In this upright, usage position, the wheel or wheels118may, however, touch the ground to facilitate tilting the apparatus from the upright, usage position to a tilted, transport position shown inFIG.14, which will be described in detail hereinafter.

As further shown inFIGS.1and2, a seat156may be carried by the frame upright124of the apparatus frame102. A backrest158may be provided on the frame upright124above the seat156. The seat156and backrest158, if present, may be arranged between and in spaced-apart relationship with the base, lower overhead and upper overhead glider supports114,130and132, as best shown inFIG.2. In some embodiments, the seat156may be selectively deployable between a flat, stowage position, shown for instance inFIG.1, and an extended, functional position, shown for instance inFIG.7. Preferably, in the extended, functional position, the seat is relatively far from being arranged horizontally; for example, the seat156may be arranged forming an angle less than or equal to 30 degrees with a vertical plane. A seat frame150may be provided on and carried by the weight rack platform112of the frame base104. The seat frame150may include a pair of spaced-apart, vertical side seat frame members152. A panel154may extend between the side seat frame members152. The panel154may conceal the weight rack136. The seat156and the backrest158may be mounted on the seat frame panel154and/or on the frame upright124.

In some embodiments, the inner gliders164,174may be connected to the aforementioned weight and resistance pulley system, and the outer gliders184may be connected to the aforementioned counterweight resistance weight and pulley system. In other embodiments, the inner gliders164,174may be connected to the counterweight resistance weight and pulley system, and the outer gliders184may be connected to the weight and resistance pulley system. Yet further embodiments are contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The inner gliders164,174may include a pair of lower inner gliders164pivotally attached to the base glider support114on the frame base104of the apparatus frame102. The inner gliders164,174may additionally or alternatively include a pair of upper inner gliders174pivotally attached to the lower overhead glider support130on the frame upright124of the apparatus frame102. The lower inner gliders164and the upper inner gliders174may be independently pivotable with respect to the apparatus frame102.

With reference toFIGS.1and2, in some embodiments, each of the pair of lower inner gliders164may include a proximal segment166, which may extend radially outward relative to the seat156, and may be sloped upward. A distal segment168may extend at an angle from the proximal segment166, such that the distal segment168extends generally upward, such as along the vertical direction z. A mount flange170may terminate the proximal segment166of each lower inner glider164. The mount flange170may be suitably configured for pivotal attachment to the base glider support114.

Each of the pair of upper inner gliders174may include a proximal segment176, which may extend radially outward relative to the seat156, and may be sloped downward. A distal segment178may extend at an angle from the proximal segment176, such that the distal segment178extends generally downward, such as along the vertical direction z. The proximal and distal segments178may be generally straight and may form an obtuse angle. A mount flange180may terminate the proximal segment176of each upper inner glider174. The mount flange180may be suitably configured for pivotal attachment to the lower overhead glider support130or the upper overhead glider support132. Free ends of each upper inner glider174and corresponding lower inner glider164may be arrangeable to face or vertically align with one another, as shown inFIGS.1and2.

As illustrated inFIGS.7and8, in some embodiments, a glider connecting member194may be attached to each left or right upper inner glider174and each corresponding left or right lower inner glider164to facilitate joint movement of each left or right upper glider174with its corresponding left or right lower inner glider164. In a non-limiting example, the glider connecting member194may have a plate shape and may be attached to the upper inner glider174and corresponding lower inner glider164by fasteners196.

With reference once more toFIGS.1and2, each of the pair of outer gliders184may include a lower glider segment186pivotally attached to the base glider support114, preferably vertically lower than the mount flange170of the corresponding lower inner glider164(for instance, by having the mount flange170pivotably connected to the base glider support114by a spacer). An upper glider segment188of the outer glider184may be pivotally attached to the lower overhead glider support130or the upper overhead glider support132, via a mount flange192. An outer glider segment190may extend between the lower glider segment186and the upper glider segment188. In some embodiments, the outer glider segment190of each outer glider184may be curved outwardly, as illustrated, and the outer glider184may have a substantial C-shape. The lower glider segment186and/or upper glider segment188may be rectilinear. For instance and without limitation, the lower and upper segments186and188are rectilinear and parallel to one another, and configured to be arranged horizontally when the exercise apparatus100is in the functional configuration.

In an illustrative application, the exercise apparatus100may be deployed in the extended, functional configuration illustrated inFIGS.1-12for use by an exerciser, and may be placed relatively close to or adjacent to a wall or other structure. The front base segment108of the frame base104may be extended forward and downward at the respective front base segment hinges110. The deployed frame base104and remaining elements of the apparatus frame102impart stability to the exercise apparatus100without requiring the exercise apparatus100to be secured to the wall. The rear base segment106and the front base segment108may be placed flat on a floor or other support surface198with the frame upright124extending vertically from the rear base segment106of the frame base104.

In some applications, the seat156may be selectively deployed on the seat frame150from the flat, stowage position illustrated inFIGS.1-6to the extended, functional position illustrated inFIGS.7-9. The exerciser may rest part of their weight on the slightly tilted seat156while maintaining a standing position, with the exerciser's back resting against the backrest158. Alternatively, the exerciser may stand on the support surface198in front of the seat156and the backrest158, without engaging with the seat156and/or backrest158. The exerciser may select the quantity of weight which is to be lifted by movement of the lower inner gliders164or the upper inner gliders174. This may be accomplished by, for example and without limitation, inserting a weight pin (not illustrated) between a selected pair of the stacked weight plates146which correspond to the desired weight in the weight rack136, according to techniques known in the art.

With the exerciser's hands or forearms placed against the upper inner gliders174, the exerciser may exert inward pressure against the outward resistance which the weight plates146of the weight rack136apply against the upper inner gliders174to move the upper inner gliders174from the fully open or outwardly extended position illustrated inFIGS.1-3to a more closed or inwardly retracted position illustrated inFIG.5. Simultaneously, the weight resistance cable and pulley system may transmit the energy applied by the exerciser on the upper inner gliders174to the weight rack136, thereby raising the selected pinned weight plates146on the side rack rails138and the center rack rail140of the weight rack136. The exerciser may repeat, this motion a selected number of times to complete one or more sets. Between sets, the exerciser may adjust the number of weight plates146, and thus, the amount of weight which is lifted each time. The resistance which the weight plates146of the weight rack136apply against the arms of the exerciser may exercise and develop the arms and chest of the exerciser.

In some applications, the exerciser may apply the exerciser's feet or legs against the lower inner gliders164and move the lower inner gliders164in the same motion from the outwardly extended position illustrated inFIGS.1-3to the inwardly retracted position illustrated inFIG.6. The outward resistance which the weight plates146of the weight rack136apply to the legs of the exerciser may develop the leg muscles of the exerciser. The lower inner gliders164and the upper inner gliders174may apply weight resistance for sagittal and transverse functionality.

In some applications, the exerciser may choose to interconnect the lower and upper inner gliders164and174via the glider connecting members194and thus operate the lower and upper inner gliders164and174jointly, such as with both hands and both feet. The resistance that the weight plates146of the weight rack136apply to the legs and arms of the exerciser via the lower and upper inner gliders164and174may simultaneously develop the leg, chest and arm muscles, respectively, of the exerciser.

In some applications, the exerciser may exert inward pressure using the exerciser's feet or hands and arms against the outward resistance which the weight plates146of the weight rack136apply to the outer gliders184. The exerciser may move the outer gliders184from the open or outwardly extended position illustrated inFIGS.1-3to a more closed or inwardly retracted position illustrated inFIG.4. The resistance that the weight plates146of the weight rack136apply to the legs or arms of the exerciser via the outer gliders184may develop the leg or arm muscles, respectively, of the exerciser.

In some applications, the inner gliders164,174and/or the outer gliders184may be connected to the weight plates146of the weight rack136through the counterweight resistance cable and pulley system. The inner gliders164,174and/or the outer gliders184may apply a counterweight or balance resistance against the legs or arms of the exerciser. Accordingly, the more weight plates146which are stacked on the weight rack136, the less the resistance applied to the legs or arms of the exerciser. Facilitating an exercise program which offers both weight resistance and counterweight or balance resistance, may contribute to further promote Long Strength Development (LSD) in the exerciser.

When not in use, the exercise apparatus100can be selectively deployed from the extended, functional configuration illustrated inFIGS.1-12to the folded, transport or storage configuration illustrated inFIGS.13and14. This may be accomplished by folding the front base segment108of the frame base104at the front base segment hinges110. As illustrated inFIG.14, the folded exercise apparatus100can be tilted and transported on the wheels118along the support surface198for space-efficient storage in an appropriate location. In some embodiments, the exercise apparatus100may include a handle200configured to facilitate a user pulling and pushing of the apparatus to roll and maneuver along the ground. For instance and without limitation, a pair of handle members202may extend outward from the frame upright124, such as in opposite directions along the left-to-right, transverse direction y, as best shown inFIGS.1and3.

The illustrative embodiments presented inFIGS.15-21present additional features of the exercise apparatus100. Referring initially toFIG.15, at least two adjustable handle grips208. Each handle208has locked slots of indeterminate length. In the preferred embodiment, the locked slots may be 14 inches. To use the handle grip, the user must first turn a handle grip lever knob212, which are located on the apparatus frame102, one for each adjustable handle. The up and down direction of the handle is allowed by the adjustable. The handle adjustment slider which allows the raising and lowering of the handle grip has inseam padding that provide safety and comfort to the user. An alternative interchangeable grip204is also provided.

As best shown inFIG.16, the frame upright124, may also include at least arm supports220that when extended, sit on each side of the back rest158. Similarly, at least one leg support228may be provided on the frame upright124as well. A plurality of guides224may be used to adjust the gliders164,184. The gliders164,174may be adjusted using adjustable buttons232on the frame upright124. Movement may be facilitated by glider connecting cables236. Additionally, both gliders164,184may include a plurality of locks164placed throughout the length of each of the gliders164,184. This feature for transverse workouts by allow the user's upper body to go one direction while the lower half can be locked or have the option of rotating the other direction

As best shown inFIG.21the frame base104may be foldable and may include a locking arm support240. The locking arm support240may include an extendable member which extended out of the support240to rest on the ground.

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.