Adjustable exercise apparatus

Abstract

Provided is exercise equipment for performing a variety of exercises for upper body exercises such as push-up, pull-up, and dip styles of exercise as well as core strengthening exercises. In some embodiments, the device allows for vertical and horizontal adjustments to a variety of positions allowing for general use for persons of all sizes and levels of abilities, from the beginner to the highly experienced and athletic person.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]Embodiments of the present invention relates to exercise equipment for performing a variety of exercises. More particularly, some embodiments of the present invention relate to exercise equipment for performing a variety of upper body exercises such as push-up, pull-up, and dip styles of exercise as well as core strengthening exercises. In some embodiments, the device allows for vertical adjustments to a variety of positions allowing for general use for persons of all levels of abilities, from the beginner to the highly experienced and athletic person.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Montgomery, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,194, describes an exercise device with a crossbar that is rigidly bent to a pre-determined configuration. The bar can be vertically adjusted using springs with rubberized portions using friction to hold the bar in place. As can be appreciated rubber can wear out and coefficients of friction can change over time and with varying loads. As a r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]Embodiments of the present invention provide an exercise apparatus for performing upper body exercises such as pull-ups, push-ups, and dips and is adaptable for core strengthening exercises such as sit-ups, crunches, side-bends, and back-bends. In some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus is adjustable so that users of differing abilities can benefit from exercising with the apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, some embodiments of the present invention are foldable for easy storage. Various embodiments of the present invention are described below. It will be understood that one embodiment of the present invention is a device having all of the features described herein. In other embodiments, a device having a subset (e.g., one or more) of the described features may be provided without departing from the present invention.

[0007]In some embodiments, when the floor bar is bisected for folding, the two segments of the floor bar are placed in a bracket which is permanently attached to the cross-bar. The bracket also has a sleeve into which the vertical bars are permanently attached. During use, the segments lock into place in the cradle using a locking mechanism as described below, which provides stability to the exercise device. When folding the floor bars for storage the locking mechanism is removed and the segments are free to fold.

[0010]In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, by incrementally adjusting the hand grips along the vertical axes of the vertical bar, in order to raise and lower them, the exercise can be made more or less difficult depending on the ability of the user. When positioned high on the vertical bar, the push-up or pull-up is relatively easy. By incremental positioning of the hand grips to lower positions, the exercise becomes incrementally more difficult. As a user becomes more proficient, the grips can be positioned to allow for more strenuous exercising. The reverse is the case with dip-style exercises, that is, at lower positioning of the hand-grips the exercise is easier than at higher positions.

[0014]In a further aspect according to some embodiments of the invention, the cross-bar is padded with materials which allow for the torso to put pressure on it, such as for example when bending over the bar, and remain relatively comfortable when performing such an act. Additionally, some embodiments of the invention include a foot-cross-bar attached to the ends of the optionally segmented floor-bars. The foot-cross-bar may also be padded for comfort and ease of use. Upon attachment of both the cross-bar and the foot-cross-bar, the device can be used for, for example, core strengthening exercises (e.g., lower back extensions). When the floor-bars are segmented they can be bent up to allow for easy storage.

Problems solved by technology

As can be appreciated rubber can wear out and coefficients of friction can change over time and with varying loads.

As a result the integrity of the adjustment and safety can be jeopardized.

The cross-bar can not be adjusted lengthwise to allow for wider or smaller arm span nor can the grip portion of the bar be adjusted to allow for personal preference or to alter the exercise.

The device takes up a lot of space as folding for easy storage is not provided.

The device does not allow for vertical adjustments and thus is not suitable for a beginner or for users with varying abilities.

The handles are freely rotatable which may result in instability of the hands and arms during the exercise.

Images