Multi-purpose exercise apparatus

Abstract

An exercise apparatus, comprising: a support frame comprising a pair of spaced apart and independently movable vertical sliding pole assemblies that are mutually opposed to each other, a respective sliding weight bar assembly attached to each of the movable vertical slide pole assemblies to effect guided and independent movement of each sliding weight bar along the sliding pole assemblies; wherein each sliding weight bar assembly comprises a corresponding bar receiving bracket for removably receiving a respective end portion of a barbell therein such that in a first operable configuration receiving and engaging end portions of the barbell to position the barbell between the vertical sliding pole assemblies resulting in simultaneous upward and downward movement of the mutually opposed sliding weight bars; and in a second operable configuration withdrawing the end portions of the barbell from the corresponding bracket allows independent upward and downward guided movement of the sliding weight bars along the respective sliding pole assemblies.

Description

Multi-Purpose Exercise Apparatus TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a multipurpose exercise apparatus and, in particular, the structure and use of exercise apparatus comprising a slidable weight bar assembly that can be utilized in a variety of configurations. BACKGROUND

[0002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] Exercise apparatuses are generally divided into exercise apparatuses for upper body training and exercise apparatuses for lower body training. A weight, capable of being adjusted according to a user, is provided in such exercise apparatuses for the user to perform muscular exercise of an upper body or a lower body.

[0004] For example, a lower body exercise apparatus is an exercise apparatus for strengthening calf muscles and thigh muscles, and an upper body exercise apparatus is an exercise apparatus for strengthening back muscles and shoulder muscles of the user or arm muscles of the user.

[0005] Of the above-described exercise apparatuses, there is an exercise apparatus referred to as a so-called Smith machine, which includes two supporting frames located on both sides that correspond to each other, a barbell bar held between the two supporting frames, and disc type weights which fit onto ends of the barbell barsuch that the user inserts disciform weights, which weigh as much as the user chooses, onto the ends of the barbell bar and then proceeds to exercise.

[0006] The supporting frames function merely as a guide to allow the barbell bar to move upward or downward. Upon exercise using the barbell, depending on angles of the exercises limbs to the barbel, particular areas of corresponding muscles may be stimulated when pushing, or lifting, the barbel up and lowering it down, during each exercise.

[0007] One of the issues associated with such Smith Machines is that they are not compact and typically Smith Machines occupy a lot of space or volume without offering any other variety of exercises. In addition, there is a limited number exercises which can be performed with a smith-machine As a result, currently known Smith Machines cannot be utilized for other exercises. Multi-purpose exercise equipment, which is of compact design, is highly desirable for users who want to set up a compact home gym. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a multipurpose exercise equipment which not only functions as a Smith Machine but is also capable of being used for various other exercises. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] In an aspect, the invention provides an exercise apparatus, comprising: a support frame comprising a pair of spaced apart vertical sliding pole assemblies that are mutually opposed to each other, a respective sliding weight bar assembly attached to each of the movable vertical slide pole assemblies to effect guided and independent movement of each sliding weight bar along each of the opposing sliding pole assemblies;wherein each sliding weight bar assembly comprises a corresponding bar receiving bracket for removably receiving a respective end portion of a barbell therein such that in a first operable configuration receiving and engaging end portions of the barbell to position the barbell between the vertical sliding pole assemblies resulting in simultaneous upward and downward movement of the mutually opposed sliding weight bars; and in a second operable configuration withdrawing the end portions of the barbell from the corresponding bracket allows independent upward and downward guided movement of the sliding weight bars along the respective sliding pole assemblies.

[0009] In an embodiment, the respective bar receiving brackets are oppositely oriented to allow the end portions of the barbell to be positioned therebetween in the first configuration.

[0010] In an embodiment, each of the sliding pole assemblies is mounted on opposed side frame assemblies, the opposed side frame assemblies being connected by a rear subframe to define a volume to accommodate a person in said volume to engage with the exercise apparatus.

[0011] In an embodiment, each of the sliding weight bar is linked with a respective pulley assembly via a corresponding flexible line received by one or more pulleys of the pulley assembly to allow an end portion of the flexible line to be engaged by a person to perform pulling exercises.

[0012] In an embodiment, the end portions for each of the flexible lines comprise gripping members to enable the person to perform pulling exercises.

[0013] In an embodiment, each respective pulley assembly comprises at least one pulley mounted on an upper portion of a corresponding side-frame assembly to receive the flexible line and position the end portion of the flexible along a forward portion of the side frame assemblies that is generally opposite the rear subframe.

[0014] In an embodiment, the pulley arrangement is configured such that each sliding weight bar and any weight loaded thereon applies a downwardly directed force on the flexible line to enable the person gripping the end portions of the flexible perform pulling exercises.

[0015] In an embodiment, the exercise apparatus further comprises a secondary pulling arrangement linked with each sliding weight bar by a secondary flexible line to apply an upwardly directed pulling force that acts in a generally opposed direction relative to the direction of gravitational force acting on said sliding weight bar.

[0016] In an embodiment, an end portion of the secondary flexible line is linked with variable weights to apply said upwardly directed pulling force.

[0017] In an embodiment, each of said sliding weight bar assembly comprises removable weight bars extending in mutually opposed and outwardly directions.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: Figure 1 is a frontal perspective view of the exercise apparatus 100 in accordance with a preferred embodiment in a first configuration. Figure 2 is a frontal perspective view of the exercise apparatus 100 in the second configuration. Figure 3 is a side view of the exercise apparatus 100. Figure 4 is a frontal perspective view of the exercise apparatus 100 with the weight receiving bars 131 shown in an outwardly mounted configuration. Figure 5 is a frontal perspective view of the exercise apparatus 100 with the weight receiving bars 131 shown in an inwardly mounted configuration. Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the exercise apparatus 100. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Figures 1 to 8 illustrate a multipurpose exercise apparatus 100 in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The exercise apparatus 100 comprises a pair of spaced apart and vertical slide pole assemblies 110. Each slide pole assembly 110 comprises two substantially parallel poles that are provided in a respective side frame parts 120A and 120B (side frame being generally denoted by 120). The side frame parts 120Aand 120B are sufficiently spaced apart to accommodate a user to be positioned therebetween to exercise, as will be described in the foregoing sections.

[0020] Each side frame part 120 includes a respective a respective sliding weight bar assembly 130 attached to each of the movable vertical slide pole assemblies 110 to effect guided independent guided movement of each sliding weight bar assembly 130 along the sliding pole assemblies 110. Each slidable weight bar assembly 130 is moveably coupled to the vertical slide poles 110 of the support frame 120. Importantly, the slidable weight bar assembly 130 on the first side frame part 120A is movable independently relative to the other slidable weight bar assembly 130 on the second side frame part 120B. The support frame 120 also includes a pair of vertical frame members 122 extending perpendicular from the base 124 in parallel with the slide poles 110.

[0021] Each sliding weight bar assembly 130 further includes a corresponding barbell receiving bracket 132. The barbell receiving bracket 132 on the first sliding weight bar assembly 130A is located in a mutually opposed configuration relative to the barbell receiving bracket 132 on the second sliding weight bar assembly 130B.

[0022] Each barbell receiving bracket 132 is adapted for removably receiving a respective end portion of a barbell B during use. In a first operable configuration, the ends of the barbell can be received and engaged with the opposed barbell receiving brackets 132 to position the barbell between the vertical sliding pole assemblies 110 resulting in simultaneous upward and downward movement of the mutually opposed sliding weight bar assemblies 130. In such a coupled configuration, the exercise assembly 100 can be used as a conventional Smith Machine. Free weights can be easily added to weight receiving bars 131. The protruding portions 122 are preferably vertically spaced equal distances apart along each frame member. As discussed inmore detail below, horizontal pairs of protruding portions 122 of the frame members function as catches for a pair of latches arranged on each of the slidable weight bar assembly 130.

[0023] The weight receiving bars 131 are shown in an outwardly projecting configuration in Figure 1. It would be understood that the weight receiving bars 131 may be removable in at least some further configuration to provide a more compact configuration for the multipurpose exercise apparatus 100. In many instances, users like to set up a home gym and the ability to reduce the overall width of the exercise apparatus 100 provides a much more compact configuration for the exercise apparatus 100 when not in use. In other instances, as shown in Figure 5, the weight receiving bars 131 may be mounted into the barbell receiving brackets in an inwardly and opposed configuration.

[0024] Importantly, when ends of the barbell B are withdrawn and uncoupled from the respective barbell receiving brackets 132 each of the slight weight bar assemblies 130 become independently movable along the respective slide pole assemblies 110. Referring to Figure 2, the second working configuration for the exercise apparatus 100 has been shown. In each of the barbell receiving bracket 132, separate (discrete) gripping bars 133 are received. As a result, in the second configuration, the user can exert force on each of the gripping bars 133 independently and such a workout is somewhat similar to working out with individual dumbbells thereby providing a different type of exercise with the same exercise equipment. Traditional Smith Machines only provide barbell-based exercise and do not provide their users the ability to remove the barbell to achieve independent upward and downward movement for each weightedbar assembly 130 in the same manner as achieved by the presently described embodiment.

[0025] Each of the sliding weight bar assembly 130 is linked with a respective pulley assembly (comprising a series of fixed pulleys 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157 and 158- See Figure 3) via a corresponding flexible line 151 received by the pulleys to allow one end of the flexible line with a grip 159 to be engaged by a person to perform pulling exercises. The other end of the flexible line is removably linked with the sliding weight bar assembly 130. As shown clearly in the accompanying drawings, the flexible line 151 is received by the pulleys and locating the end pulley 158 along a forwardly portion of the frame allows the grips 159 to be positioned along a generally forward region of the frame of the exercise assembly 100. As a result, a user standing within the internal volume defined by the frame can carry out various pulling exercises such as but not limited to cable flys, cable crossovers by engaging one or both arms.

[0026] The pulley assembly 150 in the preferred embodiment is a primary pulley assembly which receives the flexible line 151 and transmits the weight loaded on the respective sliding weight bar assembly 130 in a convenient manner to each of the grips 159. In the present system, the pulley 155 is provided on the slidable weight bar assembly 130 and is therefore the only movable pulley in the primary pulley assembly 150. Pulleys 152, 153, 154, 156, 157 and 158 are fixed pulleys. The mechanical advantage of this pulley assembly 150 is 2. Vertical elevation of pulley 158 may be varied and can be adjusted via an adjustment mechanism provided alongside pulley 159. The pulley arrangement 150 is therefore configured such that each sliding weight bar assembly 130 and any weight loaded thereon applies a downwardly directed forceon the flexible line to enable the person gripping the grips 153 of the flexible line 151 perform pulling exercises.

[0027] A secondary pulley assembly 160 is also provided to apply an upwardly directed weight (negative weight) on the sliding weight bar assemblies 130. The secondary pulley system 160 comprises fixed pulleys 162 and 163 linked with each sliding weight bar 130 by a secondary flexible line 161 to apply an upwardly directed pulling force that acts in a generally opposed direction relative to the direction of gravitational force acting on the sliding weight bar 130 (irrespective of being loaded with weights or not). A first end of the flexible line 161 is loaded with a variable weight module 167 to apply a negative weight to the sliding weight bar assemblies 130. In many instances, beginner users may find the weight of a barbell B engaged with the barbell engaging brackets 132 to be too heavy and may therefore be unable to perform barbell based exercises altogether. The provision of the secondary pulley assembly 160 in combination with the flexible line 161 and the variable weight module 167 allows the net effective weight of the barbell B to be reduced to allow such beginners to perform exercises with the barbell. A linking mechanism 165 may be used for uncoupling the flexible line 161 from the sliding weight assembly 130 if the negative weight is not required.

[0028] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[0029] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[0030] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a support frame comprising a pair of spaced apart vertical sliding pole assemblies that are mutually opposed to each other, a respective sliding weight bar assembly attached to each of the movable vertical slide pole assemblies to effect guided and independent movement of each sliding weight bar along the sliding pole assemblies; wherein each sliding weight bar assembly comprises a corresponding bar receiving bracket for removably receiving a respective end portion of a barbell therein such that in a first operable configuration receiving and engaging end portions of the barbell to position the barbell between the vertical sliding pole assemblies resulting in simultaneous upward and downward movement of the mutually opposed sliding weight bars; and in a second operable configuration withdrawing the end portions of the barbell from the corresponding bracket allows independent upward and downward guided movement of the sliding weight bars along the respective sliding pole assemblies.

2. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the respective bar receiving brackets are oppositely oriented to allow the end portions of the barbell to be positioned therebetween in the first configuration.

3. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2 wherein each of the sliding pole assemblies is mounted on opposed side frame assemblies, the opposed side frame assemblies being connected by a rear subframe to define avolume to accommodate a person in said volume to engage with the exercise apparatus.

4. An exercise apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein each of the sliding weight bar is linked with a respective pulley assembly via a corresponding flexible line received by one or more pulleys of the pulley assembly to allow an end portion of the flexible line to be engaged by a person to perform pulling exercises.

5. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein the end portions for each of the flexible lines comprise gripping members to enable the person to perform pulling exercises.

6. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 4 or claim 5 wherein each respective pulley assembly comprises at least one pulley mounted on an upper portion of a corresponding side-frame assembly to receive the flexible line and position the end portion of the flexible along a forward portion of the side frame assemblies that is generally opposite the rear subframe.

7. An exercise apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the pulley arrangement is configured such that each sliding weight bar and any weight loaded thereon applies a downwardly directed force on the flexible line to enable the person gripping the end portions of the flexible perform pulling exercises.

8. An exercise apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising a secondary pulling arrangement linked with each sliding weight bar by a secondary flexible line to apply an upwardly directed pulling force that acts in a generally opposed direction relative to the direction of gravitational force acting on said sliding weight bar.

9. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein an end portion of the secondary flexible line is linked with variable weights to apply said upwardly directed pulling force.

10. An exercise apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein each of said sliding weight bar assembly comprises removable weight bars extending in mutually opposed and outwardly directions.

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