Circular Frame Exercise Apparatus with Movable Handles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional exercise machines are not designed to facilitate multi-directional movement during upper body exercises, limiting their effectiveness in targeting stabilizer muscles.

Innovation Solution

An exercise apparatus with a circular frame and movable handle grips that allow 360-degree movement, enabling users to target specific muscle groups, including stabilizer muscles, through various upper body exercises.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional exercise machines are used, then basic upper body exercises can be performed, but multi-directional movement and stabilizer muscle engagement are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-directional movement capabilityVSAvoidcircular frame with movable handles

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a circular frame with movable handles that can dynamically change position and orientation during exercise. The handles are not fixed but can move along the circular path, allowing users to perform exercises in multiple directions (pushing, pulling, rotating) rather than being constrained to a single fixed movement pattern. This dynamic design enables stabilizer muscle engagement while maintaining manageable device complexity through straightforward mechanical construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If fixed handles are used, then device structure is simple, but stabilizer muscles cannot be effectively targeted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle movement freedomVSAvoidmovable handle mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly is segmented into movable components that can independently move along the circular frame. Rather than a single fixed handle, the system uses separate handle grips that can be positioned and moved independently, providing users with freedom of movement while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional linear movement paths are used, then exercise paths are predictable, but muscle engagement is limited to primary muscle groups

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise varietyVSAvoidmovement control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional linear or planar movement paths to a three-dimensional circular movement path. Users can move handles along the circular frame in multiple directions (clockwise, counter-clockwise, pushing forward, pulling back), adding a rotational dimension to upper body exercises. This dimensional change enables engagement of stabilizer muscles that control rotational and multi-planar movements while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive circular motion patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12263369B1Exercise apparatus for upper body and method of use

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 BERG ROBERT

AI summary

An exercise apparatus for engaging upper body muscles of a person is disclosed. The exercise apparatus includes a generally circular frame having a first set of tracks mounted thereon; a bar extending horizontally across a diameter of the frame, the bar having opposing ends and a second set of tracks mounted thereon; a pair of movable members, wherein each movable member couples to an opposing end of the bar, wherein each movable member includes a handle coupled thereto; and one or more locking mechanisms coupled to the frame.