MOBILE FITNESS SYSTEM
The present application is directed to a mobile fitness system capable of being mounted to a vehicle rack. Components of the fitness system may be adjustably attached to the rack, providing for various free-hanging exercises, as well as allowing for attachment of various other fitness equipment. The fitness system may comprise extensions allowing groups of users to train simultaneously around the vehicle. The fitness system may also comprise a simulated door frame for attachment to a vehicle rack for supporting various home gym equipment that typically mounts to household doors. The fitness system may also comprise a spiral or semi-circular apparatus for performing body weight exercises at a plurality of angles. A plurality of hand grips may be attached to the apparatus, allowing a user to perform a variety of exercises at predetermined angles. The apparatus may be fixed to a vehicle rack to provide a portable training system.
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The present application is claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/526,445, entitled “Mobile Fitness System,” filed on Aug. 23, 2011, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe methods and systems described herein relate generally to fitness equipment. In particular, the methods and systems described herein relate to a mobile fitness system for use with a truck rack or other load carrying rack.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONOutdoor fitness training has experienced a recent surge in popularity, with “boot camp” programs simulating military basic training regimens. These programs frequently take place in public parks or elsewhere, and incorporate jogging or running, aerobic exercises such as jumping jacks or rope skipping, and bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, leg lunges, and sit-ups. However, while some cities have provided fixed structures in parks for performing pull-ups or other exercise routines, such equipment is not widely available, limiting the variety of exercises that may be performed.
Similarly, not everyone has access to a well-equipped gym, due to location or expense. While many advances have been made in home gym equipment, such devices typically are not highly portable, and thus may be inadequate for the fitness needs of contractors or other professions who frequently travel for work.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present application is directed to a mobile fitness system capable of being mounted to a vehicle rack. Components of the fitness system may be adjustably attached to the rack, providing for various free-hanging exercises, such as pull-ups, chin-ups, leg-ups, or tricep dips, as well as allowing for attachment of various other equipment including suspension trainers, gymnastic rings, climbing ropes, heavy bags or punching bags, or other equipment. The fitness system may comprise extensions allowing groups of users to train simultaneously around the vehicle. In another aspect, the present application is directed to a simulated door frame for attachment to a vehicle rack. The simulated door frame allows use of various home gym equipment that typically mounts to household doors. In some embodiments, the simulated door frame includes a vehicle tire stop. The vehicle may be moved to a position on top of the vehicle tire stop, such that the vehicle's weight prevents the simulated door frame from moving.
In still another aspect, the present application is directed to an apparatus for performing body-weight exercises at a plurality of angles. The apparatus may comprise a semi-circular frame or frame in the shape of a portion of a Fibonacci spiral. A plurality of hand grips may be attached to the frame, allowing a user to perform a variety of exercises at predetermined angles. The apparatus may be fixed to a vehicle rack to provide a portable training system.
In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a mobile fitness system for attachment to a vehicle accessory rack. The mobile fitness system includes an extension rail for extending from a vehicle accessory rack parallel to the ground to support a user performing free hanging fitness exercises. The system also includes at least one vertical riser, attached ventrally to the extension rail, each vertical riser having a first predetermined height. The system further includes at least one foot attached to and extending laterally from each corresponding riser, each said foot comprising a hole for attachment of the mobile fitness system to the vehicle accessory rack via a fastener.
In some embodiments of the system, a first portion of the extension rail has a circular cross section. In other embodiments of the system, the extension rail includes a hole at a predetermined position for accepting a hook attached to a fitness accessory. In a further embodiment of the system, the hole within the extension rail is not located at a point along the extension rail between a first vertical riser and a second vertical riser.
In one embodiment of the system, the first predetermined height of each vertical riser is selected to position the extension rail at a second predetermined height from the ground when attached to the vehicle accessory rack. In another embodiment of the system, each at least one foot further comprises a bolt for attachment via the hole to the vehicle accessory rack. In yet another embodiment, the system includes a first vertical riser attached to the extension rail at a first position, a second vertical riser attached to the extension rail at a second position separated from the first position by a first predetermined length, and the extension rail is longer than the first predetermined length.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a mobile fitness system for attachment to a vehicle accessory rack. The mobile fitness system includes an extension rail for extending from a vehicle accessory rack parallel to the ground to support a user performing free hanging fitness exercises. The system also includes at least one leg attached to a terminal end of the extension rail and extending laterally from the extension rail. The system further includes a mount for attachment to the vehicle accessory rack, attached to the extension rail by a first joint. The mount includes an upright including the first joint, and a mounting plate attached to said upright, the mounting plate comprising at least one hole for attachment of the mobile fitness system to the vehicle accessory rack via a fastener.
In some embodiments, the system includes at least two legs extending laterally at symmetrical angles from the extension rail to form an A-frame. In other embodiments, the system includes at least one extension leg removably attached to each leg. In still other embodiments, the system includes at least one foot attached to a corresponding leg, each foot comprising a plate fixed to each leg or a corresponding extension leg at an angle equal to an angle between said leg or extension leg and a line perpendicular to the ground.
In some embodiments of the system, the first joint allows for one rotational degree of freedom at most. In other embodiments of the system, the first joint allows for one translational degree of freedom at most.
In one embodiment, the system includes a semi-circular fitness apparatus attached to the extension rail, the semi-circular fitness apparatus including at least two semi-circular rims, joined by a plurality of cross bars. In a further embodiment, the semi-circular fitness apparatus further includes at least one pair of grips attached at corresponding positions to each rim and extending laterally from said rim, each grip having a circular cross section and diameter for grasping by a user's hand. In another further embodiment, each rim of the semi-circular fitness apparatus has a spiral profile. In still another further embodiment, the semi-circular fitness apparatus comprises a mounting plate attached to an upper terminal end of each rim for hooking over the extension rail.
In still another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a mobile fitness system for attachment to a vehicle accessory rack and for supporting a fitness apparatus configured for attachment to a door. The mobile fitness system includes an upper frame portion including a first horizontal beam, at least one vertical riser attached to the horizontal beam, and at least one mounting plate attached to a corresponding vertical riser and extending orthogonally to the horizontal beam for attachment of the upper frame portion to a vehicle accessory rack via a fastener. The system also includes a lower frame portion including a second horizontal beam, and a tire receiving channel attached to the second horizontal beam for positioning beneath a vehicle tire, the channel comprising a plate attached to the second horizontal beam at a first edge and a backstop extending vertically from and attached to the plate at a second edge opposite the first edge.
In some embodiments, each of the first horizontal beam and second horizontal beam have a length and thickness equal to a corresponding length and thickness of a standard door. In other embodiments, the tire receiving channel further includes a vehicle stop extending vertically from a third edge of the plate orthogonal to the first edge and second edge.
The details of various embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONA mobile fitness system may comprise one or more modules capable of mounting on a vehicle rack. The vehicle may comprise, for example, a contractor's work truck, or other vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle rack may be incorporated into the vehicle or part of the vehicle, while in other embodiments, the vehicle rack may comprise an add-on rack. For example, in one such embodiment, a vehicle rack may comprise any of the models of TracRac vehicle racks manufactured by TracRac, Inc. of Fall River, Mass.; any of the models of vehicle racks manufactured by DeWALT Industrial Tool Co. of Baltimore, Md. such as the SteelTruss line of racks; any of the models of Xsportster truck racks by Thule AB of Sweden; or any other type and form of vehicle rack.
For example, referring to
A rack bar 104 may comprise a pair of uprights 108 and a cross bar 106a-106b (sometimes referred to as a cross bar 106, load bar 106, and sometimes referred to as rack bars).
In some embodiments, a rack bar 104 may comprise one or more additional supports, such as diagonal supports, to prevent torsion or otherwise support heavier loads. In some embodiments, a rack bar 104 may include cleats or other mounting hardware. In many embodiments, rack bars 104 may have user-adjustable heights, such that cross bars 106 may be positioned at variable distances from the ground. In some embodiments, the height may be continuously variable, while in other embodiments, the user may select from a plurality of predetermined heights. For example, uprights 108 may include one or more pre-drilled holes, a sliding upper portion, and a locking pin for locking the sliding upper portion into place via one of the pre-drilled holes.
As shown in
Referring first to
In some embodiments, beam 202 may have a round cross-section, while in other embodiments, beam 202 may be square, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other cross-section. In one embodiment, a first portion of beam 202, such as the portion attached to and between risers 204a-204b may have a first cross-section, such as square, while a second portion of beam 202, such as the portion extending longitudinally from riser 204b away from riser 204a, may have a second cross-section, such as octagonal. This may be done for ease of manufacture or welding to risers, while simultaneously providing a comfortable grip for a user's hand. In some embodiments, beam 202 may have an end cap, preventing a user's hand from sliding off the end of the beam while in use, as well as preventing injury. In some embodiments, an end cap may be of a similar material to beam 202 or may be incorporated into beam 202, such as a broadened or enlarged terminal portion of a few inches or less. In other embodiments, an end cap may be of a different material and may be placed over the end of the beam 202, such as a rubber cap.
In many embodiments, one or more holes may pass through beam 202 in one or more predetermined positions for attachment of additional equipment. For example, beam 202 may include a lateral hole six inches from the end of beam 202 for accepting a hook attached to a chain of a heavy bag, such that beam 202 may support the bag in position for use. Holes may be vertical, horizontal, or in any other orientation. In other embodiments, additional equipment may be simply hung over beam 202, without requiring to be secured via a hole. In a further embodiment, said equipment may include a clamp or other feature to secure the equipment to beam 202. In another further embodiment, beam 202 may have one or more projections or protruding pins or similar features, preventing an item of equipment hanging over the beam from sliding past the projection.
Extension rail 200 may comprise one or more risers 204a-204b, referred to generally as risers 204, attached to and extending ventrally from beam 202. In one embodiment, extension rail 200 may have a single riser of sufficient length and strength to prevent rotation of beam 202 due to torque when in use. For example, the riser may be one foot long, two feet long, or any other length. In other embodiments, as shown, extension rail 200 may comprise two or more risers 204. In such embodiments, risers 204 may be of substantially shorter length while still preventing rotation when secured to a vehicle rack. Where multiple risers are employed, risers may be of any spacing, such as six inches apart, one foot apart, two feet apart, two and a half feet apart, three feet apart, or any other distance.
As shown in
In some embodiments, a riser 204 may be attached or fast to a foot 208a-208b, referred to generally as a foot 208, which may extend laterally from a terminal end of a riser 204. Foot 208 may further comprise one or more holes 206a-206b, referred to generally as holes 206, for attachment via tie-downs or clamps to a vehicle rack. Holes 206 may be threaded or unthreaded.
The diameter of holes 206 may be sized responsive to tie-down or clamp features of a vehicle rack. For example, in some embodiments, a vehicle rack cross bar may include threaded holes, and holes 206 may be of similar diameter, allowing a bolt to be threaded through a hole 206 of a foot 208 and through a hole of the cross bar. In other embodiments, a vehicle rack may utilize expandable clamps that may be positioned at any point along a cross bar, and hole 206 may be sized to allow use of said expandable clamps. In some embodiments, clamps may be provided with extension rail 200.
As shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
Through the use of multiple extension rails 200, a large number of users may train simultaneously, either via single or paired extension rails, or equipment attached to said extension rails. To accommodate even more users, an A-frame extension may be employed.
Still referring to
Beam 302 may be fixed to one or more legs 304a-304b, referred to generally as legs 304. In one embodiment, as shown in
Referring now to
A foot 310 may be attached to a terminal end of a leg 308. In some embodiments, a foot 310 may be a flat plate angled to lie flat against a surface when A-frame extension is in use. In other embodiments, a foot 310 may include a spike to be driven into soft ground. In still other embodiments, a foot 310 may include a threaded portion or non-threaded portion sized to meet with a plate 312a-312b, referred to generally as plates 312. Plate 312 may comprise a plate for spreading force from an extension leg 306 over a larger area of ground. In some embodiments, plate 312 may be weighted, to prevent accidental movement of extension legs during use of the A-frame extension. In one embodiment, plate 312 may include a textured or spiked portion, for increasing friction with the ground while in use. In other embodiments, foot 310 may be sized to fit within a center hole of a disc weight or barbell plate. Barbell plates, which may be readily available, may then be used to secure the A-frame extension for use.
Beam 302 of an A-frame extension 300 may be secured to a cross bar of a vehicle rack for use. Different mounts 314 may be used, example embodiments of which are illustrated in
Still referring to
In some embodiments, plate 316 may comprise one or more mounting holes 318a-318b, referred to generally as mounting holes 318 or tie down holes 318. In some embodiments, tie down holes 318 may be threaded, while in other embodiments, tie down holes 318 may be unthreaded. In some embodiments, and as discussed above in connection with mounting holes of extension rails, tie down holes 318 may be sized to accommodate bolts, knobs, clamps, or other tie down hardware for securing the mount 314 to a crossbar of a vehicle rack.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In other embodiments, as shown in
Referring now to
Other types of fitness equipment may also be supported by the mobile fitness system discussed herein. For example, referring briefly to
Referring now to
Still referring to
Top frame 500 may comprise one or more risers 506a-506b, referred to generally as risers 506. Risers 506 may be attached to beam 502, and may be of any height, width, or thickness. Risers 506 may be of wood, metal, plastic, or any combination of one or more stiff materials. In some embodiments, beam 502 and risers 506 may be cast or forged together, while in other embodiments, beam 502 and risers 506 may be welded, bolted, or otherwise fastened together. Risers 506 may provide a vertical displacement from a vehicle rack cross bar, both to allow attachment of door frame supports 402 of fitness equipment at proper height and to prevent supports 402 from being obstructed by the rack cross bar.
Risers 506 may attach to one or more mounting plates 508a-508b, referred to generally as mounting plates 508. Mounting plates 508 may be wood, metal, plastic, or any combination of one or more stiff materials for attachment to a vehicle rack. In some embodiments, mounting plates 508 may be flat, while in other embodiments, mounting plates 508 may be notched or have an inverted U-shape for sliding over and around a vehicle rack cross bar. Mounting plates 508 may include one or more mounting or tie down holes 510a-510b for use of bolts, clamps, or other hardware to attach top frame 500 to a vehicle rack cross bar. Mounting holes 510 may be threaded or unthreaded. As shown, in many embodiments, a top frame 500 may comprise two risers 506 and mounting plates 508 to attach to two vehicle rack cross bars, preventing the apparatus from rotating in use. Mounting plates 508 may of any length, width, or thickness sufficient to support top frame 500 in use.
Referring now to
Still referring to
Beam 602 may be attached to a receiving channel 606, which may comprise a flat plate for a vehicle tire to be driven onto to anchor the bottom frame 600 to the ground. In some embodiments, channel 606 may be wider than the width of a vehicle tire to allow a user to drive the vehicle onto the plate easily. In some embodiments, channel 606 may be bounded on one or more sides by a vehicle stop 608 and/or backstop 610. Vehicle stop 608 may comprise a wall, plate, or beam positioned at one end of receiving channel 606 to stop a vehicle tire from rolling off of channel 606. In some embodiments, vehicle stop 608 may be metal, wood, plastic, or any combination of materials, and may comprise an upwardly-bent portion of a plate of receiving channel 606. In many embodiments, vehicle stop 608 may not be required to provide structural support to any other component, and so may be relatively thin. In other embodiments, vehicle stop 608 may act as a brace for a backstop 610, and may be thicker.
Backstop 610 may comprise a beam, plate, or wall to prevent receiving channel 606 from sliding laterally from under a vehicle tire. In use, bottom frame 600 may be pulled outward by a user as various exercises are performed. On some surfaces, such as grass, gravel, sand, or dirt, there is a possibility that channel 606 could be pulled from under the vehicle, releasing suddenly and causing injury. Backstop 610 prevents this motion by acting as a stop against the vehicle tire.
Referring now to
Referring briefly to
In addition to free-hanging, cable systems, and other exercise apparatuses, the mobile fitness system may further comprise a Fibonacci Wheel, or semi-circular fitness apparatus to allow users to perform push-ups, inverted pull-ups, or other exercises at a variety of predetermined angles. Referring first to
Referring now to
Wheel 900 may comprise two or more rims 902a-902b, referred to generally as rims 902. In some embodiments, rims 902 may be steel, iron, wood, plastic, or any other stiff material capable of supporting the weight of one or more persons. Rims 902 may be solid, hollow, or a combination of solid and hollow. In some embodiments, rims 902 may comprise tubular steel elements, reducing weight while maintaining strength. In many embodiments, rims 902 may be positioned wider than shoulder height apart. In some embodiments, an upper terminal end of each rim 902 may include a plate, c-shaped portion, u-shaped portion, or similar feature for mounting to a horizontal bar such as an A-frame extension 300. In some embodiments, the mount may include one or more mounting holes to securely fasten rims 902 to the bar via bolts, pins, or clamps.
In some embodiments, rims 902 may be joined by one or more cross bars 904. Cross bars 904 may provide structural strength and positioning to keep rims 902 parallel, as well as providing grips for hands or bars for ankles during push-ups or other exercises. Cross bars 904 may be wood, metal, plastic, or any other material, and may be welded, bolted, or otherwise fastened to rims 902. In some embodiments, cross bars 904 may also extend outward from rims 902 (not illustrated). In some embodiments, cross bars 904 may be round in cross section, while in other embodiments, cross bars 904 may be square, octagonal, or any other shape. In many embodiments, cross bars 904 may have a diameter sized for grip by a user's hands. Although shown as straight bars, in many embodiments, a cross bar 904 may have a bent profile or be fixed at a non-perpendicular angle to rims 902, allowing for push-ups and other exercises with a more neutral, less supinated position of the user's wrists and forearms, reducing the risk of stress injury.
In some embodiments, rims 902 may also be attached to one or more grips 906. In many embodiments, grips 906 may be similar in material, cross section, and diameter to cross bars 904, but may not extend fully between rims 902. In many embodiments, as shown, grips 906 may also extend outward from rims 902, allowing for grips wider than the distance between rims 902. Due to the open space between each pair of grips 906 attached to rim 902a-902b, a user may perform push-ups or other exercises at extreme extensions, sometimes referred to as guillotine push-ups, in which the user lowers his body past the plane between the hands. This may place extra stress on the shoulder muscles, for example. As discussed above in connection with cross bar 904, in various embodiments, grips 906 may be straight, bent, perpendicular to rims 902, or non-perpendicular to rims 902.
Referring briefly to
While various embodiments of the methods and systems have been described, these embodiments are exemplary and in no way limit the scope of the described methods or systems. Those having skill in the relevant art can effect changes to form and details of the described methods and systems without departing from the broadest scope of the described methods and systems. Thus, the scope of the methods and systems described herein should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments and should be defined in accordance with the accompanying claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A mobile fitness system for attachment to a vehicle accessory rack, comprising:
- an extension rail for extending from a vehicle accessory rack parallel to the ground to support a user performing free hanging fitness exercises;
- at least one vertical riser, attached ventrally to the extension rail, each vertical riser having a first predetermined height; and
- at least one foot attached to and extending laterally from each corresponding riser, each said foot comprising a hole for attachment of the mobile fitness system to the vehicle accessory rack via a fastener.
2. The mobile fitness system of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the extension rail has a circular cross section.
3. The mobile fitness system of claim 1, wherein the extension rail comprises a hole at a predetermined position for accepting a hook attached to a fitness accessory.
4. The mobile fitness system of claim 3, wherein the hole within the extension rail is not located at a point along the extension rail between a first vertical riser and a second vertical riser.
5. The mobile fitness system of claim 1, wherein the first predetermined height of each vertical riser is selected to position the extension rail at a second predetermined height from the ground when attached to the vehicle accessory rack.
6. The mobile fitness system of claim 1, wherein each at least one foot further comprises a bolt for attachment via the hole to the vehicle accessory rack.
7. The mobile fitness system of claim 1, further comprising a first vertical riser attached to the extension rail at a first position, a second vertical riser attached to the extension rail at a second position separated from the first position by a first predetermined length, and wherein the extension rail is longer than the first predetermined length.
8. A mobile fitness system for attachment to a vehicle accessory rack, comprising:
- an extension rail for extending from a vehicle accessory rack parallel to the ground to support a user performing free hanging fitness exercises;
- at least one leg attached to a terminal end of the extension rail and extending laterally from the extension rail; and
- a mount for attachment to the vehicle accessory rack, attached to the extension rail by a first joint, and comprising: an upright including the first joint, and a mounting plate attached to said upright, the mounting plate comprising at least one hole for attachment of the mobile fitness system to the vehicle accessory rack via a fastener.
9. The mobile fitness system of claim 8, comprising at least two legs extending laterally at symmetrical angles from the extension rail to form an A-frame.
10. The mobile fitness system of claim 8, further comprising at least one extension leg removably attached to each leg.
11. The mobile fitness system of claim 8, further comprising at least one foot attached to a corresponding leg, each foot comprising a plate fixed to each leg or a corresponding extension leg at an angle equal to an angle between said leg or extension leg and a line perpendicular to the ground.
12. The mobile fitness system of claim 8, wherein the first joint allows for one rotational degree of freedom at most.
13. The mobile fitness system of claim 8, wherein the first joint allows for one translational degree of freedom at most.
14. The mobile fitness system of claim 8, further comprising a semi-circular fitness apparatus attached to the extension rail, the semi-circular fitness apparatus comprising at least two semi-circular rims, joined by a plurality of cross bars.
15. The mobile fitness system of claim 14, wherein the semi-circular fitness apparatus further comprises at least one pair of grips attached at corresponding positions to each rim and extending laterally from said rim, each grip having a circular cross section and diameter for grasping by a user's hand.
16. The mobile fitness system of claim 14, wherein each rim of the semi-circular fitness apparatus has a spiral profile.
17. The mobile fitness system of claim 14, wherein the semi-circular fitness apparatus comprises a mounting plate attached to an upper terminal end of each rim for hooking over the extension rail.
18. A mobile fitness system for attachment to a vehicle accessory rack and for supporting a fitness apparatus configured for attachment to a door, comprising:
- an upper frame portion comprising: a first horizontal beam, at least one vertical riser attached to the horizontal beam, and at least one mounting plate attached to a corresponding vertical riser and extending orthogonally to the horizontal beam for attachment of the upper frame portion to a vehicle accessory rack via a fastener; and
- a lower frame portion comprising: a second horizontal beam, and a tire receiving channel attached to the second horizontal beam for positioning beneath a vehicle tire, the channel comprising: a plate attached to the second horizontal beam at a first edge; and a backstop extending vertically from and attached to the plate at a second edge opposite the first edge.
19. The mobile fitness system of claim 18, wherein each of the first horizontal beam and second horizontal beam have a length and thickness equal to a corresponding length and thickness of a standard door.
20. The mobile fitness system of claim 18, wherein the tire receiving channel further comprises a vehicle stop extending vertically from a third edge of the plate orthogonal to the first edge and second edge.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 22, 2012
Publication Date: Feb 28, 2013
Applicant:
Inventor: Greg P. MONACO (Braintree, MA)
Application Number: 13/591,834
International Classification: A63B 1/00 (20060101);