MULTI-USER EXERCISE STRUCTURE

Abstract

A multi-user exercise structure includes multiple exercise equipments that are attached to a central support frame. The multiple exercise equipments may be scaled to accommodate different sized users.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is entitled to the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 20-2006-0012296 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 9, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Public parks and mineral spring resorts are places where people can go to refresh and relax from everyday's stresses. Many of these places are equipped with sporting or exercise structures for physical training so that people can get exercise in a refreshing outdoor environment. These exercise structures typically operate without electrical power, and thus, can be conveniently located throughout a park or a resort. Each of these exercise structures is usually designed for a particular exercise.

A concern with these outdoor exercise structures is that the structures are typically designed for a single user. Thus, if there are a number of people who want to use a particular exercise structure, most of these people would have to wait in line to use that exercise structure, which can be a significant period of time. Another concern is that these single user exercise structures are usually designed for a specific sized person (e.g., an average sized person). Thus, the single user exercise structures may not be appropriate for smaller or larger sized persons due to, for example, age and/or gender.

In view of the above concerns, there is a need for an outdoor exercise structure that can reduce the waiting time and accommodate different sized persons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A multi-user exercise structure includes multiple exercise equipments that are attached to a central support frame so that multiple users can simultaneously use the multi-user exercise structure. The configuration of the multi-user exercise structure allows more exercise equipments to be situated in a smaller area, which is attractive for installing the multi-user exercise structure in space-limited places. The multiple exercise equipments may be scaled to accommodate different sized users, which allows more people to use the multi-user exercise structure.

A multi-user exercise structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention comprises a central support frame, a first exercise equipment attached to the central support frame, a second exercise equipment attached to the central support frame, and a third exercise equipment attached to the central support frame.

A multi-user exercise structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention comprises a central support frame, a first exercise equipment attached to the central support frame, a second exercise equipment attached to the central support frame, and a third exercise equipment attached to the central support frame, wherein the first, second and third exercise equipments are differently scaled to accommodate different sized users.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrated by way of example of the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a multi-user exercise structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is another side view of the multi-user exercise structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the multi-user exercise structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a multi-user exercise structure in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the multi-user exercise structure of FIG. 4 without an umbrella unit.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a multi-user exercise structure in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the multi-user exercise structure of FIG. 6 without the umbrella unit.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a multi-user exercise structure in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the multi-user exercise structure of FIG. 8 without the umbrella unit.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a multi-user exercise structure in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the multi-user exercise structure of FIG. 10 without the umbrella unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, an outdoor multi-user exercise structure 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is described. As described in more detail below, the multi-user exercise structure 100 allows more than one person to simultaneously use the multi-user exercise structure. The configuration of the multi-user exercise structure 100 allows more exercise equipments to be situated in a smaller area, which is attractive for installing the multi-user exercise structure in space-limited places. Thus, the multi-user exercise structure 100 allows more efficient use of real estate in a public park, a mineral spring resort or any place in which the multi-user exercise structure is installed. Since more people can simultaneously use the multi-user exercise structure 100, the multi-user exercise structure can help reduce the waiting time for people to use the multi-user exercise structure. In addition, the multi-user exercise structure 100 is designed to accommodate different sized users so that more users can take advantage of the multi-user exercise structure. Thus, users of different age and gender can take advantage of the multi-user exercise structure 100.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the multi-user exercise structure 100 includes a central support frame 102 and three exercise equipments 104. The central support frame 102 includes three support posts 106, three panels 108 and an umbrella unit 110. The support posts 106 are positioned in a triangular configuration and are connected to the bottom of the umbrella unit 110. Each panel 108 is attached to two adjacent support posts 106, forming a side of the central support frame 102.

The three exercise equipments 104 are connected to the central support frame 102. As best shown in FIG. 1, each exercise equipment 104 is attached to a particular panel 108. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the three exercise equipments 104 are positioned about the central support frame 102 at equal distances in a radial configuration. That is, the exercise equipments 104 are connected to the central support frame 102 at regular intervals, as illustrated in FIG. 3. However, in other embodiments, the exercise equipments 104 can be connected to the central support frame 102 at irregular intervals. In addition, in other embodiments, the multi-user exercise structure 100 may include more than three exercise equipments attached to the central support frame 102. The exercise equipments 104 are non-powered equipments, i.e., they do not require electrical power. However, in other embodiments, the exercise equipments 104 may be powered equipments.

In this embodiment, the three exercise equipments 104 of the multi-user exercise structure 100 are elliptical cycles or machines. Each elliptical cycle 104 includes a pair of handles 112 and a pair of foot pedals 114. Each foot pedal 114 is connected to a wheel 116 in a housing 118 to provide an elliptical movement of the foot pedal. Each handle 112 is connected to one of the foot pedals 114 via a pole 120 so that the handle can move back and forth as the connected foot pedal is moved in an elliptical motion. The housing 118 is attached to a support frame 122, which is attached to one of the panels 108 of the central support frame 102.

In an embodiment, the three elliptical cycles 104 are designed to accommodate different sized persons. As an example, one of the elliptical cycles 104 may be designed for a child (ages 5-12) or a similar sized person, one of the elliptical cycles may be designed for a junior (ages 12-15) or a similar sized person, and one of the elliptical cycles may be designed for an adult (ages 15 and up) or a similar sized person. In order to accommodate different sized persons, the elliptical cycles 104 are scaled to meet the size of the targeted users. Thus, in this embodiment, the elliptical cycles 104 include a large cycle to accommodate an adult or a similar sized person, a medium cycle to accommodate a junior or a similar sized person, and a small cycle to accommodate a child or a similar sized person. As an example, the poles 120 of the elliptical cycles 104 are of different lengths so that the attached handles 112 are at different heights from the connected foot pedals 114 to accommodate different sized persons. Information regarding the scaled elliptical cycles 104 may be provided to users on the panels 108 of the central support frame 102. Thus, each panel 108 may include information regarding the targeted user for the scaled elliptical cycle 104 attached to that panel. The panels 108 may include other information regarding use of the attached elliptical cycles 104, as well as other relevant information.

In an embodiment, the components of the multi-user exercise structure 100 are made of materials to withstand the outdoor elements. The umbrella unit 110 of the central support frame 102 and the housing 118 of each elliptical cycle 104 are made of plastic material. As an example, the umbrella unit 110 of the central support frame 102 can be made of rotational molded polyetelene with built-in ultraviolet light inhibitor and the housing 118 of each elliptical cycle 104 can be made of rotational molded polyetelene. The posts 106 of the central support frame 102 are made of hot dipped galvanized steel posts with PVDF coated polyester powder coating. Similar material may be used for other components of the multi-user exercise structure 100 made of tubes, such as the poles 120 and the support frames 122 of the elliptical cycles 104. The handles 112 of the elliptical cycles 104 are made of rubber and urethane. The panels 108 of the central support frame 102 may be made of polycarbonate sheets.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5, an outdoor multi-user exercise structure 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is shown. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the reference numbers from FIGS. 1-3 are used to indicate similar elements. FIG. 4 is a side view of the multi-user exercise structure 200, while FIG. 5 is a top view of the multi-user exercise structure 200 without the umbrella unit 110.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the multi-user exercise structure 200 includes the central support frame 102 and three exercise equipments 204. Each exercise equipment 204 is attached to a particular panel 108 of the central support frame 102 such that the exercise equipments 204 are arranged around the central support frame 102 at regular intervals, as illustrated in FIG. 5. However, in other embodiments, the exercise equipments 204 may be connected to the central support frame 102 at irregular intervals. In addition, in other embodiments, the multi-user exercise structure 200 may include more than three exercise equipments attached to the central support frame 102. In this embodiment, the exercise equipments 204 are sky runners, which allow users to simulate walking, jogging or running motion. Each sky runner 204 includes a pair of foot pedals 206 and a handgrip 208. Each foot pedal 206 is connected to a support frame 210 via a pivotable tube 212 to provide partial circular movements of the foot pedal. The handgrip 208 is connected to the support frame 210, which include side covers 214. The support frame 210 is attached to one of the panels 108 of the central support frame 102.

In an embodiment, the sky runners 204 are scaled to accommodate different sized users. As an example, the support frames 210 of the sky runners 204 are scaled so that the attached handgrips 208 are at different heights from the connected foot pedals 206 to accommodate different sized persons. The components of the sky runners 204 may be made of materials similar to those of the multi-user exercise structure 100 of FIGS. 1-3.

Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, an outdoor multi-user exercise structure 300 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is shown. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the reference numbers from FIGS. 1-3 are used to indicate similar elements. FIG. 6 is a side view of the multi-user exercise structure 300, while FIG. 7 is a top view of the multi-user exercise structure 300 without the umbrella unit 110.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the multi-user exercise structure 300 includes the central support frame 102 and three exercise equipments 304. Each exercise equipment 304 is attached to a particular panel 108 of the central support frame 102 such that the exercise equipments are arranged around the central support frame at regular intervals, as illustrated in FIG. 7. However, in other embodiments, the exercise equipments 304 may be connected to the central support frame 102 at irregular intervals. In addition, in other embodiments, the multi-user exercise structure 300 may include more than three exercise equipments attached to the central support frame 102. In this embodiment, the exercise equipments 304 are body sit-ups, which allow users to do sit-ups. Each body sit-up 304 includes footpads 306 and a curved bench 308. Each footpad 306 is on a bar 310 of a support frame 312, which allows a user to anchor his/her feet using the footpads and perform sit-ups on the curved bench 308. The curved bench 308 is attached to the support frame 312, which is attached to one of the panels 108 of the central support frame 102.

In an embodiment, the body sit-ups 304 are scaled to accommodate different sized users. As an example, the curved benches 308 of the body sit-ups 304 may be of different lengths to accommodate different sized persons. The curved benches 308 of the body sit-ups 304 may also be positioned at different heights to accommodate different sized persons. The components of the body sit-ups 304 may be made of materials similar to those of the multi-user exercise structure 100 of FIGS. 1-3.

Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 9, an outdoor multi-user exercise structure 400 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is shown. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the reference numbers from FIGS. 1-3 are used to indicate similar elements. FIG. 8 is a side view of the multi-user exercise structure 400, while FIG. 9 is a top view of the multi-user exercise structure 400 without the umbrella unit 110.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the multi-user exercise structure 400 includes the central support frame 102 and three exercise equipments 404. Each exercise equipment 404 is attached to a particular panel 108 of the central support frame 102 such that the exercise equipments are arranged around the central support frame at regular intervals, as illustrated in FIG. 9. However, in other embodiments, the exercise equipments 404 may be connected to the central support frame 102 at irregular intervals. In addition, in other embodiments, the multi-user exercise structure 400 may include more than three exercise equipments attached to the central support frame 102. In this embodiment, the exercise equipments 404 are body twisters, which allow users to turn or rotate the lower part of their body from side to side. Each body twister 404 includes a circular twister pad 406 and a pair of handgrip bars 408. The circular twister pad 406 is connected to a support frame 410 such that the circular twister pad can be rotated by a user using his/her legs. The support frame 410 is attached to one of the panels 108 of the central support frame 102. The handgrip bars 408 are also attached to the same panel of the central support frame 102.

In an embodiment, the body twisters 404 are scaled to accommodate different sized users. As an example, the handgrip bars 408 may be attached to the panels 108 of the central support frame 102 at different heights to accommodate different sized persons. The components of the body twisters 404 may be made of materials similar to those of the multi-user exercise structure 100 of FIGS. 1-3.

Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 11, an outdoor multi-user exercise structure 500 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is shown. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the reference numbers from FIGS. 1-3 are used to indicate similar elements. FIG. 10 is a side view of the multi-user exercise structure 500, while FIG. 11 is a top view of the multi-user exercise structure 500 without the umbrella unit 110.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the multi-user exercise structure 500 includes the central support frame 102 and three exercise equipments 504. Each exercise equipment 504 is attached to a particular panel 108 of the central support frame 102 such that the exercise equipments are arranged around the central support frame at regular intervals, as illustrated in FIG. 11. However, in other embodiments, the exercise equipments 504 may be connected to the central support frame 102 at irregular intervals. In addition, in other embodiments, the multi-user exercise structure 500 may include more than three exercise equipments attached to the central support frame 102. In this embodiment, the exercise equipments 504 are stationary bikes, which allow users to perform peddling movements. Each stationary bike 504 includes a pair of handgrip bars 506, a seat 508 and a pair of pedals 510 on a wheel 512, which is positioned in a housing 514. The seat 508 and the housing 514 are attached to a support frame 516, which is attached to one of the panels 108 of the central support frame 102. The handgrip bars 506 are also attached to the same panel 108 of the central support frame 102.

In an embodiment, the stationary bikes 504 are scaled to accommodate different sized users. As an example, the handgrip bars 506 of the stationary bikes 504 may be attached to the panels 108 of the central support frame 102 at different heights to accommodate different sized persons. Similarly, the seats 508 of the stationary bikes 504 may be positioned at different heights to accommodate different sized persons. The components of the stationary bikes 504 may be made of materials similar to those of the multi-user exercise structure 100 of FIGS. 1-3.

Although each of the outdoor multi-user exercise structures 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 has been described herein as having the same three exercise equipments, other embodiments may include different exercise equipments in a single outdoor multi-user exercise structure. As an example, an outdoor multi-user exercise structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may include one elliptical cycle 104, one sky runner 204 and one body twister 404. In other embodiments, an outdoor multi-user exercise structure may include any combination of exercise equipments, such as the elliptical cycles 104, the sky runners 204, the body sit-ups 304, the body twisters 404 and the stationary bikes 504.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the invention is to be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-user exercise structure comprising:

a central support frame;

a first exercise equipment attached to said central support frame;

a second exercise equipment attached to said central support frame; and

a third exercise equipment attached to said central support frame.

2. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 1 wherein said first, second and third exercise equipments are attached to said central support frame such that said first, second and third exercise equipments are arranged about said central support frame at regular intervals.

3. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 1 wherein said first, second and third exercise equipments are differently scaled to accommodate different sized users.

4. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 1 wherein said central support frame includes three posts and three panels, said three posts being arranged in a triangular configuration, each of said three panels being attached to two of said three posts, each of said first, second and third exercise equipments being attached to one of said three panels.

5. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first, second and third exercise equipments is an elliptical cycle.

6. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 4 wherein each of said first, second and third exercise equipments is an elliptical cycle.

7. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first, second and third exercise equipments is a sky runner.

8. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first, second and third exercise equipments is a body sit-up.

9. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first, second and third exercise equipments is a body twister.

10. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first, second and third exercise equipments is a stationary bike.

11. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 1 wherein said first, second and third exercise equipments are exercise equipments selected from a group consisting of elliptical cycles, sky runners, body sit-ups, body twisters and stationary bikes.

12. A multi-user exercise structure comprising:

a central support frame;

a first exercise equipment attached to said central support frame;

a second exercise equipment attached to said central support frame; and

a third exercise equipment attached to said central support frame,

wherein said first, second and third exercise equipments are differently scaled to accommodate different sized users.

13. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 12 wherein said first, second and third exercise equipments are attached to said central support frame such that said first, second and third exercise equipments are arranged about said central support frame at regular intervals.

14. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 12 wherein said central support frame includes three posts and three panels, said three posts being arranged in a triangular configuration, each of said three panels being attached to two of said three posts, each of said first, second and third exercise equipments being attached to one of said three panels.

15. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 12 wherein at least one of said first, second and third exercise equipments is an elliptical cycle.

16. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 15 wherein each of said first, second and third exercise equipments is an elliptical cycle.

17. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 12 wherein at least one of said first, second and third exercise equipments is a sky runner.

18. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 12 wherein at least one of said first, second and third exercise equipments is a body twister.

19. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 12 wherein at least one of said first, second and third exercise equipments is a stationary bike.

20. The multi-user exercise structure of claim 12 wherein said first, second and third exercise equipments are exercise equipments selected from a group consisting of elliptical cycles, sky runners, body sit-ups, body twisters and stationary bikes.