EXERCISE SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

An exerciser includes a frame assembly, and a movable user support disposed on the frame assembly. The movable user support is constructed and arranged to support an exercising person and allow the exercising person to move while in supported relation on the movable user support, with an extremity of the exercising person free to be moved with respect to the movable user support. The exerciser also includes a ballet barre assembly. The ballet barre assembly includes a ballet barre positioned to be engaged by the extremity of the exercising person supported on the movable user support, and support structure configured to support the ballet barre at a fixed position that is at least 60 centimeters above a plane of movement for the movable user support. An attachment including the ballet barre assembly, and an associated method of exercising, are also disclosed.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to methods of exercising and to exercise apparatuses for carrying out those methods.

One of the consistent challenges in the fitness industry is devising exercise methods and apparatuses that allow the user to achieve maximum, diverse fitness effects by performing exercises in comfortable positions. For example, a type or set of exercises may be particularly attractive and beneficial to the user if it provides strengthening, toning and cardiovascular benefits.

A popular type of exercise equipment provides a carriage mounted on a track for sliding or rolling movement along the track. Depending on the particular variation, the carriage may be connected to a resistance system including one or more resilient members, such as springs or bungee cords, (or alternatively, gravity) which bias the carriage towards a particular position. The carriage may also be connected to pull cords that are trained over a pulley system, allowing the user to move the carriage by pulling the pull lines. The user exercises with such an apparatus by using the arms or legs to move the carriage along the tracks. Sliding-carriage multi-function exercise equipment of this type typically includes a foot rest, foot bar, trampoline, pedal, or other structure against which the user can push off.

The present disclosure relates to a versatile exerciser and method of use.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, an exerciser includes a frame assembly, and a movable user support disposed on the frame assembly, constructed and arranged to support an exercising person and allow the exercising person to move while in supported relation on the movable user support, with an extremity of the exercising person free to be moved with respect to the movable user support. The exerciser also includes a ballet barre assembly. The ballet barre assembly includes a ballet barre positioned to be engaged by the extremity of the exercising person supported on the movable user support, and support structure configured to support the ballet barre at a fixed position that is at least 60 centimeters above a plane of movement for the movable user support.

According to another embodiment, an attachment is for an exerciser of the type including a movable user support disposed on a frame assembly and constructed and arranged to support an exercising person and allow the exercising person to move while in supported relation on the movable user support, with an extremity of the exercising person free to be moved with respect to the movable user support, and a mounting structure disposed on the frame assembly. The mounting structure of the exerciser is constructed and arranged to detachably mount the attachment to the frame structure. The attachment includes a ballet barre positioned to be engaged by the extremity of the exercising person supported on the movable user support. The attachment also includes support structure configured to support the ballet barre at a fixed position that is at least 60 centimeters above a plane of movement for the movable user support.

According to another embodiment, a method of enabling a person to exercise includes providing a movable user support which supports an exercising person and allows the exercising person to move while in supported relation on the movable user support, with an extremity of the exercising person free to be moved with respect to the movable user support. The method also includes providing a ballet barre spaced from said movable user support in a position to be engaged by the extremity of the exercising person supported on the movable user support. The ballet barre is configured to be supported by a ballet barre assembly at a fixed position that is at least 60 centimeters above a plane of movement for the movable user support. Movement of the movable user support is either in a first direction towards the ballet barre, or in a second direction away from the ballet barre.

Other aspects of the inventive concept will become apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals represent like features throughout the figures, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exerciser having a ballet bar assembly including a ballet bar, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the exerciser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevational view of the foot end of the exerciser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts fragmentary side elevational views of various embodiments of the ballet bar;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the exerciser having another embodiment of the ballet barre assembly;

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a side perspective view of the exerciser of FIG. 5, depicting a user performing a first exercise thereon;

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a side perspective view of the exerciser of FIG. 5, depicting a user performing a second exercise thereon;

FIG. 8 is a reduced perspective view of the exerciser having another embodiment of the ballet barre assembly;

FIG. 9 is a reduced perspective view of the exerciser having another embodiment of the ballet barre assembly; and

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an exerciser having a pair of ballet bar assemblies, according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exerciser, generally indicated at 10, according to one embodiment of the invention. The exerciser 10 includes a frame assembly, generally indicated at 12, a movable user support, generally indicated at 14, disposed on the frame assembly 12 in a position to support the seat and back of the user in a position which allows the body of the user while in supported relation to move with the movable user support 14 with the feet of the user free to be supported with respect to the movable user support 14, and a ballet barre assembly, generally indicated at 16, constructed and arranged to be mounted on the frame assembly 12 in a position to be engaged by the feet of the user while movably supported on the movable user support 14. The movable user support 14 and frame assembly 12 can generally be of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,806,805 or 7,901,338, each of which is incorporated by reference in their entirety. Other components described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,806,805 or 7,901,338 can also be used in the present invention, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The frame assembly 12 includes a frame 18, which is adapted to support the movable user support 14, with the user supported thereon. In some embodiments, the frame 18 may be positioned on a stand 20, which is adapted to connect to the frame 18 to hold the frame 18 in a generally horizontal plane above a support surface on which the exerciser 10 is positioned. As is shown in FIG. 1, an exploded perspective view of the exerciser 10, the stand 20 comprises a plurality of legs 22 connected at respective upper ends thereof by cross bars 24, such that the stand portion 20 is comprised of generally rectangular or trapezoidal segments having legs 22 disposed at the corners of the segments. In an embodiment, the plurality of legs 22 may raise the frame 18 above the support surface by some amount. End caps 26 of a rubber or other non-skid material may be provided at support surface-contacting ends of the legs 22, which may additionally increase the height of the frame 18 above the support surface. Upper receptacle sections 28 of the stand 20, which are adapted to receive corresponding mating structures provided on the underside of the frame 18 (not shown in the Figures), so as to operatively secure the frame 18 to the stand 20, may further increase the height of the frame 18. Accordingly, the legs 22, end caps 26 and/or the upper receptacle sections 28 of the stand 20 may be of any length that provides a convenient user height for the frame portion 18. For example, in an embodiment the stand 20 may be configured to raise the frame 18 above the support surface such that the top plane of the movable user support 14 is approximately 35-45 cm above the support surface. It may be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments the stand 20 may be taller or shorter.

Depending on the embodiment, the frame 18 and stand 20 may be separable, so that the exerciser 10 can be stored easily. Additionally, the stand 20 may be omitted or sold separately, particularly if the height provided by the stand 20 is not required for the exercises that are to be performed. Moreover, it may be desirable to construct the stand 20 such that one end is wider than the other.

The frame 18 is comprised of two generally parallel support tracks 30, connected and braced by a number of cross members. Each of the support tracks 30 has a generally C-shaped cross-section, such that each support track 30 defines an interior track 32, in the shape of a channel, which is adapted to receive engaging portions of the movable user support 14. The engaging portions of the movable user support 14 in this embodiment are rollers 33 (shown in phantom in FIG. 2) that rollingly engage interior tracks 32. The rollers 33 are mounted to the underside of the movable user support 14 on appropriately-sized lateral projections, and allow the movable user support 14 to roll along the support tracks 30 between limiting portions of the support tracks 30. The limiting portions of the support tracks 30 define the extent of travel for the movable user support 14. In some embodiments of the exerciser 10, one of the limiting portions may be a crossbar 34 that extends between the two support tracks 30; the other limiting portion may be defined by an endpiece 36 of the frame portion 18. Alternatively, the limiting portions may simply be the ends of the interior tracks 32 in the support tracks 30.

Although rollers 33 are used in the illustrated embodiment, a number of bearings and other movement support structures are known in the art, and any one of these known types of bearings may be used in place of the rollers. For example, instead of rollers, blocks of low-friction material may be used, and the interior tracks 32 in the support tracks 30 may be lubricated in order to facilitate sliding movement with reduced friction.

The support tracks 30 may be continuous bars that run the length of the exerciser, or they may be comprised of sets of shorter bars which are secured together by welds or fasteners. As shown in FIG. 2, each support track is comprised of two shorter support bars 38, 40. At one end, each shorter support bar 38, 40 connects to an endpiece 36, 37 to form an end of the frame 18 of the exerciser 10. (The endpieces 36, 37 of the illustrated embodiments are bars covered with decorative plastic moldings, but they may be made in other configurations.) At the other ends of the shorter support bars 38, 40, cooperating hinge structure 42 is provided, such that the shorter support bars 38, 40 may be hingedly connected together in a manner which allows the exerciser 10 to be folded when not in use.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the support tracks may have a substantially rectangular cross section, and a movable user support with rollers or other movement support structures may be configured so as to rest on top of the support tracks, rather than engaging inside tracks defined within them. The precise manner of engagement of the movable user support and the support tracks can be of various configurations as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Several body-engaging components are mounted on the movable user support 14 so as to facilitate the body positioning of the user for certain exercises. In an embodiment, two padded shoulder blocks 44, one on each side of the movable user support 14, extend vertically, and are positioned so as to engage the upper portion of the user's torso (i.e., at the collarbone or shoulder region) when the user is lying prone or supine on the movable user support 14, so as to prevent the user from sliding relative to the movable user support 14 in a direction away from the ballet barre assembly 16. The shoulder blocks 44 may be removably attached to the movable user support 14, for example, by a threaded connection.

A padded head rest 46 may also be mounted on the movable user support 14, so as to receive the head of a user when the user's torso is positioned on the movable user support 14. In the position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the head rest 46 is positioned such that its user-contacting surface is generally horizontal and co-planar with those of the movable user support 14. However, the head rest may be mounted on a multi-position bracket, such that its angular position may be adjusted relative to that of the movable user support so as to support the user's head in an inclined position. In addition to the head rest 46, user support pad 48 is mounted on the movable user support 14 so as to cover a substantial portion of the movable user support 14 to provide traction and comfort.

The exerciser 10 also carries a resilient resistance system coupled to the movable user support 14. The crossbar 34 proximate to the footrest has several slots 60 formed in it. Each slot 60 in the crossbar 34 is sized and adapted to accept one end of a tensile resilient resistance element 62. A bracket on the underside of the movable user support 14 (not shown in the Figures) includes a corresponding set of slots 60, each slot 60 adapted to accept the other end of a tensile resilient resistance element 62. In this embodiment, the crossbar 34 and bracket of the movable user support 14 each include four slots 60; however, the number of slots 60 may be selected arbitrarily, depending on the total desired resistance, the width of the crossbar 34 and bracket, and the total amount of space required for each tensile resilient resistance element 62. The exerciser 10 may be operated with any number of tensile resilient resistance elements 62 installed in the slots 60.

The tensile resilient resistance elements 62 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are elastomeric cords with knobs 64 installed at the ends, so that the ends may be seated in the slots provided for them. The tensile resilient resistance elements 62 may also comprise tension coil springs, rubber bands, or similar structures. Depending on the type of tensile resilient resistance elements 62, hooks or other receiving structures may be used instead of slots. As those of skill in the art will appreciate, one of the functions of the tensile resilient resistance elements 62 is to bias the movable user support 14 to return to a position proximate to the ballet barre assembly 16 when moved by the user away from the ballet barre assembly 16. However, particularly if the movable user support 14 is inclined and able to move under the influence of gravity, the resilient resistance system may be omitted.

The exerciser 10 of FIG. 1 also carries an arm exercise system. Two pull lines 56 are connected to the underside of the movable user support 14. From the underside of the movable user support 14, the pull lines 56 are trained over pulleys 58 that are carried by an upright bar 66 provided on the end of the exerciser opposite the foot support. The pulleys 58 are adapted to swivel, so as to allow the user to pull the pull lines 56 toward the ballet barre assembly 16 in a variety of planes of motion. The pulleys 58 are also releasably mounted on the upright bar 66 by mounting structure 68 so that their angle and orientation can be changed by the user.

From the pulleys 58, the pull lines 56 extend towards the ballet barre assembly 16, and are coupled to user grips 70 at their ends. Between the ends of the pull lines 56 and the user grips 70, take-up fittings 72 are provided. Each take-up fitting 72 has a number of holes 74 formed in it, such that if the pull lines 56 are too long, they may be wrapped around and through the take-up fittings 72 to reduce their effective lengths. When the user grips the user grips 70 and causes the pull lines 56 to extend, he or she is working against the force bias provided by the tensile resilient resistance elements 62. The arm exercise system, including the pull lines 56, pulleys 58 and associated structures may be omitted in various embodiments.

In some embodiments, the ballet barre assembly 16 may be adjusted to be engaged by the feet of a user, as in a conventional foot bar, so that a user of the exerciser 10 may push off of the ballet barre assembly 16 to move the movable user support 14 in the opposite direction, away from the ballet barre assembly 16. As used herein, the term “feet” may refer to both of the user's feet together or to one individual foot, and exercises using the feet described herein may be performed with one foot, each foot alternately, or both feet simultaneously.

By the operation of the resilient resistance system, the movable user support 14 is constructed and arranged to absorb the energy of movement of the user on the movable user support 14 in a direction away from the ballet barre assembly 16 and to convert that absorbed energy into a movement toward the ballet barre assembly 16.

The user may control the degree of resistive bias by changing the number of tensile resilient resistance elements 62 that are connected between the crossbar 34 and the movable user support 14. The pull lines 56 are constructed and arranged such that forces applied in a direction toward the ballet barre assembly 16 by the user's arms are converted into movements of the movable user support 14 away from the ballet barre assembly 16. Alternatively, the user may control the position of the movable user support 14 solely by flexure of the legs against ballet barre assembly 16.

When the user is lying on the movable user support 14 in a supine position with his or her head on the head rest 46, the user's feet are free from the movable user support 14, and extend in a direction toward the ballet barre assembly 16. As can be seen in FIGS. 1-3, in one example, the ballet barre assembly 16 includes a ballet barre 80 that is supported above a top plane of movement of the movable user support 14 by a vertically extending support 90. The ballet barre 80, which is also known as a plie bar or a horizontal bar, is understood to be typically made from wood, and used for various lower body stretching exercises, or in combination with various dance exercises, such as ballet movements. As described in greater detail below, while typically made from wood, barres such as ballet barre 80 may be made from other substances, such as a metal, a composite material, or the like, which may then be covered with another substance like a rubber, foam, or plastic coating to enhance the utility of the ballet barre 80, and may provide padding for the same. In other embodiments, the outer surface of the ballet barre 80 may be rigid. As further discussed below, in an embodiment the ballet barre 80 may have a round cross section, and typically may be approximately 2-6 cm in diameter, thereby providing an ergonomic surface for individuals engaging the ballet barre 80 during a workout. Other sizes of the ballet barre 80 are also possible in various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertically extending support 90 is configured to raise the ballet barre 80 to a variety of positions above the endpiece 37, where it may be engaged by the feet or hands of a user of the exerciser 10. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment the vertically extending support 90 includes support legs 100 that are configured to be received in receptacles 110 in the endpiece 37. Although in the illustrated embodiment there are a pair of support legs 100 that are received in a pair of corresponding receptacles 110 at opposite ends of the endpiece 37, in another embodiment, a single support leg 100 may be provided, received in a single receptacle 110 located in the endpiece 37, or elsewhere on the exerciser 10. In still further embodiments, more support legs 100 may be provided. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of securing knobs 120 are provided, each associated with each receptacle 110, so as to engage the support legs 100 to selectively prevent or otherwise hinder removal of the ballet barre assembly 16 from the remainder of the exerciser 10. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment the securing knobs 120 may screw into or out of the endpiece 37, thus engaging or disengaging a corresponding portion of the support legs 100 located therein. In some embodiments the support legs 100 may have a receptacle configured to receive an engaging portion of the securing knobs 120, while in other embodiments the engaging portion of the securing knobs 120 may tighten against the structure of the support legs 100 such that friction prevents or otherwise hinders removal of the support legs 100 from the receptacles 110. It may be appreciated that in some embodiments other engagement mechanisms may be utilized in lieu of the securing knobs 120, such as clamps or engagement pins. In some embodiments, the engagement mechanism may have a quick release for rapid release of the ballet barre assembly 16. Additionally, it may be appreciated that in some embodiments the receptacles 110 may comprise poles or other engagement structures that may be received in or otherwise couple to the support legs 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support legs 100 are coupled to one another by a connecting bar 130. Although optional, in such embodiments the connecting bar 130 may provide planar stability for the ballet barre assembly 16. Additionally, by coupling the support legs 100 together, there may be less of a chance that one of the support legs 100 could be misplaced if decoupled from the ballet barre 80, as described in greater detail below. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the ballet barre 80 is coupled to the support legs 100 by a pair of extension legs 140, which are configured to extend from the support legs 100 to extend the ballet barre 80 to varying heights above the endpiece 37. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment the extension legs 140 are slidably received within the support legs 100, so that the ballet barre 80 may be supported above the endpiece 37 by both the height of the support legs 100 and an extended amount of the extension legs 140. To secure the extension legs 140 at a desired amount of extension from the support legs 100, one or more engagement mechanisms may be provided to secure the extension legs 140 relative to the support legs 100. In the illustrated embodiment, extension knobs 150 are provided, each associated with each extension leg 140 and support leg 100. As shown, the extension knob 150 has a pin end that may extend through an aperture 160 in the support leg 100 to an associated portion of the extension leg 140. In some embodiments, an engaging portion of the extension knobs 150, such as the pin, may press against the extension legs 140, so as to frictionally secure the ballet barre 80 to the a desired height above the top plane of movement of the movable user support 14. It may be appreciated that in some embodiments other engagement mechanisms may be utilized in lieu of the extension knobs 150, such as clamps, compression collars, or engagement pins. In some embodiments, the engagement mechanism may have a quick release for rapid adjustment of the height of the ballet barre 80.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the extension legs 140 contain a plurality of apertures 160 therein, configured to receive the engaging portion (or pins) of the extension knobs 150. By receiving the engaging portions of the extension knobs 150 in associated ones of the plurality of apertures 160, the extension legs 140 may be secured to the support legs 100 at a variety of positions, to raise the ballet barre 80 to associated heights relative to the support legs 100. Increments between the apertures 160 on each extension leg 140 may vary across embodiments, and may correspond to different increases in height for the ballet barre 80. As indicated above, however, it may be appreciated that in some embodiments the adjustment may be infinitely variable (i.e. with a frictional engagement between the support legs 100 and the extension leg 140), and not reliant on incremental adjustments from spaced engagement regions, such as the plurality of apertures 160. It should be appreciated for this disclosure that the term “adjustment structure” as used herein may refer to a combination of apertures 160 and the extension knobs 150, a frictional engagement, or any other structure allowing the height of the ballet barre 80 to be selectively fixed at a desired height.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the ballet barre 80 comprises a generally uniform cylindrical shape, with a circular cross section. As shown in FIG. 4, however, other configurations of the ballet barre 80 are also possible. For example, the configuration of ballet barre 80 of FIGS. 1-3 is depicted in FIG. 4 as ballet barre 80a. It may be appreciated that the diameter of ballet barre 80a may be of any suitable size, including but not limited to being between 2-6 centimeters in diameter. Similarly, ballet barre 80b is of an oval or elliptical shape in cross section, and may have any appropriate sizes of major and minor axes. The ballet barre 80 may also be of any other uniform or simple geometric cross sectional shape. For example, ballet barre 80c is of a rectangular shape. These shapes are merely exemplary, and any other shape may also be utilized. For example, ballet barre 80d depicts an ornamental geometric shape, with a generally flat top and curved sides. Ballet barre 80e similarly depicts another ornamental configuration, however having a curved top portion. Additionally, while in some embodiments end extremities of the ballet barre 80 may comprise flat faces, in other embodiments the end extremities may be rounded or otherwise decorated.

While in the embodiment of ballet barre assembly 16, the extension legs 140 are received within the support legs 100, it may be appreciated that in other embodiments the converse may be true. For example, FIG. 5 depicts ballet barre assembly 170 coupled to exerciser 10. In an embodiment, elements of ballet barre assembly 170 may be generally similar to ballet barre assembly 16, as described above. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of ballet barre assembly 170, support legs 180 engage the exerciser 10. While the support legs 180 may be generally similar to support legs 100, it may be appreciated that support legs 180 are slidably received within extension legs 190, so that a ballet barre 200 may be positioned at various heights relative to the support legs 180. It may be appreciated that in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the ballet barre 200 is similar to ballet barre 80 of FIGS. 1-3 (and represented as ballet barre 80a in FIG. 4), having a circular cross sectional shape. In other embodiments, however, other shapes may be utilized in the ballet barre assembly 170. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, where the support legs 180 are received within the extension legs 190, engagement knobs 210 may pass through a portion of the extension legs 190 to engage a corresponding region of the support legs 180. Likewise, in some embodiments apertures or other engagement regions may be formed in the support legs 180, to receive an engaging portion of the engagement knobs 210. As above, in various embodiments other engagements may be utilized in lieu of the engagement knobs 210, including but not limited to pins, clamps, or compression collars, to fix the support legs 180 relative to the extension legs 190. As above with ballet barre assembly 16, in some embodiments the engagement between the support legs 180 and the extension legs 190 may include a quick release mechanism for rapid adjustment of the height of the ballet barre 200.

In some embodiments, such as that those illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the ballet barre 80 may contain recesses therein configured to receive an engaging end of the extension legs 140 therein. It may be appreciated, however that other engagements between the ballet barre 80 and the extension legs 140 are also possible in other embodiments. For example, in ballet bar assembly 170 of FIG. 5, the extension legs 190 terminate proximal to the ballet barre 200 at barre supports 220, which provide a surface area of support for the ballet barre 200. The ballet barre 200 is then bolted through both the thickness of the ballet barre 200 and the barre supports 220. In some embodiments, the barre supports 220 are shaped to match a contour of an engaging portion of the ballet barre 200. For example, in FIG. 5, where the ballet barre 200 is of a circular cross section, the barre supports 220 may have an arcuate cross section that matches the contour of the ballet barre 200. It may be appreciated that in some embodiments, the barre supports 220 may completely surround the ballet barre 200. Additionally, in various embodiments, the engagement between the ballet barre 200 and the receiving portion of the extension legs 190 (such as the barre supports 220) may be through any appropriate mechanism, including but not limited to being bolted, screwed, or otherwise coupled by a mechanical fastener, or may be glued, welded, or otherwise adhered thereto.

In accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure, the ballet barre can be raised to approximately waist height of a standing user. It may be appreciated, however, that in various embodiments a user of the ballet barre may alternatively use the ballet barre while standing on the movable user support 14, or while standing on the support surface on which the exerciser 10 is residing. As such, it may be appreciated that ballet barre assemblies 16 and 170 are configured to selectively raise ballet barres 80 or 200 to varying waist heights of users standing adjacent to the exerciser 10 (e.g., when the frame 18 is raised above the support surface by the stand 20), or users standing on the movable user support 14, by positioning extension legs 140 or 190 relative to support legs 100 or 180. For example, in various embodiments the ballet barres 80 or 200 may be raised so as to be selectively fixed at a position that is greater than approximately 60 centimeters above the support surface. In an embodiment, the ballet barres 80 or 200 may be raised so as to be selectively fixed at a position that is greater than approximately 60 centimeters above the top plane of movement of the movable user support 14, which may be more than 60 centimeters above the support surface, due to a height of the frame 18 (and the stand 20, where present).

In more specific embodiments, the ballet barres 80 or 200 may be raised so as to be selectively fixed at a position that is greater than approximately 75 centimeters above either the support surface or the top plane of movement of the movable user support 14. In some embodiments the ballet barres 80 or 200 may be fixed at respective positions that are as high as approximately 130 cm above either the support surface or the top plane of movement of the movable user support 14. For example, in some embodiments, the ballet barres 80 or 200 may be raised so as to be fixed at respective positions that are between 60-130 centimeters above either the support surface or the top plane of movement of the movable user support 14. In more specific embodiments, the ballet barres 80 or 200 may be selectively fixed at respective positions that are between 80-100 cm above either the support surface or the top plane of movement of the movable user support 14. In more particular embodiments, the ballet barres 80 or 200 may be supported approximately 90 cm above either the support surface or the top plane of movement of the movable user support 14. It may be appreciated, however, that the ballet barres 80 or 200 may also be adjusted from such waist-height positions to either a greater or lesser height. Such adjustability may allow for a greater number of exercises to be performed on the exerciser 10 coupled to the ballet barre assemblies 16 or 170, as described in greater detail below.

As indicated above, in some embodiments the top plane of movement may be raised above the support surface for the exerciser 10 by the stand 20. Accordingly, it may be appreciated that in some embodiments the ballet barre assemblies 16 or 170 may be configured to support the ballet barres 80 or 200 at various heights inclusive or exclusive of the stand 20, so that a user of the ballet barres 80 or 200 may position the ballet barres 80 or 200 at a desired height regardless of whether the frame 18 is positioned on the stand 20. For example, in an embodiment where it is desirable to support the ballet barres 80 or 200 at a variable height approximately between 50-100 cm above the support surface, with the stand 20 raising the top plane of the movable user support 14 approximately 35-45 cm above the support surface, the ballet barre 80 or 200 may need only be supported approximately 5-65 cm above the top plane of movement for the movable user support 14 cm to cover the same range, and thus the ballet barre assemblies 16 or 170 may be configured as such. In still another embodiment, the ballet barre 80 or 200 is not adjustable on the ballet barre assembly 16 or 170, but is instead fixed at a location that is at least 60 cm above the top plane of the movable user support 14.

It may additionally be appreciated that ballet barre assemblies 16 and 170 optionally extend outward to opposing sides beyond the pair of extension legs 140 or 190. For example, illustrated in FIG. 5 are barre ends 230, which are out of a spatial volume defined by the range of movement of the movable user support 14. In some embodiments, barre ends 230 may extend outwards approximately the width of a user's hands or longer, to provide a surface to grasp. For example, in various embodiments the barre ends 230 may each extend outward from, the extension legs 140 or 190 at least by 10 cm, and ideally between approximately 10-30 cm, although it can extend beyond 30 cm as well. It may be appreciated that a user positioned on the user support pad 48 of the movable user support 14 may engage the ballet barre 200 with either of their extremities outside of the volume through which the remainder of their body may be in while moving the movable user support 14 towards or away from the ballet barre assembly 170. Accordingly, because the ballet barre 200 may extend outwards beyond the support legs 180 that raise it above the exerciser 10, still more exercises may be performed on the exerciser 10, as also described below. As such, it may be appreciated that the ballet barre 200, including or excluding the barre ends 230, may extend any appropriate length, including but not limited to approximately between 60-120 cm long.

Depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B are the exerciser 10 having the ballet barre assembly 170 assembled thereon. As shown, the extension legs 190 are fixed relative to the support legs 180 so as to support the ballet barre 200 at approximately the height of a waist W of a user U. As an example of an exercise facilitated by ballet barre assembly 170, by standing on the user support pad 48 of the movable user support 14, the user U may engage the ballet barre 200 with his either or both of his hands H, and push off against the movable user support 14 with his/her feet F, to move the movable user support 14 away from the ballet barre assembly 170, against the resistance provided by the tensile resilient resistance elements 62 to exercise either or both of his arms or back. Other such exercises may also be performed with the ballet barre 200 at waist height. For example, the user U may position one foot F against the ballet barre 200, while his other foot F may remain on the user support pad 48 of the movable user support 14, to conduct leg stretching exercises against the resistance of the tensile resilient resistance elements 62.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict another exercise which may be performed on the exerciser 10 having the ballet barre assembly 170 assembled thereon. In particular, by engaging the ballet barre 200 with his hands H, the user U may position himself within the ballet barre assembly 170, hanging through a region defined by an inner portion of the ballet barre 200 on top, the extension legs 190 and support legs 180 on either side, and the endpiece 37 on bottom, with his feet F engaging the movable user support 14. While in some exercises the user U may grasp the center region of the ballet barre 200, during the illustrated exercise the user U grasps the barre ends 230 thereof. By pushing on the movable user support 14 against the resistance of the tensile resilient resistance elements 62, the user U may simultaneously exercise his arms A and his legs L. Due to the height that the ballet barre 200 may be raised to, full extension of the arms A of the user U may be maintained throughout this exercise, or a pull up into and out of full extension of the arms A may be performed, with the feet F are pushing against the resistance of the tensile resilient resistance elements 62 to extend the legs L, as shown in FIG. 7B.

While in the embodiments of the ballet barre assemblies 16, 170 illustrated above, a minimum extension of the ballet barres 80, 200 may be determined by the length of the support legs 100, 180, it may be appreciated that in other embodiments a greater range of motion for the ballet barres may be facilitated by alternative support assemblies. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates a ballet barre assembly 240 configured to be supported on the endpiece 37 of the exerciser 10. The ballet barre assembly 240 includes support legs 250 that are received into the receptacles 110 in the endpiece 37, and may be secured thereto by the securing knobs 120. Extending from the support legs 250 are stationary supports 260 extending upward from the endpiece 37. Slidably mounted on each of the stationary supports 260 is a slidable barre support 270, which is configured to support a ballet barre 280 thereon. As shown, the slidable barre support 270 is configured to slide generally from a bottom end of the stationary supports 260 to a top end of the stationary supports 260, facilitating a greater number of height possibilities for the ballet barre 280. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of stationary supports 260 may support the ballet barre 280 therebetween, on the slidable barre supports 270. The slidable barre supports 270 may be releasably fixed at associated heights on the stationary supports 260, so as to raise the ballet barre 280 to a certain height above the exerciser 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, such releasable fixing is facilitated by the engagement of adjustment knobs 290, positioned on the slidable barre supports 270, with apertures 300 formed on the stationary supports 260. While in some embodiments the adjustment knobs 290 may include threaded fasteners that extend into the apertures 300, in other embodiments the adjustment knobs 290 may frictionally engage the stationary supports 260, or may include quick-release pins. By releasing the adjustment knobs 290, a position of the ballet barre 280 relative to the endpiece 37 of the exerciser 10 may be modified, by raising or lowering the slidable barre supports 270 on the stationary supports 260. In the illustrated embodiment, a crossbar 310 connects the support legs 250, which may prevent the stationary supports from separating if the ballet barre 280 (and the slidable barre supports 270) are removed therefrom. It may be appreciated that in some embodiments the slidable barre supports 270 may be removed from the stationary supports 260 by raising the slidable barre supports 270 to the top end of the stationary supports 260, where there may be no obstruction preventing their removal. In other embodiments, however, a crossbar or other engaging piece may prevent removal of the slidable barre supports 270. In some embodiments, the ballet barre assembly 240 may be considered or otherwise be part of a tower configuration. It may be appreciated that in some embodiments the adjustment knobs 290 may extend directly through the stationary supports 260 into the ballet barre 280, such that the ballet barre 280 is coupled directly to the stationary supports 260, without engagement through the slidable barre supports 270.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment facilitating a greater range of motion for the ballet barre. Specifically, FIG. 9 illustrates a ballet barre assembly 320 configured to be supported on the endpiece 37 of the exerciser 10. The ballet barre assembly 320 includes support legs 330 that are received into the receptacles 110 in the endpiece 37, and may be secured thereto by the securing knobs 120. Extending from the support legs 330 are stationary supports 340 extending upward from the endpiece 37. The stationary supports 340 are configured to support pivotable ballet barre supports 350, which contain at ends thereof a ballet barre 360. As shown in the Figure, the assembly of the ballet barre 360 and the ballet barre supports 350 may rotate about an axis X formed at the joint between the ballet barre supports 350 and the stationary supports 340, to facilitate pivotal movement of the ballet barre 360 relative to the stationary supports 340. In the illustrated embodiment, securing knobs 370 selectively tighten the engagement between the ballet barre supports 350 and the stationary supports 340, so as to lock the ballet barre supports 350 at a certain angle α with respect to the stationary supports 340. It may be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments locking the ballet barre supports 350 at a variable angle α may be through other securing mechanisms.

In some embodiments, the ballet barre supports 350 (and thus the ballet barre 360) may rotate to either side of the stationary supports 340 (i.e. either towards or away from the frame assembly 12 of the exerciser 10). It may be appreciated that where the ballet barre 360 is rotated away from the frame assembly 12, a user may engage the ballet barre 360 while standing on the same support surface that the exerciser 10 is positioned on. As such, in some embodiments a height that the ballet barre 360 may be raised to, as described in greater detail below, may again be relative to the support surface for the exerciser 10, instead of relative to the top plane of movement for the movable user support 14.

Similarly to the ballet barre assemblies 16 and 170, the ballet barre assembles 240 and 320 are configured to selectively raise ballet barres 280 or 360 to waist height of a user of exerciser 10 standing adjacent thereto, either on the movable user support 14 or on the support surface. For example, in various embodiments the ballet barres 280 or 360 may be raised so as to be selectively fixed at a position that is greater than approximately 60 centimeters either above the top plane of movement of the movable user support 14 or above the support surface. In more specific embodiments, the ballet barres 280 or 360 may be raised so as to be selectively fixed at a position that is greater than approximately 75 centimeters above the top plane of movement of the movable user support 14 or above the support surface. In some embodiments the ballet barres 280 or 360 may be fixed at positions that are as high as approximately 130 cm either above the top plane of movement of the movable user support 14 or above the support surface. For example, in some embodiments, the ballet barres 280 or 360 may be raised so as to be fixed at a position that is between 60-130 centimeters above either the top plane of movement of the movable user support 14 or the support surface. In more specific embodiments, the ballet barres 280 or 360 may be selectively fixed at a position that is approximately between 80 and 100 cm above the top plane of movement of the movable user support 14 or the support surface. In more particular embodiments, the ballet barres 280 or 360 may be supported approximately 90 cm above either the top plane of movement of the movable user support 14 or the support surface. It may be appreciated, however, that the ballet barres 280 or 360 may also be adjusted from such waist-height positions to either a greater or lesser height. Such adjustability may allow for a greater number of exercises to be performed on the exerciser 10 coupled to the ballet barre assemblies 240 and 320, similarly to those described above.

While in some embodiments, such as those depicted above, the ballet barre assemblies may be installed at the endpiece 37 of the exerciser 10 (such that the movable user support 14 is biased towards the ballet barre thereof), in other embodiments, a ballet barre assembly may be additionally or alternatively installed at the endpiece 36, such that the movable user support 14 is biased away from the ballet barre thereof. For example, FIG. 10 depicts the exerciser 10 including both the ballet barre assembly 16 installed at the endpiece 37, as well as a ballet barre assembly 380 installed at the endpiece 36.

In an embodiment, elements of ballet barre assembly 380 may be generally similar to one or more of ballet barre assemblies 16, 170, 240, or 320, as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, ballet barre assembly 380 is generally similar to ballet barre assembly 16, and is configured to support a ballet barre 390 above a top plane of movement for the movable user support 14 by a vertically extending support 400. In various embodiments, the ballet barre 390 may be generally similar to the ballet barres 80, 200, 280, or 360. In the illustrated embodiment of the ballet barre assembly 380, the vertically extending support 400 includes support legs 410 that engage the exerciser 10, and may be generally similar to support legs 100. While in some embodiments support legs 410 may be non-removably attached to endpiece 36, in other embodiments support legs 410 may be removably attached. In the illustrated embodiment, the support legs 410 are received in receptacles 110 of the endpiece 36, and another pair of the securing knobs 120 are provided and associated therewith, so as to engage the support legs 410 to selectively prevent or otherwise hinder removal of the ballet barre assembly 380 from the remainder of the exerciser 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support legs 410, like the support legs 100, are coupled to one another by a connecting bar 420. Although optional, in such embodiments the connecting bar 130 may provide planar stability for the ballet barre assembly 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the support legs 410 of the ballet barre assembly 380 include thereon the pullies 58 supporting the pull lines 56, allowing the ballet barre assembly 380 to replace that function of the upright bar 66.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ballet barre assembly 380 may be otherwise similar in function and operation to the ballet barre assembly 16. For example, extension legs 430 may be slidably received in the support legs 410, and may be secured by engagement knobs 440, which may pass through a portion of the support legs 410 to engage a corresponding region of the extension legs 430. Furthermore, in some embodiments, apertures or other engagement regions, such as apertures 450 in the illustrated embodiment, may be formed in the extension legs 430, to receive an engaging portion of the engagement knobs 440. As above, in various embodiments other engagements may be utilized in lieu of the engagement knobs 440, including but not limited to pins, clamps, or compression collars, to fix the extension legs 430 relative to the support legs 410. As above with ballet barre assembly 16, in some embodiments the engagement between the support legs 410 and the extension legs 430 may include a quick release mechanism for rapid adjustment of the height of the ballet barre 390. In other embodiments, the ballet barre assembly 380 may be otherwise similar in function and operation to the ballet barre assemblies 170, 240, or 320. Likewise it may be appreciated that the ballet barre assembly 380 may either be engaged by a user supported by the movable user support 14, or by a user standing on the support surface supporting the exerciser 10, and that a height of the ballet barre 390 may be adjusted accordingly depending on the user's size, body type, comfort preference, or so on, as well as accounting for presence or absence of the stand 20.

It may be appreciated that materials utilized in the exerciser 10 and in ballet barre assemblies such as ballet barre assemblies 16, 170, 240, 320, or 380 may vary across embodiments. In particular, in various embodiments one or more components may be constructed of metal, wood, plastic, elastomer, or any other appropriate material. In some embodiments, for example, the ballet barres 80, 200, 280, 360, or 390 may be constructed generally of wood, while other components of the ballet barre assemblies 16, 170, 240, 320, or 380 may be constructed generally of metal and/or plastic. It may also be appreciated that the components of the exerciser 10 and the ballet barre assemblies 16, 170, 240, 320, or 380 may be formed or otherwise assembled by any suitable process. For example, components may be integrally formed together, welded together, coupled by machine elements or adhesion, or so on. Additionally, components of the exerciser 10 and the ballet barre assemblies 16, 170, 240, 320, or 380 may variously be hollow or solid in their construction or configuration

As may be appreciated from the descriptions above, the exercisers including the ballet barres according to the present inventive concepts provide numerous advantages. For example, the user can perform exercises in a supine or prone position, which is usually at least perceived to be more comfortable by the user. Additionally, the type of exercises that can be performed on exercisers according to the invention may have cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility benefits. Furthermore, certain known types of exercises, such as Pilates exercises, or other ballet exercises, may be performed on exercisers according to the invention, if desired by the user.

Although certain embodiments have been described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that modifications may be made within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An exerciser comprising:

a frame assembly;

a movable user support disposed on the frame assembly and constructed and arranged to support an exercising person and allow the exercising person to move while in supported relation on the movable user support with an extremity of the exercising person free to be moved with respect to the movable user support; and

a ballet barre assembly, said ballet barre assembly comprising: a ballet barre positioned to be engaged by the extremity of the exercising person supported on the movable user support; and support structure configured to support the ballet barre at a fixed position that is at least 60 centimeters above a plane of movement for the movable user support.

2. The exerciser of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises:

a support leg coupled to the frame assembly; and

an extension leg coupled to the ballet barre;

wherein the extension leg and the ballet barre are movable relative to the support leg to adjust the ballet barre in one of a plurality of positions.

3. The exerciser of claim 2, further comprising locking structure configured to selectively lock the extension leg relative to the support leg.

4. The exerciser of claim 3, wherein said locking structure comprises a turn knob configured to selectively extend through apertures in both the extension leg and the support leg to prevent relative motion therebetween.

5. The exerciser of claim 2, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of support legs and a plurality of extension legs.

6. The exerciser of claim 1, wherein the ballet barre extends to opposing sides of the support structure generally perpendicular to directions of movement of the movable user support.

7. The exerciser of claim 1, further comprising an adjustment structure configured to selectively fix the ballet barre at a desired height.

8. The exerciser of claim 1, wherein the fixed position is between 60-130 cm.

9. The exerciser of claim 1, wherein the fixed position is between 80-100 cm.

10. The exerciser of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises:

a stationary support coupled to and extending above an end of the frame assembly; and

a slidable barre support configured to slide along the stationary support, to adjust the ballet barre in one of a plurality of positions;

wherein the slidable barre support is configured to slide from a bottom end of the stationary support to a top end of the stationary support.

11. The exerciser of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises:

a stationary support coupled to and extending above an end of the frame assembly; and

a pivotable ballet barre support, pivotally coupled to the stationary support;

wherein the pivotable ballet barre support is configured to pivot away from the frame assembly, to adjust the ballet barre in one of a plurality of positions.

12. The exerciser of claim 1, wherein the ballet barre assembly is positioned on an end of the frame assembly such that the movable user support is biased towards the ballet barre assembly.

13. The exerciser of claim 1, wherein the ballet barre assembly is positioned on an end of the frame assembly such that the movable user support is biased away from the ballet barre assembly.

14. An attachment for an exerciser of the type including a movable user support disposed on a frame assembly and constructed and arranged to support an exercising person and allow the exercising person to move while in supported relation on the movable user support with an extremity of the exercising person free to be moved with respect to the movable user support, and a mounting structure disposed on the frame assembly, the mounting structure being constructed and arranged to detachably mount the attachment to the frame structure,

said attachment comprising: a ballet barre positioned to be engaged by the extremity of the exercising person supported on the movable user support; and support structure configured to support the ballet barre at a fixed position that is at least 60 centimeters above a plane of movement for the movable user support.

15. The attachment of claim 14, wherein the support structure comprises a support leg configured to fixedly couple to the mounting structure, and an extension leg configured to fixedly couple to the ballet barre, wherein the extension leg and the ballet barre are movable relative to the support leg to adjust the ballet barre in one of a plurality of positions.

16. The attachment of claim 15, further comprising locking structure configured to selectively lock the extension leg relative to the support leg.

17. The attachment of claim 16, wherein said locking structure comprises a turn knob configured to selectively extend through apertures in both the extension leg and the support leg to prevent relative motion therebetween.

18. The attachment of claim 15, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of support legs and a plurality of extension legs.

19. The attachment of claim 14, wherein the ballet barre extends to opposing sides of the support structure generally perpendicular to directions of movement of the movable user support.

20. The attachment of claim 14, further comprising an adjustment structure configured to selectively fix the ballet barre at a desired height.

21. The attachment of claim 14, wherein the fixed position is between 60-130 cm.

22. The attachment of claim 14, wherein the fixed position is between 80-100 cm.

23. The attachment of claim 14, wherein the support structure comprises:

a stationary support coupled to and extending above an end of the frame assembly; and

a slidable barre support configured to slide along the stationary support, to adjust the ballet barre in one of a plurality of positions;

wherein the slidable barre support is configured to slide from a bottom end of the stationary support to a top end of the stationary support.

24. The attachment of claim 14, wherein the support structure comprises:

a stationary support coupled to and extending above an end of the frame assembly; and

a pivotable ballet barre support, pivotally coupled to the stationary support;

wherein the pivotable ballet barre support is configured to, pivot away from the frame assembly, to adjust the ballet barre in one of a plurality of positions.

25. The attachment of claim 14, wherein the exerciser is further of the type wherein the movable user support is biased towards the mounting structure, such that the movable user support is biased towards the attachment.

26. The attachment of claim 14, wherein the exerciser is further of the type wherein the movable user support is biased away from the mounting structure, such that the movable user support is biased away from the attachment.

27. A method of enabling a person to exercise comprising:

providing a movable user support which supports an exercising person and allows the exercising person to move while in supported relation on the movable user support, with an extremity of the exercising person free to be moved with respect to the movable user support; and

providing a ballet barre spaced from said movable user support in a position to be engaged by the extremity of the exercising person supported on the movable user support;

wherein the ballet barre is configured to be supported by a ballet barre assembly at a fixed position that is at least 60 centimeters above a plane of movement for the movable user support; and

wherein movement of the movable user support is either in a first direction towards the ballet barre, or in a second direction away from the ballet barre.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the movable user support is configured such that movement thereof in the first direction is accomplishable by pressing the extremity against the ballet barre while another portion of the exercising person engages the movable user support.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the ballet barre is supported such that the exercising person may position their body between the ballet barre and the plane of movement for the movable user support.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the ballet barre is further configured to be adjustably supported at a plurality of heights above the plane of movement for the movable user support.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising adjusting the ballet barre to one of the plurality of heights above the plane of movement for the movable user support.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein said ballet barre assembly includes a support leg and an extension leg that are movable relative to one another, with the ballet barre fixedly coupled to the extension leg, wherein said adjusting comprises moving the ballet barre and extension leg relative to the support leg, and locking the extension leg relative to the support leg.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said locking the extension leg relative to the support leg comprises screwing a turn knob through apertures in both the extension leg and the support leg to prevent relative motion therebetween.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein the ballet barre extends to opposing sides of the extension leg, generally perpendicular to the first and second directions of movement of the movable user support.

35. The method of claim 27, wherein movement of the movable user support in the second direction is resisted by one or more resistance elements coupling the movable user support to the ballet barre assembly.

36. The method of claim 27, wherein the fixed position is between 60-130 cm.

37. The method of claim 27, wherein the fixed position is between 80-100 cm.

38. The method of claim 27, wherein the movable user support is biased in the first direction towards the ballet barre.

39. The method of claim 27, wherein the movable user support is biased in the second direction away from the ballet barre.