EXERCISE DEVICE AND METHODS FOR USING THE EXERCISE DEVICE

- Nautilus, Inc.

An exercise device may include one or more leg assemblies operatively joined to a user engagement component. The leg assemblies may position the user engagement component at an initial or rest position, which may be a predetermined distance above a support surface. The leg assemblies may be configured to allow a user to move the user engagement towards the support surface from the initial or rest position. The exercise device may further include one or more biasing or resistance components that are joined to at least one leg assembly and that resist movement of the user engagement component towards the support surface. The biasing or resistance components may further be configured to return the engagement component to its initial or rest position.

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Description
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The technological field generally relates to exercise devices, and more particularly, to an exercise device that assists a user in performing upper body and other exercises.

BACKGROUND

Achieving a fit and toned upper body may be a goal for exercisers. Performing a push-up, fly, or dive routine is considered an integral part of succeeding in this goal. However, for the novice athlete, performing even one quality push-up, fly, or dive can be a challenge.

One conventional approach to help an exerciser perform stand-alone push-ups or other upper body exercises is to build up strength through a series of fitness routines. For example, one can first build up enough strength in the upper body to handle his or her body weight and then develop a strong core to stabilize his or her body in the push-up position by using a chest press machine. The chest press machine or other similar equipment are usually bulky and cumbersome and lack mobility. A user may be restricted to using such equipment in a gym. In addition, this type of equipment generally involves many moving parts and hence is complicated to build and use. Yet further, the equipment is often specialized to a particular exercise, and thus limited in the number of different types of exercises that a user may perform using the equipment.

Accordingly, there is a need for an exercise device that provides a relative lightweight and simple structure that makes it easier for a user to do push-ups or other upper body exercises in general, that allows a user to adjust the level of assistance from the device as the user gradually builds up strength, that allows for multiple types of exercises to be performed in sequence with minimal or no adjustment to the exercise device, and/or that enhances the mobility of the device.

SUMMARY

Described herein are exercise devices that help a user to perform upper body and other exercise routines and methods of using an exercise device to perform upper body and other exercise routines.

In some examples of the exercise device, the exercise device may include a user engagement component, first and second leg assemblies, and a biasing component. The first and second leg assemblies may be operatively associated with the user engagement component. The biasing component may be operatively associated with at least one of the first and second leg assemblies. The first and second leg assemblies and the biasing component may be configured to support the user engagement component at a pre-determined distance above a support surface. The first and second leg assemblies may also be configured to allow a user to selectively move the user engagement component from the pre-determined distance towards the support surface, to resist movement of the user engagement component towards the support surface, and to automatically return the user engagement component, after it is moved towards the support surface, to the pre-determined distance.

In some examples, the first and second leg assemblies may each include first and second legs.

In some examples, the first and second legs may be pivotally joined together proximate to the user engagement component.

In some examples, the first and second legs may be configured to move relative to each other in a scissorlike motion as the user engagement component moves from the pre-determined position towards the support surface, and vice versa.

In some examples, the exercise device may further include at least one moving support component. The at least one moving support component may be joined to each leg at a portion of each leg proximate to the support surface.

In some examples, each moving support component may include a wheel.

In some examples, the exercise device may further include a support component joined to the user engagement component. Each of the first and second leg assemblies may be pivotally joined to the support component.

In some examples, the exercise device may further include at least one user engagement member. The at least one user engagement member may be joined to the first and second leg assemblies proximate to the support surface.

In some examples, the at least one user engagement member may include first and second user engagement members. The first user engagement member may span between the first leg of the first leg assembly and the first leg of the second leg assembly. The second user engagement member may span between the second leg of the first leg assembly and the second leg of the second leg assembly.

In some examples, as the user engagement component moves from the pre-determined distance towards the support surface, portions of the first and second legs of the first leg assembly that are proximate to the support surface may move away from each other, and portions of the first and second legs of the second leg assembly that are proximate to the support surface may move away from each other.

In some examples, the exercise device may further include a lock member. The lock member may be pivotally joined to one leg of the first leg assembly and configured to be selectively joined to the other leg of the first leg assembly. When the lock member is joined to the other leg of the first leg assembly, the user engagement component may be prevented from moving towards the support surface from its pre-determined distance above the support surface. When the lock member is not joined to the other leg of the first leg assembly, the user engagement component may be free to move towards the support surface from its pre-determined distance above the support surface.

In some examples, the user engagement component may include a seat.

In other examples of the exercise device, the exercise device may include a user engagement component, first and second leg assemblies, first and second user engagement members, and a biasing component. The first and second leg assemblies may be operatively associated with the user engagement component. The first and second user engagement members may be operatively associated with the first and second leg assemblies. The biasing component may be operatively associated with at least one of the first and second leg assemblies. The user engagement component, the first and second leg assemblies, the first and second user engagement members, and the biasing component may be configured to allow a user to perform at least push-up and fly exercises using the device in a manner that is assisted by the exercise device for at least a portion of the exercises

In some examples, the user engagement component, the first and second leg assemblies, the first and second user engagement members, and the biasing component are further configured so that when the user switches from performing push-up exercises to performing fly exercises, or vice versa, no adjustment to the exercise device is required

In some examples, the exercise device may be configured to assist the user in performing push-up and fly exercises by effectively reducing the user's effective body weight.

In some examples, the exercise device may be configured to assist the user in performing push-up or fly exercises by supporting a portion of the user's weight by the user engagement component above a support surface.

In some examples, the exercise device may be configured to allow a user to selectively move the user engagement component towards the support surface. The exercise device may also be configured to resist movement of the user engagement component towards the support surface. The exercise device may be further configured to automatically move the user engagement component, after it is moved towards the support surface, away from the support surface.

In some examples, the exercise device may be configured to further allow a user to perform dive exercises in a manner that is assisted by the exercise device for at least a portion of the dive exercises.

In some examples, the exercise device may be configured to provide a plurality of levels of assistance for at least a portion of the exercises.

In some examples of the method of using an exercise device, using the exercise device to perform at least push-up and fly exercises in a manner that is assisted by the exercise device for at least a portion the exercises.

In some examples, the method may further include the step of using the exercise device to perform further perform a dive exercise in a manner that is assisted by the exercise device for at least a portion of the dive exercise.

In some examples, the user performs push-ups and fly exercises in a back-to-back manner with no adjustment to the exercise device.

This summary is provided to aid in understanding the exercise devices, and one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the exercise device may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the exercise device in other instances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of an exercise device.

FIG. 2 is a bottom isometric view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A is an exploded isometric view of a portion of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5B is an exploded isometric view of another portion of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5C is an exploded isometric view of yet another portion of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is cross-section view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, viewed along line 6-6 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is cross-section view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, viewed along line 7-7 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, showing anchors for a biasing member positioned in a second set of slots.

FIG. 9 is another front elevation view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, showing anchors for a biasing member positioned in a third set of slots.

FIG. 10 is a front isometric view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, showing the lock members located in their locked positions.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an example of how a user may use the exercise device to perform fly exercises, with the exercise device in its initial state.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an example of how a user may use the exercise device to perform fly exercises, with the exercise device in an extended state.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an example of how a user may use the exercise device to perform push-up exercises, with the exercise device in its initial state.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an example of how a user may use the exercise device to perform push-up exercises, with the exercise device in an extended state.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an example of how a user may use the exercise device to perform dive exercises, with the exercise device in its initial state.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an example of how a user may use the exercise device to perform dive exercises, with the exercise device in an extended state.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an example of how a user may use the exercise device to perform tuck exercises, with the exercise device positioned away from the user's hands.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an example of how a user may use the exercise device to perform tuck exercises, with the exercise device moved towards the user's hands.

FIG. 19 is a front isometric view of a second embodiment of an exercise device.

FIG. 20 is another front isometric view of the second embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 21 is a front isometric view of a third embodiment of an exercise device.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are exercise devices. These exercise devices may be particularly suitable for performing upper body exercises, such as push-up, fly, chest press, and dive exercises, or other exercises, such as tuck or pike exercises. In some embodiments, these exercise devices may also function as stools.

The exercise devices may include leg assemblies operatively joined to a user engagement component. The leg assemblies may position the user engagement component at an initial or rest position, which may be a pre-determined distance above a support surface. The leg assemblies may be configured to allow a user to move the user engagement towards the support surface from the initial or rest position. The exercise devices may further include one or more biasing or resistance components that are joined to at least one leg assembly and that resist movement of the user engagement component towards the support surface. The biasing or resistance components may further be configured to return the user engagement component to its initial or rest position.

In some embodiments, each leg assembly may include first and second legs. The first and second legs may be pivotally joined together proximate to the user engagement component. Each leg may further extend away from the user engagement component towards the support surface. A moving support component, such as one or more wheels or rollers, may be joined to each leg proximate to the portion of each leg that is adjacent to the support surface. Each moving support component may support its respective leg a select distance above the support surface and may provide rolling support for the exercise device. In operation, the legs may move in a scissorlike motion that causes end portions of the legs proximate the support surface to move away from and towards each other within a generally vertical plane as the user engagement component moves from the initial position towards the support surface, and vice versa. Each moving support component may facilitate this movement of the end portions of the legs away from and towards each other.

With reference to FIGS. 1-10, a first exercise device 100 is shown. The exercise device 100 may include a user engagement component 102, one or more leg assemblies 104, 106, one or more biasing components 108, 110, and one or more moving support components 112. The leg assemblies 104, 106 may support the user engagement component 102 at a pre-determined distance above a support surface in a first configuration of the exercise device 100. The biasing components 108, 110, in conjunction with the configuration of the leg assemblies 104, 106, may position the leg assemblies 104, 106 into the first or initial configuration of the exercise devise 100. The biasing components 108, 110 may also resist movement of the leg assemblies 104, 106 to other configurations of the exercise device 100. Each moving support component 112 may support one of the leg assemblies 104, 106 above the support surface and may facilitate movement of the leg assemblies 104, 106 relative to the support surface.

In some embodiments, the exercise device 100 may further include a support component 114. The support component 114 may support the user engagement component 102. Each of the leg assemblies 104, 106 may be operatively joined to the support component 114 in such a manner so as to support the support component 114, and thus support the user engagement component 102 via the support component 114. More particularly, each leg assembly 104, 106 may be pivotally joined to the support component 114 and may extend from the support component 114 towards a support surface.

In some embodiments, the exercise device 100 may further include one or more user engagement members 116. Each user engagement member 116 may be joined to, and span between, the leg assemblies 104, 106. Each user engagement member 116 may be configured to provide an object for a user to grasp with one of the user's hands when exercising with the exercise device 100.

In some embodiments, the exercise device 100 may also include one or more lock members 118, 120. Each lock member 118, 120 may be pivotally joined to one of the leg assemblies 104, 106. Each lock member 118, 120 may be further configured to be selectively moved relative to its respective leg assembly 104, 106 and to be selectively engaged with the various components of its respective leg assembly 104, 106. In some engagements with the various components of its respective leg assembly 104, 106, the lock member 118, 120 prevents the exercise device 100 from being moved from the initial configuration of the exercise device 100 to another configuration, while in other engagements, the lock member 118, 120 does not prevent the exercise device 100 from being moved into another configuration from the initial configuration.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5B, 6, and 7 among other figures, the user engagement component 102 may take the form of a seat or a seat-like element. More particularly, the user engagement component 102 may include a user engagement main body 122 with upper and lower surfaces 124, 126 that are spaced apart from each other by a generally curved surface 128 that generally defines a height of the user engagement main body 122 and that creates a smooth curved transition between the upper and lower surfaces 124, 126 of the user engagement main body 122. The upper surface 124 may be generally square in shape or any other suitable shape, including, but not limited to, a rectangular shape, a polygonal shape, or a circular shape. The lower surface 126 may have a shape that generally matches the shape of the upper surface 124, and thus may be a generally square shape to match the generally square shape of the upper surface 124 or any other shape that matches the shape of the upper surface 124. The user engagement main body 122 may be formed from a soft, cushioning, and/or shock absorbing material, such as an open or closed-cell foam or a gel-like material, or from a harder material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”) plastic or the like, or a combination thereof.

In some examples, the user engagement main body 122 may include an upper component 130 and a lower component 132 coupled to the upper component 130. The upper surface of the upper component 130 may define the upper surface 124 of the user engagement main body 122. The lower surface of the lower component 132 may define the lower surface 126 of the user engagement main body 122. The upper component 130 and the lower component 132 may be joined together at their interface by many suitable mechanisms, such as fasteners, staples, glue, adhesive, welds, sewing, stitching, and so on. The upper component 130 of the user engagement main body 122 may be formed from one of the soft, cushioning, and/or shock absorbing materials as described above so as us provide a user with a comfortable engaging interface. The lower component 132 of the user engagement main body 122 may be formed from a relatively harder material to provide an anchor for joining the user engagement main body 122 to the support component 114 underneath through mechanical fasteners, such as screws or rivets, or many other suitable connection mechanism depending on the design of the support component 114. In some examples, the lower component 132 of the user engagement main body 122 may be omitted, and the upper component 130 may be joined directly to the support component 114. If desired, the user engagement component 102 may further include an outer covering, such as fabric or a natural or synthetic leather, that conforms to and covers at least the upper and curved surfaces 124, 128 of the user engagement main body 122, and that may also conform to and cover the lower surface 126 of the user engagement main body 122.

Turning to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5A, and 5C among other figures, the one or more leg assemblies 104, 106 may take the form of a first leg assembly 104 and a second leg assembly 106. While two leg assemblies 104, 106 are shown and described herein, more or less than two leg assemblies may be utilized for the exercise device 100. Further, the first and second leg assemblies 104, 106 are substantially similar to each other. Thus, the discussion regarding the components of the leg assemblies 104, 106 will focus on the first leg assembly 104 with the understanding that this discussion is equally applicable to the second leg assembly 106.

The first leg assembly 104 may include a first leg 134 and a second leg 136. Since the first leg 134 is generally similar to the second leg 136, only the first leg 134 will usually be discussed. Thus, unless noted otherwise or the context clearly is applicable to only the first or second leg 134, 136, any discussion regarding the first leg 134 is applicable to the second leg 136, and vice versa.

The first leg 134 may be pivotally joined to the second leg 136 proximate an upper portion 138 of each leg 134, 136. From this pivotal connection region, the first leg 134 may extend at an acute angle relative to vertical in a generally downward direction towards the support surface, and the second leg 136 may also extend at an acute angle relative to vertical in a generally downward direction towards the support surface. Further, the first and second legs 134, 136 may extend away from the pivotal connection region in such a manner that the horizontal distance between the first and second legs 134, 136 increases as the legs 134, 136 approach the support surface. In other words, when the first and second legs 134, 136 are viewed from the front of the exercise device 100 as shown in FIG. 3, the first and second legs 134, 136 may generally define a V-shaped structure.

The first leg 134 may include a first leg body 140. The first leg body 140 may include a generally upper portion 138, which may be generally circular in shape when viewed from the front or the rear of the exercise device 100. The first leg body 140 may further include a generally elongated and slightly curved central portion 142 that extends from the upper portion 138 to a lower portion 144 of the first leg 134. As the first leg body 140 transitions from the upper portion 138 to the central portion 142, the depth of the first leg body 140 along its inner and outer facing surfaces 147, 149, when viewing the exercise device 100 from the right or left side in elevation, may gradually increase until the depth along the central portion 142 is approximately two times the depth of the upper portion 138. This tapering of the depth of the first and second legs 134, 136, when moving from the central portion 142 to the upper portion 138, allows for the depth of the entire first leg assembly 104, when viewed from the right or left sides of the exercise device 100, to be approximately the same from the lower portions 144 of the first and second legs 134, 136 to the upper portions 138 of the first and second legs 134, 136. More particularly, when the first and second legs 134, 136 are joined to the support component 114, the depth of the first leg assembly 104 at the upper portion 138 of the first and second legs 134, 136 maybe approximately the same as the depth of the first leg 134 or the second leg 136 at its lower portion 144 because the upper portions 138 of the first and second legs 134, 136 are approximately one-half of the depth of their lower portions 144 so the combined depth of the upper portions 138 of the first and second legs 134, 136 equals approximately the depth of the first and second legs 134, 136 at their lower portions 144.

The central portion 142 may be configured so that the inner facing side 146 of the first leg 134 has a slightly concave surface from the upper portion 138 to the lower portion 144 of the first leg body 140, and the outer facing side 148 of the first leg 134 has a slightly convex surface from the upper portion 138 to the lower portion 144 of the first leg body 140. At the lower portion 144 of the first leg 134, the first leg body 140 may extend generally transversely away from the outer facing side 148 of the central portion 142 of the first leg body 140 and terminate at a generally circular lower portion 144 of the first leg body 140. In other words, when viewing the exercise device 100 from the front or the rear in elevation, the first leg body 140 may define a generally L-shaped structure for the first leg 134 with the longer leg of the L-shaped structure slightly curved and with the free ends of the longer and shorter legs of the L-shaped structure having generally circular areas.

In the upper portion 138 of the first leg body 140, the first leg body 140 may define an axle hole 150, a stop element 152, and a stop element recess 154. The axle hole 150 may be sized to receive therethrough a portion of a pivot axle 156, which may be used to pivotally join the first leg 134 to the support component 114. The axle hole 150 may be generally circular or any other shape that generally matches the outer surface of the portion of the pivot axle 156 received through the axle hole 150.

The stop element 152 may be selectively engaged with a similar stop element or other structure on the second leg 136 in order to limit the relative rotation of the first and second legs 134, 136 to each other. In some embodiments, the stop element 152 may be a generally arc-shaped structure formed by an inner curved sidewall 158 and an outer curved sidewall 160 joined by generally planar end walls 162 and a generally planar top front wall 164. The arc-shaped structure may be positioned proximate to the axle hole 150. Further, the inner curved sidewall 158 and the outer curved sidewall 160 may each define a circular arc with each circular arc having a center of a radius of curvature that is the same, or approximately the same, as the center of the axle hole 150. Yet further, the lengths of the curved sidewalls 158, 160 may each be approximately ¼ of a perimeter of a circle with a similar radius. In other words, the arc-shaped structure may be approximately ¼ of hollow cylinder having inner and outer radii that match the radii of curvature of the inner and outer side walls 158, 160. Of course, the stop element 152 could be any suitable shape that effectively allows for engagement with a stop element 152 or other structure on the second leg 136 in order to limit the range of relative rotation between the first and second legs 134, 136. Further, when the stop element 152 takes the form of an arc-shaped structure, the lengths of the curved inner and outer sidewalls 158, 160 could be more or less than ¼ of the perimeter length of a circle with a similar radius.

The stop element recess 154 may generally take the form of an arc-shaped channel that extends from one end wall 162 of the stop element 152 to the other end wall 162 of the stop element 152. This channel may be sized to receive at least a portion of a stop element on the second leg 136. Further, the channel may effectively function as a guide for the stop element of the second leg 136 received therein, which may help to facilitate rotating the first and second legs 134, 136 relative to each other around the pivot axle 156 that pivotally joins the first and second legs 134, 136 to the support component 114. The channel may be defined by curved channel sidewalls defined by the first leg body 140. Like the arced sidewalls for the stop element 152, the curved channel sidewall may be circular arc in shape with each curved channel sidewall having a center of a radius of curvature that coincides, or approximately coincides, with the center of the axle hole 150.

The central portion 142 of the first leg body 140 may include a generally curved plate-like structure 166 that extends transversely between the inner and outer facing sides 146, 148 of the first legs 134. The central portion 142 of the first leg body 140 may further include central portion sidewalls 168 that extend generally transversely from this plate-like structure 166 from the front and rear facing surfaces of the first leg body 140. Some of the central portion sidewalls 168 may extend from the upper portion 138 to the lower portion 144 of the first leg 134 while other of the central portion sidewalls 168 may extend from the inner facing to the outer facing sides 146, 148 of the first leg 134. This structure for the central portion 142 of the first leg body 140 (i.e., a plate-like structure 166 with transversely extending central portion sidewalls 168) may advantageously reduce the weight of the first leg 134 while providing for sufficient structural strength to transfer loads imposed on the user engagement component 102 by a user from the user engagement component 102 to the support surface via the first leg 134.

On the inner facing side 146 of the first leg 134, the first leg body 140 may define a recessed region 170. The recessed region 170 may be sized and configured to receive at least a portion of one of the moving support components 112 therein. In particular, the recessed region 170 may include a pie-shaped or arc segment shaped area that is formed at the lower end portion of the first leg 134 by two lower first leg body sidewalls 172. One of the lower first leg body sidewalls 172 may include a first wheel axle hole 174 that is co-axially aligned with a second wheel axle hole 174 formed in the other of the lower first leg body sidewalls 172. The first and second wheel axle holes 174 may be circular or any other suitable shape that allows for a wheel axle 176 or the like to be received through the wheel axle holes 174.

Above this pie-shaped or arc segment shape area, the recessed region 170 may further be sized and configured to receive at least a portion of at least one of the biasing components 108, 110 therein. In particular, the recessed region 170 may include one or more slot-like areas 178 that are joined by a channel 180 that extends between each of the slot-like areas 178.

Between the upper portion 138 and the recessed region 170, a lock member post 182 may extend generally transversely from the plate-like structure 166 of the central portion 142 of the first leg body 140. The lock member post 182 may include an enlarged free end that may take the form of a flange-like element 184. This flange-like element 184 may be sized for a snug tight engagement with a slot defined in an end portion of a first or second lock member 118, 120 in order to selectively join this end portion of the first or second lock member 118, 120 to the first leg 134. This joining of the end portion of the first or second lock member 118, 120 to the lock member 118, 120 post may be useful to store the first or second lock member 118, 120 in a manner that does not interfere with use of the exercise device 100 when the first or second lock member 118, 120 is not being used to maintain the exercise device 100 in its first or initial configuration.

Within the lower portion 144 of the first leg body 140, the first leg body 140 may define a user engagement member hole 186. The user engagement member hole 186 may be sized to receive a portion of one of the user engagement members 116 therethrough. The user engagement member hole 186 may be D-shaped or any other shape that matches the outer surface of the portion of the user engagement member 116 received therein.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5B, and 6, the one or more biasing components 108, 110 may take the form of a first biasing component 108 and a second biasing component 110. While two biasing components 108, 110 are shown and described herein, more or less than two biasing components may be utilized for the exercise device 100. Further, the first and second biasing components 108, 110 are substantially similar to each other. Thus, the discussion regarding the biasing components 108, 110 will focus on the first biasing component 108 with the understanding that this discussion is equally applicable to the second biasing component 110.

The first biasing component 108 may include a biasing member 188 and a pair of anchors 190. One anchor 190 may be joined to the biasing member 188 at one end portion of the biasing member 188, and the other anchor 190 may be joined to the biasing member 188 at a distal end portion of the biasing member 188. Each anchor 190 may be positioned within one of the slot-like areas defined by the first and second legs 134, 136 of the first leg assembly 104. When one anchor 190 is received in one of the slot-like areas 178 of the first leg 134, and the other anchor 190 is received within a corresponding slot-like area 178 in the second leg 136, the biasing member 188 is operatively joined to the first and second legs 134, 136. The first and second legs 134, 136 of the first leg assembly 104 each may further define a channel 180 passing through the centers of the slot-like areas 178 in the first and second legs 134, 136. Each channel 180, or at least a portion thereof, of the first and second legs 134, 136 may be configured to receive a portion of the biasing member 188. When operatively joined to the first and second legs 134, 136, the biasing member 188 causes the first and second legs 134, 136 to be moved to their initial or start position, thus placing the exercise apparatus 100 into its first configuration. Further, the biasing member 188 functions as a resistance element that opposes efforts by the user to move the user engagement component 102 towards the support surface.

The biasing member 188 may take the form of an elongated, elastic member, such as an elastic cord or tube. The material forming the biasing member 188 may have a sufficient yield strength and modulus of elasticity to allow the biasing member 188 to be significantly stretched without breaking into two or more pieces and/or being plastically or otherwise deformed. Further, when one of the anchors 190 joined to the biasing member 188 is positioned in one of the slot-like area 178 defined by the first leg 134 and the other anchor 190 joined to the biasing member 188 is positioned in the corresponding slot-like area 178 defined by the second leg 136, the length of the biasing member 188 may be selected so that the biasing member 188 is sufficiently stretched from its non-stretched position so that the biasing member 188 applies a sufficient force upon the first and second legs 134, 136 to rotate them to the initial start position of the first and second legs 134, 136 for the exercise device 100. Yet further, the material chosen for the biasing member 188 in combination with the cross-sectional area for the biasing member 188 may be selected to make it difficult, but not impossible, for a typical user to move the user engagement member 116 towards the support surface, with the difficulty or resistance level being adjustable based upon which set of slot-like areas 178 for the first and second legs 134, 136 receives the anchors 190 joined to the biasing member 188.

Each anchor 190 may include an anchor body 192. The anchor body 192 may include first anchor body portion 194 and a second anchor body portion 196 joined to the first anchor body portion 194. The first anchor body portion 194 may be generally cylindrical or any other suitable shape that generally matches the shape of the slot-like areas 178 in the first and second legs 134, 136 and provides for a releasable engagement between the first or second leg 134, 136 and the anchor 190 when the anchor 190 is positioned within one of these slot-like areas 178. In some examples, the slot-like areas 178 may be configured to be slightly wider than a width dimension of the first anchor body portion 194, such as the diameter of a cylindrical first anchor body portion 194, to facilitate removal of the anchor 190 from the slot-like areas 178. The anchor 190, in particular the first anchor body portion 194, may be held within the slot-like areas 178 by a downward pulling force of the biasing member 188 towards the closed end of the slot-like areas 178. The open end of the slot-like areas 178 may be configured to point in a general direction away from the pulling force of the biasing member 188 to assist keeping the anchor 190 in the slot-like areas 178. For example, the angle between the slots 178 and the pulling force of the biasing member 188 may be configured to be no less than 90 degrees, preferably more than 90 degrees. In some examples, the slot-like areas 178 may be configured with dimensions that facilitate a snug tight fit between the first or second leg 134, 136 and the anchor 190 when the anchor 190 is positioned within one of the slot-like areas 178.

The second anchor body portion 196 may be generally U-shaped with the “free ends” of the “U” joined to the first anchor body portion 194 so that the first and second anchor body portions 194, 196 define a first anchor hole 198, or may be any other suitable shape so long as the first and second anchor body portions 194, 196 collectively define the first anchor hole 198 or another structural feature that allows for the user to readily grasp the anchor 190. The first anchor hole 198 may be sufficiently large so that a user can insert at least some of the user's fingers through the first anchor hole 198 in order to allow the user to more effectively grasp the anchor 190 when positioning the anchor 190 within one of the slot-like areas 178 in the first or second legs 134, 136 and removing the anchor 190 from one of the slot-like areas 178. The first anchor body 192 may define a second anchor hole 200. A portion of the biasing member 188 may be received through the second anchor hole 200 in order to facilitate joining the biasing member 188 to the anchor 190.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 among other figures, each leg 134, 136 may include at least one moving support component 112. As there are four legs, four moving support components 112 are utilized for the exercise device 100 shown in the figures. However, more or less than four moving support components 112 may be used in other versions of the exercise device 100.

Each moving support component 112 may be joined to its respective leg 134, 136 proximate a lower portion 144 of the leg. Further, each moving support component 112 may be configured to support its respective leg 134, 136 at a pre-determined distance above the support surface and to transfer loads from the leg 134, 136 to the support surface. Each moving support component 112 may further be configured to facilitate moving the lower portion 144 of its respective leg 134, 136 relative to the support surface and/or moving the exercise device 100 relative to the support surface.

To accomplish these various functions, each moving support component 112 may take the form a pair of wheels 202 joined to its respective leg 134, 136 via a wheel axle 176. While two wheels 202 are shown for each moving support component 112, more or less than two wheels may be used. The wheels 202 provide rolling support of the exercise device 100 and/or the legs 134, 136, thus facilitating relative linear movement between each leg 134, 136 and the support surface. Each wheel 202 may also contact the support surface, thus allowing for transfer of forces through the leg 134, 136 to the support surface via the wheel 202. In other embodiments, the movable support component 112 may be rollers, skid plates, or any other suitable components to assist with moving the exercise device 100 along a supporting surface.

To join a wheel 202 to its respective leg 134, 136, a respective wheel axle 176 may be positioned through co-axially aligned holes in the wheels 202 and the first and second wheel axle holes 174 formed in the respective leg 134, 136. Mechanical fasteners, such as nuts and washers, may be used to keep the wheel axle 176 joined to its leg 134, 136. Other joining methods, such as press fitting, adhering, or welding, may also be used to keep the wheel axle 176 joined to its respective leg 134, 136. Further, bearings or the like could be positioned between the wheels 202 and the wheel axle 176 and/or the wheel axle 176 and the wheel axle holes 174 to facilitate smooth rotation of the wheels 202 about a longitudinal or rotational axis defined by the wheel axle 176.

The wheels 202 may be further configured to function as guides for the biasing member 188 to facilitate generally maintaining the biasing member 188 within a common vertical plane that contains the interface between the upper portions 138 of the first and second legs 134, 136. In particular, the biasing member 188 may be positioned between each wheel 202 for one of the moving support components 114 and bent about the associated wheel axle 176 in order to change the orientation of the length of the biasing member 188 from vertical to horizontal. Further, the wheels 202 may have a greater dimension (e.g., the wheel's diameter) than any cross-sectional dimension of the biasing member 188, where the cross-sectional dimension is a dimension that is transverse to the length of the biasing member 188, thus restricting lateral movement of the biasing member 188 relative to the wheels 202.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5B, and 6 among other figures, the support component 114 may support the user engagement component 102 by being positioned underneath it. The support component 114 may be joined the user engagement component 102 using mechanical fasteners, such as screws or rivets. Other connection mechanisms, such as adhesives or welds, could be used to join the user engagement component 102 to the support component 114.

The support component 114 may take the form of a three dimensional molded part, which may be formed from a plastic or other suitable moldable or formable material. The support component 114 may include an upper portion 204 that is substantially plate-like and whose outer surface is substantially co-extensive with a lower surface of the user engagement mechanism. The upper portion 204 may define a platform/media for joining the user engagement component 102. In some examples, the upper portion 204 may include boss structures 206 selectively positioned thereon, for example, at corner regions of the upper portion 204. Fasteners may be positioned through the boss structures 206 and received within fastener receiving structures, such as threaded or non-threaded holes, pre-formed at a lower surface of the user engagement main body 122. In some examples, the user engagement main body structure 122 may not be pre-formed with any fastener receiving structures. Rather, the user engagement main body structure 122 may include material(s) that allows the fasteners to penetrate and securely receives the fasteners therein. A lip 208 may extend towards the user engagement component 102 around a perimeter of the upper portion 204 of the support component 114 and contact the lower surface 126 of the user engagement component 102. The lip 208 may help prevent any undesirably lateral shift of the user engagement component 102 with respect to the support component 114 once joined. The transition between the upper portion 204 and the lip 208 may be a smooth curve.

Slightly inward from the perimeter of the upper portion 204 of the support component 114, first and second outer support component sidewalls 210, 212 may extend downwardly from the upper portion 204 of the support component 114. Generally, the first outer support component sidewall 210 may abut one of the legs of the first leg assembly 104, and the second outer support component sidewall 212 may abut one of the legs of the second leg assembly 106.

Each outer support component sidewall 210, 212 may further include a support component hole 214 that is co-axially aligned with the support component hole 214 in the other support component sidewall 210, 212 and with the pivot axle holes 150 of the legs 134, 136 of the leg assemblies 104, 106. This co-axial alignment of the support component holes 214 and the pivot axle holes 150 of the legs 134, 136 allows for the pivot axle 156 to be concurrently positioned through all of these holes 150, 214 in order to pivotally join the first and second leg assemblies 104, 106 to the support component 114. To keep the pivot axle 156 maintained within these holes 150, 214, the pivot axle 156 may include retaining pin holes 216, each configured to receive a retaining pin 218 therein. Each retaining pin hole 216 may be positioned proximate one of the end portions of the pivot axle 156. Further, each retaining hole 216 may be positioned so that when the pivot axle 156 is received through the various holes 150, 214 in the support component 114 and the leg assembly 104, 106, the support component 114 and all of the upper portions 138 of the legs 134, 136 of the leg assemblies 104, 106 are positioned entirely between the retaining pin holes 216. A retaining pin 218 may then be positioned within each hole 216 to maintain the relative lateral position of the support component 114 and the leg assemblies 104, 106 to each other.

In particular, one leg 136 for the first leg assembly 104 abuts the retaining pin 218 at a first end portion of the pivot axle 156, and one leg 136 for the second leg assembly 106 abuts the retaining pin at a second end portion of the pivot axle 156 that is distal the first end portion of the pivot axle 156. Any movement of the one leg 136 for the first leg assembly 104 in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the pivot shaft/axle 156 that is away from the support component 114 causes the leg 136 to engage the retaining pin 218 that abuts it, thus restricting movement of leg 136 in this direction. In other words, this retaining pin 218 keeps the first leg assembly 104 from moving away from the support component 114. Similarly, any movement of the one leg 136 for the second leg assembly 106 in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the pivot shaft/axle 156 that is away from the support component 114 causes the leg 136 to engage the retaining pin 218 that abuts it, thus restricting movement of leg 136 in this direction. In short, the retaining pins 218 by engaging the legs 136 that abut them help to keep the leg assemblies 104, 106 joined to the support component 114.

To cover the end portions of the pivot axle 156, a first cover 220 may be joined to first leg assembly 104, and a second cover 222 may be joined to the second leg assembly 106. Each cover 220, 222 may include a generally circular cover main body portion 224 with a cover lip 226 extending generally transversely from the cover main body portion 224 around the perimeter of the cover main body portion 224. From the free end of the cover lip 226, pairs of tabs 228 may extend in generally the same direction that the lip 226 extends away from the cover main body portions 224. In some embodiments, three pairs of tabs 228 (i.e., six tabs total) may be positioned around the lip 226 at a relatively equal spacing. In some embodiments, only a single tab may be located at each position rather than a pair of tabs. Further, more or less than six tabs (paired or unpaired) may be used, with there generally being at least two tabs utilized. Each tab 228 may include a hook portion at its free end that can engage a suitable structural engagement feature formed on the second (or outer) leg 136 of its respective leg assembly 104, 106 in order to join the cover 220, 222 to its respective leg assembly 104, 106.

Returning to the support component 114, each outer support component sidewall 210, 212 may include a pivot projection 230 that extends outwardly towards a respective leg assembly 104, 106. The pivot projection 230 may be generally encompass the support component hole 214 defined by the outer support component sidewall 210, 212. Further, the pivot projection 230 may have a generally hollow cylindrical shape with the diameter of the hole of the hollow cylinder being at least as great as the diameter of the associated support component hole 214 and generally co-axially aligned within the support component hole 214. The pivot projection 230 be received within a corresponding pivot projection recess 232 defined within the upper portion 138 of the leg 134 that abuts the support component 114. The pivot projection 230 may function as a bearing about which the associated leg assembly 104, 106 may rotate.

Proximate to the pivot projection 230, a leg stop element 234 may also project from each outer support component sidewall 210, 212 in generally the same direction as the pivot projection 230. Each leg stop element 234 may be sized to be received within a leg stop element recess defined by the stop element 152 of the leg 134. In some embodiments, each leg stop element 234 may be arc-shaped to match an arc-shaped recess defined by a respective arc-shaped stop element 152 of the leg 134. Each leg stop element 234 may further be sized to allow the associated leg assembly 104, 106 to rotate relative to the support component 114 within a pre-defined range, which may be approximately 180 degrees or any other desired range of rotation.

The support component 114 may further include a first inner support component sidewall 236 and a second inner support component sidewall 238. The first inner support component sidewall 236 may spaced be spaced slightly inward of, and parallel to, the first outer support component sidewall 210, and the second inner support component sidewall 238 may be spaced slightly inward of, and parallel to, the second outer support component sidewall 212. The first outer support component sidewall 210 may be joined to the first inner support component sidewall 236 by a first base portion 240, and the second outer support component sidewall 212 may be joined to the second inner support component sidewall 238 by a second base portion 242. From their respective base portions 240, 242, the first and second inner support component sidewalls 236, 238 may extend towards the plate-like upper portion 204 of the support component 114 but end significantly short of the upper portion 204 of the support component 114.

Proximate to the top ends the first and second inner support component sidewalls 236, 238 at the left and right sides of the first and second inner support component sidewalls 236, 238, a central support component portion 244 may be joined to the first and second inner support component sidewalls 236, 238 and extend to the upper portion 204 of the support component 114. Further between the right and left sides of the first and second inner support component sidewalls 236, 238, the central support component portion 244 may span between the top ends of the first and second inner support component sidewalls 236, 238. Additionally, between the first outer and inner support component sidewalls 210, 236 and the second outer and inner support component sidewalls 212, 238 at the right and left sides of these sidewalls, the central support component portion 244 may extend from the first and second lower base portions 240, 242 to the upper support portion 204 of the support component 114. In other words, when viewed in elevation from the right or left sides of the exercise device 100, the central support component portion 244 may resemble an upside down U-shaped structure. Further, the various support component sidewalls 210, 212, 236, 238, base portions 240, 242, and central support component portion 244 may collectively resemble an upside down saddle.

The various support component sidewalls 210, 212, 236, 238, the base 240, 242, central and upper portions 204, 244 of the support component 114, and the user engagement component 102 may collectively define a support component cavity or chamber. A central portion of the pivot axle 156 may be contained within the support component cavity or chamber to hide the central portion of the pivot axle 156 from view. Further, the arrangement of the various support component sidewalls 210, 212, 236, 238 and the bases 240, 242, central and upper portions 204, 244 of the support component 114 allows for a structurally sound support component 114 to be formed while also helping to reduce the weight of the support component 114 by creation of a void within the support component 114.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5B among other figures, the one or more user engagement members 116 may take the form of a first user engagement member 116 and a second user engagement member 116′. While two user engagement members 116, 116′ are shown and described herein, more or less than two user engagement members may be utilized for the exercise device 100. Further, the first and second user engagement members 116, 116′ are substantially similar to each other. Thus, the discussion regarding the user engagement members 116 will focus on the first user engagement member 116 with the understanding that this discussion is equally applicable to the second user engagement member 116′ unless otherwise noted or the context clearly indicates that the discussion is not applicable to the second user engagement member 116′, or vice versa.

The first user engagement member 116 may include a user engagement member central portion 246 positioned between first and second user engagement member end portions 248. The user engagement member central portion 246 may be generally cylindrical in shape and may have a length that is approximately the same as the lateral distance between the first and second leg assemblies 104, 106. The user engagement member central portion 246 provides an object for a user to grasp when exercising with the exercise device 100. The user engagement member central and end portions 246, 248 may be formed from relatively hard or rigid material, such as a plastic, a metal, and so on. In some embodiments, a relatively soft and/or shock absorbing material, such as a rubber or a gel, may be positioned around and joined to the user engagement member central portion 246. This relatively soft and/or shock absorbing material may provide a more comfortable grip for a user.

The first and second user engagement member end portions 248 may each be slightly smaller in a cross-sectional area taken transverse to a longitudinal axis of the first user engagement member 116 than a cross-sectional area of the user engagement member central portion 246. Further, these cross-sectional areas of the first and second user engagement member end portions 248 may be generally D-shaped in cross-sectional area to match the D-shaped user engagement member holes 186 defined in the legs 134, 136 of the leg assemblies 104, 106. This particular shape prevents the first user engagement member 116 from rotating around its longitudinal axis when the first and second user engagement member end portions 248 are received within their respective user engagement member holes 186, thus providing a stable and stationary object for user to grasp when using the exercise device 100. The first and second user engagement member end portions 248 may be integrally formed or molded with the user engagement member central portion 246, may be formed as separate pieces of materials that are joined by a suitable connection method to the user engagement member central portion 246.

At the ends of the first user engagement member 116, within the first and second user engagement member end portions 248, user engagement cap holes 250 may be defined. Each user engagement cap hole 250 may be sized to snug tightly receive a stem of a respective user engagement cap 252. The user engagement caps 252 may be used to keep the first user engagement member 116 joined to the first and second leg assemblies 104, 106. In particular, the user engagement caps 252 may each include cap main body 254, which may be generally circular in shape, when viewed from the front or rear sides of the exercise, and may be greater in size than the size of the user engagement member holes 186 formed in the legs, thus preventing the user engagement caps 252 from being pulled through the user engagement member holes 186. This, in turn, helps to keep the legs 134, 136 joined together by the first user engagement member 116 from moving laterally away from each other since engagement of the legs 134, 136 with the user engagement caps 252, which are snug tightly joined to the first user engagement member 116, prevents the legs 134, 136 from moving laterally away from each other.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5A, and 10 among other figures, the one or more lock members 118, 120 may take the form of a first lock member 118 and a second lock member 120. While two lock members 118, 120 are shown and described herein, more or less than two lock members may be utilized for the exercise device 100. Further, the first and second lock members 118, 120 are substantially similar to each other. Thus, the discussion regarding the lock members 118, 120 will focus on the second lock member 120 with the understanding that this discussion is equally applicable to the first lock member 118 unless otherwise noted or the context clearly indicates that the discussion is not applicable to the first lock member 118, or vice versa.

The second lock member 120 may resemble a combination wrench. In particular, the second lock member 120 may include a first end portion 256 with a lock member hole 258, an elongated and slightly curved central portion 260, and the slot 262, as described above, at a second end portion 264 that is distal to the first end portion 256. The lock member hole 258 may be sized to receive the wheel axle 176 therethrough in order to pivotally join the second lock member 120 to the first leg 134 of the second leg assembly 106. Further, as described above, the slot 262 of the second lock member 120 may be selectively joined to the first leg 134 of the first leg assembly 104 at the second end portion 264 of the second lock member 120 in order to store the second lock member 120 adjacent to the first leg 134. In this storage position, the second lock member 120 does not prevent the lower portions 144 of the first and second legs 134, 136 of the second leg assembly 106 from moving away from each other. In a locked position, the slot 262 at the second end portion 264 of the second lock member 120 may be engaged with the fastener for the wheel axle 176 on the second leg 136 of the second leg assembly 106 as shown in FIG. 10. In this configuration, the second lock member 120 prevents the lower portions 144 of the first and second legs 134, 136 of the second leg assembly 106 from moving away from each other, thus preventing movement of the user engagement component 102 towards the support surface. This locked configuration may be useful to allow a user to use the exercise device 100 as a chair, such as a stool, via the maintenance of the user engagement component 102 at its pre-determined distance above the support surface.

With reference to FIGS. 11-18, some potential uses of the exercise device 100 will now be described. For example, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the exercise device 100 may be used to help a user to perform fly exercises, such as a classic fly, a classic fly with a single leg lift, or a classic fly with side knee drive. Specifically, a user may place the user's chest on the upper surface 124 of the user engagement component 102 and grasp the second user engagement member 116′ with the user's right hand and the first user engagement member 116 with the user's left hand. In this position, the length of the user is generally transverse to the length of the first and second legs 134, 136 of the first and second leg assemblies 104, 106. Further, the user's chest may be at least partially supported by the exercise device 100 at an initial or start exercise distance above the support surface. As another example and with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the exercise device 100 may be used to help a user perform push-up exercises, such as a classic push-up, an alternating bird dog push-up, and a triceps push-up. Specifically, the user may place the user's chest on the upper surface 124 of the user engagement component 102 and place the user's hands on the support surface. In this position, the length of the user generally parallels the length of the first and second legs 134, 136 of the first and second leg assemblies 104, 106. Additionally, the user's chest may be at least partially supported by the exercise device 100 at an initial or start exercise distance above the support surface. As another example and with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the exercise device 100 may be used to help a user perform dive exercises, such as a classic dive, a one leg dive, and a dive plank. Specifically, a user may place the user's chest on the upper surface 124 of the user engagement component 102 and grasp one of the first and second user engagement mechanisms 116 with both hands. In this position, like the push-up position, the length of the user generally parallels the length of the first and second legs 134, 136 of the first and second leg assemblies 104, 106, and the user's chest may be at least partially supported by the exercise device 100 at an initial or start exercise distance above the support surface. In each of the exercises, the initial or start exercise distance may be the same as the pre-determined distance of the exercise device 100 in its initial or first configuration, or the initial or start exercise distance may be a distance that is above the support surface but below the pre-determined distance of the exercise device 100.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11-16, in the fly, push-up, or dive exercises, as the user lowers his or her body by bending his or her arms, the forces exerted on the exercise device 100 by the user causes the lower portions 144 of the first and second legs 134, 136 of the first and second leg assemblies 104, 106 to move away from each, thus moving the user engagement component 102 towards the support surface. Further, the first and second biasing components 108, 110 generally opposes the movement of the user engagement component 102 towards the support surface, thus providing resistance to the user as the user attempts to move the user's chest towards the support surface. As the user tries to raise his or her body back to the original position (i.e., move the user's chest away from the support surface), the tendency of the first and second biasing components 108, 110 to automatically return the exercise device 100 towards its original or initial configuration assists the user in lifting his or her body weight, thus effectively reducing the effective weight of the user. Accordingly, because the user has effectively less weight to overcome to return the user's body to the start position for the fly, push-up, or dive, less upper body strength may be required for a user to perform fly, push-up, or dive exercises using the exercise device 100, thus allowing the user to focus on form while performing each of these exercises. By selectively positioning the anchors 190 for the biasing components 108, 110 in the slot-like areas 178 of the first and second legs 134, 136 of the first and second leg assemblies 104, 106, the user may adjust the level of assistance provided by the exercise device 100 in lifting his or her body weight.

As the user builds up his or her strength, the user may adjust the location of the anchors 190 for the biasing components 108, 110 in the slot-like areas 178 of the first and second legs 134, 136 of the first and second leg assemblies 104, 106. More particularly, as the user moves the anchors 190 from the first or lower slot-like areas 178 to the second or middle slot-like areas 178, and then from the second or middle slot-like areas 178 to the third or upper slot-like areas 178, the resistance applied to the legs by the biasing components 108, 110 that oppose the downward motion of the user engagement component 102 increases, thus increasing the difficulty of a portion of the exercise, such as lowering the user's chest towards the support surface during push-up or fly exercises, since it is more difficult for the user to move the user engagement component 102 towards the support surface, and lowering the difficulty of (or assisting in) another portion of the exercise, such as lifting the user's upper body weight away from the support surface during push-up or fly exercises, since the biasing member 188, being stretched longer, has a stronger tendency to return to shorter length, thus providing a higher level of assistance to the user in raising his or her chest.

Turning to FIGS. 17 and 18, the user may also utilize the exercise device 100 to perform tucks and pikes, such as classic tucks, bridge tucks, and tuck pikes. In these exercises, the lock members 118, 120 may be positioned in their locked configurations to prevent the user engagement component 102 from moving towards the support surface. The user may then place the user's lower legs on the exercise device 100 with the length of the user's body positioned to extend generally parallel to the lengths of the first and second legs 134, 136 of the first and second leg assemblies 104, 106. From the initial position, the user may then move into the tuck or pike position with the user engagement component 102 maintaining the user's feet at a substantially constant elevation. Further, as the user moves from the initial or start position to the tuck or pike position, and vice versa, the moving support components 112 allow the exercise device 100 to move towards or away from user's upper body depending upon the type of tuck or pike being performed.

The exercises described above and shown in the figures are just some examples of the numerous exercises that can be performed using the exercise device 100. As can be seen in just these few examples, the exercise device 100 may be used to support a user's body in different positions while performing various types of exercises. Further, a user may free his or her hands from the user engagement members 116 of the exercise device 100 and simply use the exercise device 100 to support his or her core, or the user may support his or her hands on the user engagement members 116. Yet further, the user may support the user's chest, feet, or other body parts using the user engagement component 102. With the support from the user engagement component 102 of the exercise device 100, the user may perform variants of the traditional push-ups or other exercises, such as diamonds, wides, one-armed push-ups, planks, knuckles, and so on. Yet further, the user can utilize the mobile nature of the exercise device 100 to strengthen the user's core. For example, core stabilizing exercises may be performed when the exercise device 100 is used to support the user's feet on the user engagement device with the user's body parallel to the length of the first and second legs 134, 136 of the exercise device 100.

The unique design of the exercise device 100 enables the user to perform a combination of different exercises in a back-to-back fashion; in other words, the user can switch from one exercise to another exercise with minimal delay. For example, the user may start with a set of assisted fly exercises, then move immediately to a set of assisted push-up exercises as shown, and then move immediately to a set of assisted dive exercises without re-configuring or otherwise adjusting the exercise device 100. The user may then move to a set of tuck or pike exercises after simply positioning the lock members 118, 120 into their locked configuration. Accordingly, in one exercise session, the user can perform various exercises, all with the same exercise device 100, in a non-stop, or relatively non-stop, manner with little or no adjustment of the exercise device 100. The unique design of the exercise device 100 eliminates the waiting time a user would typically encounter in a gym setting when switching from one piece of equipment for one exercise to another piece of equipment for a different exercise. Additionally, the exercise device 100 allows the user to perform his or her exercise routines in a very efficient manner and in the order the user prefers rather than depending on the availability of the equipment. Finally, the exercise device 100 allows the user to perform many different types of exercises in sequence with no adjustment to the exercise device 100, and also allows a user to perform other combinations of different types of exercises in sequence with minimal adjustment to the exercise device 100.

FIGS. 19 and 20 depict a second embodiment of the exercise device. The second exercise device 300 is generally similar to the first exercise device 100. In particular, the second exercise device 300 includes a user engagement component 302, first and second leg assemblies 304, 306 with first and second legs 334, 336, one or more moving support components 312, one or more biasing components 308, 310, and one or more user engagement members 316. The second exercise device 300 also operates in a similar manner as the first exercise device 100. In particular, the first and second leg assemblies 304, 306, in conjunction with the biasing components 308, 310, positions the user engagement component 302 at a pre-determined position above the support surface. Further, the user may selectively move the user engagement component 302 towards the support surface, and the biasing component 308, 310 may resist this motion and return the user engagement component 302 to its initial position. Further, the user may generally utilize the second exercise device 300 to perform exercises in a similar manner as described in more detail above for the first exercise device 100.

The second exercise device 300, however, may be include features that are different than the first exercise device 100. For example, the support component 114 of the first exercise device 100 may be omitted, and the first and second leg assemblies 304, 306 may be directly pivotally attached to the user engagement component 302. In particular, the user engagement component 302 may be hollow cylindrical in shape with the pivot axle that pivotally joins the first and second leg assemblies 304, 306 being positioned with a pivot axle hole defined by the user engagement component 302.

As another difference, the biasing component 308, 310 for the second exercise device 300 may include first and second biasing members 388, which take the form of substantially elongated elastic members, such as elastic bands or tubes. Each biasing member 388 may be joined at its end portions to the first and second user engagement members 316. Further, the first and second user engagement members 316 may be received with aligned slots 378 formed on the legs 334, 336 of the first and second leg assemblies 304, 306. With reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, there are three pairs of aligned slots 378 formed on the legs 334, 336 of the first and second leg assemblies 304, 306, thus allowing for three different positions of the first and second user engagement members 316 relative to the legs 334, 336 of the first and second leg assemblies 304, 306. These various relative locations of the user engagement members 316 to the legs 334, 336 of the first and second leg assemblies 304, 306 allow for the difficulty of the exercise to be change by changing which aligned slots 378 contain the first and second user engagement members 316. In particular, the difficulty of the exercise generally increases as the first and second engagement members 316 are positioned within slots 378 that are closer to the support surface. Further, while three pairs of aligned slots 378 are shown as defined within the legs 334, 336 of the first and second leg assemblies 304, 306, more or less than three pairs of aligned slots 378 may be used.

As yet another difference, the second exercise device 300 may include first and second braces 390. Each brace 390 may be a generally elongated member X-shaped or other suitably shaped member. Further, each brace 390 may be generally co-axially aligned with wheel or roller axles that rotatably join the moving support components 312, such as wheels or rollers, to the lower end portions of the legs 334, 336 of the first and second leg assemblies 304, 306, and each brace 390 may generally span between the legs 334, 336 of the first and second leg assemblies 304, 306. The first and second braces 390 may help to maintain the lateral distance between the first and second leg assemblies 304, 306.

FIG. 21 depicts a third embodiment of the exercise device 400. The third exercise device 400 is generally similar to the second exercise device 300 and operates in a similar manner. More particular, like the second exercise device 300, the third exercise device 400 may include a user engagement component 402, first and second leg assemblies 404, 406 with first and second legs 434, 436, one or more user engagement members 416, and one or more biasing components 408. As with the first and second exercise devices 100, 300, these various components may be configured to cause the third exercise device 400 to operate in substantially the same manner as the first and second exercise devices 100, 300.

The third exercise device 400 may differ from the second exercise device 300 in that the first and second braces 390 are omitted. In their place, the first and second user engagement members 416 are positioned at the location of the first and second braces 390 of the second exercise device 300, thus allowing the first and second user engagement members 416 to function as both braces or struts and to also provide objects for the user to grasp when using the exercise device 400. The third exercise device 400 also differs from the second exercise device 300 in that the biasing component 408 may take the form of a single biasing member 488. This single biasing member 488 may be a generally X-shaped elastic member with each free end portion (i.e., four free end portions) joined to either the first or the second user engagement member 416. As with the other exercise devices 100, 300, the biasing member 488 in conjunction with the first and second leg assemblies 404, 406 positions the exercise device 400 in a first or initial configuration where the user engagement component 402 is positioned a pre-determined distance above the support surface. Further, the biasing member 488 of the third exercise device 400 similarly resists movement of the user exercise component towards the support surface and returns to exercise device 400 to its first or initial configuration. In the third embodiment, the difficulty of the exercise device 400 may be changed by selecting a biasing member 488 with greater or lesser resistances to being elongated and/or by increasing or decreasing the number of biasing members 488 joined to the first and second user engagement members 416.

There are many potential advantages for the exercise devices described herein. First, the fluid movement of the exercise devices aids the user in retaining proper form throughout the entire push-up, fly, dive, and other upper body exercises, thereby reducing the risk of injury that might be caused by improper form. The exercise devices allow a user to simultaneously perform multiple upper body exercises, such as push-up and chest fly exercises, thereby providing an overall upper body workout and reducing time in exercising. Moreover, a user can either use his or her own body weight, or the resistance of the biasing components of the exercise device, when performing push-ups and/or fly exercises thereby eliminating the necessity for free weights or weight machines. Furthermore, compared to conventional weight machines, the exercise devices may be relatively lightweight and mobile. They may also be easy to store. The exercise devices may also be used as seat or benches to perform other exercises, such as exercises with free weights, such as dumbbells or the like. Many other advantages of the exercise devices as described herein may be appreciated by one skilled in the art or by a user.

All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, front, back, rear, forward, backward, rearward, inner, outer, inward, outward, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the implementations of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims.

Dimensional references (e.g., length, width, height, depth, relative orientation) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the exercise devices, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the relative size or geometry of the exercise unless specifically set forth in the claims.

Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relation to each other.

In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends” having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the exercise device is not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end” should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, part, member or the like. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the scope of the described exercise devices. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made that are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An exercise device, comprising:

a user engagement component;
first and second leg assemblies operatively associated with the user engagement component;
a biasing component operatively associated with at least one of the first and second leg assemblies; and
the first and second leg assemblies and the biasing component configured to support the user engagement component at a pre-determined distance above a support surface, to allow a user to selectively move the user engagement component from the pre-determined distance towards the support surface, to resist movement of the user engagement component towards the support surface, and to automatically return the user engagement component, after it is moved towards the support surface, to the pre-determined distance.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first and second leg assemblies each include first and second legs pivotally joined together proximate to the user engagement component and configured to move relative to each other in a scissorlike motion as the user engagement component moves from the pre-determined position towards the support surface, and vice versa.

3. The exercise device of claim 2, further comprising at least one moving support component joined to each leg at a portion of each leg proximate to the support surface.

4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein each moving support component comprises a wheel.

5. The exercise device according of claim 1, further comprising a support component joined to the user engagement component, and each of the first and second leg assemblies pivotally joined to the support component.

6. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising at least one user engagement member that is joined to the first and second leg assemblies proximate to the support surface.

7. The exercise device of claim 6, wherein the first and second leg assemblies each comprise first and second legs, the at least one user engagement member comprises first and second user engagement members, the first user engagement member spans between the first leg of the first leg assembly and the first leg of the second leg assembly, and the second user engagement member spans between the second leg of the first leg assembly and the second leg of the second leg assembly.

8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first leg assembly comprises a first leg and second leg, the second leg assembly comprises a first leg and a second leg, and as the user engagement component moves from the pre-determined distance towards the support surface, portions of the first and second legs of the first leg assembly that are proximate to the support surface move away from each other and portions of the first and second legs of the second leg assembly that are proximate to the support surface move away from each other.

9. The exercise device of claim 8, further comprising a lock member pivotally joined to one leg of the first leg assembly and configured to be selectively joined to the other leg of the first leg assembly, wherein when the lock member is joined to the other leg of the first leg assembly, the user engagement component is prevented from moving towards the support surface from its pre-determined distance above the support surface, and when the lock member is not joined to the other leg of the first leg assembly, the user engagement component is free to move towards the support surface from its pre-determined distance above the support surface.

10. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the user engagement component comprises a seat.

11. An exercise device, comprising:

a user engagement component;
first and second leg assemblies operatively associated with the user engagement component;
first and second user engagement members operatively associated with the first and second leg assemblies;
a biasing component operatively associated with at least one of the first and second leg assemblies; and
the user engagement component, the first and second leg assemblies, the first and second user engagement members, and the biasing component configured to allow a user to perform at least push-up and fly exercises using the device in a manner that is assisted by the exercise device for at least a portion of the exercises.

12. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the user engagement component, the first and second leg assemblies, the first and second user engagement members, and the biasing component are further configured so that when the user switches from performing push-up exercises to performing fly exercises, or vice versa, no adjustment to the exercise device is required.

13. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the exercise device is configured to assist the user in performing push-up and fly exercises by effectively reducing the user's effective body weight.

14. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein the exercise device is configured to assist the user in performing push-up or fly exercises by supporting a portion of the user's weight by the user engagement component above a support surface.

15. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the exercise device is configured to allow a user to selectively move the user engagement component towards the support surface, to resist movement of the user engagement component towards the support surface, and to automatically move the user engagement component, after it is moved towards the support surface, away from the support surface.

16. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the exercise device is configured to further allow a user to perform dive exercises in a manner that is assisted by the exercise device for at least a portion of the dive exercises.

17. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the exercise device is configured to provide a plurality of levels of assistance for at least a portion of the exercises.

18. A method of using an exercise device, comprising:

using the exercise device to perform at least push-up and fly exercises in a manner that is assisted by the exercise device for at least a portion the exercises.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

using the exercise device to perform further perform a dive exercise in a manner that is assisted by the exercise device for at least a portion of the dive exercise.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the user performs push-ups and fly exercises in a back-to-back manner with no adjustment to the exercise device.

Patent History
Publication number: 20140187395
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 27, 2012
Publication Date: Jul 3, 2014
Applicant: Nautilus, Inc. (Vancouver, WA)
Inventors: Jay C. Blahnik (Laguna Beach, CA), Bryce C. Baker (Battle Ground, WA), Jeffrey A. Gettle (Portland, OR), Edward L. Flick (Brush Prairie, WA)
Application Number: 13/728,427
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Push Up Device (482/141)
International Classification: A63B 21/00 (20060101);