FITNESS TRAINING STATION

Abstract

A fitness station for performing exercises using resistance devices; The station includes a base anchorable to a horizontal surface; a support extending upwardly from the base; a first arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically above the base; a second arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically above the first arm; a third arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically above the second arm; a fourth arm and fifth arm extending outwardly from the support in a different direction to the first and second arms; wherein the fifth arm is located a distance vertically beneath the fourth arm. A plurality of attachment members are provided on one or more of the base, the support, the first, second or third arms, each attachment members being configured to have a resistance device selectively secured thereto.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/836,359, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates generally to exercise equipment. More particularly, this invention is directed to customizable and ergonomically designed exercise equipment used for strength training and stretching. Most specifically, this invention is directed to a fitness system that may be installed in a commercial gym, a home gym, or in an outdoor exercise area. The fitness system allows a user to conveniently and effectively perform and track with precision a variety of different exercises that engage multiple muscle groups. The fitness system may be used along with detachable resistance-type devices that are selectively attachable to various parts of the system in order to perform a range of different exercises.

2. Background Information

It is well known that in order to keep oneself healthy and active, it is necessary to incorporate exercise into one's daily routine. Many people join gyms to help them exercise on a regular basis. A typical gym will include a number of machines or large equipment systems which are dedicated to exercise one or another part of the body. The user will have to move from machine to machine in order to exercise their entire body. Most of these machines utilize weights which the user will selectively engage with the machine in order to achieve the intensity of workout that they desire. If the user is inexperienced, there is the tendency to avoid particular machines simply because it is difficult to figure out what one is supposed to do on that machine. An inexperienced user or someone who is too ambitious may inadvertently injure themselves if too much weight is applied to any particular exercise. Additionally, in busier gyms, the wait time for particular machines may be long enough that it tends to discourage people from undertaking a full exercise routine. There is therefore the tendency to pick one or two favorite machines and exercises and simply overlook the rest of the body.

Another arena that is becoming increasingly popular for people to exercise in is outdoor “exercise parks”. Unlike gyms, these locations have fewer pieces of equipment for the user to use and most often there is no way to increase the intensity of the workout as the user gets fitter.

Because of the issue with weight-based equipment and the tendency of inexperienced users to accidentally injure themselves thereon, there has been a rise in the interest of using resistance bands during exercise. Resistance bands are lengths of elastic material which may be stretched to greater or lesser degrees. A variety of exercises can be performed using resistance bands, straps, and ropes. Depending on the type of exercise being performed, a user may want to secure one or more resistance bands to a stationary object such as a door, a pole or a piece of furniture. The stationary object is used as an anchor. Different exercises may require a user to secure one or more resistance bands to a stationary object at different angles in order to optimize the effectiveness of the particular exercise being performed.

SUMMARY

There is still a need in the art for an improved piece of exercise equipment which helps the user to exercise a number of different parts of the body effectively and which uses resistance bands instead of weights as a way to increase the intensity of the workout as the user gets fitter.

The system disclosed herein may be used in a gym or in an outdoor fitness area and includes a way for a person to exercise their whole body and provides a way for progressively increasing the intensity of the workout.

A fitness station for performing exercises using resistance devices is disclosed herein. The station includes a base anchorable to a horizontal surface; a support extending upwardly from the base; a first arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically above the base; a second arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically above the first arm; a third arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically above the second arm; a fourth arm and fifth arm extending outwardly from the support generally at about right angles relative to the first and second arms; wherein the fifth arm is located a distance vertically beneath the fourth arm. A plurality of attachment members are provided on one or more of the base, the support, the first, second or third arms, each attachment members being configured to selectively secure a resistance device thereto.

In one aspect, the invention may provide a fitness station comprising a base adapted to be supported on or anchored to a horizontal surface; a support extending upwardly from the base; a first arm extending outwardly from the support a distance away from the base; and wherein the first arm is adjustably mounted on the support and is selectively movable toward and away from the base; and a plurality of first attachment members provided on the base, each first attachment member being adapted to have a resistance device selectively secured thereto.

In another aspect the invention may provide a fitness station comprising a base adapted to be supported on or anchored to a horizontal surface; a support extending upwardly from the base; a first arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically above the base; a second arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically above the first arm; a third arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically above the second arm; a fourth arm extending outwardly from the support in a different direction relative to the first and second arms; a fifth arm extending outwardly from the support in a different direction relative to the first and second arms; and wherein the fifth arm is located a distance vertically beneath the fourth arm; and a plurality of attachment members provided on one or more of the base, the support, the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm; each of the plurality of attachment members being adapted to have a resistance device selectively secured thereto. Still further, one or both of the first and second arms may be adjustably mounted to the support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A sample embodiment of the invention is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fitness station in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the fitness station;

FIG. 3 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the fitness station;

FIG. 5 is a rear view thereof;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-section of a first embodiment of the first arm of the fitness station taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-section of a second embodiment of the first arm of the fitness station taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a right side view of the fitness station showing a third embodiment of the first arm of the fitness station and a second embodiment of the fifth arm thereof; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged right side view of a portion of the fitness station of FIG. 8 showing the fifth arm in an unlocked and rotated position.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-6 there is shown a fitness station in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, generally indicated at 10. Fitness station 10 includes a base 12, a support 14, a first arm 16, a second arm 18, a third arm 20, a fourth arm 22, and a fifth arm 23.

Base 12 is generally H-shaped when viewed from above and comprises a first base member 24, a second base member 26 and a first and second crossbar 28, 30 which extend between first and second base members 24, 26. Base 12 is of a size that a user of fitness station 10 may stand between first base member 24 and second base member 26 and either in front of first crossbar 28 or behind second crossbar 30. Fitness station may be of any desired size. For example, the overall height of station 10 may vary between 8 and 12 feet as measured from the bottom surfaces of the base members 24, 26, 28, 30 to an uppermost region of the inverted J-shaped support member 38. Each of the first and second base members 24, 26 may be of any desired length, such as from about 5 feet up to about 12 feet long. At their closest points relative to each other first and second base members 24, 26 may be spaced around 3 feet apart from each other but other distances are possible. Furthermore, the first and second arms 16, 18 may be of any desired length. For example, each arm portion 56 may be from about 2 feet up to about 7 feet in length.

Each of the first and second base members 24, 26 may be an arcuate component that may be a generally open-C shape. First and second base members 24, 26 are substantially identical and are oriented so that they are mirror images of each other. Members 24, 26 are spaced a distance laterally apart from each other and in such a manner that the base members may curve away from each other. It will be understood, however, that base members 24, 26 may be of any other suitable shape and may be more angular than arcuate.

First base member 24 includes an upper surface 24a, a lower surface 24b, a first side 24c, a second side 24d, a first end 24e and a second end 24f. Second base member 26 includes an upper surface 26a, a lower surface 26b, a first side 26c, a second side 26d, a first end 26e and a second end 26f. First ends 24e, 26e are generally equidistant from crossbar 28 and second ends 24f, 26f are generally equidistant from crossbar 28. First and second base members 24, 26 have a length “L” (FIG. 3) as measured from first end 24e, 26e through to second end 24f, 26f. First and second base members 24, 26 may be hollow or substantially solid and may be free of openings or apertures along their lengths. Leveler legs (not shown) may extend downwardly from a bottom surface of base members 24, 26 and from bottom surfaces of one or both of first and second crossbars 28, 30. These leveler legs may be used to level fitness station 10 on the surface upon which it stands.

As indicated above, a first crossbar and a second crossbar 28, 30 extend between first and second members 24, 26. First crossbar 28 is positioned a horizontal distance “L1” from first ends 24e, 26e. Second crossbar 30 is positioned a horizontal distance “L2” from first ends 24e, 26e. First crossbar 28 may therefore be a little more than midway between first ends 24e, 26e and second ends 24f, 26f. First and second crossbars 28, 30 are spaced longitudinally from each other such that a gap 32 is defined between them. First crossbar 28 has an upper surface 28a, a lower surface 28b, a first end 28c, a second end 28d, a front 28e and a back 28f. Second crossbar 30 has an upper surface 30a, a lower surface 30b, a first end 30c, a second end 30d, a front 30e and a back 30f. First ends 28c, 30c are welded to first side 26c of second base member 26 and second ends 28d, 30d are welded to first side 24c of first base member 24.

It will be understood that instead of two crossbars extending between first and second base members 24, 26, a single crossbar may be utilized or more than two crossbars may be utilized. If a single crossbar is used, then that crossbar may be of a substantially greater width than either of the first and second crossbars illustrated herein. It will be understood that the length and width of the crossbar(s) utilized herein may be varied but will be selected so that the fitness station has sufficient strength and rigidity to act as an anchor for the exercises to be performed therewith.

Lower surfaces 24b, 26b of first and second base members 24, 26 and lower surfaces 28b, 30b of first and second crossbars 28, 30 are placed on a flat and substantially horizontal support surface such as the ground or a floor of a gym and base 12 may be anchored to that ground or floor surface. Base 12 may be anchored by way of a plurality of bolts that are driven into the support surface or by the provision of a downwardly extending anchor, such as has been described in parent application Ser. No. 13/836,359, the specification of which is incorporated herein.

Prior to placing fitness station onto the support surface, an exercise mat 34 may be placed onto the surface. Fitness station 10 may be placed onto the upper surface of the exercise mat 34 and be anchored to the support surface. The mat 34 may include a grid comprised of a plurality of markings 34a. The markings 34 may be squares that are of a particular size, such as one square foot, so that a person using fitness station 10 is able to stand or lie on mat 34 in particular specific locations each time they perform particular exercises. This grid may help a user perform exercises correctly and be able to consistently replicate the exercises they perform over a period of time. Mat 34 may be resilient in nature and provide cushioning for the user as they work out or stretch using fitness station 10.

Base 12 may be anchored to the flat and substantially horizontal surface in any one of a number of ways. For example, holes may be supplied in first and second base members 24, 26 and first and second crossbeams 28, 30 and then bolts may be inserted through these holes and into the surface beneath base. As indicated previously, leveler legs may be used to ensure fitness station 10 is level and so that it will not be inclined to tip over during use.

The upper surfaces 24a, 26a, and 28a of first and second base members 24, 26 and at least first crossbar 28 are provided with a plurality of attachment members thereon. Each of the attachment members is a component which extends upwardly and outwardly away from the upper surface 24a, 26a of the associated base member 24, 26 and defines an aperture therein. (While not illustrated herein, it will be understood that second crossbar 30 may also be provided with attachment members thereon.) The attachment members are used as components to which a resistance assembly may be secured when a user desires to utilize resistance to increase the intensity and effectiveness of their workout. The resistance assembly or resistance device is selectively securable to any one of the attachment members by engaging a connector in the aperture defined by the attachment member. The attachment members are shaped to enable the resistance device to be oriented at any one of a range of angles relative to the base members 24, 26 and even enables the resistance device to be able to pivot relative to the base members 24, 26. It is contemplated that resistance bands or cord-type devices may also be engaged with the attachment members. During exercise the resistance bands or cord-type devices will be pulled and expand in length, thereby providing resistance to the performance of the pulling motion. Strap-type devices may also be engaged herewith.

One possible type of attachment member which may be suitable for this purpose is a C-shaped ring which is fixedly and permanently secured to base 12 as first attachment members 36. Each of the first attachment members 36 is welded or otherwise securely engaged with the associated one of the first and second base members 24, 26 or first crossbar 28. The first attachment members 36 are spaced at intervals from each other and are positioned so as to extend outwardly from the first or second base member 24, 26 or first crossbar 28. The interval for placement of first attachment members 36 may be a regular interval so that adjacent pairs of first attachment members 36 are spaced the same distance apart from each other. For example, as shown in the attached figures, first attachment members 36 may be spaced one foot apart from each other but it will be understood that other size intervals may be utilized. Alternatively, the intervals selected during fabrication of station 10 may be of different sizes. So, the interval between some adjacent pairs of first attachment members 36 may be one foot while the interval between other adjacent pairs of first attachment members 36 may be six inches or eighteen inches.

The C-shaped rings that are used as first attachment members 36 are passive connections meaning that any resistance assembly utilized has to be threaded through the ring, tied to the ring or clipped to the ring. It is possible that the attachment members used on fitness station could be active in nature. What is meant about the term “active” is that the attachment member is the component that is secured to the resistance assembly and not the other way round. So, for example, instead of a C-shaped ring which is welded at both ends to first or second base members 24, 26 or first cross-bar 28 and a hook or clip on a resistance assembly is threaded through the ring, the attachment member could be a carabiner-type component which can be opened and closed and thereby selectively connected to a resistance assembly. Alternatively, a combination of active and passive attachment members could be utilized on fitness station 10.

All of the first attachment members 36 illustrated in the attached figures comprise C-shaped metal rings that are fixedly secured to particular components of fitness station 10. It will be understood the metal rings utilized on fitness station 10 do not have to be C-shaped components but could be differently shaped. As shown in the figures, the metal rings provided on each of the first and second base members 24, 26 are positioned so that each ring is oriented substantially at right angles to the respective upper surface 24a or 26a. The metal rings provided as first attachment members 36 on first crossbar 28, however, may not be oriented substantially at right angles to upper surface 28a. Instead, the metal rings may be oriented at an angle other than ninety degrees relative to upper surface 28a. This can best be seen in FIG. 1. The angle of the metal rings on first crossbar 28 may be around 45° relative to upper surface 28a.

Support 14 extends upwardly and outwardly from base 12 and includes a support member 38 that, when viewed from the right side, is an upside down J-shape or has the appearance of a question mark. Support 14 may be fabricated as a segmented component where the various segments are bolted together during installation. Alternatively, support 14 may be a monolithic, unitary component. A semi-circular mounting bracket 40 is secured to upper surface 28a of first crossbar 28 such as by welding. Support member 38 is secured to and extends upwardly and outwardly from a central region of this mounting bracket 40. Support member 38 has an interior surface 38a which faces forwardly and an exterior surface 38b which faces rearwardly. Side surfaces extend between interior and exterior surfaces but these side surfaces are not numbered in the attached figures. A central region of support member 38 includes a widened box 42 which extends outwardly and forwardly from interior surface 38a. As shown in FIG. 2, box region 42 has a front surface 42a and side surfaces 42b, 42c. Each side surface 42b, 42c defines a vertically extending first slot 44 and a second slot 46 therein. As is evident from FIG. 4, second slot 46 is located vertically above first slot 44 and is spaced a distance therefrom. A J-shaped hook 48 extends downwardly and forwardly from an upper region of interior surface 38a and third arm 20 is engaged therewith. A terminal end 38c of support member 38 includes a rearwardly extending suspension member 50. Suspension member 50 may be L-shaped and at least one region of the suspension member 50 is oriented generally parallel to upper surfaces of first and second base members 24, 26 and a second region of suspension member 50 extends upwardly and generally at right angles to the first region. The second region forms an upwardly extending lip. One or more second attachment members 52 may be provided on a lower surface of the first region of suspension member 50. Second attachment member(s) 52 may be oriented at right angles relative to first region of suspension member 50 or they may be orientated at a different angle relative thereto. Suspension member 50 may be utilized to perform various suspension exercises by engaging non-stretchable ropes or straps such as TRX® straps (sold by Fitness Anywhere, LLC). Ropes or straps are may be secured to suspension member 50 utilizing the vertically-oriented upstanding lip and/or one of second attachment member(s) 52 provided on the underside of suspension member 50. Alternatively, suspension member 50 may be utilized to suspend other fitness apparatus such as a heavy punching bag.

As seen in FIG. 1, an additional plurality of second attachment members 52 is provided on a lower end of support member 38 a distance vertically above mounting bracket 40. One of the second attachment members 52 is provided on interior surface 38a and other second attachment members 52 are provided on each of the side surfaces of support member 38. The second attachment members 52 may all be located in the same plane as illustrated in FIG. 2 and is oriented generally at right angles to the respective surface from which it extends. It will be understood, however, that second attachment members 52 may be located in different planes relative to each other and they may be oriented at angles other than ninety degrees to the mounting surface. As with first attachment members 36, second attachment members 52 are welded or otherwise fixedly secured to the surfaces upon which they are provided.

Support 14 further includes a brace member 54 which extends upwardly and outwardly from second crossbar 30 and engages exterior surface of support member 38 (FIG. 4). Brace member 54 is oriented at an angle “A” (FIG. 4) relative to upper surface 30a of second crossbar 30. Angle “A” is less than 90° so that brace member 54 is able to effectively brace support member 38. A first end of brace member 54 is welded or otherwise secured to second crossbar 30 and a second end of brace member 54 is welded or otherwise secured to exterior surface of support member 38. The second end of brace member 54 engages exterior surface of support member 38 at a location a distance vertically above a bottom end 42c of box region 42 but below first arm 16.

First arm 16 may be adjustably mounted to support 14 in such a way that the user is able to selectively vary the distance between base 12 and first arm 16 by moving first arm 16 along support 14 either toward or away from base 12, as will be hereafter described. First arm 16 may be generally U-shaped when viewed from above and includes a first section 16a and a second section 16b. First and second sections 16a, 16b are substantially identical to each other but are mounted to support member 38 in such a manner that they are mirror images of each other. Each of the first and second sections 16a, 16b is generally L-shaped and comprises a generally laterally extending first arm portion 56 and a forward extending second arm portion 58. First and second sections 16a, 16b may be generally circular in cross section but they can be of any other cross-sectional shape.

A clamping assembly 60 may independently and adjustably secure each first arm portion 56 to support member 38. Clamping assembly 60 includes a clamp 62 and a base plate 64. Clamp 62 comprises a clamshell-type device comprising a first half and a second half that are substantially identical and are positioned adjacent each other. Each of the first and second halves of the clamp 62 has a flat upper region 62a, a flat lower region 62b (shown on a clamp 62 on first arm 16 in FIG. 6) and a curved mid-section 62c (FIG. 4). The radius of curvature of mid-section 62c is substantially identical to the radius of curvature of the first arm portions 56 of first and second sections 16a, 16b. When the first and second halves of clamp 62 are positioned adjacent each other, the curved mid-sections 62c are placed so as to define a generally circular bore through clamp 62. As best seen in FIG. 6, the first end of each first arm portion 56 is received through this bore and when the first and second halves are secured to each other, the first ends are tightly retained in the bore. It will be understood that if first arm portion 56 is of a non-circular configuration, the inside surface of the clamp 62c would be shaped to mate with the outside surface of first arm portion 56.

Clamp 62 is at least partially secured to plate 64. The first half of clamp 62 is welded or otherwise secured to plate 64 and thus, when plate 64 moves, the first half of clamp 62 moves in unison therewith. The second half of clamp 62 is not welded to plate 64 and is detachably secured to the first half of clamp 62. This detachability enables the end of first arm portion 56 to be received into the bore defined by curved sections 62c. Fasteners 66 (FIG. 6) are passed through apertures 68 in upper and lower sections 62a, 62b of the first and second halves of clamp 62 and are tightened to lock the end of first arm portion 56 therebetween. In order to make it easier to accomplish the tightening motion, a handle 70 is provided on each fastener 66. Moving the handle 70 in a first direction loosens the fastener 66 and this makes it possible for the second half of clamp 62 to be moved away from the first half thereof. Moving the handle 70 (FIG. 2) in a second direction tightens the fastener 66, thereby moving second half of clamp 62 toward first half thereof and clamping first arm portion 56 therein.

As best seen in FIG. 6, base plate 64 is located adjacent one or the other of side surfaces 42b, 42c of box region 42 of support member 38. Fasteners 72 secure base plate 64 and thereby the first half of clamp 62 to support member 38. Fasteners 72 each include a shaft which extends through apertures 74 in base plate 64 and into slot 44 in box region 42. A handle 76 is engaged with each fastener 72. When handle 76 is moved in a first direction, the fastener 72 is slightly loosened and the base plate 64 is then free to be moved either upwardly or downwardly relative to the associated side surface 42b or 42c of box region 42. This up-and-down sliding motion is parallel to a longitudinal axis “Y” (FIG. 6) of support member 38 as is indicated by arrow “B” in this figure. The sliding motion enables the user to selectively and independently adjust the vertical height of the one or the other of the associated first or second section 16a, 16b of first arm 16 relative to the upper surface 28a of first crossbar 28. Thus, first and second sections 16a, 16b may be independently moved toward or away from base 12 so that the selected section of first arm 16 is at a desired height for a particular exercise.

In an alternative arrangement clamps 62 may be secured to support member 38 in a different way. In this alternative arrangement the bolt used to secure clamp to support member 38 may be a carriage bolt that is inserted from the outside of the box 42 into the interior and nuts are positioned in the interior of the box 42. This leaves only the rounded carriage bolt head exposed and prevents unauthorized adjustment of the arm height.

When the first or second section 16a or 16b is moved to the desired height, then clamp 62 is locked in place so that further longitudinal motion is prevented. This locking of clamp 62 is accomplished by engaging handle 76. When the handle 76 is rotated in a second direction, the fastener 72 is tightened once again and sliding motion of base plate 64 in either of an upward direction or a downward direction is effectively prevented. At this point, the selected section 16a or 16b is in the desired position for engaging one or more resistance bands or resistance assemblies with one or more of a plurality of third attachment members 78 provided on first arm 16. When the resistance band or assembly is so secured, the user is able to perform any one of a plurality of selected exercises.

The third attachment members 78 are located on first arm 16 at spaced intervals from each other. Third attachment members 78 may, again, be C-shaped rings that are welded or otherwise secured to first arm 16. The rings may be oriented at right angles to a front face of first arm 16 and may be provided on one or both of the first and second arm portions 56, 58 of first arm 16. Third attachment members 78 may be provided on more than one face of the first arm 16. The third attachment members 78 may be provided at regular intervals relative to each other, such as at a distance of one foot apart from each other. As with the first attachment members 36 and second attachment members 52 discussed earlier herein, differently shaped third attachment members 78 may be utilized, the spacing interval between adjacent third attachment members 78 may be other than regular, and the orientation thereof may be other than at right angles relative to the face of the first arm 16 upon which the third attachment members 78 are provided.

Clamping assemblies 60 may make it possible for the orientation of each of the first and second sections 16a, 16b to be changed. This is accomplished by rotating the selected first or second section 16a or 16b about a horizontal axis “X” (FIG. 6) which extends along the length of the sections 16a, 16b. The possible rotational motion is indicated by the arrow “C” in FIG. 6. This rotational motion may be desired to position the third attachment members 78 at a different location or orientation relative to support member 38 in order to perform any desired exercise that requires such placement of third attachment members 78. The rotational adjustment is accomplished by loosening fasteners 68 to a degree sufficient to enable the selected first or second section 16a or 16b to rotate within the bore defined by the central regions 62c of clamp 62. Fasteners 68 are partially loosened by rotating handles 70 in a first direction. Once fasteners 68 are loosened, the first or second section 16a or 16b is rotated into the desired position, fasteners 68 are tightened once again by rotating handles 70 in a second direction thereby enabling clamp 62 to retain the first end of first or second section 16a, 16b in the new orientation.

Second arm 18 is engaged with support 14 a distance vertically above first arm 16. As illustrated in FIG. 4 first arm 16 may be oriented generally horizontally or at a slight angle “D” above the horizontal. This angle “D” may be in the order of from about 5° to about 10° above the horizontal. Second arm 18 may be oriented at an angle “E” above the horizontal. This angle “E” may be in the order of from about 15° to about 25° relative to the horizontal.

Second arm 18 may be adjustably mounted to support 14 in a substantially identical manner to the way first arm 16 is mounted thereto. Second arm 18 also functions in a substantially identical fashion to first arm 16. Second arm 18 is generally U-shaped when viewed from above and is comprised of a first section 18a and a second section 18b. Each of the first and second sections 18a, 18b is an L-shaped component comprised of a first arm portion 56 and a second arm portion 58. First arm portions 56 may be independently and adjustably mounted by way of clamping assemblies 60 to box region 42 of support member 38. Clamping assemblies 60 however, include fasteners 72 which extend into second slot 46 instead of into first slot 44. The height of each of the first and second sections 18a, 18b of second arm 18 may be independently adjustable relative to upper surface 28a of first crossbar 28 in the same manner as was described herein with respect to the adjustment of first and second sections 16a, 16b of first arm 16. Additionally, the orientation of first and second sections 18a, 18b may be changed by rotating the same within the associated clamping assembly 60 in the same manner as has been described with reference to the rotation of first and second sections 16a, 16b of first arm 16.

A plurality of fourth attachment members 80 is provided at intervals along first and second sections 18a, 18b of second arm 18. Fourth attachment members 80 may, again, be C-shaped rings that are welded or otherwise secured to second arm 18 in a similar manner to third attachment members 78 on first arm 16. Rotation of first or second sections 18a, 18b may be undertaken in order to vary the angle and position of the respective fourth attachment members 80 provided thereon in order to perform any desired exercise.

As best seen in FIG. 2, third arm 20 is engaged with support member 38. Third arm 20 is an arcuate member that may be generally circular in cross-section (FIG. 4). Third arm 20 is welded or otherwise secured to J-shaped hook 48 which extends downwardly from a top region of interior surface 38a of support member 38. Third arm 20 curves downwardly on either side of support member 38. A plurality of fifth attachment members 82 are welded or otherwise secured to one of the faces of third arm 20. That face may be a downwardly facing face as illustrated in FIG. 2 but it will be understood that other face(s) may be provided with fifth attachment members 82 instead of the downward facing face or in addition thereto. Fifth attachment members 82 may be similar to first, second, third, and fourth attachment members, 36, 52, 78, 80 and may be engaged with and oriented on third arm 20 in substantially the same way as the other attachment members 36, 52, 78, 80 are engaged with the other components of fitness station 10 set out above.

Each of the fourth and fifth arms 22, 23 is attached to support member 38 and is a generally U-shaped component when viewed from above (FIG. 3). The mountings of fourth and fifth arms 22, 23 are on a plane that is generally at ninety degrees to the mountings of first and second arms 22, 23. Fourth arm 22 is mounted to exterior surface 38b of support member 38 by way of mounting bracket 84 (FIG. 4). Bracket 84 secures fourth arm 22 to support 14 in a fixed orientation; that orientation being slightly angled upwardly as shown in FIG. 4. Bracket 84 engages support member 38 at a location that is generally aligned with a middle region of second slot 46. It is possible that bracket 84 could be of a type which pivotally secures fourth arm 22 to support 14. In this latter instance, fourth arm 22 could be pivoted up and down during the performance of an exercise.

Fourth arm 22 may include a crossbeam 86 (FIG. 4) that extends between opposed sections of fourth arm 22 to provide the user with a variety of hand grips to facilitate different exercises. Crossbeam 86 may be removable to allow users of handle 90 and 94 full range of exercise motion without interference from crossbeam 86. Inwardly extending first handles 88 are provided at each end of fourth arm 22 and first handles 88 are each provided with a cushioning grip 90 thereon. A pair of second handles 92 extends outwardly from fourth arm 22 a distance vertically beneath first handles 88. Second handles 92 extend inwardly toward each other at a different angle from the angle at which first handles 88 extend inwardly toward each other. Cushioning grips 94 are provided on the ends of second handles 92. Fourth arm 22 may be utilized for a variety of different exercises such as pull-ups or chin-ups.

Fifth arm 23 is a generally U-shaped member that is mounted on exterior surface 38b of support member 38 by way of a mounting bracket 96. A first embodiment of fifth arm 23 is shown in FIG. 4. Fifth arm 23 may be mounted on support member 38 at a level that is aligned with approximately midway along length of first slot 44. Bracket 96 secures fifth arm 23 to support 14 in a fixed and unchangeable orientation. Fifth arm 23 may be oriented so that it is substantially horizontally mounted and is generally parallel to upper surfaces 24a, 26a of first and second base members 24, 26. A cushioning grip 98 is provided on each end of fifth arm 23. Fifth arm 23 may be used as a dip bar for performing triceps-dips or other similar exercises.

FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the first arm, generally indicated at 116. First arm 116 may be adjustably mounted to support 14. In particular, the distance between first arm 116 and base 12 is selectively variable by moving first arm 116 toward or away from base 12. First arm 116, like first arm 16, is generally U-shaped when viewed from above and comprises a first section 116a and a second section 116b. First and second sections 116a, 116b are substantially identical to each other and are mounted in such a manner that they are mirror images of each other relative to support member 38. Each of the first and second sections 116a, 116b is generally L-shaped and comprises a generally laterally-extending first arm portion 156a and a forward-extending second arm portion 156b (not shown in FIG. 7 but substantially identical to second arm portion 58). First and second sections 116a, 116b may be generally circular in cross section.

A clamping assembly 160 secures each first arm portion 156 to support member 38. Clamping assembly 160 includes a clamp 162 and a base plate 164. Clamp 162 is substantially identical to clamp 62 and functions in the same manner. Clamp 162 comprises a clamshell-type device comprising a first half and a second half that are substantially identical. Each of the first and second halves of the clamp 162 has a flat upper region 162a and a flat lower region 162b and a curved mid-section 162c. The radius of curvature of mid-section 162c is substantially identical to the radius of curvature of the first leg portions 156. One or the other of the first and second halves of clamp 162 is welded to plate 164. The other of the first and second halves of clamp 162 is not welded to plate 164. One end of first arm portion 156 of the associated first or second section 116a, 116b is received in the bore defined by curved mid-sections 162c clamp 162. Fasteners 166 pass through apertures 168 in upper and lower sections 162a, 162b and are tightened to clamp the end of first arm portion 156 therebetween. A handle (not shown in FIG. 7 but similar to handle 70) is used to rotate fasteners 166 in either of the first and second directions as described in reference to fasteners 66 and handles 70.

First arm 116 differs from first arm 16 in that plates 164 of clamping assemblies 160 link first and second sections 116a, 116b thereof in such a way that the sections 116a, 116b may be vertically adjustable in unison with each other. The first and second sections 116a and 116b may be connected together in any one of a number of ways, one of those possible ways being illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows that a first base plate 164 is detachably engaged with an end of first section 116a and a second base plate 164 is detachably engaged with an end of second section 116b. The first and second base plates 164 are located adjacent side surfaces 42b, 42c of box region 42 on support member 38. First and second base plates 164 are fixedly connected together in any suitable manner. One such manner is illustrated in FIG. 7; that way being the use of fasteners 172 which extend through aligned apertures 174 in first and second base plates 164 and through first slot 44. When connected in this manner, when the first base plate 164 slides up or down side surface 42b, then the second base plate 164 will also slide up or down side surface 42c. A handle 176 is engaged with each fastener 172. When handles 176 are rotated in a first direction, the associated fasteners 172 are slightly loosened and first and second base plates 164 are free to slide, in unison, either upwardly or downwardly relative to the associated side surface 42b or 42c of box region 42. As the base plates 164 move upwardly or downwardly along box region 42, the entire first arm 116 is raised or lowered relative to base members 24, 26. When the desired vertical position of first and second sections 116a, 116b is attained then handles 176 are rotated in a second direction to lock first and second base plates 164 in that vertical position.

A similar clamping arrangement may also be provided on second arm 18 to enable the entire second arm 18 to be vertically adjusted relative to base members 24, 26.

It will be understood that other mechanisms for linking first and second sections of either of the first and second arms 116, 18 together so that they move vertically as a unit may be provided on fitness station 10. It will further be understood that if either of the first and second arms 116, 18 are comprised of two separate sections, such as sections 116a and 116b, then independent rotational motion “C” about the horizontal axis “X” may still be possible.

It will further be understood that one or both of first and second arms 116, 18 may be comprised of a single unitary component instead of two separate sections and the unitary first or second arm 116, 18 may be caused to be vertically adjustable in any other fashion. Depending on the way this unitary first or second arm 116, 18 is mounted to support member 38, unitary rotational motion “C” about horizontal axis “X” may also be possible.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, fitness station 10 may be provided with a second embodiment of the fifth arm or dip bar, generally indicated at 223. Fifth arm 223 is mounted to support member 38 by way of a mounting bracket 296. Mounting bracket 296 may be any type of bracket which permits fifth arm 223 to be selectively rotated relative to support member 38. For example, bracket 296 may include a U-shaped shaft 300 which has cushioning grips 298 at either end. A central region of shaft 300 passes through a sleeve 297 provided on bracket 296. A spring member is provided on bracket 296 to urge shaft 300 into a default rest position. In that rest position the fifth arm 223 may, for example, be generally horizontally oriented. Bracket 296 may permit fifth arm 223 to be pivoted between a first position P1 (FIG. 9), a second position P2 and a third position P3. Bracket 296 may be of a type which permits fifth arm 223 to be reciprocally pivoted up and down during the performance of an exercise. The possible pivotal motion is indicated by arrow “F” in FIG. 9. First position P1 and second position P2 are shown in phantom in FIG. 9 and the third position P3 is shown in solid lines. Second position P2 is where shaft 300 of fifth arm 223 is generally horizontal and parallel to base members 24, 26 and may be the at rest position. First position P1 is where shaft 300 is located at an angle “G” above the horizontal second position P2. Third position P3 is where shaft 300 is located at an angle “G” below second position P2. Fifth arm 223 may be pivoted between first and third positions P1, P3 in some instances or may be pivoted only between first and second positions P1, P2 or between second and third positions P2, P3. The range of pivotal motion may be selectable by the user in order to perform different types of exercises. It will be understood that the angle “G” may be a pre-determined angle set by the manufacturer of fitness station 10 by providing a suitable mounting bracket 296 that permits this pre-determined range of motion. By way of example only, angle “G” may be from about 20° to about 90° relative to the horizontal. Alternatively, bracket 296 may be of a type which permits the user to select how far down or how far up he or she wishes to pivot fifth arm 223. The user may be able to pivot fifth arm 223 downwardly by grasping grips 298 and pushing downwardly thereon. The user may be able to pivot fifth arm 223 upwardly by grasping grips 298 and pulling the same upwardly. This pivotal motion of fifth arm 223 may be utilized to perform exercises such as triceps-dips. Fifth arm 223 may be moved through 90° to move the arm out of the way during the performance of exercises that do not require this arm. Fifth arm 223 may also be rotated to collapse it against support member 38 for storage purposes or if fitness station 10 needs to be moved. (It should be noted that fourth arm 22 may also be secured to support member 38 by a bracket that enables fourth arm 22 to pivot out of the way during the performance of various exercises or for storage purposes, or if fitness station 10 needs to be moved.)

Fifth arm 223 includes a locking member for securing fifth arm 223 against pivotal motion when selectively positioned in one or another of the first, second or third positions P1, P2, P3. One suitable locking member may be a pin 299 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Pin 299 may be passed through aligned holes (not shown) in sleeve 297 and shaft 300 to lock the fifth arm 223 against pivotal motion (FIG. 8). When pin 299 is withdrawn from the aligned holes (as shown in FIG. 9), fifth arm 223 may be pivoted relative to support member 38 in the manner previously described herein. The locking member may be any other suitable locking mechanism that prevents or limits pivotal motion of fifth arm 223.

FIG. 8 also shows a third embodiment of the first arm, generally indicated in this figure at 216. First arm 216 includes additional attachment members 278 which may be provided at intervals on one or more of bottom, top, and rear surfaces of first arm 216 as well as on the front surface thereof.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention and as shown in FIG. 8, attachment members 301 may also be provided on upper and/or lower surfaces of shaft 300 of fifth arm 223. Some type of resistance band (not shown in these figures) may be engaged between any selected attachment member 301 on fifth arm 223 and any selected attachment member 278 of first arm 216 to increase the resistance to the pivotal motion of fifth arm 223 as indicated by arrow “F”. This increased resistance may be desirable as a user gets fitter and stronger.

Substantially all of the first, third, fourth, and fifth attachment members 36, 78, 80 and 82, 278 and 301 are illustrated herein as being spaced at regular intervals from each other along surfaces of the associated base 12, first arm 16/216, second arm 18, third arm 20, and fifth arm 223. The intervals may be about one foot apart on each of these components. However, the spacing intervals of the attachment members may be different for each of the components upon which they are provided. Alternatively, differently sized intervals between attachment members may be utilized along the length of any one or more of the components upon which the attachment members are provided. The specific placement of the various attachment members may therefore be other than illustrated herein and be determined in accordance with the types of exercise that will be able to be performed on fitness station 10.

It should further be noted that while the various attachment members 36, 52, 78, 80, 82 are illustrated as being provided on only one surface of the associated arms, these attachment members may be provided on more than one surface of any one or more of the arms, such as is illustrated with respect to arm 216 (having attachment members 278) and arm 223 (having attachment members 301). For example, third attachment members 78 may be provided on a top surface, a bottom surface and a rear surface of first arm 16 in addition to the illustrated placement on the front surface thereof.

Additionally, the angles at which any of the attachment members 36, 52, 78, 80, 82, 278, 301 are provided on any particular arm may be other that what has been illustrated herein. Still further, not all the angles of the attachment members on a single arm need be of the same orientation relative to the surface of the arm or relative to each other. Some attachment members may be installed at right angles to the surface on which they are mounted or they may be at an angle other than ninety degrees thereto. Furthermore, not all the attachment members need to be aligned along the same plane or in the same orientation relative to each other on a single component. For example, on the first arm 16 attachment members 78 are all illustrated as being horizontally oriented. At least some of those attachment members 78 could be turned through ninety degrees relative to the surface on which they are mounted and could be vertically oriented or they may be mounted at angles other than ninety degrees.

Still further, it will be understood that attachment members may be provided on support member 38 and may further be provided on any surface on support member 38.

Fitness station 10 is used by securing one or more resistance devices with any one or more selected attachment members in order to perform a particular type of exercise with the resistance device. The attachment members and fitness station 10 acts as an anchor for these resistance devices. The types of exercises that may be performed using fitness station 10 have been more fully discussed in the parent application Ser. No. 13/836,359, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration set out herein are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

1. A fitness station comprising:

a base adapted to be supported on a horizontal surface;

a support extending upwardly from the base;

a first arm extending outwardly from the support a distance away from the base; said first arm extending partially in a first direction from the support and partially in a second direction therefrom; and;

a plurality of first attachment members is provided on one or more of the base, the support or the first arm, each first attachment member being adapted to have a resistance device selective secured thereto.

2. The fitness station as defined in claim 1, wherein the first arm is adjustably mounted on the support and is selectively movable toward and away from the base

3. The fitness station as defined in claim 1, wherein the first attachment members are provided only on the base and the fitness station further comprises:

a plurality of second attachment members provided on the support;

wherein each second attachment member is adapted to have a resistance device selectively secured thereto.

4. The fitness station as defined in claim 3, further comprising:

a plurality of third attachment members provided on the first arm; each third attachment member being adapted to have a resistance device selectively secured thereto.

5. The fitness station as defined in claim 1, wherein the base is substantially H-shaped and includes first and second base members that are spaced laterally from each other; and a crossbar extending between the first and second base members.

6. The fitness station as defined in claim 5, wherein each of the first and second base members is arcuate and the first and second base members are located relative to each other such that they curve away from each other.

7. The fitness station as defined in claim 1, wherein the support is a single support that is curved in shape.

8. The fitness station as defined in claim 7, wherein the single support is an inverted J-shaped member.

9. The fitness station as defined in claim 1, wherein the first arm is arcuate.

10. The fitness station as defined in claim 1, wherein the first arm is substantially U-shaped when viewed from above.

11. The fitness station as defined in claim 1, wherein the first arm comprises a first section and a second section and the first section extends outwardly from the support in the first direction and the second section extends outwardly from the support in the second direction; and wherein each of the first and second sections is independently secured to the support.

12. The fitness station as defined in claim 11, wherein each of the first and second sections of the first arm is adjustably mounted on the support.

13. The fitness station as defined in claim 12, wherein the support includes a support member comprising a box region having a front surface and opposed first and second side surfaces, said front surface being spaced from a front surface of the support and the first and second side surfaces extend between the front surface of the box region and the front surface of the support; and wherein the first and second side surfaces each define a first slot therein.

14. The fitness station as defined in claim 13, further comprising a pair of clamping assemblies; each clamping assembly securing one of the first and second sections of the first arm to the box region.

15. The fitness station as defined in claim 1, further comprising a second arm provided on the support, said second arm being spaced a distance vertically above the first arm; and wherein a plurality of fourth attachment members is provided on the second arm; each fourth attachment member being adapted to have a resistance device selectively secured thereto.

16. The fitness station as defined in claim 15, further comprising a third arm provided on the support, said third arm being spaced a distance vertically above the second arm; and a plurality of fifth attachment members is provided on the third arm, each fifth attachment member being adapted to have a resistance device selectively secured thereto.

17. The fitness station as defined in claim 16, further comprising a fourth arm provided on the support and extending outwardly away from the support and generally at about right angles relative to the first and second arms.

18. The fitness station as defined in claim 17, further comprising a fifth arm provided on the support and extending outwardly away from the support and generally at about right angles relative to the first and second arms; and wherein the fifth arm is engaged with the support a distance vertically below the fourth arm.

19. The fitness station as defined in claim 17, wherein the fourth arm includes a first pair of handles extending inwardly toward each other at a first angle; and the fourth arm further includes a second pair of handles extending inwardly toward each other at a second angle; and the second pair of handles are located a distance vertically below the first handles.

20. A fitness station comprising:

a base adapted to be supported on a horizontal surface;

a support extending upwardly from the base;

a first arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically above the base;

a second arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically above the first arm;

a third arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically above the second arm;

a fourth arm extending outwardly from the support in an different direction to the first and second arms; and

a fifth arm extending outwardly from the support in a different direction to the first and second arms; and wherein the fifth arm is located a distance vertically beneath the fourth arm;

a plurality of attachment members provided on one or more of the base, the support, the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm; each of the plurality of attachment members being adapted to have a resistance device selectively secured thereto.

21. The fitness station as defined in claim 20, wherein the support is a single support that is of an inverted J-shape.

22. The fitness station as defined in claim 20, wherein one or both of the first and second arms are adjustably mounted to the support.

23. The fitness station as defined in claim 20, wherein the attachment members are spaced at intervals from each other along the one or more of the base, the support, the first arm, the second arm, or the third arm.

24. The fitness station as defined in claim 20, wherein the attachment members are spaced at regular intervals from each other along the one or more of the base, the support, the first arm, the second arm, or the third arm.