MULTIPURPOSE EXERCISE BENCH

Abstract

The disclosed exercise benches comprise a rigid structure having an interior cavity, with portions of the structure covered in a durable exercise friendly fabric and an underlayment of foam for padding. The benches have a generally horizontal base for resting on the floor or ground using anti-skid pads. The base is rectangular with the longer sides each connecting to opposed sides having inclined surfaces providing structural support for a generally horizontal top surface. In one embodiment the top surface may be pivotably connected to enable lifting of the top surface engageable with an adjustable support member located in the cavity to hold the top surface in place in an inclined position. In multiple embodiments fasteners, such as a D-rings are positioned on the sides of the bench for attaching to exercise resistance bands. In one embodiment vertical end walls have an opening with a fabric liner formed inwardly forming an interior fabric for storage. A D-Ring fastener may be attached to the end walls to connect to exercise resistance bands. The benches may have interior structures to support speakers incorporated into the benches.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/037,418, filed Jun. 10, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/208,910, filed Jun. 9, 2021, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present inventive subject matter relates generally to the field of exercise and physical fitness. More particularly the inventive subject relates to a multipurpose use exercise bench for use in toning and strengthening various muscle groups using the padded reinforced surfaces of the bench and also having a number of fitness resistance band anchors.

Background

Recent events, such as the novel corona virus pandemic have confined many individuals to their homes. In addition, many health club and exercise facilities have closed for periods of time requiring individuals to find alternate ways to exercise. Home gyms and home exercise equipment have been in use, however, many times such home equipment requires a significant amount of space, can be bulky and difficult to move and are generally expensive. Many of existing weight benches are heavy and use of the types of exercise associated with standard weight benches may put undue stress on joints. As such, there is a need for in the area of physical fitness and exercise a potable and compact multipurpose exercise bench that can be used for numerous exercises with a sturdy and comfortable surface for completing stretching and muscle strengthening exercises and also may employ resistance exercises that help to reduce joint strain. Also, there is a need for such exercise equipment to have a small footprint to use in the home and is easy to stow away along with fitness equipment accessories.

All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The inventive subject matter described herein demonstrates embodiments of a device and method of assembly for a multipurpose exercise bench used in the toning and strength conditioning of various muscle groups of the human body. The exercise benches described herein comprise a rigid structure having an interior cavity, with portions of the structure covered with a durable exercise friendly fabric and an underlayment of foam for padding, and adapted to be placed on a floor with a user laying or placing weight on the bench in order to complete various exercises. In the embodiments shown the exercise benches are potable and compact and can replace heavy dumbbells and bulky weight bench equipment. The disclosed embodiments of the benches shown are easily used by exercises novices or advanced body builders. The disclosed benches are designed and supported with industrial plywood and as such may support hundreds of pounds and are user friendly with workout surfaces being covered with durable vinyl with an underlayment of padding foam.

In one embodiment bench has a generally horizontal base for resting on a support surface such as the floor or ground. The base provides the structural support for the remainder of the bench and rests upon the ground via attached heavy duty anti-skid pads attached to the base. The base is generally rectangular with the longer sides each connecting to side panels forming opposed sides of the bench, positioned to create inclined surfaces to provide an inclined exercise surface and also providing structural support for a generally horizontal top panel forming a top surface. The support frame of the bench structurally provides enough support to the top surface for supporting the weight of a person as they lay, stand, step or sit on the top surface. Fasteners or resistance band anchors, such as a D-ring, are attached the sides of the bench for selectively attaching exercise resistance bands. The shorter sides of the base rectangle are attached to opposed vertical end walls or panels that attach to the inclined side panels and the panel of the top surface, also providing support to the top surface and the bench. Padding is attached to at least a portion of the top panel and side panels, the padding comprises a top flexible fabric layer, and a second foam layer positioned between the fabric layer and the top and side panels. The padding may be attached to all surfaces of the bench that come in contact with the user, and the underside of the bench below the base, may not be padded and may comprise a cambric dust cover.

In one embodiment described herein at least one of the vertical end walls has an opening forming a trapezoidal shaped recess, opening or aperture. A fabric liner or bag is formed in the opening, with the mouth of the bag attached around the aperture and is formed inwardly into the bench frame, forming an interior fabric bag useful for storing exercise items such as detached exercise bands. The opening or aperture may be formed on one or both vertical end walls. In one of the openings or apertures there may be no fabric creating an opening into the interior cavity of the bench and providing a storage area, or otherwise providing access to the interior of the bench. It is contemplated by this disclosure that a door may be attached to the trapezoidal opening or aperture. Each end wall additionally has a fastener or resistance band anchor, such as a D-Ring, for attaching to exercise resistance bands. In addition, handle straps may be formed on the vertical end walls for the user to grasp and lift the bench.

Furthermore, the bench may have interior structures to support Bluetooth® or other short-range radio speakers which are incorporated into the bench. The vertical end walls or panels may have an opening to accommodate the speakers to face the speakers outwardly. Likewise, a jack may be provided and attached to the vertical sidewall to allow a user to attach an electronic device, such a cell phone, iPad or other device to the speakers to operate the speakers without Bluetooth.

In a further embodiment, a bench has a generally horizontal base for resting on a support surface such as the floor or ground. The base provides the structural support for the remainder of the bench and rests upon the ground via attached heavy duty anti-skid pads attached to the base. The base is generally rectangular with the longer sides each connecting to opposed sides or panels, the positioning the side panels creating inclined side surfaces on the bench to provide an inclined exercise surface and also providing structural support for a generally horizontal to panel providing support for a top surface. The generally horizontal rigid top panel is coupled to the first and second side panels with the top panel supporting at least a portion of a top surface, the top surface having a back portion and a seat portion wherein said back portion is rotatably coupled to the bench, and wherein said back portion has an incline support member rotatably attached to the back portion. A slot bracket is positioned below the top surface and between the first and second side panels, wherein the incline support member is adapted to selectively engage the slot bracket to position the back portion in an inclined position. Padding is attached to at least a portion of the top panel and side panels, the padding comprises a top flexible fabric layer, and a second foam layer positioned between the fabric layer and the top and side panels. The padding may be attached to all surfaces of the bench that come in contact with the user, and the underside of the bench below the base, may not be padded and may comprise a cambric dust cover. The support frame of the bench structurally provides enough support to the top surface for supporting the weight of a person as they lay, stand, step or sit on the top surface. Fasteners, or resistance band anchors such as a D-ring are attached the sides of the bench for attaching to exercise resistance bands. The shorter sides of the base rectangle are attached to opposed vertical end walls or panels that attach to the inclined side panels and the top surface, also providing support to the top surface and the bench.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bench, showing attached resistance bands and a person, shown in broken lines performing an exercise;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the bench showing interior elements in broken lines;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the bench showing interior elements in broken lines;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are end views of the bench;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the bench showing a cut away view of the fabric and foam, with speakers shown in exploded from the bench;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the frame of the bench without fabric or foam, with the bottom fabric shown in cutaway view;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the frame of the bench without fabric or foam showing the support structure of the frame and showing the side, top and end panels in broken lines;

FIGS. 9-14 show representative examples of potential exercises that may be completed on the disclosed bench;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a further embodiment of the disclosed bench, with internal components shown in broken lines;

FIG. 16 is an end view of the further embodiment of the disclosed bench along lines 16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the further embodiment of the disclosed bench showing the top surface positioned in an incline position, with a cut away view showing the internal to surface incline support mechanism;

FIG. 18 shows the metal structure coupled to the underside of the movable top surface of the further embodiment;

FIG. 19 shows an end view of the internal top surface incline support mechanism of the further embodiment;

FIG. 20 shows a side view of the internal top surface incline support mechanism, attached to the metal structure shown in FIG. 18 of the further embodiment;

FIG. 21 is rear perspective view of the internal top surface incline support mechanism of the further embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the internal top surface incline support mechanism of the further embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of the further embodiment of the disclosed bench with a cut away view showing the fabric and underlying foam; and

FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of the further embodiment of the disclosed bench with back support lifted and engaged in an inclined position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of an exercise bench apparatus and/or related method and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilized. The description sets forth the various structure and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments, but it is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent structure and/or functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second, and the like are used solely to distinguish one entity from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities.

The background, summary and the above description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed inventive subject matter, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

In some embodiments, the numbers expressing dimensions, quantities, quantiles of ingredients, properties of materials, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the disclosure are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the disclosure are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the disclose may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.

Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the claimed inventive subject matter. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the inventive subject matter.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed. Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the exercise bench 10 disclosed herein. The bench has a generally horizontal bottom or base 12 for resting on a support surface such as the floor or ground. The base 12 provides the structural support and rests upon the ground via attached heavy duty anti-skid pads 14 attached to the base. Because the bench 10 is formed around a hollow frame, the bench is lightweight, providing for easy transport and movement. The skid pads 14 assist in keeping the bench in place on the ground when the forces associated with exercise are exerted on the bench 10. The pads 14 may be anti-skid glides that screw in with 1- and ⅛-inch diameter. The base 12 is rectangular with the longer sides 16 each connecting to opposed side panels 18. The side panels 18 are placed between the base 12 sides 16 and the top panel 20. As the generally rectangular top panel 20 has the same length long length as the base 12, but the width, along the shorter sides of the rectangular panel 20 are of a lesser length than the sides 16 of base 12, the side panels 18 form an inclined face between the top panel 20 and the base 12. The panels 18 provide an inclined exercise surface while also providing structural support for a horizontal top surface or panel 20. For example, a user can use the inclined surface of panel 18 to rest a back or other body part during an exercise. The interconnected side panels 18, top panel 20 and base 16, along with other components provides enough support to the top surface 20 for supporting the weight of a person as they lay, stand, step or sit on the top surface. For example, in FIG. 1 an exercise user 22 is shown in broken lines in a supine position with the user's 22 back on the top panel 20. The user 22 could conduct any number of exercises from the position shown in FIG. 1, including, but not limited to lifting weights, leg lifts, or using resistance bands 24 as shown in the example of FIG. 1. See also FIGS. 9-14 for other examples of exercises that can be performed on the disclosed bench as shown in FIG. 1, or the bench of the further embodiment shown, for example in FIGS. 23 and 24.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, fasteners or resistance band anchors, such as a D-rings 26 are attached the side panels 18 for attaching to exercise resistance bands 24. D-rings 26 attached to side panels 18 are attached about 11 inches from the end of panels 18, so that two D-rings 26 are attached to each panel 18. The D-ring clips 26 identified herein may be zinc plated, ¼ inch diameter 2000 lbs. capacity D-rings. The shorter sides of the base 12 rectangle are attached to opposed vertical end walls 28 that attach to the inclined side panels 18 and the top surface or panel 20, also providing support to the top panel 20 and structural support for the bench 10. The vertical end walls 28 each have an opening forming a generally trapezoidal shaped recess or opening 30. Although the opening 30 is generally trapezoidal, it is contemplated by this disclosure that the opening can be any shape satisfactory for the stated purpose. A fabric 32 liner is formed in the opening 30 and is formed inwardly into the inner cavity of bench 12, the fabric 32 liner forming an interior fabric bag useful for storing exercise items such as detached exercise bands 24, for example. Although FIGS. 4 and 5 show the openings 30 formed in the end walls 28, it is understood and contemplated that the opening 30 may be formed on one or both vertical end walls 28. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, only one of the openings 30 have a fabric liner 32, although it is contemplated by this disclosure that there may be a fabric liner 32 formed in both end walls 28. Where there is an opening 30 where no fabric liner 32 is formed therein, the opening may be covered by fabric and foam, or the fabric and foam may cut away to form an opening into the interior of the bench 10. It is contemplated by this disclosure that a door, access panel, or flap of fabric secured closed by hook and loop fastener attached to the end wall 28 on one side, and on the flap on the other side or other structure (not shown) may be attached to the generally trapezoidal opening 30 to allow selective access to the interior of the bench 10. Each end wall 28 additionally has a fastener, such as a D-Ring 26, for attaching to exercise resistance bands at the ends of the bench 10. In addition, handle straps 34 may be formed on the vertical end walls 28 for the user to grasp and lift the bench 10 for ease of maneuvering the bench 10. A looped strap (not shown) connected at one end to one or both of the end walls 28 may also be used to lift and grasp the bench 10.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3 and 6-8, the bench may have interior structures (shown in broken lines) to support Bluetooth® or other short-range radio speakers 36 which are incorporated into the bench 10. The vertical end walls 28 may have an opening 38 to accommodate the speakers 36 to face the speakers outwardly from the bench 10. Likewise, a jack 40, as shown in FIG. 1, may be provided and attached to the vertical sidewall 28 to allow a user to attach an electronic device, such a cell phone, iPad or other device to drive the speakers to operate by direct wiring and without Bluetooth. The jack 40 may extend through a jack opening 42, as shown in FIG. 6, formed in the end wall 28.

With reference to the interior structures in FIGS. 2 and 3, the speakers 36 are held in place by speaker mounts 44 and 46. As shown in FIG. 6, speaker 36 is inserted into opening 38 to be received into openings of speaker mounts 44 and 46 formed on each side of the bench 10. The speaker 36 may be attached to mounts 44 and 46 by any number of methods or may simply rest in the mounts 44 and 46 being attached to the wall 28 at the speaker 36 rims 37 by screws or other fasteners that may secure the rims 37 to the walls 28. The mounts 44 and 46 hold the cylindrically shaped speaker 36 in place from moving, while secured by the rims 37. The open interior cavity of the bench 10 may contribute to a richer sound of the speakers 36.

Referring to FIG. 6, the exterior of the plywood structure of the bench 10 is shown, with a cutaway view of the fabric 48 that envelops the plywood structure of the bench 10, also showing the foam 50 which is attached between the plywood structure and the fabric 48. The foam density is 2.5 lb. (6.5 ILD, C-117). Although the foam 50 is identified herein, any suitable material or foam may be utilized. The fabric 48 is a strong vinyl, rated to 55 k double rubs. The handle straps 34 are formed from vinyl, which are supported by metal brackets.

The understructure of bench 10 is shown in FIGS. 6-8 may all be formed of ½ inch thick CDX plywood to form a lightweight, yet structurally strong structure. Although CDX plywood is described, any structurally rigid plywood or other material such as plastic or aluminum may be utilized. The plywood frame components include vertical panels 28 connected to top panel 20 and side panels 18. The base 12 includes long bottom supports 17 and short bottom supports 19 collectively forming the base 12. The base 12 may be covered by cambric 21, shown in cutaway in FIG. 7. Cambric 21 or bottom cloth can be any suitable lightweight dustcover fabric. Inside support panels 52 and 54 are provided to add additional structural support. Inside support members 58 are attached inside panels 18 to provide additional material for drill holes to allow the D-rings fasteners 26 to attach to the bench more securely than without the support members 58.

Referring to FIGS. 9-14, the Figures provide exemplary exercises that can be completed on the bench 10 using resistance bands 24. In addition, the exemplary exercises may be completed on the further embodiment of bench 60 described herein. The exercises are exemplary and it is recognized that many additional exercises may be performed.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, there is shown a side view of a further embodiment of the exercise bench 60 with internal structures shown in broken lines. The bench has a generally horizontal bottom or base 62 for resting on a support surface such as the floor or ground. The base 62 provides the structural support and rests upon the ground via attached heavy duty anti-skid pads 64 attached to the base. The skid pads 64 assist in keeping the bench in place on the ground when the forces associated with exercise are exerted on the bench 60. The pads 14 may be anti-skid glides that screw in with 1- and ⅛-inch diameter. The base 12 is rectangular with the longer sides 66 each connecting to opposed side panels 68. The side panels 68 are placed between the base 62 sides 66 and the top surface 70. The generally rectangular top surface 70 is divided into at least two portions, the seat portion 71 and back portion 73. Collectively the seat portion 71 and back portion 73 generally have the same length as the base 62, but the width, along the shorter sides of the top surface 70 are of a lesser length than the sides 66 of base 62. As such, the side panels 68 form an inclined face between the top surface 70 and the base 62. The panels 68 provide an inclined exercise surface while also providing structural support for the horizontal top surface 70. For example, a user can use the inclined surface of panel 68 to rest a back or other body part during an exercise. The side panels 68, top surface 70 and base 66, along with other components provides enough support to the top surface 70 for supporting the weight of a person as they lay, stand, step or sit on the top surface 70. For example, a user may use the bench 60 similar to that as shown in in FIG. 1, when the back portion 73 is placed in the horizontal position. In this respect, when the back portion 73 is in the horizontal the bench 60 may be used in similar fashion to the exercises shown in FIGS. 10-14, and the bench 60 may use the D-ring fasteners positioned in like locations to those shown in with respect to bench 10, and a user may deploy exercise bands. Fasteners, such as a D-rings may be attached the side panels 68 for attaching to exercise resistance bands. A user of bench 60 could conduct any number of exercises including, but not limited to lifting weights, leg lifts, or using resistance bands as shown in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 10-14.

The shorter sides of the base 62 are attached to opposed vertical end walls 78 that attach to the inclined side panels 68 and the top surface 70, also providing support to the top surface 70 and structural support for the bench 60. The vertical end walls 78 each have a loop handle 72 attached to the end walls vial a fastener 74 coupled to the end walls 78. Each end wall 78 additionally has a D-Ring 76 for attaching to exercise resistance bands at the ends of the bench 60. The loop handles 72 allows the user to grasp and lift the bench 60 for ease of maneuvering the bench 60. Other D-Rings 77 may be attached to side panels 68 in similar locations as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for engaging resistance bands. Wheels 65 may be attached to the base 62 via caster brackets 67. When at rest with all skids 64 placed on the ground, the wheels are ineffective to move the bench 60. However, when the bench 60 is tilted upward from the side of the bench 60 opposite of the wheels 65, the wheels become the only point of contact to the support surfaces such as a floor, and the bench may be wheeled about for ease of movement.

The interior of bench 60 is formed of a plywood structure similar to the structure shown in FIGS. 6-8 of the bench 10, with a primary difference being that below back portion 73, there is an opening formed. As demonstrated in FIG. 23, where the padding is shown in cut-away, fabric 79 with an underlayment of foam 81 covers the plywood structure of the side panels 68 and top surface 70, including seat 71 and back 73 of the bench 60. The foam 81 is placed between the plywood structure and the fabric 79. The foam density is 2.5 lb. (6.5 ILD, C-117). Although the foam is identified herein, any suitable material or foam may be utilized. The fabric 79 for the bench 60 is a strong vinyl, rated to 55 k double rubs. The understructure of bench 60 is formed of ½ inch thick CDX plywood to form a lightweight, yet structurally strong structure. Cambric or bottom cloth (not shown) covers the bottom the base and can be any suitable lightweight dustcover fabric.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show the bench 60 with the interior structures shown in broken lines including a support mechanism 80 described in more detail with regard to FIGS. 17-22. Referring to FIG. 17 there is shown the bench 60 with a cut away view of an interior portion of the bench 60 and showing placement of a support mechanism 80. A side view of the support mechanism is shown in FIG. 20, a rear view show in FIG. 19, a side perspective view shown in FIG. 22 and a rear perspective view in FIG. 21. The interior of the bench 60 includes a plywood base 82 to which the support mechanism is attached via bolts through bolt flanges 84 (See FIGS. 21 and 22). Plywood dividers 86 and 88 are provided to allow the support mechanism 80 to be bolted at the front and rear of the mechanism 80. The mechanism 80, including its component parts, is formed of metal such as steel or aluminum or other suitable rigid material. As best shown in FIGS. 15 and 24, the volume between the plywood divider 86 and end walls 78 there is a void 90 which can be used for storage of exercise equipment such as exercise bands and straps. As best shown in FIGS. 17 and 24, when the back support surface 73 is lifted away from the bench 60, the void 90 is exposed for placing and removing exercise equipment or other items that will fit within the space of the void 90. Support 92 is formed of plywood or other like material and provides subsurface support for the seat surface 71 of the top surface 70. Below the support 92 and between divider 86 and end wall 78, a hollow void 94 is formed. In the embodiment with regard to bench 60 the void 94 remains empty, the hollow void 94 aiding in reducing the weight of the bench 60. Although the void 94 may not be used in the embodiment of bench 60, it is contemplated that an opening similar to the opening 30 in FIG. 1 may be formed in the end wall 78 coupled to the support 92. In addition, an opening may be formed in end wall 78 coupled to support 92 to allow placement of a speaker similar to shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIGS. 17-22, the support mechanism 80 contains a back support member 96 which is pivotably connected to the base portion 98, via a hinge 100. A plywood support 102 having a fabric cover 79 and foam underlayment 81 is bolted or coupled to the back support member 96. This provides a fabric covered cushion forming the back support surface 73, and the plywood support 102 provides a means of bolting the support surface 73 to the back support member 96. The overhang 104 of the plywood support 102 engages the end wall 78 adjacent void 90 to support the back support 73 in the closed position. Referring to FIG. 18, there is shown a view of the back support member 96 of the mechanism 80 where a support member 106 is placed alignment with the sides of the support member 96. The support member 106 is rotatably attached to the support member via a rotation member 108, that is rotatably coupled to the support member on each side via openings in the support member 96 to allow hinge-like rotation of the support member 106 downwardly so that at an engagement member 110 may be positioned to engage the base portion 98. In the stowed position, the support 106 may be fastened to the underside of the plywood support 102 via a hook and loop fastener, or by other suitable means.

Referring to FIGS. 19-22, the front of the base portion 98 is bolted or fastened to the plywood divider 88 via bolt flanges 112. The rear of the base portion 98 is bolted or fastened to the plywood divider 86 via upper bolt plate 114 and lower bolt plate 116. The hinge 100 interconnects the support member 96 to the bolt plate 114. The base portion 98 is formed with a horizontal member 118 and front vertical member 120 and a rear vertical member 122. An incline member 124, supports two oppositely placed notch plates or slot brackets 126 which run the length of the incline member 124. The notch plates or slot brackets 126 have a series of notches or slots 128 which are aligned with notches on the opposition notch plate to engage the engagement member 110 into two notches 128 formed into oppositely placed notch plates or slot brackets 126. Both notch plates or slot brackets may be collectively referred to herein as slot bracket. The engagement member 110 placed in the lowest formed notch 128 will provide the lowest incline of the back support 73 and can be adjusted to greater incline angles by engaging higher placed notches 128. Examples of different placements of the member 100 into notches 128 are shown in FIGS. 17, 21,22 and 24. The number of notches 128 as shown in the drawings indicates five separate settings, however, the number of notches and where the notches are placed can be varied.

In operation, when a user wishes to use the bench 60 where the user's back can be supported at an inclined angle, a user will lift the back support 73 from a horizontal position, release the support member 106, which will rotate about the rotation member 108 to place the engagement member 110 of the support member 106 into a selected notch or slot 128, and the support member 106 provides a means of holding the back support 73 in place. See for examples in FIGS. 17, 21,22 and 24.

Referring particularly to FIG. 23 there is shown the underlying support structure of plywood of the bench 60, with a cut-away view of the padding comprising the fabric 79 with the under foam 81 positioned between the fabric and a plywood panel. Referring to FIG. 24 there is shown a perspective view of the bench 60 that shows one positioning of the back portion 73 using support 106 engaged in the slot bracket 126. A fabric strap 130 may be attached to the back portion 73 over the fabric 79 for a user to grasp when lifting the back portion 73 to an open position. For example the user may hold the strap 130 while maneuvering the support arm 106 into place into a slot 128, or when stowing the support arm 106 to the underside of the panel 102

The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein, including structures, assemblies and way of fabricating the disclosed exercise bench. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.

Claims

1. An exercise bench comprising;

a generally horizontal base for providing support to the bench;

a generally horizontal rigid top panel supporting at least a portion of a top surface;

first and second opposed rigid side panels extending between and coupled to the base and the top panel to support side surfaces;

padding attached to at least a portion of the top panel and side panels, the padding comprising a top flexible fabric layer, and a second foam layer positioned between the fabric layer and the top and side panels; and

a resistance band anchor attached to either one or both of the first and second side panels.

2. The exercise bench of claim 1 further comprising a generally vertical rigid end panel extending between and coupled to the base and top panel.

3. The exercise bench of claim 2 further comprising an aperture formed in the vertical rigid end panel providing access to an interior cavity.

4. The exercise bench of claim 2 further comprising padding attached to at least a portion of the end panel, the padding comprising a top flexible fabric layer, and a second foam layer positioned between the fabric layer and the end panel.

5. The exercise bench of claim 3 further comprising a fabric bag, the mouth of bag attached around the aperture of the vertical rigid end panel for receiving objects to be stowed in the interior cavity.

6. The exercise bench of claim 1 wherein the top surface comprises a seat portion and a back portion, said back portion rotatably coupled to the bench.

7. The exercise bench of claim 7 further comprising an incline support member rotatably attached to back portion.

8. The exercise bench of claim 7 further comprising a slot bracket positioned below the top surface and between the side panels, wherein the incline support member is adapted to selectively engage the slot bracket to position the back portion in an inclined position.

9. The exercise bench of claim 8 wherein the slot bracket has a plurality of slots.

10. The exercise bench of claim 9 wherein at least two slots of the slot bracket are positioned at first and second distances from the base.

11. The exercise bench of claim 1 wherein the top panel and side panels are formed from CDX plywood.

12. The exercise bench of claim 1 wherein the top panel and side panels are formed from ½ inch thick CDX plywood.

13. The exercise bench of claim 1 wherein the foam layer comprises foam having foam density of 2.5 lbs.

14. The exercise bench of claim 1 wherein the fabric is vinyl.

15. A method of constructing an exercise bench comprising;

providing a generally horizontal base;

interconnecting first and second side panels to the horizontal base;

interconnecting a generally horizontal top panel to the side panels;

attaching padding to at least a portion of the top and side panels, wherein the padding comprises a top flexible fabric layer, and a second foam layer positioned between the fabric layer and the top and side panels; and

attaching a resistance band anchor to either one or both of the first and second side panels.

16. The method of claim 15 comprising the further step of interconnecting a generally vertical rigid end panel between the base and top panel.

17. The method of claim 15 comprising the further step of interconnecting a generally vertical rigid end panel between the first and second side panels.

18. The method of claim 16 comprising the further step of attaching padding to the end panel.

19. The method of claim 16 comprising attaching a resistance band anchor to the end panel.

20. An exercise bench comprising;

a generally horizontal base for providing support to the bench;

first and second opposed rigid side panels coupled to the base;

a generally horizontal rigid top panel coupled to the first and second side panels, the top panel supporting at least a portion of a top surface, the top surface having a back portion and a seat portion wherein said back portion is rotatably coupled to the bench, and wherein said back portion has an incline support member rotatably attached to the back portion;

a slot bracket positioned below the top surface and between the first and second side panels, wherein the incline support member is adapted to selectively engage the slot bracket to position the back portion in an inclined position; and

padding attached to at least a portion of the top panel and side panels, the padding comprising a top flexible fabric layer, and a second foam layer positioned between the fabric layer and the top and side panels.