EXERCISE EQUIPMENT AND RELATED METHODS
A number of embodiments include an exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus can transition between a lowered configuration and a raised configuration and each configuration can be used to perform the same or different exercises.
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This application is a non-provisional of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/439,042, entitled EXERCISE EQUIPMENT AND RELATED METHODS and filed Jan. 13, 2023, which is herein incorporated by this reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis disclosure relates generally to exercise equipment and more specifically to exercise equipment incorporating two or more configurations.
BACKGROUNDA varied fitness regimen is important for the health of many individuals in society, but both commercial and home gyms are often housed in areas with limited space. Due to this limited space, gym owners often forgo obtaining equipment with limited uses (e.g., only one exercise or configuration). Additional utility per square foot can be gained by obtaining equipment that can be utilizes for multiple uses. Therefore, there is a need for adjustable exercise equipment capable of transitioning between two or more configurations or able to perform two or more exercises.
SUMMARYA number of embodiments can include an exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus can include a top portion, a bottom portion, and a peg. The top portion can include a center post having a first end and a second end, a footrest coupled to the first end of the center post, an ankle post, and a cushion. The ankle post can (1) extend from a top surface of the center post, (2) be located between the footrest and the second end, and (3) create an approximately 90 degree angle with the center post. The cushion can be coupled to the top surface of the center post or coupled to a crossbar coupled to the center post. The peg can be hingedly coupled to the top portion. The bottom portion can include a foot. The exercise apparatus can be configured to transition from a lowered configuration where the top portion is in a lowered position to a raised configuration where the top portion is in a raised position by actuating the peg at a hinged coupling point. The center post, the footrest, and the ankle post remain in a same position relative to each other when in both the lowered position and the raised position.
Many embodiments can include a method for facilitating exercise with equipment capable of transitioning between two or more configurations. The method can comprise providing a top portion of an exercise apparatus, providing a bottom portion of the exercise apparatus, providing a peg hingedly coupled to the top portion, and transitioning the exercise apparatus from a lowered configuration where the top portion is in a lowered position to a raised configuration where the top portion is in a raised position. The top portion can include a center post having a first end and a second end, a footrest coupled to the first end of the center post, an ankle post, and a cushion. The ankle post can (1) extend from a top surface of the center post, (2) be located between the footrest and the second end, and (3) create an approximately 90 degree angle with the center post. The peg can be hingedly coupled to the top portion. The cushion can be coupled to the top surface of the center post or coupled to a crossbar coupled to the center post. The bottom portion can include a foot. The exercise apparatus can be configured to transition from a lowered configuration where the top portion is in a lowered position to a raised configuration where the top portion is in a raised position by actuating the peg at a hinged coupling point. The center post, the footrest, and the ankle post remain in a same position relative to each other when in both the lowered position and the raised position.
Various embodiments can include an exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus can include a top portion, a bottom portion, and a peg. The top portion can include a center post having a first end and a second end, an ankle post coupled to a top surface of the center post, a footrest, =a cushion, and a peg. The footrest can (1) have an approximately planar shape, (2) be coupled to the first end of the center post, and (3) create an approximately 90 degree angle with the center post. The ankle post can be located between the footrest and the second end. The peg can be hingedly coupled to the top portion. The cushion can be coupled to the top surface of the center post or a crossbar coupled to the center post. The bottom portion can include a foot. The exercise apparatus can be configured to transition from a lowered configuration where the top portion is in a lowered position to a raised configuration where the top portion is in a raised position by actuating the peg at a hinged coupling point. The center post, the footrest, and the ankle post remain in a same position relative to each other when in both the lowered position and the raised position.
To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided in which:
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTSThe terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.
The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.
The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements mechanically and/or otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled together, but not be mechanically or otherwise coupled together. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. “Electrical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood and include electrical coupling of all types. The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near the word “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.
As defined herein, two or more elements are “integral” if they are comprised of the same piece of material. As defined herein, two or more elements are “non-integral” if each is comprised of a different piece of material.
As defined herein, “approximately” can, in some embodiments, mean within plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. In other embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus five percent of the stated value. In further embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus three percent of the stated value. In yet other embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus one percent of the stated value.
Turning now to the drawings,
Equipment 100 can comprise a lateral frame 101, crossbar 103, fasteners 104 center post 105, ankle post 106, adjustment knob 107 (
In some embodiments, center post 105 can extend between and two or more lateral frames 101 when in a first configuration. The center post 105 can be aligned with an approximate midline 135 of equipment 100 and/or run from a front portion 401 of equipment 100 to a back portion 402 of equipment 100. Center post 105 can be hingedly coupled to under panel 116 and can actuate at a hinged point to transition from a first configuration to a second configuration. Center post 105 can be coupled to under panel 116 near a back portion 402 of equipment 100. In this way, when center post 105 is actuated at the hinge point to transition between the first and second configuration, a longer portion of center post 105 will be raised away from the ground while a shorter portion of center post 105 will be lowered towards the ground. Center post 105 can comprise center sheath 126 and center peg 127. A telescopic length of center post 105 can be changed by actuating adjustment knob 107 (
Ankle post 106 can extend out of a top and/or bottom surface of center post 105 and/or be integrated with center post 105. In many embodiments, ankle post 106 and/or center post 105 can produce one or more fixed and/or immovable angles relative to each other. For example, ankle post 106 and center post 105 can produce an approximately 90° angle relative to each other. Ankle post 106 can comprise ankle peg 132 and/or crossbar 133. The crossbar 133 can run through an approximate midline 134 of ankle pads 109. The ankle pads 109 can freely rotate around crossbar 133. A telescopic length of ankle post 106 can be changed by actuating adjustment knob 108 and moving ankle peg 132. While adjustment knobs 107 (
In many embodiments, hand grip 110 can be coupled to center post 105 and/or crossbar 136 proximate to a front portion 401 of equipment 100. While hand grip 110 is shown in
Footrest 111 can be coupled to and/or integrated with center post 105 and/or ankle post 106 near a back portion 402 of equipment 100. The footrest 111 can have a substantially planar shape suitable for providing a stable resting place for an athlete's feet when in use. In many embodiments, footrest 111 can have an edge 128 that is bent toward the athlete. In this way, footrest 111 can provide improved stability for an athlete by preventing their foot from slipping off a bottom of the footrest 111. In some embodiments, a back surface of bent edge 128 can rest flat on the ground when equipment 100 is in a second configuration, thereby further increasing stability. In various embodiments, all or a portion of footrest 111 can be covered in a tacky substance (e.g., rubber, vinyl, etc.). In this way, footrest 111 can provide a stable platform even in the presence of moisture (e.g., sweat or water).
Front top cushions 112, 113 and/or back top cushions 114, 115 can be coupled to one or more of side panel 101, center post 105, ankle post 106, and/or under panel 116. Front top cushions 112, 113 and/or back top cushions 114, 115 can be padded, cushioned, and/or have an outer surface capable of withstanding moisture. For example, front top cushions 112, 113 and/or back top cushions 114, 115 can be made from a soft foam material. In this way, a body of an athlete can be protected from injury during exercise while at the same time protecting equipment 100 from deterioration due to sweat. Top cushions 112-115 can come in a number of different ornamental shapes and/or colors. For example,
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Much like crossbar 103, bottom crossbars 121-123 increase structural stability when in equipment 100 is in use or being transported to a different location. The bottom crossbars 121-123 can be couple to and/or formed out of side panels 101 and/or under panel 116. In various embodiments, under panel 116 can comprise one or more cutouts 125. In some embodiments, cutouts 125 can be configured to allow crossbar 136 and/or mounting hardware for front top cushions 112, 113 to pass into or below a plane formed by a flat portion of under panel 116. In this way, equipment can be more compact when in a first configuration.
Wheels 124 can be coupled to feet 102 and be configured to support a weight of equipment 100 when in transit. In some embodiments, wheels 124 can be configured to allow equipment 100 to be transported and/or moved when not in use. Equipment 100 can be moved by lifting front portion 401 so that only wheels 124 are in contact with the ground. The equipment 100 can then be wheeled to its destination. Front portion 401 of equipment 100 can be lifted for transport by grasping and raising one or more of crossbar 103 and/or lateral frame 101. Front top cushions 112-113 and/or handgrips 110 can also be used in a similar fashion to transport equipment 100, but only when top portion 129 is in a locked and/or fixed position.
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The ability of the equipment disclosed herein to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration allows the equipment to be used for a number of different exercises. Turning now to
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Although exercise equipment and related methods have been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. For example, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that any element of
All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to the embodiment claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are stated in such claim.
Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An exercise apparatus comprising:
- a first portion comprising: a center member aligned with an approximate midline of the exercise apparatus and having a first end and a second end; a footrest coupled to the first end of the center member; and an ankle support located along a top surface of the center member between the footrest and the second end of the center member;
- a second portion hingedly coupled to the first portion and configured to rest on a floor; and
- a peg coupled to the first portion, wherein: the exercise apparatus is configured to transition from a lowered configuration where the first portion is in a lowered position to a raised configuration where the first portion is in a raised position by actuating the peg; the lowered configuration permits a user to perform a first exercise; the raised configuration permits the user to perform a second exercise different from the first exercise; and the center member, the footrest, and the ankle support remain in a same position relative to each other when in both the lowered position and the raised position.
22. The exercise apparatus of claim 21, wherein the ankle support comprises an ankle post coupled to an ankle pad.
23. The exercise apparatus of claim 21, wherein the footrest creates an approximately 90 degree angle with the center member.
24. The exercise apparatus of claim 21, wherein the peg is hingedly coupled to the first portion and wherein the exercise apparatus is configured to transition from the lowered configuration where the first portion is in the lowered position to the raised configuration where the first portion is in the raised position by actuating the peg at a hinged coupling point.
25. The exercise apparatus of claim 21, wherein the second portion is configured to receive the peg when the exercise apparatus is in the raised configuration.
26. The exercise apparatus of claim 21 further configured to transition from the lowered configuration where the first portion is in the lowered position to the raised configuration where the first portion is in the raised position by actuating the peg and raising the second end of the center member.
27. The exercise apparatus of claim 21 further configured to transition from the lowered configuration where the first portion is in the lowered position to the raised configuration where the first portion is in the raised position by actuating the peg and lowering the first end of the center member.
28. A method of transitioning an exercise apparatus from a raised configuration to a lowered configuration, the method comprising:
- lowering a first portion of the exercise apparatus relative to a second portion of the exercise apparatus configured to rest on a floor, wherein the first portion comprises: a center member having a first end and a second end; a footrest coupled to the first end of the center member; and an ankle support located along a top surface of the center member between the footrest and the second end of the center member; and
- actuating a peg coupled to the first portion, wherein: the center member, the footrest, and the ankle support remain in a same position relative to each other when in both the lowered configuration and the raised configuration; the lowered configuration permits a user to perform a first exercise; and the raised configuration permits the user to perform a second exercise different from the first exercise.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the ankle support comprises an ankle post coupled to an ankle pad.
30. The method of claim 28, wherein the exercise apparatus creates an approximately 90 degree angle with the center member.
31. The method of claim 28, wherein actuating the peg comprises actuating the peg at a hinged coupling point.
32. The method of claim 28 further comprising un-coupling the peg from the second portion.
33. The method of claim 28, wherein lowering the first portion of the exercise apparatus relative to the second portion of the exercise apparatus comprises:
- lowering the second end of the center member; and
- raising the first end of the center member.
34. The method of claim 28, wherein lowering the first portion of the exercise apparatus relative to the second portion of the exercise apparatus comprises:
- actuating the peg; and
- raising the first end of the center member.
35. A method of transitioning an exercise apparatus from a lowered configuration to a raised configuration, the method comprising:
- raising a first portion of the exercise apparatus relative to a second portion of the exercise apparatus configured to rest on a floor, wherein the first portion comprises: a center member having a first end and a second end; a footrest coupled to the first end of the center member; and an ankle support located along a top surface of the center member between the footrest and the second end of the center member; and
- actuating a peg coupled to the first portion, wherein: the center member, the footrest, and the ankle support remain in a same position relative to each other when in both the lowered configuration and the raised configuration; the lowered configuration permits a user to perform a first exercise; and the raised configuration permits the user to perform a second exercise different from the first exercise.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the ankle support comprises an ankle post coupled to an ankle pad.
37. The method of claim 35, wherein the exercise apparatus creates an approximately 90 degree angle with the center member.
38. The method of claim 35, wherein actuating the peg comprises actuating the peg at a hinged coupling point.
39. The method of claim 35 further comprising coupling the peg to the second portion.
40. The method of claim 35, wherein raising the first portion of the exercise apparatus relative to the second portion of the exercise apparatus comprises:
- raising the second end of the center member; and
- lowering the first end of the center member.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 25, 2023
Publication Date: Jul 18, 2024
Applicant: China 2 West Services Ltd. (Zhuhai, GD)
Inventors: Jesus David Cano Romano (Phuket), James Currie (Zhuhai), John Rey Lobo (Manila)
Application Number: 18/372,651