US20130225373A1

US20130225373A1 - Upper body exercise device extension

Info

Publication number: US20130225373A1
Application number: US13/777,683
Authority: US
Inventors: Alan J. Poat
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-29
Filing date: 2013-02-26
Publication date: 2013-08-29

Abstract

Upper body exercise device extensions are presented including: a transverse coupling member pivotally attached with a horizontal chin-up bar, were the horizontal chin-up bar includes a horizontal support bar; a pair of extension members mechanically coupled with the transverse coupling member along each upper end of each of the pair of extension members; a transverse support member mechanically coupled with a lower end of the vertical section of each of the pair of extension members, where the transverse support member includes outer support sections extending outwardly from the pair of extension members; and a transverse exercise member mechanically coupled with the pair of extension members along the horizontal section, where the transverse exercise member includes an inward gripping portion and an outward gripping portion relative to the pair of extension members.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM TO PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

A claim for priority is hereby made under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §119 for the present application based upon U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/604513 filed on Feb. 29, 2012 which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Physical fitness is no longer just a trend, but is also a life style. Health clubs that provide all the equipment a user needs to work out and isolate each and every body part are very popular. However, many users are not motivated to go to the health club due to time constraints or other reasons. When this is the case, a complete and inexpensive workout should be an option at home. A user need not own health club equipment to receive an adequate workout. There are many exercises which can he completed at home using a user's own body weight alone. Pushups, sit ups, and squats are such examples. One challenge in exercising is utilizing a user's whole body weight to get the maximum benefits of a full body weight exercise routine. However, full body weight pulling exercises can be a challenge without something on which to hang. A mounted bar in a doorway is one way to facilitate this capability. While pulling exercises utilizing a mourned bar in a doorway are beneficial for back muscles, bicep muscles, and core muscles, if a user desires to work out chest, shoulders and triceps muscles of the upper body, the user may be relegated to floor type exercises or leaning onto pieces of furniture which allows the user to utilize some portion of their body weight. Equipment exists that allow a user to utilize full body weight, but most are large and heavy structures that are not practical for homes, apartments, or dorm rooms. The size and eight of this type of equipment typically relegate them to the health club. Thus, lightweight and portable exercise devices that utilize full body weight may be desirable.
As an example. FIG. 1 is a prior art representation of an exercise device 100 for chin-ups. This and other such devices are described in a variety of U.S. Patents such as, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,628, which is incorporated by reference herein. These devices utilize a cross piece 104 that rests on an upper trim of a doorway. Tubular bar 102 serves two purposes. One purpose is to rest against an opposite side of the doorway to provide compressive force against the door jamb. Another purpose is to provide gripping members 106 for grasping by a user's hand. After properly locating the device in a doorway, the user may then perform chin-ups. To further illustrate use of such prior art devices, FIG. 2 is a prior art representation of an exercise device 200 for chin-ups in use. As illustrated, exercise device 200 is positioned in doorway 210. User 204 may grasp gripping member 202 and hang in lowered position 206 prior to performing a chin-up. User 204 may then perform a chin-up to raised position 208. These and other devices provide useful methods for exercising without complex and heavy machinery. Furthermore, these devices may be readily removed so that a doorway may be easily returned to its original state.
Utilizing exercise devices described in the prior art are useful, but may have limited options for exercise positions and techniques. As such, upper body exercise device extensions are provided, herein.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.
As such, upper body exercise device extensions are presented including: a transverse coupling member pivotally attached with a horizontal chin-up bar, where the horizontal chin-up bar includes a horizontal support bar, where the horizontal support bar includes a radius, and where the horizontal support bar includes a first vertical centerline; a pair of extension members mechanically coupled with the transverse coupling member along each upper end of each of the pair of extension members, where each of the pair of extension members include a vertical section and an horizontal section relative to a doorway, and where the horizontal section includes a gripping portion; a transverse support member mechanically coupled with a lower end of the vertical section of each of the pair of extension members, where the transverse support member includes a second vertical centerline, where the transverse support member includes outer support sections extending outwardly from the pair of extension members, and where the outer support sections are configured for resting on along a doorway such that the second vertical centerline is offset from the first vertical centerline along the doorway by a distance equal to at least the radius; and a transverse exercise member mechanically coupled with the pair of extension members along the horizontal section, where the transverse exercise member includes an inward gripping portion and an outward gripping portion relative to the pair of extension members.
In some embodiments, devices further include a keeper member for mechanically and removably coupling the device with the doorway, where the keeper member is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of: a non-flexible material, a flexible material, a stretchable material, and a non-stretchable material. In some embodiments, each of the pair of extension members fluffier includes a joint positioned along the vertical section to provide an upper vertical section and a lower vertical section, and where the joint includes an inner sleeve member for slidingly engaging the upper vertical section with the lower vertical section. In some embodiments, devices further include a pair of removable extensions positioned along the joints for extending the vertical sections. In some embodiments, the outer support sections further include: a foam covering, a tape covering, a non-marring covering, and a polymeric covering. In some embodiments, gripping portions further include: a closed cell foam, an open cell foam, a tape, a friction tape, a rubberized sleeve, and a polymeric sleeve.
In other embodiments, methods for performing, upper body exercise are presented including: providing an upper body exercise device extension, the upper body exercise device extension including, a transverse coupling member pivotally attached with a horizontal chin-up bar, where the horizontal chin-up bar includes a horizontal support bar, where the horizontal support bar includes a radius, and where the horizontal support bar includes a first vertical centerline, a pair of extension members mechanically coupled with the transverse coupling member along each upper end of each of the pair of extension members, where each of the pair of extension members include a vertical section and an horizontal section relative to a doorway, and where the horizontal section includes a gripping portion, a transverse support member mechanically coupled with a lower end of the vertical section of each of the pair of extension members, where the transverse support member includes a second vertical centerline, where the transverse support member includes outer support sections extending outwardly from the pair of extension members, and where the outer support sections are configured for resting on along a doorway such that the second vertical centerline is offset from the first vertical centerline along the doorway by a distance equal to at least the radius, and a transverse exercise member mechanically coupled with the pair of extension members along the horizontal section, where the transverse exercise member includes an inward gripping portion and an outward gripping portion relative to the pair of extension members; grasping the gripping portion along the horizontal section; bending a user's knees to transfer a user's weight to the upper body exercise device extension; bending a user's elbows to lower a user; and extending the user's elbows to raise the user.
In some embodiments, methods further include extending the user's knees to transfer the user's weight from the upper body exercise device extension; and releasing the gripping portion. In some embodiments, methods limber include grasping the inward gripping portion along the transverse exercise member; extending the user's elbows to transfer a portion of the user's weight to the upper body exercise device extension and to lower the user; and bending the user's elbows to raise the user. In some embodiments, methods further include releasing the inward gripping portion In some embodiments, methods further include grasping the outward gripping portion along the transverse exercise member; extending the user's elbows to transfer a portion of the user's weight to the upper body exercise device extension and to lower the user; and bending the user's elbows to raise the user. In some embodiments, methods further include releasing, the outward gripping portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a prior art representation of an exercise device for chin-up;

FIG. 2 is a prior art representation of an exercise device for chin-up in use;

FIG. 3 is art illustrative representation of an upper body exercise device extension in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative side view representation of an upper body exercise device extension in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative representation of an upper body exercise device extension in a doorway in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustrative representation of an upper body exercise device extension in a doorway in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an illustrative representation of an upper body exercise device extension in use in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is an illustrative representation of an upper body exercise device extension in use in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an illustrative representation of upper body exercise device extension 300 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, embodiments presented are for use with horizontal chin-up bar 302 such those as described above. As illustrated, upper body exercise device extension 300 may be pivotally attached with horizontal chin-up bar 302 by transverse coupling member 304. Upper body exercise device extension 300 may further include a pair of extension members 306(A) and 306(B) mechanically coupled with transverse coupling member 304 along each upper end of each of the pair of extension members 306(A) and 306(B). Further illustrated, each extension member may include vertical section 308 and horizontal. section 310 relative to a doorway in which the devices may he positioned. In addition, horizontal section 310 may include gripping portion 312. As may be appreciated, vertical and horizontal sections embodiment may have any desired length without departing from the present invention. In some embodiments, vertical sections may have a length in a range of approximately 10 to 50 inches. In other embodiments, horizontal sections may have a length in a range of approximately 4 to 24 inches. In addition, upper body exercise device extension embodiments may be manufactured from; round tubing having a diameter of at least ½ inch, more preferably a diameter of at least 1 inch; square tubing having a width of at least ½ inch, more preferably a width of at least 1 inch, and rectangular tubing having a width of at least ½ inch. more preferably a width of at least 1 inch.
In some embodiments, vertical sections may include joint 322 as further illustrated by call out 320. As illustrated, joint 322 is positioned along vertical section 308 to provide upper vertical section 324 and lower vertical section 326. Further, joint embodiments may include inner sleeve member 328 for slidingly engaging upper vertical section 324 with lower vertical section 326. Although an inner sleeve embodiment is illustrated, it may be appreciated that any method or manner of mechanical engagement may be utilized without departing from embodiments herein. Thus, for example, an outer sleeve or bracket may be utilized without limitation and without departing from embodiments provided herein. In addition, removable extension 330 may be positioned along the joints for extending the vertical section 308. In some embodiments, removable extension may have a length in a range of approximately 1 to 30 inches. Thus, it may be appreciated that vertical sections may be manufactured from a single tube or from multiple tubes having joints and extensions without limitation and without departing from embodiments provided herein. In this manner, a user may configure upper body exercise device extension embodiments to a vertical length appropriate to a particular size and position requirement.
Further illustrated in FIG. 3 is transverse support member 340 that may be mechanically coupled with a lower end of vertical section 308 of each of the pair of extension members 306(A) and 306(13). Transverse support member 340 may further include outer support section 342 extending outwardly from extension member 306(A). Outer support sections may be configured for resting on along a doorway. In order to protect doorway surfaces and/or to provide frictional contact with a doorway, outer support sections may include coverings such as a foam covering, a tape covering, a non-marring covering, and a polymeric covering without limitation and without departing from embodiments provided herein. Further illustrated is transverse exercise member 350 mechanically coupled with extension members 306(A) and 306(B) along horizontal section 310. Transverse exercise member 350 may include inward gripping portion 352 and outward gripping portion 354 relative to extension members 306(A) and 306(B), Gripping portions as disclosed herein are provided so that a user may reliably grasp and utilize upper body exercise device extensions. As such, a variety of gripping materials may be utilized such as a closed cell foam, an open cell foam, a tape, a friction tape, a rubberized sleeve, and a polymeric sleeve without limitation.
FIG. 4 is an illustrative side view representation of an upper body exercise device extension 400 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, embodiments presented are for use with horizontal chin-up bar 410 such those as described above. As illustrated horizontal chin-up bar 410 may include a horizontal support bar 414 having a radius and vertical centerline 412. In operation, horizontal support bar 414 may be positioned along doorway surface 430. Further illustrated is transverse support member 406 having vertical centerline 402. As may he seen vertical centerline 412 and vertical centerline 402 are offset by distance 404. In some embodiments, the offset difference may be equal to at least the radius of the horizontal support bar as illustrated, In other embodiments, the offset difference may be equal to at least one half radius of the horizontal support bar. In embodiments, an offset is provided so that when downward force 420 is applied to upper body exercise device extension embodiments, forward force 422 is generated such that the upper body exercise device extension is held firmly against a doorway. It may be appreciated that when an offset is not provided, then upper body exercise device extension may swing uncontrollably when downward force is applied resulting in an unstable exercise platform. In order to accommodate downward and forward forces, upper body exercise device extension embodiments are pivotally attached with horizontal chin-up bars as described above for FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is an illustrative representation of upper body exercise device extension 500 in doorway 510 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As noted above, an offset may be utilized to provide a stable exercise platform. In some embodiments, keeper member 502 may be utilized to further stabilize upper body exercise device extension embodiments. As illustrated, keeper member 502 may be utilized for mechanically and removably coupling upper body exercise de ice extension 500 with doorway 510. In embodiments, keeper members may be manufactured from a number of materials such as: a non-flexible material, a flexible material, a stretchable material, a non-stretchable material or any combination thereof. In an alternate view, FIG. 6 is an illustrative representation of upper body exercise device extension 600 in doorway 610 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, keeper member 602 may be utilized for mechanically and removably coupling upper body exercise device extension 600 with doorway 610. In some embodiments, keeper member 602 may include an attachment member 604 mechanically coupled with door jamb 612. Attachment member may include any number of configurations for attaching with door trim without limitation and without departing from embodiments provided herein. It may be appreciated that attachment members may be preferably selected such that no indication of attachment remains after removal of exercise devices provided herein although in some embodiments, a permanent attachment point may be desirable and utilized without limitation, In addition, attachment members may be preferably selected to mechanically couple with a variety of door trim shapes and sizes without limitation and without departing from embodiments provided herein.
FIG. 7 is an illustrative representation of upper body exercise device extension 700 in use in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 7 illustrates user 702 utilizing upper body exercise device extension 700 for dips. In the example illustrated user 702 grasps upper body exercise device extension 700 along gripping portion. 706 and then bends their knees to transfer their weight to the upper body exercise device extension. In downward position 710, user's elbows are at least partially bent to lower the user. In upward position 712, user's elbows are extended to raise the user. When a user desires to cease exercise, they may extend their knees and release gripping portion 706. In this manner, various and selected muscles groups may be effectively exercised. Likewise, FIG. 8 is an illustrative representation of an upper body exercise device extension 800 in use in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular. FIG. 8 illustrates user 802 utilizing upper body exercise device extension 800 for incline pull-ups. In the example illustrated, user 802 grasps upper body exercise device extension 800 along gripping portion 806. In downward position 810, user's elbows are extended to lower the user. In upward position 812, user's elbows are at least partially bent to raise the user. When a user desires to cease exercising, they may release gripping portion 806. In like manner, user 802 may grasp upper body exercise device extension 800 along gripping portion 808 and perform similar exercises. In this manner, various and selected muscles groups may be effectively exercised.
While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention, it should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, an method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Further, the Abstract is provided herein for convenience and should not be employed to construe or limit the overall invention, which is expressed in the claims. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including, all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An upper body exercise device extension comprising:

a transverse coupling member pivotally attached with a horizontal chin-up bar, wherein the horizontal chin-up bar includes a horizontal support bar, wherein the horizontal support bar includes a radius, and wherein the horizontal support bar includes a first vertical centerline;

a pair of extension members mechanically coupled with the transverse coupling member along each upper end of each of the pair of extension members, wherein each of the pair of extension members include a vertical section and an horizontal section relative to a doorway, and wherein the horizontal section includes a gripping portion;

a transverse support member mechanically coupled with a lower end of the vertical section of each of the pair of extension members, wherein the transverse support member includes a second vertical centerline, wherein the transverse support member includes outer support sections extending outwardly from the pair of extension members, and wherein the outer support sections are configured for resting on along a doorway such that the second vertical centerline is offset from the first vertical centerline along the doorway by a distance equal to at least the radius; and

a transverse exercise member mechanically coupled with the pair of extension members along the horizontal section, wherein the transverse exercise member includes an inward gripping portion and an outward gripping portion relative to the pair of extension members.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a keeper member for mechanically and removably coupling the device with the doorway.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the keeper member is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of: a non-flexible material, a flexible material, a stretchable material, and a non-stretchable material.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of extension members further comprises a joint positioned along the vertical section to provide an upper vertical section and a lower vertical section, and wherein the joint includes an inner sleeve member for slidingly engaging the upper vertical section with the lower vertical section.

5. The device of claim 4, further comprising:

a pair of removable extensions positioned along the joints for extending the vertical sections.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the outer support sections further comprise a covering selected from the group consisting of: a foam covering, a tape covering, a non-marring covering, and a polymeric covering.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein gripping portion, inward gripping portion, and outward gripping portion further include a gripping material selected from the group consisting of: a dosed cell foam, an open cell foam, a tape, a friction tape, a rubberized sleeve, and a polymeric sleeve.

8. A method for performing upper body exercise comprising:

providing an upper body exercise device extension, the upper body exercise device extension including,

a transverse coupling member pivotally attached with a horizontal chin-up bar, wherein the horizontal chin-up bar includes a horizontal support bar, wherein the horizontal support bar includes a radius, and wherein the horizontal support bar includes a first vertical centerline,

a pair of extension members mechanically coupled with the transverse coupling member along each upper end of each of the pair of extension members, wherein each of the pair of extension members include a vertical section and an horizontal section relative to a doorway, and wherein the horizontal section includes a gripping portion,

a transverse support member mechanically coupled with a lower end of the vertical section of each of the pair of extension members, wherein the transverse support member includes a second vertical centerline, wherein the transverse support member includes outer support sections extending outwardly from the pair of extension members, and wherein the outer support sections are configured for resting on along a doorway such that the second vertical centerline is offset from the first vertical centerline along the doorway by a distance equal to at least the radius, and

a transverse exercise member mechanically coupled with the pair of extension members along the horizontal section, wherein the transverse exercise member includes an inward gripping portion and an outward gripping portion relative to the pair of extension members;

grasping the gripping portion along the horizontal section;

bending a user's knees to transfer a user's weight to the upper body exercise device extension;

bending a user's elbows to lower a user; and

extending the user's elbows to raise the user.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

extending the user's knees to transfer the user's weight from the upper body exercise device extension; and

releasing the gripping portion.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

a keeper member for mechanically and removably coupling, the device with the doorway.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the keeper member is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of: a non-flexible material, a flexible material, a stretchable material, and a non-stretchable material.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein each of the pair of extension members further comprises a joint positioned. along the vertical section to provide an upper vertical section and a lower vertical section, and wherein the joint includes an inner sleeve member for slidingly engaging the upper vertical section with the lower vertical section,.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the outer support sections further comprise a covering selected from the group consisting of: a foam covering, a tape covering, a non-marring covering, and a polymeric covering.

15. The method of claim 8, wherein gripping portion, inward gripping portion, and outward gripping portion further include a gripping material selected from the group consisting of: a closed cell foam, an open cell foam, a tape, a friction tape, a rubberized sleeve, and a polymeric sleeve.

16. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

grasping the inward, gripping portion along the transverse exercise member;

extending the user's elbows to transfer a portion of the user's weight to the upper body exercise device extension and to lower the user; and

bending the user's elbows to raise the user.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

releasing, the inward gripping portion.

18. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

grasping the outward gripping portion along the transverse exercise member;

bending the user's elbows to raise the user.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising;

releasing the outward gripping portion.