US20070184948A1

US20070184948A1 - Exercising apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20070184948A1
Application number: US10/598,050
Authority: US
Inventors: Gilbert Miura
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-11-12
Filing date: 2004-11-09
Publication date: 2007-08-09
Also published as: EP1694415A1; WO2005046804A1; FR2861999B1; FR2861999A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an exercising apparatus including a frame of elements, which are fit together and articulated, forming a seat whose general shape resembles that of a pyramid. The pyramidal exercising apparatus has a seat of trapezes that are interconnected by transversal bars, a rectangular frame for accommodating handles, supporting tubes for holding cast iron plates, and a pull bar. The seat is mounted on two trapezes without a large base, being joined at the rear legs by a cross-member, the sides of the seat being articulated. In addition, these trapezes are provided with telescopic legs that enable the height of the assembly to be adjusted.

Description

RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an exercising apparatus equipped with a frame of articulated elements that fit into each other, and which is mounted, assembled on a base the general shape of which resembles a pyramid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The frames currently found on the market are generally designed for an application that is targeted for only one group of muscles. Current so-called multi-functional equipment fails to cover all the operating possibilities offered by this invention. For the users, accumulating a large number of machines and apparatuses is highly inconvenient. First of all this kind of equipment is very costly, heavy and therefore difficult to move. It is bulky and requires considerable space. Assembly and disassembly are time-consuming, tedious and require some tools. Furthermore, one must realize that the mobilization of weights by the legs and a bar resting on trapezes endangers the musculoskeletal integrity and in particular with respect to the vertebral column, creates axial pressure on the rachis, not to mention the risk of injury and various trauma caused by the repetition of movements performed under bad conditions, such as uncorrected position of the body, and poor vertebral statics. The user indulges in too much specialization and creates an imbalance in the muscular organization of the entire body, due to the lack of exercising the muscular opposites and especially because of the absence of stretching and elongation.
The present invention provides a multitude of possibilities, combining in itself a large number of light apparatus and heavy equipment for muscular training.
The present invention offers to remedy these inconveniences with a small overall space requirement, because of a quick folding and unfolding system, requiring no disassembly or tools, and avoid a heavy weight on account of the small amount of material used in its construction and owing to the use of lightweight materials such as aluminum.
Furthermore, the presence of a height adjusting system allows this invention to adapt itself to the height and ‘build’ (or shape) of the individual user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This exercising apparatus of pyramid shape has a basis that is formed by trapezes that are interconnected by crossbars: a round tube 18 in lower position and a pull bar 14 in upper position. This layout allows free space for certain fitness movements and postures. The basis of this apparatus is formed by a rectangular frame 2, to the sides of which are attached four legs. The two rear legs are linked by a cross-member 18 on which hooks 19 are provided for rubber bands and accessories. Each rear and front leg consists of an upper leg 11 which slips into a lower leg 16. These telescopic legs allow a height adjustment of the assembly. Therefore this set of telescopic legs allows a proper fit depending on the shape and height of the user, or on the requirements for certain fitness movements and postures.
The telescopic legs can be locked in position using either pins or any other fastening system.
The rectangular frame holds the hand grips for carrying out certain movements as well as the support tubes 1 holding the cast-iron disks 8. These grips and support tubes are also located on the telescopic legs.
This exercising apparatus consists of telescopic legs with an axis of rotation which enables them to be articulated at the basis in different positions and to lock themselves with the basis sides. These legs also have an axis for positioning which allows them to unfold in the working position and to fold up in the basis. Folding and unfolding are quick operations without any disassembly or need for tools.
This apparatus has a seat 1 which may be padded. Under this seat is located a storage box 28 for accessories 20, 21, 22, 23, the bottom of which serves as a support plate for the legs 25. The seat remains fitted in the structure by fasting systems of the clips 26 and shims 27 type.
The storage box can hold various accessories such as small individual grips, rubber bands, small straps for the ankles and large straps for attaching the lower extremities 20. At the end of the variable strength rubber bands 21 are located either individual grips 22, or small ankle straps 23, or other devices needed for fitness exercises.
The user then chooses the placement of the rubber bands on the apparatus in relation to himself and to the exercise, so as to allow him a very wide range of movements. The two individual grips allow for better gripping of the rubber bands when the user mobilizes his upper body, with his arms and hands. The ankle straps are adaptable to all types of ankles. The lower extremity straps have two different formats:

- one format which fits around the legs for adjusting at the quick and self-blocking strap buckle. For increased comfort at the legs a small pillow has been integrated along the strap; and
- a second, larger, format ensures the relation between the smaller strap described above and the apparatus. Its length is adjustable depending on the build and height of the user.

Therefore, the geometry of this apparatus and the way it is set up and equipped with accessories provide all kinds of users with numerous workout possibilities, offering great ease while maintaining great stability on the ground. The frame of the apparatus serves as a motion guide and allows the user to work out under good conditions, and to correctly locate the group of muscles the exercise is intended for.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages will become evident from the description below, of a form of execution of the present invention given as a non-limiting illustrative example and with respect to the attached drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the exercising apparatus with the box closed.
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the exercising apparatus with the box open.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the exercising apparatus together with its accessories.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A seat 1 is fitted into a rectangular frame 2 with clips 26 and shims 27. On this frame there are hand grips 6, consisting of cross struts 3, wrapped with foam 4. The sides 5 of the frame are also equipped with gripping tubes which one also finds at the foot lever. The frame is equipped with support tubes 7 for cast-iron disks 8, blocked by disk clamps 9, these support tubes are located at the foot level.
With positioning lock pins 12 it is possible to stabilize the structure, by inserting them into the orifices 13. This apparatus has telescopic legs composed of two parts: an upper leg 11 and a lower leg 16. The upper legs can articulate around fixed axes 10. Height adjustment is done by means of positioning lock pins 12 which one inserts into the orifices 13 located on the legs, whereby the system is also stabilized. A pull bar 14 located at the back of the apparatus and above the frame, serves to connect the two upper legs. Leg caps are inserted into the ends of each leg. A round tube 18 creates the linkage between the two rear legs in order to not only improve the stability of the system but also to affix accessories with the help of fasteners.
On FIG. 3, accessories 24 of all kinds can be stored in the storage box.
The apparatus as per the invention meets well the objectives.
Of course, one needs to consider as falling within the framework of the present invention any modifications or substitutions that the experts are likely to make on the described device and which, without changing its original arrangements, would represent nothing but mere equivalents.

Claims

1. Exercising apparatus of pyramid shape with a basis formed of trapezes that are interconnected by cross bars, of a rectangular frame (2) holding hand grips (6), support tubes (7) of cast-iron disks (8), a pull bar (14), characterized by the fact that said basis is mounted on two trapezes without large base, interconnected at the rear feet by a crossbar (18) equipped with fasteners and accessories and the sides of which are articulated, and by the fact that said trapezes are provided with telescopic feet to allow a height adjustment of the assembly.

2. Exercising apparatus as per claim 1 characterized by the fact that the feet have an axis of rotation which allows them to articulate at the level of said basis into different positions and to lock themselves together with the sides of the basis.

3. Exercising apparatus as per claim 1 characterized by the fact that the feet have an axis of positioning which allows them to unfold into the operating position and to fold back into the basis.

4. Exercising apparatus as per claim 1 characterized by the fact that it contains a seat (1) which forms the cover of a storage box (28).

5. Exercising apparatus as per claims 1 and 2 characterized by the fact that the feet are provided with hand grips and support tubes.

6. Exercising apparatus as per claim 1 and 4 characterized by the fact that it includes accessories (24) such as rubber bands of variable strength (21), large fastening straps for the lower extremities (20), individual handles (22) and small ankle straps (23).