US20220370846A1

US20220370846A1 - Multi-gym apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20220370846A1
Application number: US17/771,650
Authority: US
Inventors: Fraser Neill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-10-23
Filing date: 2020-10-23
Publication date: 2022-11-24
Also published as: GB201915383D0; GB202016842D0; GB2592096B; GB2592096A; WO2021079143A1

Abstract

A multi-gym apparatus comprises a frame, the frame having an upright structure and a bar assembly mounted movably on the upright structure between selected positions on the upright members. The bar assembly includes an elongate bar and a bracket attached to the elongate bar, the bracket being shaped and dimensioned to abut against at least one side of the upright structure. The bracket receives a locking means which is movable between a first position in which the locking means is engaged with upright structure thereby locking the bar in a selected position relative to the upright structure and a second position in which the locking means is clear of the upright structure thereby providing for movement of the bar relative to the upright structure. The elongate bar includes two outer bar members, one to each side of the bracket extending at an angle that projects forward of the bracket and upright structure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to multi-gym equipment and in particular to a multi-gym that provides users with the opportunity to use various types of gym equipment and to perform a variety of exercises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Multi-gyms are well known. Typically, a multi gym comprises a frame upon which sets of weights and a seat are attached. Various means are provided to enable a user to lift the weights. Such means may comprise a bar that is gripped with the hands and pulled or pushed, padded elements that may be engaged by a user's arms and bars that are engaged by the feet or parts of the leg.
Connection of bars and other elements that are engaged by the user may be attached to weights by cables and pulleys and/or levers.
This type of multi-gym equipment is heavy and expensive and can present safety risks to users and bystanders. For example, if the user cannot control the lowering of weights back to the rest position a user or bystander may be injured. These factors contain where multi-gyms may be used.
Another type of gym equipment that is also known as a multi-gym comprises a bench and supports for various free weights. Such multi-gyms provide for only a limited range of exercises for users.
Other types of gym apparatus have been developed which do not include the weight sets normally associated with multi-gym apparatus.
AU2016208356 describes an apparatus which is attachable to either a wall or the trailer hitch of a car. The apparatus includes bars which may be used for various exercises. The apparatus also includes pulleys and a cable, and associated weights to allow a user to perform resistance exercises.
US10232213 describes a free standing frame provided with a number of anchor points to which resistance bands may be attached.
US10183190 describes a portable exercise station that includes anchor points, around which resistance bands may be looped.
Another type of free standing exercise apparatus is described in WO2014/041371. This device provides a suspended ball.
The problem associated with the multi-gyms known in the art is that they do not provide for users to perform a wide variety of exercises.
It would be desirable to provide an improved multi-gym.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a multi-gym apparatus comprising a frame, the frame having an upright structure and a bar assembly mounted movably on the upright structure between selected positions on the upright members, the bar assembly including an elongate bar and a bracket attached to the elongate bar, wherein the bracket is shaped and dimensioned to abut against at least one side of the upright structure, the bracket receiving a locking means which is movable between a first position in which the locking means is engaged with upright structure thereby locking the bar in a selected position relative to the upright structure and a second position in which the locking means is clear of the upright structure thereby providing for movement of the bar relative to the upright structure and wherein the elongate bar includes two outer bar members, one to each side of the bracket extending at an angle that projects forward of the bracket and upright structure.
The angle that the outer members project forwards at may be in the range of 15 to 45 degrees to a vertical plane extending through the upright structure. The angle that the outer members project forwards at may be in the range of 30 to 45 degrees to a vertical plane extending through the upright structure. The angle that the outer members project forwards at may be in the range of 40 to 45 degrees to a vertical plane extending through the upright structure. The angle that the outer members project forwards at may be in the range of 5 to 90 degrees to a vertical plane extending through the upright structure. The angle that the outer members project forwards at may be in the range of 45 to 60 degrees to a vertical plane extending through the upright structure. The angle that the outer members project forwards at may be in the range of 45 to 50 degrees to a vertical plane extending through the upright structure. The angle that the outer members project forwards at may be 45 degrees to a vertical plane extending through the upright structure
The elongate bar may include a central member and wherein one of the outer bar members extends from one end of the central member and the other outer bar member extends from the other end of the central bar member.
The multi-gym apparatus may further comprise at least one bracket attached to the elongate bar.
Preferably, the at least one bracket includes a U-shaped bracket.
Advantageously, the multi-gym apparatus further comprises a hook extending between the elongate bar and the bracket of the bar assembly.
The elongate bar may have at least one vertically oriented pin extending therefrom.
At least one of the outer bar members may be hollow and is configured to receive a component therein, the elongate bar adapted to receive a removable securing pin.
The elongate bar may include a socket and the securing pin is removably mounted in the socket. A biasing means may be provided between the pin and the socket arranged to bias the pin into a locked condition. The biasing means may be a compression spring situated between an element attached to the pin and an element attached to the socket.
The bracket of the bar assembly may comprise two spaced apart side plates joined together by a front plate.
The elongate bar may be attached to the front plate.
Advantageously, the locking means is received in a socket which is attached to one of the side plates, the side plate including a through passageway aligned with the socket.
The upright structure may include a plurality of spaced apart holes configured to receive the locking means in its first position. Advantageously, the locking means is pin. The pin may be moveable between first and second positions, in the first position the pin extends into one of the holes and in the second position the pin is retraced from the hole. Advantageously, the pin is biased into the first position by a biasing means, such as a spring, for example a compression spring. More advantageously, the pin is of a smaller dimension than the hole in which it engages. More advantageously, the dimension of the pin is sufficiently smaller than the hole that under the bias of the biasing means, the pin will reliably engage with the hole as the pin moves past the hole. For example, with a hole having a diameter of approximately 15 mm the pin may have a diameter of approximately 10 mm. This provides the advantage that in use, as the bracket is moved up or down the upright member, when the pin of the locking means becomes aligned with a hole in the upright member, the pin will snap into the hole under the force exerted on the pin by the biasing means.
The multi-gym apparatus may further comprise a secondary locking means, the secondary locking means movable between a first position in which the secondary locking means is engaged with the upright structure and a second position in which the secondary locking means is clear of the upright structure.
The secondary locking means may comprise a threaded member and at least one of the bracket and the upright structure may include a threaded hole for receiving the threaded member in threaded engagement therewith the threaded member having a free end and a hand or tool operable end. The hand or tool operated end may comprise a handle, a bolt head or a recessed head having a shape configured to receive a tool.
The threaded hole may be part of the bracket and the free end of the threaded member may engage with a surface of the upright structure.
Preferably, the upright structure comprises two spaced apart upright members connected together.
Advantageously, the two spaced apart upright members are connected together at their upper and lower ends.
The multi-gym apparatus may further comprise at least two spaced apart attachment brackets connected to the upright structure and situated to the rear thereof.
The multi-gym apparatus may further comprise a base plate attached to a lower end of the upright structure.
The base plate may include at least one hole for receiving a fastener.
Advantageously, the multi-gym apparatus further comprises a secondary locking means, the secondary locking means movable between a first position in which the secondary locking means is engaged with the upright structured a second position in which the secondary locking means is dear of the upright structure.
The secondary locking means may comprise a threaded member and wherein at least one of the bracket and the upright structure includes a threaded hole for receiving the threaded member in threaded engagement therewith the threaded member has a free end and a hander tool operable end.
Preferably, the threaded hole is part of the bracket and the free end of the threaded member engages with a surface of the upright structure. This provides for any slack between the bracket and the upright structure to be taken up so that the bar assembly feels secure. The free end of the threaded member may engage with an outer surface of the upright structure, or the free end of the threaded member may pass through a hole in one side of the upright structure and engage with an inner surface of the upright structure. The threaded hole may be provided in a wall of the bracket or in a component, such as a boss or a nut, attached to a wall of the bracket.
Advantageously, the multi-gym apparatus is free-standing and further comprises a lower support frame, the upright structure attached to the lower support frame, the lower support frame extending to the front, rear and sides of the upright structure.
The free-standing multi-gym apparatus may comprise two upright structures each mounting the bar assembly, the two upright structures connected to each other in a back to back orientation.
The two upright structures may be spaced apart from one another.
The elongate bar may have attached to the pins situated on the central bar member one of: a set of parallel bars; a pull up/push up frame; an air resistance machine; and a pad set.
The bracket of the elongate bar may have mounted thereon one of: a resistance band; a handle; a punch bag; and a rope of a floor to ceiling ball.
The multi-gym apparatus may further comprise a hanger slidably mounted in the hollow outer bar member.
The multi-gym may comprise a bracket for shaped and dimensioned to receive an electronic device having a display and preferably at least one speaker, such as a smart phone. The bracket may be attached to the front of the elongate bar. The bracket not only provides a convenient place to store such a device when a user is using the multi-gym apparatus, but also provides for the user to be given instruction via a video played on the device.
The multi-gym apparatus may further comprise a speed ball or a punch bar attached to the hanger. The hanger may mount a weight set support.
The multi-gym may further comprise a weight set.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the Drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and which are by way of example:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a gym apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the gym apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 from a side orientation;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a gym apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the gym apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3 from a rear orientation;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a gym apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of the gym apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a part of the gym apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7 mounting different exercise devices;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7 mounting an exercise band;

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7 mounting a set of pads;

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7 mounting two punch bags;

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a parallel bar attachment;

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a bar attachment;

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a floor to ceiling ball attachment; and

FIG. 15a is a schematic representation of a speed ball attachment;

FIG. 15b is a plan view of the speed ball attachment illustrated in FIG. 15 a;

FIG. 15c is a side view of the speed ball attachment illustrated in FIG. 15 a;

FIG. 16 is a is a cross-sectional representation of a fastener of the apparatus;

FIG. 17a is a side view of a bracket of the apparatus;

FIG. 17b is a plan view of the bracket illustrated in FIG. 17 a;

FIG. 18 is a locking pin of the apparatus of the invention

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of an upper part of a gym apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of a lower part of the gym apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration of the gym apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the invention with an attachment component mounted thereon;

FIG. 22 is a schematic side view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 21 with a post aligned for attachment to the bracket; and

FIG. 23 is a schematic side view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 23 with the post attached to the bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7 will be described first. A multi-gym apparatus 1 comprises two spaced apart upright members 2, 3. One of the members 2, 3 (in the illustrated example the rear member 3) includes a plurality of holes 3 a for receiving a fastener that secures another part of the apparatus 1 in a desired position with respect to the spaced apart upright members 2, 3.
The upright members 2, 3 are joined together at their lower and upper ends. At the lower end a bracket 4 is provided. The bracket 4 comprises a base plate 4 a which includes holes 4 b. The bracket 4 further comprises side plates 4 d and oblique stiffening plates 4 e. The side plates 4 d are attached to and extend from the base plate 4 a. Each oblique stiffening plate 4 e is attached to and extends between an edge of the side plate 4 d and the base plate 4 a. In the illustrated example the lower ends of the upright members 2, 3 are attached to the bracket 4 by welding of the base plate and the side plates to the upright members 2, 3. Other methods of fastening the upright members 2, 3 to the bracket 4 may be used. For example, the upright members may be welded to the base plate 4 a or to the side plates 4 d, rather than to both. Another possibility is that the bracket 4 is bolted to the upright members 2, 3, bolts being passed through respective holes in the side plates 4 d and upright members 2, 3 for example. A bracket 4 c is attached to the rear of the upright member 3. The bracket 4 c extends to each side of the upright member 3 and has holes therein through which screws, bolts or other fasteners may pass to attach the bracket 4 c to another structure, such as a wall for example.
The upper ends of the upright members are provided with a bracket 5. The bracket 5 comprises side plates 5 c and a top plate 5 d. The top plate 5 d and/or the side plates 5 c are attached to the upright members 2, 3 for example by welding or bolting. A further bracket 5 a is attached to the rear of the upright member 3 immediately below the lower edge of the side plates 5 c. The bracket 5 a extends to each side of the upright member 3 and includes holes 5 b therein through which screws, bolts or other fasteners may pass.
A third bracket 6 is attached to the rear of upright member 3. As with brackets 4 c and 5 a the bracket 6 extends to each side of the upright member and includes holes 6 a therein through which screws, bolts or other fasteners may pass.
The brackets 4 c, 5 a and 6 provide for the multi-gym apparatus to be attached to a wall or other structure. Similarly, the bracket 4 and in particular the base plate 4 a thereof provides for attachment of the multi-gym to a floor.
A bar 10 is mounted on the upright members 2, 3. The bar 10 comprises a central bar member 10 a and outer bar members 10 b at each end of the central bar member 10 a. The outer bar members 10 b are set at an angle forwards of the longitudinal axis of the central bar member 10 a. The central and outer bar members may be formed from a single component, for example a piece of box section metal pressed into the shape illustrated. Alternatively, the bar 10 may be fabricated from separate central and outer bar members fastened together, for example by welding or bolting.
The bar 10 provides a number of attachment elements which provide for various gym apparatus to be attached to the bar 10. The outer bar members 10 b each have a U-shaped bracket 10 c attached thereto. The U-shaped brackets 10 c may be used for work with resistance bands for example.
The outer bar members 10 b are also provided with removable pins 10 e and sockets 10 d for receiving said pins 10 e. The pins 10 e allow various gym equipment to be hung on the bar 10. The pins 10 e may have an external screw thread which engages with a corresponding internal screw thread in socket 10 d. FIG. 16 illustrates sprung pin 10 e. The outer bar member 10 b is hollow, providing an opening 10 h for receiving other components. The socket 10 d is attached to an outer wall of the outer bar member 10 b and aligned with a hole 10 b′. The pin 10 e includes a downwardly depending shank 10 e′ to which is attached a plate 10 e″ extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pin 10 e. A similar plate 10 d′ extends towards the shank 10 e′ from the upper end of the socket 10 d. A spring 10 i is situated between the two plates 10 e″ and 10 d′. The effect of the spring 10 d is to bias the shank 10 e′ of the pin 10 e such that the shank 10 e′ extends through the hole 10 b′. When the pin 10 e is lifted vertically, in the direction of arrow X, the spring 10 i is compressed between the plates 10 d′ and 10 e″ providing for the shank 10 e′ to clear the hole 10 b′.
Alternatively, a securing pin that engages with the socket 10 d and the pin 10 e may be provided. The outer bar members 10 b may be hollow and the removable pins 10 e may be configured to engage with an object introduced into the hollow outer member bar 10 b.
The central bar member 10 a is also provided with a U-shaped bracket 10 c. In this case, rather than extending from the vertical surface of the bar 10, the U-shaped bracket 10 c extends from the upper horizontal surface of the central bar member 10 a. A further curved bracket 10 f extends from the lower horizontal surface of the central bar member 10 a to a front surface of a support bracket (described in greater detail below).
The bracket by which the bar 10 is mounted on the upright members 2, 3 comprises side plates 11 a which sit outside and adjacent to the upright members 2, 3 and a front plate 11 b which connects the side plates 11 a. The central bar member 10 a is attached to the front surface of the front plate 11 b. Stiffening plates 11 c extend from the upper and lower horizontal surfaces of the central bar member 10 a to the intersection of the side plate 11 a with the front plate 11 b. Typically, the stiffening plates 11 c are attached to the central bar member 10 a and the side and front plates 11 a, 11 b by welding. The side and front plates together form a bracket that is U-shaped in cross-section. The bracket may be formed of a U-shaped channel, pressed from a single piece of metal or by welding together individual plates 11 a, 11 b.
At least one of the side plates 11 b is provided with a socket 11 d for receiving a pin 11 e. The socket 11 d includes a hole through the plate 11 a. The pin 11 e passes through the socket 11 d and when aligned with one of the holes 3 a in the rear upright member 3 engages therewith to fasten the bar 10 in a desired position relative to the upright members 2, 3. The pin 11 e and socket 11 d may be of the same arrangement as shown in FIG. 16 and function in the manner described in relation to that figure. FIGS. 17a, 17b and 18 illustrate a safety lock to prevent the bar 10 from falling in the event that pin 11 e is released without the bar 10 being supported. The plate 11 a includes an opening aligned with the socket lid which allows the passage of pin 11 e therethrough and to engage with one of the holes 3 a in the upright member 3. The pin 11 e may have a diameter of approximately 10 mm and the hole 3 a may have a diameter of approximately 15 mm. This provides for the pin 11 e to locate easily in the hole 3 a as described above. The plates 11 a and 11 b both include aligned holes 11 f. The centre axes of the hole 11 f and socket 11 d are aligned vertically and are spaced apart by the same distance as holes 3 a. Hence, when the socket 11 d is aligned with one of the holes 3 a the holes 11 f in plates 11 a and 11 b are aligned with the hole 3 a below the hole 3 a with which socket 11 d is aligned. The pin 11 g may be inserted through the holes 11 f and 3 a to provide a safety lock for the bar 10.
The pin 11 g has a head 11 k at one end and at the other a chamfered end 11 h which is inserted into the hole 11 f. In order to prevent inadvertent removal of the pin 11 g from the holes 11 f, 3 a. A hole 11 i extends through the pin 11 g perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pin 11 g. A deformable member 11 j, rubber for example is situated in the hole 11 i. The member 11 j is wider than the diameter of the holes 11 f, yet is sufficiently deformable to allow the member 11 j and hence pin 11 g to pass through the holes 11 f and hole 3 a.
FIG. 7 illustrates pins 10 g attached to the bar 10. Each pin 10 g includes a hole for receiving a pin 10 g for securing components attached to the bar 10 by means of pins 10 g. The pins 10 g may be of a similar configuration to the pin illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 18.
FIG. 8 illustrates different pieces of gym equipment mounted on the bar 10 of the multi-gym apparatus 1. Handles are mounted on the brackets 10 c of outer bar members 10 b. An air resistance is attached to the bar 10 by means of pins 10 g.
FIG. 9 illustrates an exercise band 19 comprising a clip 19 b for attachment to one of the U-shaped brackets 10 c, a stretchable element 19 a, a clip 19 c and handle 19 d. A similar exercise band 19 may be attached to the bracket 10 c situated at the other end of the bar 10. Exercise bands 19 having different lengths or different spring constants may be used. Clips 19 b and/or 19 c allow for the exercise band 19 to be removed from the U-shaped bracket 10 c/handle 19 d.
FIG. 10 illustrates a pad set 25 mounted on the bar 10 of the apparatus 1.
FIG. 11 illustrates the apparatus 1 having a punch bag arranged on the U-shaped brackets 10 c of the outer bar members 10 b of the bar 10. Each punch bag 30 is attached to one of the brackets 10 c by a chain 31. The forward projecting orientation of the outer bar members 10 c provide for clearance of the bunch bags 30 from the wall to which the apparatus 1 is attached and hence provide for the punch bags 30 to be used effectively.
The multi-gym apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 5 to 11, the difference being that the apparatus 100 is free standing rather than for attachment to a wall. Like numerals are used to indicate like parts. The apparatus 100 comprises a lower frame 101. The lower frame 101 includes a central frame member 101 a, outer frame members 101 b and a rear frame member 101 c. These members together provide a stable base for the apparatus 100. In order to provide for rigidity of apparatus brace members 101 e are fixed to the central frame member 101 a and an upper part of the rear upright member 3. The brace members 101 e are attached to at their lower ends to blocks 101 d. A block assembly comprising a central block 102 and outer blocks 103 is attached to the rear upright member 3. The central block 102 is attached to the rear up-right member 3 and the outer blocks are attached to the central block 102. The brace member 101 e that is attached to the rear frame member 101 c is attached at its other end to the underside of the central block 102. The brace members 101 e that are attached to the blocks 101 d associated with the central frame member 101 a are attached to the blocks 102. Attachment of the components is typically by welding. However, without departing from the invention, other attachment methods could be used. For example, pins or bolts could be inserted through holes to provide a stable apparatus 100.
Pins 104 are provided at the ends of outer frame members 101 b and rear frame member 101 c. These frame members may be used to attach gym equipment to, or alternatively or additionally may be used to fasten the lower frame 101 to a floor.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate another free standing multi-gym apparatus 200. The multi-gym apparatus 200 comprises essentially two sets of apparatus 1 as shown in Figures 5 to 11 in a free-standing form. As with FIG. 4, like numerals are used to indicate like parts. The apparatus 200 comprises two sets of upright members 2, 3, each set supported on a lower frame 101. The lower frame 101 comprises a central frame member 101 a and outer frame members 101 b. The rear upright members 3 are joined to each other by cross-members 201 (four in the illustrated example). The resulting apparatus 200 may be free-standing or may be fastened to a floor by pins 104. If greater stability of the multi-gym apparatus 200 is required without fastening the apparatus to a floor, weights can be mounted on the lower frame members 101. For example, one or more weights could be stacked on the outer frame member 101 b about the pin 104. One of the advantages of the apparatus 200 is the number of individuals that may exercise using the apparatus at one time. For example, the apparatus may have four punch bags attached to it. At the same time, another user may be working a set of battle ropes attached to the central bracket 10 f′. A bracket 10 j is attached to the front of the bar 10, to the central bar member 10 a. The bracket 10 j is shaped and dimensioned to receive an electronic device having a display screen and preferably at least one speaker, such as a smart phone. The bracket 10 j not only provides a convenient place to store such a device when a user is using the multi-gym apparatus, but also provides for the user to be given instruction via a video played on the device.
FIG. 12 illustrates a parallel bar attachment 300 comprising spaced apart bars 301 supported on a base plate 302 by height adjustable upright members which comprise a lower part 303 a and an upper part 303 b mounted slidably in the lower part 303 a. A pin 303 c locks the upper part 303 b in the lower part 303 a at a selected height. The lower part 303 a is attached to the base plate 302 and a brace member 302 a which extends from the base plate 302 to the lower part 303 a. Each bar 301 has a socket 301 a at one end, the upper part 303 b fitting into the socket 301 a. The end of each bar 301 distal from the base plate and upright members includes a hole 301 b which sits over the pins 10 g as shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 13 illustrates a pull up bar, push up bar attachment 400 which attaches to the bar 10 in the same way as the parallel bars 300, that is by means of pins 10 g. The attachment 400 comprises side frame elements 400 a, a cross member 400 c which supports a back rest 400 d, and lower frame elements 400 b. A multi-grip bar 401 extends across and is attached to the two side frame elements 400 a. The multi-grip bar 401 is provided hand grip dements 406. The multi-grip bar is gripped by a user in different ways to perform different exercises. The ends of the side frame elements 400 a are provided with hand grips 404. The lower side frame elements 400 b are provided with both vertically and horizontally oriented handles 402 and 403 and an arm rest 400 f.
FIG. 14 illustrates a floor to ceiling ball apparatus 500 which comprises a ball 501 having brackets 502 at each end thereof and a rope 503 attached to each bracket. The apparatus 500 is attached to the bar 10, for example to one of the U-shaped brackets 10 c by attaching the upper rope 503 thereto. The lower rope 503 may be attached to a floor mounted weight (not shown) or another bracket situated vertically below the ball 501.
FIGS. 15a to 15c illustrate a speed ball attachment 600 which comprises a ball 601 having a loop 602 at one end which is attached to a bracket 604. The bracket 604 is attached to a circular board 603. The circular board 603 has a bar 605 attached to it by means of plate 605 a, the bar 605 being shaped and dimensioned to fit into the hollow body of outer bar member 10 b.
The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 19 to 23 is very similar to that illustrated in FIG. 5 to 7. The apparatus 1′ comprises a single upright member 3′, which is provided with a plurality of holes 3 a′ for receiving a fastener that secures another part of the apparatus 1 in a desired position with respect to the upright member 3′.
The lower end of the upright member 3′ is provided with a lower end bracket 4′. The bracket 4′ compromises a base plate 4 a′ which includes holes 4 b′, for attachment of the bracket to a floor for example, and stiffening plates 4 e′ arranged obliquely between the base plate 4 b′ an the upright member 3′. To the rear of the upright member 3′ and above the base plate 4 a′ is a bracket 4 c′, which extends to each side of the upright member 3′and has holes therein through which screws, bolts or other fasteners may pass to attach the bracket 4 c′ to another structure, such as a wall for example.
The upper part of the upright member 3′ has a bracket 5′ attached thereto. The bracket 5′ comprises a part 5 c′ which receives the upright member 3′. Fasteners 5 d′ pass through aligned holes in the wall of the part 5 c′ and the upright member 3′. The part 5 c′ has a plate 5 a′ attached thereto, the plate 5 a′ extending to each side of the part 5 c′ and including holes 5 b′ for receiving fasteners, such as screws or bolts to fasten the bracket 5′ and hence the upright member 3′ of the apparatus 1′ to a structure such as a wall.
The bar 10′ is substantially similar to the bar 10 illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7. For the sake of clarity the differences between the bar 10′ and the bar 10 of FIGS. 5-7 will be described in detail. Those parts not described in relation to FIG. 19 are the same as those described with reference to bar 10 of FIGS. 5 to 7. Four brackets 10 c′, each substantially U-shaped, are provided on the bar 10′, one on each of the outer bar members 106′. Two further substantially U-shaped brackets ate provided on the central bar member 10 a′, one to each side of the bracket which mounts the bar 10′ to the upright member 3′.
The bar 10′ is mounted on the upright member 3′ by means of a bracket 11′, which comprises a box section member 11 a′ mounted slidably on the upright member 3′. Stiffening plates 11 c′ extend from the corners of the surface of the box section member 11 a′ to the upper and lower surfaces of the central bar member 10 a′. The bracket 11′ includes the same type of socket 11 d′ and fastener 11 e′ as described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 (where the components are labelled 11 d, 11 e), although these components are not visible in FIGS. 19 and 20, said components being hidden from view by the bar 10. The components 11 d′, 11 e′ can be seen in FIG. 21. The box section member 11 a′ could be formed other than by using a piece of box-section. For example, a bracket could be formed by a front plate having spaced apart U-shaped components attached to the outer edges of such a front plate thereby forming a bracket which surrounds the upright member 3′.
A secondary fastener 11 m is provided on the other side of the box-section member 11′. The secondary faster 11 m comprises a threaded bolt having a handle at one end thereof. The side wall of the box-section member 11′ is provided with a threaded hole 11 n for receiving the bolt. The secondary fasteners 11 m may serve a number of purposes. First, a safety mechanism is provided so that the bar does not fall if the release pin 11 e′ is pulled unintentionally. The bar 10′ can only slide relative to the upright member 3′ when both the pin 11 e′ and the fastener 11 m are released. Second, the fastener 11 m, box section member 11′ and the upright member 3′ can be configured to hold the bar 10′ fast with respect to the upright member 3′. In order for the bar 10′ to be able to slide relative to the upright member 3′ it is necessary that a degree of play exists between the inner walls of the box section member 11′ and the upright member 3′. Whereas the socket 11 d′ and fastener 11 e′ secure the bar 10 relative the upright member 3′ against movement in the vertical direction, the secondary fastener 11 m takes up the play therebetween, thereby eliminating any wobbling of the bar 10 relative to the upright member 3′. The free end of secondary fastener 11 m may engage with a wall of the upright member, or the threads of the secondary fastener may engage with threads provided in holes in the upright member. For example, the holes 3 a may be threaded internally and the secondary fastener may be sized such that the threads thereof engage with the internal threads of the holes 3 a. For example, the holes 3 a and the secondary fastener may both be M16 (16 mm). As discussed above, a hole having a diameter of approximately 15 mm can receive reliably a pin having a diameter of approximately 10 mm. If the hole were 16 mm the pin would still be received reliably.
The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 23 features some additional components when compared with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20. The central bar member is provided with vertically extending posts 10 k. The posts 10 k provide for the attachment of devices such as the pull-up bar, push-up bar attachment 400 illustrated in FIG. 13. The cross-member 400 c has a post 405 extending vertically therefrom and aligned vertically with the upright member 3′. A bracket 3 b is mounted on the upright member 3′ to slide relative thereto. The bracket 3 b comprises a socket configured to receive the post 405 of the attachment 400. FIG. 22 illustrates the bracket 3 b aligned with the post 405. In FIG. 23 the position of the bracket 3 b has been moved so that the post 405 is received within the socket 3 c.
The bracket 3 b transfers force from the attachment 400 to the upright member, thereby distributing the force exerted on the upright member across the bracket 3 b and the bracket 11′ which mounts the bar 10 on the upright member 3′.
The apparatus of the invention is light weight and may be used in many different situations. The apparatus also allows many different types of exercise apparatus to be used and by multiple users.

Claims

1. A multi-gym apparatus comprising a frame, the frame having an upright structure and a bar assembly mounted movably on the upright structure between selected positions on the upright members, the bar assembly including an elongate bar and a bracket attached to the elongate bar, wherein the bracket is shaped and dimensioned to abut against at least one side of the upright structure, the bracket receiving a primary locking means which is movable between a first position in which the primary locking means is engaged with upright structure thereby locking the bar in a selected position relative to the upright structure and a second position in which the primary locking means is clear of the upright structure thereby providing for movement of the bar relative to the upright structure and wherein the elongate bar includes two outer bar members, one to each side of the bracket extending at an angle that projects forward of the bracket and upright structure.

2. A multi-gym apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the elongate bar includes a central member and wherein one of the outer bar members extends from one end of the central member and the other outer bar member extends from the other end of the central bar member.

3. A multi-gym apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one bracket attached to the elongate bar.

4. A multi-gym according to claim 3, wherein the at least one bracket includes a U-shaped bracket.

5. A multi-gym apparatus according to any preceding claim claim 1, further comprising a hook extending between the elongate bar and the bracket of the bar assembly.

6. A multi-gym apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the elongate bar has at least one vertically oriented pin or post extending therefrom or vertically oriented hole therein.

7. A multi-gym apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the outer bar members is hollow and is configured to receive a component therein, the elongate bar adapted to receive a removable securing pin.

8. A multi-gym apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the elongate bar includes a socket and the securing pin is removably mounted in the socket.

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. A multi-gym apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the primary locking means is received in a socket which is attached to one of the side plates, the side plate including a through passageway aligned with the socket.

12. A multi-gym apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a secondary locking means, the secondary locking means movable between a first position in which the secondary locking means is engaged with the upright structure and a second position in which the secondary locking means is clear of the upright structure.

13. A multi-gym apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the secondary locking means comprises a threaded member and wherein at least one of the bracket and the upright structure includes a threaded hole for receiving the threaded member in threaded engagement therewith the threaded member having a free end that is one of: hand and tool operable end.

14. A multi-gym apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the threaded hole is one of: part of the bracket and the free end of the threaded member engages with a surface of the upright structure; located in the bracket and located in the upright member and when the hole in the bracket is aligned with the hole in the upright member the threads of the threaded member engage with the threads of both holes; and located in the upright member, the bracket including a hole that is not threaded and the threads of the threaded member engage with the threads of the hole in the upright member.

15. A multi-gym apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upright structure includes a plurality of spaced apart holes configured to receive the locking means in its first position.

16. A multi-gym according to claim 1, wherein the upright structure comprises two spaced apart upright members connected together.

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. A multi-gym apparatus according to claim 1, the apparatus further comprising at least one bracket mounted slidably on the upright structure, the bracket including an attachment element for engaging with a component attached to the bar assembly.

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. A multi-gym apparatus according to claim 1, the elongate bar having attached to the pins, posts or holes situated on the central bar member one of: a set of parallel bars; a pull up/push up frame; an air resistance machine; and a pad set.

26. A multi-gym apparatus according to claim 1, the bracket of the elongate bar having mounted thereon at least one of: a resistance band;

a handle; a punch bag; a rope; a speed ball and a punch bag.

27. A multi-gym apparatus according to claim 7, and further comprising a hanger slidably mounted in the hollow outer bar member.

28. A multi-gym apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising one of a speed ball and a punch bag attached to the hanger.

29. A multi-gym apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of: an exercise band and a rope.