US20020187885A1

US20020187885A1 - Multi-functional exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20020187885A1
Application number: US09/866,010
Authority: US
Inventors: Chung-Min Liao
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-05-18
Filing date: 2001-05-18
Publication date: 2002-12-12

Abstract

This invention is about a multi-functional exercise apparatus, whose main structure is comprised of one internal bar, two pulling components, two rollers and two handlebars. Pairs of spring buttons are positioned at the center and two ends of the internal bar, which helps to connect the internal bar with pulling components and handlebars with simplicity. While two rollers are attached to the internal bar, they are sandwiched by the pulling components and the handlebar. In addition, the extension of the bar sleeve of the pulling component includes an elastic rope that has foot strap at the other end and is used to secure feet to the apparatus. It is important to point out that the rollers can be removed at will, and the positions of the handlebar and the pulling components can be exchanged with each other to some extent for maximum benefit. Besides, the internal bar can be attached with a clamp for securing onto the door panel. Because the above parts of the exercise apparatus can be assembled freely, depending on different muscle exercises needed, user can select various positions, such as standing, kneeling, lying, and so on, and use different exercise techniques, such as stretching, stepping, pressing, curling and leg lifting, to exercise his/her arms and legs. Users can also obtain maximum results and achieve effective physical workouts under the principle of safe, versatile and simplicity of use features.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to exercise apparatus, specifically to such apparatus that provides easy assembling and changeable characteristics. The user can select various positions, such as standing, kneeling and lying, and utilize different exercise techniques, such as stretching, stepping, pressing and curling, to meet his/her various muscle exercise needs. Besides, the secure strap design, and the characteristics of easy and safe operation make it an innovative and practical invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the development of industry and commerce, economy becomes more and more thriving and prosperous; as a result, people today have less time for various outdoor sports. Consequently, the health conditions of many middle-aged persons and even young people are in the bad condition. The situation needs our special attention because health is the wealth of a person, and citizens' health is also an important index to a country. Therefore, in recent years, to compensate for the shortage of sports facilities, countless exercise apparatus are invented and developed, and the number of fitness centers providing related apparatus and complete exercise consultation services has increased dramatically.

There are many kinds of exercise apparatus on the market; one often used in fitness centers is the roller exercise apparatus shown as FIG. 12. It has a

roller

71, and two side handlebars 72. There is an elastic rope 73 at the end of each handlebar 72; the elastic rope 73 is fixed at the back end of the knee pedestal 74. When operating, the user kneels with both knees actually in contact with the knee pedestal 74, and the user can hold onto both handlebars 72. When pushing the rollers 71 forward, user can naturally stretch out his/her body. Since the back end of the elastic rope is fixed at the knee pedestal 74, the user must overcome the resistance force of the elongated elastic rope 73 during exercising. So, through the repeated exercise, the user can exercise various muscles. However, the exercise apparatus 70 still has the following shortcomings:

1. Because one end of the elastic rope is fixed on the pedestal, user must keep his/her knees pressed down against pedestal during the entire operation; otherwise, it is easy to make the pedestal shoot off as a result of the resistance force from the elongated elastic rope. The fact that user has to pay special attention that his/her knees do not leave the ground can significantly deteriorate one's exercising mood. To those with better health conditions and those who want to stretch forward with their knees above the ground, the effectiveness of exercising the abdomen and leg muscle, in this case, will be relatively limited. Moreover, if knees leave the ground during stretching progress, not only will knees get hurt when they fall back to the ground, hands can also get hurt due to the rapid resilient impact of the pedestal. Obviously,

apparatus

70 possesses some latent risks.

2. Since the

exercise apparatus

70 is a single constitution design, the assembly of the structure cannot be changed or fixed in any other way. Therefore, it is confined to only one way of exercising. To the user, it is easy to get bored. Also, because only certain part of body muscle will be exercised, the effectiveness of this exercise apparatus is hence limited.

Thus, according to the shortcomings of the current roller-type exercise apparatus, there is opportunity for great improvement.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Due to the above-mentioned cause, this multi-functional exercise apparatus was invented based on the extensive study on different exercise apparatus and on comprehensive ideas researched. Providing simple assembling and changeable structure, the user can select various positions, such as standing, kneeling, lying and so on, and use different exercise techniques, such as stretching, stepping, pressing and curling according to the needs of different muscles and body weaknesses. Besides, the secure foot strap design and easy safe operation make it highly effective and practical in exercising.

The main purpose of the invention is to provide a multi-functional exercise apparatus, which is comprised of an internal bars, rollers, handlebars, pulling components and a clamp, that is simple to assemble and provide versatile exercise selections. Thus, versatility and simplicity of the exercise apparatus can significantly improve the results of physical fitness, and enhance relaxation and pleasure.

The second purpose of the invention is to provide a multi-functional exercise apparatus, which has foot straps at the end of its pulling components. With the removable hook and loop strip in the design of the foot strap, the feet can be securely strapped to the apparatus, which results in an increased operating safety and more effective physical workouts. Accordingly, this is an easy, safe and versatile exercise apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A number of advantages of the multi-function exercise apparatus become evident:

1. Multiple ways of exercising: since the exercise apparatus applies simple assembling and easy alternating combination by internal bar, rollers, handlebars, pulling components and clamp, etc, the user can selectively assemble it and choose from many exercise techniques according to his/her muscle exercise needs.

2. Easy and safe operation: since the invention utilizes hook and loop foot straps to secure feet with the apparatus, exercising simply becomes easier and safer.

3. Improved enjoyment and effectiveness: since the exercise apparatus has many simple assembling features that can be utilized in many different ways, it can bring users refreshing feeling and increases the effectiveness of the physical workouts.

4. Compact and easy to transport: since the exercise apparatus is consisted of components that can be easily disassembled, the size of the apparatus can be significantly decreased during transportation.

In conclusion, the invention “multi-functional exercise apparatus” can be simply assembled and easily changed to accommodate various muscle groups and ability levels. User can select many positions, such as standing, kneeling, lying, etc., and do more exercises, like arm or leg lifting, stretching, stepping, kicking, pressing and curling, to optimize muscle exercises. Besides, the secure strap design, simplicity of use, easier and safer operation features make it a highly practical and cost-effective exercise apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is showing the appearance of the exercise apparatus. [0016]
FIG. 2 is a partial 3D figure of the exercise apparatus. [0017]
FIG. 3 is a partial 3D disassembled figure of the exercise apparatus. [0018]
FIG. 4 is showing the application of the exercise apparatus. [0019]
FIG. 5 is another assembling and application illustration of the exercise apparatus. [0020]
FIG. 6 is another assembling and application illustration of the exercise apparatus. [0021]
FIG. 7 is another partial 3D assembled figure of the exercise apparatus. [0022]
FIG. 8 is another partial 3D assembled figure of the exercise apparatus. [0023]
FIG. 9˜FIG. 11 are other three applications of the exercise apparatus. [0024]

FIG. 12 is a 3D assembled figure of the traditional exercise apparatus.



REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

A	Exercise apparatus	11	Spring buttons
10	Internal bars	22	Bar sleeve
20	Pulling components	23	Foot strap
21	Elastic rope	41	Clipping hole
221	Clipping hole	511	U-shaped bracket
231	Hook and loop strip	53	Bar sleeve
30	Roller	72	Handlebar
40	Handlebars	74	Knee pedestal
50	Clamp
51	Pedestal
52	Screw
531	Clipping hole
60	Door panel
70	Exercise apparatus
71	Rollers
73	Elastic rope
75	Clamp

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the appearance of the invention, the multi-functional exercise apparatus (apparatus A). Apparatus A is mainly comprised of one [0026] internal bar 10, two pulling components 20, two rollers 30 and two handlebars 40 (FIG. 2 & FIG. 3).
Pairs of [0027] spring buttons 11 are positioned at the center and at two ends of the internal bars 10 respectively. The containment of the spring in each spring button 11 makes attachments of components a snap-on, which provides an easy way to assemble and disassemble the apparatus.
The pulling [0028] components 20, which can be connected to the left and right ends of the internal bar 10, are comprised of bar sleeves 22 with clipping holes 221 that corresponds to the spring buttons 11 on the internal bar 10 and elastic ropes 21 with foot straps 23. The pulling components 20 can be connected to the internal bar 10 by snap-on the spring buttons 11 onto the clipping holes 221 on the bar sleeves of the pulling components. The elastic rope 21 is used to provide stretch resistance force.
The [0029] rollers 30 are positioned toward the center section of the internal bar 10. Roller's center rim can be attached to the bar sleevess 22 of the two pulling components 20 to allow roller rotation on the ground.
[0030] Handlebars 40 can be positioned at left and right ends of the internal bars 10 by snapping-on the spring buttons 11 that are located at left and right ends of the internal bar 10 onto the clipping holes 41 on the handlebars 40.
Using the above apparatus combination, user's feet can be securely strapped with the [0031] foot strap 23, and the hands can hold onto two handlebars 40. By employing the kneeling position, the user can exercise muscles of arm, abdomen, wrist, etc, by repeatedly forwarding and backwarding the body and extending and retrieving two arms, and achieve easy, safe and effective results.
FIG. 4 is an implementation example of the exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus A can also be used with kneeling posture. First, feet should be secured with foot straps [0032] 23. The foot straps 23 can securely strap user's feet by utilizing hook and loop 231 mechanisms. Next, hold onto the handlebars 40 and slightly open the legs to ensure the balance of the body. Then push the apparatus A forward with two arms; the rotation of the roller will provide a smooth ground movement of the apparatus A. While different muscles must try to keep the balance of the body and overcome the resistance force of the elongated elastic rope, these muscles are effectively exercised. Since the foot straps 23 of the pulling components 20 can securely strap the feet, the user can choose to use kneeling posture or even choose to lift his/her knees off the ground for a more rigorous abdomen muscles exercise. Thus, when compared with the old design, apparatus A provides an extra flexibility, more comprehensive and safer exercising operation.
FIG. 5 is another implementation example. Since, the apparatus A can be put together in a number of ways, user can take off two [0033] rollers 30 and make it an ordinary weight lifting device. Besides kneeling posture, user can also exercise with apparatus A in standing posture. First, user will secure both foot with two foot straps 23. Next, hold onto two handlebars 40 then lift it up and down. This will exercise different muscles in arms, chest, abdomen, etc. In addition, the user can experience different arm lifting exercise by positioning the two handlebars 40 at the center of internal bar 10 and positioning the two pulling components 20 at two endings of the internal bar 10.
FIG. 7 is partial 3D figure of apparatus A in an alternate combination. The exercise apparatus A can also be attached with a [0034] clamp 50, which has a U-shaped bracket 511, a screw 52 on one side and two clipping holes 531 on the other side. Clamp 50 can be attached to the internal bars 10 by snapping-on the spring buttons 11 that are located at center of the internal bar 10 onto the clipping holes 531 on the clamp bar sleeve 53. Numerous ways of exercising can be achieved (FIG. 8 to FIG. 11).
Among those, the [0035] clamp 50 can be positioned on the top of the door panel 60 by sliding U-shaped bracket 511 onto the top of the door panel 60. Tighten screw 52 to securely position the apparatus A on the top of the door panel 60. Next, user will strap his/her feet with foot straps 23 that are attached with the pulling components 20. User can exercise muscles on wrists, waist, legs, hips, etc., by utilizing exercise techniques such as stepping and leg lifting.
In addition, the [0036] clamp 50 can also be positioned on the bottom of the door panel 60, and the user can select the standing position. After securing feet to the foot straps 23, the user can perform curling and backward leg lifting. This will exercise the muscles on arms, legs, wrists, and hips, etc. Not only limited to that, the user also can select the lying position. After securing feet to the foot straps 23, user can perform stepping and kicking exercises in the air to achieve the same best exercise effects.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-functional exercise apparatus that includes:

one internal bar where numerous pairs of spring buttons are fixed for the ease of attachment with other components;

two pulling components that includes bar sleeves used to connect the pulling component to the above-mentioned internal bar, elastic ropes that provide resistance forces, and foot straps that secure user's feet to the apparatus;

one or more rollers that can be attached to the above-mentioned internal bar and its center rim edge can be attached to the bar sleeves end of the pulling components to provide rotation on the ground;

two handlebars are connected to the left and right sides of above-mentioned internal bar, and can be attached to the center rim edge of the roller, providing user a place to hold on.

2. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein pairs of spring buttons in the internal bar can be positioned at the center and at the ends; the containment of springs in each spring buttons helps components with clipping holes to be connected to the internal bar a snap-on action.

3. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein it can be furnished with two rollers positioned at two sides of the internal bar, and clipping holes on the rollers' center rim make their attachment to the internal bar a snap-on action.

4. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bar sleeve in pulling components can be furnished with two clipping holes, and these clipping holes on the pulling components make it easy to be connected to the internal bar.

5. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foot straps contains hook and loop strips to provide users conveniences for putting on and taking off.

6. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bar body of handlebars can have clipping holes that corresponds to the spring buttons on the internal bar; the handlebars can be connected to the internal bar simply by snap on the spring buttons on the internal bar onto the clipping holes on the handlebars.

7. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the roller can be taken off and make the exercise apparatus a weight lifting exercise apparatus; user should first fasten foot strap onto his/her feet, grasp the handlebars, stand up and perform pressing and curling exercises.

8. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 7, wherein the handlebars can also be positioned in the middle of internal bar, while the pulling components can be positioned at two sides of the internal bar, to provide a different way to weight lifting exercise.

9. A multi-functional exercise apparatus consists of:

one clamp that contain a U-shaped bracket, a screw, a bar sleeve; this assembled structure requires user to place the U-shaped bracket over the top or the bottom of the door panel and securing it by tightening the screw, select an exercise position such as standing or lying, secure feet to the foot straps and apply exercise techniques such as kicking, stepping, to exercise different muscles groups in legs, wrists, hips, abdomen, etc.

10. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein the bar sleeve of the clamp can be furnished with pairs of clipping holes that correspond to the spring buttons on the internal bar, and these clipping holes on the bar sleeve make it easy for the clamp to be attached to the internal bar.