User-defined exercise apparatus

Abstract

A kit of parts is provided for assembly into exercise apparatus of various configurations, as desired and defined by the user. The apparatus, when configured to form a supporting cell, conveniently allows the attachment of a plurality of exercise devices of the same or different type while, in addition, can be used as a storage center for items normally found at a fitness center such as bands, weights, balls, bars, barbells, etc.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 688,069 filed Jun. 7, 2005, and entitled “SUPER CELL UNIVERSALLY INTERCHANGEABLE WORKOUT STATION”.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to apparatus, including a kit of assembly parts, which enables the construction of one or more exercise workout stations, as defined and assembled by a user. [0003] There are a great many individualized pieces of fitness and exercise equipment commercially available at the present time. These pieces of equipment are normally single-purpose by design, but in some instances a plurality of such pieces of equipment are combined to form multi-purpose exercise apparatus. [0004] Such “multi-station” machines are comprised of a series of weight stacks, seats, cables, benches, bars, pulleys and the like, all configured into a preset, fixed arrangement. Although these multi-station machines offer a variety of exe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide apparatus which may be configured into a user defined workout station and then later either reconfigured into another workout station or expanded into a larger multi-user station.

[0017] As noted above, the vertical members in each frame have a plurality of points of attachment along their length. These facilitate the removable attachment of any one of a number of exercise devices to form a multi-user fitness workout station of virtually any desired design. In addition, once configured and assembled into a cell, the vertical members provide support for one or more storage devices, attached inside and / or outside the cell, permitting convenient storage of such items as bands, balls, bars, weights, etc.

[0019] 1. They eliminate the need, required for many items, to be attachable to a reinforced wall or other solid building surface. Such building structures are difficult to utilize for exercise equipment since drywall walls are inadequate for the support of such equipment and wall struts are not readily found.

[0021] 3. The exercise apparatus according to the invention is easily transportable. The supporting cell or cells may be easily disassembled and transported, together with their attachable exercise devices, to another location. The apparatus is ideal for military use, for example, since it can be transported and assembled in a tent.

[0022] 4. The exercise apparatus according to the invention is substantially less costly to manufacture, transport and install than the many individual exercise units or multi-station units known in the art. The single framework forming a supporting cell, according to the present invention, shares common parts onto itself, it allows the sharing of common parts, such as bars, weights, bands, etc., among the various exercise devices and, most importantly, it forms a common support structure for the attachment of one or more or a large variety of exercise devices. There is a substantial cost saving since these various exercise devices need not each have its own separate support structure.

[0023] 5. Last but not least, the exercise apparatus according to the invention eliminates most of the barriers disabled users face in using other machines which require frames and standing supports to hold them sturdy. These known structures almost always interfere with someone in a wheelchair. By offering a user-defined supporting framework that allows for virtually unlimited interchangeability of attachments, the invention allows users in wheelchairs to custom design their own equipment so that they can take advantage of the many fitness exercises that able-bodied persons also enjoy.

Problems solved by technology

Although these multi-station machines offer a variety of exercise devices and permit multiple users to work out at the same time, they lack the versatility of being integrated with almost any other type of exercise equipment.

Moreover, once configured at the factory, these multi-station machines are difficult, if not impossible to reconfigure, rearrange and / or expand into different or larger multi-stations.

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