EXERCISE SUPPORT FRAME SYSTEM

Abstract

An exercise support frame system includes a lower base assembly able to rest on the ground and an upper frame assembly able to surround a user standing on the lower base. A horizontal bar is disposed within the upper frame above the user, and may either be used as a pull-up bar, or may support various implements useful for various arm lift interfaces. The upper frame has left and right vertical supports, which are affixed to the base via a pair of pins passing through each support. The pins are modular and permit the upper frame to pivot upon the base when only one pin is passed through each vertical support, enabling conversion of the exercise support frame between deployed and stowage configurations.

Claims

1. An exercise support frame comprising a base including a platform having an underside and an upperside, the upperside being substantially flat; a plurality of feet affixed to the underside of the platform; a first-interface rigidly affixed to the upperside of the platform and having a first-pair of pin-bores arrayed linearly and a first-channel intersecting each bore of the first-pair of pin-bores; a second-interface rigidly affixed to the upperside of the platform and having a second-pair of pin-bores arrayed linearly and a second-channel intersecting each bore of the second-pair of pin-bores; such that the first-channel and the second-channel are parallel to each other, and are each perpendicular to the upperside of the platform; a frame having a first-vertical-support having a first-series of bar-bores arrayed linearly; a second-vertical-support having a second-series of bar-bores arrayed linearly, such that each bore of the second-series of bar-bores is oriented coaxially to a corresponding bore of the first-series of bar-bores; a third-pair of pin-bores perforating the first-vertical support distally to the first-series of bar-bores; a fourth-pair of pin-bores perforating the first-vertical support distally to the second-series of bar-bores; a canopy rigidly joining the first-vertical-support to the second-vertical-support, such that the first-vertical-support and the second-vertical-support are parallel to each other; a support-bar able to pass through a bore of the second-series of bar-bores and a corresponding coaxial bore of the first-series of bar-bores simultaneously, the support bar having a first-end having a cap, the cap being sufficiently large to be impassable through any bore of either the first-series of bar-bores and the second-series of bar-bores, a second-end having a threaded-interface, the threaded-interface being sufficiently narrow in diameter to be passable through any bore of the first-series of bar-bores and the second-series of bar-bores, and a cylindrical body extending between the first-end and the second-end, the cylindrical body being sufficiently narrow in diameter to be passable through any bore of the first-series of bar-bores and the second-series of bar-bores; a bar-fastener able to threadably interface with the second-end of the support-bar, the bar-fastener being sufficiently large to be impassable through any bore of the first-series of bar-bores and the second-series of bar-bores; a first-pin able to pass through and affix any bore of the third-pair of pin-bores of the first-vertical-support coaxially with a corresponding bore of the first-pair of pin-bores; and a second-pin able to pass through and affix any bore of the fourth-pair of pin-bores of the second-vertical-support coaxially with a corresponding bore of the second-pair of pin-bores; such that when the first-pin affixes any bore of the third-pair of pin bores of the first-vertical-support coaxially with a corresponding bore of the first-pair of pin-bores, and the second-pin affixes any bore of the fourth-pair of pin bores of the second-vertical-support coaxially with a corresponding bore of the second-pair of pin-bores, the frame is attached to the base.

2. The exercise support frame of claim 1, wherein the upperside of the platform is perforated by a plurality of slots arranged in a rectangular array.

3. The exercise support frame of claim 1, wherein each of the first-vertical-support and the second-vertical-support comprise a first-plate, a second-plate affixed parallel to the first-plate, such that the first-pair of pin-bores perforate both the first-plate and second-plate, and the second-pair of pin-bores perforate both the first-plate and second-plate, a gap between the first-plate and the second-plate, such that when only the first-pin affixes the first-vertical-support to the first-interface and only the second-pin affixes the second-vertical-support to the second-interface, the frame may pivot upon the base up to at least ninety degrees between a deployed-position and an undeployed-position.

4. The exercise support frame of claim 3, further comprising a third-pin able to pass through and affix any bore of the third-pair of pin bores of the first-vertical-support coaxially with a corresponding bore of the first-pair of pin-bores; and a fourth-pin able to pass through and affix any bore of the fourth-pair of pin bores of the second-vertical-support coaxially with a corresponding bore of the second-pair of pin-bores; such that when both bores of the first-pair of pin-bores are occupied by the first-pin and the third-pin, and both bores of the second-pair of pin-bores are occupied by the second-pin and the fourth-pin, the frame is unable to pivot upon the base between the deployed-position and the second-position.

5. The exercise support frame of claim 1, wherein the canopy comprises a backside, and the backside comprises at least one wheel.

6. The exercise support frame of claim 1, wherein each of the first-interface and the second-interface comprise a stop preventing the frame from pivoting past vertical in a forward direction, the forward direction being opposite the backside of the canopy.

7. The exercise support frame of claim 1, wherein each of the first-vertical-support and the second-vertical-support comprise a handle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, an exercise support frame system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise support frame during an ‘in-use’ condition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exercise support frame system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the base of the exercise support frame system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of the exercise support frame 100 of FIG. 1 in a deployed position and an undeployed position respectively.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an upper portion of the exercise support frame of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 6 is an exploded detail view illustrating the bores which enable the upper frame assembly and the base assembly to interface.

[0015] The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an exercise apparatus and more particularly to an exercise support frame system as used to improve the provision of a stable and efficiently stowable exercise frame which provides a platform for a variety of arm lift and leg lift exercise implements.

[0017] Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-6 various views of an exercise support frame system 100.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows an exercise support frame 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the exercise support frame 100 may be beneficial for use by a user 40 to perform a variety of lifting exercises. As illustrated, the exercise support frame 100 may include base 110 supporting exercise support frame 100 upon a floor surface, frame 120 coupled to and rising above base 110, and support-bar 130 supported within frame 120. User 40 may lift himself upon support-bar 130 by hand, for example, to perform pull-ups. Alternatively, exercise devices such as straps, slings, and lifting assistants may be coupled to support-bar 130. As illustrated, base 110 may be perforated with slots 105. To slots 105 may be attached resistance bands 200. Slots 105 may be arranged in a rectangular array. As illustrated, it is envisioned that resistance bands 200 may offer a supplementary or alternative method of exercising using exercise support frame 100. Furthermore, exercise support frame 100 is arranged such that arm lifts and leg lifts may be performed simultaneously. Resistance bands may allow the execution of leg lifts and other advantageous exercises. Exercise support frame 100 provides a rigid, stationary, and safe means of anchoring resistance bands 200 and arm lift devices to perform exercises in a manner preferable to utilizing dumbbells or other assisting devices.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows the exercise support frame 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the exercise support frame 100 may include base 110, frame 120, and support-bar 130. Base 110 may include platform 112, which itself may be defined by upperside 114 and underside 116. Upperside 114 may be substantially flat, excepting what discontinuities may be represented by slots 105 (FIG. 1) perforating platform 112. Plurality of feet 118 may be affixed to underside 116 of 112, either permanently or detachable. In some embodiments, plurality of feet 118 may be threaded into or bolted to platform 112, and may include rubber surfaces to prevent slippage upon a floor surface. Preferably, platform 112 is shaped to prevent a user from stubbing their toes or tripping upon it. To this effect, two sides (opposite each other, in those directions from which a user may pass within and under frame 120) may be formed into ramps 119. As illustrated, with both ramps, base 110 may have a trapezoidal shaped in a profile view. Platform 112 and ramps 119 may be formed of sheet steel in some embodiments, and may be welded or otherwise affixed together. In some embodiments, struts concealed beneath platform 112 may join platform 112 and ramps 119, and also service a secondary purpose of adding rigidity to the assembly.

[0020] Base 110 may also include first-interface 150 and second-interface 160, to which frame 120 may attach to. First-interface 150 may be rigidly affixed to upperside 114 of platform 112 and may have a first-pair of pin-bores 230 (FIG. 6) arrayed linearly and first-channel 240 (FIG. 6) intersecting each bore of first-pair of pin-bores 230 (FIG. 6). Likewise, second-interface 160 may be rigidly affixed to upperside 114 of platform 112 and may have a second-pair of pin-bores 232 (FIG. 6) arrayed linearly and second-channel 242 (FIG. 6) intersecting each bore of second-pair of pin-bores 232 (FIG. 6). First-channel 240 (FIG. 6) and second-channel 242 (FIG. 6) may be parallel to each other, and may each be perpendicular to upperside 114 of platform 112. These allow a passage for frame 120 to pivot within upon base 110, as will be explained in greater detail.

[0021] Frame 120 may include first-vertical-support 170, second-vertical-support 180 running parallel to first-vertical-support 170, and canopy 132 joining first-vertical-support 170 and second-vertical-support 180 together at an end distal to where frame 120 affixes to base 110. First-vertical-support 170 may have first-series of bar-bores 220, which may be arrayed linearly along first-vertical-support 170. Likewise, second-vertical-support 180 may have second-series of bar-bores 222 arrayed linearly, such that each bore of the fourth-series of bores is oriented coaxially to a corresponding bore of first-series of bar-bores 220. As illustrated, this arrangement allows support-bar 130 to be passed through a selected pair of corresponding bores (that is, a bore of the second-series of bar-bores 222 and a corresponding coaxial bore of the first-series of bar-bores 220), through each support, at a user-selected height. As such, exercise support frame 100 may be adjusted to accommodate users of differing sizes by passing through a bore of the second-series of bar-bores 222 and a corresponding coaxial bore of the first-series of bar-bores 220 simultaneously.

[0022] Support-bar 130 may include the first-end having cap 133, the second-end having threaded-interface 131, and cylindrical body 135 which extends between the first-end and the second-end. Support-bar 130 may be a unitary component; preferably a steel bar. Bar-fastener 140 may be able to threadably interface with threaded-interface 131 of the second-end, and purposes the retention of support-bar 130 within frame 120.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the interfaces between base 110 and frame 120 of the exercise support frame 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Frame 120 may be affixed to base 110 by four pins. First-pin 190 may be able to pin first-vertical-support 170 to a bore of first-pair of pin-bores 230 (FIG. 6). Likewise, second-pin 192 able to pin the second-vertical support to a bore of second-pair of pin-bores 232 (FIG. 6). Exercise support frame 100 may also include third-pin 194 and fourth-pin 196.

[0024] Each of first-interface 150 and second-interface 160 may yet further include first-plate 210, second-plate 212, gap 214, and stopper 216. Gap 214 is defined by the separation between first-plate 210 and second-plate 212. As illustrated, second-plate 212 may be affixed parallel to first-plate 210, such that first-pair of pin-bores 230 (FIG. 6) perforate both first-plate 210 and second-plate, and second-pair of pin-bores 232 (FIG. 6) perforate both first-plate 210 and second-plate. Thusly, both first-pair of pin-bores 230 (FIG. 6) and the second-pin-bores 232 (FIG. 6) may actually each be a collective of four apertures, since each bore of each pair includes an aperture perforating the first-plate 210 and another aperture passing through the second-plate 212. Each set of corresponding apertures (two sets making a pair of bores) are coaxial, such that a single pin may pass through both apertures simultaneously. Accordingly, when either the first-vertical-support 170 or the second-vertical-support 180 occupy gap 214, the bores may be lined up, and a pin may pass through the aligned bores to affix frame 120 to base 110.

[0025] However, either one or two pins may be inserted depending on whether a user desires frame 120 to be rigid relative to base 110, or able to pivot. When only first-pin 190 affixes first-vertical-support 170 to first-interface 150 and only second-pin 192 affixes second-vertical-support 180 to second-interface 160, frame 120 may pivot upon the base up to at least ninety degrees between deployed-position 10 (FIG. 4) and undeployed-position 20 (FIG. 4).

[0026] Third-pin 194 may be able to pass through and affix any bore of third-pair of pin bores 232 of first-vertical-support 170 coaxially with a corresponding bore of first-pair of pin-bores 230 (FIG. 6); and fourth-pin 196 may likewise be able to pass through and affix any bore of fourth-pair of pin bores 236 of second-vertical-support 180 coaxially with a corresponding bore of second-pair of pin-bores 232 (FIG. 6). As such, when both bores of first-pair of pin-bores 230 (FIG. 6) are occupied by first-pin 190 and third-pin 194, and both bores of second-pair of pin-bores 232 (FIG. 6) are occupied by second-pin 192 and fourth-pin 196, frame 120 is unable to pivot upon the base between deployed-position 10 (FIG. 4) and undeployed-position 20 (FIG. 4).

[0027] As shown, each of first-interface 150 and second-interface 160 comprise a stop 216 preventing frame 120 from pivoting past vertical in a forward direction, the forward direction being opposite the backside of canopy 132. Each stop 216 may comprise a metal plate affixed interiorly to gap 214, or may consist of another mechanism.

[0028] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of the exercise support frame 100 of FIG. 1 in deployed position 10 and undeployed position 20, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Preferably, first-pin 190, second-pin 192, third-pin 194, and fourth-pin 196 are all identical in shape and size, being differentiated only by their function. However, in some embodiments, it may be preferable that first-pin 190 and second-pin 192 are difficult to remove without tools, while third-pin 194 and fourth-pin 196 are easier for a user to remove, as third-pin 194 and fourth-pin 196 are to be removed every time a user wishes to change between deployed-position 10 and undeployed-position 20. As illustrated, it is first-pin 190 and second-pin 192, located most proximally to base 110, which may remain in position while a user changes exercise support frame 100 between deployed position 10 and undeployed position 20. Conversely, third-pin 194 and fourth-pin 196 must be removed to change between these two positions. It is envisioned that the user may then stow third-pin 194 and fourth-pin 196 in the same bores to lock frame 120 in either orientation relative to base 110 by impeding the return of first-vertical-support 170 and second-vertical-support 180. However, it is only necessary that third-pin 194 and fourth-pin 196 be passed through both first-interface 150 together with first-vertical support 170 second-interface 160 together with second-vertical-support 180 when a user desires the lock exercise support frame 100 within deployed-position 10.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an upper portion of the exercise support frame 100. As shown, canopy 132 may be characterized by backside 138, and backside 138 may include at least one wheel 134. Preferably, wheels 134 project sufficiently from backside 138 such that when exercise support frame 100 is in undeployed position 20, wheels can support canopy 132 upon a floor surface.

[0030] FIG. 6 is an exploded detail view illustrating the bores within first-interface 150, second-interface 160, first-vertical-support 170, and second-vertical-support 180. First-pair of pin-bores 230 (FIG. 6) perforates first-interface 150, and second-pair of pin-bores 232 (FIG. 6) perforates second-interface 160. As shown, first-channel 240 intersects first-pair of pin-bores 230, and divides first-interface 150, such that first-vertical-support 170 may pivot up to ninety degrees within the gap that first-channel 240 relieves. Likewise, second-channel 242 intersects second-pair of pin-bores 232, and divides second-interface 160, such that second-vertical-support 180 may pivot up to ninety degrees within the gap that second-channel 242 relieves. In both geometry and function, first-interface 150 mirrors second-interface 160. Preferably, each of first-interface 150 and second-interface 160 are trapezoidal in shape from a profile view, with one of the diagonal slopes of this trapezoidal shape being relieved by the channel corresponding to each.

[0031] Also illustrated is third-pair of pin-bores 234 perforating first-vertical-support 170, and fourth-pair of pin-bores 236 perforating second-vertical-support 180. Separation of the pin bores is such that third-pair of pin-bores 234 aligns with first-pair of pin-bores 230 when installed, and fourth-pair of pin-bores 236 aligns with second-pair of pin-bores 232.

[0032] The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.