Chin-up/pull-up exercise apparatus

Abstract

A chin-up/pull-up exercise apparatus is disclosed. The exercise apparatus includes a frame, an overhead assist module, and a chin bar. The chin bar is connected to the frame. The overhead assist module includes a set of pulleys, a harness, and a counter-weight. The set of pulleys, which is connected to the frame, is positioned vertically above the chin bar. The counter-weight is connected to the harness via a cable traveling on the set of pulleys. The exercise machine enables real, full arm extension pull ups regardless of one's upper body strength with applications for physical therapy; physical exercise training; muscle, tendon, and joint rehabilitation; and upper and lower body strength building.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame; a chin bar connected to said frame; and an overhead assist module includes a plurality of pulleys connected to said frame, wherein said plurality of pulleys is positioned vertically above said chin bar; a harness; a counter-weight connecting to said harness via a cable traveling on said plurality of pulleys; and a counter-weight stand for supporting said counter-weight, wherein said counter-weight stand is connected to a rod having a tiller.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of pulleys is two.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said harness is a body harness having at least two straps meet in front of the sternum of a user.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said harness is a body harness having a ring connector to be positioned in front of the sternum of a user and to be pulled by said cable during exercise.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a dipping bar connected to said frame at a location that is vertically below said chin bar.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exercise apparatus, according to one embodiment;

(3) FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercise apparatus from FIG. 1;

(4) FIGS. 3A-3B are front and back views, respectively, of a user wearing a harness; and

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a user doing pull-ups on the exercise apparatus from FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(6) Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-2, there are illustrated an isometric and side views of an exercise apparatus, respectively, according to one embodiment. As shown, an exercise apparatus 10 includes a frame 11 and an overhead assist module 20. Frame 11 includes, for example, upper horizontal bars 12a, 12b and lower horizontal bars 13a, 13b. Upper horizontal bars 12a, 12b are connected to lower horizontal bars 13a, 13b via vertical bars 14a, 14b, respectively. Frame 11 is preferably constructed from tubular stock.

(7) A chin bar having a pair of handles 16a, 16b is secured to upper horizontal bars 12a, 12b, respectively. The chin bar is configured for people to perform chin-up or pull-up exercises. Although the chin bar is shown to be formed by two bars spaced apart on frame 11, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the chin bar can be formed by one single bar.

(8) Similarly, a dip bar having a pair of removable handles 17a, 17b is secured to vertical bars 14a, 14b, respectively. The dip bar is configured for people to perform dip exercises.

(9) Overhead assist module 20 allows a person using exercise apparatus 10 to select a suitable positive upward force to assist him/her in doing chin-up, pull-up and/or dip exercises.

(10) In the present embodiment, overhead assist module 20 includes two pulleys 21, 22, a harness 25, and a counter-weight 26. Pulleys 21, 22 are secured to upper horizontal bars 12a, 12b. Counter-weight 26 is connected to harness 25 via a chain 19 and a cable 23 traveling on pulleys 21, 22. Specifically, chain 19 is connected to cable 23 via a carabiner 18. In addition, cable 23 is connected to harness 25 at a ring, such as a D-ring 24. In order to quickly adjust the relative distance between harness 25 and handles 16a, 16b for accommodating the various heights of different users, carabiner 18 can be secured to any loop of chain 19 as needed. Although carabiner 18 and chain 19 are shown in the present embodiment, it is understand by those skilled in the art that any length adjustment mechanism can be used.

(11) Counter-weight 26 may include, for example, five removable plates of 20 pounds each. Each 20-pound plate can be removed from the stack of counter-weight 26, which allows a user to select a counter weight assistance between 20 and 100 pounds. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the number of removable plates can be more or less than five, and that the weight of each removable plate can be more or less than 20 pounds.

(12) When not in use, counter-weight 26 can be supported by a counter-weight stand 28 that is connected to a vertical rod 27. Vertical rod 27 can be secured to frame 11. For the present embodiment, vertical rod 27 goes through horizontal bars 15, 16 connected to vertical bars 14a, 14b. Vertical rod 27 can be freely rotated within horizontal bars 15, 16. Before doing any of chin-up, pull-up and/or dip exercises, a user having harness 25 strapped on (see FIGS. 3A-3B) can move counter-weight stand 28 away from counter-weight 26 by using a tiller 29 to rotate vertical rod 27 that is connected to counter-weight stand 28. As a result, the force of counter-weight 26 (downward due to gravity) can be utilized to assist the user to do chin-ups, pull-ups, and/or dip exercises.

(13) Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3B, there are illustrated isometric views of a user wearing harness 25. As shown, harness 25 is secured to the upper body and the hip area of a user. After harness 25 has been properly worn by a user, ring 24 should be positioned in the front body of the user, and substantially near the sternum of the user. This allows proper hoisting of the user via counter-weight 26 when the user is performing pull-up, chin-up and dips exercises.

(14) With reference now FIG. 4, there is illustrated a user doing pull-ups on exercise apparatus 10. It can be seen with overhead assist module 20 having sufficient counterweight 26, the user can be guaranteed the ability to raise his/her chin above the bar to perform a full extension pull-up/chin-up.

(15) As has been described, the present invention provides an improved exercise apparatus for assisting people to do chin-ups, pull-ups, and/or dip exercises.

(16) While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.