My family gym

Abstract

A functional triangular apparatus for multi-exercise of lower and upper extremities using resistance bands encircling designated parts. When exercising legs the triangular apparatus is stationary or tilted back at various angles to balance on two feet. Arms exercise with stretch bands under elevated larger base while feet hold it down.

Claims

1. An exercise and therapy device constructed of 1 Schedule 40 PVC pipes, and 1 Schedule 40 PVC fixtures, glued into a triangular configuration with points on three horizontal bar levels where looped elastic resistance member can be positioned; and pushed or pulled in downward or upward motions to complete different exercises.

2. Resistance members of 5 feet length looped to make the loops approximately 2.5 feet circumference which can be selected by the user and attached at various points to permit over ten (10) different exercises for legs, arms, core, and back muscles.

3. The device can be used in a triangular position with all four devise feet placed on the floor; or the devise can be pulled back at the upper bar to be positioned on the two feet of the main section and increase tension on the resistance member loops.

4. The gym specified in claim 1 is used with the knotted end of the resistance member loops positioned on the upper bar, and feet positioned in the opposite end of the 2.5 loop, exercise of legs is done with a downward push; or outward movement of feet and legs.

5. The middle bar can be used by seniors or youths who cannot easily reach the upper bar: and from this position exercises can duplicate those performed on the upper bar of gym specified in claim 1.

6. The lower bar of the gym specified in claim 1 which is elevated off the floor can be used with the 2.5 looped resistance members placed under the middle area allowing room for placement of users feet on the outer portion of the lower bar to keep the device on the floor during exercise.

7. With the looped resistance members under the lower bar of the gym specified in claim 1 the users hands can be placed with palms facing upward inside the knotted end of the resistance member to perform an upward and downward motion which provides resistance for exercises such as rowing, curls, or a fast boxing motion.

8. An additional exercise on the lower bar of gym specified in claim 1 is possible by the operator holding the looped resistance member in a cross over position in the opposite hand, and placing the knotted ends of the loop at the outside of the knees, an outward push with the users knees will exercise leg muscles, particularly thighs.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWING(S)

[0019] Replacement Sheet 1Main vertical framework section shown with one inch PVC (polyvinyl chloride) individual pipes, 4 small imbedded pipes, 10 PVC connectors, plus 2 rubber feet. The larger lowest traverse base, middle traverse, and highest horizontal transverse are points where stretch bands are encircled for exercise. Main framework is all one plane approximately 45 degrees to rigid horizontal supporting surface.

[0020] Replacement Sheet 2Smaller horizontal support base is at 180 degrees to rigid horizontal support surface. Small base middle tee horizontal parts comprise pipes to two 90 degree connectors, further comprise vertical parts with two unglued rubber feet pointing to rigid horizontal support surface. Said small base middle tee vertical part slanted 45 degrees comprising elongated pipe to 45 degree connector lower part, further comprising 45 degree connector horizontal part to pipe connecting to horizontal part of 4way connector. Small base parallel to larger support base prevents total collapse when apparatus is balanced on two feet of larger base for exercise.

[0021] Replacement Sheet 3Side view of main apparatus framework at vertical to rigid horizontal supporting surface with smaller front horizontal support base approximately 6 inches above rigid horizontal surface due to triangle shape. At rest the total height of apparatus approximately 36 inches off rigid horizontal support surface based on preferred size of all pipes including non-glued upper pipes.

[0022] New Sheet 4Apparatus four sections disassembled at points where inch #20 nylon screw is used with imbedded bolt in solid PVC plug. Disassembled sections fit into a 21 inch duffle bad for storage or transport. S #20 nylon screw points, Pplug points for bolt imbedded in 1 solid PVC plug, Gglue points. Glue points showing where pipe inserted in connector and glue forms chemical weld to make solid joint.

LEGEND FOR DRAWINGS 1-3

[0023] 1 PVC Schedule 40 pipe

[0024] 1 PVC Schedule 40 pipe (hidden)

[0025] 1 PVC Schedule 40 Tee

[0026] 1 PVC Schedule 40 90 degree Ell

[0027] 1 PVC Schedule 40 Cross

[0028] 1 PVC Schedule 40 4Way Tee

[0029] 1 PVC Schedule 40 45 degree Ell

[0030] 1 PVC Cap (optional Dome or End)

[0031] 1 Rubber Foot

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

[0032] A. A triangle shaped functional multi-exercise apparatus, said triangle shaped functional multi-exercise apparatus comprise: [0033] B. main framework seen in drawing #1 all parts on vertical plane approximately 45 degrees vertical to a rigid supporting horizontal surface, [0034] C. said main framework comprise largest horizontal transverse support base, further comprise two tee horizontal parts spaced apart, [0035] D. said horizontal tees parts further comprise pipes to horizontal part of two 90 degree ells, [0036] E. said 90 degree ells vertical support legs angled on plane pointing to rigid supporting horizontal surface, further comprise non-glued rubber feet. [0037] F. Said angled two tee base parts in C above comprise two elongated connecting pipes to two tee horizontal lower parts at middle horizontal traverse, [0038] G. said middle horizontal traverse tees upper vertical parts comprise non glued pipes to non glued caps, [0039] H. said middle horizontal traverse comprise two tee base parts abut 4way middle connector horizontal parts using hidden pipe, [0040] I. said 4way single horizontal part comprise pipe to 45 degree horizontal part, further comprise 45 degree downward part to elongated connecting pipe to small traverse middle tee. [0041] J. Said small traverse middle tee horizontal parts comprise pipes to 90 degree ells horizontal part, [0042] K. said 90 degree ells vertical parts point down 90 degrees to rigid supporting horizontal surface, further comprise non-glued rubber feet. [0043] L. Said middle 4way single vertical part comprise pipe to middle cross lower vertical part at elevated horizontal traverse, [0044] M. said middle cross horizontal parts abut horizontal parts of 90 degree ells by hidden pipe, [0045] N. said 90 degree ells vertical upper part on plane with main framework pointing approximately 45 degrees from rigid horizontal supporting surface, further comprise non glue pipe to non glue caps.

PURPOSE AND USE OF APPARATUS

[0046] A main purpose of the functional multipurpose exercise apparatus is as a portable apparatus to exercise legs, arms, and core with different elastic resistance bands.

Another purpose of the functional multipurpose exercise apparatus is to accommodate persons who cannot stand but must remain seated while performing exercise.

[0047] Area needed for apparatus for multiple muscle strengthening exercises is much smaller than many exercises devices.

[0048] Another purpose is to offer a low cost home exercise device. In the preferred embodiment four inch #20 thumbscrews attach four sections of the apparatus making it easy to assemble and disassemble for storage or transport in a duffle bag.

After assembly the apparatus is lightweight under 10 pounds. The apparatus is easy to transport for elderly, partially disabled, or a convalescing patient.

[0049] Apparatus when assembled is approximately 36 inches high in the preferred embodiment. The larger horizontal base in the preferred embodiment is approximately 22 inches long. The small support horizontal base in the preferred embodiment is approximately 12 inches long. The main vertical is approximately 20 inches high at a angle of approximately 45 degrees in the preferred embodiment. Between large base and small base apparatus covers an area approximately 16 inches long. When the main framework is pulled back to a 90 degree vertical position the small traverse base is approximately 7 inches high above the rigid horizontal surface.

Apparatus Construction

[0050] 1. Apparatus has approximately 94.5 inches of PVC pipe 3-17 inch, 1-9 inch, 1-6.5 inch, 2-5 inch, 3-3 inch, 4-2.25 inch,

[0051] Imbedded 2.25 inch pipes-4, Imbedded solid PVC plugs-4 Apparatus has 14 total PVC connecting parts.

[0052] 5 -tees, 6-90 degree ells, 1-45 degree ell, 1-cross, 1-4way, Optional caps on small pipes at exercise points-4

[0053] 2. Non PVC parts [0054] 1 inch rubber feet-4, Nylon thumbscrews- inch #20-4 Imbedded inch bolts-4

[0055] 3. Apparatus has 17 glued connections

[0056] 4. Drill points for screws are positioned to avoid damage to stretch bands caused by snags or consistent abrasion. [0057] a. Screw points (s) inside tees of large support base of main framework vertical part pointing 45 degrees at user. [0058] b. Screw point (s) on center to avoid stretch band damage. [0059] b. Screw point (s) on 4way back center of vertical part. [0060] c. Screw point on top center of 45 ell horizontal part.

[0061] My Family Gym in the preferred embodiment is constructed using glue, or plastic welding, to join specific PVC connections to Schedule 40 1 inch PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) pipes. One inch PVC pipe, connections, and glue are available at many hardware outlets. Four inch #20 thumbscrews are used to assemble the four main sections of apparatus. Optional pipe 4 or 6 inch long can be added to top part of the upper cross opening for taller individuals (over 6 foot) but no pipe is used in the preferred embodiment. The upper opening of the cross can also be modified as a holder for optional equipment such for MP3, I-phone, or timer.

[0062] PVC as preferred embodiment is lighter and cheaper than most other materials. Color infused in PVC basic formula will prevent changes in appearance due to fading from light, chipping or other abrasions.

[0063] The new and stable triangular configuration of one inch PVC is the preferred embodiment over other materials or dimensions. The construction of three transverse levels is also the preferred embodiment for use by persons of many different ages, sizes, physical abilities. Three levels permits the use for exercises of both legs and arms. This combination of triangular configuration and three tiers, or bars, is unique to this apparatus. In this apparatus the preferred embodiment is a four inch wide elastic resistance stretch bands of different strengths, but other elastic members such as bungee cords can be used. Other configurations or types of attachment might be used but four parts for this apparatus using an imbedded inch thumb screw is the preferred embodiment.

[0064] After consulting with a personal doctor a user can start with light resistance and increase strength up 4-5 levels as muscle get stronger. Some may want to start with a medium strength bands. The apparatus in the preferred embodiment has bands sized with approximate 4.5 foot circumference. Longer elastic bands up to 7 foot (or longer) can be tied to create a circular band for use with the lowest large horizontal base.

[0065] Apparatus a light weight solid anchor designed for stretch bands. The push away action for leg exercises makes apparatus a safer exercise for stretch bands leg exercises compared to exercises done with hands and legs without an anchor. The lowest base traverse where arm or hand exercises pulling towards individual has a restrictive area in the middle to reduce potential physical harm if bands break. Warnings material will alert users to not pull directly back. Also warnings about band damage will also alert users to examine bands after each use to avoid breakage. Damage is not completely avoidable. The thumb screws can be put back into the pipe to avoid loss. Message to secure thumb screws for child safety.

Leg Exercises

[0066] Sitting in chair of choice with apparatus directly in front can begin exercising legs by mounting device. User holding the knotted end of the band places the lower part of the band loop flat on the floor. Next user puts a foot in the lower part of the band with band at the arch of the foot. Lifting the foot and stretch band together the individual puts the knotted end of the band on the outer area of the top horizontal bar. After repeating with the other leg both legs are ready to begin exercise action. A rapid downward leg motion on the stretch band works many leg muscles. Using the imagination the operator can push down, forward, or out towards a side motion.

[0067] Legs can alternate the push down; or both legs together. These variations in the leg pushing motion works many muscles in the thigh, calf, and core. Regulating the pace (fast or slow) changes the work effort, and the effect on muscles. Apparatus activities can simulate horse back riding, skating, stair stepping, dancing, running, jogging, and hiking. Pushing feet down with heels on the floor exercises muscles in the calves. The shorter low forward facing base at a 45 degree angle holds the devise erect when not in use. Leg exercises with all gym feet on the floor requires less downward force and helps core. By pulling back on the top horizontal bar of the gym the exercise becomes more strenuous requiring more force; and will improve resistance to muscles. The pull back on the top horizontal bar also adds tension to the band. But caution is needed to never pull back too far. If the individual loses a grip of the top bar total collapsing forward is prevented when the front stability base catches the device. Smaller size bands work on the middle traverse for those who cannot be easily reach the top bar on the apparatus. The middle horizontal bar of the apparatus is a place designed for seniors, or the young. One operator sitting in a chair can exercise legs and core with stationary apparatus on four legs of said attached base; or apparatus base can be pulled back to balance on two legs at different angles.

Arm Exercises

[0068] The large low horizontal traverse base is elevated approximately 2 inches and bands can encircle under the base for multi arm exercises while feet on the otter areas hold the base down. It can be used for rowing, curls, or fast boxing. A larger six foot band can make rowing more realistic. If this longer band is held with band across inside of thighs and inward push exercises thighs. Using the 4.5 foot band another leg exercise is possible. With the knotted end of the left band crossed to the right hand, and right band crossed over to the left hands and both hands positioned outside the knees an outward push on elastic band using thighs and knees will exercise legs particularly inner thighs.

[0069] RowingA simulated rowing motion can be produced. Rowing exercise works arms, back, and the basic core muscles. There is also benefit to legs holding down the stationary low traverse bar.

[0070] Fast BoxingAnother exercise uses fast arm alternating upward motion to simulate a fast boxing motion. While doing this upward pulling a twisting at the waist adds exercise for body core muscles and can get heart and lungs working harder.

[0071] Thigh ExerciseWhen switching the knot of the elastic resistance member to opposite hands, and holding the knot on the outside of the knees while pushing knees outward results in work for the inside thighs.

[0072] CurlsHands placed inside each loop with palms facing up; and pulling upward simulates a curl motion with weights. Band strength can be varied to simulate various weights. When pulling up, or back, on the elastic resistance member feet are placed on the lower horizontal bars to keep the devise firmly on the floor.

[0073] Optional longer elastic resistance member (7 or longer) can be used to simulate the upward push of other exercise devices. This device has many uses. When there is bad weather (rain, cold, snow, ice) the apparatus indoors is a substitute for outdoor exercise. Stretching on the apparatus before or after a run, or walk can help to warm up or cool down.