MULTI-CONFIGURATION EXERCISE DEVICE INCLUDING AN ARCUATE TRACK

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the foreign priority benefit of Chinese application number 202410378794.9 of Mar. 29, 2024.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to the field of exercise devices and methods, and more specifically to the field of multi-configuration exercise devices.

BACKGROUND

There exists a long-known issue of requiring a multitude of exercise machines to fulfill various exercise routines. Requiring a multitude of exercise machines involves inconvenience, space constraints, and financial burden issues placed on individuals. Many people desire a diverse workout regimen to target different muscle groups and achieve well-rounded fitness. However, accommodating a range of machines for strength training, flexibility, and specialized exercises can quickly clutter one's home or gym space. Furthermore, owning multiple machines can be expensive, not to mention the maintenance costs and regular upgrades that may be required. The fragmentation created in exercise equipment can also deter some from staying committed to their fitness journey, as the logistical challenges and costs associated with acquiring and maintaining various machines can make consistent exercise more challenging.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an exercise device, including: a base frame; an interface frame; a support beam hingedly coupled to the base frame and hingedly coupled the interface frame, wherein the support beam defines an opening, wherein the support beam includes a pin, wherein the pin is biased toward projecting a portion of the pin into the defined opening of the support beam; and an arcuate track coupled to the interface frame, wherein the arcuate track defines a plurality apertures, wherein the arcuate track is configured to insert within the defined opening of the support beam, wherein a first angle is configured to be adjusted by selectively engagement of the pin with an aperture of the plurality of apertures of the arcuate track.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an exercise device, including: a base frame; an interface frame; a support beam hingedly coupled to the base frame and hingedly coupled to the interface frame, wherein: the support beam defines an opening, the support beam includes a pin, and the pin is biased towards projecting a portion of the pin into the defined opening of the support beam; and an arcuate track coupled to the interface frame, wherein: the arcuate track defines a plurality apertures, the arcuate track is configured to insert into the defined opening of the support beam, and a first angle between the interface frame and the support beam is configured to be adjusted by selective engagement of the pin with an aperture of the plurality of apertures of the arcuate track.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an exercise device, including: a base frame; an interface frame; a support beam hingedly coupled to the base frame and hingedly coupled to the interface frame, wherein: the support beam includes a pin; and an arcuate track coupled to the interface frame, wherein: the arcuate track defines a plurality of apertures, the arcuate track interfaces with the support beam, and a first angle between the interface frame and the support beam is adjustable by selective engagement of the pin with an aperture of the plurality of apertures of the arcuate track.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing is a summary, and thus, necessarily limited in detail. The above-mentioned aspects, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages of the present technology are described below in connection with various embodiments, with reference made to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a multi-configuration exercise device in an example configuration with an arcuate track defining a plurality of apertures.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a multi-configuration exercise device in an example configuration displaying angular relationships of an interface frame, support beam, and base frame.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a multi-configuration exercise device in an example configuration with the arc of the arcuate track shown.

FIG. 4 illustrates another perspective of an embodiment of a multi-configuration exercise device in an example configuration.

FIG. 5 illustrates another perspective of an embodiment of a multi-configuration exercise device in a collapsed configuration.

The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the disclosure. The schematics are drawn to illustrate features and concepts and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing is a summary, and thus, necessarily limited in detail. The above-mentioned aspects, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages of the present technology will now be described in connection with various embodiments. The inclusion of the following embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the claimed subject matter. Other embodiments may be utilized, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. Aspects of the disclosure, as described and illustrated herein, can be arranged, combined, modified, and designed in a variety of different formulations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and form part of this disclosure.

Multi-configuration exercise devices described herein include an interface frame operatively coupled to a base frame. Multi-configuration exercise devices contemplated herein include a variety of interface frame heights and orientations, with respect to the base frame. Additionally, devices described herein may include a multitude of configurations achieved by removing one or more pads or coupling one or more pads to the interface frame and/or the base frame. The various configurations of interface frame heights and orientations, with respect to the base frame, have been contemplated to be combined with any pad configuration. The contemplated configurations are intended for a multitude of exercises.

In some embodiments, the exercise devices described herein are configured to save floor space in a gym facility, home gym, living room, office, etc. where the exercise device may be used, while also providing a user with a plurality of configurations to perform various exercises on or using the exercise device. For example, the exercise device, in some configurations, may consume an area with dimensions of about 0.6 m by about 1.4 m on a floor. In some configurations, the exercise device may consume an area with dimensions of about 0.6 m by about 0.6 m area on a floor. In some embodiments, the exercise device is transitionable between two configurations, more than two configurations, a plurality of configurations, three configurations, four configurations, five configurations, or six configurations. In some embodiments, any of the configurations may be used with or without one or more pads or a plurality of pads that are couplable to the interface frame.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an embodiment of a multi-configuration exercise device 100 in an example configuration. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 may be used, for example, by a user to perform abdominal exercises (e.g., sit-ups), hamstring exercises (e.g., glute-ham development), and/or lower back exercises (e.g., about 90-degree back extensions). The device 100 includes a base frame 128 and an interface frame 116 operatively coupled together. When the base frame 128 is laid upon a surface (e.g., the plane defined by the horizontal axis 296 and the normal axis 292), such that the longitudinal axis 160 (shown in FIG. 2) of the base frame 128 is approximately parallel to the surface, and with gravity acting approximately normal to the surface, the base frame 128 rigidly supports and stabilizes the device 100. The base frame 128 may be operatively coupled to the interface frame 116 via a support beam 102. Support beam 102 may be hingedly coupled to the base frame 128 via coupling 268, and the support beam 102 may be hingedly coupled to the interface frame 116 via coupling 262. The support beam 102 may include a swing brace 1106 hingedly coupled to the support beam 102 by coupling 264. Further, the interface frame 116 may include an arcuate track 404, which may be reversibly coupled to the support beam 102. Couplings 262, 268 may allow rotational adjustment of the support beam 102 and the interface frame 116 in a counterclockwise direction 140 about normal axis 292 and a clockwise direction 142 about normal axis 292 (shown in FIG. 2). Coupling 264 may allow rotational adjustment of the swing brace 1106 in a counterclockwise direction 140 about normal axis 292 and a clockwise direction 142 about normal axis 292 (shown in FIG. 2). The interface frame 116 may include an adjustable length 158 (shown in FIG. 2). Additionally, the interface frame 116 may include a plurality of pads: a first pad 108, a second pad 110, a third pad 111 (shown in FIG. 4), first cylindrical pad 114 removably coupled to the interface frame 116, and a second cylindrical pad 112. Any of pads, 108, 110, 111, 114, 112 may be removable or repositionable. For example, the first pad 108 may be removable. For example, the first cylindrical pad 114 may be removable. Additionally, the interface frame 116 may include a base plate 119 and one or more handles 124. The base frame 128 may include one or more wheels 118 and one or more weight pegs 120. The height 330 (as shown in FIG. 2) and orientation of the interface frame 116 may be manipulated with respect to the base frame 128.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, embodiments may include a swing brace 1106 hingedly coupled to the support beam 102 by coupling 264. Embodiments utilizing the swing brace 1106 may use the swing brace 1106 for angular adjustments of the support beam 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the base frame 128 may include a unidirectional adjustment interface 1171 coupled to the base frame 128. The unidirectional adjustment interface 1171 may include a geometric shape, in which the swing brace 1106, when engaged with unidirectional adjustment interface 1171, is adjustable in one direction (e.g., a unidirectional saw-tooth pattern). Selective engagement of the swing brace 1106 with the unidirectional adjustment interface 1171 adjusts the magnitude of angle 134 (shown in FIG. 2). As such, the support beam 102 may achieve a plurality of adjustments of angle 134 (shown in FIG. 2) while being angled toward a vertical orientation (i.e., aligned with the vertical axis 294 and increasing the angle 134), and prevented from angling back towards a horizontal orientation (i.e., aligned with the horizontal axis 296). The swing brace 1106 may be removed from engagement with the unidirectional adjustment interface 1171 to angle the support beam 102 toward a horizontal orientation (i.e., aligned with the horizontal axis 296, decreasing second angle 134). Said another way, angle 1134 is prevented from increasing due to engagement of the swing brace 1106 with the unidirectional adjustment interface 1171, while decreasing the angle 1134 is not restrained by the unidirectional adjustment interface 1171. The swing brace 1106 includes a longitudinal axis 906 aligned along coupling 264 and an engaged tooth of the saw-tooth pattern of unidirectional adjustment interface 1171. For example, when the support beam 102 is lifted (i.e., supplying a force including a vector greater than and opposite of gravity, and greater than the resulting weight of the support beam 102), the engagement of the swing brace 1106 with the unidirectional adjustment interface 1171 will allow the support beam 102 to rotate about coupling 268 counterclockwise 140 about normal axis 292. When lifting of the support beam 102 is ceased, engagement of the unidirectional adjustment interface 1171 with the swing brace 1106 may support the support beam 102 at corresponding angle 134, even if an additional load is received upon the interface frame 116. As such, decreasing angle 1134 defined by the swing brace 1106 and the support beam 102 may increase angle 134 defined by the support beam 102 and the base frame 128. Increasing angle 1134 defined by the swing brace 1106 and the support beam 102 may decrease angle 134 defined by the support beam 102 and the base frame 128.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, embodiments may include an arcuate track 404 coupled to the interface frame 116. The support beam 102 may define an opening 706 (shown in FIG. 4) in which the arcuate track 404 inserts within. As shown in FIG. 3, the arc 802 of the arcuate track 404 is defined by a radius 176, measured from the coupling 262 (which the interface frame 116 rotates about) to the arc 802. As such, the arcuate track 404 may remain within the defined opening 706 of the support beam 102 as an angle 133 between the support beam 102 and the interface frame 116 is adjusted. Further, the arcuate track 404 may define a plurality of apertures, for example, aperture 504a, aperture 504b, aperture 504c, aperture 504d, aperture 504e, aperture 504f, and one or more additional apertures (not shown). Each aperture of the defined plurality of apertures of the acuate track may be radially arranged such that each aperture is approximately the same radius 176 from the coupling 262. The support beam 102 may include a spring-loaded pin 604 for selective engagement with the plurality of apertures of the arcuate track 404. Said another way, and as shown in FIG. 4, the spring-loaded pin 604 may be biased such that a portion of the spring-loaded pin 604 may project into the defined opening 706 of the support beam 102. The projected portion of the spring-loaded pin 604 may engage with one of the apertures of the plurality of apertures of the arcuate track 404. When the projected portion of the spring-loaded pin 604 is engaged with an aperture of the plurality of apertures, for example aperture 504a, aperture 504b, aperture 504c, aperture 504d, aperture 504e, aperture 504f, or one or more additional apertures, angle 133 may be locked at a corresponding degree amount. For example, when the spring-loaded pin 604 is engaged with aperture 504a, the angle 133 may be at about five degrees. When the spring-loaded pin 604 is engaged with aperture 504b, the angle 133 may be at about 10 degrees. When the spring-loaded pin 604 is engaged with aperture 504c, the angle 133 may be at about 15 degrees. When the spring-loaded pin 604 is engaged with aperture 504d, the angle 133 may be at about 20 degrees. When the spring-loaded pin 604 is engaged with aperture 504e, the angle 133 may be at about 25 degrees. When the spring-loaded pin 604 is engaged with an additional aperture (not shown), the angle 133 may be at about 30 degrees. When the spring-loaded pin 604 is engaged with another aperture (not shown), the angle 133 may be at about 35 degrees. When the spring-loaded pin 604 is engaged with aperture 504f, the angle 133 may be at about 40 degrees. Although examples of corresponding degree increments for angle 133 are listed in relation to the plurality of apertures of the arcuate track 404 and/or are shown in five-degree increments, other degree amounts or increments are contemplated herein. Although an example of eight apertures is given for the plurality of apertures of the arcuate track 404, more and fewer apertures are contemplated herein. For example, an arcuate track 404 may define two to ten apertures, five to 15 apertures, two apertures, three apertures, four apertures, five apertures, six apertures, seven apertures, nine apertures, or ten apertures, and all have been contemplated herein.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate the multi-configuration exercise device 100 in an expanded configuration. For example, the height 330 of the device 100 shown in FIG. 1 may be about 0.75 m to about 1.25 m; about 0.80 m to about 1.20 m; about 0.90 m to about 1.10 m; etc. Orientation of the interface frame 116 is with respect to the base frame 128. The multi-configuration exercise device 100 may include a collapsed configuration as well (as shown in FIG. 5). In the collapsed configuration, angle 133 and angle 134 (shown in FIG. 2) are about zero degrees. Additionally, the longitudinal axis 168 (shown in FIG. 2) of the interface frame 116, the longitudinal axis 164 (shown in FIG. 2) of the support beam 102, and the longitudinal axis 160 (shown in FIG. 2) of the base frame 128 are all approximately parallel. The multi-configuration device 100 may be adjusted to a fully expanded configuration, a collapsed configuration, or any point there between. Angle 133 may include an adjustment range of about zero degrees to about 90 degrees; about zero degrees to about 75 degrees; about zero degrees to about 60 degrees; about zero degrees to about 45 degrees; about zero degrees to about 40 degrees; etc. Angle 134 may include an adjustment range of about zero degrees to about 90 degrees; about zero degrees to about 75 degrees; about zero degrees to about 60 degrees; about zero degrees to about 45 degrees; about zero degrees to about 40 degrees; etc.

The multi-configuration exercise devices described herein include construction with materials with appropriate physical properties and mechanical properties. For example, the interface frame, the base frame, and the support beam may be composed of or comprise materials with the appropriate hardness and strength, for example, alloys (e.g., low-carbon steel, high-carbon steels, mild-carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, etc.), composites, or any other appropriate materials known in the art. For example, pads described herein may be composed in part or solely of appropriate padding material, for example, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic elastomer, nitrile butadiene rubber, other rubber variants, foam, cork, neoprene, canvas, or any other appropriate materials known in the art. The interface frames, the support beam, the base frame, the first strut, and the second strut described herein include a composition of material with appropriate mechanical performance, for example, rigidity, tensile strength, compressive strength, etc. For example, the interface frame, the support beam, and the base frame may be constructed of square tubing with an outer diameter of about 2.5 cm to about 10.0 cm; about 3.0 cm to about 7.5 cm; about 4 cm to about 6 cm; etc.

As used herein, “coupling” (e.g., coupling 268, 262, 264) may include, but not be limited to: a bracket and axle, a hinge, a pivot, a joint, a swivel, or a fulcrum.

Terms such as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. are used herein but are not used to indicate a sequence or order but rather to distinguish like features or similar components from one another.

EXAMPLES

Example 1. An exercise device, comprising: a base frame; an interface frame; a support beam hingedly coupled to the base frame and hingedly coupled to the interface frame, wherein: the support beam defines an opening, the support beam includes a pin, and the pin is biased towards projecting a portion of the pin into the defined opening of the support beam; and an arcuate track coupled to the interface frame, wherein: the arcuate track defines a plurality apertures, the arcuate track is configured to insert into the defined opening of the support beam, and a first angle between the interface frame and the support beam is configured to be adjusted by selective engagement of the pin with an aperture of the plurality of apertures of the arcuate track.

Example 2. The exercise device of example 1, further comprising a swing brace hingedly coupled to the support beam.

Example 3. The exercise device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 2, wherein the base frame further comprises a unidirectional adjustment interface.

Example 4. The exercise device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 3, wherein a second angle between the support beam and the base frame is configured to be adjusted by selective engagement of the swing brace with the unidirectional adjustment interface.

Example 5. The exercise device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 4, wherein the second angle is configured to be adjusted in a counterclockwise direction about a normal axis and a clockwise direction about the normal axis.

Example 6. The exercise device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 1, wherein a length of the interface frame is adjustable.

Example 7. The exercise device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 1, further comprising a collapsed configuration wherein the first angle and a second angle are about zero degrees, and wherein a longitudinal axis of the interface frame, and a longitudinal axis of the base frame are approximately parallel.

Example 8. The exercise device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 1, wherein the interface frame further comprises a plurality of pads.

Example 9. The exercise device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 8, wherein the interface frame further comprises a first pad, a second pad, and a third pad, wherein the first pad is removably coupled to the interface frame.

Example 10. The exercise device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 1, wherein the interface frame further comprises a first cylindrical pad and a second cylindrical pad, wherein the first cylindrical pad is removably coupled to the interface frame.

Example 11. The exercise device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 1, further comprising a base plate coupled to the interface frame.

Example 12. The exercise device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 1, wherein the first angle is configured to be adjusted in a counterclockwise about a normal axis and a clockwise about the normal axis.

Example 13. An exercise device, comprising: a base frame; an interface frame; a support beam hingedly coupled to the base frame and hingedly coupled to the interface frame, wherein: the support beam includes a pin; and an arcuate track coupled to the interface frame, wherein: the arcuate track defines a plurality of apertures, the arcuate track interfaces with the support beam, and a first angle between the interface frame and the support beam is adjustable by selective engagement of the pin with an aperture of the plurality of apertures of the arcuate track.

Example 14. The exercise device of example 13, wherein each of the plurality of apertures of the arcuate track corresponds to an incremental degree of the first angle.

Example 15. The exercise device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 13, further comprising a swing brace hingedly coupled to the support beam.

Example 16. The exercise device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 14, wherein a second angle between the support beam and the base frame is configured to be adjusted by selective engagement of the swing brace with a unidirectional adjustment interface of the base frame.

Example 17. The exercise device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 13, wherein a length of the interface frame is adjustable.

Example 18. The exercise device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 13, further comprising a collapsed configuration, wherein the first angle and a second angle are about zero degrees, and wherein a longitudinal axis of the interface frame and a longitudinal axis of the base frame are approximately parallel.

Example 19. The exercise device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 13, wherein the interface frame further comprises a plurality of pads.

Example 20. The exercise device of any one of the preceding examples, but in particular example 13, wherein the pin is a spring-loaded pin.

As used in the description and claims, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include both singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “sensor” may include, and is contemplated to include a plurality of sensors. At times, the claims and disclosure may include terms such as “a plurality,” “one or more,” or “at least one;” however, the absence of such terms is not intended to mean, and should not be interpreted to mean, that a plurality is not conceived.

The term “about” or “approximately,” when used before a numerical designation or range (e.g., to define a length or pressure), indicates approximations which may vary by (+) or (−) 5%, 1% or 0.1%. All numerical ranges provided herein are inclusive of the stated start and end numbers. The term “substantially” indicates mostly (i.e., greater than 50%) or essentially all of a device, substance, or composition.

As used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is intended to mean that the devices, systems, and methods include the recited elements, and may additionally include any other elements. “Consisting essentially of” shall mean that the devices, systems, and methods include the recited elements and exclude other elements of essential significance to the combination for the stated purpose. Thus, a system or method consisting essentially of the elements as defined herein would not exclude other materials, features, or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed disclosure. “Consisting of” shall mean that the devices, systems, and methods include the recited elements and exclude anything more than a trivial or inconsequential element or step. Embodiments defined by each of these transitional terms are within the scope of this disclosure.

The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.