ADJUSTABLE WEIGHT BENCH

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to Provisional U.S. Patent Application Number 63/704,359, filed October 7, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates in general to a weight bench system, and more particularly, to an adjustable weight bench system.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Athletes performing exercises, such as for weight lifting training, may use a weight bench to support a range of exercises. Existing weight benches suffer from limited adjustability, cumbersome adjustment mechanisms, and difficulty in mobility, particularly when athletes need to reconfigure the bench or move the bench between different locations. Therefore, there is a need for an improved weight bench that addresses these shortcomings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description of the invention will be described in relation to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the following figures have the following general nature:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the weight bench apparatus;

FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the weight bench apparatus;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the weight bench apparatus;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a first portion of the weight bench apparatus in a first configuration;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the weight bench apparatus of with the first portion in a second configuration;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a second portion of the weight bench apparatus in a first configuration;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the weight bench apparatus with the second portion in a second configuration;

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the weight bench apparatus of FIGS. 1A-B.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure overcomes challenges and other known disadvantages with existing weight systems by providing a weight bench system and a weight bench apparatus (also referred to as a workout bench or exercise bench). The weight bench apparatus allows the user to perform various exercises, while the weight bench system may include, in addition to the weight bench apparatus, further components, such as attachments or accessories, to expand the utility of the weight bench apparatus.

Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, apparatuses, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When a component or element is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” “secured to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other component or element, or intervening components or elements may be present. In contrast, when a component or element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” “directly secured to,” or “directly coupled to” another component or element, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The ordinal numerical terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms, as the terms are used for the sake of convenience. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, or section from another region or section. The ordinal numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, position, portion, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, position, portion, or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

Terms such as “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and the like, when used in describing a numerical value, denote a variation of +/- 10% of that value, unless specified otherwise.

When an element or layer includes a directional and/or spatial term (e.g., top, bottom, medial, lateral, etc.), the directional and/or spatial term is used relative to when the weight bench apparatus is flat or horizontal.

Aspects herein provide for a weight lifting system, such as, for example, a weight bench apparatus, to allow a user to perform multiple exercises on a single apparatus at multiple configurations.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict perspective views of a weight bench apparatus 100. In some examples, the weight bench apparatus may include a support frame 200. The support frame 200 includes a first portion 210, a second portion 220, a first support member 230, and a second support member 240. In some examples, the support frame further includes pads 211, 221 disposed on the first and second portions 210, 220, respectively. The pads 211, 221 may be formed of a foam material or other suitable cushion. In some cases, the foam material may be encased by a cover. In some instances, the pads 211, 221 may be removable from the weight bench apparatus 100.

The weight bench apparatus 100 allows a user or multiple users to perform various weighted exercises. The first portion 210 and/or the second portion 220 may be moved between multiple configurations so as to accommodate different exercise positions. For example, when both the first portion 210 and the second portion 220 are in a flat configuration, the user may lay their body on the pads 211, 221 of first portion 210 and second portion 220 respectively. The flat configurations of the first and second portions 210, 220 allow the user to perform exercises that require a flat, horizontal surface, such as bench press. In another example, when the first portion 210 is in the flat configuration and the second portion 220 is in an inclined configuration, a user may sit on the pad 211 of first portion 210 and position their back against the pad 221 of second portion 220. The inclined configuration of the second portion 220 and the flat configuration of the first portion 210 may provide postural support to the user and/or allow the user to perform exercises where back support is desirable, such as inclined bench press or seated curls. In another example, when both the first and second portions 210, 220 are an in an inclined configuration, the user may sit on the pad 211 of first portion 210 and position their back against the pad 221 of second portion 220. The inclined configuration of the second portion 220 and the flat configuration of the first portion 210 may provide postural support to the user and/or allow the user to perform exercises that engage specific muscle groups.

FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of the weight bench apparatus 100. As seen in FIGS. 1A-2, weight bench apparatus 100 may include the support frame, a handle, a rack, and an adjustable arm, among other components, as discussed in further detail below. A lateral axis A100 extends horizontally through the weight bench apparatus 100. In some examples, the weight bench apparatus 100 is a unitary system, such that the weight bench apparatus 100 is not intended to be separated into multiple components after assembly. In other examples, the weight bench apparatus 100 may be a modular system such that individual components of the system may be removed from and reassembled with one another to form the weight bench apparatus 100.

As shown, the first portion 210 may be a flat plate having a first end 202, a second end 203, a first flange 204, and a second flange 205. Flanges 204, 205 may extend away from the top surface of first portion 210 which is in contact with pad 211, in a substantially perpendicular manner. The edges and/or corners of flanges 204, 205 may be angled, beveled, and/or chamfered. The bottom end 203 of the first portion 210 may include a fastening section, such as arms 206a, 206b. Ends of the arms 206a, 206b may include openings 206c, 206d, respectively. The first portion 210 may include a plurality of fasteners 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, such as screws or bolts, extending therethrough for securing the pad 211 to the first portion 210. In some examples, the first portion 210 may also include one or more openings, such as openings 218a, 218b, 218c, 218d, to reduce the weight of the first portion 210.

The second portion 220 may also be a flat plate having a first end 252, a second end 223 adjacent to the second end 203, a first flange 224, and a second flange 225. Flanges 224, 225 may extend away from the top surface of second portion 220 which is in contact with pad 221, in a substantially perpendicular manner. In some examples, from the first end 252 to the second end 223, at least a portion of the flanges 224, 225 may include a tapered portion. In other examples, from the second end 223 to the first end 252, at least a portion of the flanges 224, 225 may include a tapered portion. Restated, the flanges 224, 225 may extend a variable length away from the second portion 220. The flanges 224, 225 of the second portion 220 may include openings, such as openings 224a, 225a, substantially located at the center of the flanges 224, 225. The second end 223 of the second portion 220 may include a fastening section, such as arms 226a, 226b. Ends of the arms 226a, 226b may include openings 226c, 226d. The second portion 220 may include a plurality of fasteners, such as fasteners 227a, 227b, 227c, 227d, 227e, 227f, extending away from the surface of the second portion 220 for securing the pad 221 to the second portion 220. In some examples, the second portion 220 may also include one or more openings, such as openings 268a, 268b, to reduce the weight of the second portion 220. The first end 252 may include a handle 222. The handle 222 may be fastened, adhered, or otherwise coupled to the first end 252 or the bottom end 223 via an adhesive, thermal bonding, welding, the use of fasteners such as bolts, screws, or nuts, or via any other suitable means.

In some examples, the length of the first portion 210 may be greater than, equal to, or less than the length of second portion 220. Moreover, at least a portion of the width of first portion 210 may be the same as at least a portion of the width of the second portion 220. The dimensions (e.g., length, width) of pads 211, 221 may correspond to the dimensions of the first portion 210 and the second portion 220, respectively. For example, a width of first portion 210 at second end 203 may be larger than a width of first portion 210 at first end 202. In this way, the width of first portion 210 may taper off similar to the tapering of pad 211.

The weight bench apparatus 100 may further include an axle 500a. The axle 500a connects the first portion 210 and the second portion 220 to each other. That is, the bent arms 206a, 206b of the first portion 210, through openings 206c, 206d, may be pivotably attached to the bent arms 226a, 226b of the second portion 220, through openings 226c, 226d, via the axle 500a. Accordingly, the first portion 210 and the second portion 220 may be movable (e.g., able to pivot to different angles of elevation) about axle 500a. The weight bench apparatus 100 may also further include an axle 500b. The axle 500b connects the second portion 220 and the adjustable arm 450 to each other. That is, the second portion 220, through openings 224a, 225b, may be pivotably attached to the first end 460, through openings 460a, 460b, via the axle 450b. Accordingly, the first end 460 of the adjustable arm 450 may be moveable (e.g., able to pivot) about axle 500b, thereby to adjust the angle of elevation of the second portion 220.

The first support member 230 may be a hollow bar having a rectangular or other suitable cross-sectional shape. The first support member 230 may include a first end 231 adjacent to the first portion 210 and a second end 232 opposite to the first end 231. The first support member 230 may include an opening 230a, in some examples, located at or near the first end 231, which allows for adjustment of the position of the first portion 210, as further described. The first support member 230 may further include a foot 233 located at the second end 232. The foot 233 may be a solid or hollow bar, or in some examples, a plate, as shown. In some examples, a bottom surface of the foot 233 may include a polymeric material to provide traction for the weight bench apparatus 100 (e.g., reduce slippage between the weight bench apparatus 100 and the floor). The first portion 210 may be directly or indirectly secured to the first support member 230. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B and 2, the first portion 210 may be indirectly secured to the first support member 230 via an adjustment system 212.

The adjustment system 212 may include a mounting bracket 214 and a curved arm 216. The mounting bracket 214 may be coupled to the first portion 210 via one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.). The curved arm 216 includes two or more openings, such as openings 216a, 216b, 216c. The opening 230a of the first support member 230 may be sized, shaped, and oriented to allow at least a portion of the curved arm 216 to pass through the opening 230a. The openings 216a, 216b, 216c may be disposed along the portion of the curved arm 216 that may pass through the opening 230a. Each opening 216a, 216b, 216c may correspond to a different configuration of the first portion 210. The adjustment system 212 may further include a pin 215. The pin 215 may be configured to selectively engage with one of the openings 216a, 216b, 216c. In some examples, the pin 215 may be removable. In some examples, the pin 215 may remain attached to the weight bench apparatus 100, and may include a biasing mechanism that urges at least a portion of the pin 215 into the openings of the curved arm 216. By this arrangement, a position (e.g., angle of inclination) of the first portion 210 is adjusted, as seen when comparing FIG. 3B with FIG. 3A and further described below.

The second support member 240 may be a hollow bar having a rectangular or other suitable shape. The second support member 240 may include a first end 241 adjacent to the second portion 220 and a second end 242 opposite to the first end 241. The second support member 240 may further include a foot 243 adhered to or coupled to the second end 242 via gluing, adhesives, thermal bonding, welding, or any other suitable means. The foot 243 may be a plate, or in some examples, a solid or hollow bar, as shown. In some examples, a first end and a second end the foot 243 may include a polymeric material to provide traction for the weight bench apparatus 100. The second support member 240 may further include one or more wheels, such as wheels 242a, 242b, each coupled to a base portion, such as foot 243, of second support member 240. As will be discussed below, the wheels 242a, 242b may be configured to move the weight bench apparatus 100. The second portion 220 may be directly or indirectly coupled to the second support member 240. In other examples, the second support member 240 may support at least a part of the second portion 220. That is, the second portion 220 may be coupled to a component of the support frame 200 solely at the axle 500a, such as being coupled solely to the first portion 210. In these examples, the second portion 220 may further include the handle 222, which may facilitate movement of the second portion 220 at the axle 500a between various configurations.

The weight bench apparatus may include a handle 300, as will be discussed further below with respect to FIGS. 3A-3B. The handle 300 may include a first arm 310, a second arm 320, and a grip portion 330 disposed between the first arm 310 and the second arm 320.

The weight bench apparatus may include a rack 400 that is used to change a position (e.g., angle of inclination) of the second portion 220, as further described. The rack 400 may include a first plate 401, a second plate 402, and a hollow bar 403 having a rectangular or other suitable shape. The first and second plates 401, 402 may be fastened, adhered, or otherwise coupled to the hollow bar 403 via fasteners, gluing, adhesives, thermal bonding, welding, or any other suitable means. A plurality of grooves may be formed into the first and second plates 401, 402 to form one or more channels, such as channels 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, 410g. The rack 400 may include a first end 420 and a second end 430. In some embodiments, the rack 400 may be fastened, adhered, or otherwise coupled to the first support member 230 and the second support member 240 via fasteners, gluing, adhesives, thermal bonding, welding, or any other suitable means in different configurations as will be described below.

The weight bench apparatus may include an adjustable arm 450. In some instances, the adjustable arm 450 may be a curved plate. The adjustable arm 450 includes a first end 460 and a second end 470. The adjustable arm may include a bend near the second end 470. The first end 460 may include corresponding openings, such as openings 460a, 460b, and the second end 470 may include corresponding openings, such as openings 470a, and a similar opening (not shown). The second end 470 of the adjustable arm 450 may further include a pin 472, which may configured to selectively engage with any one of channels 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, 410g, to adjust the position of the second portion 220. The pin 472 may be fastened, adhered, or otherwise coupled to the second end 470 via fasteners, gluing, adhesives, thermal bonding, welding, or any other suitable means. The adjustable arm 450 may also include a handle 480. A user may move the adjustable arm 450 via the handle 480.

In some examples, pads 211, 221 and cover of the grip portion 330 may be formed of a foamed material that may be at least partially deformable upon an application of force thereto, such as upon receipt of a user’s body or portion thereof. The pads 211, 221 may be comprised of polyurethane (PU) foam, spray foam, melamine foam, or any other foamed material suitable for a desired amount of cushioning. The cover of the pads 211, 221 may be formed of PU as well. The polymeric material included on foot 233, 243 may be rubber. In some examples, other portions of the weight bench apparatus 100—apart from the pads 211, 221, the cover of the pads 211, 221, and the cover of the grip portion 330—are comprised of a substantially rigid material thus reducing and minimizing flexion of the weight bench apparatus 100. These portions of the weight bench apparatus 100 may be comprised of heavy-duty steel, anodized steel, or any other substantially rigid material suitable for holding the weight of a person. The weight bench apparatus 100 may have a maximum weight of about 1000 lbs (454 kg) when flat and about 600 lbs (272 kg) when angled.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a focused view of the first portion 210, the first support member 230, and the handle 300 of the weight bench apparatus 100 is shown. The longitudinal axis A230 of first support member 230 extends at a nonzero angle from lateral axis A100. In some examples, A230 may be perpendicular to A100. In some examples the angle between A230 and A100 may be less than 90 degrees. In this way, first support member 230 may extend from first portion 210 at a nonzero and a non-right angle.

The first arm 310 of handle 300 may include a first portion 311 coupled to the first support member 230 and a second portion 312 coupled to the grip portion 330 of handle 300, and the second arm 320 may include a first portion 321 coupled to the first support member 230 and a second portion 322 coupled to the grip portion 330 of handle 300. First portion 311 and first portion 321 may extend from first support member 230. Specifically, in some embodiments, first portion 311 and first portion 321 may be parallel to one another and extend in a direction parallel to the lateral axis A100. Thus, as will be further described below, angles 310a and 320a formed between first portion 311 and first support member 230, and first portion 321 and first support member 230 respectively may be a non-right angle. First portion 321 may extend farther away from first support member 230 than first portion 311. In other words, first portion 321 may be longer than first portion 311. The difference in length between first portion 311 and first portion 321 may allow for the grip portion 330 of the handle 300 to be provided at a more effective position and/or angle for a user of weight bench apparatus 100 to pick up weight bench apparatus 100, as further described below.

Second portion 312 and second portion 322 may be parallel to one another. Second portion 312 and second portion 322 may also extend in a direction that is at a nonzero angle with respect to the lateral axis A100. Because first portions 311, 321 may extend parallel to the lateral axis A100, second portions 312, 322 may form an angle 310b, 320b with first portions 311, 321 as will be further described below. Moreover, since grip portion 330 is provided between second portions 312 and 322, the longitudinal axis A330 of grip portion 330 may extend in a direction that is at a nonzero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A230. That is, the grip portion 330 near the second portion 312 end may be closer to first support member 230 than the grip portion 330 near the second portion 322 which may allow for a more effective grip.

The grip portion 330 may be a solid or hollow bar having a cylindrical shape. The grip portion 330 may be secured between the first and second arms 310, 320 via fasteners such as bolts, screws, or nuts, gluing, adhesives, thermal bonding, welding, or any other suitable means. In some examples, the grip portion 330 may include a cover formed of a material that enhances a user’s grip and/or comfort, such as foam, rubber, or plastic. In some embodiments, the handle 300 may be secured to the first support member 230. For example, the first arm 310 and the second arm 320 of the handle 300 may be adhered to or coupled to the first support member 230, respectively, at different locations along the first support member 230 via fasteners, gluing, adhesives, thermal bonding, welding, or any other suitable means. For example, the first arm 310 and the second arm 320 of the handle 222 may be secured at a location along the first support member 230.

The first arm 310 and the second arm 320 may be secured to the first support member 230, respectively, at different locations along the first support member 230. At these respective locations, the first portion 311 may form angle 310a with the first support member 230, and the first portion 321 may form angle 320a with the first support member 230. Depending on the desired orientation of the first support member 230, in some examples, the angles 310a and 320a, independently, may be in a range from 90 degrees to 140 degrees, such as about 100 degrees to about 130 degrees or about 110 degrees to about 120 degrees. In other examples, angles 310a and 320a may be about 95 degrees, about 100 degrees, about 105 degrees, about 110 degrees, or about 115 degrees.

Regardless of the orientation of the first support member 230, in some examples, the first and second portions 311, 312 of the first arm 310 may be disposed at an angle 310b relative to one another. Similarly, the first and second portions 321, 322 of the second arm 320 may be disposed at an angle 320b relative to each other. Depending on the desired orientation of the grip portion 330, the angles 310b and 320b, independently, may be in a range from 90 degrees to 180 degrees, such as about 100 degrees to about 170 degrees, about 110 degrees to about 160 degrees, or about 120 degrees to about 150 degrees. In other examples, angles 510b and 520b may be about 90 degrees, about 105 degrees, about 115 degrees, about 135 degrees, about 145 degrees, or about 155 degrees. The angles 310b and 320b may correspond to each other.

The axle 500a may allow the first portion 210 to move between multiple configurations, as further described. For example, FIG. 3A depicts the first portion 210 in a flat configuration (e.g., a horizontal configuration and a floor on which the weight bench apparatus 100 is placed, and parallel to lateral axis A100, and FIG. 3B depicts the first portion 210 in an inclined configuration (e.g., at an angle relative to lateral axis A100). As discussed above, each opening 216a, 216b, 216c may correspond to a different configuration of the first portion 210. Moreover, the pin 215 may be configured to selectively engage with any one of openings 216a, 216b, 216c. For example, the pin 215 may be biased by a spring so that it may be able to move between a retracted state and an extended state. When the pin 215 is in the extended state, the pin 215 may fully disengage from one of openings 216a, 216b, 216c. That is, the pin 215 is not positioned in one of openings 216a, 216b, 216c. Accordingly, the curved arm 216 may be allowed to freely pass through opening 230a so that the first portion 210 may be positioned, as desired, at an incline angle relative to lateral axis A100 corresponding to openings 216a, 216b, or 216c. For example, the incline angle of the first portion 210 at the opening 216a may be 0 degrees, the incline angle of the first portion 210 at the opening 216b may be 15 degrees, and the incline angle of the first portion 210 at the opening 216c may be 30 degrees. In some aspects, the first portion 210 at the opening 216a may be 10 degrees, the incline angle of the first portion 210 at the opening 216b may be 20 degrees, and the incline angle of the first portion 210 at the opening 216c may be 30 degrees. Once positioned, the pin 215 may be released to the retracted state, where the pin 215 may fully engage with one of openings 216a, 216b, 216c. That is, the pin 215 is positioned in one of openings 216a, 216b, 216c. By engaging one of openings 216a, 216b, 216c, the pin 215 may lock the first portion 210 at the desired location.

In some examples, the first end 420 of the rack 400 may be fastened to a lower portion of the first support member 230, and the second end 430 of the rack 400 may be fastened to an upper portion of the second support member 240, such that the rack 400 is disposed at an angle relative to the lateral axis A100. In other examples, as is seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first end 420 of the rack 400 may be fastened to an upper portion of the first support member 230, and the second end 430 of rack 400 may be fastened to a lower portion of the second support member 240 so that the longitudinal axis of the rack 400 may form an angle 400a (shown in FIG. 4A) relative to the lateral axis A100. The angle 400a, as seen in FIG. 4A, may be in a range of from 5 degrees to about 40 degrees. For example, angle 400a may be about 5 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 20 degrees, about 25 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, or about 40 degrees. In some examples, channels 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, 410g may be oriented to face the same direction as one another. Channels 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, 410g may correspond to a configuration (e.g., the angle of elevation) of the second portion 220, as will be discussed below.

Similar to the first portion 210, the axle 500a may also allow the second portion 220 to move between multiple configurations. For example, FIG. 4A depicts the second portion 220 in a flat configuration, and FIG. 4B depicts the second portion 220 in an inclined configuration. The handle 222 may facilitate movement of the second portion 220 at the axle 500a between the various configurations. That is, when a user applies an external force, such as an upward force, to the handle 222 (or the second portion 220), the second portion 220 may move in a corresponding direction, pivoting at the axle 500a. While the external force is being applied to the handle 222 (or the second portion 220), the adjustable arm 450 may be pivoted about axle 500b at the first end 460 and moved be toward the first support member 230 or the second support member 240. That is, the pin 472 of adjustable arm 450 may move freely along the rack 400. Once the pin 472 can move freely, the user may continue applying the external force, causing pin 472 to ascend the rack and thereby increasing the incline angle of the second portion 220.

In some embodiments, when a user applies a further external force, such as a downward force, to the handle 222 (or the second portion 220), the adjustable arm 450 may engage with any one of channels 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, 410g at the pin 472, thereby positioning the second portion 220 at an incline angle relative to lateral axis A100. In some examples, the incline angle may be in a range of 0 degrees to about 90 degrees, such as about 15 degrees to about 85 degrees, about 30 degrees to about 70 degrees, or about 45 degrees to about 60 degrees. In other examples, the angle may be 0 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 140 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees, or about 90 degrees.

Each of channels 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, 410g may correspond to an incline angle (e.g., configuration or position) of the second portion 220 as a result of the engagement of pin 472 within any of channels 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, 410g. For example, the incline angle of the second portion 220 when the pin 472 is engaged with the channel 410a may be 0 degrees, the incline angle of the second portion 220 when the pin 472 is engaged with the channel 410b may be about 15 degrees, or the incline angle of the second portion 220 when the pin 472 is engaged with the channel 410c may be about 30 degrees. For example, the incline angle of the second portion 220 when the pin 472 is engaged with the channel 410d may be about 45 degrees, the incline angle of the second portion 220 when the pin 472 is engaged with the channel 410e may be about 60 degrees, or the incline angle of the second portion 220 when the pin 472 is engaged with the channel 410f may be about 70 degrees. For example, the incline angle of the second portion 220 when the pin 472 is engaged with the channel 410g may be about 85 degrees.

Once the adjustable arm 450 engages with any one of channels 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, 410g, the engaged channel may prevent the adjustable arm 450 from pivoting at the first end 460 towards the first support member 230 or the second support member 240, thereby locking the second portion 220 at the incline angle (e.g., configuration or position) corresponding to the engaged channel. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the pin 272 is engaged with the channel 410d, locking second portion 220 and positioning the second portion 220 at a 45 degree incline angle.

In some embodiments, when a user applies a further external force, such as an upward force, to the handle 222 (or the second portion 220) the adjustable arm 450 may disengage from any one of channels 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, 410g at the pin 472 and may pivoted about axle 500b at the first end 460. In these embodiments, the adjustable arm 450 may be allowed to move toward the first support member 230 or the second support member 240 and/or to engage with any one of channels 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, 410g. It will be appreciated that angle 400a may reduce the effort required by the user to disengage the pin 472 from channels 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, 410g. When in the flat, horizontal configuration (e.g., adjustable arm 450 is in channel 410a), second portion 220 is in contact with second support member 240.

As illustrated in FIG. 4B, second portion 220 may move out of contact with second support member 240 when adjustable arm 450 moves out of channel 410a. In some aspects, second support member 240 may be configured to pivotally swing such that second support member 240 can move between an upright position (shown in FIG. 4B) and a flat position such that second support member 240 is in contact with the floor. In some examples, the second support member 240 can rotate about 110 degrees. The second support member 240 is configured to pivot when not in contact with the second portion 220. The adjustable arm 450 may be configured to move past channel 410a towards wheels 242a, 242b. Thus, when second support member 240 rotates into the flat position, weight bench apparatus 100 may be used to perform exercises at a decline angle with respect to the horizontal axis (e.g., the lateral axis A100 when second portion 220 and first portion 210 are in the flat configuration). These exercises may include decline bench press.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, when a user applies an external force, such as an upward force, to the handle 300, at least a portion, substantially all, or all of the weight of the weight bench apparatus 100 may be substantially transferred to wheels 242a, 242b, thereby allowing wheels 242a, 242b to facilitate the movement of the weight bench apparatus 100. That is, before the external force, wheels 242a, 242b may not contact the floor, and after the external force, wheels 242a, 242b may be brought into contact with the floor. In some examples, the first end portion 210 with the handle 300 may be required to be lifted such that the lateral axis A100 is offset 5 degree with respect to the horizontal axis for the wheels 242a, 242b to be in contact with the floor. Without being bound by any theory, the angles 310b and 320b may optimize or facilitate the force direction of the applied external force, reducing the effort required by the user (e.g., reducing the amount of force required) to shift at least a portion, substantially all, or all of the weight of the weight bench apparatus 100 onto wheels 242a, 242b. Once at least a portion, substantially all, or all of the weight is shifted, a user may maneuver the weight bench apparatus 100 using wheels 260a, 260b.

Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense such that various alternative aspects for implementing the present teachings are within the scope of the claims.

The following clauses provide an exemplary configuration for a weight bench described above.

A method of using the weight bench apparatus 100 may include providing the weight bench apparatus 100. The weight bench apparatus 100 may include support frame 200 with first portion 210 and second portion 220 moveable between a first position and a second position, first support member 230 secured to the first portion 210, and second support member 240. The weight bench apparatus 100 may further include adjustable arm 450 pivotally connected to the support frame 200 and rack 400 including at least two channels (e.g., any of channels 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e, 410f, or 410g), a first end of the rack 400 attached to the first support member 230, and a second end of the rack 400 attached to the second support member 240. The adjustable arm 450 may be configured to selectively engage with the first channel, thereby positioning the second portion 220 in the first position and selectively engage with the second channel, thereby positioning the second portion 220 in the second position.

The method may further include engaging pin 472 of the adjustable arm 450 with the first channel, thereby locking the second portion 220 in the first position, wherein, in first position, the second portion 220 is positioned at 0 degrees relative to a lateral axis (e.g., lateral axis A100). A first external force may be applied to raise at least a portion of the second portion 220, thereby disengaging the pin 472 from the first channel and allowing the adjustable arm 450 to pivot freely along the rack 400, moving the adjustable arm 450 to align the pin 472 with the second channel. A second external force may be applied to lower at least a portion of the second portion 220, thereby engaging the pin 472 with the second channel and locking the second portion 220 in the second position.

The method may further comprise applying a third external force to raise at least a portion of the second portion 220, thereby disengaging the pin 472 from the second channel and allowing the adjustable arm 450 to pivot freely along the rack 400 moving the adjustable arm 450 to align the pin 472 with a third channel of the rack 400, and applying a fourth external force to lower at least a portion of the second portion 220, thereby engaging the pin 472 with the third channel and locking the second portion 220 in a third position.

The method may further comprise applying a fourth external force to raise at least a portion of the second portion 220, thereby disengaging the pin 472 from the third channel and allowing the adjustable arm 450 to pivot freely along the rack 400. The adjustable arm 450 may move to align the pin 472 with a fourth channel of the rack 400 and a fifth external force may be applied to lower at least a portion of the second portion 220, thereby engaging the pin 472 with the fourth channel and locking the second portion 220 in a fourth position. In some examples, the fourth channel may be the same as the first channel. The second portion 220, when in the second position, may be positioned at a first angle relative to the lateral axis A100. The second portion 220, when in the third position, may be positioned at a second angle relative to the lateral axis A100. The second portion 220, when in the fourth position, may be positioned at a third angle relative to the lateral axis A100. In some examples, the second angle may be greater than the first angle, and the first angle may be greater than the third angle. In one or more embodiments, the third channel is the same as the first channel.