Exercising apparatus

[57] ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a body exercising apparatus for execution of a very large number of different exercises. The apparatus comprises a single upright post with a platform extending from one side of the bottom end and having pulley means on the top engaged by a cable of variable effective length. The cable is connected with one end in movement adjustable fashion to a weight carrying lever attached to the post on a side opposite to the platform side whereas the opposite end of the cable is connectable to any one of a plurality of separate devices for engagement by a person on the platform for exercising purposes. Additional pulleys for optional engagement by the cable, rigid bar members and means for locking of the lever are also associated with the post.

Claims, 9 Drawing Figures

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PATENTEDJAN 21973

3,708,167

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3,708,167

EXERCISING APPARATUS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercising apparatus are known employing displacable weight means. These known apparatus are of a complex nature and either require a substantial structure or require parts to be connected or attached to a permanent structure such as walls, doors ceilings of a building or the like. In addition the number of exercises which are capable of being executed is usually limited.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a simple, inexpensive and self supporting apparatus on or with which a very large number of exercises may be performed isometrically and isotonically. Another object is to provide an apparatus which is readily adjustable to suit the requirements of adults and children and is also suitable for use by handicapped people. A further object is to provide a readily erectable and dismountable exercising apparatus which occupies a small space when in use and which may be packed to form a small package for transportation and storage.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a body exercising apparatus for muscle development, body building, therapeutic ex? ercising and like purposes.

This invention relates to an apparatus for exercising of the body. More particularly the invention relates to a readily adjustable exercising apparatus for qiuscle development, body building, therapeutic exercising, and like purposes and which is readily adaptable to suit a large number of different exercises and being suitable for use by children and adults.

According to the invention an apparatus for body exercising, muscle development and like purposes is provided which includes a base part, a post mounted in an upright position on the base part, pulley means at the top end of the post, an elongated flexible element passing movably over the pulley means and having end portions on opposite sides of the post, connecting devices on the flexible element, a leyer on one side of the post and pivotally connected by one end to a lower portion of the post and carrying changeable weight means at an opposite end portion, additional pulley means attached to the post for movable engagement by the flexible element, an additional lever device on the opposite side of the post and pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of the post, horizontal bars fixable to the post at changeable positions, a number of separate bar-like members, complementary connecting devices on the lever, the additional lever device and the bar-like members for engagement by the connecting devices of the flexible element; the said lever having one end of the flexible element connected thereto at variable positions between the ends whereas any one of the bar-like members or the additional lever device is connectable to the opposite end of the elements whereby a large member of different exercises can be performed.

The exercises are performed against a movable resistance, presented by the weight on the lever, whereby isotonic tension occurs when the muscles re-act against such movable resistance while the angle of the particu lar joint changes continuously. The invention also includes means for holding and locking the lever with the weight means against movement so that isometric tension occurs when the muscles re-act against such immovable resistance while the angle of the particular joint remains unchanged.

The post is preferably of extendable and retractable construction and has the bottom end disengageably attached to the base. For rigid erect location of the post a number of spaced radially disposed stabilizing arms and brace bars are attached to the base and a lower region of the post .

A platform is also provided which is attached to the base and from which it extends horizontally and from that side of the base opposite to the side from which the lever with the weights extends from the post. The platform includes a part which is mountable in any one of a number of sloping positions.

The stabilizing arms and the platform are preferably foldably or readily removably attached to the base and the post to present a collapsible and/or dismountable apparatus.

The platform is advantageously of rectangular shape and has associated with it a retractable extension part having foothold formations which are required for certain exercises.

With the platform and the lever with the weight means on opposite sides of the apparatus all the exercises, which are performed on and/or with the platform, are performed away from the weight means so that accidents and injury by dropping of the weights is eliminated.

Said weight carrying lever is of the third order having one end pivotally connected to the post, the weight means on the opposite end portion while the elongated flexible element is connected to the lever at an intermediate position, said latter position being preferably changeable. The weight means is preferably also fixable to the lever at different positions. With such changeability the effort required to lift the weight may be varied,

The fulcrum of the weight carrying lever is supported on a bracket which is clampingly secured on the post at any desired position along a lower portion of the post,

Op the upper region of the post circumferential socket-like clamp brackets are provided for fixing at any desired position along the post. Such brackets provide radial arms for rotatably supporting pulleys, the additional lever device and a horizontal bar.

The flexible element preferably comprises a cable. The cable is preferably of adjustable length. For adjustment of the effective length of the cable, winch-like means may be adjustably mounted on the weight carrying lever while such winch means is provided with locking devices for locking it in any desired position. By changing the position of the winch-like means the moment of the effort arm of the leverage is readily changed.

The pulley means at the top of the post, and more particularly on the top end of an upwardly extendible part of the post, advantageously comprises a pair of spaced grooved pulleys mounted in spaced tandem fashion on the ends of a horizontal beam fixed by a center portion across the post. Said beam provides a part for mounting a bar-like member in a horizontal position and transversely thereto.

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The bar-like members, which are used separately, are engaged and/or held by the hands, legs, feet, shoulders or other parts of the body of a person using the apparatus. Such bar-like members include: a T-shaped part of which the leg limb is provided with a connecting device; a short bar having on a center portion a connecting device; a short bar having a connecting device at one end; a bar having a coupling device at the center and a V-shaped notchlike formation at each end which project in directions opposite to the direction of projection of the coupling device; a bar having inline end portions and a wide V-shaped intermediate region mounting a coupling device on the apex; and a short bar having a loop forming connecting device connected to the end regions. In addition a head harness is provided which comprises a loop forming strap having the ends connected by a cord while an endless strap is connected to intermediate portions of the limb forming parts of the first mentioned strap and having between the connections a connecting device. Other devices may be provided for attachment to the post and the lever member with the aid of the flexible element.

Additional pulleys may be provided on the post at any desired and preferably changeable positions for engagement by the flexible element for performing various exercises.

The aforesaid additional lever comprises a substantially rigid Y-shaped part of which the end of the leg is pivotally connected to the post by a socket-like clamp bracket while on the ends of the arms inline outwardly protruding extensions, forming handles, are provided. On the leg forming limb of the additional lever a connecting device is adjustably attached for engagement by connecting device of the flexible element.

The invention also provides means for locking of the lever so that with the said devices the exercises may be performed isometrically.

In order that the invention may be clearly understood and carried into effect reference will now be made to the accompanying sheet of drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of an apparatus for body exercising, muscle development and like purposes, constructed according to the invention; and

FIGS. 2 to 9 are pictorial views of eight different parts or accessories for use with the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

The apparatus shown consists of a tubular post 10 which has an upwardly extendible telescopic upper and inner slidable part 10.1. The part 10.1 is provided with a number of spaced holes 12 selectively engageable by a pin 12.1. The pin 12.1 is engaged in holes in both the parts of the post to lock the height of the post as may be required.

The bottom end of the post 10 engages in a socket 14 provided in a horizontal pedestal forming base 16. For stable erect location of the post 10 radially extending stabilizing arms 18 are swingably attached to the base 14. The arms are rigidly held by brace bars 20 which are pivotally attached by opposite ends to the arms 18 and a sleeve 22 which is adjustably fixable to the lower portion of the post. Also attached to the base 14, and about a horizontal axis, is a platform 24. The platform also forms stabilizing means for the erect location of ⁶⁵the post while substantially all the exercises are performed on or with the aid of parts incorporated in the platform. A frame 26 of the platform 24 is connected to the base 16 and also by brace bars 20.1 to the sleeve 22.

On the frame 26 three rigid platform panels or 5 boards 28 are located. The center panel 28 is displaceable from its co-planar position with the other panels to variable sloping positions. For such purpose a strut frame 30 is hingedly connected to the under face of said panel while the opposite end is engageable in notch forming formation 32 presented on intermediate members of the frame 26. One end of the panel 28 is tiltably engageable with or hingedly attached to a transverse member of the frame 26.

₁₅ With the frame 26 an auxiliary frame 34, having foot rests 36, is extendably associated for performing certain exercises.

Across the top end of the upper part 10.1 of post 10 a horizontal beam 37 is rigidly fixed. On each end said 2Q beam mounts a pulley 44.

On the post 10 five circumferential socket-like clamp brackets 38, 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 and 38.4 are provided for variable fixing. On the post part 10.1 a further and similar bracket 38.5 is provided. Each bracket is pro25 vided with a pair of spaced radial arms 40 mounting a horizontal pin 42. On the pins 42 of brackets 38, 38.1, 38.4 and 38.5 a grooved pulley 44 is freely rotatably carried. The pulleys 44 of brackets 38, 38.1, 38.4 are on one side of the post while the pulley of bracket 38.5 ³⁰ is on the opposite side of the post. Bracket 38.2 provides for rigid mounting of a horizontal wide U-shaped bar 48 of which the parallel limbs 50 form handles which are required for use when certain exercises are to be performed.

On the brace bars 20.1 a horizontal bar 46 is rigidly fixed at a position to the connection of these brace bars to the sleeve 22.

On bracket 38.3 a lever device 54 is pivotally at₄θ tached. The lever device is of approximately Y-shape. The end of the leg portion 56 of lever device 54 is attached by the free end to the bracket 38.3 while parallel arm portions 58 thereof provide inline handles 60 on their free ends.

₄₅ Pivotally connected to bracket 38.1 is a lever 62 which is of the third order. On the free end portion of lever 62 circular weights 64 are mountable between collar clamps 66. The weights 64 are provided with central holes 67 for threading onto the lever 62. Ad50 justably fixed along the lever is a lockable winch 68 on which a cable 70 is wound. The cable 70 extends from the winch and over pulley 44 on bracket 38.5, and the pulleys 44 on beam 37. On the beam 37 cable guides may be provided to prevent the cable from jumping the ⁵⁵ pulleys 44. The portion of the cable 70 extending from the platform end of the beam 37 may be passed over any one or more of the pulleys 44 of brackets 38.4 or 38 to permit particular exercises to be performed. The positions of the fixing of the brackets 38, 38.4 may be changed along the post 10 to suit the exercises to be performed and also the tallness of the person doing exercises.

On the free end of cable 70 a connecting device, in the form of a hook 72, is provided for hooking onto an eye connector of a clamp 74 circumferentially engaging the leg portion 56 of the lever device 54, or an eye connected on the parts shown in FIGS. 2 to 7.

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On the end region of beam 37, projecting in the same direction as the platform 24, a transverse socket 76 is rigidly secured for threadingly receiving therethrough of a rigid bar which is not shown.

The brackets 38, 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 38.4 and 38.5 are slidable on the post 10 and clampingly fixable thereon by hand screws 78.

A resilient material pad is preferably also provided to act as a shockabsorber when the weight 54 is dropped. Alternatively a resilient material tyre may be provided on the weights for said purpose.

Parts to be used with the apparatus for various and different exercises comprise: a bar 80 (FIG. 2) having loop forming flexible material straps 82 on the ends and a centrally positioned connecting eye 86; a bar 84 (FIG. 3) having an eye 86 at its center while the end portions are substantially V-shaped as at 88, said shaping being in the direction opposite to the direction of projection of eye 86 while at the apexes of said shapings hooks 89 are provided for a flexible element, strap or cord 90; a long bar 92 (FIG. 4) of which the center portion is of wide V-shape, as at 94, and having an eye 86 on the apex; at least one short bar 96 (FIG. 5) having a loop forming element 98 attached at its ends; and a short bar 100 (FIG. 6) having an eye 86 at oneend.

A head harness 102 (FIG. 7) is also provided comprising a loop forming strap 104 having eyes 106 on the ends for a cord 107, and an endless (and if required adjustable) strap 108 attached to intermediate portions of strap 104 and having an eye or ring 86.

With the apparatus numerous different exercises can be performed for developing, rectifying, improving muscles, limbs or parts of the body of a person. The apparatus has many uses, such as to assist in training for various forms of sport, physical education, gymnasia, recreation, physiotherapy, etc.

The apparatus may be readily taken apart or collapsed and erected, and is thus also portable. It may also be stored in a confined space.

By way of example a number of exercises which may be performed with the apparatus will now be indicated. While standing on the platform 24 and when using the cable 70 for lifting of the weights 64, with or without passing the cable over any of the pulleys 44 on brackets 38, 38.4 as may be necessary, and attachment of any of the bar-like accessory parts the following exercises may be performed: bent arm pull down, straight arm press down (narrow overgrasp and wide grasp), arm inward pull (kneeling), trunk bending sideways, bending (“good morning”), angle standing back strengthening, erect rowing (narrow grip), one hand erect rowing, bent over rowing (elbows inward and outward), dead lift (straight legs), shoulder shrug, arms forward raise, one arm lateral raise, bent over one arm lateral raise, straight arm inward pull, press down behind neck (standing and seated), two hands standing press (from eye level), vertical press (wide grip), two arm pull down, two arm press down, triceps press (“French curl”), horizontal dips, two arm curl (standing and seated- wide and narrow undergrasp), one arm curl, two arm curl (overgrasp), wrist rolling (overgrasp), wrist curl (undergrasp), one hand sideways wrist curl, full squat, back squat, full equating with extended hips, and heel raising. While lying on the platform the fol lowing exercises may be performed: bench press from supine position (normal and wide grasps), incline bench press, leg press, leg curl, ankle press, ankle curl.

With the aid of the head harness 102 connected to the cable neck flexion and neck extension exercises may be performed.

With the center platform panel 28 in a sloping position and with the cable passing over the pulley of bracket 38 and connected to a short bar straight arm pull over, bent arm pull over (undergrasp and overgrasp) exercises may be performed.

Exercises which may be performed on the apparatus, without the use of the weight and cable system the following may be: situps (feet low down and elevated), trunk twisting situps, leg raise, leg raise from hanging, straight leg sitting down, arm extension from bent arms support (dips and elbows outward).

With the platform panel in a sloping position and with the use of the weight and cable system exercises such as straight arm pull over and bent arm pull over (undergrasp and overgrasp) may be performed.

As aforesaid these exercises are only indications of some of a very large number of exercises which can be performed with the aid of the apparatus according to the invention.

Exercises, causing raising of the weight means, are executed isotonically. For the exercises to be executed isometrically the weight means is held or locked against movement and for such purpose a link 110 (FIG. 9) is provided. The link 110 presents an eye 112 on one end for engaging over the free end portion of lever 62 while on the opposite end two inwardly directed spaced and inline nibs 114 are provided for engaging into opposite ends of a transverse horizontal hole provided in a protruding part on the base 16. The nibs are outwardly displacable against the resiliency of material for engaging of the nibs into or disengagement from the said transverse hole. Said link may comprise a metallic rod doubled upon itself and suitably shaped to form the eye 112, a shank portion 116 and the inline nibs 114.

The aforesaid winch 68 comprises a U-shaped bracket 120 of which the transverse part forms a bush 122 which slidably engages the lever 62 and adjustably fixable thereto by a clamping hand screw 78. Within the bracket 120 a drum 124 is rotatably supported and onto which one end of the cable 70 is connected. One flange of the drum 124 is lockingly engageable by a shoe (not shown) which is drawn onto the said flange by a bolt and Wing nut combination 126 for locking the drum against movement.