US20050250619A1 - Doorway mounted exercise apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An exercise apparatus that is to be mounted in a doorway and held in position by the user's own body weight during use. In one aspect the invention comprises: first and second L-shaped members disposed in side-by-side relation, each having a horizontal section and a vertical section; a first member having a length less than a width of the doorway and connected to the vertical sections of the first and second L-shaped members; a second member having a length greater than the width of the doorway and connected to the horizontal sections of the first and second L-shaped members at a first horizontal distance from the first member; a first gripping bar connected to the horizontal section of the first L-shaped member at a second horizontal distance from the first member, the second horizontal distance being greater than the first horizontal distance; and a second gripping bar connected to the horizontal section of the second L-shaped member at approximately the second horizontal distance.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to exercise apparatus and equipment, and specifically to exercise equipment that is mounted in a doorway for performing chin-ups.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• As society continues to realize the importance of daily exercise in order to remain healthy, the need for improved and widely accessible exercise equipment continues to grow. Because of the large number of muscles (and different muscle groups) that are worked in performing chin-ups, chin-ups have long been realized as a valuable exercise in maintaining and developing muscle strength, reducing body fat, and shaping the body. However, performing chin-ups often requires sizable exercise structures that take up a significant amount of space. Most gyms and fitness clubs provide free-standing exercise structures having the necessary bar(s) from which a user can hang to perform the desired exercise.
• However, because people live such busy lifestyles, many people do not have the time or can not afford to attend gyms or fitness clubs on a regular basis. Thus, a need exists for exercise equipment that allows a user to perform chin-ups in the convenience of their own home that is compact, easy to use, and cost efficient.
• While exercise apparatus have been developed to afford user's the ability to perform chin-ups in the home, existing apparatus are less than optimal in that they are difficult to install, bulky, expensive to manufacture, or do not afford user flexibility in gripping positions which prohibits concentrating on specific muscles. One such existing device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,915,452, Winblad. However, the exercise device of Winblad suffers from a number of the aforementioned deficiencies. Specifically, because the first and second horizontal members of the Winblad device are equal in size, the first horizontal member that contacts the rear surface of the wall above the doorway is at least greater than the width of the doorway. This results in the Winblad device being difficult for a user to install in a doorway for use. Additionally, because the chinning bar of the Winblad device extends between the L-shaped members, the length of the chinning bar is limited to a length less than the width of the doorway, prohibiting user's from varying their gripping position to a wide grip so that pull-ups can be performed comfortably. Additionally, the Winblad device is bulky and can be difficult/expensive to manufacture.
• Another existing exercise device for performing chin-ups in the home is disclosed in U.S. Design Pat. No. 348,706, Harrell. However, the design of the Harrell device is less than optimal in that it limits a user in his/her choice of gripping positions and width of grip. Because the chining bar of the Harrell device is the same horizontal member that contacts the sides of the door frame for support, the user is limited to a gripping position that is less than the width of the doorway and within the L-shaped members. Moreover, using the horizontal member as the chinning bar also forces the user to be very close to the planar surface of the wall and to hang within the doorway itself during use. This prohibits the user from performing a natural chin-up motion because the surface of the wall above the doorway can obstruct the user's natural motion.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
• It is therefore an object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that allows a user to exercise in their home.
• Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that allows a user to perform chin-ups.
• Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that allows a user to perform chin-ups that is easy to install in a doorway.
• Still another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that allows a user to perform chin-ups using a variety of gripping positions.
• A still further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that allows a user to perform chin-ups that is easy and/or cost effective to manufacture.
• A further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that allows a user to perform chin-ups in a doorway of home without the chin-up motion being obstructed by the door frame or wall.
• These and other objects are met by the present invention which in one aspect is an exercise apparatus for use in a doorway, the exercise apparatus comprising: first and second L-shaped members disposed in side-by-side relation, each of the first and second L-shaped members having a horizontal section and a vertical section; a first member having a length less than a width of the doorway and connected to the vertical sections of the first and second L-shaped members; a second member having a length greater than the width of the doorway and connected to the horizontal sections of the first and second L-shaped members a first horizontal distance from the first member; a first gripping bar connected to the horizontal section of the first L-shaped member at a second horizontal distance from the first member, the second horizontal distance being greater than the first horizontal distance; and a second gripping bar connected to the horizontal section of the second L-shaped member at approximately the second horizontal distance. For ease of installation in a doorway, the first horizontal distance is preferably at least greater than a thickness of the wall through which the doorway passes.
• When being installed in a doorway for use, the user positions the exercise apparatus so that the first member of the exercise apparatus passes through the doorway and contacts the opposite side of the wall above the doorway. The vertical sections of the L-shaped members are connected to the first member and extend downward therefrom so that the horizontal sections extend through the doorway so that the second member and the first and second gripping bars are on the side of the doorway where the user is located. The exercise apparatus is rotated, keeping the first member in contact with the opposing side of the wall above the doorway until the second member contacts the sides of the doorway (or the wall forming the doorway) on the same side of the wall where the user is located. Because the first and second gripping bars are located on the horizontal sections of the L-shaped member at a greater horizontal distance from the first member than is the second member, the first and second gripping bars are spaced apart from the wall and the plane of the doorway. The user can then hold the gripping bars and hang therefrom. The downward force exerted on the gripping bars by the user's weight causes a moment to be exerted, causing the second member to be pressed against the sides of the doorway and the first member to be pressed against the opposing surface of the wall atop of the doorway. Thus, the user's own weight holds the exercise apparatus securely in place in the doorway.
• It is preferred that the first member be substantially parallel to the second member and comprise a substantially planar surface. A friction strip can be placed on the substantially planar surface for increasing the coefficient of friction that is formed between the opposing surface of the wall above the doorway and the first member. The friction strip can be made of hard rubber or soft rubber.
• The horizontal section of each of the first and second L-shaped members preferably comprises a U-shaped portion. In this embodiment, the second member will be positioned atop and secured to both legs of each U-shaped portion of the first and second L-shaped members. This results in a total of four connection points. It is also preferred that the first gripping bar be connected to both legs of the U-shaped portion of the first L-shaped member and that the second gripping bar be connected to both legs of the U-shaped portion of the second L-shaped member. Connecting each of the first and second gripping bars at two positions on the U-shaped portions provides structural integrity and stability. A hand grip can be provided on each leg of the two U-shaped portions. This affords a variety of gripping positions and widths for the user.
• The first gripping bar and second gripping bar can be angled in shape so that each comprises a horizontal section and a section that is vertically angled downward. A hand grip can be provided on each of the first and second gripping bars, preferably on the sections that are vertically angled downward. All hand grips can be made of foam or other suitable material for gripping.
• The second member preferably has a circular cross sectional profile and a plurality of hand grips located thereon so that the user can grip the second bar if he/she so pleases. Friction sleeves can be provided on the ends of the second member for increasing a coefficient of friction between the wall and the second member. These friction sleeves can be made of hard or soft rubber.
• In another aspect, the invention is an exercise system comprising: a wall having a first surface and an opposing surface forming a thickness; a doorway extending through the thickness of the wall from the one surface to the opposing surface, the doorway having a width, sides, and a top; a first member having a length less than the width of the doorway and in contact with the top of the doorway on the first surface of the wall; first and second L-shaped members disposed in side-by-side relation, each of the first and second L-shaped members having a horizontal section and a vertical section, the first member connected to the vertical sections of the first and second L-shaped members so that the horizontal sections extend through the doorway; a second member having a length greater than the width of the doorway, the second member connected to the horizontal sections of the first and second L-shaped members so that the second member is in contact with the sides of the doorway on the opposing surface of the wall; a first gripping bar connected to the horizontal section of the first L-shaped member at a horizontal distance away from the opposing surface of the wall; and a second gripping bar connected to the horizontal section of the second L-shaped member at substantially the horizontal distance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a top view of the exercise apparatus ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the exercise apparatus ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 is a left side view of the exercise apparatus ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 5 is a right side view of the exercise apparatus ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 6 is a rear view of the of the exercise apparatus ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 7 is a top view of the exercise apparatus ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the exercise apparatus ofFIG. 1 positioned in a doorway for use.
• FIG. 9 is a front view of a user performing chin-ups using the exercise apparatus ofFIG. 1 positioned in a doorway.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
• Referring toFIG. 1, chin-upapparatus10 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. Chin-upapparatus10 comprisesplate member7, left L-shapedmember12, right L-shapedmember13,support member14, left grippingbar15, and right grippingbar16. Left and right L-shapedmembers12,13 are disposed in side-by-side relation and are substantially parallel to one another.Plate member7 andsupport member14 are connected to L-shapedmembers12,13 so that they are substantially parallel to one another and perpendicular to L-Shapedmember12,13.
• Left-L-shapedmember10 comprisesvertical section17 andhorizontal section18. Right-L-shapedmember12 comprisesvertical section19 andhorizontal section20.Horizontal sections18,20 respectively compriseU-shaped portions21,22.Vertical sections17,19 connect tohorizontal sections18,20 respectively to form L-shapedmembers12,13 at an approximately 90 degree angle (best shown inFIGS. 4 and 5). However, the L-shaped members are not limited to this angle.
• Referring toFIG. 2, a top view of chin-upapparatus10 is illustrated.Plate member7 extends a length that is less than the width of the doorway in which chin-upapparatus10 is to be used. This allows easy installation of chin-upapparatus10 for use.Plate member7 is secured tovertical sections17,19 of L-shapedmember12,13 at or near the top28,29 of thevertical sections17,19.Plate member7 is secured tovertical sections17,19 of L-shapedmembers12,13 viabolts40 that extend through aligned holes inplate member7 andvertical sections17,19.Bolts40 threadily engage nuts41 providing adequate stability.
• Plate member7 is a rectangular box shape havingplanar surface30 for contacting a wall during use. Strip31 (best illustrated inFIG. 7) is provided on the substantiallyplanar surface30 ofplate member7 for increasing the coefficient of friction between the wall of contact and theplate member7.Plate member7 is made of hard plastic but can be constructed of a variety materials including steel, iron, or other suitably rigid materials.Strip31 can be made of hard or soft rubber and can be secured to planesurface30 ofplate member7 with a suitable adhesive.Strip31 is preferably of sufficient thickness that the heads ofbolts40 do not contact the wall during use. This prevents the wall from being damaged during use.
• Support member14 has a length that is greater than the width of the doorway chin-upapparatus10 is to be used in.Support member14 is secured atophorizontal sections18,20 of L-shapedmembers12,13 viabolts40 that extend through aligned holes insupport member14 andhorizontal sections18,20.Support member14 is secured to each of L-shapedmember12,13 at two locations. Specifically,support member14 is secured to each leg ofU-shaped portions21,22 ofhorizontal sections18,20 viabolts40 that threadily engage corresponding nuts41 (FIG. 3) on the bottom of chin-upapparatus10. A total of four connection points is used.
• Similarly, left grippingbar15 and right grippingbar16 are respectively secured atopU-shaped portions21,22 ofhorizontal sections18,20 of L-shapedmembers13,12. Left grippingbar15 is secured to each leg ofU-shaped portion21 viabolts40 that extend through aligned holes and threadily engage nuts41 (FIG. 3). Right grippingbar16 is secured to each leg ofU-shaped portion22 viabolts40 that extend through aligned holes and threadily engage nuts41 (FIG. 3).
• As best illustrated inFIG. 7, left grippingbar15 compriseshorizontal section23 and anangled section24.Angled section24 is vertically angled downward. Right grippingbar16 compriseshorizontal section25 andangled section26.Angled section26 is vertically angled downward.
• Referring back toFIG. 2, a plurality of hand grips50 are provided on chin-upapparatus10 so that the user can grip chin-upapparatus10 in a variety of positions during use. Hand grips50 are sleeves that fit over the tubular members of chin-upapparatus10 and can be made of foam. A total of fourhand grips50 are provided onsupport member14. Specifically, ahand grip50 is provided onsupport member14 between where each of the legs ofU-shaped portions21,22 connect to supportmember14. A pair of hand grips50 is also provided onsupport member14 between the L-shapedmembers12,13. Hand grips50 are also provided on each of the legs ofU-shaped portions21,22 ofhorizontal sections18,20 of L-shapedmembers12,13 betweensupport member14 andgripping bars15,16. Ahand grip50 is also provided on each ofangled sections24,26 of grippingbars15,16.
• End sleeves51 are provided to cover the ends ofsupport member14 for increasing the coefficient of friction between the wall (or sides of the doorway) andsupport member14 during use.End sleeves51 also protect the wall (or sides of the doorway) from being damaged during use.End sleeves51 are preferably constructed of hard or soft rubber.Sleeves52 are also provided onvertical sections17,19 of L-shapedmembers12,13.Sleeves52 are preferably constructed of hard or soft rubber.
• Referring now toFIGS. 4 and 5,support member14 is secured atophorizontal sections18,20 of L-shapedmember12,13 at a horizontal distance A fromplate member7. Horizontal distance A is preferably equal to or larger than the thickness of the doorway in which chin-upapparatus10 is to be used. Grippingbars15,16 are respectively secured atophorizontal sections18,20 of L-shapedmember13,12 at horizontal distance B fromplate member7. Horizontal distance B is larger than horizontalA. Gripping bars15,16 are substantially aligned with each other. In an alternative embodiment, grippingbars15,16 can be constructed to be a single bar.
• Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, chin-upapparatus10 is illustrated installed indoorway60 that extends throughwall61 for use byperson70. When chin-upapparatus10 is installed indoorway60 for use,plate member7 contacts the opposingsurface62 of thewall61 above thedoorway60. More specifically, it is preferred thatstrip31 on planar surface30 (FIG. 7) ofplate member7contact opposing surface62 ofwall61 at a position above top piece63 of the doorway frame. When so positioned,vertical sections17,19 of L-shapedmembers12,13 extend downward on the opposing side ofdoorway60.Horizontal sections18,20 of L-shapedmember12,13 extend throughdoorway60. Because the length ofsupport member14 is greater than the width ofdoorway60, the ends ofsupport member14 contact thesides64 of the doorway frame. Specifically, endsleeves51contact sides64 of the doorway frame. Because gripping bars15,16 are spaced at a greater horizontal distance fromplate member17 than issupport member14, grippingbars15,16 are spaced from the planar surface of the wall and thedoorway60.
• When aperson70grips gripping bars15,16 to perform chin-ups, a downward force F is exerted. This downward force F causes a moment about the doorway frame, thereby pressingsupport member14 against thesides64 of the doorway frame while pressingplate member7 against opposingsurface62 ofwall61 abovedoorway60. As such, the weight ofperson70 holds chin-upapparatus10 in position during use.
• Preferably,support member14, L-shapedmember12,13, and grippingbars15,16 are made of one inch steel tubing that is bent to the appropriate shape. As such,support member14, L-shapedmember15,16, and grippingbars15,16 will have circular cross sectional shapes.
• While the invention has been described and illustrated in sufficient detail that those skilled in this art can readily make and use it, various alternatives, modifications, and improvements should become readily apparent without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. An exercise apparatus for use in a doorway through a wall, the exercise apparatus comprising:

first and second L-shaped members disposed in side-by-side relation, each of the first and second L-shaped members having a horizontal section and a vertical section;

a first member having a length less than a width of the doorway and connected to the vertical sections of the first and second L-shaped members;

a second member having a length greater than the width of the doorway and connected to the horizontal sections of the first and second L-shaped members at a first horizontal distance from the first member;

a first gripping bar connected to the horizontal section of the first L-shaped member at a second horizontal distance from the first member, the second horizontal distance being greater than the first horizontal distance; and

a second gripping bar connected to the horizontal section of the second L-shaped member at approximately the second horizontal distance.

2. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first member is substantially parallel to the second member.

3. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first member comprises a substantially planar surface.

4. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 3 further comprising a friction strip on the substantially planar surface for increasing a coefficient of friction between the wall and the first member.

5. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 4 wherein the friction strip is comprises hard rubber or soft rubber.

6. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the horizontal section of each of the first and second L-shaped members comprises a U-shaped portion.

7. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 6 wherein the second member connects to both legs of each U-shaped portion of the first and second L-shaped members.

8. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein the first gripping bar connects to both legs of the U-shaped portion of the first L-shaped member and the second gripping bar connects to both legs of the U-shaped portion of the second L-shaped member.

9. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 6 further comprising a hand grip on each leg of each U-shaped portion of the first and second L-shaped members.

10. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 9 wherein the hand grips are made of foam.

11. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first gripping bar and second gripping bar comprise a horizontal section and a section that is vertically angled downward.

12. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the second member has a circular cross sectional profile.

13. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 12 further comprising a plurality of hand grips on the second member.

14. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1 comprising friction sleeves covering ends of the second member for increasing a coefficient of friction between the wall and the second member.

15. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 14 wherein the friction sleeves are made of hard or soft rubber.

16. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising a hand grip on each of the first and second gripping bars.

17. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the second member, the first gripping bar, and the second gripping bar are connected atop the horizontal sections of the first and second L-shaped members.

18. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first horizontal distance is at least greater than a thickness of the wall.

19. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising:

the first member having a substantially planar surface;

a friction strip on the substantially planar surface of the first member for increasing a coefficient of friction between the wall and the first member;

the horizontal sections of each of the first and second L-shaped members having a U-shaped portion;

the second member connecting to both legs of each U-shaped portion of the first and second L-shaped members;

the first gripping bar connecting to both legs of the U-shaped portion of the first L-shaped member and the second gripping bar connects to both legs of the U-shaped portion of the second L-shaped member;

the first gripping bar and second gripping bar each comprising a horizontal section and a section that is vertically angled downward;

the second member having a circular cross sectional profile and ends;

friction sleeves covering the ends of the second member for increasing a coefficient of friction between the wall and the second member;

hand grips on each leg of the U-shaped portions, on the second member; and on each of the first and second gripping bars;

the second member, the first gripping bar, and the second gripping bar being atop the horizontal sections of the first and second L-shaped members; and

the first horizontal distance being at least greater than a thickness of the wall

20. An exercise system comprising:

a wall having a first surface and an opposing surface forming a thickness;

a doorway extending through the thickness of the wall from the one surface to the opposing surface, the doorway having a width, sides, and a top;

a first member having a length less than the width of the doorway and in contact with the top of the doorway on the first surface of the wall;

first and second L-shaped members disposed in side-by-side relation, each of the first and second L-shaped members having a horizontal section and a vertical section, the first member connected to the vertical sections of the first and second L-shaped members so that the horizontal sections extend through the doorway;

a second member having a length greater than the width of the doorway, the second member connected to the horizontal sections of the first and second L-shaped members so that the second member is in contact with the sides of the doorway on the opposing surface of the wall;

a first gripping bar connected to the horizontal section of the first L-shaped member at a horizontal distance away from the opposing surface of the wall; and

a second gripping bar connected to the horizontal section of the second L-shaped member at substantially the horizontal distance.

Images