US20110251027A1 - Exercise Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An exercise apparatus comprising a clamping assembly, one or more adjustment plates, one or more pivot plates, and a weight bearing assembly is provided. The clamping assembly comprises claw members, each comprising a vertical web and horizontal flanges extending from the vertical web. The horizontal flanges detachably clamp to a support structure. The adjustment plates are rigidly attached to the vertical web of one of the claw members and comprise apertures for enabling positional adjustment of the weight bearing assembly. The pivot plates are rigidly attached to the vertical web of another one of the claw members. The weight bearing assembly comprises a leg member rigidly attached to a support frame, and gripping handles. The leg member is pivotally connected to the pivot plates and detachably connected to the adjustment plates. The gripping handles that are rigidly supported by the support frame are held by a user for performing exercises.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 61/323,453 titled “Exercise Apparatus”, filed on Apr. 13, 2010 in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
• The specification of the above referenced application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
• A conventional exercise apparatus typically comprises a fixture that needs to be fixed in a specified location to ensure its proper usage. Typical exercise apparatuses housed in fitness centers, fitness clubs, and other gym recreation rooms, etc., are heavy, immobile, occupy large spaces, and are inconvenient to manage and use.
• Moreover, the design of a conventional exercise apparatus limits the use of the exercise apparatus to persons in a certain height range. There is a need for an exercise apparatus that can be used with minimal effort and which by its inherent design ensures universal accessibility to different persons and different requirements such as height requirements, space usage requirements, and other physical requirements. Furthermore, there is a need for an exercise apparatus that can be easily installed and uninstalled in any convenient location as desired by a user to allow the user to perform different types of exercises.
• Hence, there is a long felt but unresolved need for an exercise apparatus that is portable, easily installed and uninstalled in any desired location, and customizable for enabling a user of any height to perform different types of exercises.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
• The exercise apparatus disclosed herein addresses the above stated need for a portable, easily installable, detachable, and customizable apparatus that enables a user of any height to perform exercises. The exercise apparatus disclosed herein comprises a clamping assembly, one or more adjustment plates, one or more pivot plates, and a weight bearing assembly. The clamping assembly comprises, for example, at least two claw members, namely a first claw member and a second claw member. Each of the claw members comprises a vertical web and two or more horizontal flanges. The horizontal flanges extend from a first surface of the vertical web. The horizontal flanges of the claw members are detachably clamped to opposing sides of a support structure, for example, an I-beam, for accommodating the support structure. The adjustment plates are rigidly attached to a second surface of the vertical web of the first claw member of the clamping assembly. The adjustment plates extend outwardly and perpendicularly from the second surface of the vertical web of the first claw member. The adjustment plates comprise apertures for enabling positional adjustment of the weight bearing assembly. The pivot plates are rigidly attached to the second surface of the vertical web of the second claw member of the clamping assembly. The pivot plates extend outwardly and perpendicularly from the second surface of the vertical web of the second claw member of the clamping assembly.
• The weight bearing assembly comprises a leg member, a support frame, and one or more gripping handles. The leg member has a first end, a middle section, and a second end. The first end of the leg member is pivotally connected to the pivot plates in a space defined between the pivot plates. The middle section of the leg member is detachably connected to the adjustment plates in a space defined between the adjustment plates. The second end of the leg member is rigidly attached to a base of the support frame. The leg member is accommodated in the space defined between each of a pair of pivot plates and a pair of adjustment plates. The exercise apparatus further comprises an adjustment fastener coaxially aligned with the apertures of the adjustment plates and inserted into the apertures of the adjustment plates for enabling positional adjustment of the weight bearing assembly. The leg member is positionally adjusted by inserting the adjustment fastener in selected apertures of the adjustment plates.
• The support frame rigidly supports the gripping handles of the weight bearing assembly. The support frame comprises lateral arms extending outwardly from the base of the support frame. The gripping handles are held by a user for performing pull up exercises. In an embodiment, the gripping handles comprise a pair of gripping bars. The gripping bars are rigidly attached to the ends of the lateral arms of the support frame. In another embodiment, the gripping handles further comprise an elongated rod rigidly attached within the support frame. The lateral arms of the support frame comprise openings for inserting the elongated rod within a space defined by the lateral arms and the base of the support frame. The user grips and pulls the gripping handles against a force of gravity for performing the exercises. In an embodiment, the gripping handles are coated with a gripping material for providing an improved grip to the user.
• In an embodiment, the weight bearing assembly further comprises a pulley, a cable having a first end and a second end, and one or more weights. The pulley is rigidly attached to a bottom surface of the leg member of the weight bearing assembly. The cable is rollably attached to and disposed within the pulley. The first end of the cable bears the weights. The second end of the cable is removably attached to the user. The weights at the first end of the cable counterbalance the user's weight at the second end of the cable, while the user performs exercises.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific components and methods disclosed herein.
• FIGS. 1A-1B exemplarily illustrate perspective views of an exercise apparatus.
• FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a top orthogonal view of the exercise apparatus.
• FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a side orthogonal view of the exercise apparatus.
• FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the exercise apparatus.
• FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of a clamping assembly of the exercise apparatus, showing two adjustment plates and two pivot plates connected to the claw members of the clamping assembly.
• FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of a leg member of a weight bearing assembly of the exercise apparatus.
• FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of a support frame of the weight bearing assembly of the exercise apparatus, showing gripping bars extending outwardly from the ends of lateral arms of the support frame.
• FIG. 8 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of a support frame of the weight bearing assembly of the exercise apparatus, showing the gripping bars and an elongated rod used for performing exercises by a user.
• FIG. 9 exemplarily illustrates the exercise apparatus detachably attached to a support structure.
• FIG. 10 exemplarily illustrates positional adjustment of the leg member of the weight bearing assembly of the exercise apparatus.
• FIG. 11 illustrates a method for detachably attaching an exercise apparatus to a support structure and performing exercises by a user.
• FIG. 12 illustrates a method for assembling an exercise apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• FIGS. 1A-1B exemplarily illustrate perspective views of anexercise apparatus100. Theexercise apparatus100 disclosed herein comprises a clampingassembly101, one ormore adjustment plates105, one ormore pivot plates106, and aweight bearing assembly107. The clampingassembly101 comprisesclaw members102aand102b. As exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1B,FIGS. 2-5, andFIGS. 9-10, the clampingassembly101 comprises at least twoclaw members102aand102b, namely afirst claw member102aand asecond claw member102b. Each of theclaw members102aand102bcomprises avertical web103 and two or morehorizontal flanges104. Thehorizontal flanges104 extend from afirst surface103aof thevertical web103. Thehorizontal flanges104 of theclaw members102aand102bare, for example, welded on thefirst surface103aof thevertical web103. Thehorizontal flanges104 of theclaw members102aand102bare detachably clamped on opposing sides128aand128bof asupport structure128, for example, an I-beam or other beam structures of roofs, basements, doors, etc., as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 9. In an embodiment, thehorizontal flanges104 of theclaw members102aand102bdetachably attach to thesupport structure128, for example, bybolts118, anchor nut screws, etc. The clampedclaw members102aand102bof the clampingassembly101 accommodate thesupport structure128. Theclaw members102aand102bare made of high strength materials, for example, alloys of steel, alloys of aluminum, etc.
• As exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1B,FIGS. 2-5, andFIGS. 9-10, theexercise apparatus100 disclosed herein comprises at least twoadjustment plates105. Theadjustment plates105 of theexercise apparatus100 disclosed herein are rigidly attached to asecond surface103bof thevertical web103 of thefirst claw member102aof the clampingassembly101, for example, by a weld, a lock and key joint, etc. Theadjustment plates105 extend outwardly and perpendicularly from thesecond surface103bof thevertical web103 of thefirst claw member102a. Theadjustment plates105 are made of high strength materials, for example, alloys of steel, alloys of aluminum, wood, etc. Theadjustment plates105 compriseapertures105afor enabling positional adjustment of theweight bearing assembly107.
• As exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1B,FIG. 2, andFIG. 5, theexercise apparatus100 disclosed herein comprises at least twopivot plates106. Thepivot plates106 are rigidly attached to thesecond surface103bof thevertical web103 of thesecond claw member102bof the clampingassembly101, for example, by a weld, a lock and key joint, etc. Thepivot plates106 extend outwardly and perpendicularly from thesecond surface103bof thevertical web103 of thesecond claw member102b. Thepivot plates106 are made of high strength materials, for example, alloys of steel, alloys of aluminum, wood, etc. Each of thepivot plates106 comprises apivot aperture106a. A pivotingaxis106bcentrally passes through thepivot aperture106aof each of thepivot plates106. Theweight bearing assembly107 rotates about the pivotingaxis106bto adjust the position, for example, the vertical height, of theweight bearing assembly107.
• Theweight bearing assembly107 comprises aleg member108, asupport frame109, and one or moregripping handles110. Theleg member108 is rigidly attached to thesupport frame109, for example, by a weld,bolts119, rivets, etc. Theleg member108 has afirst end108a, amiddle section108b, and asecond end108c. Thefirst end108aof theleg member108 is pivotally connected to thepivot plates106 in aspace106cdefined between thepivot plates106. Themiddle section108bof theleg member108 is detachably connected to theadjustment plates105 in aspace105bdefined between theadjustment plates105. Thesecond end108cof theleg member108 is rigidly attached to abase111 of thesupport frame109.
• As exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1B,FIGS. 2-4, andFIGS. 9-10, theleg member108 is supported and disposed between twopivot plates106 and twoadjustment plates105. Theleg member108 is pivotally connected to thepivot plates106 via thepivot aperture106aof thepivot plates106, for example, by a pin, a bolt, a split pin, apivot sleeve127aand a pivotsleeve cap screw127c, etc. Theleg member108 is also detachably connected to theadjustment plates105 via a set of opposingapertures105aof theadjustment plates105 by anadjustment fastener115, for example, a pull out pin. Theleg member108 is selectively connected to the opposingapertures105aof theadjustment plates105 to adjust the position of theweight bearing assembly107.
• Theexercise apparatus100 disclosed herein further comprises theadjustment fastener115 coaxially aligned with and inserted into theapertures105aof theadjustment plates105 for enabling positional adjustment of theweight bearing assembly107. Theleg member108 is positionally adjusted by inserting theadjustment fastener115 in selectedapertures105aof theadjustment plates105 as exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1B,FIGS. 3-4, andFIGS. 9-10. Theleg member108 is accommodated in thespace106cand105bdefined between a pair ofpivot plates106 and a pair ofadjustment plates105 respectively. Theweight bearing assembly107 is made of high strength materials, for example, alloys of steel, alloys of aluminum, carbon fiber composites, etc. Theweight bearing assembly107 rotates about the pivotingaxis106bfor adjusting the position of theweight bearing assembly107.
• Thesupport frame109 of theweight bearing assembly107 rigidly supports the grippinghandles110 of theweight bearing assembly107. Thesupport frame109 compriseslateral arms112 extending outwardly from abase111 of thesupport frame109. The gripping handles110 of theweight bearing assembly107 are held by a user for performing exercises, for example, pull up exercises. In an embodiment as exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1B,FIG. 2,FIG. 4, andFIGS. 7-9, the grippinghandles110 comprise a pair ofgripping bars113. The grippingbars113 are rigidly attached to theends112aof thelateral arms112 of thesupport frame109, for example, by a weld,bolts125, etc. The grippingbars113 extend outwardly from thelateral arms112 of thesupport frame109. In an embodiment, the grippingbars113 extend inwardly from thesupport frame109. In another embodiment as exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1B,FIG. 2,FIG. 4, andFIGS. 8-9, the grippinghandles110 comprise anelongated rod114. Theelongated rod114 is rigidly attached within thesupport frame109, for example, by afastening screw126, etc. Thelateral arms112 of thesupport frame109 compriseopenings112band112cfor inserting theelongated rod114 within aspace109adefined by thelateral arms112 and thebase111 of thesupport frame109. The user can hold thegripping bars113 and/or theelongated rod114 for performing pull up exercises. In an embodiment, the grippinghandles110 are coated with a gripping material, for example, a form of plastic, synthetic rubber, etc., for providing an improved grip to the user. In another embodiment, the grippinghandles110 are manufactured with a gripping surface such as a cross hatching, a knurled surface, etc., for providing an improved grip to the user. In an embodiment, apulley117 is rigidly attached to theleg member108 of theweight bearing assembly107 as disclosed in the detailed description ofFIG. 3.
• FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a top orthogonal view of theexercise apparatus100. Theclaw members102aand102bof the clampingassembly101 are clamped around asupport structure128 and connected using fasteners, for example,bolts118 to rigidly accommodate thesupport structure128 as disclosed in the detailed description ofFIG. 5. Theleg member108 of theweight bearing assembly107 is supported and disposed between twopivot plates106 and twoadjustment plates105. Theleg member108 of theweight bearing assembly107 is adjusted using theadjustment plates105. Theexercise apparatus100 has a clamshell design and bolts to thesupport structure128.
• FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a side orthogonal view of theexercise apparatus100.FIG. 3 illustrates theclaw members102aand102bof the clampingassembly101 in a clamped position. The clampingassembly101, theadjustable plates105, thepivot plates106, and theweight bearing assembly107 are disclosed in the detailed description ofFIGS. 1A-1B. In an embodiment, theweight bearing assembly107 further comprises apulley117 and acable122. Thepulley117 is rigidly attached to, for example, abottom surface108dof theleg member108 of theweight bearing assembly107. Thecable122, for example, a cord, a rope, a thick metal wire, etc., has afirst end122aand asecond end122b. Thecable122 is rollably attached to and disposed within thepulley117. Thefirst end122aof thecable122 bears one ormore weights123. Theweights123 are, for example, calibrated weights, sand bags, etc. Thesecond end122bof thecable122 is removably attached, for example, to a belt (not shown) of a user performing an exercise. Theweights123 at thefirst end122aof thecable122 counterbalance the user's weight at thesecond end122bof thecable122, thereby reducing work done by the user to perform pull up exercises. In an embodiment, a belt (not shown) is detachably attached to thesecond end122bof thecable122. The belt is worn around the user's waist. The number ofweights123 to be added depends on the exercise requirements of the user. The user therefore performs exercises using theexercise apparatus100.
• FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of theexercise apparatus100. The exploded view inFIG. 4 illustrates thefasteners118 used for connecting the clampingassembly101 around asupport structure128, and thefasteners127a,127c, and115 for connecting theweight bearing assembly107 to thepivot plates106 and theadjustment plates105 via theleg member108. Theleg member108 is pivotally connected to thepivot plates106 via thepivot sleeve127aand the pivotsleeve cap screw127cthrough theedge127band detachably connected to theadjustment plates105 via theadjustment fastener115. The exploded view inFIG. 4 also illustrates thefasteners119 and121 used for connecting theleg member108 to thesupport frame109, and thefasteners125 and126 for connecting the grippinghandles110 to thesupport frame109. Thedifferent fasteners118 used in theexercise apparatus100 are disclosed in the detailed description ofFIGS. 5-8.
• FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of a clampingassembly101 of theexercise apparatus100, showing twoadjustment plates105 and twopivot plates106 connected to theclaw members102aand102bof the clampingassembly101. Theadjustment plates105 are rigidly attached to thesecond surface103bof thefirst claw member102a. Each of theadjustment plates105 comprisesapertures105afor enabling positional adjustment of theweight bearing assembly107 by inserting anadjustment fastener115, for example, a pin, bolt, etc., into selective opposingapertures105aof theadjustment plates105. Thepivot plates106 are rigidly attached to thesecond surface103bof thesecond claw member102b. Each of thepivot plates106 comprises apivot aperture106a. Theleg member108 of theweight bearing assembly107 is pivotally connected to thepivot plates106 using, for example, apivot sleeve127aand a pivotsleeve cap screw127c. Thepivot sleeve127ais inserted into thepivot aperture106aof apivot plate106, through theleg member108, and into thepivot aperture106aof theother pivot plate106. The pivotsleeve cap screw127cis then inserted at theedge127bof thepivot sleeve127ato fasten theleg member108 to thepivot plates106 in a pivotal connection. Theclaw members102aand102bof the clampingassembly101 are clamped and fastened at thetop surface101aand thebottom surface101bof theclaw members102aand102baround asupport structure128, for example, usingbolts118. Thebolts118 fit axially intoslots102cand102dprovided on thetop surface101aand thebottom surface101bof theclaw members102aand102b.
• FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of aleg member108 of aweight bearing assembly107 of theexercise apparatus100. Theleg member108 is a load bearing member that bears the weight of the user while the user performs exercises. Theleg member108 is pivotally connected to thepivot plates106, for example, using apivot sleeve127aand a pivotsleeve cap screw127cas disclosed in the detailed description ofFIG. 5. Theadjustment fastener115 is used to positionally adjust theleg member108 between theadjustment plates105. In an embodiment, apulley117 is rigidly attached to thebottom surface108dof theleg member108. Pulley hooks117aare rigidly attached to thebottom surface108dof theleg member108 for accommodating apulley wheel117b. Thepulley117 comprises thepulley wheel117band apulley pin117c. Thepulley wheel117bis accommodated between two opposing pulley hooks117aextending from thebottom surface108dof theleg member108 and rotatably fastened between the two opposing pulley hooks117avia thepulley pin117c. Theleg member108 is rigidly attached to thebase111 of thesupport frame109 via abase plate116 using fasteners, for example, locknuts121 andbolts119 throughwashers120.
• FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of asupport frame109 of theweight bearing assembly107 of theexercise apparatus100, showinggripping bars113 extending outwardly from theends112aof thelateral arms112 of thesupport frame109. Thesupport frame109 compriseslateral arms112 extending outwardly from abase111 of thesupport frame109. Thebase111 of thesupport frame109 is rigidly attached to theleg member108 via abase plate116 using fasteners, for example, locknuts121 andbolts119 throughwashers120. The grippingbars113 are rigidly attached to theends112aof thelateral arms112, for example, usingbolts125 andwashers124. A user grips and pulls thegripping bars113 for performing pull exercises.
• FIG. 8 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of asupport frame109 of theweight bearing assembly107, showing the grippingbars113 and anelongated rod114 used for performing exercises by a user. In an embodiment, theends112aof thelateral arms112 of thesupport frame109 comprisecylindrical openings112band112cfor inserting theelongated rod114 in thesupport frame109. Theelongated rod114 is a solid cylindrical structure made of, for example, steel, etc. Theelongated rod114 is inserted through acylindrical opening112bon one of thelateral arms112 of thesupport frame109 to the othercylindrical opening112con the otherlateral arm112 of thesupport frame109. Theelongated rod114 is then fastened at the othercylindrical opening112c, for example, using afastening screw126. The user grips and pulls theelongated rod114 for performing pull exercises.
• FIG. 9 exemplarily illustrates theexercise apparatus100 detachably attached to asupport structure128, for example, an I-beam or other beam structures of roofs, basements, doors, etc. Thehorizontal flanges104 of theclaw members102aand102bof the clampingassembly101 clamp thesupport structure128 and are fastened around thesupport structure128 using, for example,bolts118. Thebolts118 fit axially intoslots102cand102dprovided on thetop surface101aand thebottom surface101bof theclaw members102aand102b.
• FIG. 10 exemplarily illustrates positional adjustment of theleg member108 of theweight bearing assembly107 of theexercise apparatus100. In theexercise apparatus100 disclosed herein, thefirst end108aof theleg member108 is pivotally connected about thepivot apertures106aof thepivot plates106 in thespace106cdefined between thepivot plates106. The direction of rotation of theleg member108 is exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 10. Theleg member108 of theweight bearing assembly107 rotates about the pivotingaxis106bto adjust the position, for example, the vertical height, of theweight bearing assembly107. A user can increase the vertical height of theweight bearing assembly107 by pulling out theadjustment fastener115 from opposingapertures105acorresponding to a first position, rotating theleg member108 from the first position to a desired position about the pivotingaxis106b, and then re-inserting theadjustment fastener115 into selected opposingapertures105acorresponding to the desired position.
• FIG. 11 illustrates a method for detachably attaching anexercise apparatus100 to asupport structure128 and performing exercises by a user. Theexercise apparatus100 comprising a clampingassembly101, one ormore adjustment plates105, one ormore pivot plates106, and aweight bearing assembly107, as disclosed in the detailed description ofFIGS. 1A-1B andFIGS. 2-10, is provided1101. Thehorizontal flanges104 of theclaw members102aand102bof the clampingassembly101 are detachably clamped1102 around opposing sides128aand128bof thesupport structure128 for accommodating thesupport structure128 as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 9. Theleg member108 of theweight bearing assembly107 is positionally adjusted1103 at one of different heights by rotating theleg member108 about a pivotingaxis106bpassing through apivot aperture106aof each of thepivot plates106, and inserting anadjustment fastener115 in selectedapertures105aof theadjustment plates105 as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 10. The gripping handles110 are gripped and pulled1104 against a force of gravity by the user for performing exercises, for example, pull up exercises. In an embodiment, apulley117 is rigidly attached1105 to theleg member108 of theweight bearing assembly107 and acable122 is rollably attached1106 to thepulley117. The user removably attaches1107 one ormore weights123 to thefirst end122aof thecable122. The user then removably attaches1108 thesecond end122bof thecable122 to a belt positioned around the user's waist. Theweights123, for example, calibrated weights, sand bags, etc., at thefirst end122aof thecable122 counterbalance the user's weight at thesecond end122bof thecable122.
• FIG. 12 illustrates a method for assembling anexercise apparatus100. A clampingassembly101 comprisingclaw members102aand102b, one ormore adjustment plates105, one ormore pivot plates106, and aweight bearing assembly107 is provided1201. Theadjustment plates105 are rigidly attached1202 to asecond surface103bof thevertical web103 of afirst claw member102aof the clampingassembly101. Theadjustment plates105 extend outwardly and perpendicularly from thesecond surface103bof thevertical web103 of thefirst claw member102a. Thepivot plates106 are rigidly attached1203 to thesecond surface103bof thevertical web103 of thesecond claw member102bof the clampingassembly101. Thepivot plates106 extend outwardly and perpendicularly from thesecond surface103bof thevertical web103 of thesecond claw member102b. Thefirst end108aof theleg member108 of theweight bearing assembly107 is pivotally connected1204 in thespace106cdefined between thepivot plates106, for example, using apivot sleeve127aand a pivotsleeve cap screw127c. Themiddle section108bof theleg member108 of theweight bearing assembly107 is detachably connected1205 in thespace105bdefined between theadjustment plates105, for example, by theadjustment fastener115. Thesecond end108cof theleg member108 of theweight bearing assembly107 is rigidly attached1206 to thesupport frame109. The gripping handles110 are rigidly attached1207 to thesupport frame109. For example, the grippingbars113 are rigidly attached to theends112aof thelateral arms112 of thesupport frame109. Anelongated rod114 can also be inserted intoopenings112band112cdefined on theends112aof thelateral arms112 of thesupport frame109 and disposed within thespace109adefined by thesupport frame109. Apulley117 is rigidly attached1208 to theleg member108 of theweight bearing assembly107. Acable122, for example, a cord, a rope, a thick metal wire, etc., is rollably attached1209 to thepulley117, where thefirst end122aof thecable122 bears one ormore weights123, and thesecond end122bof thecable122 is removably attachable to a user.
• Consider an example where a user performs exercises using theexercise apparatus100 disclosed herein. Theexercise apparatus100 is detachably attached, for example, bybolts118, countersunk bolts, etc., to asupport structure128, for example, an I-beam of a ceiling. The user adjusts the position of theweight bearing assembly107 to one of different heights by rotating theweight bearing assembly107 about the pivotingaxis106band selectively connecting theleg member108 of theweight bearing assembly107 to opposingapertures105aof theadjustment plates105 using theadjustment fastener115. The position of theweight bearing assembly107 is selected based on preferences of the user. The user attaches thefirst end122aof thecable122 disposed within thepulley117 to one ormore weights123. The user then attaches thesecond end122bof thecable122 around the user's waist. Theweights123, for example, calibrated weights, sand bags, etc., at thefirst end122aof thecable122 counterbalance the user's weight at thesecond end122bof thecable122, thereby reducing work done by the user to perform pull up exercises. The user now holds the grippinghandles110 and pulls upwards against the force of gravity to perform pull up exercises.
• Theexercise apparatus100 disclosed herein allows the user to perform the pull up exercises repeatedly in an uninhibited motion, where the user has adequate clearances in multiple directions. Theexercise apparatus100 disclosed herein also enables a beginner to complete a full range of motion with the assistance of theweights123 that counterbalance the user's weight via thepulley117 until the beginner is strong enough to perform the pull up exercises without assistance. Furthermore, seasoned athletes can use theweights123 that counterbalance their weight via thepulley117 to perform negative repetitions, when the athletes have pushed themselves past a point of exhaustion.
• The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention disclosed herein. While the invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may effect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its aspects.

Claims (15)

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a clamping assembly comprising claw members, wherein each of said claw members comprises a vertical web and two or more horizontal flanges, wherein said two or more horizontal flanges extend from a first surface of said vertical web, and wherein said two or more horizontal flanges of said claw members are detachably clamped on opposing sides of a support structure for accommodating said support structure;

one or more adjustment plates rigidly attached to a second surface of said vertical web of one of said claw members of said clamping assembly, wherein said one or more adjustment plates extend outwardly and perpendicularly from said second surface of said vertical web of said one of said claw members;

one or more pivot plates rigidly attached to said second surface of said vertical web of another one of said claw members of said clamping assembly, wherein said one or more pivot plates extend outwardly and perpendicularly from said second surface of said vertical web of said another one of said claw members; and

a weight bearing assembly comprising:

a leg member having a first end, a middle section, and a second end, wherein said first end of said leg member is pivotally connected to said one or more pivot plates, said middle section of said leg member is detachably connected to said one or more adjustment plates, and said second end of said leg member is rigidly attached to a support frame; and

one or more gripping handles rigidly supported by said support frame, wherein said one or more gripping handles are held by a user for performing exercises.

2. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said one or more adjustment plates comprise apertures for enabling positional adjustment of said weight bearing assembly.

3. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 2, further comprising an adjustment fastener coaxially aligned with said apertures and inserted into said apertures of said one or more adjustment plates for enabling said positional adjustment of said weight bearing assembly.

4. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein said leg member of said weight bearing assembly is positionally adjusted by inserting said adjustment fastener in selected said apertures of said one or more adjustment plates.

5. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said leg member is accommodated in a space defined between each of a pair of said pivot plates and a pair of said adjustment plates.

6. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said support frame of said weight bearing assembly comprises lateral arms extending outwardly from a base of said support frame, wherein said lateral arms comprise openings for inserting an elongated rod within a space defined by said lateral arms and said base of said support frame.

7. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said one or more gripping handles of said weight bearing assembly comprise a pair of gripping bars rigidly attached to ends of lateral arms of said support frame.

8. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said one or more gripping handles of said weight bearing assembly comprise an elongated rod rigidly attached within said support frame.

9. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said one or more gripping handles of said weight bearing assembly are coated with a gripping material for providing a grip to said user.

10. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said weight bearing assembly further comprises:

a pulley rigidly attached to said leg member of said weight bearing assembly; and

a cable having a first end and a second end, wherein said cable is rollably attached to and disposed within said pulley, wherein said first end of said cable bears one or more weights, and said second end of said cable is removably attached to a user.

11. A method for detachably attaching an exercise apparatus to a support structure and performing exercises by a user, comprising:

providing said exercise apparatus comprising:

a clamping assembly comprising claw members, wherein each of said claw members comprises a vertical web and two or more horizontal flanges, wherein said two or more horizontal flanges extend from a first surface of said vertical web;

one or more adjustment plates rigidly attached to a second surface of said vertical web of one of said claw members of said clamping assembly, wherein said one or more adjustment plates extend outwardly and perpendicularly from said second surface of said vertical web of said one of said claw members, wherein said one or more adjustment plates comprise apertures for enabling positional adjustment of a weight bearing assembly;

one or more pivot plates rigidly attached to said second surface of said vertical web of another one of said claw members of said clamping assembly, wherein said one or more pivot plates extend outwardly and perpendicularly from said second surface of said vertical web of said another one of said claw members; and

said weight bearing assembly comprising:

a leg member having a first end, a middle section, and a second end, wherein said first end of said leg member is pivotally connected to said one or more pivot plates, said middle section of said leg member is detachably connected to said one or more adjustment plates, and said second end of said leg member is rigidly attached to a support frame; and

one or more gripping handles rigidly supported by said support frame;

detachably clamping said two or more horizontal flanges of said claw members on opposing sides of said support structure for accommodating said support structure;

positionally adjusting said leg member of said weight bearing assembly at one of a plurality of heights by rotating said leg member about a pivoting axis passing through an aperture of each of said pivot plates, and inserting an adjustment fastener in selected said apertures of said one or more adjustment plates; and gripping and pulling said one or more gripping handles against a force of gravity by said user for performing said exercises.

12. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising:

rigidly attaching a pulley to said leg member of said weight bearing assembly;

rollably attaching a cable to said pulley;

removably attaching one or more weights to a first end of said cable; and

removably attaching a second end of said cable to a user, wherein said one or more weights at said first end of said cable counterbalance a weight of said user at said second end of said cable.

13. A method for assembling an exercise apparatus, comprising:

providing a clamping assembly comprising claw members, one or more adjustment plates, one or more pivot plates, and a weight bearing assembly, wherein each of said claw members comprises a vertical web and two or more horizontal flanges extending from a first surface of said vertical web, and wherein said weight bearing assembly comprises a leg member having a first end, a middle section and a second end, a support frame, and one or more gripping handles;

rigidly attaching said one or more adjustment plates to a second surface of said vertical web of one of said claw members of said clamping assembly, wherein said one or more adjustment plates extend outwardly and perpendicularly from said second surface of said vertical web of said one of said claw members;

rigidly attaching one or more pivot plates to said second surface of said vertical web of another one of said claw members of said clamping assembly, wherein said one or more pivot plates extend outwardly and perpendicularly from said second surface of said vertical web of said another one of said claw members;

pivotally connecting said first end of said leg member of said weight bearing assembly in a space defined between said one or more pivot plates;

detachably connecting said middle section of said leg member of said weight bearing assembly in a space defined between said one or more adjustment plates;

rigidly attaching said second end of said leg member of said weight bearing assembly to said support frame; and

rigidly attaching said one or more gripping handles to said support frame.

14. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising:

rigidly attaching a pulley to said leg member of said weight bearing assembly; and

rollably attaching a cable having a first end and a second end on said pulley, wherein said first end of said cable bears one or more weights, and said second end of said cable is removably attachable to a user.

15. The method ofclaim 13, wherein said one or more gripping handles of said weight bearing assembly comprise one or more of:

a pair of gripping bars, wherein said gripping bars are rigidly attached to ends of lateral arms of said support frame; and

an elongated rod, wherein said elongated rod is inserted into openings defined on said ends of said lateral arms of said support frame and disposed within a space defined by said support frame.

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