US20120004082A1 - Multi-use training apparatuses - Google Patents

Abstract

Multi-use training apparatuses including a base, a rotating support rotationally mounted to the base, and a bar pivotally mounted to the rotating support. The base defines a top and a vertically extending first axis. The rotating support is rotationally mounted on the top of the base in a position to rotate about the first axis. The rotating support includes a first projection extending vertically from the rotating support and defining a first port. The rotating support includes a second protection extending vertically from the rotating support and defining a second port, the second projection being spaced from the first projection. The rotating support includes a fulcrum extending from the first projection to the second projection and supported within the first port and the second port, the fulcrum defining a second axis transverse to the first axis. The bar extends transverse to the second axis and is supported by the fulcrum at an intermediate longitudinal position of the bar.

Description

• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/359,979, filed on Jun. 30, 2010.
BACKGROUND
• The present disclosure relates generally to apparatuses for athletic training. Specifically this disclosure contemplates apparatuses that enable balance training to provide a more satisfactory and multi-faceted workout.
• Training apparatuses in the know art are not entirely satisfactory. Specifically, many known training apparatuses do not satisfactorily support balance exercise techniques, which are known to be important to developing an athletically fit core.
• Additionally, there is a lack of training apparatuses that satisfactorily augment common exercises, such as push-ups, situps, and aerobic training, with balance training elements. Such common exercises may be augmented to develop core muscles by introducing balance training to the techniques. Many users would find an apparatus that supplements exercises already in their routine with balance training elements to be a convenient way to better develop their core. As a result, there is a need for apparatuses that introduce balance training in to athletes' workout routines in an elegant manner.
SUMMARY
• The present disclosure is directed to multi-use training apparatuses including a base, a rotating support rotationally mounted to the base, and a bar pivotally mounted to the rotating support. The base defines a top and a vertically extending first axis. The rotating support is rotationally mounted on the top of the base in a position to rotate about the first axis. The rotating support includes a first projection extending vertically from the rotating support and defining a first port. The rotating support includes a second projection extending vertically from the rotating support and defining a second port, the second projection being spaced from the first projection. The rotating support includes a fulcrum extending from the first projection to the second projection and supported within the first port and the second putt, the fulcrum defining a second axis transverse to the first axis. The bar extends transverse to the second axis and is supported by the fulcrum at an intermediate longitudinal position of the bar.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user operating a first example of a multi-use training apparatus.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the multi-use training apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1, illustrating three axes of rotation around which elements of the multi-use training apparatus rotate.
• FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the multi-use training apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1 illustrating the multi-use training apparatus's components.
• FIG. 4 is a top view of the multi-use training apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1 illustrating an alternative position of a balance bar in phantom lines.
• FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the multi-use training apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1 illustrating an alternative position of a balance bar in phantom lines.
• FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the multi-use training apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1 illustrating an alternative position of a balance bar in phantom lines.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• The disclosed multi-use training apparatuses will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.
• Throughout the following detailed description, a variety of examples of multi-use training assistance apparatuses are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.
• FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an example at a multi-use training apparatus,multi-use training apparatus100, that includes abase110, arotating support140, abalancing bar160, aleft exercise attachment170, aright exercise attachment180, and aresistance band190.Multi-use training apparatus100 allows a user to perform efficient core exercises herein the user exercises his core by partially supporting himself on balancingbar160 as it freely rotates about three axes of rotation while supported on the ground bybase110.Multi-use training apparatus100's rotational functionality is augmented to adapt to different exercises by adding attachments, such asleft exercise attachment170 andresistance band190.FIG. 1 illustrates a user usingmulti-use training apparatus100 in a push-up like position.
• AsFIGS. 2-3 illustrate,multi-use training apparatus100 includesbase110 configured to supportmulti-use training apparatus100 on an external support surface.Base110 defines atop112, abottom114, and a baselongitudinal midpoint116.Base110 includes a firstresistance band interface117, a secondresistance band interface118, asupport platform130, afirst pad126i, a second126ii, and abottom surface128.
• Base110 defines a first axis a1 that extends vertically from baselongitudinal midpoint116 andbase110's lateral midpoint. AsFIG. 2 illustrates, first axis a1 also extends through a center ofsupport platform130 and a center of rotatingsupport140. Although first axis a1 extends vertically frombase110 at this specific horizontal position, examples of multi-use training apparatuses may include first axes that project vertically from any horizontal position onbase110, in other embodiments, first axis a1 may be defined as vertically extending from a point on a support platform, a point on a pivot projection, or any other point on a base or support.
• AsFIGS. 2,3,5, and6 illustrate,base110 includessupport platform130 projecting from its top.Support platform130 includes eightbearing recesses134, eightbearing rollers136, and apivot projection132. In other examples, more bearing recesses and bearing roller sets are included. In further examples, less than eight bearing recesses and rollers are included. One, two, three, for, or more bearing recess and roller sets may be included.Support platform130 is substantially circular in shape and is configured to support rotatingsupport140 in contact withbearing rollers136 and centered onpivot projection132.
• AsFIG. 3 illustrates,base110 includes eight substantiallycylindrical bearing recesses134 recessed from the top ofsupport platform130. Within eachcylindrical bearing recess134, abearing roller136 is seated partially above the top ofsupport platform130. Each bearing;roller136 is configured to rotate transverse to first axis a1.Rotating support140 is configured to rest on all eightbearing rollers136, allowingrotating support140 to more easily rotate around first axis a1.
• AsFIG. 3 illustrates,support platform130 additionally includespivot projection132proximate support platform130's center.Pivot projection132 is substantially aligned with first axis a1.Pivot projection132 is configured to be received by rotatingsupport140, which retainsrotating support140 substantially centered onsupport platform130's center.
• Turning attention toFIGS. 2 and 3,base110 includesfirst pad126iandsecond pad126iipositioned on the top ofbase110. AsFIG. 2 shows,first pad126iis positioned on a first side ofsupport platform130, andsecond pad126iiis positioned on the side ofsupport platform130 oppositefirst pad126i.First pad126iandsecond pad126iiare each made of a compressible resilient foam.First pad126iandsecond pad126iiare configured to reduce or prevent harm caused by a user accidentally strikingbase110 during exercise.First pad126iandsecond pad126iialso provide a comfortable and stable workout position for certain exercises, particularly those that implementresistance band190.
• AsFIGS. 5 and 6 show,bottom surface128 is positioned onbottom114 ofbase110.Bottom surface128 defines a tacky surface that increases friction betweenbase110 and an external support surface, retaining supportingbase110 in a fixed position during operation.
• AsFIGS. 2,3, and6 show,base110 includes firstresistance band interface117 spaced fromsupport platform130. Firstresistance band interface117 includes afirst aperture119iand a second aperture119ii.First aperture119iis routed throughbase110 and is configured to receive a plug192 positioned on a first end ofresistance band190.First aperture119iadditionally includes anotch120iconfigured to selectively receiveresistance band190 by engagingtube194 withinnotch120i, providing an alternative means of attachment. Second aperture119iiis routed throughbase110 and is spaced fromfirst aperture119i. Second aperture119iisubstantially similar tofirst aperture119iand is configured to receive a second end of engagingtube194 spaced from the first end.
• AsFIGS. 2 and 6 illustrate,base110 includes secondresistance band interface118 spaced fromsupport platform130 on the side opposite firstresistance band interface117.
• As shown inFIG. 2,multi-use training apparatus100 includesrotating support140 mounted on top of the base.Rotating support140 includes afirst projection145, asecond projection150, and apin149.
• AsFIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate,first projection145 projects vertically from a first side ofrotating support140.First projection145 includes a first port146 facing towardrotating support140's center.
• AsFIG. 4 illustrates,second projection150 projects vertically from a second side ofrotating support140 on the opposite side of balancingbar160 asfirst projection145.Second projection150 includes asecond port151 facing first port146.
• AsFIG. 2 shows,pin149 is routed from first port146 tosecond port151 through balancingbar160.Pin149 defines ajournal portion154 within the space between first port146 and second151. Pin149 additionally defines a second axis a2 extending longitudinally through its center. As seen inFIG. 3,pin149 includes abolt157 routed through first port146 andsecond port151 with anut158retaining bolt157 in position. However, pins may generally define any solid connection between first port146 andsecond port151.
• Pin149 defines a fulcrum, about which balancingbar160 pivots. This disclosure specifically contemplates the use of other fulcrums that are not similar in design to pin149, including, but not limited to, implementing a solid, single projection proximate the center of a rotating support configured to support a balance bar directly on its top.
• Pin149 defines a pinlongitudinal midpoint156, positioned midway betweenfirst projection145 andsecond projection150.
• AsFIGS. 2-3 illustrate, balancingbar160 extends from aleft hand portion162 to aright hand portion163, which may alternatively be described as a first hand portion and a second hand portion, respectively, and is rotationally mounted onpin149. Balancingbar160 includes abore161, atube wall199, a left hand plurality ofdetent mechanisms165 onleft hand portion162, and a right hand plurality ofdetent mechanisms168 onright hand portion163. Balancingbar160 substantially defines a hollow cylindrical tube with an interior. Balancingbar160 is configured to receivejournal portion154 withinbore161, allowing balancingbar160 to rotate longitudinally around second axis a2. Balancingbar160 additionally defines an axis of rotation, axis a3, extending through its center.
• AsFIG. 3 illustrates, balancingbar160 includes threedetent mechanisms165 spaced frombore161 onleft hand portion162. Eachdetent mechanism165 anddetent mechanism168 are routed through a detent port169 on the exterior of balancingbar160 opening to balancingbar160's interior. Eachdetent mechanisms165 anddetent mechanism168 includes apin166 and aspring167. Eachpin166 is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bar proximate the corresponding detent port169 in a recessed state substantially flush with balancingbar160.Spring167 biases thecorresponding pin166 through the corresponding detent port169 towards a projected state projecting from balancingbar160.
• AsFIG. 3 shows,detent mechanisms165 anddetent mechanisms168 are substantially similar. However,detent mechanisms165 are spaced from one another onleft hand portion162. They are so configured to provide a set of alternative attachment points forleft exercise attachment170.Detest mechanisms168 are spaced from another onright hand portion163 to provide similar functionality on that side.
• Turning toFIGS. 2 and 3,multi-use training apparatus100 includes leftexercise attachment170, which substantially defines an elongated,tubular handle179 with a hollow interior configured to slidingly receiveleft hand portion162 of balancingbar160 via an exercise attachment bore172 when eachdetent mechanism165 is in a recessed state.Left exercise attachment170 includes acap171, a slip resistantexterior surface173, and adetent receiver175.
• Left exercise attachment170 is configured to rotate around the third axis, allowing the user to augment their workout by balancing on another axis of rotation. Additionally, leftexercise attachment170 is configured to lock in position at alternate positions by receiving a selecteddetent mechanism165 indetent receiver175.
• When used in this manner, leftexercise attachment170 substantially defines a bar extender and selectively extends beyond the left hand portion of the bar. As a user selects adetent mechanism165 moredistal bore161,left exercise attachment170 extends further beyondleft hand portion162. A user may attachright exercise attachment180 to a selected position overright hand portion163 in a similar manner.
• Left exercise attachment170 includes slip resistantexterior surface173 made of a rough and/or tacky material, such as a textured rubber or a textured plastic. Slip resistantexterior surface173 prevents a user's hand from slipping during operation.Left exercise attachment170 additionally includescap171, providing additional support to retain a user's hand onleft exercise attachment170 during operation.
• AsFIGS. 1-6 all show,right exercise attachment180 is substantially similar toleft exercise attachment170 and is configured to similarly slidingly receiveright hand portion163 of balancingbar160. AsFIG. 1 illustrates, leftexercise attachment170 andright exercise attachment180 are each individually connected to balancingbar160, which allows a user to manipulate each exercise element with a single hand. As a result, leftexercise attachment170 andright exercise attachment180 provide a user with the opportunity to augmentmulti-use training apparatus100's with one or more exercise attachments that provide various functions. Althoughleft exercise attachment170 is supported by sliding balancingbar160 within its interior, this disclosure specifically contemplates exercise attachments that are supported other ways, including, but not limited to, inserting a portion of an element within balancingbar160's interior or extending vertically proximate a detent mechanism.
• AsFIG. 2 illustrates,multi-use training apparatus100 additionally includesresistance band190.Resistance band190 includes plug192 and engagingtube194.Resistance band190 defines an elongated, flexible, resilient tube configured to extend in length when stretched by a user. As previously mentioned,resistance band190 may be attached tobase110 in two ways: by placing plug192 in an aperture ofbase110, or by routing engagingtube194 through a notch of the base. This disclosure specifically contemplates routing a single resistance band through the notches of multiple apertures to allow a user to achieve a two-handed resistance workout with a single resistance band.
• This example illustrated inFIGS. 1-6 includes exercise attachments with tacky grips, but such rips are not required. Additionally,FIG. 1 includes straight bars that are predominantly cylindrical in shape. This disclosure specifically contemplates bar-shaped exercise attachments of non-cylindrical shapes, including shapes that define projections of any polygonal, elliptical, or non-polygonal shapes. Additionally or alternatively, the bar may include projections or depressions for the purpose of grip or adaptability to different exercises.
• Additionally or alternatively, bar-shaped exercise attachments are not required to project straight outward from the balance assembly and exercise element attachment means. Examples may include, but are not limited to, bars that have one or more curves and bars that include one or more joints along its length.
• This disclosure specifically contemplates the use of an array of exercise attachments adapted to different exercises to be used with multi-use training devices. The exercise element attachment means may allow for selective removal and attachment of exercise attachments from multi-use training apparatuses. One specific example of such exercise attachments includes two buckets or channels designed to be kneeled in by a user. This example would allow the user to incorporate balance training in to any exercise performed while kneeling.
• Additional exercise attachments that may be implemented with a multi-use training apparatus are a means for performing roe exercises, a means for performing resistance-based training exercises, and other designs that allow the user to support herself on the exercise attachments.
• Nothing in this disclosure is to be read as limiting use training elements to a single shape or construction material. As a specific, non-limiting example, multi-use training apparatuses may include bases, base projections, and support elements that substantially define, including, but not limited to, polygonal, elliptical, and non-polygonal, non-elliptical shapes. Other elements are not limited to their illustrated shape in the figures.
• Additionally or alternatively, multi-use training apparatus elements may be constructed out of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, both rigid and flexible plastics, rubbers, metals, woods, and other materials generally used in the production of athletic training equipment. Multi-use training apparatus elements may also be constructed of any combination of these materials. As non-exclusive examples, portions of the base or exercise attachments may include parts constructed using a soft or tacky material to provide better grip.
• The exercise attachments illustrated inFIG. 1-6 include round end caps attached to the ends of the exercise attachments opposite the balance assembly. This specific design is not required, and this disclosure specifically contemplates an means of limiting the rotation of exercise attachments to be attached at the end of exercise attachments. Rotation limiting means are not limited to multi-use training apparatuses including bar shaped exercise attachments and may be attached to any exercise element design.
• The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
• Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.

Claims (20)

1. A multi-use training apparatus, including:

a base defining:

a top; and

a vertically extending first axis;

a rotating support rotationally mounted on the top of the base in a position to rotate about the first axis, the rotating support including:

a first projection extending vertically from the rotating support and defining a first port;

a second projection extending vertically from the rotating support and defining a second port, the second projection being spaced from the first projection; and

a fulcrum extending from the first projection to the second projection and supporter within the first port and the second port, the fulcrum defining a second axis transverse to the first axis; and

a bar extending transverse to the second axis and supported by the fulcrum at an intermediate longitudinal position of the bar.

2. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein

the bar defines a bar bore that extends laterally through the intermediate longitudinal position of the bar; and

the fulcrum defines a journal portion that is supported within the bar bore.

3. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the rotating support is positioned proximate a longitudinal midpoint of the base.

4. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the bar defines a first hand portion and a second hand portion opposite the bar bore from the first hand portion, the first hand portion and the second hand portion being the same length.

5. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first axis extends through the center of the rotating support.

6. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first axis extends through a longitudinal midpoint of the fulcrum.

7. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the bar defines a first hand portion and a second hand portion opposite the bar bore from the first hand portion; and

further comprising an exercise attachment defining an attachment bore complimentarily configured with the bar to slidingly receive at least a portion of the first hand portion within the attachment bore.

8. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the bar includes a detest mechanism spaced from the bar bore and configured to selectively engage the exercise attachment to restrict the exercise attachment from sliding relative to the bar and to selectively disengage from the exercise attachment to allow the exercise attachment to slide relative to the bar.

9. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein:

the bar defines a hollow tube with a tube wall and a detent port extending through the tube wall;

the detent mechanism is mounted inside the hollow tube and includes:

a pin oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bar proximate the detent port in a recessed state substantially flush with the bar, and

a spring biasing the pin through the detent port towards a projected state projecting from the bar; and

the exercise attachment includes a receiver configured to receive the pin in the projected state when the receiver is aligned with the pin.

10. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the bar includes a plurality of detent mechanisms spaced from one another along the length of the bar.

11. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the exercise attachment defines a handle including a slip resistant exterior surface configured to support a user's an in a fixed position on the handle.

12. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the exercise attachment defines a bar extender configured to selectively extend beyond the first hand portion of the bar.

13. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a resistance band interface supported on the base and configured to couple with a resistance band.

14. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the resistance band interface includes a first aperture proximate configured to receive a plug on a first end of the resistance band.

15. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein:

the resistance band is resilient; and

the resistance band interface includes a first aperture, which includes a notch configured to selectively secure the resistance band.

16. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a compressible resilient pad mounted on the top of the base.

17. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the base defines a bottom opposite the top and includes a tacky bottom surface attached to the bottom of the base to increase friction between the base and an external surface supporting the base.

18. The multi-use training apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a bearing recess in the top of the base; and

a roller rotationally seated within the bearing recess such that a portion of the roller extends above the top of the base, the roller being configured to rotate transverse the first axis and support the rotating support as it rotates about the first axis.

19. A multi-use training apparatus adaptable for a variety of exercises, comprising:

a base defining a base top and a vertically extending first axis, the base including:

a support platform defining a platform top, the support platform including:

a pivot projection projecting from the support platform proximate a center of the support platform, the first axis being aligned with the pivot projection;

a bearing recess in the platform top and spaced from the pivot projection; and

a roller seated within the bearing recess partially above the top of the support platform, the role configured to rotate transverse the first axis; and

a rotating support in contact with the roller, the rotating support including:

a pivot receiver configured to rotatably mount on the pivot projection;

a bar support projecting vertically from the rotating support; and

a fulcrum supported by the bar support and defining a second axis transverse to the first axis; and

a bar rotatably supported by the fulcrum to rotate about the first axis.

20. A multiuse training apparatus, comprising:

a base;

a bearing assembly supported by the base and defining a first axis extending vertically from the base;

a rotating support supported by the bearing assembly and configured to rotate around the first axis on the bearing assembly, the rotating support including:

a bar support extending vertically above the base, and

a fulcrum supported bar support and defining a second axis transverse to the first axis;

a bar rotationally mounted to the fulcrum at an intermediate portion of the bar and configured to rotate about the second axis, the bar defining a third axis transverse to the first axis and the second axis;

an elongate handle comprised of a hollow tube portion complimentarily configured with the bar to slidingly receive the bar within the hollow tube portion and to rotate around the third axis.

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