US20160074695A1 - Fitness structure - Google Patents

Abstract

A fitness structure includes a first standing member including a plurality of first guiding grooves located at different heights, a second standing member facing the first standing member and including a plurality of second guiding grooves respectively facing the plurality of first guiding grooves, and a catcher bar including a barbell support part extending in a first direction and an inserting and withdrawing part protruding from both end portions of the barbell support part, and supported by the first standing member and the second standing member as the inserting and withdrawing part is inserted into one of the plurality of first guiding grooves and one of the plurality of second guiding grooves facing each other, in which each of the plurality of first guiding grooves and the second guiding groove includes a horizontal groove guiding the inserting and withdrawing part in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from an opening that is an entrance into which the inserting and withdrawing part is inserted, and a vertical groove connected from the horizontal groove and guiding the inserting and withdrawing part toward an accommodation part, and the inserting and withdrawing part has a vertical cross-section at least partially extending in a lengthwise direction of the vertical groove.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates to a fitness structure, and more particularly, to a fitness structure for weight training.
BACKGROUND ART
• Recently, as social interest about beauty and health has increased, the number of people that keeps weight training to improve muscle strength and build a balanced body has increased. Weight training improves physical strength by training muscle strength using an object having a weight such as a barbell or a dumbbell. Exercises for weight training include bench press, squats, deadlifts, etc. A fitness club has various types of exercise equipment to do such exercises.
• To do a squat motion, which is a weight training exercise, basically, a barbell including a metal bar and disc weights provided at both ends of the metal bar is needed. Unlike this, according to technologies disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2011-0122618 laid open on Nov. 10, 2011 and Korean Patent No. 10-0657716 published on Dec. 14, 2006, the squat motion may be done using fitness equipment including a combination of weights and pulleys instead of a barbell. However, using the fitness equipment having complex functions is inconvenient and muscles may not be uniformly trained because balance muscles and accessory muscles cannot be trained together unlike free weights.
• Alternatively, when a barbell is used to perform a squat motion, a person working out repeats motions of standing with the barbell on one's shoulder, lowering one's torso into a squat, and then, raising the torso back to the upright position. In doing so, since the person working out who performs the squat motion needs to lift the barbell that weighs equally or greater than the person working out, control of the barbell in the repetition of the motion may be lost, which may lead to a safety accident. To prevent the safety accident, some fitness structures are provided with a catcher bar for catching a barbell at an appropriate height so that a person working out may not be hurt due to the weight of the barbell that is not controlled. However, when persons having different figures use the same fitness structure, the position of a catcher bar needs to be changed according to the figure of each person. For a conventional catcher bar, a person working out may be inconvenienced because changing the position of the catcher bar is not easy.
• Alternatively, when a barbell is used to perform the squat motion, the motions of standing with the barbell on one's shoulder, lowering one's torso down into a squat, and then, raising the torso back to the upright position are repeated. In doing so, since the person working out, who performs the squat motion, needs to lift the barbell, which weighs equally or greater than the person working out, a support frame to place the barbell thereon is needed in order to facilitate the squat motion. In this connection, Korean Patent No. 10-0657716, published on Dec. 14, 2006, discloses a weight removing apparatus which enables a barbell that is appropriately placed for a bench press motion, not a squat motion.
• However, according to a prior art, no fitness equipment has been proposed which facilitates placing a barbell on a support according to one's height when persons having different heights perform a squat motion by using a single barbell support frame. Also, when a barbell is placed on a support, a finger of a person working out may be hurt if it is squeezed between the barbell and fitness equipment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONTechnical Problem
• The present inventive concept provides a fitness structure having a catcher bar that may be easily set to an appropriate height according to a figure of a user who performs a weight training motion such as a squat.
• Also, the present inventive concept provides a fitness structure which may facilitate placing a barbell on a catcher bar regardless of the height of a user who performs a squat motion.
Technical Solution
• According to an aspect of the present inventive concept, there is provided a fitness structure which includes a first standing member including a plurality of first guiding grooves located at different heights, a second standing member facing the first standing member and including a plurality of second guiding grooves respectively facing the plurality of first guiding grooves, and a catcher bar including a barbell support part extending in a first direction and an inserting and withdrawing part protruding from both end portions of the barbell support part, and supported by the first standing member and the second standing member as the inserting and withdrawing part is inserted into one of the plurality of first guiding grooves and one of the plurality of second guiding grooves facing each other, in which each of the plurality of first guiding grooves and the second guiding groove includes a horizontal groove guiding the inserting and withdrawing part in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from an opening that is an entrance into which the inserting and withdrawing part is inserted, and a vertical groove connected from the horizontal groove and guiding the inserting and withdrawing part toward an accommodation part, and the inserting and withdrawing part has a vertical cross-section at least partially extending in a lengthwise direction of the vertical groove.
• The inserting and withdrawing part may be supported by fixed walls located at both sides of the vertical groove in the accommodation part.
• One inserting and withdrawing part may be formed at each end portion of the barbell support part.
• A vertical cross-section of the inserting and withdrawing part or the barbell support part may have a polygonal shape.
• The barbell support part may have a flat upper surface.
• In the opening of each of the plurality of first guiding grooves or each of the plurality of second guiding grooves, a vertical width of the opening at a side of the entrance may be greater than a vertical width of the opening at a side of the horizontal groove.
• According to an aspect of the present inventive concept, there is provided a fitness structure for accommodating a barbell which includes a pair of standing structures comprising a front surface in which a plurality of first insertion holes, each having a first width, are formed, a rear surface located corresponding to the front surface and in which a plurality of second insertion holes, each having a second width, are respectively formed corresponding to the plurality of first insertion holes, and first and second side surfaces respectively connecting the front and rear surfaces, an insertion pin comprising a protruding part having a width that is smaller than the first width and partially passes through each of the plurality of first insertion holes and an insertion part located at a tip end of the protruding part, having a width that is smaller than the second width, and partially passing through each of the plurality of second insertion holes to protrude from the rear surface, and a support structure connecting the standing structures to have the second side surfaces of the pair of standing structures face to each other, in which the first width is greater than the second width and a width of the protruding part is greater than the second width.
• Each of the standing structures may include an upper standing structure comprising the front surface, the first side surface, the second side surface, and the rear surface, and a lower standing structure connecting the support structure and each of the standing structures, in which a lengthwise direction of the upper standing structure is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to ground.
• When being inserted into the standing structure, the insertion pin may be disposed such that a lengthwise direction of the insertion pin is substantially perpendicular to the front surface.
• A shape of the first insertion hole and a shape of a cross-section of the protruding part, or a shape of the second insertion hole and a shape of a cross-section of the insertion part, may be congruous with each other, and the shape is any one of a polygon and a circle.
• The fitness structure may further include a protection part located protruding from the front surface to prevent a barbell from contacting the front surface.
• The protection part may be arranged in a lengthwise direction of the upper standing structure on the first side surface.
Advantageous Effects
• In the fitness structure according to the present exemplary embodiments, even when users use the same fitness structure, the position of a catcher bar may be easily set to an appropriate height according to the figure of each person. Also, since guiding grooves of a standing member include a horizontal groove and a vertical groove extending toward the horizontal groove, and an inserting and withdrawing part of the catcher bar inserted in the guiding groove is supported by a fixed wall disposed at both sides of the vertical groove, the catcher bar may be prevented from being shaken or rotated by an external force.
• Furthermore, in an opening part of the guiding groove, because a vertical width of the opening at a side of an entrance is wider than a vertical width of the opening at a side facing the inside of the guiding groove, the catcher bar may be easily inserted into each guiding groove.
• Also, in the fitness structure according to the present exemplary embodiments, for a standing structure including a plurality of insertion holes, by inserting an insertion pin into the insertion hole located at an appropriate height, even when users use the same fitness structure, each user may easily place a barbell suitable for one's height.
• Also, as a protection part protruding from a front surface of the standing structure, the standing structure may be protected from a shock applied when the barbell is placed on a catcher bar and simultaneously a finger of a user who places the barbell on a catcher bar may be prevented from being hurt
• In detail, when placing a barbell on a catcher bar after finishing an exercise such as a squat, a user may have the barbell closely contact a portion of the standing structure at a higher position than a portion where the insertion pin is located and then slide the barbell down along the standing structure to a portion where the insertion pin is located. In doing so, as the barbell is guided toward the insertion pin without having to directly contact the front surface of the standing structure by the protection part, the barbell may be easily placed on the fitness structure and simultaneously the standing structure may be protected.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fitness structure according to an exemplary embodiment.
• FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a guiding groove of a standing member ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a catcher bar ofFIG. 1.
• FIGS. 4A and 4B are partial perspective views illustrating that the catcher bar is coupled to the standing member ofFIG. 1.
• FIGS. 5 to 10 are partial perspective views of guiding grooves of the standing member according to various exemplary embodiments.
• FIGS. 11 to 13 are partial perspective views of catcher bars according to various exemplary embodiments.
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an example in which a user who performs a squat motion places a barbell by using a fitness structure according to an exemplary embodiment.
• FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fitness structure according to an exemplary embodiment.
• FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating an upper standing structure ofFIG. 15 viewed from the outside.
• FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the upper standing structure ofFIG. 15 viewed from the inside.
• FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view illustrating the upper standing structure ofFIG. 15 viewed from the backside.
• FIG. 19 illustrates an insertion pin ofFIG. 15.
• FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the insertion pin is inserted in the standing structure in the fitness structure ofFIG. 15.
• FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view illustrating connection among an upper standing structure, a lower standing structure, and a support structure in the fitness structure ofFIG. 15.
• FIG. 22 illustrates an example in which a user who performs a squat motion places a barbell on a fitness structure according to an exemplary embodiment.
BEST MODE
• Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto and it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims. That is, descriptions on particular structures or functions may be presented merely for explaining exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept.
• Terms such as “first” and “second” are used herein merely to describe a variety of constituent elements, but the constituent elements are not limited by the terms. Such terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another constituent element. For example, without departing from the right scope of the present inventive concept, a first constituent element may be referred to as a second constituent element, and vice versa.
• In the present specification, when a constituent element “connects” or is “connected” to another constituent element, the constituent element contacts or is connected to the other constituent element directly or through at least one of other constituent elements. Conversely, when a constituent element is described to “directly connect” or to be “directly connected” to another constituent element, the constituent element should be construed to be directly connected to another constituent element without any other constituent element interposed therebetween. Other expressions, such as, “between” and “directly between”, describing the relationship between the constituent elements, may be construed in the same manner.
• Terms used in the present specification are used for explaining a specific exemplary embodiment, not for limiting the present inventive concept. Thus, an expression used in a singular form in the present specification also includes the expression in its plural form unless clearly specified otherwise in context. Also, terms such as “include” or “comprise” may be construed to denote a certain characteristic, number, step, operation, constituent element, or a combination thereof, but may not be construed to exclude the existence of or a possibility of addition of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, or combinations thereof.
• Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein including technical or scientific terms have the same meanings as those generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present inventive concept may pertain. The terms as those defined in generally used dictionaries are construed to have meanings matching that in the context of related technology and, unless clearly defined otherwise, are not construed to be ideally or excessively formal.
• The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements, and thus their description will be omitted.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fitness structure according to an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a guiding groove of a standing member ofFIG. 1.FIG. 3 is a perspective view of acatcher bar310 ofFIG. 1.FIG. 4A illustrates a process in which thecatcher bar310 is coupled to a first standingmember210.FIG. 4B illustrates that thecatcher bar310 is coupled to the first standingmember210.
• Referring toFIG. 1, afitness structure100 according to the present exemplary embodiment may include a pair of first standingmembers210, a pair of second standingmembers280 facing the first standingmembers210, and a pair of catcher bars310. In some embodiments, the first standingmembers210 and the second standingmembers280 may be connected to asupport structure400. Also, thesupport structure400 may include a plurality ofleg parts410. Although not illustrated, thefitness structure100 may have a form combined with other fitness structure such as a barbell support frame on which a barbell may be placed to fit to a height of a user's shoulders.
• In the present exemplary embodiment, the first and second standingmembers210 and280 and thesupport structure400 may be formed of a solid metal material, for example, iron (Fe) or an iron alloy.
• Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the first standingmembers210 may include a plurality of first guiding grooves GG located at different heights, and the second standingmembers280 may include a plurality of second guiding grooves respectively corresponding to the first guiding grooves GG. The second guiding groove may have substantially the same shape as that of the first guiding groove. The second guiding grooves are formed substantially at the same height as the first guiding grooves corresponding thereto. InFIG. 1, each of the first and second standingmembers210 and280 may include four first and second guiding grooves having different heights. However, this is merely exemplary, and the number of first and second guiding grooves respectively included in the first and second standingmembers210 and280 may be variously set as necessary.
• Referring toFIGS. 1 and 3, when the user loses control of the barbell, for example, the barbell slips from a user's hands during a weight training motion or the user, who shoulders the barbell, falls backward, thecatcher bar310 may support the barbell at a predetermined height so that the user may be prevented from being hurt. Also, the barbell may be placed on an upper surface315_1 of thecatcher bar310 according to a type of user's usage.
• Thecatcher bar310 may include abarbell support part315 extending in a first direction D1 and a pair of inserting and withdrawingparts317aand317bformed respectively at both end portions of thebarbell support part315. The upper surface315_1 of thebarbell support part315 may be formed to be substantially flat to increase a friction area to the barbell. Although not illustrated, a rubber pad, for example, may be attached on the upper surface315_1 of thebarbell support part315. Thecatcher bar310 is installed as the inserting and withdrawingparts317aand317bare respectively inserted into the first and second guiding grooves. In particular, thecatcher bar310 is installed such that the first direction D1 in which thecatcher bar310 extends is perpendicular to a third direction D3 in which the first and second standingmembers210 and280 extend. Thebarbell support part315 and the inserting and withdrawingparts317aand317bare described below in detail with reference toFIGS. 4A and 4B.
• Referring back toFIG. 1, thesupport structure400 supports the first and second standingmembers210 and280. For example, thesupport structure400 may have a shape of a rectangle with one open side when viewed from above. In this case, one side of thesupport structure400, through which the user of thefitness structure100 passes, is open. Accordingly, when the user is located inside the rectangle with one open side, thesupport structure400 may support a total of four of the first and second standingmembers210 and280 such that the first and second standingmembers210 and280 and thecatcher bar310 may be located at opposite sides.
• Theleg parts410 may support a load applied to thesupport structure400 by distributing the load. For example, when thesupport structure400 has a shape of a rectangle with one open side, the fourleg parts410 including angled portions of the shape of a rectangle with one open side may support thesupport structure400.
• Referring toFIGS. 2,3,4A and4B, first standingmembers210 may include a guiding groove GG formed concave into a predetermined inner space. The guiding groove GG has an opening OP and may include a horizontal groove HG connected to the opening OP, and a vertical groove VG connected to the horizontal groove HG. An accommodation part AP is located in a lower end of the vertical groove VG. The accommodation part AP may substantially have a flat surface.
• The horizontal groove HG extends in a second direction D2, which is perpendicular to the first direction D1 that is a direction in which thebarbell support part315 extends. One end of the horizontal groove HG is connected to the opening OP. The vertical groove VG is connected to the accommodation part AP from the other end of the horizontal groove HG. Fixed walls W1 and W2 extending in the third direction D3, in which the first standingmembers210 extend, are located at both sides of the vertical groove VG. In the present exemplary embodiment, the guiding groove GG may have an L-shape including the horizontal groove HG and the vertical groove VG.
• The inserting and withdrawingparts317aand317bof thecatcher bar310 may be a first inserting and withdrawingpart317aformed on end of thebarbell support part315 to be inserted into one of the first standingmembers210, and a second inserting and withdrawingpart317bformed at the other end of thebarbell support part315 to be inserted in one of the second standingmembers280. As described later, in the first and second inserting and withdrawingparts317aand317baccommodated in the accommodation part AP,side surfaces317a_1 and317a_2 contact the fixed walls W1 and W2 disposed at both sides of the vertical groove VG and are fixed thereon. Accordingly, rotation or shaking of thecatcher bar310 in the guiding groove GG while thecatcher bar310 is installed in the guiding groove GG may be reduced. For example, vertical cross-sections of the first and second inserting and withdrawingparts317aand317b,in other words, cross-sections cut in the third direction D3 may have a shape that at least partially extends in the third direction D3 that is a length direction of the vertical groove VG. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first inserting and withdrawingpart317amay have the twoside surfaces317a_1 and317a_2 contacting the fixed walls W1 and W2 in the third direction D3, and a vertical cross-section having a rectangular shape. Also, a vertical cross-section of thebarbell support part315 may have a rectangular shape having an area larger than that of each of the first and second inserting and withdrawingparts317aand317b.
• Referring toFIGS. 3,4A, and4B, thecatcher bar310 is installed on the first standingmembers210 as the inserting and withdrawingpart317aor317bis inserted in the horizontal groove HG through the opening OP in a direction indicated by an arrow A1 and then into the vertical groove VG connected to the horizontal groove HG in a direction indicated by an arrow A2, thereby being accommodated in the accommodation part AP. In this state, theside surfaces317a_1 and317a_2 of the first inserting and withdrawingpart317aat least partially extend in the third direction D3 along the fixed walls W1 and W2 arranged at opposite sides of the vertical groove VG.
• AlthoughFIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate that thecatcher bar310 is installed with respect to the first guiding groove GG of the first standingmembers210, thecatcher bar310 may be simultaneously installed in the same manner with respect to the second guiding groove (not shown) of the second standingmembers280 corresponding to the first guiding groove GG.
• As such, the first standingmembers210 of thefitness structure100 according to the present exemplary embodiment may include the guiding groove GG having an L-shape including the flat accommodation part AP, and thecatcher bar310 inserted into the guiding groove GG may include the inserting and withdrawingparts317aand317beach having a vertical cross-section having a rectangular shape. However, the shapes are exemplary, and thecatcher bar310 is fixed in the guiding groove GG by the inserting and withdrawingparts317aand317beach having a shape at least partially extending in a direction along the length of the vertical groove VG and the fixed walls W1 and W2 arranged at both sides of the vertical groove VG to support the inserting and withdrawingparts317aand317b,thereby stably supporting the barbell.
• Also, since the first and second standingmembers210 and280 include a plurality of guiding grooves GG having different heights, even when users use the same fitness structure, thecatcher bar310 may be easily installed at a height suitable for a figure of each user.
• FIGS. 5 to 10 are partial perspective views of guiding grooves of the standing member according to various exemplary embodiments. In the following description, for the same structure as that described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 4, the same numerical reference is used and a detailed description thereof is omitted or briefly presented.
• Referring toFIG. 5, a standingmember220 according to another exemplary embodiment may include the guiding groove GG including the opening OP facing the second direction D2, the horizontal groove HG connected to the opening OP, and the vertical groove VG connected to the horizontal groove HG. The accommodation part AP having a flat surface is arranged in the lower end of the vertical groove VG. In the present exemplary embodiment, although the guiding groove GG may have an L-shape, unlike the guiding groove ofFIG. 2, the guiding groove GG may be formed only in a part of the standingmember220 such that the guiding groove GG is closed in the second direction D2. For example, the guiding groove GG having an L-shape may be open only in two side surfaces of the standingmember220.
• Referring toFIG. 6, a standingmember230 according to another exemplary embodiment may include the guiding groove GG including the opening OP facing the second direction D2, the horizontal groove HG connected to the opening OP, and the vertical groove VG connected to the horizontal groove HG. Unlike the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 5, the accommodation part AP having a round surface is arranged in the lower end of the vertical groove VG. In this case, as illustrated inFIG. 11 that is described later, as acatcher bar320 including an inserting and withdrawingpart327 having a round lower surface is accommodated in the accommodation part AP, thecatcher bar320 may be stably installed on the standingmember230. The inserting and withdrawingpart327 may be supported by the fixed walls W1 and W2 that are arranged at both sides of the vertical groove VG, and a radius of curvature of the accommodation part AP and a radius of curvature of the lower surface of the inserting and withdrawingpart327 may be substantially the same. In the present exemplary embodiment, except that the accommodation part AP has a round surface, the other parts of the guiding groove GG formed in the standingmember230 may be formed to be substantially the same as that of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 5.
• Referring toFIG. 7, a standingmember240 according to another exemplary embodiment may include the guiding groove GG including the opening OP facing the second direction D2, the horizontal groove HG connected to the opening OP, and the vertical groove VG connected to the horizontal groove HG. Unlike the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6, the accommodation part AP having an angled surface is arranged in the lower end of the vertical groove VG. In this case, as illustrated inFIG. 12 that is described later, as acatcher bar330 including an inserting and withdrawingpart337 each having an angled lower surface is accommodated in the accommodation part AP, thecatcher bar330 may be stably installed on the standingmember240. The inserting and withdrawingpart337 may be supported by the fixed walls W1 and W2 that are arranged at both sides of the vertical groove VG, and an angle formed by two surfaces of the accommodation part AP may be substantially the same as an angle of the angled lower surface of the inserting and withdrawingpart337. In the present exemplary embodiment, although the accommodation part AP is illustrated as having two surfaces forming a predetermined angle, this is merely exemplary. The angled surface of the accommodation part AP may be formed in various shapes. For example, although it is not illustrated, the accommodation part AP may have four surfaces forming a W-shape at a predetermined angle, and the inserting and withdrawing part of the catcher bar corresponding thereto may have a lower surface that has a W-shape forming substantially the same angle as that of the accommodation part AP. In the present exemplary embodiment, except that the accommodation part AP has an angled surface, the other parts of the guiding groove GG formed in the standingmember240 may be formed to be substantially the same as that of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 5.
• Referring toFIG. 8, a standingmember250 according to another exemplary embodiment may include the guiding groove GG including the opening OP facing the second direction D2, the horizontal groove HG connected to the opening OP, and the vertical groove VG connected to the horizontal groove HG. Unlike the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 5, a vertical width VW1 of the opening OP at a side of an entrance into which thecatcher bar310 is inserted may be greater than a vertical width VW2 of the opening OP at a side connected to the inside of the horizontal groove HG. In this case, the inserting and withdrawing part included in the catcher bar may be easily inserted through the opening OP having a relatively wider entrance than other embodiments described above, thereby guiding the catcher bar toward the horizontal groove HG. In the present exemplary embodiment, although the vertical width of the opening OP linearly decreases from the vertical width VW1 at a side of the entrance toward the vertical width VW2 at a side close to the horizontal groove HG, this is mere exemplary and a degree of the decrease of the vertical width of the opening OP may be variously set. For example, a part from the vertical width VW1 of the opening OP at a side of the entrance toward the vertical width VW2 of the opening OP at a side close to the horizontal groove HG may be formed in a curved shape having a predetermined curvature. In the present exemplary embodiment, except that the vertical width VW1 of the opening OP at a side of the entrance is greater than the vertical width VW2 of the opening OP at a side close to the horizontal groove HG, the other parts of the guiding groove GG formed in the standingmember250 may be formed to be substantially the same as that of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 5.
• Referring toFIG. 9, a standingmember260 according to another exemplary embodiment may include the guiding groove GG including the opening OP facing the second direction D2, the horizontal groove HG connected to the opening OP, and the vertical groove VG connected to the horizontal groove HG. Unlike the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 8, the vertical groove VG may be connected not from an end portion of the horizontal groove HG, but from a part of the horizontal groove HG in a direction in which the horizontal groove HG extends. For example, when viewed in the first direction D1, the guiding groove GG may have a T-shape. Also, in the present exemplary embodiment, to increase size of the entrance of the opening OP, aninclined side surface267 in the second direction D2 may be further formed in an upper portion of the opening OP. Accordingly, the inserting and withdrawing part of the catcher bar may be easily inserted into the opening OP having a wider entrance to be guided toward the horizontal groove HG. In the present exemplary embodiment, except that the guiding groove GG has a T-shape and theinclined side surface267 is further formed in the upper portion of the opening OP, the other parts of the guiding groove GG formed in the standingmember260 may be formed to be substantially the same as that of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 8.
• Referring toFIG. 10, a standingmember270 according to another exemplary embodiment may include the guiding groove GG including the opening OP facing the second direction D2, the horizontal groove HG connected to the opening OP, and the vertical groove VG connected to the horizontal groove HG. Unlike the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 9, the vertical groove VG may be formed relatively long in a vertical direction across the horizontal groove HG. For example, when viewed in the first direction D1, the guiding groove GG may have a “├” shape or a cross “+” shape. Also, in the present exemplary embodiment, as aninclined surface277 in the second direction D2 is further formed in the upper portion of the opening OP, the entrance of the opening OP may be formed wide. In the present exemplary embodiment, except that the vertical groove VG is formed relatively long, the other parts of the guiding groove GG formed in the standingmember270 may be formed to be substantially the same as that of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 9.
• FIGS. 11 to 13 are partial perspective views of catcher bars according to various exemplary embodiments. In the following description, for the same structure as that described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 4, the same numerical reference is used and a detailed description thereof is omitted or briefly presented.
• Referring toFIGS. 11 to 13, catcher bars320,330, and340 according to exemplary embodiments include inserting and withdrawingparts327,337, and347 having vertical cross-sections that at least partially extend in the third direction D3. Also, the inserting and withdrawingparts327,337, and347 may have various shapes in the lower portions thereof in the third direction D3, and the shapes may correspond to the accommodation part AP that contacts the inserting and withdrawingparts327,337, and347 when the catcher bars320,330, and340 are coupled to the standing member. For example, the vertical cross-section of the inserting and withdrawing part may have arectangular shape347, or the lower surface of the inserting and withdrawing part may have around shape327 or anangled shape337 However, the angled shape of the inserting and withdrawingpart337 is exemplary, and the lower surface of the inserting and withdrawingpart337 may have various angled shapes such as an inverse triangular shape or a W-shape.
• Also, the catcher bars320,330, and340 may includebarbell support parts325,335, and345 having substantially flat upper surfaces325_1,335_1, and345_1. Unlike the flat upper surfaces325_1,335_1, and345_1 of thebarbell support parts325,335, and345, the lower surface or side surface of a barbell support part may not be flat. For example, the lower surface of thebarbell support part345 may have a round shape. However, this is exemplary and the side surface or lower surface of the barbell support part may have various shapes.
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an example in which a user who performs a squat motion places a barbell on the user's shoulders by using a fitness structure according to an exemplary embodiment.
• Referring toFIG. 14, before performing a squat motion, the user inserts thecatcher bar310 into the guiding grooves of the first and second standingmembers210 and230 located at a height slightly lower than a height at which the user crouches and then repeats a squat motion while shouldering the barbell placed on the barbell support part (not shown) that is separately or integrally formed corresponding to a height of the user's shoulders. When the user loses control of the barbell during a repetition of the motion, for example, the barbell slips from the user's hands during a weight training motion or the user who crouches with the barbell on one's shoulders cannot stand, thecatcher bar310, instead of the user, may support the barbell at a predetermined height. Accordingly, a safety accident that may occur during exercise may be prevented.
• As described above, in the fitness structure according to the present exemplary embodiments, since each standing member includes a plurality of guiding grooves having different heights, even when users use the same fitness structure, the position of the catcher bar may be easily set to a height appropriate to a figure of each user. Also, each of the guiding grooves of the standing member includes a horizontal groove having an opening and a vertical groove connected to the horizontal groove. Since the inserting and withdrawing part of the catcher bar inserted into the guiding groove is supported by the fixed walls located at both sides of the vertical groove, the catcher bar may be prevented from being shaken or rotated by an external force.
• Furthermore, since the opening of the guiding groove is formed such that a vertical width of the opening at a side of an entrance is wider than a vertical width of the opening at a side close to the inside of the guiding groove, the catcher bar may be easily inserted into the guiding groove.
MODE OF THE INVENTION
• FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fitness structure according to an exemplary embodiment.
• Referring toFIG. 15, afitness structure1100 according to the present exemplary embodiment may include a plurality of standingstructures1200, asupport structure1500, and a plurality of insertion pins1300. Each of the standingstructures1200 may include anupper standing structure1210 and alower standing structure1250. Thesupport structure1500 may include an upholdingstructure1510 and a plurality of standingsupport structures1520. Also, thesupport structure1500 may further include a plurality ofleg parts1515.
• In the present exemplary embodiment, the standingstructure1200 and thesupport structure1500 may be formed of a solid metal material, for example, iron (Fe) or an iron alloy.
• Theupper standing structure1210 may include afront surface1211a,afirst side surface1211b,asecond side surface1211c,and arear surface1211d.For example, theupper standing structure1210 may be formed of a hollow steel frame that is formed as four steel panels extending long in one direction are coupled.
• A plurality offirst insertion holes1215 are formed in thefront surface1211a.
• Aprotection part1213 is attached on thefirst side surface1211b.In some embodiments, theprotection part1213 may contain the same material as that of theupper standing structure1210. Alternatively, theprotection part1213 may contain a different material from that of theupper standing structure1210. For example, theprotection part1213 may contain aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
• Thesecond side surface1211cis opposite to thefirst side surface1211b,and therear surface1211dis opposite to thefront surface1211a.The coupling relation between theupper standing structure1210 and theinsertion pin1300 is described below in detail with reference toFIG. 20.
• One end of thelower standing structure1250 is connected to theupper standing structure1210 and the other end thereof is connected to thesupport structure1500. Thelower standing structure1250 may be connected to thesupport structure1500 such that a lengthwise direction of thelower standing structure1250 is substantially perpendicular to the ground. For example, thelower standing structure1250 may be connected to thesupport structure1500 to stand up to a predetermined height with respect to thesupport structure1500. In some embodiments, thelower standing structure1250 and thesupport structure1500 may be integrally formed. Thelower standing structure1250 is connected to theupper standing structure1210 forming a predetermined angle ANG2 therebetween. For example, theupper standing structure1210 may be connected to thelower standing structure1250 to be inclined at an angle with respect to a direction in which thelower standing structure1250 stands up. Accordingly, theupper standing structure1210 may be arranged such that the lengthwise direction of theupper standing structure1210 is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the ground. Also, in some embodiments, theupper standing structure1210 and thelower standing structure1250 may be integrally formed. In the present exemplary embodiment, although thelower standing structure1250 is illustrated as having four surfaces similar to theupper standing structure1210, this is exemplary and the shape of thelower standing structure1250 is not limited thereto. For example, thelower standing structure1250 may have a cylindrical shape or a polygonal column shape.
• Theinsertion pin1300 is inserted into any one of thefirst insertion holes1215 in eachupper standing structure1210. In some embodiments, a plurality of the insertion pins1300 may be inserted in theupper standing structure1210. In general, theinsertion pin1300 may be located at the same height at each of a pair of theupper standing structures1210. Theinsertion pin1300 may contain the same material as that of the standingstructure1200, or a light metal material, for example, aluminum A1 or an aluminum alloy.
• The standingsupport structure1520 may be connected to one end of theupper standing structure1210. For example, the standingsupport structure1520 may be connected to therear surface1211dof one end of theupper standing structure1210. The standingsupport structure1520 supports theupper standing structure1210, and thus an external shock applied to thefront surface1211aof theupper standing structure1210 may be absorbed. Also, the standingsupport structure1520 is connected to the upholdingstructure1510. In some embodiments, the standingsupport structure1520 and the upholdingstructure1510 may be integrally formed.
• The upholdingstructure1510 has a bent shape when viewed from above, and supports the standingstructures1200. For example, the upholdingstructure1510, when viewed from above, may have a shape of a rectangle with one open side. In this case, the upholdingstructure1510 has an open side through which a user of thefitness structure1100 passes. The upholdingstructure1510 may support two standingstructures1200 such that, when the user is located inside the shape of a rectangle with one open side, each of the standingstructure1200 is located at either side surface. In the present exemplary embodiment, the twoupper standing structures1210 are arranged such that thesecond side surfaces1211cface each other. Also, in the present exemplary embodiment, theprotection part1213 included in eachupper standing structure1210 is arranged to face the outside of the shape of a rectangle with one open side. In the following description, the inside of the shape of a rectangle with one open side that thesecond side surfaces1211cface is referred to as an interior, and the outside of the shape of a rectangle with one open side that thefirst side surfaces1211bor theprotection parts1213 face is referred to as an exterior. Also, an open direction of the shape of a rectangle with one open side is referred to as a front side, and a closed direction of the shape of a rectangle with one open side is referred to as a rear side. However, this is merely for convenience of explanation and the interior and the exterior, or the front side and the rear side, may be differently defined according to the shape of the upholdingstructure1510.
• The upholdingstructure1510 may include theleg parts1515 that separate the standingstructure1200 from the ground by a predetermined height. In this case, theleg part1515 may support a weight applied to the upholdingstructure1510 by distributing the load. For example, when the upholdingstructure1510 has the shape of a rectangle with one open side, the fourleg parts1515 including angled portions of the shape of a rectangle with one open side may support the upholdingstructure1510.
• FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating an upper standing structure ofFIG. 15 viewed from the outside.FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the upper standing structure ofFIG. 15 viewed from the inside.FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view illustrating the upper standing structure ofFIG. 15 viewed from the backside.
• Referring toFIGS. 16 to 18, according to the present exemplary embodiment, theupper standing structure1210 may include thefront surface1211afacing the front side, thefirst side surface1211bfacing the exterior, thesecond side surface1211cfacing the interior, and therear surface1211dfacing the rear side.
• Thefront surface1211amay include thefirst insertion holes1215 arranged at different heights. Each of thefirst insertion holes1215 may be a circular through-hole having a first width D1. The first widths D1 of thefirst insertion holes1215 may be substantially the same in eachupper standing structure1210.
• Thefirst side surface1211bmay connect thefront surface1211aand therear surface1211d.Theprotection part1213 that extends long in the lengthwise direction of theupper standing structure1210 is arranged on thefirst side surface1211b.Theprotection part1213 may have a thin panel shape having a predetermined width. However, since the thickness of theprotection part1213 is smaller than the width of a surface of eachupper standing structure1210, for convenience of explanation, the thickness of theprotection part1213 is not separately illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
• Theprotection part1213 is arranged on thefirst side surface1211bto protrude from thefront surface1211aby a predetermined width H. Accordingly, when viewed from the inside of thefitness structure1100, a part of theprotection part1213 may be exposed above thefront surface1211a.As such, as theprotection part1213 protrudes from thefront surface1211a,thefront surface1211amay be protected from a bar of the barbell approaching thefront surface1211aso that the bar of the barbell may not directly contact thefront surface1211a.Also, theprotection part1213 may prevent a finger of the user gripping the barbell, for example, a little finger part, from being hurt by being caught between the bar and thefront surface1211a.
• In some embodiments, as theprotection part1213 is arranged to extend in the lengthwise direction of theupper standing structure1210, theprotection part1213 may constantly maintain the width H protruding from thefront surface1211ain the lengthwise direction of theupper standing structure1210. Accordingly, when the barbell approaches thefront surface1211afrom a position higher than theinsertion pin1300, theprotection part1213 may guide the barbell to the height of theinsertion pin1300 that is inserted at a height lower than that of the barbell. Accordingly, when theinsertion pin1300 is inserted at an appropriate height, the barbell may be easily placed regardless of the height of the user.
• However, the protection part according to the present exemplary embodiment is not limited to the shape of theprotection part1213 that is attached onfirst side surface1211baccording to the above-described exemplary embodiment, and may have various shapes which protrude from the front surface and prevents the barbell from directly contacting the front surface.
• Thesecond side surface1211cconnects thefront surface1211aand therear surface1211d,and is opposite to thefirst side surface1211b.
• Therear surface1211dmay include a plurality ofsecond insertion holes1217 arranged at different heights. Each of thesecond insertion holes1217 may be a circular through-hole having a second width D2. The second width D2 of each of thesecond insertion holes1217 is smaller than the first width D1 of each of the first insertion holes1215. Also, thesecond insertion holes1217 respectively correspond to thefirst insertion holes1215 arranged in thefront surface1211a.
• FIG. 19 illustrates the insertion pin ofFIG. 15.FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the insertion pin is inserted in the standing structure in the fitness structure ofFIG. 15.
• Referring toFIG. 19, theinsertion pin1300 has a shape extending long in one direction and may include aprotruding part1320 having a first diameter W1 and aninsertion part1310 having a second diameter W2 that is smaller than the first diameter W1. The protrudingpart1320 is a part that protrudes toward the front side from thefront surface1211awhen theinsertion pin1300 is inserted into theupper standing structure1210, on which the barbell is substantially placed. Also, when theinsertion pin1300 is inserted into theupper standing structure1210, theinsertion part1310 is a part that passes through thesecond insertion holes1217 and protrudes backward from therear surface1211d.Theinsertion part1310 supports theinsertion pin1300 to prevent theinsertion pin1300 from being moved by an external force applied by the barbell.
• The first diameter W1 of theprotruding part1320 and the second diameter W2 of theinsertion part1310 are smaller than the first width D1 and the second width D2, respectively. Also, aboundary part1315 of theprotruding part1320 and theinsertion part1310 may include a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of theinsertion pin1300. The protrudingpart1320 of theinsertion pin1300 may extend longer than theinsertion part1310.
• Referring toFIGS. 17 to 20, when theinsertion pin1300 is inserted into theupper standing structure1210, theinsertion part1310 penetrates through thesecond insertion holes1217 arranged in therear surface1211din a direction from the front side to the rear side. In this case, since the first diameter W1 of theprotruding part1320 is greater than the second width D2 of thesecond insertion holes1217, theboundary part1315 does not penetrate through thesecond insertion holes1217 and may support the insertion of theinsertion pin1300. Also, a part of theprotruding part1320 penetrates through thefirst insertion hole1215 arranged in thefront surface1211ain the direction from the front side to the rear side, the other part of theprotruding part1320 protrudes from thefront surface1211ato support the barbell. In some embodiments, the shape of thefirst insertion hole1215 and the cross-sectional shape of theprotruding part1320, or the shape of thesecond insertion holes1217 and the cross-sectional shape of theinsertion part1310 may be congruous with each other, and the shape may be any one of a polygon and a circle.
• FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view illustrating connection among the upper standing structure, the lower standing structure, and the support structure in the fitness structure ofFIG. 15.
• Referring toFIGS. 17 and 21, in the present exemplary embodiment, theinsertion pin1300 may be inserted into thefirst insertion hole1215 forming the first angle ANG1 with respect to theupper standing structure1210. The first angle may be approximately 90°. In this case, theinsertion pin1300 may be more easily inserted than when the first angle has a value other than 90°.
• FIG. 22 illustrates an example in which a user who performs a squat motion places the barbell on the fitness structure according to an exemplary embodiment.
• Referring toFIG. 22, when the user approaches the barbell thefront surface1211aof theupper standing structure1210 to place the barbell, theprotection part1213 attached on thefirst side surface1211bguides the bar of the barbell and thus the barbell may be easily placed at an insertion position of theinsertion pin1300.
• AlthoughFIG. 22 illustrates a case in which oneinsertion pin1300 is inserted into eachupper standing structure1210, this is exemplary and a plurality ofinsertion pins1300 may be inserted with respect to oneupper standing structure1210 at various heights.
• As described above, in the fitness structure according to the above-described exemplary embodiments, as the insertion pin is inserted in the insertion hole located at an appropriate height with respect to the standing structure including the insertion holes, even when users use the same fitness structure, the barbell may be easily placed suitable for the height of each user.
• Also, since the protection part that protrudes above the front surface is included in the side surface of the standing structure, the protection part may protect the standing structure from the shock applied when the barbell is placed and simultaneously prevent injury to a finger of the user who places the barbell.
• Furthermore, when the insertion pin is inserted at a position lower than the height of the user, as the barbell is guided along the side surface of the protection part to a portion where the insertion pin and the standing structure are coupled, the barbell may be easily placed on the fitness structure.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
• The present inventive concept may be applied to all fitness structures used for weight training.
• While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments using specific terminologies, the embodiments and terminologies should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (12)

1. A fitness structure comprising:

a first standing member comprising a plurality of first guiding grooves located at different heights;

a second standing member facing the first standing member and comprising a plurality of second guiding grooves respectively facing the plurality of first guiding grooves; and

a catcher bar comprising a barbell support part extending in a first direction and an inserting and withdrawing part protruding from both end portions of the barbell support part, and supported by the first standing member and the second standing member as the inserting and withdrawing part is inserted into one of the plurality of first guiding grooves and one of the plurality of second guiding grooves facing each other,

wherein each of the plurality of first guiding grooves and the second guiding groove comprises a horizontal groove guiding the inserting and withdrawing part in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from an opening that is an entrance into which the inserting and withdrawing part is inserted, and a vertical groove connected from the horizontal groove and guiding the inserting and withdrawing part toward an accommodation part, and

wherein the inserting and withdrawing part has a vertical cross-section at least partially extending in a lengthwise direction of the vertical groove.

2. The fitness structure ofclaim 1, wherein the inserting and withdrawing part is supported by fixed walls located at both sides of the vertical groove in the accommodation part.

3. The fitness structure ofclaim 1, wherein one inserting and withdrawing part is formed at each end portion of the barbell support part.

4. The fitness structure ofclaim 1, wherein a vertical cross-section of the inserting and withdrawing part or the barbell support part has a polygonal shape.

5. The fitness structure ofclaim 1, wherein the barbell support part has a flat upper surface.

6. The fitness structure ofclaim 1, wherein, in the opening of each of the plurality of first guiding grooves or each of the plurality of second guiding grooves, a vertical width of the opening at a side of the entrance is greater than a vertical width of the opening at a side of the horizontal groove.

7. A fitness structure for accommodating a barbell, wherein the fitness structure comprises:

a pair of standing structures comprising a front surface in which a plurality of first insertion holes, each having a first width, are formed, a rear surface located corresponding to the front surface and in which a plurality of second insertion holes, each having a second width, are respectively formed corresponding to the plurality of first insertion holes, and first and second side surfaces respectively connecting the front and rear surfaces;

an insertion pin comprising a protruding part having a width that is smaller than the first width and partially passes through each of the plurality of first insertion holes and an insertion part located at a tip end of the protruding part, having a width that is smaller than the second width, and partially passing through each of the plurality of second insertion holes to protrude from the rear surface; and

a support structure connecting the standing structures to have the second side surfaces of the pair of standing structures face to each other,

wherein the first width is greater than the second width and a width of the protruding part is greater than the second width.

8. The fitness structure ofclaim 7, wherein each of the standing structures comprises:

an upper standing structure comprising the front surface, the first side surface, the second side surface, and the rear surface; and

a lower standing structure connecting the support structure and each of the standing structures, and

wherein a lengthwise direction of the upper standing structure is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to ground.

9. The fitness structure ofclaim 8, wherein, when being inserted into the standing structure, the insertion pin is disposed such that a lengthwise direction of the insertion pin is substantially perpendicular to the front surface.

10. The fitness structure ofclaim 7, wherein a shape of the first insertion hole and a shape of a cross-section of the protruding part, or a shape of the second insertion hole and a shape of a cross-section of the insertion part, are congruous with each other, and the shape is any one of a polygon and a circle.

11. The fitness structure ofclaim 7, further comprising a protection part located protruding from the front surface to prevent a barbell from contacting the front surface.

12. The fitness structure ofclaim 11, wherein the protection part is arranged in a lengthwise direction of the upper standing structure on the first side surface.

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