CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONThe present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/874,353, which was filed on Jul. 15, 2019 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUNDThe present invention generally relates to a workout bench, and more specifically to a foldable workout exercise bench system. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
Physical activity or exercise can improve health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases. The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. Everyone benefits from exercise; however, some people are not able to exercise due to limitations or have limited ability. Home exercise equipment is typically expensive and bulky taking up space. Individuals often have to purchase multiple pieces and types of equipment to exercise effectively.
People are getting more particular about maintaining good physical fitness. There are a multitude of different exercise and fitness equipment on the market. Some pieces of equipment are single use in nature such as an elliptical machine. The user is limited basically to a single exercise. Some pieces of equipment are multitasking machines. A multifunction home gym apparatus is an example. One of the most used and versatile pieces of equipment is a workout bench. The workout bench is found at every gym and fitness center. These benches provide flexibility to train many angles for many different muscles.
Weight or workout benches play an important role in exercise routine of people and there are many benefits of using this type of equipment. Benches provide the support needed to lift heavy weights. The benches do not break under the strain and therefore, gives the user a better ability to focus on a specific muscle without stressing about losing balance or control. A difficult movement can be easily practiced with the workout bench and it helps improve core stability and strengthen the lower back muscles. They also target different muscle groups that are hard to work on otherwise. They can be used for versatile workout options from being used for exercise using dumbbell and bars to use as a platform for pushups. Moreover, the bench can also be used as a mat for abdominal exercise and for basic cardio exercises.
This versatility allows users of all fitness levels to tailor their workout to their ability level with a variety of exercises. Typical exercises include using the bench as a platform for free weight exercises. A bench can also be used as a step up device or jump box. There is usually even an ability to perform some flexibility and core exercises like sit-ups. Unfortunately, existing workout benches, like other exercise equipment, have limitations. They allow most basic exercises but are limited by the construction of the bench. Another limitation is that existing benches are stationary. They are not designed for travel.
In this manner, the improved exercise bench of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, thereby providing an easy solution to the lack of versatility and portability of existing workout platforms. A primary feature of the present invention is the foldability and portability of the exercise bench. Additionally, the exercise bench is designed to elevate the workout surface so that the user can perform floor based exercises without having to lay on the floor. Finally, the improved of the present invention is capable of improving providing a user with a variety of workout options that are not all currently available in any existing workout platform.
SUMMARYThe following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a folding exercise bench. The folding exercise bench comprises a platform and a frame. The platform is generally rectangular in configuration and comprises a first working surface and a second working surface. When the first working surface is facing upward, the second working surface is facing downward. The first working surface comprises a first surface covering and the second working surface comprises a second surface covering. The first surface covering and second surface covering are manufactured from different materials.
The platform further comprises a first end and a second end opposing each other. The platform further comprises a pair of sides and a plurality of handles. The plurality of handles may comprise hand grips and may be positioned along the pair of sides or along the first and second ends. The platform further comprises a plurality of anchor points. The plurality of anchor points may be positioned along the pair of sides, along the first and second ends, or be integrated in either the first working surface, the second working surface, or both.
The platform further comprises a folding section. The folding section is integrated into the platform on either the first or second working surface. The folding section articulates along a hinge to elevate upward when the working surface with the folding section is facing upward. The platform may further comprise a pair of arm holes penetrating the platform at either the first or second end.
The frame comprises four adjustable legs. Each of the adjustable legs comprise an articulation portion and a telescoping portion. Each articulating portion is rotatably attached to the platform in each corner via a platform attachment point and can rotate at least 180 degrees allowing either working surface to face upward. Each telescoping portion extends from a bottom of the corresponding articulating portion making each of the adjustable legs adjustable in height. Each telescoping portion is fixable at a plurality of lengths. Each adjustable leg further comprises a foot at a base of each telescoping portion.
The folding exercise bench may further comprise a pair of arms. Each arm comprises a grip end, a shaft, and a bottom. Each grip end may comprise an anchor point. Each shaft penetrates the corresponding arm hole through the platform. The bottom comprises a bottom securing element. The bottom securing element is weighted to provide additional stability to each arm.
In an additional embodiment, a folding exercise bench comprises a platform and a frame. The platform is generally rectangular in configuration and comprises a first working surface and a second working surface. When the first working surface is facing upward, the second working surface is facing downward. The first working surface comprises a first surface covering and the second working surface comprises a second surface covering. The first surface covering and second surface covering are manufactured from different materials.
The platform further comprises a first end and a second end opposing each other. The platform further comprises a pair of sides and a plurality of handles. The plurality of handles may comprise hand grips and may be positioned along the pair of sides or along the first and second ends. The platform further comprises a plurality of anchor points. The plurality of anchor points may be positioned along the pair of sides, along the first and second ends, or be integrated in either the first working surface, the second working surface, or both.
The platform further comprises a first folding section. The first folding section is integrated into the platform on either the first or second working surface. The first folding section articulates along a hinge to elevate upward when the working surface with the folding section is facing upward. The platform further comprises a second folding section. The second folding section is integrated into the platform on either the first or second working surface on the same side as the folding section. The second folding section articulates along a hinge to elevate upward when the working surface with the second folding section is facing upward. The platform may further comprise a pair of arm holes penetrating the platform at either the first or second end.
The frame comprises four adjustable legs. Each of the adjustable legs comprise an articulation portion and a telescoping portion. Each articulating portion is rotatably attached to the platform in each corner via a platform attachment point and can rotate at least 180 degrees allowing either working surface to face upward. Each telescoping portion extends from a bottom of the corresponding articulating portion making each of the adjustable legs adjustable in height. Each telescoping portion is fixable at a plurality of lengths. Each adjustable leg further comprises a foot at a base of each telescoping portion.
The folding exercise bench may further comprise a pair of arms. Each arm comprises a grip end, a shaft, and a bottom. Each grip end may comprise an anchor point. Each shaft penetrates the corresponding arm hole through the platform. The bottom comprises a bottom securing element. The bottom securing element is weighted to provide additional stability to each arm.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a folding exercise bench of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
FIG. 1A illustrates a side perspective view of the folding exercise bench of the present invention folding along a centerfold in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the folding exercise bench of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of four adjustable legs of the folding exercise bench of the present invention rotated to a folded position in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of arms engaging a platform of the folding exercise bench of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
FIG. 5 illustrates a close up view of the pair of arms engaging the platform of the folding exercise bench of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the folding exercise bench of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a folding exercise bench of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
FIG. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of the folding exercise bench of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of four adjustable legs of the folding exercise bench of the present invention rotated to a folded position and a pair of arms engaging a platform of the folding exercise bench in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a first and second folding sections of the folding exercise bench of the present invention angled upward in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
FIG. 11 illustrates a close up view of the pair of arms engaging the platform of the folding exercise bench of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
FIG. 12 illustrates a side perspective view of the folding exercise bench of the present invention in use with the first and second folding sections angled upward in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a versatile, foldable total body workout bench designed to assist with various workout routines and fitness levels. The bench features adjustable positions for different exercises to help stay in shape and increase endurance. Effectively, the bench can be used to replace traditional floor mats that are uncomfortable and do not provide the necessary body support when exercising, allowing for compact traveling and effective home storage with limited space. The bench offers a great solution for anyone who enjoys weight training at home. The folding exercise bench is specifically designed to work as a floor up or fitness table.
The foldable workout bench system includes a table with at least one foldable end panel. In another embodiment, the table will include a foldable side panel on both ends of the table. The table may further include a surface made from rubber or silicon materials, such as used to manufacture a yoga mat. Included on the table are grips with hooks to attach resistance bands, collapsible arms for pull-up exercises, a dumbbell holder, and adjustable legs for adjusting a height of the table. The legs swing all the way around so that a user can use both sides/surfaces of the bench. Essentially, the folding bench system allows the user to perform floor based exercises while elevated off of the floor by eliminating the need to getting down on the floor to perform the exercise.
Referring initially to the drawings,FIG. 1 illustrates afolding exercise bench100. Thefolding exercise bench100 comprises aplatform110 and aframe140. Theplatform110 is generally rectangular in configuration and comprises a first workingsurface112 and a second workingsurface116. When the first workingsurface112 is facing upward, the second workingsurface116 is facing downward. The first workingsurface112 comprises a first surface covering114 and the second workingsurface116 comprises a second surface covering116. The first surface covering114 and second surface covering118 are manufactured from different materials. The first surface covering114 may be manufactured from a softer or more pliable material such as, silicon, rubber, or foam similar to a yoga mat, and the second surface covering118 may be manufactured from a stiffer, firmer material such as a hard plastic for firmer support. This is beneficial as thefolding exercise bench100 is usable for elevated floor exercises on a softer surface or as a standard bench or jump box with a firmer surface as illustrated inFIG. 6.
Theplatform110 further comprises afirst end120 and asecond end122. The first and second ends122 oppose each other on opposite sides of theplatform110. Theplatform110 further comprises a pair ofsides124 and a plurality ofhandles126. The plurality ofhandles126 may comprise hand grips, foldable grips, or grips with hooks for attaching to other exercise equipment. The plurality ofhandles126 are typically positioned along the pair ofsides124 or along the first and second ends120 and122. Theplatform110 further comprises a plurality of anchor points128. The plurality of anchor points128 may be positioned along the pair ofsides124, along the first and second ends120 and122, or be integrated in either the first workingsurface112, the second workingsurface116, or both. For example, the anchor points128 may be retractable or similar to pad eyes integrated into or attached to a top of either workingsurface112 and116. The plurality of anchor points128 may be used to attach or anchor resistance bands or other isometric training aids.
Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG. 1A, theplatform110 may only comprise the first workingsurface112 where the first surface covering114 is manufactured from the firmer surface material similar to a jump box or step box. Theplatform110 is foldable along acenterfold129 for portability and storage. Thecenterfold129 may be a living hinge or mechanical hinge joint. The anchor points128 may be located along the first workingsurface112 along both the first and second ends120 and122 in the corners.
Returning toFIG. 1, theplatform110 further comprises afolding section130. Thefolding section130 is integrated into theplatform110 or separates out or off of one end of either the first or second workingsurface112 and116. Thefolding section130 articulates along ahinge132 to elevate upward when the workingsurface112 or116 with thefolding section130 is facing upward as illustrated inFIG. 4. Thehinge132 may be a living hinge or mechanical hinge joint lockable in place at a desired angle. Thehinge132 will angle thefolding section130 upward to provide theplatform110 with elevation on the side for running in place, elevation and adjustment of the anchor points128 for targeting different muscles with resistance bands, chest exercises, use in conjunction with a bench press as an incline bench, and the like. Thefolding exercise bench100 may further comprise a vibrational component (not shown), such as a motor to provide muscle stimulation during exercise sessions.
As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, theframe140 may be manufactured from metal or heavy duty plastic and comprises fouradjustable legs142. Each of theadjustable legs142 comprise anarticulation portion144 and atelescoping portion148. Each articulatingportion144 is rotatably attached to theplatform110 in each corner via aplatform attachment point146. Theplatform attachment point146 may be a ball and socket or other rotatable joint or connection. Theplatform attachment point146 allows eachadjustable leg142 to rotate at least 180 degrees allowing either workingsurface112 and116 to face upward. Theplatform110 may be adjusted so that two of thelegs142 are at a different height than the other twolegs142 so that theplatform110 is angled. This is desirable for many floor based exercises like crunches.
Eachtelescoping portion148 extends from a bottom of the corresponding articulatingportion144 making each of theadjustable legs142 independently adjustable in height. Eachtelescoping portion148 is fixable at a plurality of lengths. Eachtelescoping portion148 comprises a plurality of adjustingholes150 extending vertically at intervals. A lockingpeg152 is positioned in one of the adjustingholes150 when theleg142 is at the desired height. Alternatively, any similar height adjusting locking mechanism or system could be used.
Eachadjustable leg142 further comprises afoot154 at a base of eachtelescoping portion148. Thefoot154 may comprise anattachment element156. Theattachment element156 could be used to attach to a dumb bell for additional stability for thefolding exercise bench100. Theattachment element156 may be a hook that is attached or welded onto thefoot154 to add support and grounding. Theattachment element156 may also be rounded spikes for weights storage for at home advance movement and stability and different weight capacity. Theattachment element156 may be angled at between approximately 30 and approximately 45 degrees. Alternatively, theattachment element156 may be a candy cane hook shaped pin that can be welded at the ends or be a pin for thelegs142 telescoping wide enough to support putting a dumbbell or a weighted plate on both sides for grounding. The weighted plate can be configured similar to a kitchen plate that's thin that has a round pike coming up through it like the hole of a 45 pound plate to stabilize thebench100 for safety so that it does not tip over when doing pulls based on you weight capacity.
Theframe140 may further comprise at least onecrossbar158 running between two of theadjustable legs142. Thecrossbar158 may comprise apadded element160 encapsulating at least a part of thecrossbar158 or otherwise lockable in place. Thepadded element160 may be a sit-up cushion, or foot hook for reverse hamstring exercises. There may be asecond crossbar156 on the opposite twolegs142 as well.
As illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, thefolding exercise bench100 may further comprise a pair ofarms170 for engaging theplatform110. Eacharm170 comprises agrip end172, ashaft176, and a bottom178. Eachgrip end172 may comprise ananchor point174. Theanchor point174 may be holes or openings used to attach resistance bands or other equipment as described supra. Eachgrip end172 may curve up to 90 degrees off of thecorresponding shaft176. Theplatform110 may further comprise a pair ofarm engaging holes138 penetrating theplatform110 at either the first orsecond end120 or122. Eachshaft176 may be telescoping or fixed in length and penetrates thecorresponding arm hole138 through theplatform110. The bottom178 comprises abottom securing element180. Thebottom securing element180 is weighted to provide additional stability to eacharm170. Thebottom securing element180 could be a weight base, such as an Olympic style plate to provide stability for exercises such as pullups or chin-ups.
In an additional embodiment as illustrated inFIG. 7, afolding exercise bench200 comprises aplatform210 and aframe240. Theplatform210 is generally rectangular in configuration as before and comprises a first workingsurface212 and a second workingsurface216. When the first workingsurface212 is facing upward, the second workingsurface216 is facing downward. The first workingsurface212 comprises a first surface covering214 and the second workingsurface216 comprises a second surface covering216. The first surface covering214 and second surface covering218 are manufactured from different materials. The first surface covering214 may be manufactured from a softer or more pliable material such as, silicon, rubber, or foam similar to a yoga mat, and the second surface covering218 may be manufactured from a stiffer, firmer material such as a hard plastic for firmer support. This is beneficial as thefolding exercise bench200 is usable for elevated floor exercises on a softer surface or as a standard bench or jump box with a firmer surface as illustrated inFIG. 12
Theplatform210 further comprises afirst end220 and asecond end222. The first and second ends222 oppose each other on opposite sides of theplatform210. Theplatform210 further comprises a pair ofsides224 and a plurality ofhandles226. The plurality ofhandles226 may comprise hand grips, foldable grips, or grips with hooks for attaching to other exercise equipment. The plurality ofhandles226 are typically positioned along the pair ofsides224 or along the first and second ends220 and222. Theplatform210 further comprises a plurality of anchor points228. The plurality of anchor points228 may be positioned along the pair ofsides224, along the first and second ends220 and222, or be integrated in either the first workingsurface212, the second workingsurface216, or both. For example, the anchor points228 may be retractable or similar to pad eyes integrated into or attached to a top of either workingsurface212 and216. The plurality of anchor points228 may be used to attach or anchor resistance bands or other isometric training aids.
As illustrated inFIG. 10, theplatform210 further comprises afirst folding section230. Thefirst folding section230 is integrated into theplatform210 or separates out or off of one end of either the first or second workingsurface212 and216. Thefirst folding section230 articulates along ahinge232 to elevate upward when the workingsurface212 or216 with thefolding section230 is facing upward. Theplatform210 further comprises asecond folding section234. Thesecond folding section234 is similarly integrated into theplatform210 or separates out or off of the same workingsurface212 or216 as thefirst folding section230 at the opposite end of theplatform210. Thesecond folding section234 also articulates along ahinge236 to elevate upward when the working surface with the second folding section is facing upward.
The hinges232 and236 may be living hinges or mechanical hinge joints lockable in place at a desired angle. The hinges232 and236 will angle thefolding sections230 and234 upward to provide theplatform210 with elevation on both sides for running in place, elevation and adjustment of the anchor points128 for targeting different muscles with resistance bands, chest exercises, and the like.
As illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, theframe240 comprises fouradjustable legs242. Each of theadjustable legs242 comprise anarticulation portion244 and atelescoping portion248. Each articulatingportion244 is rotatably attached to theplatform210 in each corner via aplatform attachment point246. Theplatform attachment point246 may be a ball and socket or other rotatable joint or connection. Theplatform attachment point246 allows eachadjustable leg242 to rotate at least 180 degrees allowing either workingsurface212 and216 to face upward. Theplatform210 may be adjusted so that two of thelegs242 are at a different height than the other twolegs242 so that theplatform210 is angled.
Eachtelescoping portion248 extends from a bottom of the corresponding articulatingportion244 making each of theadjustable legs242 independently adjustable in height. Eachtelescoping portion248 is fixable at a plurality of lengths. Eachtelescoping portion248 comprises a plurality of adjustingholes250 extending vertically at intervals. A lockingpeg252 is positioned in one of the adjustingholes250 when theleg242 is at the desired height. Alternatively, any similar height adjusting locking mechanism or system could be used.
Eachadjustable leg242 further comprises afoot254 at a base of eachtelescoping portion248. Thefoot254 may comprise anattachment element256. Theattachment element256 could be used to attach to a dumb bell for additional stability for thefolding exercise bench200. Theattachment element256 may be a hook that is attached or welded onto thefoot254 to add support and grounding. Theattachment element256 may also be rounded spikes for weights storage for at home advance movement and stability and different weight capacity. Theattachment element256 may be angled at between approximately 30 and approximately 45 degrees. Theframe240 may further comprise at least onecrossbar258 running between two of theadjustable legs242. Thecrossbar258 may comprise apadded element260 encapsulating at least a part of thecrossbar258 or otherwise lockable in place on theframe240 as illustrated inFIG. 10. Thepadded element260 may be a sit-up cushion, or foot hook for reverse hamstring exercises. There may be asecond crossbar256 on the opposite twolegs242 as well.
As illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 11, thefolding exercise bench200 may further comprise a pair ofarms270 for engaging theplatform210. Eacharm270 comprises agrip end272, ashaft276, and a bottom278. Eachgrip end272 may comprise ananchor point274. Theanchor point274 may be holes or openings used to attach resistance bands or other equipment as described supra. Eachgrip end272 may curve up to 90 degrees off of thecorresponding shaft276. Theplatform210 may further comprise a pair ofarm engaging holes238 penetrating theplatform210 at either the first orsecond end220 or222. Eachshaft276 may be telescoping or fixed in length and penetrates thecorresponding arm hole238 through theplatform210. The bottom278 comprises abottom securing element280. Thebottom securing element280 is weighted to provide additional stability to eacharm270.
It is contemplated that thefolding exercise bench100 and200 constructed in accordance with the present invention will be tailored and adjusted by those of ordinary skill in the art to accommodate various levels of performance demand imparted during actual use. Accordingly, while this invention has been described by reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, it will be understood that this invention is capable of further modifications. This application is, therefore, intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following the general principles thereof, and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and fall within the limits of the appended claims.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, thefolding exercise bench100 and200 of the present invention and its various structural components can be of any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of thefolding exercise bench100 and200 and its various components and material, as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of thefolding exercise bench100 and200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of thefolding exercise bench100 and200 are important design parameters for attainingfolding exercise bench100 and200, thefolding exercise bench100 and200 and its components may be of any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.