CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application number 63/199,762 filed January 22, 2021 , the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] The present invention relates to exercise apparatus, and more particularly to exercise apparatus for performing multiple exercises.

[003] For fitness centers and even home gym enthusiasts, fitness equipment has been limited in the number of exercises that can be performed with a given apparatus. This can lead to an excessive number of apparatus in a gym so that the user can exercise all targeted muscle groups.

[004] In the fitness center context, this can present delays for users who may need to wait on another user that may be targeting a specific muscle group during a given exercise period. In the pandemic environment, the availability of the shared apparatus may be further delayed by the need to sanitize the apparatus between users. Likewise, it has become increasingly popular for guided fitness sessions to be led by a fitness instructor, often with several participants in the class.

[005] For guided instruction, it is desirable for each participant to have their own apparatus, to avoid time delays for participant circulation between apparatus and sanitizing apparatus between transitions from one apparatus to the next. Moreover, it is also desirable for each participant be able to view the instructor during the exercise to assist in maintaining proper form for conducting the exercise and/or keeping pace with the guided instruction. In the case of a home gym, the user may have mirrors within the gym to facilitate maintenance of proper form during an exercise routine.

[006] It is also desirable for each apparatus to be able to carry its own weights and fitness accessories for the performance a given exercise regimen, rather than having these items retained at one or more centralized locations at the fitness center.

[007] Conventional exercise apparatus do not meet these needs as they are limited in the number of exercises that can be performed on the apparatus and they are not designed to be easily reoriented in a desired direction, such as facing an instructor or a mirror.

[008] As can be seen, there is a need for improved fitness apparatus that provides a single apparatus for performing multiple fitness regimens while permitting the user to easily reorient the apparatus in a desired direction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[009] In one aspect of the present invention, a multi-function exercise apparatus is disclosed. The multi-function exercise apparatus includes a base assembly supporting an articulating frame assembly. The articulating frame assembly includes an exterior frame element pivotally coupled to a first end of the base assembly. The exterior frame element is operable for a full tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus. An interior frame element is pivotally coupled to the exterior frame element. The interior frame element is operable for a partial tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus. A cushion assembly is carried on the articulating frame assembly.

[010] In some embodiments, the cushion assembly is maintained in a linear alignment with the exterior frame element. In the partial tilting configuration, a first cushion of the cushion assembly is maintained in a flat condition with the exterior frame element, defining a seat. At least one other cushion of the cushion assembly is carried by the interior frame element, defining a backrest when raised in the partial tilting configuration.

[01 1] In some embodiments, the exterior frame element is movable in a first arc in the full tilting configuration and the interior frame element is movable in a second arc, opposite the first arc, when operated in the partial tilting configuration.

[012] In some embodiments, a first support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first support arm is pivotally coupled to the interior frame element. The second end of the first support arm engageable with a first plurality of indexed engagement points defined in a spaced apart relation across a top surface of the base assembly. When engaged with a selected one of the first plurality of indexed engagement points, the interior frame element is supported at a selected partial tilting angle relative to the exterior frame element.

[013] In some embodiments, a second support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second support arm pivotally coupled to the exterior frame element. The second end of the second support arm is engageable with a second plurality of indexed engagement points defined in a spaced apart relation along a top rail of the base assembly. When engaged with a selected one of the second plurality of indexed engagement points, the exterior frame element is supported at a selected full tilting angle relative to the base assembly.

[014] In some embodiments, a pair of feet are attached to a front end of the base assembly. A pair of wheels attached to a rear end of the base assembly, opposite the pair of feet. A caster assembly is mechanically coupled to the front end of the base assembly. The caster assembly is operable to selectively position the caster assembly between a raised position and a lowered position. In the lowered position, the base assembly is movable on the pair of wheels and the caster assembly. In the raised position, the base assembly is supported by the pair of feet.

[015] In some embodiments, a handle disposed at the front end of the base assembly. A plurality of linkages interconnect the handle with the caster assembly. Operation of the handle positions the caster assembly between the raised position and the lowered position. Preferably, a lifting of the handle operates the caster assembly to the lowered position.

[016] In other aspects of the invention, a multi-function exercise apparatus is disclosed. The multi-function exercise apparatus includes a base assembly. An exterior frame element is pivotally coupled to a front end of the base assembly. The exterior frame element is operable for a full tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus. An interior frame element is pivotally coupled to the exterior frame element. The interior frame element is operable for a partial tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus. At least one cushion of a cushion assembly is carried on each of the exterior frame element and the interior frame element.

[017] In some embodiments, a caster assembly is mechanically coupled to a front end of the base assembly. A pair of wheels are attached to a second end of the base assembly. The caster assembly is operable to selectively position the base assembly between a lowered position and a raised position. In the raised position, the base assembly is movable on the pair of wheels and the caster assembly.

[018] In some embodiments, a handle is coupled at the front end of the base assembly. A plurality of linkages interconnect the handle with the caster assembly. Operation of the handle positions the caster assembly to move the base assembly between the raised position and the lowered position. Preferably, a lifting of the handle operates the caster assembly to support the base assembly in the raised position.

[019] In some embodiments, when in the partial tilting configuration, a first cushion of the cushion assembly is maintained in a flat condition with the exterior frame element, defining a seat, and at least one other cushion of the cushion assembly is carried by the interior frame element, defining a backrest when raised in the partial tilting configuration.

[020] In some embodiments, the exterior frame element is movable in a first arc when operated in the full tilting configuration and the interior frame element is movable in a second arc, opposite the first arc, when operated in the partial tilting configuration.

[021] In some embodiments, a first support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first support arm is pivotally coupled to the interior frame element. The second end of the first support arm is engageable with a first plurality of indexed engagement points defined in a spaced apart relation across a top surface of the base assembly. A second support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second support arm is pivotally coupled to the exterior frame element. The second end of the second support arm is engageable with a second plurality of indexed engagement points defined in a spaced apart relation along a top rail of the base assembly.

[022] When engaged with a selected one of the first plurality of indexed engagement points, the interior frame element is supported at a selected partial tilting angle relative to the exterior frame element. When engaged with a selected one of the second plurality of indexed engagement points, the exterior frame element is supported at a selected full tilting angle relative to the base assembly.

[023] In yet other aspects of the invention, a multi-function exercise apparatus is disclosed. The multi-function exercise apparatus includes a base assembly. An exterior frame element is pivotally coupled to a first end of the base assembly. The the exterior frame element is operable for a full tilting configuration of the multifunction exercise apparatus about a first arc. An interior frame element is pivotally coupled to the exterior frame element. The interior frame element is operable for a partial tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus about a second arc opposite the first arc. The first cushion is carried on the exterior frame element and at least one second cushion carried on the interior frame element. A first support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first support arm is pivotally coupled to the interior frame element. The second end of the first support arm is engageable with a first plurality of indexed engagement points defined in a spaced apart relation across a top of the base assembly. A second support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second support arm is pivotally coupled to the exterior frame element. The second end of the second support arm is engageable with a second plurality of indexed engagement points defined in a spaced apart relation along a top rail of the base assembly.

[024] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[025] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the multi-function exercise apparatus showing the cushion in the flat position.

[026] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the multi-function exercise apparatus showing the cushion in the flat position.

[027] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view showing the cushion in the first inclined position.

[028] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view showing the cushion in the second inclined position.

[029] FIG. 5 is a detail side elevation view showing a caster wheel in the disengaged position.

[030] FIG. 6 is a detail side elevation view showing the caster wheel in the engaged position.

[031] FIG. 7 is a detail exploded perspective view of an accessory mount.

[032] FIG. 8 is a detail perspective view of a first interlock assembly with a latch to retain the first support arm 14d (support arm).

[033] FIG. 9 is a detail perspective view taken from area 9 of FIG. 4. of the underside of the cushion assembly showing the hook.

[034] FIG 10 is a top rear perspective view showing the multi-function exercise apparatus in a partial tilting configuration.

[035] Fig. 11 is a detail perspective view taken from area 11 of FIG. 10.

[036] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view showing the cushion in the full tilting configuration. [037] FIG. 13 is a detail perspective view taken from area 13 of FIG. 12 showing the second indexed engagement points spaced along the upper rail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[038] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

[039] Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-function exercise apparatus and method for conducting an exercise regimen with a single exercise apparatus that may be readily reoriented to face a desired direction for performance of an exercise. Each multi-function exercise apparatus may be provisioned with storage locations to maintain weights and other accessories with the apparatus, to equip the multi-function exercise with the necessary weights and accessories for performing a full body exercise regimen.

[040] Non-limiting embodiments of a multi-function exercise apparatus 10 according to aspects of the present invention are shown in reference to the drawings of FIGS. 1 -1 1. The apparatus is configured as a bench that includes a cushion assembly 12 having a plurality of cushion segments. The cushion assembly 12 is carried on an articulating frame assembly 14 that allows segments of the cushion assembly 12 to be reconfigured for a plurality of fitness exercises. The articulating frame assembly 14 is supported by a base 16. The base assembly 16 includes a plurality of storage fixtures that are configurable to retain a plurality of weights and exercise accessories for conducting a desired fitness regimen.

[041] The cushion assembly 12 includes a first cushion segment 12a located at a front facing end of the apparatus 10, a second cushion segment 12b located at an intermediate position of the apparatus 10, and a third cushion segment 12c that is positioned at an aft end of the apparatus 10.

[042] The articulating frame assembly 14 permits the cushion assembly 12 to be raised on either of a partial tilting configuration and a full tilting configuration. As seen in reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 10, in the partial tilting configuration, the first cushion segment 12a is maintained in a flat orientation and supported on the base assembly 16 by an exterior frame element 14a. In this configuration, the first cushion segment 12a may serve as a seat. Each of the second cushion segment 12b, and the third cushion segment 12c are carried on an interior frame element 14b. The interior frame element 14b is configured to articulate about the exterior frame element 14a in an arching movement. In this configuration, the first cushion segment 12a serves as a seat, while the second cushion segment 12b and the third cushion segment 12c form a backrest.

[043] The interior frame element 14b is supported by a first support arm 14c pivotally connected at a first end to the interior frame element 14b. A second end of the first support arm 14c may be connected with a first plurality of indexed engagement points 16g defined across a top surface 16i of the base 16. Selection of a desired indexed engagement point 16g, best seen in reference to FIG. 1 1 , permits the inner frame element 14b to be elevated to a desired vertical angle between 0 and about 80 degrees. Selection of the desired vertical elevation would depend upon the desired exercised to be performed, by way of non-limiting example, a supine press, an inclined press, and an overhead press configuration.

[044] As seen in reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 12, the apparatus 10 is shown in the full tilting configuration. In this configuration, the exterior frame element 14a is configured to support each of the first cushion segment 12a, the second cushion segment 12b, and the third cushion segment 12c in a linear orientation. The cushion assembly 12 and the frame assembly 14 pivot in an arc about an aft end of the base assembly 16. [045] In this configuration, the exterior frame element 14a is supported by a second support arm 14d. A first end of the second support arm 14d is pivotally attached to the exterior frame element 14a. A second end of the second support arm 14d may be connected with a second plurality of indexed engagement points 16h that are defined in a spaced apart relation along the upper rail 16c as shown in FIG. 13. Selection of a desired one of the second indexed engagement point 16h permits the exterior frame element 14b to be supported in an elevated condition at a desired vertical angle between 0 and 80 degrees. In this configuration, the apparatus 10 may be used, for example, to perform a standing inclined press, a standing, overhead press, or inclined rowing exercises.

[046] The base assembly 16 includes an upper rail 16c, a lower rail 16d, and a plurality of upright frame rails 16e, that are joined as a rectangular box configuration. The base assembly 16 may also include a plurality of feet 16a . The plurality of feet 16a may be vertically adjustable to ensure that the base assembly 16 is evenly supported by a floor surface 26 so that the apparatus 16 does not wobble or present an unstable exercise platform.

[047] Each of the plurality of feet 16a may be carried by a selectively extensible foot support 16f as shown in FIG. 2. The extensible foot support 16f is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the feet 16a and extensible foot support 16f support the bench assembly as an out rigging to provide improved vertical stability for the apparatus 10, particularly when the cushion assembly 12 and frame assembly are configured in an elevated condition.

[048] The base assembly 16 may also include a plurality of wheels 16b disposed at an opposite end from the plurality of feet 16a as shown in FIG. 1 . In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the plurality of wheels 16b are attached to the front end of the base assembly. With the plurality of feet 16a properly positioned in contact with the supporting floor surface 26, the apparatus is prevented from rolling.

[049] The base assembly 16 also includes a caster assembly 22. As best seen in reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the caster assembly 22 is operable to selectively raise and lower a swivel mounted caster 22b from a bottom of the base assembly 16. In the lowered position the caster 22b elevates the plurality of feet 16a from contact with the supporting floor surface 26. In this position, the apparatus 10 may be readily positioned to a desired orientation. Swiveling of the swivel mounted caster 22b permits the apparatus 10 to be rotated within a close turn radius to limit the area of floor space to turn the apparatus 10 to the desired orientation.

[050] The caster assembly includes a handle 22a that is disposed between the upright frame rails 16e at the foot end of the base assembly 16. The handle 22a is coupled with the swivel mounted caster 22b via a plurality of linkages to provide a mechanical advantage to selectively raise and lower the frame assembly 16. The mechanical advantage is particularly useful when the base assembly 16 carries a plurality of weights and exercise accessories. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the plurality of linkages include a first linkage 22c disposed at an end of the handle 22a distal from a pivot about which the handle 22a operates. A second linkage 22d extends substantially vertically to a bottom end of the base assembly 16. The second linkage 22d is pivotally coupled to a distal end of a third linkage 22e, with a proximal end of the third linkage 22e pivotally coupled to the bottom rail 16d of the base assembly 16. The swivel mounted caster 22b is carried by an intermediate portion of the third linkage 22e.

[051] The handle 22a and plurality of linkages are configured such that an upward lifting of the handle 22a extends the swivel mounted caster 22b such that the base assembly 16 is elevated from the supporting ground surface. This orientation provides the user better leverage to “lift” the apparatus 10 with a lifting of the handle 22a. Once the apparatus is placed in the desired orientation, the user may lower the handle 22a to retract the swivel mounted caster 22b, such that the base assembly 16 is supported on the plurality of feet 16a.

[052] The frame assembly 16 may also be configured with a plurality of weight and accessory supports and attachment points as shown in FIG. 1 . The weights and accessories may include a weighted ball 18a, a plurality of dumbbells 18b, one or more kettle bells 18c, and one or more elastic resistance bands 20.

[053] The weighted ball 18a may be conveniently stowed on a plate 24g carried by the lower rails 16b, as seen in FIG. 1 . The plate 24g may have a depression to retain the weighted ball 18a, the depression having a sufficient depth to prevent the weighted ball 18a from rolling off the apparatus 10 when the apparatus is being used for exercises or being repositioned.

[054] An accessory support 24 as shown in FIG. 7 is provided to carry the plurality of dumbbells 18b on the base assembly. The accessory support 24 is attached between the upper rail 16c and the lower rail 16d of the base assembly 16 via one or more fasteners 24d received in apertures 24e in the upper rail 16c. The accessory support 24 has at least one pair of upstanding arcuate arms providing a notch in which to retain a handle of the dumbbell 18b. The notch may have a cushion 24b to cushion a contact between the dumbbell 18b and the accessory support 24 when the dumbbell 18b is placed or removed in the accessory support 24.

[055] As will be appreciated, the at least one pair of upstanding arms may include a plurality of upstanding arms disposed in a spaced apart configuration, depending on a size of the dumbbell 18b carried thereon. The accessory support 24 may have a pin 24g_protruding from a bottom end of thereof. The pins 24g are engageable with a plurality of apertures 24f defined in the lower rail 16d.

[056] The one or more elastic resistance bands 20 include a handle 20a at a distal end and a coupling at a proximal end as shown generally in FIGS. 3-4. The elastic resistance bands 20 may be coupled to the apparatus 16 at various locations to allow the user to conduct various exercises. By way of non-limiting example, the resistance band 20 may be coupled to a plurality of cleats 20c that are coupled to one or more of the upper rails 16c and the lower rail 16d. A plurality of cleats 20c may be disposed in a spaced apart relation along a longitudinal length of the upper rail 16c and the lower rail 16d. The plurality of cleats 20c provide the user a means of varying the resistance of the elastic resistance band 20 or a placement of the elastic resistance band 20 relative to the apparatus 10 to provide for a wide range of resistance band exercises. As best seen in reference to FIG. 1 , the one or more elastic resistance bands 20 may be conveniently stowed by suspending the band 20 from the plurality of cleats 20c.

[057] The base assembly 16 may also include one or more modular resistance rails 25 such as seen in reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, attached to one or more of the upright rails 16, upper rail 16c, or the lower rail 16d. The one or more modular resistance rails 25 include a plurality of slots 25c disposed in a spaced apart relation along a length of the modular resistance rail 25. The plurality of slots 25 are adapted to attach the distal end of the elastic resistance band 20 to the apparatus 10.

[058] As best seen in reference to the detail views of FIGS. 8 and 9, the frame assembly 14 may also be provided with interlock features to prevent the user from positioning the articulating frame assembly 14 in an unsafe condition. A forward interlock, shown in FIG. 8, includes latch assembly 30. The latch assembly 30 is pivotally coupled to a plate 30c extending between the exterior frame elements 14a, proximal to the first cushion segment 12a. An actuating flange extends laterally across the exterior frame element 14a proximal to an inboard end of the first cushion segment 12a. A cross member 28 extends laterally across the second support arm 14d. The cross member 28 has an aperture 28a. A pin 30a on the latch 30 is selectively engageable with the aperture 28a. When the exterior frame element 14a is moved to the lowered flat condition, the actuating flange engages with the latch 30 to disengage the pin 30a from the aperture 28a.

[059] When the interior frame element 14b is raised, to form the seatback with the second cushion segment 12b and the third cushion segment 12c, the second support arm 14d is retained by engagement of the pin 30a with the aperture 28a, so that the second support arm 14d is inoperative for engagement with the indexed engagement points on the base 16 to prevent the outer frame 14a from being supported in an elevated condition while the interior frame 14b is also supported in an elevated condition. [060] The second interlock is shown in reference to FIG. 9. The second interlock includes a hook assembly 32 that is attached at the distal end of the upper rail 16c proximal to the pivot axis 34 of the outer frame 14a with the upper rail 16c. The hook assembly 32 includes an arcuate finger 32a that defines an arcuate slot 32c. A pin 32b laterally extends from a flange extending from the interior frame element 14b. The arcuate slot 32c is dimensioned such that with the exterior frame 14a in the lowered position, the pin 32b is withdrawn from the arcuate slot 32c, permitting the interior frame 14b to be elevated.

[061] When the exterior frame element 14a is in the elevated position the pin 32b is received within the arcuate slot 32c. With the pin 32b received within the arcuate slot 32c, movement of the interior frame element 14b is prevented by contact of the pin 32b with the arcuate finger 32a.

[062] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.