TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to exercise equipment, and more particularly to a device including exercise bars that are removably attachable to a frame or structure.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Gymnasiums are typically used for a number of exercises, each possibly requiring different equipment and/or configurations of equipment. Since flexibility of the workout space is important, users either have to reconfigure equipment or work with what is available.

[0003] While there are some devices which allow for reconfiguring equipment, the mounting, assembly, or reconfiguration exercise space is not, in general, easily done. Specifically, there is no currently available equipment that is sturdy and which allows a user to quickly and easily add or configure bars for a pull up or dip station.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0004] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing exercise bars that are easily attachable and removable onto angled support members, such as an A-frame, or to similarly angled elements capable of supporting the bars.

[0005] In certain embodiments, a method of providing an exercise bar attachment to a pair of co-planar and non-parallel members is provided, where the attachment includes a pair of brackets separated by a separation distance and configured for mounting on members placed between the brackets. The method includes positioning the pair of brackets adjacent to and on either of the members at a location where the members are separated by a distance of less than the separation distance; and moving the brackets to removably engage the brackets with the members, such that the exercise bar attachment can support the weight of a user on the members.

[0006] In certain other embodiments, an exercise bar attachment is provided for mounting on a pair of co-planar, non-parallel support members having a support member included angle. The exercise bar attachment includes a pair of brackets separated by a separation distance, wherein each bracket of the pair of brackets has an opening with a pair of opposing surfaces and a surface joining the opposing surfaces, and wherein the opposing surfaces of the pair of brackets face towards each other and have an included angle approximately equal to the support member included angle; and a pair of grips.

docket number: TFT.010US0 [0007] In other embodiments, an exercise bar attachment system is provided. The system includes a pair of co-planar, non-parallel support members having a support member included angle; and an exercise bar attachment. The exercise bar attachment includes a pair of brackets separated by a separation distance, wherein each bracket of the pair of brackets has an opening with a pair of opposing surfaces and a surface joining the opposing surfaces, and wherein the opposing surfaces of the pair of brackets face towards each other and have an included angle approximately equal to the support member included angle; and a pair of grips.

[0008] In certain embodiments, brackets for attaching the exercise bar attachment are fixedly attached to the exercise bar attachment, and in certain other embodiments, brackets for attaching the exercise bar attachment are rotatably attached to the exercise bar attachment.

[0009] These features together with the various ancillary provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, are attained by the exercise bar attachment device and method of the present invention, preferred

embodiments thereof being shown with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment exercise bar attachment positioned on a frame;

[0011] FIGS 2A, 2B, and 2C are sectional views 2-2 of different embodiments of a frame member, where the member of FIG. 2A has a square cross-section, the member of FIG. 2B has a rectangular cross-section, and the member of FIG. 2C has a circular cross-section;

[0012] FIGS. 3-8 are views of a second embodiment exercise bar attachment, where FIG. 3 is a top front perspective view, FIG. 4 is a front view 4-4 of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a top view 5-5 of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a side view 6-6 of FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is a back view 7-7 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 8 is a bottom view 8-8 of FIG. 4;

[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view a third embodiment exercise bar attachment;

[0014] FIGS. 10A-10F illustrate the attachment of an exercise bar attachment onto the frame members, where FIGS. 10A and 10B show a user moving an unattached exercise bar attachment towards the frame, FIG. IOC, 10D, and 10E show the user engaging the device on the frame, and FIG. 10F shows the user securing the device on the frame; docket number: TFT.010US0 2 [0015] FIG. 1 1A is a perspective view illustrating a first alternative embodiment exercise bar attachment placed on frame members;

[0016] FIG. 1 IB is a perspective view showing detail of the exercise bar attachment of FIG. 1 1 A;

[0017] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment exercise bar attachment;

[0018] FIG. 13 is a sectional view 13-13 of FIG. 12; and

[0019] FIG. 14A and 14B are front views of the exercise bar attachment of FIG. 12 as attached to a pair of members (FIG. 14A) and a second pair of members (FIG. 14B).

[0020] Reference labels and/or symbols are used in the Figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure indicating like components, aspects or features shown therein.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment exercise bar attachment 100 supported on a frame 10. In one embodiment, exercise bar attachment 100 includes a pair of bars 101 that may support a user in performing an exercise. While frame 10 is not specifically or necessarily a part of the present invention, the scope of which is to be found in the Claims, frame 10 provides support for frame attachment 100, and thus the following description is provided to illustrate the use exercise bar attachment 100.

[0022] For illustrative purposes, frame 10 is shown in FIG. 1 as including two pairs of members 13 and 15 that support a header 11 a height H above ground G. Members 13 and 15 are shown as being joined at header 11 with an included angle Θ extending to a separation width W on ground G. Each pair of members 13 and members 15 are co-planar and non-parallel, and form the legs of an "A-frame" on ground G. Members 13 and/or 15 may also have additional horizontal pieces, not shown, connecting the members.

[0023] In general, frame 10 is constructed of rigid components. Thus, for example and without limitation, header 11 and members 13 and 15 may be formed of steel or aluminum pipe or tubing having for example and without limitation, circular, square, triangular, or rectangular cross-sectional shapes. The individual components of frame 10 may be joined by welding, screwing, with brackets, or any other means known for attaching the components.

docket number: TFT.010US0 3 [0024] Thus, for example and without limitation, the height H of frame 10 may be equal to or greater than 7 ft (2.13 m) and may be, for example and without limitation, approximately 7 ft (2.13 m), approximately 7.25 ft (2.21 m), approximately 7.5 ft (2.29 m), approximately 7.75 ft (2.36 m), approximately 8 ft (2.44 m) approximately 8.25 ft (2.51 m), approximately 8.5 ft (2.59 m), approximately 8.75 ft (2.67 m), or approximately 9 ft (2.74 m). The width W of frame 10 may be, for example and without limitation, equal to or greater than approximately 7 ft (2.13 m) and may be, for example, approximately 7 ft (2.13 m), approximately 7.25 ft (2.21 m), approximately 7.5 ft (2.29 m), approximately 7.75 ft (2.36 m), approximately 8 ft (2.44 m), approximately 8.25 ft (2.51 m), approximately 8.5 ft (2.59 m), approximately 8.75 ft (2.67 m), or approximately 9 ft (2.74 m). The angle Θ may accordingly be from approximately 43 to approximately 65 degrees.

[0025] As examples to illustrate members 13 or 15, Figure 2A is a sectional view 2-2 of FIG. 1 for members having a square cross-section, Figure 2B is a sectional view 2-2 of FIG. 1 for the members having a rectangular cross-section, and Figure 2C is a sectional view 2-2 of FIG. 1 for the members having a circular cross-section. The subsequent discussion, illustratively, describes members 13 or 15 having a square cross section. As discussed subsequently, exercise bar attachment 100 configured for attaching to members 13 or 15 having other cross-sectional shapes, including but not limited to those of FIGS. 2B or 2C, are within the scope of the present invention.

[0026] In one embodiment, which will be illustratively discussed subsequently, member 13 or 15, as shown in FIG. 2A have, for example and without limitation, a square outer shape having S approximately 2 inch (51 mm) on a side, approximately 2.5 inches (64 mm) on a side, approximately 2.75 inches (70 mm) on a side, approximately 3 inches (76 mm) on a side, approximately 3.25 inches (83 mm) on a side, approximately 3.50 inches (89 mm) on a side, approximately 3.75 inches (95 mm) on a side, or approximately 4 inches (102 mm) on a side. In one embodiment, S is approximately 3 3/8 inches (86 mm).

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, exercise bar attachment 100 includes brackets 103 attached to a bar 105 and separated by a distance Wl. In general, brackets 103 are adapted to engage with the shape and angle of a pair of members 13, which may or may not be part of frame 10. Brackets 103 may, for example and without limitation, engage members 13 to support bars 101 at height HI above ground G. Bars 101 each have a length L and spacing B that protrude approximately horizontally away from exercise bar attachment 100, and thus frame 10, a height HI above ground G. In one embodiment, frame 10 and exercise bar attachment 100 may be configured docket number: TFT.01 OUSO 4 such that when brackets 103 engage members 13, bars 101 may support the weight of a user, who may, for example and without limitation, use the bars for a pull-up station or a dip station (as discussed subsequently).

[0028] In general, exercise bar attachment 100 is constructed of rigid components. Thus, for example and without limitation, the exercise bar attachment 100 may be formed of steel or aluminum pipe or tubing having, for example and without limitation, circular, square, triangular, or rectangular cross-sectional shapes. The individual components of exercise bar attachment 100 may be joined by welding, screwing, or any other means known for attaching the components. In addition, certain components, such as hand grip portions of bars 101, may include padding 131. Bars 101 may also include end-caps or plugs to seal off the end of the bars.

[0029] Figures 3-8 are views of a second embodiment exercise bar attachment 300, where FIG. 3 is a top front perspective view, FIG. 4 is a front view 4-4 of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a top view 5- 5 of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a side view 6-6 of FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is a back view 7-7 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 8 is a bottom view 8-8 of FIG. 4. Exercise bar attachment 300 may be generally similar to exercise bar attachment 100, except as further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of the embodiments of Figures 1 through 8.The second embodiment exercise bar attachment 300 is configured, for example and without limitation, to match the angle and cross-sectional shape of members 13. As shown in FIG. 4, exercise bar attachment 300 includes bar 105 and pair of brackets 103 fixedly attached to the bar. Each one of brackets 103 includes a side flange 301 which protrudes away from the bar and a back flange 303 that is attached to the side flange. Bar 105 and each pair of flanges 301 and 303 from an opening 305 which may accept a member 13. Specifically, Bar 105 has a surface 701, as shown in FIG. 7, flange 301 has a surface 309, shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, and flange 303 has a surface 307, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, where surfaces 701, 307 and 309 form surfaces accessible through opening 305.

[0030] Each of the pair of bars 101 includes a metal cylindrical element 311, which may be a bar or tube, which protrudes away from bar 105 on a side opposite brackets 103. An optional soft padding material 313 may also be provided to the outer surface of element 311.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, flanges 301 include a flat surface angled at the included angle

Θ and as shown in FIG. 5 the distance between flange 303 and bar 105 is A, which is slightly greater than S. As one example, which is not meant to limit the scope of the invention, for an S of

3 inches (76 mm), an A of 3 3/8 inches (86 mm) provides adequate clearance for placing and removing exercise bar attachment 300 from frame 10. Brackets 103 thus match the pair of docket number: TFT.010US0 5 members 13, and will support a person by bars 101. Surfaces 710, 307, and/or 309 may also include a protective coating for that portion that contacts members 13.

[0032] In certain embodiments, bars 101 may be used for pull-ups or dips. As such the dimensions B and L may have, for example and without limitation, the following values.

Specifically, B may be from approximately 12 inches (0.3 m) to approximately 24 inches (0.6 m). In certain other embodiments, B is approximately 13 inches (0.33 m), approximately 14 inches (0.36 m), approximately 15 inches (0.38 m), approximately 16 inches (0.41 m) or approximately 17 inches (0.43 m). In certain embodiment, L is from approximately 12 (0.3 m) to approximately 24 inches (0.6 m). In certain other embodiments, L is approximately 14 inches (0.36 m), approximately 15 inches (0.38 m), approximately 16 inches (0.41 m), approximately 16.5 inches (0.42 m), approximately 17 inches (0.43 m), or approximately 18 inches (0.46 m).

[0033] Bars B may have a diameter, inclusive of any padding, of from approximately 1 inch (25 mm) to approximately 2 inches (51 mm), and may be, for example and without limitation, approximately 1 inch (25 mm), approximately 1.25 inches (32 mm), approximately 1.5 inch (38 mm), approximately 1.75 inches (44 mm), or approximately 2 inches (51 mm).

[0034] Figure 9 is a perspective view a third embodiment exercise bar attachment 900. While exercise bar attachment 900 may be mounted on frame 10, it may, alternatively, be mounted on a pair of members 901, having the same cross-sectional dimensions and included angle as members 13, may be mounted on a wall W, as shown in FIG. 9. Exercise bar attachment 900 may be generally similar to exercise bar attachment 100 or 300, except as further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of the embodiments of Figures 1 through 9.

[0035] Third embodiment exercise bar attachment 900 is generally similar to embodiment exercise bar attachments 100 or 300, except that brackets 103 of the second embodiment exercise bar attachment have a spacing W2 which is larger that spacing Wl of the first embodiment exercise bar attachment.

[0036] The larger spacing permits exercise bar attachment 900 to be located at a different height above ground G than exercise bar attachment 100 or 300 Thus, for example, if exercise bar attachment 900 is placed on members 13 or 15 of frame 10, since members 13 and 15 are angled towards each other with increasing distance from ground G, exercise bar attachment 900 engages members 13 at a height H2 above ground G, where height H2 is less than height HI of docket number: TFT.010US0 6 exercise bar attachment 100 or 300 Exercise bar attachment 900 may thus provide bars 101 for a dip station at a height H2, for example, of 3.5 ft (1.1 m).

[0037] Figures 10A-10F illustrate the attachment of the exercise bar attachment 100 or 900 on members 13 of frame 10, where FIGS. 10A and 10B show a user U moving exercise bar attachment 100 or 900 towards the frame, FIG. IOC, 10D, and 10E show the user engaging exercise bar attachment 100 or 900 on to the frame, and FIG. 10F shows the user securing exercise bar attachment 100 or 900 on to the frame.

[0038] More specifically, FIG. 10A shows user U picking up exercise bar attachment 100 or 900. Since the individual members 13 are closer together further from the ground, FIG. 10B shows the user maneuvering brackets 103 towards members 13 at a height that is greater than what will be the engaged position of exercise bar attachment 100 or 900 .

[0039] FIG. IOC and 10D are different views showing back flange 303 being maneuvered behind members 13, with side flanges 301 on the outer portions of members 13. FIG. 10E shows user U lowering exercise bar attachment 100 or 900 on to members 13, and FIG. 10F shows the user pulling down on bars 101 to secure the exercise bar attachment 100 onto members 13. Bars 101 of exercise bar attachment 100 or 900 are ready for use in exercising. Exercise bar attachment 100 or 900 may be removed by reversing the steps of FIGS. 10A-F.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Figures 11A, 1 IB illustrate a first alternative embodiment exercise bar attachment 1 100 and Figures 12, 13, 14A and 14B illustrate a second alternative embodiment exercise bar attachment 1200. Exercise bar attachments 1100 and 1200 include elements or features, as discussed subsequently, which may included into exercise bar attachments 100, 300 or 900. Exercise bar attachments 1100 and 1200 may be generally similar to exercise bar attachment 100, 300 or 900, except as further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of the embodiments of Figures 1 through 14.

[0041] FIG. 1 1A is a perspective view illustrating first alternative embodiment exercise bar attachment 1100 placed on frame members 1113 and FIG.1 IB is a perspective view showing detail of the first alternative exercise bar attachment.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1 IB, exercise bar attachment 1100 include a notch 1101 on side flanges 301 of each bracket 103. Exercise bar attachment 1100 may be used with members 13, 15, or 901. Alternatively, FIG. 1 1A illustrates the use of exercise bar attachment 1100 with docket number: TFT.01 OUSO 7 members 1113. Members 1113 are generally the same as members 13, and also include a protrusion 1101 on the outer side of members 1113. Protrusion 1101 may be, for example and without limitation, a bolt or a short piece of metal welded to members 1113. Protrusion 1101 is positioned on members 1113 such that protrusion 1101 sits within notch 1103 when exercise device 1101 is supported by members 1113. The combination of protrusion 1101 and notch 1103 allows the user to more easily and positively locate the position of the exercise bar attachment onto members 1113, which may be part of a frame 10.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of exercise bar attachment 1200 and FIG. 13 is a sectional view 12-12 taken along bar 105. In contrast to brackets 103 of FIGS. 3-8, which are fixedly attached exercise bar attachment 300, exercise bar attachment 1200 includes a pair of hinged brackets 1203 which are each rotatably attached to a bar extension 1201. Exercise bar attachment 1200 is thus capable of engaging non-parallel members having a range of included angles, as described subsequently.

[0044] Each hinged bracket 1203 includes a bar extension 1201 connected bar 105 by a hinge 1210 including a hinge pin 1211, which defines a center line C about which each hinge 1210 may rotate as indicated by arrows R. Each hinged bracket 1203 also includes side flange 301 which protrudes away from bar extension 1201 and a back flange 303 that is attached to the side flange, thus permitting engagement with members, such as members 13.

[0045] FIGS. 14A and 14B are front views illustrative of the use of exercise bar attachment 1200 on two different co-planar and non-parallel members, members 1410 and 1420,

respectively, and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Members 1410 and 1420 are generally similar to members 13, except that they have different included angles. In FIG. 14A, members 1410 have an included angle of ΘΑ, and thus the angle between each member and the horizontal is 90-ΘΑ/2, and in FIG. 14B members 1420 have an included angle of ΘΒ, and thus the angle between each member and the horizontal is 90-ΘΒ/2.

[0046] FIGS. 14A and 14B also show a reference line D which is perpendicular to and extends through both hinges 1211, and reference lines E and F which each are perpendicular to the hinge and extent along one of bar extensions 1201.

[0047] In the example of FIG. 14A, bar extension 1201 are straight extensions of bar 105 - that is, lines D, E, and F are co-axial, having an angle < A = 0. In this embodiment, brackets 1203 engage members 1410, for example by surfaces 301 contacting members 1410. In the example of FIG. 14B, members 1420 have a larger included angle than members 1410, and thus for surface docket number: TFT.01 OUSO 8 301 to contact members 1420, the bar extension 1201 is angled relative to bar 105 by an angle Β·

[0048] It is thus seen that by providing some degree of rotation about axis C, exercise bar attachment 1200 may accommodate and be attachable to a range of included angles. In one extreme, exercise bar attachment 1200 may attach to two bars having an included angle of 180 degrees (which may be a single bar). In another extreme, exercise bar attachment 1200 may attached to two bars that are nearly parallel and which have a very small included angle, such as a few degrees.

[0049] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Thus, for example one or both brackets may have a notch, such as notch 1101 and/or have a hinge, such as hinge 1210

[0050] Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" shall be synonymous with "including," "containing," or "characterized by," is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. "Comprising" is a term of art which means that the named elements are essential, but other elements may be added and still form a construct within the scope of the statement.

[0051] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby expressly incorporated into this description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

docket number: TFT.010US0 9