CA2354216C

CA2354216C - Multipurpose exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: CA2354216C
Application number: CA002354216A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Matt Siaperas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-07-27
Filing date: 2001-07-27
Publication date: 2005-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2021-07-27
Also published as: CA2354216A1

Abstract

A multi-purpose exercise apparatus is provided having a generally elongated rectangular shaped box with a top side, a bottom side, a right side, a left side, a front side and a back side. In one embodiment, the box tapers from the topside to the bottom side, giving it a trapezoidal configuration. The top side includes a transverse hinge forming a first adjustable section and a second adjustable section. The first section may be rotated about the hinge and be fixed at various angles by a pivotal adjustment arm. The second section may also be rotated about the hinge and may be secured in an angular position by a seat riser.
The interior under the first section holds specialty bars, a wheel, a body pad and a variety of other devices. The interior under the second section holds handles, ankle straps, kneepads, cable ties, elastic elements and the like. A plurality of color coded ring clips are present on the right side, the left side, the front side and the back side.
The underside of the first section has vertical sidewalls which would nest inside the interior under the first section. These vertical sidewalls will also have color coded ring clips. A variety of elastic members are secured to a carabiner on a first side.
The carabiner is attached to a trigger clip which in turn would be clipped to an appropriate ring clip. The second side the elastic member is attached to a handle.
A variety of exercises can therefore be performed.

Description

t MULTIPURPOSE EXERCISE APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment, and more particularly, to a multipurpose apparatus that allows the user to perform a variety of exercises. More specifically, the invention relates to a portable exercise device that includes resistive elements for attachment to the body of the device.
Even more specifically, the invention relates to exercise devices where the resistive elements may be attached at a plurality of locations on the body of the device.
BACKGROUND
Various exercise machines that allow the user to work out varied portions of the body are well known in the art of athletic equipment. Many exercise devices, including the present invention, utilise resistive elements to provide tension against which the user works. All of these devices have their drawbacks, one of which is the difficulty of storage and in the trouble that people of varied sizes, ages, skill levels, and strength have in exercising with the same machine. The present invention seeks to address these concerns and also provide a multipurpose exercise machine that is low in cost to manufacture and produce.
During a search at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, a number of relevant patents were uncovered and they will be discussed below.
U.S. Patent No. 2,676,015 issued to William F. Courtney on April 20, 1954 discloses an exercising table with a handgrip. This is clearly unlike the present invention in that there is no teaching of either the storage compartment of the present invention or of the clip rings for the elastic bands.
In U.S. Patent No. 4,492,376 issued to Jack M. Schatz et al. on January 8, 1985 there is taught a lower extremity exerciser. The exerciser involves tubes that fit into pegs and elastic straps that fit around the tubes to provide ~.,~"~~ ~ a ~~a.o ~ i _'Z_ resistance. There is no teaching of the present invention's clip rings, nor of the adjustable hinged support and storage compartments in the body of the invention.
U.S. Patent No. 5,232,426 issued to Villem J. Van Straaten on August 3, 1993 discloses a exercising machine. This is clearly dissimilar from the present invention in that no elastic bands or attachment rings are taught.
Another Patent of interest is U.S. Patent No. 4,508,341 issued to Michael R. Carrington on April 2, 1985. This teaches a pass blocking sled with a elongated pivoting arm, an impacting surface, and a compressible spring. As in the above patents, there is no teaching of the various clip rings and elastic bands of the instant invention.
In U.S. Patent No. 5,681,249 issued to Ken Endelman on October 28, 1997 there is disclosed a convertible exercise apparatus. Unlike the present invention, no clip rings or storage compartment is taught.
Next is U.S. Patent No. 5,697,870 issued to Mellisa Osborn on December 16, 1997. This is a portable stepping exerciser with storage compartments. Unlike the present invention, there is no hinge to allow various angles between the main surface area and the storage area.
Another patent of interest is U.S. Patent No. 5,542,898 issued to William T. Wilkinson on August 6, 1996. This multifunction exercise and aerobic bench is dissimilar from the present invention in that there is no teaching of either the clip rings or the centrally mounted pivoting adjustment rod of the instant invention.
Lastly, U.S. Patent No. 5,575,742 issued to Tien-Lai Wu on November 19, 1996 discloses a multipurpose exercise apparatus. Unlike the present invention, there is no teaching of the various clip rings or the pivotal adjustment rod.
Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to be well known to use various configurations of resistive elements and pivoting sections in the exercise device art, the provision of this more simple and cost effective device is not contemplated. Nor does the prior art described above teach or suggest a multipurpose exercise apparatus which may be used by individuals of varying skill and strength levels, as well as people of varying ages. In the existing art, many of the devices are expensive to manufacture and are bulky.
SUMMARY
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising:
a main body having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a bottom, and a top, said main body having a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis being parallel to said first side and said second side;
said top including a hinge means, said hinge means located perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said hinge means defining a storage section proximate said first end of said main body and a main section proximate said second end of said main body;
said hinge means further dividing said top into a storage section top and a main section top such that either said storage section top or said main section top can be moved radially about said hinge means to provide access to either said storage section or said main section;
a plurality of elastic resistive elements;
a plurality of ring clips on both said first side and said second side of said main body; and detachable engagement means for attaching said elastic resistive elements to said ring clips;
whereby a user attaches said elastic resistive elements to said ~,",~~ai engagement points on said main body and by choosing predetermined of said ring clips may perform a variety of exercises.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising:
a main body having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a bottom, and a top, said main body having a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis being parallel to said first side and said second side;
said top including a hinge means, said hinge means located perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said hinge means defining a storage section proximate said first end of said main body and a main section proximate said second end of said main body;
said hinge means further dividing said top into a storage section top and a main section top such that either said storage section top or said main section top can be moved radially about said hinge means to provide access to either said storage section or said main section;
and where said main body further includes a pivoting arm assembly, said pivoting arm assembly comprising:
a pivot arm base engagement section extending laterally between said first side and said second side of said main body and rotatably engageable therewith;
a pivot arm engagement section, adjustably engageable with said main section top, where said main section top includes a plurality of pivot arm engagement apertures for engaging said pivot arm engagement section, such that said main section top, when rotated around said hinge, may be fixed at a predetermined angle in relation to said main body:
a plurality of elastic resistive elements;

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a plurality of engagement points on both said first side and said second side of said main body; and detachable engagement means for attaching said elastic resistive elements to said engagement points;
whereby a user attaches said elastic resistive elements to said ring clips on said main body and by choosing predetermined of said engagement points, may perform a variety of exercises.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising:
a main body having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a bottom, and a top, said main body having a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis being parallel to said first side and said second side;
said top including a hinge means, said hinge means located perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said hinge means defining a storage section proximate said first end of said main body and a main section proximate said second end of said main body;
said hinge means further dividing said top into a storage section top and a main section top such that either said storage section top or said main section top can be moved radially about said hinge means to provide access to either said storage section or said main section;
said main section top including a depending lip, said depending lip nested in said main body;
a plurality of elastic resistive elements;
a plurality of ring clips on said first side of said main body and said second side of said main body and said depending lip; and detachable engagement means for attaching said elastic resistive . ~ ~~ ~n.~ .~.

elements to said ring clips;
whereby a user attaches said elastic resistive elements to said engagement points on said main body and by choosing predetermined of said ring clip, may perform a variety of exercises.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising:
a generally trapezoidally shaped main body having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a bottom, and a top, said main body having a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis being parallel to said first side and said second side;
said top including a hinge means, said hinge means located perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said hinge means defining a first storage section proximate said first end of said main body and a second storage section proximate said second end main body;
said hinge means further dividing said top into a forward section top and a rearward section top such that either said forward section top or said rearward section top can be moved radially a about said hinge means to provide access to either said first storage section or said second storage section;
a main section top including a depending lip, said depending lip, nested in said main body;
a plurality of elastic resistive elements;
a plurality of ring clips on said first side of said main body end said second side of said main body and on said depending lip; and detachable engagement means for attaching said elastic resistive elements to said ring clips;
whereby a user attaches said elastic resistive elements to said ring i i ~.~iinl~ i li iH..l ~i i ~

clips on said main body and by choosing predetermined of said ring clips, to perform a variety of exercises.
According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising:
a generally trapezoidally shaped main body having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a bottom, and a top, said main body having a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis being parallel to said first side and said second side;
said top including a hinge means, said hinge means located perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said hinge means defining a first storage section proximate said first end of said main body and a second storage section proximate said second end of said main body;
said hinge means further dividing said top into a forward section top and a rearward section top such that either said forward section top or said rearward section top can be moved radially about said hinge means to provide access to either said first storage section or said second storage section;
a plurality of elastic resistive elements;
a plurality of ring clips on said first side of said main body and said second side of said main body; and detachable engagement means for attaching said elastic resistive elements to said ring clips;
whereby a user attaches said elastic resistive elements to said ring clips on said main body and by choosing predetermined of said ring clips, may perform a variety of exercises.
To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present invention, briefly described, provides a multipurpose exercise device with a generally i i ~ i~"i~l~ ~ i. II ,iii=I ,p,, 1 rectangular, box-like main body. The top surface of the body is hinged transversely to create a storage container and an adjustable section that can be fixed at various angles in relation to the main body by using a pivotal adjustment arm extending the bottom of the box-like body. In the first embodiment, a plurality of clip rings is provided along both the side of the box-like main body and a depending inner lip of the adjustable upper section. The user may attach resistive elements to various of these clip rings to allow for a wide variety of different exercises. The resistive elements may be colour coded to indicate greater or lesser resistance. The resistive elements are stored in the provided storage container within the main body when the apparatus is not in use. In a second embodiment, there is no depending inner lip on the pivoting sections. It has also been contemplated that the bench will be able to be placed upon risers to permit the user to employ the bench as a step for aerobics activity.
In a further embodiment, the device is generally an elongated rectangular box with a top side, a bottom side, a right side, a left side, a front side and a back side. The box tapers from the topside to the bottom side, giving it a trapezoidal configuration. The top side includes a transverse hinge forming a first adjustable section and a second adjustable section. The first section may be rotated about the hinge and be fixed at various angles by a pivotal adjustment arm.
The first ,section is also known as the upper dock or front deck. The second section may be referred to as a rear dock, The front dock is secured to the front side by a carriage pin. The upper deck has a top side and a bottom side. The top side of the upper dock includes a non-stick surface. When the first carriage pin is removed, the upper dock may be rotated about the hinge, permitting access to a first area.
The front deck bottom side has a plurality of receiving apertures centrally disposed thereon. Further, the upper dock bottom side has vertical ~.,.,~~ai~ . ~ ~~ ,~.i. .r... i _g_ sidewalls perpendicular the deck and defining the upper dock bottom side's perimeter. The vertical sidewalls have an outer face to which a plurality of colour coded ring clips are disposed. The plurality of colour coded ring clips are recessed into the outer face of the vertical side walls. The vertical sidewalls further nest within the right side, the left side and the front side. The right vertical sidewall and the left vertical sidewall have a first and second a aperture respectively which are designed to receive either the combat or the extension bar therethrough. This can occur when the upper deck is in an angled rotation or when the upper deck laying flat, with the vertical sidewalls nested.
The first area includes a bar whose first side is hingedly attached to the interior of the bottom side. The bar's second side is designed to be received in any one of the plurality of a apertures, located on the upper deck's bottom side.
This keeps the upper dock open any one of a variety of angles. The first area also stores a variety of equipment. A first bar called a combat and a second bar called an extension bar are secured in the first area. A wheel to be used with the combat is secured in the first area. A mat made of an elastomeric foam material is also located in the first area. The combat, extension bar and wheel are utilized to perform a variety of exercises which will be discussed later.
The second section may also be rotated about the hinge and may be secured in an angular position by a seat riser. The second section is also known as the seat. The seat is secured to the back side by a second carriage pin. When the first and second carriage pins are removed, they are designed to be placed on the and of the extension bar. The second interior area located under the second section holds a power harness, cable ties and elastic elements.
A plurality of color coded ring clips are present on the right side, the left side, the front side and the back side of the device. These color coded ring clips are i ~i ",Iml~ , i li ~n.l., ,i.., 1 recessed as well and residue on the tapered side walls. The color coded ring clips are designed to be connected to the power harness. A plurality of other color coded elements are located atop the front deck and the rear deck.
The power harness includes a handle, a plurality of elastic elements, a carabineer and a trigger clip. The elastic elements are conventionally secured intermediate the handle and the carabineer. The carabineer in turn is affixed to the trigger clip. The trigger clip easily affixes to any of the plurality of ring clips located on the device. A variety of exercises can therefore be performed by using one or both power harnesses.
The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the Claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited In its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrate in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the Claims be regarded as including i ~i ~ ,r".i~l~ , ~ ,i ~n,l. ,1~, ~ p f such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention:
Figure 1 is a partial cutaway side view of the first embodiment of the invention, showing the pivotal arm engaged with the apertures on the bottom surface of the hinged main section.
Figure 2 is a partial cutaway view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a side view of the first embodiment of the invention with both the main hinged section and the storage section closed.
Figure 4 is a side view of the first embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 is a cutaway view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 is a front view showing a user doing a back exercise with the instant invention.
Figure 8 is a side view of a user doing a chest strengthening exercise using the instant invention.
Figure 9 is a side view of a user doing a rowing type exercise using the present invention.
Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a further embodiment of the multipurpose exercise apparatus with it's front deck open.
Figure 11 is a second perspective view of the multipurpose exercise apparatus of Figure 10 with both the front and rear decks in the open position.
Figure 12 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 10 with the front i ~i ~,"inl, , i il..~n.l. il~,., deck open.
Figure 13 is a view of the multipurpose exercise apparatus of Figure 10 showing the front storage area and some of the components located therein.
Figure 14 is a view of the extension bar for the apparatus of Figure 10.
Figure 15 is a view of the combar for the apparatus of Figure 10.
Figure 16 is a view of a carriage pin for the apparatus of Figure 10.
Figure 17 is a view of the power harness for the apparatus of Figure 10.
Figure 18 shows the multipurpose exercise apparatus according to the embodiment of Figure 10 with both the front deck and the rear deck in a closed and secured position.
Figure 19 shows a user performing an exercise involving the extension bar and the power harness.
Figure 20 shows a user performing an exercise involving the ankle harness and the power harness.
Figure 21 shows a user performing an exercise involving the wheel and the combar.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
With reference now to the drawings, a multipurpose exercise apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.
Referring initially to Figures 1 to 5, the invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 10. The top T of the main box-like body 12 is hinged as indicated at 14. The hinge 14 extends transversely perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L (seen in Figure 5) to divide the main box-like body into a storage section 16 and a main section 18. The location of this hinge can be more clearly seen in the , ii ~.n,n,ul~ "i li ~~n.,."y~.., p perspective view of a slightly modified version of the invention (Figure 6), the hinges being substantially identical in both versions.
Pin 80 secures the hinge 14A about the rotation axis. Pin 80 is received within a hinge aperture which goes from a first side of the bench to a second side of the bench. The pin 80 is secured on the second side by a push nut or other appropriate fastening means.
The hinge 14 also divides the top T into storage section top 17 and main section top 19. It is contemplated that the uppermost surface of the top T
would be made of or coated with a material having a high friction coefficient, such as textured rubber or the like. The top T should be of sufficient thickness to support the weight of an individual, as will be discussed further below.
The main box-like body 12 has a first end 20 and a second end 22.
First end 20 is proximate the storage section 16 and second end 22 is proximate the main section 18. Main box-like body 12 also has a first side 24 and a second side 26 distal from one another. Bottom 28 is designed to rest on a planar surface and the main box-like body 12 has a sufficient depth 30 to hold both the stored resistive elements 32 (discussed further below).
Attached to and resting in the main section 18 of the main box like body 12 is the pivoting arm assembly 34. This assembly engages with and maintains a desired angle of the main section top 19 in relation to the main box-like body 12. As can be best seen in Figures 1 and 2, the pivoting arm assembly 34 is generally T-shaped having a pivot arm base 36 and a pivot arm engagement section 38. Pivot arm base 36 engages the pivot arm base apertures 40 in first side 24 and second side within main section 18 of the box-like main body 12. This is best seen in Figure 2, though only one of the pivot arm base apertures 40 is shown, it should be understood that its complementary aperture is substantially the same.

....nml. , ~ li."kl- d~~r . 1 On the underside 42 of the main section top 19 are a plurality of pivot arm engagement apertures 44. These are configured such that they will receive the end 46 of the pivot arm engagement section 38. As is shown in Figures 1 and 4, this allows the user to set a desired angle of the main section top 19 in relation to the main body 12.
The discussion now turns to the means used to attach the resistive elements 32 to the device 10. In the versions of the invention described herein, this is accomplished by ring clips 48. Referring to Figure 6, where the attachment means is shown most clearly, it can be seen that the ring clips 48 are generally circular and are attached to the main body 12 by generally U-shaped clips 50.
The ring clips 60 are located in recessed areas of the main body 12. It is contemplated that these U-shaped clips 50 would be sized and configured such that the ring clips 48 could smoothly rotate through them. Note that these ring clips 48 are located on both body first end and second end 20, 22 and both body first side and second side 24, 26. In both embodiments shown herein, the ring clips 48 on each of the sides number four and the ring clips 48 on each of the first and second ends number two.
It should be emphasised that the number of ring clips attached to the main box-like body 12 is variable and that the number depicted in the figures is for illustrative purposes only.
In the first version, seen in Figures 1 to 5 there is a depending lip 52 extending from the underside 42 of the main section top 19. As is shown in Figure 4, this depending lip 52 also has attached to it a pair of ring clips 48, attached by the U-shaped clips, generally similar to those described above. Turning to Figure 6, illustrating a slightly different version of the invention, the depending lip 52 and its attendant ring clips and U-shaped clips, are omitted.
Also best seen in Figure 6 are the resistive elements 32. In the . ~ ~~ ~".,.. .r..

embodiments described herein, these each consist of a grip portion 54, an elastic portion 56, and a ring clip engagement portion 58. It is contemplated that the ring clip engagement portion 58 would utilise a spring loaded snap ring, as seen indicated at 60, or some other type of known, easily manipulatable engagement means. The grip portion as shown is a loop of material 62 having a tube of stiff material 64 placed over it to allow a user to grasp it firmly without slipping. The contemplated material to be used in the elastic portion 56 would be rubber tubing, though of course any number of materials, such as springs, could be utilised.
The resistive elements may include a length adjustment feature to permit them to be lengthened or shortened. When the resistive elements are not in use, they may be stored in the storage section 16 of the main body 12 of the present invention. This lowers the possibility of them being misplaced. Furthermore, though only two of these resistive elements 32 are seen in the Figures, it should be understood that more could be supplied and utilised at the same time. By virtue of the unique construction of the instant invention, more than one person could conceivably use it at once, due to the plurality of ring clips 48 attached the body 12 and in the first version to the depending lip 52 of the main section top 19.
The unique construction of the present invention also allows for a wide variety of exercises to be performed by the user. In Figure 6 it can be seen a user, by standing on the main body 12, can do back strengthening routines. In Figure 8 it can be seen that, by sitting on the storage section top 17 and leaning back against the main section top 19, chest strengthening routines can be done. Note the wide variety of angles that the plurality of ring clips 48 allow for. By attaching the resistive elements 32 to various sets of opposing ring clamps 48, specific muscle groups can be targeted. In Figure 9, a rowing type routine is pictured. Note that the box-like main body can also be used as a aerobic stepping box by and of itself. Various r ~r ~, rr.rillr , i. n n.l rY. r . 1 lengths of resistive elements could be supplied with the device to provide viable exercise routines for people of all sizes, ages, and strength levels.
With respect to the above description, it should be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to those skilled in the art, and therefore, all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed only by the scope of appended Claims.
Turning now to the remaining Figures, a further embodiment of the exercise apparatus is illustrated. Referring initially to Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13 the multipurpose exercise apparatus 210 and its accouterments are shown. The multipurpose exercise apparatus 210 is a generally trapezoidal box like body 212.
The multipurpose exercise apparatus 210 targets individual muscles for workout. It may come in a variety of sizes to accommodate people with different physiques and ages.
The box-like body 212 has a right side 214, a left side 216, a back side 218, a front side 220, and a bottom side 222. The bottom side 222 which co-acts with the floor may have a non-slip surface. The top side is comprised of a front deck 224 and a rear deck 226 which are connected by a hinge 228. The front deck 224 and the rear deck 226 independently rotate about the hinge 228. The rear deck generally acts as a seat for the user and the front deck 224 would generally support the back of the user although other configurations are possible. The hinge 228 marks a separation in the interior of the box like body 212 between a forward storage area 230 and a rear storage area 232. The front deck 224 includes a handle or a cut-out 215 to permit ease of openings. A handle for carrying the multipurpose , " ~ "."nl. . ~ i~ ,w..~.. ,y,.

exercise apparatus 210 may be located on the right side 214 or the left side 216.
For ergonomic purposes the handle should be centrally located and may be padded.
The rear storage area 232 is located below the rear deck 226. Access to the rear storage area 232 is provided by lifting the rear deck 226 which rotates about the hinge 228. A seat riser 231 is located below the rear deck 226. The seat riser 231 permits the rear deck 226 to be maintained open at an angle as best shown in Figure 11. The rear storage area 232 may store any of the accouterments which accompany the multipurpose exercise apparatus 210. This includes straps and other devices which may permit the elastic resistance elements 302 to be affixed to a human leg, arm, neck, head or the like.
The front deck 224 includes a upper side, a lower side 237 and a perimeter. The front deck 224 lower side 237 includes an inside right side 236, an inside left side 238 and an inside front side 240 which are oriented perpendicularly about the perimeter 239 and nest within the forward storage area 230.
The right side 214, the left side 216, the back side 218, the front side 220, the inside right side 236, the inside left side 238 and the inside front side 240 all have an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly facing surface. The outwardly facing surface of all of the aforementioned side elements have a plurality of ring clips 234 mounted thereon at discrete intervals from each other. Each ring clip 234 is recessed 244 into the outwardly facing surface of a respective one of the right side 214, the left side 216, the back side 218, the front side 220, the inside right side 236, the inside left side 238 and the inside front side 240. The ring clips 234 on the outside sides, i.e. the right side 214, the left side 216, the back side 218 and the front side 220 are on a sloped surtace due to the trapezoidal configuration of the multipurpose exercise apparatus 210.

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The recesses 244 are colour coded according to their position. The ring clips 234 are designed to have power harness 300 attached thereto, The power harness 300 has an attachment means 305 for attaching the harness 300 to the ring clip 234, a resistance element 302, and a handle portion 304. The mechanical configuration of the power harness 300 will be discussed in the description of Figure 17.
The ring clips 234 are generally circular and are affixed in such a manner to the sides so that they may rotate out of the recesses. They have a wide range of motion. Other means to attach the power harness 300 may be provided.
Any mechanical element which has sufficient material properties (tensile strength, elasticity, etc) and a portion which a carabineer, clip, or other attachment means may affix to could be employed. The colour coding is used with an instruction manual or the like to aid the user in performing different exercises.
The right side 214 is chosen to have four ring clips thereon, the four ring clips being equidistant. The left side is chosen to have four ring clips thereon, the four ring clips again being equidistant. The ring clips on the right side 214 are collinear with the ring clips on the left side 216. Additionally, the inside right side 236 is chosen to have three ring clips thereon, the three ring clips being equidistant. The inside left side 238 also is chosen to have three ring clips thereon, the three ring clips again being equidistant. The ring clips on the inside right side 236 are collinear with the ring clips on the inside left side 238. The back side 218 is chosen to have two ring clips thereon. The front side 220 is chosen to have two ring clips.
The inside front side 240 Is also chosen to have two ring clips.
Each ring clip is associated with a recess 244 and each recess has a color associated with it. The recesses 244 on the back side 218 are chosen to both be a first colour. The recesses 244 on the front side 220 are chosen to be a second i. n ~ ~~~ ~.n,nl~ i r ILnm~l.. ,Y..., . p colour. The recesses 244 on the inside front side 240 are chosen to be a third colour. It has been considered that the colours located on the recesses 244 of the back side 218, the front side 220, and the inside front side 240 may be different colours.
The right side 214 and the left side 216 each have four ring clips.
Each ring clip which is the right side 214 is directly across from or collinear with the ring clip on the left side 216. Each one of the co-linear pairs of ring clips are a different colour. Starting from the back side 218 and going to the front side gives us the following. Since there are four ring clips, there is a fourth colour associated with the first pair of ring clips, a fifth colour with the second pair of ring clips, a sixth colour with the third pair of ring clips, and a seventh colour associated with the fourth pair of ring clips.
The inner right side 236 and the inner left side 238 each have three ring clips. Each ring clip which is on the inner right side 236 is directly across from or collinear with the ring clip on the inner left side 238. Again, each one of the collinear pairs of ring clips are a different colour. Starting from the hinge 228 and going to the inside front side 240 gives us the following. Since there are three additional pairs of ring clips located here, there is an eighth colour associated with the fifth pair of ring clips, a ninth colour associated with the sixth pair of ring clips, and a tenth colour associated with the seventh pair of ring clips. The colours which may be used may be, but are not limited to, red, yellow, green, blue, orange, and white. By affixing the power harness 300 to any of a variety of colour coded clip rings 234 a very wide range of exercises may be performed.
The rear deck 226 has an upper side 221 and a lower side 223. A
plurality of colour coded elements 246 are provided on the upper side 221. The colour coded elements 246 are the same colour as the ring clip recesses which are ri r. ,....rrrr~dl~.. ,i,lr.,M.l..rl.r ~ 1 closest to the colour coded elements 246. Therefore the pair of colour coded elements closest to the back side 218 are also a first colour. The pair of colour coded elements closest to the right side 214 and the left side 216 are a fourth colour.
The front deck 224 has an upper side 235 and a lower side 237. A
plurality of colour coded elements 246 are provided on the upper side 235. The colour coded elements 246 are the same colour as the ring clip recesses which are closest to the colour coded elements 246.
The plurality of colour coded elements 246 located on the front deck 224 and the rear deck 226 permits the user to know where to hook up the power harness 300 as well as where to place their feet when doing step style or other exercises.
The front deck 224 may be held in any of a plurality of upright positions by bar 250. The front deck 224 lower side 237 has a plurality of apertures 252 centrally disposed thereon which receive an end portion of bar 250. Apertures are colour coded as well, as different exercises are performed when the front deck 224 is at different angles. In this fashion, the front deck 224 may be held in any of a variety of angles with respect to the rear deck 226. Bar 250 is pivotal and resides in the forward storage area 230. Both the upper side 221 of the rear deck 226 and the upper side 235 of the front deck 224 has a textured surface 254.
Referring now to Figures 12 and 13, some of the other features of the multipurpose exercise apparatus 210 are shown. A pair of riser elements 225 may be placed under the bottom side 222 to raise the multipurpose exercise apparatus 210. This increases the flexibility of the apparatus 210 and permits different exercises and people of different sizes to easily employ the apparatus in their workouts. This particularly would be employed when the user is performing step type exercises.

~ ~i ~~.,.~~n,ili... ~ i ii ..w..l,. ~i,n , i The forward storage area 230 further holds the extension bar 260, a combat 270, and a wheel 280. The extension bar 260 and combat 270 may be stored parallel to each other and above the wheel 280 in the forward storage area 230. Other materials may be stored in the forward storage area 230. This includes straps and other devices which may permit the elastic resistance elements 302 to be affixed to a human leg, arm, neck, head or the like. A foam pad may also be stored in the forward storage area 230. The foam pad is generally rectangular and is designed to be placed stop the front deck 224 and the rear deck 226. The foam pad increases the comfort of the user while performing exercises. Means to attach the foam pad to the front deck 224 are provided. This attachment means may be an elastic cord or co-operating hook and loop fasteners. The pad is stored in the forward storage area 230, where it is retained by an elastic loop.
A first cut-out 236A is located on the inside right side 236. A second cut-out 238A is located on the inside left side 238. The first cut-out 236A is collinear with the second cut-out 238A. The first cut-out 236A and the second cut-out are designed to receive the combat 270 therein, preventing the front deck 224 from being completely closed. This gives the front deck 224 one additional angle to be set at for exercises. A third cut-out 240A is located on the inside front side 240. The third cut-out 240A is designed to permit the bar 250 to lie parallel with the bottom side 222 when the front deck 224 is closed.
The combat 270 is an elongated bar which has a right side 272 and a left side 274. A threaded eyelet 275 is secured centrally on the combat 270 on both the right side 272 and the left side 274. A first groove 276 is located proximal the left side 274. A second groove 278 is located proximal the right side 272. A pair of grooves 271 are located centrally on the combat 270. The grooves 276, 278, &

are all dimensioned to permit a carabineer to interfit thereon in such a manner which ~. ii ~ ~".~.n~~l... ... li .,..v., ~y,.~ . n permits rotation of the combar 270 about the carabineer. A pair of end portions 273 are located on the right side 272 and the left side, 274 of the combar 270.
These end portions 273 permit the power harness 300 to be affixed to the combar 270.
The grooves located on the combar 270 further give indication where to place ones hands and or the wheel when being employed.
The extension bar 260 is a second elongated cylindrical bar which has a right side 262 and a left side 264. Both the right side 262 and the left side 264 receive an eye bolt 266 centrally along the centroid of the cylinder. The eye bolt 266 has an opening to receive a carabineer thereon. A first aperture 267 is located on the right side 262 of the extension bar 260. A second aperture 268 Is located on the left side 264 of the extension bar 260. The first aperture 262 and the second aperture 268 each receive a carriage pin 290 therein. The carriage pin 290 may be any fastener which meets the dimensional and material requirements. One of the carriage pins 290 are used to secure the front deck 224 in a closed position.
Another of the carriage pins 290 are used to secure the rear deck 226 in a closed position. By always having a specific place for the carriage pin 290 and 292 to be located, the chance of misplacing them are reduced.
Close to the front side 220 of the multipurpose exercise apparatus 210 is a place to employ the a extension bar 260 in such a manner to permit the user to perform additional exercises. A right aperture 310 is located on the right aids 214 proximal the front side 220. A right inner aperture 312 is located in inside right side 236 proximal the inside front side 240. A left inner aperture 314 is located on the inside left side 238 proximal the inside front side 240. A left aperture 316 is located on the left side 216 proximal the front side 220. The right aperture 110, right inner aperture 312, left inner aperture 314, and left aperture 316 are collinear and receive the extension bar 260 therethrough.

i ~ n .. anfl~ . ~ i Inrri-~ i4a - 1 , When the extension bar 260 is placed in the collinear apertures (310, 312, 314, 316) the first aperture 267 of the extension bar 260 and the second aperture 268 of the extension bar 260 are located outside the right side 214 and the left side 216. The first aperture 267 and second aperture 268 of the extension bar 260 then receive the carriage pins 290 therein, securing the extension bar 260 in the collinear apertures (310, 312, 314, 316). The eye bolts 266 of the extension bar 260 are then able to have the power harness 300 affixed thereto. In addition, when the power harness 300 is connected to the ring clips 234 proximal the front side, the elastic resistance elements 302 may pass underneath the extension bar 260.
This shortens the length of the elastic resistance elements 302, increasing the amount of force required to perform an exercise.
Referring now to Figure 17, a power harness 300 is shown. The power harness 300 includes an attachment means 305 on a first side. This attachment means 305 may be chosen to be a carabineer coupled with a trigger clip. In this application, the carabineer is used to designate a user actuated attachment device, which may be spring activated. There is an entire group of such devices which may be used, any attachment means with the appropriate material properties may be employed. The user merely opens the attachment means 305 (carabineer, looking clip, spring clip, or the like) and attaches it to a ring clip 234 or the eye bolt 266 of the extension bar 260. The power harness 300 includes a handle 304 on a second side. Intermediate the attachment means 305 and the handle 304 is an elastic resistance element 302. The elastic resistance elements 302 are selectively removably affixed to the carabineer which in turn is attached to the trigger clip.
The elastic resistance element 302 may be colour coded as well which would indicate the elasticity thereof. The greater the elasticity of the elastic resistance. element 302, the less the force would be required to stretch the elastic r. rr ~ ii ,vrt~Al. ~ i a opal" rYm resistance element 302 a first distance. The less the elasticity of the elastic resistance element 302 the greater the force would be required to stretch the elastic resistance element 302 a first distance. The elastic resistance element 302 may be rubber tubing, bungee cord or the like.
It can clearly be seen that the power harness 300 maybe of any of a variety of configurations which include, but are not limited to, attachment rings, attachment clips, loops, means to adjust length, straps, carabineer style links, other linkages, and the like. More than one elastic resistance element 302 may be employed to increase the resistance. Each elastic resistance element has an attachment ring located on each side. The attachment rings are mated with clip attachment devices which on one side will be affixed to a handle at the handle attachment point, and on the other side may be affixed to a ring. The ring would be attached to a second ring by a strap, the strap may be adjustable for length.
The second ring has a carabineer affixed thereto, this is the attachment means 305.
Further, a device such as a trigger clip may be affixed to the carabineer as the attachment means 305. It has been found that such trigger clips work well when attaching to the ring clips 234.
Figure 18 shows the multipurpose exercise apparatus 210 in its closed position. The front dock 224 is shown in relation to the rear dock 226, Figure 19 shows a user performing an exercise on the apparatus 210.
Note how the combar 270 is connected to the extension bar 60 by the elastic resistance elements 302. The elastic resistance elements 302 are connected to the extension bar 260 by a power harness connection means 305. The elastic resistance elements 302 are connected to the combar 270 by second power harness connection means 306. The power harness connection means (305, 306) includes carabineer and trigger clip elements. Any clip style connection device with sufficient i .I ~ ~..iirl.Nl~... "I~.npl....iin.i material properties and configuration may be used to connect the power harness 300 to the combar and extension bar or the ring clips 234.
Figure 20 shows a user performing another exercise on the apparatus 210. In this exercise the power harness 300 is connected to a log attachment harness 308 and a ring clip 234. A first power harness connection means 305 is secured to a ring clip 234 proximal the front side 220. A second power harness connection means 306 is connected to the leg attachment harness 308. The leg attachment harness 308 is attached to the users log. The user is supported by the front dock 224. It is clear from this figure that any of a variety of exercises may be developed through the use of the leg attachment harness 308. Although not shown, other harness devices for affixing the power harness 300 to an arm, the head or another ancillary mechanisms may be utilized.
Figure 21 shows a user performing yet another exercise on the apparatus 210. The wheel 280 is placed in the center of the combar 270. The extension bar 260 is placed in and secured by carriage pins 290 in apertures 310, 312, 314 and 316. The power harness 300 is connected to the ring clip 234 by a first power harness connection means 305. The power harness 300 is connected to the combar 270 on the end portions of the combar 273 by the second power harness connection means 306. The user places their feet 298 on the extension bar 260, places their hands 296 on the combar, and rolls the wheel 280 from a first position to a second position, with the elastic resistance elements 302 providing resistance.
This is an abdominal roller style workout. It is clear from this figure that any of a variety of exercises, may be developed through the use of the extension bar 260, the combar 270 and the wheel 280. The exercises shown in Figures 6 through 9 can also be easily accomplished on the multipurpose exercise apparatus 210.
With respect to the above description, it should be realized that the "".",n, ~ , i~.~~~,...,i., ~ , r optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to those skilled in the art, and therefore, all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed only by the scope of appended Claims.
While the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended Claims so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalents.

Claims

1. A multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising:
a main body having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a bottom, and a top, said main body having a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis being parallel to said first side and said second side;
said top including a hinge means, said hinge means located perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said hinge means defining a storage section proximate said first end of said main body and a main section proximate said second end of said main body;~
said hinge means further dividing said top into a storage section top and a main section top such that either said storage section top or said main section top can be moved radially about said hinge means to provide access to either said storage section or said main section;
a plurality of elastic resistive elements;
a plurality of ring clips on both said first side and said second side of said main body; and detachable engagement means for attaching said elastic resistive elements to said ring clips;
whereby a user attaches said elastic resistive elements to said engagement points on said main body and by choosing predetermined of said ring clips may perform a variety of exercises.

2. The multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the plurality of ring clips are additionally located on said first end and said second end of said main body.

3. The multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein said resistive elements comprise elastic rubber tubing including a gripping means.

4. The multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein said detachable engagement means comprise ring clips on said main body and snap rings on said resistive elements.

5. The multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein said main body is generally trapezoidally shaped.

6. The multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein the plurality of ring clips are additionally located on said first end and said second end of said main body.

7. The multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein said resistive elements comprise elastic rubber tubing including a gripping means.

8. The multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein said detachable engagement means comprise ring clips on said main body and snap rings on said resistive elements.

9. A multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising:
a main body having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a bottom, and a top, said main body having a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis being parallel to said first side and said second side;
said top including a hinge means, said hinge means located perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said hinge means defining a storage section proximate said first end of said main body and a main section proximate said second end of said main body;
said hinge means further dividing said top into a storage section top and a main section top such that either said storage section top or said main section top can be moved radially about said hinge means to provide access to either said storage section or said main section;
and where said main body further includes a pivoting arm assembly, said pivoting arm assembly comprising:
a pivot arm base engagement section extending laterally between said first side and said second side of said main body and rotatably engageable therewith;
a pivot arm engagement section, adjustably engageable with said main section top, where said main section top includes a plurality of pivot arm engagement apertures for engaging said pivot arm engagement section, such that said main section top, when rotated around said hinge, may be fixed at a predetermined angle in relation to said main body:
a plurality of elastic resistive elements;
a plurality of engagement points on both said first side and said second side of said main body; and detachable engagement means for attaching said elastic resistive elements to said engagement points;
whereby a user attaches said elastic resistive elements to said ring clips on said main body and by choosing predetermined of said engagement points, may perform a variety of exercises.

10. The multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein the plurality of engagement points are additionally located on said first end and said second end of said main body.

11. The multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein said resistive elements comprise elastic rubber tubing including a gripping means.

12. The multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 11, wherein said detachable engagement means comprise ring clips on said main body and snap rings on said resistive elements.

13. A multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising:
a main body having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a bottom, and a top, said main body having a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis being parallel to said first side and said second side;
said top including a hinge means, said hinge means located perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said hinge means defining a storage section proximate said first end of said main body and a main section proximate said second end of said main body;
said hinge means further dividing said top into a storage section top and a main section top such that either said storage section top or said main section top can be moved radially about said hinge means to provide access to either said storage section or said main section;
said main section top including a depending lip, said depending lip nested in said main body;
a plurality of elastic resistive elements;
a plurality of ring clips on said first side of said main body and said second side of said main body and said depending lip; and detachable engagement means for attaching said elastic resistive elements to said ring clips;
whereby a user attaches said elastic resistive elements to said engagement points on said main body and by choosing predetermined of said ring clip, may perform a variety of exercises.

14. A multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising:
a generally trapezoidally shaped main body having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a bottom, and a top, said main body having a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis being parallel to said first side and said second side;
said top including a hinge means, said hinge means located perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said hinge means defining a first storage section proximate said first end of said main body and a second storage section proximate said second end main body;
said hinge means further dividing said top into a forward section top and a rearward section top such that either said forward section top or said rearward section top can be moved radially a about said hinge means to provide access to either said first storage section or said second storage section;
a main section top including a depending lip, said depending lip, nested in said main body;
a plurality of elastic resistive elements;
a plurality of ring clips on said first side of said main body end said second side of said main body and on said depending lip; and detachable engagement means for attaching said elastic resistive elements to said ring clips;
whereby a user attaches said elastic resistive elements to said ring clips on said main body and by choosing predetermined of said ring clips, to perform a variety of exercises.

15. A multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 14 wherein said forward section top is maintained in an open position by a first bar, and said rearward section top is maintained in an open position by a seat riser.

16. A multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 15 wherein said first storage area is larger than the second storage area.

17. A multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 16 wherein said first storage area includes an extension bar, a combar and a wheel.

18. A multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 17 wherein said second storage area includes a power harness.

19. A multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 14 wherein said ring clips are recessed.

20. A multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 19 wherein each said recess is chosen to be a color.

21. A multipurpose exercise apparatus. according to Claim 20 wherein said top includes a perimeter, further, said top includes a plurality of tab elements located about said perimeter, said plurality of tab elements are proximal said recesses. said plurality of tab elements chosen to be the same color of said recess closest thereto, indicating to the user the color of the recess when the user looks down.

22. A multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 17 wherein a plurality of collinear apertures are located proximal the end of the first storage area, penetrating said right side, said left side and said depending lip, said apertures designed to receive said extension bar therethrough.

23. A multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising:
a generally trapezoidally shaped main body having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a bottom, and a top, said main body having a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis being parallel to said first side and said second side;
said top including a hinge means, said hinge means located perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, said hinge means defining a first storage section proximate said first end of said main body and a second storage section proximate said second end of said main body;
said hinge means further dividing said top into a forward section top and a rearward section top such that either said forward section top or said rearward section top can be moved radially about said hinge means to provide access to either said first storage section or said second storage section;
a plurality of elastic resistive elements;
a plurality of ring clips on said first side of said main body and said second side of said main body; and detachable engagement means for attaching said elastic resistive elements to said ring clips;
whereby a user attaches said elastic resistive elements to said ring clips on said main body and by choosing predetermined of said ring clips, may perform a variety of exercises.

24. A multipurpose exercise apparatus according to Claim 23 wherein a plurality of ring clips are additionally located on said first end and said second end of said main body.

25. A multipurpose exercise apparatus as claimed in Claim 24 wherein said first storage area includes an extension bar, a combar and a wheel.

26. A multipurpose exercise apparatus as claimed in Claim 24 including a power harness, said power harness includes a first connection means, a second connection means, a resistive elastic element intermediate said first connection means and said second connection means.

27. A multipurpose exercise apparatus as claimed in Claim 26 wherein said first connection means may be connected to any one of said clip rings, said extension bar and said combar.

28. A multipurpose exercise apparatus as claimed in Claim 27 wherein said second connection means may be connected to a handle, a ankle attachment means, a leg attachment means, said extension bar and said combar.