Portable device for assisting chin-up and dip exercises

• US 7,217,227 B2
• Filed: 12/15/2003
• Issued: 05/15/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gregory M. Finn
• Original Assignee: Gregory M. Finn
• Inventors: Finn, Gregory M
• Primary Examiner(s): Recla; Henry J.
• Application Number:
  US10/735,939
• Publication Number:
  US 20040127339A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,247 Days
• Field of Search: 482/125, 482/126, 482/81, 482/139, 482/92, 482/51, 482/24, 482 38- 40, 482/43, 482/66, 482/69, 482/77, 482121-124, 482/130, 482/143, 482/129
• US Class Current: 482/92
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2023/006 for stretching exercises
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00181 comprising additional means assisting the user to overcome part of the resisting force, i.e. assisted-active exercising
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0023 for isometric exercising, i.e. substantial force variation without substantial muscle motion
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/072 Dumb-bells, bar-bells or the like , e.g. weight discs having an integral peripheral handle
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4033 Handles, pedals, bars or platforms
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4043 Free movement, i.e. the only restriction coming from the resistance A63B21/00043, A63B21/072 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03525 Supports for both feet or both hands performing simultaneously the same movement, e.g. single pedal or single handle A63B21/0724 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/12 for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles bench press exercises A63B21/078; for teaching music G09B15/06
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1218 Chinning, pull-up, i.e. concentric movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1227 Dips, i.e. push-ups in a vertical position, i.e. eccentric movement, e.g. between parallel bars
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1263 Rotation about an axis passing through both shoulders, e.g. cross-country skiing-type arm movements

Abstract

An upper body exercise apparatus for assisting an exerciser in performing chin-ups and dips. The apparatus includes at least two securely yet releasably attached elastic stretch components connected to a substantially inelastic flexible component that functions as a suspended sling. The method of exercise is to engage part of the body within the sling to allow the elastic resistance to counteract a portion of the exercisers body weight and thus enable the exerciser to perform these effective body weight exercises with less effort than that required with the exerciser'"'"'s full body weight.

Claims

1. Exercise equipment including a chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus for use with an exerciser having a frontal lower leg and hands comprising:

an overhead chin-up exercise bar enabling the exerciser to execute standard full bodyweight chin-ups;

a chin-up assist apparatus comprising an elongated element having first and second ends, each of said first and second ends releasably attached to the overhead exercise bar thereby suspending the assist apparatus between the first and second ends;

said elongated element having at least one extensible elastomeric component;

a non-rigid, U-shaped sling adapted to receive therein the frontal lower leg between the ankle and the knee of the user;

said sling coupled to said at least one elastomeric component and positioned substantially centrally of the first and second ends;

wherein the at least one suspended elastomeric component provides an elastic resistance to create an upward force during performance of the chin/pull-up to offset a portion of an exerciser'"'"'s body weight and thereby assist the exerciser in performing the chin/pull-up.

2. The chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus of claim 1 wherein the overhead chin-up exercise bar comprises a standard bar.

3. The chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus of claim 1 wherein the overhead chin-up exercise bar is doorway mounted.

4. The chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus of claim 1 wherein the overhead chin-up exercise bar is integrated with other exercise stations as part of a multi-function exercise unit.

5. The chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus of claim 1 wherein a longitudinally hallow device having two ends is longitudinally fitted around the at least one extensible elastomeric component on each side of the U-shaped sling wherein the at least one extensible elastomeric component can stretch beyond the two ends of the longitudinally hollow device.

6. The chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus of claim 1 wherein the U-shaped sling is made of at least one type of water absorbing material or fabric such that when it is disengaged from the apparatus it can function as a gym towel.

7. The chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus of claim 1 wherein the U-shaped sling is releasably suspended from the overhead chin-up exercise equipment by at least one extensible elastomeric component attached between each end of the sling and the overhead chin-up exercise equipment.

8. The chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one extensible elastomeric component is exchangeable.

9. The chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus of claim 1 wherein suspension length adjustability is achieved by at least one of adjustable length components and spaced component attachment points on the apparatus.

10. Exercise equipment including a chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus for use with an exerciser having a frontal lower leg and hands comprising:

securely mountable, overhead chin-up exercise equipment including an overhead chin-up bar enabling the exerciser to execute standard full bodyweight chin-ups;

a chin-up assist apparatus comprising an elongated element having first and second ends, each of said first and second ends releasably attached to the chin-up equipment thereby suspending the assist apparatus between the first and second ends;

said elongated element having at least one extensible elastomeric component;

a non-rigid, U-shaped sling adapted to receive therein the frontal lower leg between the ankle and the knee of the user;

said sling coupled to said at least one elastomeric component and positioned substantially centrally of the first and second ends;

wherein the at least one suspended elastomeric component provides an elastic resistance to create an upward force during performance of the chin/pull-up to offset a portion of an exerciser'"'"'s body weight and thereby assist the exerciser in performing the chin/pull-up.

11. The chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus of claim 10 wherein a longitudinally hollow device having two ends is longitudinally fitted around the at least one extensible elastomeric component on each side of the U-shaped sling wherein the at least one extensible elastomeric component can stretch beyond the two ends of the longitudinally hollow device.

12. The chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus of claim 10 wherein the U-shaped sling is releasably suspended from the overhead chin-up exercise equipment by at least one extensible elastomeric component attached between each end of the sling and the overhead chin-up exercise equipment.

13. The chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus of claim 10 wherein the at least one extensible elastomeric component is exchangeable.

14. The chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus of claim 10 wherein suspension length adjustability is achieved by at least one of adjustable length components and spaced component attachment points on the apparatus.

15. Exercise equipment including a chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus for use with an exerciser having a frontal lower leg and hands comprising:

securely mounted, overhead chin-up exercise equipment including an overhead chin-up bar enabling the exerciser to execute standard full bodyweight chin-ups;

a chin-up assist apparatus comprising an elongated element having first and second ends, each of said first and second ends releasably attached to the chin-up equipment thereby suspending the assist apparatus between the first and second ends;

said elongated element having at least one extensible elastomeric component;

a non-rigid, U-shaped sling adapted to receive therein the frontal lower leg between the ankle and the knee of the user;

said sling coupled to said at least one elastomeric component and positioned substantially centrally of the first and second ends;

wherein the at least one suspended elastomeric component provides an elastic resistance to create an upward force during performance of the chin/pull-up to offset a portion of an exerciser'"'"'s body weight and thereby assist the exerciser in performing the chin/pull-up.

16. The chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus of claim 15 wherein the overhead chin-up exercise equipment is integrated with other exercise stations as part of a multi-function exercise unit.

17. The chin/pull-tip exercise assist apparatus of claim 15 wherein a longitudinally hollow device having two ends is longitudinally fitted around the at least one extensible elastomeric component on each side of the U-shaped sling wherein the at least one extensible elastomeric component can stretch beyond the two ends of the longitudinally hollow device.

18. The chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus of claim 15 wherein the U-shaped sling is releasably suspended from the overhead chin-up exercise equipment by at least one extensible elastomeric component attached between each end of the sling and the overhead chin-up exercise equipment.

19. The chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus of claim 15 wherein the at least one extensible elastomeric component is exchangeable.

20. The chin/pull-up exercise assist apparatus of claim 15 wherein suspension length adjustability is achieved by at least one of adjustable length components and spaced component attachment points on the apparatus.