EXERCISE DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING SAME

Abstract

A compact and portable exercise device, that can comprise a base frame portion, a first lower support member coupled with a first side of the base frame portion and extending upward from the first side of the base frame portion, a second lower support member coupled with a second side of the base frame portion and extending upward from the second side of the base frame portion, a first upper support member coupled with the first lower support member, and a second upper support member coupled with the second lower support member. Some embodiments of the device can also have a first handle member extending away from a front surface of the first lower support member, a second handle member extending away from a front surface of the second lower support member, and/or a bar extending at least between the first upper support member and the second upper support member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/757,943, filed Nov. 9, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The benefit of priority is claimed under the appropriate legal basis including, without limitation, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e).

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The disclosure relates to exercise equipment, in particular, to compact, multi-function strength training equipment.

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0003] There is an increase in the number of cases of obesity in the United States, and an increase in the awareness of health and fitness. Every year, more people engage in physical exercise for improved health, physical appearance, and increased lifespan. Common strength training indoor exercise methods may include resistance bands, body weight exercise, such as pull-ups and suspension training, and weight resistance training, such as with dumbbells and other free weights. A range of pull-up and home gym devices are available on the market. But, there are much fewer options for compact or portable training equipment that is multi-functional and freestanding--i.e., that provide multiple different training modalities for a user and which can be used without attachment to other support structures or support by other support structures (other than the ground). There exists a need for multi-functional strength training fitness equipment that is compact, portable, and free-standing.

SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0004] Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a compact, portable, and multi-function strength training device. For example and without limitation, some embodiments are directed to a compact and portable exercise device that can be used for a variety of exercises. Some embodiments of the device can have a base frame portion, a first lower support member coupled with a first side of the base frame portion and extending upward from the first side of the base frame portion, and a second lower support member coupled with a second side of the base frame portion and extending upward from the second side of the base frame portion. The device can also have a first upper support member coupled with the first lower support member and a second upper support member coupled with the second lower support member. In some embodiments, at least a lower portion of the first upper support member can be slidably receivable within an inside space of the first lower support member, and at least a lower portion of the second upper support member can be slidably receivable within an inside space of the second lower support member. Additionally, when the exercise device is in a collapsed state, the first upper support member can be almost entirely positioned within the inside space of the first lower support member and the second upper support member can be almost entirely positioned within the inside space of the second lower support member so as to minimize a height of the device when the device is in a collapsed state.

[0005] In any embodiments, the first upper support member can be selectively securable in a plurality of positions relative to the first lower support member and the second upper support member can be selectively securable in a plurality of positions relative to the second lower support member so that a height of the first and second upper support members are selectively securable in a plurality of heights. Additionally, the first and second handle members can be configured to support a body weight of a user grasping the first and second handle members with his or her hands and to enable the user to perform exercises.

[0006] In some embodiments, a first handle member can extend away from a front surface of the first lower support member, and a second handle member can extend away from a front surface of the second lower support member. In any embodiments, the first handle member can extend away from the front surface of the first lower support member near the top of the first lower support member. Additionally, any embodiments can have a bar extending at least between the first upper support member and the second upper support member.

[0007] Any embodiments of the exercise device disclosed herein can be compact, portable, and easy to assemble and/or set up. For example and without limitation, changing the exercise device from a collapsed state, in which the upper support members are retracted or stowed within the lower support members (hereinafter, the collapsed state), to the operable state, in which the upper support members are extended to an operable position, can be performed simply by removing a pin or fastener from either or both of the lower support members (i.e., the first lower support member and the second lower support member), lifting or extending the upper support members (i.e., the first upper support member and the second upper support member), and replacing or reinserting the pin or fastener. The pin or fastener can advance through one or more openings in the lower support members and one or more openings in the upper support members when the openings in the lower and upper support members are substantially aligned.

[0008] When the device is in the collapsed state, the device is compact and portable. The device can be taken with the user in his or her vehicle, recreational vehicle, car, van, truck, or otherwise so that the device can be used anywhere the user wishes to easily transport the device. Additionally, because the device is quickly and easily changed from a compact to an extended or operable state, the device can be stored in a much smaller space than would be required for conventional devices. This can permit the device to be easily stored in smaller spaces, such as closets, cabinets, corners, under tables or desks, in hotel rooms, etc.

[0009] Any embodiments of the exercise device disclosed herein can be used for bar dips, pull ups, triceps extensions, and/or any other exercises or combinations of exercises. Additionally, any embodiments can have an assistive element that can be used to make one or more of the exercises less difficult to perform by reducing the force resulting from a body weight of the user. The user can use his or her feet, knees, or other portions of the body to contact the assistive element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a compact, multi-function exercise device of the present disclosure, showing the exercise device in a first, extended or partially extended state.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, showing the exercise device in a second, compact state.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an embodiment of an assistive element coupled with the lower support elements.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a user doing a body weight exercise, such as a pull up exercise, on the device, the user having hands in a first position on an embodiment of a crossbar member and with his or her body in a first position.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a user doing a body weight exercise, such as a pull up exercise, on the device, the user having hands in a first position on the illustrated embodiment of the crossbar member and with his or her body in a second position.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a user doing a body weight exercise, such as a bar dip exercise, on the device, the user having hands in a first position on an embodiment of a first handle member and a second handle member, and with his or her body in a first position.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a user doing a body weight exercise, such as a bar dip exercise, on the device, the user having hands in a first position on an embodiment of a first handle member and a second handle member, and with his or her body in a first position.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a rear view of another embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a bicycle being supported by the components of an embodiment of a bicycle support element.

[0019] FIG. 9 is another rear view of an embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a bicycle being supported by the components of another embodiment of a bicycle support element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Embodiments of systems, components and methods of assembly and manufacture will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like or similar elements throughout. Although several embodiments, examples, and illustrations are disclosed below, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the inventions described herein extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples, and illustrations and can include other uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof, and combinations of any of the embodiments, features, and details of any of the embodiments disclosed herein with other of the embodiments disclosed herein. Additionally, it should be noted that the descriptions of all of the embodiments disclosed herein should be interpreted to include any of the features, components, and other details of any of the other embodiments disclosed here in combination with or in the alternative to any of the features, components, and other details explicitly described herein.

[0021] Therefore, any embodiments of the reentry catheters or components thereof disclosed herein can have any of the features, components, and/or other details of any of the other reentry catheter embodiments or components thereof disclosed herein, including the catheter embodiments and components thereof recited in the claims, to form additional embodiments having any combination of any of the features disclosed herein.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a compact, multi-function exercise device 100 of the present disclosure that can be used for a variety of exercises. As shown in FIG. 1, the exercise device is in a first, extended or partially extended state. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the exercise device 100 shown in FIG. 1, showing the exercise device 100 in a second, compact or collapsed (or partially collapsed) state. Any embodiments of the device can be usable in both the first and second states. However, where a user desires the upper portion of the device to be extended to a higher height for particular exercises (such as pull-ups), the user can quickly and easily configure the system to be in the first, extended state.

[0023] Some embodiments of the device 100 can have a base frame portion 102 having a first side or portion 104 and a second side or portion 106, a first lower support member 108 coupled with the first side 104 of the base frame portion 102 and extending upward from the first side 104 of the base frame portion 102, and a second lower support member 110 coupled with a second side 106 of the base frame portion 102 and extending upward from the second side 106 of the base frame portion 102 when the device 100 is in an operable state.

[0024] In any embodiments, the base frame portion 102 can have a first cross support member 105 and a second cross support member 107 extending from the first side of the base frame portion 104 to the second side of the base frame portion 106. Any of the members of the base frame portion 102 or the device that are secured or securable together can be secured using welds, fasteners, bolts, screws, brackets, or otherwise.

[0025] The device can also have a first upper support member 118 coupled with the first lower support member 108 and a second upper support member 120 coupled with the second lower support member 106. In some embodiments, at least a lower portion 118a of the first upper support member 118 can be slidably supported within an inside space or cavity 130 of the first lower support member 108, and at least a lower portion 120a of the second upper support member 120 can be slidably supported within an inside space or cavity 132 of the second lower support member 110.

[0026] Additionally, when the exercise device 100 is in a collapsed state, as shown in FIG. 2, the first upper support member can be almost entirely positioned within the inside space of the first lower support member and the second upper support member can be almost entirely positioned within the inside space of the second lower support member so as to minimize a height of the device when the device is in a collapsed state. This permits the device 100 to be much more easily transported, stored, etc.

[0027] The first and second upper support members 118, 120 can be extended to any of a range of different heights and can be secured in place using bolts or other fasteners, pole pins, friction locks, or otherwise. For example, in some embodiments, a user can simply twist one or more knobs or fasteners by hand that can tighten against the first and second upper support members 118, 120 to secure the first and second upper support members 118, 120 at the desired heights. In some embodiments, the knobs are fasteners can tighten against a plate or other object that has a larger surface area than the end of the fastener, so as to minimize the point force of the fastener and distribute the force about a larger area against the first and second upper support members 118, 120. The plate can have a plastic interface element to minimize denting, scratching, or other damage of the first and second upper support members 118, 120.

[0028] In any embodiments, the first upper support member 118 can be selectively securable in a plurality of positions relative to the first lower support member 108 and the second upper support member 120 can be selectively securable in a plurality of positions relative to the second lower support member 110 so that a height of the first and second upper support members 118, 120 are selectively securable in a plurality of heights.

[0029] In any embodiments, the first and second upper support members 118, 120 can be securable in a range of heights wherein the upper end portions 118b, 120b, respectively, of the first and second upper support members 118, 120 are from approximately 36 inches to approximately 96 inches (inclusive) from a ground surface, or from approximately 36 inches to approximately 78 inches (inclusive) from a ground surface, or from approximately 40 inches to approximately 72 inches (inclusive) from a ground surface, or between any values within these ranges. In any embodiments, the device can be configured such that the first and second upper support members 118, 120 are securable at a height in the second (extended) state wherein the upper end portions 118b, 120b, respectively, of the first and second upper support members 118, 120 is approximately twice the height of the upper end portions 118b, 120b in the first (collapsed) state, or from approximately 70% to approximately 95% greater than, or from approximately 85% to approximately 95% greater than the respective height when the device is in the first state.

[0030] Locking elements, which can comprise screws, bolts, balls and detents, pins, dowels, or any other suitable securing element, can be used to selectively secure the upper support members in the desired position. The locking elements can be supported by either the upper or the lower support members and can engage with one or both of the upper and lower support members. For example and without limitation, one or more pins can be advanced through openings in one or both of the upper and lower support members to secure the upper support members in the desired position relative to the lower support members.

[0031] Additionally, any embodiments can have a bar member 160 coupled directly or indirectly with the first and second upper support members 118, 120. The bar member can extend across the gap between the first upper support member 118 and the second upper support member 120. The bar member 160 can comprise a round bar that extends between the first and second upper support members 118, 120. Additionally, the bar member 160 can have any desired configuration in any embodiments. For example and without limitation, the bar (or any other components of the device) can be made from steel or any suitable metal or other material, and can be configured to support the body weight of any desired user. For example, the bar can be configured to support the weight of a 350 pound person, or as much as a 250 pound person, hanging from the bar.

[0032] In any embodiments (not shown), the bar member 160 can be supported directly by the first and second upper support members 118, 120. For example, the bar member 160 can pass through openings in the first and second upper support members. Alternatively, the bar member 160 can be supported on a first end by a first bar support element 172 that can be coupled with the first upper support member 118 and on a second end by a second bar support element 174 that can be coupled with the second upper support member 120. Locking elements which can comprise screws, bolts, pins, dowels, openings, channels, welds, and/or other suitable features can be used to secure the bar member in the desired position. The locking elements can be selectively reversible (so as to allow removal and/or repositioning of the bar member) or non-reversible.

[0033] In any embodiments, the bar member 160 can have any number of handles 162 (two being shown, but can have four or more) coupled with and projecting from a middle portion 161 of the bar member 160. As used herein, the middle portion 161 is used to describe the portion of the bar member extending between the first upper support member 118 and the second upper support member 120. Additionally, any embodiments can have end portions 164 extending laterally away from the first upper support member 118 and the second upper support member 120, configured to support the weight of the user. The end portions 164 can be angled down (as shown), horizontal, or otherwise.

[0034] Any embodiments can also have a removable, repositionable bar member that extends between the first side and the second side of the device at any desired height. For example and without limitation, a bar member (not shown) can extend between the first and second lower support members. In this configuration, the bar member can provide structural rigidity to the frame of the device. Additionally, the bar member in this position or configuration can be used to support the feet of the users so that the user can self-assist during one or more of the exercises by supporting a portion of the user's body weight with his or her feet and/or legs. Any embodiments of the bar member can be configured to clamp onto the lower support members, the upper support members, or both. Any embodiments can have two or more, three or more, or any number of bar members.

[0035] Additionally, any embodiments of the exercise device can have first and second handle members 146, 148 coupled with the first and second lower support members 108, 110. The first and second handle members 146, 148 can be configured to support a body weight of a user grasping the first and second handle members with his or her hands and to enable the user to perform different exercises or movements as compared to the bar member 160 or other gripping points on the device 100. In some embodiments, a first and second handle members 146, 148 can be coupled with an upper portion 108a and an upper portion 110a, respectively, of the lower support members 108, 110. The first and second handle members 146, 146 can extend straight way from the lower support members, can be curved, angled, or have any other configuration.

[0036] The handle members can extend away from a front surface 108b of the first lower support member 108 from a front surface 110b of the second lower support member 110. In any embodiments, the first and second handle members 146, 148 can be coupled with the lower support members using welds, bolts, screws, push-pins, or other suitable fasteners, pins fitting within openings, or otherwise. For example and without limitation, bolts or screws coupled with end portions of the handle members can be removably threadable within threaded openings in the lower support members so that the handle members can be easily and quickly assembled with the device and/or removed. Additionally, in any embodiments, the device can be configured such that the handle members can be coupled with the device at any desired height or position on the lower support members, the upper support members, or otherwise. The handle members can also be used to secure or lock (removably lock) the upper support members in the desired height or position relative to the lower support members. For example, end portions of the handle members can extend into the inside space or cavity within the lower support members and be engagable with openings or other features of the upper support members so as to selectively secure the upper support members in their desired positions.

[0037] In any embodiments disclosed herein wherein it is described that the first and second handle members 146, 148 can be coupled with the lower support members, the handle members can alternatively be coupled with the upper support members or any other portion of the frame or component of the device.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of the exercise device 100 shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an embodiment of an assistive element 200 (which can comprise two or more assistive components) coupled with the lower support elements. The assistive element or elements 200 can reduce the weight force of the user and stabilize the user during various exercises to enable a user to perform a wider range of exercises and/or perform a higher number of repetitions of particular exercises. FIG. 6 shows one example of how the assistive element 200 can be used for a bar dip exercise. The same assistive element 200 can be used for many more exercises, including pull-ups, etc.

[0039] In any embodiments, the assistive element can be removably coupled with the lower support elements, or any other portion of the device. For example and without limitation, the assistive element or elements can comprise elastic or non-elastic bands or members extending between the first and second lower support members, the assistive element being configured to support all or a portion of a user's body weight when a user places his or her feet, shins, legs, buttocks, or other portions of his or her body on the assistive element. Examples of suitable elastic bands include rubber bands like those used for resistance-based exercise, bungee cord material, or other stretchable, resilient material. Examples of suitable non-elastic bands include woven rope or strap material including nylon material, or other non-stretchable material.

[0040] In any embodiments, the assistive element 200 can be removably supportable by the device. For example and without limitation, the assistive element 200 can extend between a first support element 202 that can be removable or nonremovably coupled with the first lower support member 108 and a second support element 204 that can be removable or nonremovably coupled with the second lower support member 110. The support elements 202, 204 can be threadably coupleable with the lower support members, clamp to an outside surface of the lower support members, insert into openings formed in the lower support members, or otherwise. As shown, the support elements can have flanges, lips, or enlarged portions 202a, 204a formed thereon to inhibit the assistive element 200 from sliding off of or becoming disengaged from the support elements 202, 204.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a user doing a body weight exercise, such as a pull up exercise, on the device, the user having hands in a first position on an embodiment of a crossbar member and with his or her body in a first position. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a user doing a body weight exercise, such as a pull up exercise, on the device, the user having hands in a first position on the illustrated embodiment of the crossbar member and with his or her body in a second position. In this exercise, the user can repeatedly move between the lower and upper positions to exercise the muscles of the user's body.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a user doing a body weight exercise, such as a bar dip exercise, on the device, the user having hands in a first position on an embodiment of a first handle member and a second handle member, and with his or her body in a first position. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a user doing a body weight exercise, such as a bar dip exercise, on the device, the user having hands in a first position on an embodiment of a first handle member and a second handle member, and with his or her body in a first position. In this exercise, the user can repeatedly move between the lower and upper positions to exercise the muscles of the user's body.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a rear view of another embodiment of the exercise device 100 shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a bicycle B being supported by an embodiment of a bicycle support 230. In any embodiments, the bicycle support 230 can include a bicycle support member 240 removably coupleable with an upper support member (118 or 120) and a second support bracket 242 that can be used to support a rear wheel of the bicycle.

[0044] FIG. 9 is another rear view of an embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a bicycle B being supported by the components of another embodiment of a bicycle support element. As shown, the bicycle support member 240 can be at approximately the same height as the handle member 146. In some embodiments, the same fastener used to couple one or more of the handle members 146 to the first lower support member 108 can be used to couple the bicycle support member 240 to the first lower support member 108. In this arrangement, the bicycle can be positioned closer to ground level. The components of the bicycle support 230 can be positioned at any desired height or location on the exercise device desired.

[0045] The embodiments of the exercise device disclosed herein are compact and portable and can be configured to be easy to assemble and/or set up. For example and without limitation, changing the exercise device from a collapsed state, in which the upper support members are retracted or stowed within the lower support members (hereinafter, the collapsed state), to the operable state, in which the upper support members are extended to an operable position, can be performed simply by removing a pin or fastener from either or both of the lower support members (i.e., the first lower support member and the second lower support member), lifting or extending the upper support members (i.e., the first upper support member and the second upper support member), and replacing or reinserting the pin, fastener, or other locking element when the upper support members are in the desired positions. As mentioned, the pin or fastener can advance through one or more openings in the lower support members and one or more openings in the upper support members when the openings in the lower and upper support members are substantially aligned.

[0046] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the Figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined only by reference to the claims of the utility application. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the protection. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the present disclosure provides certain embodiments and applications, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including embodiments which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined only by reference to the appended claims or claims that will be added in the future.

[0047] Accordingly, although the present disclosure includes certain embodiments, examples and applications, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof, including embodiments which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments herein, and may be defined by claims as presented herein or as presented in the future. Finally, as used herein and unless otherwise stated, the term approximately is meant to represent a range of +/-10% of the stated value.

[0048] It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the herein-described embodiments, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims. Moreover, any of the steps described herein can be performed simultaneously or in an order different from the steps as ordered herein. Moreover, as should be apparent, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "could," "might," "may," "e.g.," and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0050] Moreover, the following terminology may have been used herein. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to an item includes reference to one or more items. The term "ones" refers to one, two, or more, and generally applies to the selection of some or all of a quantity. The term "plurality" refers to two or more of an item. The term "about" or "approximately" means that quantities, dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes and other characteristics need not be exact, but may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like and other factors known to those of skill in the art. The term "substantially" means that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

[0051] Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also interpreted to include all of the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of "about 1 to 5" should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but should also be interpreted to also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3 and 4 and sub-ranges such as "about 1 to about 3," "about 2 to about 4" and "about 3 to about 5," "1 to 3," "2 to 4," "3 to 5," etc. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value (e.g., "greater than about 1") and should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described. A plurality of items may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. Furthermore, where the terms "and" and "or" are used in conjunction with a list of items, they are to be interpreted broadly, in that any one or more of the listed items may be used alone or in combination with other listed items. The term "alternatively" refers to selection of one of two or more alternatives, and is not intended to limit the selection to only those listed alternatives or to only one of the listed alternatives at a time, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Claims

1. A compact and portable exercise device, comprising: a base frame portion; a first lower support member coupled with a first side of the base frame portion and extending upward from the first side of the base frame portion; a second lower support member coupled with a second side of the base frame portion and extending upward from the second side of the base frame portion; a first upper support member coupled with the first lower support member; a second upper support member coupled with the second lower support member; a first handle member extending away from a front surface of the first lower support member; a second handle member extending away from a front surface of the second lower support member; and a bar extending at least between the first upper support member and the second upper support member; wherein: at least a first portion of the first upper support member is slidably receivable within an inside space of the first lower support member; at least a first portion of the second upper support member is slidably receivable within an inside space of the second lower support member; when the exercise device is in a collapsed state, the first upper support member is almost entirely positioned within the inside space of the first lower support member and the second upper support member is almost entirely positioned within the inside space of the second lower support member so as to minimize a height of the device when the device is in a collapsed state; the first upper support member is selectively securable in a plurality of positions relative to the first lower support member and the second upper support member is selectively securable in a plurality of positions relative to the second lower support member so that a height of the first and second upper support members are selectively securable in a plurality of heights; and the first and second handle members are configured to support a body weight of a user grasping the first and second handle members with his or her hands and to enable the user to perform exercises.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein a length of the first portion of the upper support member is approximately equal to a length of the first lower support member.

3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the base frame portion comprises a first tube member extending from the first side of the base frame portion to the second side of the base frame portion, a second tube member extending from the first side of the base frame portion to the second side of the base frame portion and spaced apart from the first tube member

4. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein when the exercise device is in a collapsed state, the first upper support member is almost entirely positioned within the inside space of the first lower support member

5. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising an assistance device extending between the first lower support member and the second lower support member.

6. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising an assistance device configured to support a portion of the body weight of a user when the user's feet and/or knees are supported by the assistance device.

7. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a first brace member extending between the first lower support member and the base frame portion.

8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first handle member extends away from the front surface of the first lower support member near the top of the first lower support member and the second handle member extends away from the front surface of the second lower support member near the top of the second lower support member.