Multi-function exercise apparatus

Abstract

A multi-function exercise apparatus for conducting an exercise regimen with a single exercise apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may be readily reoriented via a selectively extensible caster and wheels to face a desired direction for performance of an exercise. The multi-function exercise apparatus may be provisioned with storage locations to maintain weights and other accessories with the apparatus, to equip the multi-function exercise with the necessary weights and accessories for performing a full body exercise regimen. An articulating frame assembly permits a cushion assembly to be raised in either of a partial tilting configuration and a full tilting configuration. In the partial tilting configuration, a seated exercise apparatus is provided. In the full tilting configuration, a full cushioned surface of the apparatus may be tilted to a desired vertical orientation for performance of other exercises with the apparatus.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-function exercise apparatus, comprising:
 a base assembly;   an articulating frame assembly supported by the base assembly, the articulating frame assembly comprising:
 an exterior frame element positioned on top of the base assembly and pivotally coupled to a first end of the base assembly, the exterior frame element operable for a full tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus; and 
 an interior frame element positioned on top of the base assembly and pivotally coupled to the exterior frame element, the interior frame element operable for a partial tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus; and 
   a cushion assembly carried on the articulating frame assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein in the full tilting configuration, the cushion assembly is maintained in a linear alignment with the exterior frame element. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein in the partial tilting configuration, a first cushion of the cushion assembly is maintained in a flat condition with the exterior frame element, defining a seat, and at least one other cushion of the cushion assembly is carried by the interior frame element, defining a backrest, when the interior frame element is raised in the partial tilting configuration. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the exterior frame element is movable in a first arc in the full tilting configuration and the interior frame element is movable in a second arc, opposite the first arc, when operated in the partial tilting configuration. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first support arm engageable with a first plurality of indexed engagement points defined in a spaced apart relation across a top surface of the base assembly.   
     
     
         6 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein, when engaged with a selected one of the first plurality of indexed engagement points, the interior frame element is supported at a selected partial tilting angle relative to the exterior frame element. 
     
     
         7 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second support engageable with a second plurality of indexed engagement points defined in a spaced apart relation along a top rail of the base assembly.   
     
     
         8 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein, when engaged with a selected one of the second plurality of indexed engagement points, the exterior frame element is supported at a selected full tilting angle relative to the base assembly. 
     
     
         9 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a pair of feet attached to a front end of the base assembly;   a pair of wheels attached to a rear end of the base assembly, opposite the pair of feet; and   a caster assembly mechanically coupled to the front end of the base assembly, the caster assembly operable to selectively position the caster assembly between a raised position and a lowered position, wherein in the lowered position, the base assembly is movable on the pair of wheels and the caster assembly, and in the raised position, the base assembly is supported by the pair of feet.   
     
     
         10 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a handle disposed at the front end of the base assembly; and   a plurality of linkages interconnecting the handle with the caster assembly, wherein operation of the handle positions the caster assembly between the raised position and the lowered position.   
     
     
         11 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 10 , where a lifting of the handle operates the caster assembly to the lowered position. 
     
     
         12 . A multi-function exercise apparatus, comprising:
 a base assembly;   an exterior frame element positioned on top of the base assembly and pivotally coupled to a front end of the base assembly, the exterior frame element operable for a full tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus; and   an interior frame element positioned on top of the base assembly and pivotally coupled to the exterior frame element, the interior frame element operable for a partial tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus; and   at least one cushion of a cushion assembly is carried on each of the exterior frame element and the interior frame element.   
     
     
         13 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a caster assembly mechanically coupled to the base assembly, the caster assembly operable to selectively position the base assembly between a lowered position and a raised position, wherein in the raised position, the base assembly is movable on the caster assembly.   
     
     
         14 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a handle coupled at the front end of the base assembly; and   a plurality of linkages interconnecting the handle with the caster assembly, wherein operation of the handle selectively positions the caster assembly between the raised position and the lowered position.   
     
     
         15 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 14 , where a lifting of the handle operates the caster assembly to support the base assembly in the raised position. 
     
     
         16 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein in the partial tilting configuration, a first cushion of the cushion assembly is maintained in a flat condition with the exterior frame element, defining a seat, and at least one other cushion of the cushion assembly is carried by the interior frame element, defining a backrest when the interior frame element is raised in the partial tilting configuration. 
     
     
         17 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the exterior frame element is movable in a first arc in the full tilting configuration and the interior frame element is movable in a second arc, opposite the first arc, in the partial tilting configuration. 
     
     
         18 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a first support arm engageable with a first plurality of indexed engagement points defined in a spaced apart relation across a top surface of the base assembly; and   a second support arm engageable with a second plurality of indexed engagement points defined in a spaced apart relation along a top rail of the base assembly.   
     
     
         19 . The multi-function exercise apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein, when engaged with a selected one of the first plurality of indexed engagement points, the interior frame element is supported at a selected partial tilting angle relative to the exterior frame element; and
 when engaged with a selected one of the second plurality of indexed engagement points, the exterior frame element is supported at a selected full tilting angle relative to the base assembly.   
     
     
         20 . A multi-function exercise apparatus, comprising:
 a base assembly;   an exterior frame element positioned on top of the base assembly and pivotally coupled to a front end of the base assembly, the exterior frame element operable for a full tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus about a first arc; and   an interior frame element positioned on top of the base assembly and pivotally coupled to the exterior frame element, the interior frame element operable for a partial tilting configuration of the multi-function exercise apparatus about a second arc opposite the first arc;   a caster assembly mechanically coupled to the front end of the base assembly; and   a handle coupled at a front end of the base assembly, wherein operation of the handle selectively positions the caster assembly between a raised and lowered position.