Patent Application
20180290007
The present invention relates to an adjustable exercise suspension system with a hanging weight to improve exercises and techniques for functional training, full body strength, mobility, flexibility, core strength, and other fitness workouts. Related methods for using the suspension system and exercising are also disclosed.
Numerous types of resistance training approaches have been used in the past for improving strength by targeting various muscle groups. One category of weight training equipment relies on a separate weight element of some type which provides the resistance. Weight lifting with “free weights” is highly favored for effectively working a great variety of muscle groups due to the unrestricted directional motions possible and involvement of the user's core. Free weight lifting uses barbells or dumbbells which the user must completely handle and stabilize on their own during the exercise motion. Although there is a wide range of exercise motions possible to work different muscle groups, some inexperienced or older users may have difficulty using and controlling the weight. This increases the risk of injury by either accidentally dropping the weight or overextension of the body part involved into an awkward position which may cause muscle or tendon tears.
Other lifting equipment utilizes a stack of confined weight plates which are restricted to vertical up/down movement by a rack. The weight stack is coupled to a cable pulley system including handles which are moved by a seated user to raise and lower the stack of weight plates. The range of exercise motion and groups of muscles which can be targeted is thus very limited, thereby requiring a specialized machine for each type of weight lifting exercise performed. This can become an expensive proposition particularly for a home user.
Another category of weight training equipment relies solely on resistance created by the user's own body weight for exercising. This includes various types of strap systems in which the straps are attached to some fixed object and the user holds the ends of the straps while pulling or lifting themselves against their own weight which provides the resistance. Resistance in this type system is thus limited by the user's own weight. In addition, traditional movements required in body weight strap training are foreign and awkward to infrequent exercisers compared to single muscle group focused exercises on plate loaded or selectively specialized weight machines. Although the only resistance is body weight, it is often difficult to maintain proper form and technique because of the high amount of core strength required to stabilize the entire body. Such conventional strap systems are therefore better adapted for use by advanced exercisers.
Yet another category of weight training equipment used substantially stretchable elastic rubber-like bands having an elastic memory to provide resistance for exercising. Such systems are limited by the elastic properties of the bands (e.g. spring constant). In addition, the variety of exercise motions and muscle groups which can be worked is very limited.
Improvements are desired in weight training equipment.
The present invention provides an adjustable exercise suspension system which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior exercise systems described above by replicating aspects of a free weight workout but with a degree of guided stable motion. The system generally includes a weight element suspended from one end of a length adjustable suspension strap assembly in a pendulum-like and stabilized manner. The other end of the suspension strap assembly which is attached to a fixed overhead support structure. The weight element provides the exercise resistance force and is interchangeable to allow the weight to be increased or decreased as desired by the user. During the weight lifting exercise routine, the user manually moves the suspended weight element from a first position to a second position. The weight element will follow an arcuate path attributable to the tensile force created in the suspension strap assembly by the weight which maintains the suspension strap assembly in a taut condition. The weight element is always supported at least partially by the suspension strap assembly during the exercise movement. Advantageously, the suspension strap assembly provides guided motion of the weight element in at least one plane of stability, thereby assisting the user and reducing risk of injury unlike handling “free weights.” If the user becomes fatigued or grip on the weight element slips, the suspension strap assembly holds the weight to eliminate drops which can be dangerous. Because the suspension strap assembly is typically used while the user's feet maintain some contact with the floor, the core of the user is always involved during the weight lifting routine to some degree which enhances the strength training benefits.
The present suspension strap assembly is designed to guide the user through free flowing strength exercises that are low impact and non-restrictive. With the freedom to add as much weight as desired and guided motion of the weight, the suspension strap assembly is advantageously functional for everything from physical therapy and rehabilitation, modest exercising, and high intensity performance workouts. A multi-axis pivot point formed by the overhead anchorage of the suspension strap assembly provides freedom of movement of the weight by the user with the added benefit of safely guided motion of the weight.
The exercise suspension system may typically be mounted to an overhead ceiling (via an anchor of some type), power rack, pull-up bar, rig, or other available support structure. A detachable weight strap connected to the bottom of the length adjustable suspension strap assembly of the suspension system is detachable, and can easily and securely wrap around a kettle bell, dumbbell, weight plate, or other form of common weight elements found in fitness centers. The detachable weight strap connects the weight element to the suspension strap assembly which freely suspends the weight above the ground or floor. Once the weight is suspended above the floor, the suspension strap assembly allows the user to move the weight freely in a guided manner assisted by the suspension strap assembly along the arcuate path in multiple directions and positions to perform many different exercises. The suspension system also allows the user to release or throw the weight away from the body as it automatically swings back to the vertical and returns to the user via pendulum action. This methodology is ideal for explosive, coordinated, and repetitive exercises.
When the weight element is moved away from the vertical axis of the suspension system, the downward force from gravity is divided between the suspension strap assembly and the user relative to the angle between the weight element and the vertical axis. When the user moves the weight element along arcuate path of travel during an exercise motions, the tensile force created in the suspension strap assembly by the weight element decreases with an increasing angle to the vertical axis because the user is providing an increasing amount of support which works the target muscle group.
The adjustable suspension system with hanging weight allows the user to simulate free weight training with a certain degree of restriction and control thereby providing a plane of stability that adds safety and control to the exercises. At a controlled height, the suspended weight element creates a unique and safe apparatus for an effective workout that gives users a greater sense of accomplishment and enjoyment in addition to the standard body weight suspension training exercises.
With the ability to attach weights of different sizes, the exercise suspension system disclosed herein allows users to vary the forces of gravity exerted on the user in several different manners: (1) Different size weights; (2) The angle of the weight along the suspension system arcuate path relative to the vertical axis; and (3) The angle of the user's body relative to the angle of the suspension system. With different weight types attached to the suspension system, the user can provide varied handholds thus giving a comprehensive workout for grip strength and target specific muscles. The attachable weight elements can include but are not limited to kettle bells, dumbbells, weight plates, barbells, medicine balls, center mass balls, etc.
With adjustable height and weight, the present adjustable exercise suspension system with hanging weight provides an effective workout for any fitness level. It provides a wide variety of exercise options with the user standing, sitting, planking, or laying down. It is ideal for elite athletes who can add heavy weights for explosive exercises or muscle specific isolation work. It is also beneficial for the every day exerciser to use with lighter weight to focus on functional training, flexibility, and coordination.
By varying the length of the suspension strap assembly which controls the height of the weight element relative to the user and floor, different muscle groups can be targeted for exercise. For example, adjusting the suspension strap assembly to position the weight element at chest height can target and work the chest, shoulders, jammers, triceps, legs, and core. Positioning the weight element at hip height can target and work the biceps, back, legs, and core. Positioning the weight element at calf height can target and work the planks and core.
The free movement of the exercise suspension system with hanging weight allows users to perform twisting, pressing, pushing, pulling, jamming, balancing, and explosive workouts with a high degree of flexibility and safety. Unlike traditional plate loaded or cable machines, the suspension system with attached weight is less restrictive and allows a more natural free flowing movement. Unlike traditional free weights, the system also provides an extra bit of planar restriction for stability and safety in motion. Advantageously, the exercise suspension system also provides users with a simple and easy way to safely remove the weight from themselves and stop the exercise by simply returning the weight to the vertical position without dropping or slamming the weights to the ground. This enhances the safety of the weight lifting routine. Unlike traditional strap suspension systems, limited by the weight of the user which provides the resistance force for exercise, different size and/or types of weight elements can be readily added and removed to allow for more than just body weight exercises.
In one aspect, a method for exercising using an exercise suspension system with tethered weight comprises: providing a length-adjustable suspension strap assembly attached at one end to a fixed overhead support structure and at an opposite end to a detachable weight element, the suspension strap assembly comprising a plurality of straps detachably connected together, wherein the weight element is suspended from the overhead support structure creating a tensile force in the suspension strap assembly; manually moving the weight element in a first direction from a first position to a second position along a first arcuate path in a first plane of stable motion; and returning the weight element from the second position to the first position; wherein the weight is supported and guided during movement along the first arcuate path by the suspension strap assembly.
In another aspect, a method for exercising using an exercise suspension system with tethered weight comprises: providing a length-adjustable suspension strap assembly attached at one end to a fixed overhead support structure, the suspension strap assembly comprising a plurality of flexible straps including: (i) an elongated adjustable strap sub-assembly comprising: an adjustment strap including a top end terminated with a first carabiner and a lower section slideably threaded through a selectively lockable adjustment side of a cam buckle, and a connector strap having a top end fixedly attached to a fixed side of the cam buckle and a bottom end terminated with a loop; (ii) an extension strap including a first end terminated with a D-ring and a second end terminated with a loop, and wherein a medial portion of the extension strap between the first and second ends is wrapped around the overhead support structure, and the D-ring and loop of the extension strap are each coupled to the first carabiner of the adjustment strap; (iii) a weight strap including a top end terminated with a second carabiner coupled to the connector strap of the adjustable suspension strap assembly and a permanently closed continuous securement loop extending downwards from the top end of the weight strap; and (iv) a weight element suspended from the weight strap and creating a tensile force which forms a taut condition of the suspension strap assembly; manually moving the weight element in a first direction from a first position to a second position along a first arcuate path in a first plane of stable motion; and returning the weight element from the second position to the first position; wherein the weight is supported and guided during movement along the first arcuate path by the suspension strap assembly.
In another aspect, a method for exercising using an exercise suspension system with tethered weight comprises: providing a length-adjustable suspension strap assembly attached at one end to a fixed overhead support structure, the suspension strap assembly comprising a plurality of flexible straps including: (i) an elongated length adjustable strap sub-assembly comprising: an adjustment strap forming a permanently closed continuous loop, the adjustment strap including a top end terminated with a first carabiner and a lower section slideably threaded through a selectively lockable adjustment side of a cam buckle, and a connector strap having a top end fixedly attached to a fixed side of the cam buckle and a bottom end terminated with a loop; (ii) a weight strap including a top end terminated with a second carabiner coupled to the connector strap of the adjustable suspension strap assembly and a permanently closed continuous securement loop extending downwards from the top end of the weight strap; and (iii) a weight element suspended from the weight strap and creating a tensile force which forms a taut condition of the suspension strap assembly; manually moving the weight element in a first direction from a first position to a second position along a first arcuate path in a first plane of stable motion while maintaining the taut condition of the suspension strap assembly; and returning the weight element from the second position to the first position; wherein the weight is supported and guided during movement along the first arcuate path by the suspension strap assembly.
The features of the exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings in which like elements are labeled similarly, and in which:
All drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale. Parts given a reference numerical designation in one figure may be considered to be the same parts where they appear in other figures without a numerical designation for brevity unless specifically labeled with a different part number and described herein.
The features and benefits of the present disclosure are illustrated and described herein by reference to exemplary (“example”) embodiments. This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. Accordingly, the present disclosure expressly should not be limited to such embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the claimed invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.
In the description of embodiments disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as “attached,” “coupled,” “affixed,” “connected,” “interconnected,” and the like refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise in a more limiting manner.
As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.
The overhead support structure 100 may be any indoor or outdoor structure which can provide sturdy anchorage for mounting the suspension strap assembly 22 thereto in a suspended manner. Examples of support structures 100 include without limitation a flat concrete ceiling to which an anchor 105 may be attached such as via fasteners for coupling the suspension strap assembly 22 thereto (see, e.g.
With additional reference to
Referring momentarily to
Referring back now to
In one alternative embodiment, adjustment strap 31 may be configured to form a closed continuous loop of adjustment strap 31 by sewing the free end 61 of the strap onto a portion of the strap itself so that there are no free ends remaining. This eliminates any loose hanging tails of the strap 31.
The fixed side 82 of the cam buckle 80 defines a slot 85 for attaching the fixed length connector strap 33. Connector strap 33 has a top end threaded through slot 85 and is permanently attached to the cam buckle 80 via a sewn-in loop 37. The opposite bottom end of connector strap 33 also includes a sewn-in loop 38. In one embodiment, loop 38 captures a D-ring 39 for attaching the weight strap 50. In other embodiments, the weight strap 50 may be attached directly to loop 38 without a D-ring. Connector strap 33 has a length substantially less than adjustment strap 31 in one embodiment.
In some embodiments, a one or multiple fixed ring loops 90 and slideable ring loops 91 may optionally be provided for organizing and gathering excess length of adjustment strap 31 after the length of the adjustment strap is adjusted by the user (see, e.g.
Referring to
Referring initially to
The weight element 110 may have numerous configurations such as shown in
The suspension strap assembly 22 of the present exercise suspension system 20 may be assembled in accordance with the following method in one embodiment. Other variations in the following steps and sequence, however, may be used. In one scenario, the carabiner 34 of the adjustment strap 31 of the adjustable strap sub-assembly 30 may be directly attached to the overhead support structure 100 if amenable in configuration for direct coupling to the carabiner (i.e. no intermediate elements) and where the added length of the extension strap 70 might not be needed.
The height at which the weight element 110 is positioned above the floor 103 may next be adjusted using the cam buckle 80 of the adjustment strap 31. Assuming the cam buckle 80 was previously in the locked position prior to assembling the straps in the manner described above, the cam plate 83 of the buckle is first pivoted and unlocked to allow the adjustment strap 31 to slide through the adjustment side 81 of the cam buckle. To shorten the adjustment strap 31, the cam buckle may be pulled or pushed upward along the adjustment strap to achieve the desired length of the strap and height of the weight element 110. The cam plate 83 is then pivoted and re-locked to secure the adjustment strap 31 and weight element in position. To lengthen the adjustment strap 31, the foregoing process is reversed in which the cam buckle 80 is unlocked, pulled downward instead along the adjustment strap to the desired position, and re-locked. A continuum of possible adjustment strap 31 lengths and mounting heights of weight element 110 is obtainable in the foregoing manner.
When the weight element 110 is in an angular position relative to vertical axis VA, it bears noting that the tensile force F in suspension strap assembly 22 decreases the farther the position of the weight deviates from axis VA representing a free hanging position of the weight. This is attributable to the fact that the user is providing some support for the weight element 110 as it moves away from vertical. The tensile force F is at a maximum in
Each pair of views shown in
While the foregoing description and drawings represent exemplary (“example”) embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope and range of equivalents of the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. In addition, numerous variations in the methods/processes as applicable described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof, and not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.
The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/483,634 filed Apr. 10, 2017; the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62483634 | Apr 2017 | US |
