FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of athletic equipment. More specifically, the invention is in the subfield of exercise anchors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Athletics, jobs that require physical labor, and day-to-day activities often result in injuries to participants, particularly to muscles, tendons, joints, and other soft tissues. The severity of these injuries may vary widely, from minor injuries that may heal on their own to more serious injuries that require surgical repair. For many injuries, regardless of severity, physical therapy and rehabilitation are an integral part of the healing process and recovery of strength, range of motion, and flexibility. Patients may be given or instructed to purchase resistance bands or similar products for use at home, facilitating exercise and physical therapy to regain full use of the injured joint or limb. These resistance bands are then commonly attached to door knobs, bedposts, or the like to provide anchors for exercise. However, door knobs, bedposts, and other existing fixtures for resistance bands can be unstable, difficult to secure, and may be unsightly or have reduced function because of the presence of resistance bands or other exercise equipment. Additionally, resistance bands have also gained favor with people who seek to maintain their physical fitness, improve their strength, or both. Sporting goods stores, online vendors and other retailers selling sporting equipment now typically offer such bands for sale.
As such, there is a need in the art for a simple, easy to use exercise anchor that may work with a wide variety of elastic or exercise bands and which may be easily and securely mounted in the home, be portable for travel, or be used in other indoor settings without incurring damage or interfering with the normal use of doors or other items or structural components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides an exercise anchor which may be affixed to, or integrated with, a door hinge. The exercise anchor provides a stable attachment point for resistance bands and other exercise or fitness implements and secures them to the frame of a door, which tends to be a sturdy and secure part of most home or building construction. The exercise anchor provides a convenient, easy to install mechanism with a band catch that allows a user to capture a variety of different types of resistance bands or similar exercise implements. The anchor may be retrofitted to existing door hinges or may be integrated into a new hinge. When affixed to the door frame, the exercise anchor has a strong, stable platform that does not require the location of a stud or any damage or changes to the wall, door frame, or door to ensure adequate support and overcomes the possibility of an object, such as a bedpost or other furniture, moving during exercise from force exerted on the band or other implement.
The present invention exercise anchor may be provided in a number of variations, including with differing numbers or geometries of band catch, extra supporting structures, structures for preventing damage to surrounding materials, and anti-pull-out mechanisms to provide additional security and to prevent inadvertent removal of the exercise anchor during use.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the instant specification, illustrate several aspects and embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description herein, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are provided only for the purpose of illustrating select embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.
FIGS. 1A-1C provide schematic depictions of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise anchor for mounting to a door hinge.
FIGS. 2A and 2B provide schematic depictions of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise anchor installed on a door hinge.
FIG. 3 provides a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise anchor mounted in conjunction with a cap lock.
FIG. 4 provides a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise anchor with a key and keyway for indexing its position.
FIG. 5 provides a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise anchor with an integrated hinge pin.
FIGS. 6A and 6B provide schematic depictions of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise anchor with an integrated hinge pin and a cap lock with retainer pin.
FIG. 7 provides a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise anchor with an integrated hinge leaf.
FIG. 8 provides a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise anchor with a spring-loaded joint.
FIG. 9 provides a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise anchor with a pivot joint.
FIGS. 10A-10C provide schematic depictions of exemplary embodiments of exercise anchors with different band catch geometries.
FIG. 11 provides a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise anchor with bump pads.
FIGS. 12-15 provide schematic depictions of exemplary embodiments of exercise anchors with differing numbers and arrangements of band catches.
FIGS. 16A-16C provide schematic depictions of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise anchor with a lower anchor brace.
FIGS. 17A-17C provide schematic depictions of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise anchor with lower and upper anchor braces.
FIGS. 18-20 provide schematic depictions of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise anchor with a hinge capture.
FIGS. 21 and 22 provide schematic depictions of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise anchor with a hinge capture installed on a hinge.
FIG. 23A provides a schematic depiction of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise anchor with a hinge capture mounted through a pivot.
FIGS. 23B and 23C provide schematic depictions of exemplary embodiments of an exercise anchor with a telescoping hinge capture.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
FIGS. 1A-1C provide depictions of an exercise anchor 10 for use with a door hinge and hinge pin. The exercise anchor 10 may comprise a base 24 with a hinge pin aperture 26 in communication with a band catch 20 that, in conjunction with the base 24, defines a band catch aperture 22. The hinge pin aperture 26 may be sized or shaped as necessary to fit one or more sizes of hinge pins commonly available on the market or existing in homes, other dwellings, and other buildings such as hotels and the like. For instance, the hinge pin aperture 26 may be provided as a standard size to accept standard door hinges found in most residential buildings.
Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, the exercise anchor 10 may be formed from a single piece of material. The base 24 may be of generally rectangular section to provide a stable mating point for the exercise anchor 10 to a door hinge through the hinge pin aperture 26. However, it should be appreciated that the base 24 may have any shape of cross section as necessary to adapt the base 24 to a particular hinge, hinge pin, or mounting position. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the base 24 may have a cross section that is rectangular, square, hexagonal, triangular, or any regular or irregular shapes. The base 24 may also have a cross section that is a combination of curved and flat or planar portions. In particular, the base 24 may include one or more flat or planar sections positioned to engage or interface with a hinge, hinge pin, or hinge pin head to provide extra stability to the exercise anchor 10 when mounted on a hinge during use. The material may then transition from generally rectangular section in the base 24 to generally round or circular section at or around the location where the material begins to curve upward and form the band catch 20. It should be appreciated that the cross section of the band catch may be circular, oval, or any other shape with a smooth curvature to prevent the formation of sharp edges or corners that may catch or wear an exercise band. The band catch 20 may comprise a curved shape that arcs up and back towards the base 24 where the free end of the band catch 20 and the base 24 define the band catch aperture 22. It should be appreciated that the arc of the band catch 20 should be sufficient such that the free end of the band catch 20 begins to approach the upper surface of the base 24 to form the band catch aperture 22 and that the arc of the band catch 20 and, subsequent size of the band catch aperture 22, may be selected to allow for a variety of exercise bands commonly available to pass through the band catch aperture 22 while still having sufficient space to capture a band within the band catch 20. The arc of the band catch 20 may be any shape or curvature as desired or required, including arcs of constant or varying curvature. However, it should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the band catch 20 may have a smooth curvature along its length to prevent the catching or wearing of an exercise band. The arc and wrap of the band catch 20 serves to locate the band catch aperture 22 away from the direction of the user to ensure that any resistance band or exercise implement installed on the exercise anchor 10 will not be pulled or manipulated out of the band catch 20 while in use. The band catch aperture 22 allows a user to insert or otherwise install a resistance band or other exercise implement into the band catch 20 by sliding the band material or an eyelet in communication with the band through the band catch aperture 22 where it may be captured by the band catch 20. In this position, a user may pull on or otherwise manipulate one or more ends of the resistance band while it is anchored to a door hinge through the exercise anchor 10 while captured within the band catch 20. The generally rounded or circular cross section of the band catch 20 allows the user to pull an exercise band in multiple directions with relation to the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10 and to pivot the resistance band around the band catch 20 without fraying or damaging the resistance band material. Further, the hinge pin aperture 26 may permit the exercise anchor 10 to readily swivel to the direction of the vector from which force is applied through the exercise band, avoiding any unintended change in resistance or range of motion of the user.
FIGS. 2A and 2B provide depictions of an exercise anchor 10 about to be installed onto a standard residential door hinge and fully installed onto a standard residential door hinge 33, respectively. The exercise anchor 10, which may comprise a base 24 incorporating a hinge pin aperture 26 in communication with a band catch 20 that may arc upward and back around to form a band catch aperture 22 in conjunction with the base 24. To install the exercise anchor 10, a user may separate or otherwise remove the hinge pin 30 from an existing door hinge 33. The user may then position the exercise anchor 10 such that the hinge pin aperture 26 is in alignment with the channel in the hinge 33 formed between the knuckles 34 of the two hinge leaves 32 and reinstall the hinge pin 30 through the hinge pin aperture 26 and the knuckles 34 of the hinge leaves 32. The hinge pin 30 then secures the exercise anchor 10 to the upper portion of the hinge 33 and reconnects the individual leaves 34 of the hinge 33 to provide an axle for rotation of the hinge 33 about the hinge pin 30. In certain embodiments, the sizing of the hinge pin aperture 26 may be selected to provide a clearance fit or an interference fit between the hinge pin 30 and the hinge pin aperture 26 to allow for rotation of the exercise anchor 10 about the hinge pin 30 or to prevent rotation of the exercise anchor 10 about the hinge pin 30, respectively. In the installed configuration, a user may affix or otherwise retain a resistance band or other exercise implement in the band catch 20 of the exercise anchor 10. During use, the exercise anchor 10 will transfer the force of the user pulling or manipulating the resistance band or exercise implement into the hinge pin 30, and subsequently through the hinge leaf 32 that is secured to the framing of the door. It should be appreciated that when in use, the exercise anchor 10 may transfer load to the door frame only through the hinge leaf 32 that is directly affixed to the door frame, such as when the door is open, or it may transfer all or a portion of the load to the door frame through both hinge leaves 32 in the case of a door that is closed to engage the door frame around its perimeter.
The exercise anchor 10 may be provided as a separate unit, or it may be provided as a kit with an extended hinge pin 30 to allow for the extra thickness of the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10 while still extending through the entire length of the channel formed by the knuckles 34 of the hinge leaves 32. This kit may also include one or more hinge leaves 32 as a complete hinge unit for installation on a door. Furthermore, the hinge pin 30 may be provided with more than one shaft diameter or with a taper to the shaft diameter such that it provides clearance between the shaft of the hinge pin 30 and the hinge knuckles 34 on its lower portion, but provides an interference fit with the hinge pin aperture 26 of the exercise anchor 10, the upper knuckle 34 of the hinge 33, or both. These varying shaft diameters may be used to allow rotation of the hinge leaves 32 but secure the exercise anchor 10 in one radial position about the rotation axis of the hinge 33.
Still referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the exercise anchor 10 may include a female thread inside the hinge pin aperture 26. The exercise anchor 10 may then be provided, either as a kit or with accessories, such as one or more specialized hinge pins 30 which may include a threaded portion on the shaft of the hinge pin 30 near the hinge pin 30 head adapted to mate with the threads of the hinge pin aperture 26. The threaded hinge pin 30 may then be screwed into or otherwise affixed to the exercise anchor 10 via the threaded connection with the hinge pin aperture 26. The exercise anchor 10 can then function with a number of specialized hinge pins 30, which may have a fixed diameter at the threaded portion, while the shaft below the threaded portion of the hinge pin 30 may be of a different diameter for each specialized hinge pin 30. A single exercise anchor 10 with a fixed size of hinge pin aperture 26 may then mate with several specialized hinge pins 30 with different shaft diameters below the threaded portion of the specialized hinge pin 30 to fit with a variety of different hinge sizes that may be commonly found in homes, buildings, or other structures. In certain embodiments, the shaft diameter below the threaded portion of the specialized hinge pin 30 may be smaller to allow for insertion of the specialized hinge pin 30 from above. In these embodiments, the threads of the specialized hinge pin 30 or hinge pin aperture 26 may be adapted to limit the penetration of the hinge pin 30 into the hinge pin aperture 26 to a certain depth. Similarly, the hinge pin 30 head may interfere with the surface of the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10 or a countersink in the surface of the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10. In other embodiments, the shaft of the specialized hinge pin 30 may be larger in diameter than the threaded portion and may be adapted for insertion into the hinge pin aperture 26 from below. The shoulder of the larger shaft diameter of the specialized hinge pin 30 may then interfere with the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10 to limit the penetration of the hinge pin 30 into the hinge pin aperture 26. It should be appreciated that the hinge pin 30 may include features such as slots or other features adapted for use with commonly available screwdrivers, bit drivers, wrenches, or other tools. Once the specialized hinge pin 30 with the appropriate shaft diameter is secured to the hinge pin aperture 26 of the exercise anchor 10 may be installed into a hinge as a complete unit. It should be appreciated that the threaded specialized hinge pin 30 may be provided in different lengths to adapt the exercise anchor 10 to hinges that require hinge pins 30 of differing lengths.
FIG. 3 provides a depiction of an exercise anchor 10 that may be installed on the top or bottom side of a door hinge. The exercise anchor 10, which may comprise a base 24 with a hinge pin aperture 26 in communication with a band catch 20 that may form a band catch aperture 22 in conjunction with the base 24, may also be installed on the lower end of a hinge. This bottom mounting position may allow for extra clearance of the band catch 20 when the hinge is located close to a ceiling, or for mounting the exercise anchor 10 to the lower hinge of a door for exercises or physical therapy wherein a user pulls or otherwise manipulates the resistance band or other exercise implement in an upward direction that may tend to pull the hinge pin 30 away from the channel formed by the knuckles 34 of the hinge leaves 32.
The exercise anchor 10 may include or may be configured to work in conjunction with a hinge pin 30 that includes a cap lock 36, herein illustrated as a cap screw or other fastener adapted to engage a female threaded aperture at the lower end of the hinge pin 30 shaft. It should be appreciated that the cap lock 36 may be any type of mechanical fastener or locking mechanism that may prevent the removal of the hinge pin 30 from the hinge without the release of the cap lock 36. A user may then install the exercise anchor 10 by installing the hinge pin 30 into the knuckles 34 of the hinge leaves 32 as with a standard hinge pin, then align and install the exercise anchor 10 onto the portion of the shaft of the hinge pin 30 that extends below the hinge knuckles 34 and secure it with the cap screw 36 or other fastener. The hinge pin 30 and cap screw 36 or other fastener may include one or more features for allowing rotation of the hinge but preventing rotation of the exercise anchor 10. For example, the hinge pin 30 or cap screw 36 may incorporate one or more tapers, shaft diameters, collars, or features that allow for an interference fit of the hinge pin 30 with the upper knuckle 34 of the hinge leaves 32 and an interference fit with the exercise anchor 10 hinge pin aperture 26 and lower knuckle 34 of the hinge leaves 32 but a clearance fit with the internal knuckles 34 of the hinge leaves 32. The hinge pin 30 may then allow for rotation of the internal knuckles 34 of the hinge leaves 32 but prevent rotation of the hinge pin 30 itself and the exercise anchor 10. In certain embodiments, this type of function may include a larger diameter or taper at the upper end of the hinge pin 30 to engage the upper hinge knuckle 34. The hinge pin 30 itself may then be shorter, with a cap screw 36 or other fastener that is extended to accept the exercise anchor 10 and extend up into the lower portion of the hinge. The cap screw 36 or other fastener may then also engage the hinge pin aperture 22, lower hinge knuckle 34, or both with a taper or larger diameter near the head of the cap screw 36 or other fastener. It should be appreciated that a similar locking function may be provided by sizing the individual knuckles 34 of the hinge leaves 32 such that the upper and lower knuckles 34 are sized for an interference fit while the internal knuckles 34 are sized for clearance around the hinge pin 30 shaft, cap screw 36 or other fastener, or both. It should also be appreciated that the hinge pin 30, hinge pin aperture 26, or both may be sized to allow the exercise anchor 10 to freely rotate about the hinge pin 30 to follow the exercise motions of a user or to be aligned as desired or required for a particular application or mounting location.
FIG. 4 provides a depiction of an exercise anchor 10 with a hinge pin 30 and hinge leaf 32 adapted for indexing the exercise anchor 10 in a particular radial position about the axis of rotation of a hinge. The exercise anchor 10, which may comprise a base 24 with a hinge pin aperture 26 in communication with a band catch 20, may include an anchor key 40 or other feature extending from the wall of the hinge pin aperture 26 towards the open center of the hinge pin aperture 26. Similarly, a hinge leaf 32 may incorporate a hinge key 42 or other feature extending toward the inner portion of a hinge knuckle 34. The hinge pin 30 may then incorporate one or more keyways 38 adapted to accept the anchor key 40 of the exercise anchor 10 and the hinge key 42 of the hinge knuckle 34. During installation, a user may locate the anchor key 40 of the hinge pin aperture 26 and the hinge key 42 of the hinge knuckle 34 to lock the exercise anchor 10 in a particular, indexed position. The engagement of the hinge pin keyway 38 with the hinge key 42 will prevent rotation of the hinge pin 30, while the engagement of the anchor key 40 in the hinge pin aperture 26 with the hinge pin keyway 38 will prevent further rotation of the exercise anchor 10. A user may choose to install the anchor key 40 and the hinge key 42 in the same hinge pin keyway 38, or in different hinge pin keyways 38 to alter or change the radial position of the exercise anchor 10 to provide a position for a particular type of exercise or to ensure clearance between the exercise anchor 10 and the movement of the door. It should be appreciated that a hinge key 42 is only necessary in one or more knuckles 34 of one hinge leaf 32 to allow the hinge pin 30, and any components keyed to it, to rotate with respect to the other hinge leaf 32 (not shown). The hinge leaves 32 may then be selected or otherwise adapted such that the locking action of the keyed hinge pin 30 with the exercise anchor 10 and hinge leaf 32 locks the exercise anchor 10 in a fixed position by affixing the hinge leaf 32 with the hinge key 42 to the door frame, or locks the exercise anchor 10 in a rotating position that is fixed in its relation to the moving door by affixing or otherwise attaching the keyed hinge leaf 32 to the door.
FIGS. 5-7 provide depictions of exercise anchors 10 that incorporate one or more features of a door hinge into the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10. The exercise anchor 10, which may comprise a base 24 in communication with a band catch 20 that may wrap upward and around to form a band catch aperture 22 in conjunction with the base 24, may incorporate an integrated hinge pin 52 at the end of the base 24 opposing the band catch 20, as shown in FIGS. 5-6. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7, the exercise anchor 10 may incorporate or be otherwise permanently or semi-permanently affixed or attached to the knuckle 34 of an integrated hinge leaf 54. In certain embodiments, the exercise anchor 10 may be affixed or otherwise attached to the main body of the integrated hinge leaf 54.
Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the exercise anchor 10 with an integrated hinge pin 52 may include additional features to more securely mount the exercise anchor 10 to a hinge or door. For example, the integrated hinge pin 52, which may be affixed or otherwise attached to the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10 at its upper end, may include a threaded section at its lower end which may engage with a cap lock 36, herein illustrated as an elongated, circular nut. However, it should be appreciated that the cap lock 36 may be any type of fastener or locking mechanism intended to prevent the removal of the integrated hinge pin 52 from a hinge or door without the removal of the cap lock 36. The cap lock 36 may also incorporate or otherwise include a lock slot 37 and a corresponding retainer pin 35. When installed into a hinge, the exercise anchor 10 may be secured with the cap lock 36 to prevent removal of the exercise anchor 10 from the hinge. To prevent the cap lock 36 from unintentionally loosening or unscrewing during use, the retainer pin 35 may be inserted through the lock slot 37 and into an aperture in the integrated hinge pin 52. The retainer pin 35 then may prevent the rotation of the cap lock 36 during use, maintaining a secure mounting of the exercise anchor 10 to the door hinge. The retainer pin 35 may be a wire, pin, cotter pin, or any other mechanism that may be inserted into the lock slot 37 and subsequently into an aperture (not shown) in the integrated hinge pin to prevent loosening or rotation of the cap lock 36. The exercise anchor 10 may also include one or more washers 53 or other bearing surfaces to allow for rotation of the exercise anchor 10 about the hinge while reducing friction, distributing the load of the exercise anchor 10, and reducing marring or damage to the door hinge.
FIGS. 8 and 9 provide depictions of exercise anchors 10 with joints that allow for positioning or articulation of portions of the exercise anchor 10 when installed onto a door hinge. The exercise anchor 10, which may comprise a base 24 in communication with an anchor base extension 56 with a hinge pin aperture 26. It should be appreciated that the exercise anchor 10 may include an integrated hinge pin, integrated hinge leaf, or other similar devices in place of or in addition to the hinge pin aperture 26. A band catch 20 affixed or otherwise attached to the base 24 may be configured to form a band catch aperture 22 in conjunction with the base 24
Referring to FIG. 8, the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10 may be affixed or otherwise attached to the anchor base extension 56 through a spring bar 58 or other mechanism and one or more indexed mating surfaces 60. The spring bar 58 or other mechanism allows a user to pull the base 24 and band catch 20 away from the anchor base extension 56 and open the indexed joint formed by the indexed mating surfaces 60. The user may then rotate the band catch 20 about a central axis 28 of the base 24 into a new orientation or position. When the user releases the band catch 20, the spring bar 58 will close the joint and the indexed mating surfaces 60 will interlock to secure the band catch 20 in that position. It should be appreciated that the spring bar 58 may be any mechanism or structure that is adapted to allow the base 24 to be separated from the anchor base extension 56 and rotated about the central axis 28.
Referring to FIG. 9, the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10 may be rotatably affixed or otherwise attached to the anchor base extension 56 through a pivot 62 or other rotating joint. The pivot 62 may allow the base 24, and subsequently the band catch 20, of the exercise anchor 10 to pivot about an axis parallel to the hinge pin axis. The pivot axle 62 may allow for free movement so that the band catch 20 may articulate or move during exercise, or it may be indexed or have a friction fit or other locking feature that allows a user to set the band catch 20 in position and have it remain stable during exercise. The exercise anchor 10 with pivot 62 may be adapted for use in tight confines or where obstructions near or around the door hinge necessitate further extension and articulation of the band catch 20 away from the hinge where the exercise anchor 10 is mounted.
FIGS. 10A-10C provide depictions of alternative band catch 20 designs adapted for particular exercises or particular styles of resistance bands or exercise implements. The exercise anchor 10, which may comprise a base 24 with a hinge pin aperture 26 in communication with a band catch 20 adapted to define a band catch aperture 22, may also include extensions, corners, catches, or varying radii of curvature for the band catch 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, the band catch 20 may include one or more curved portions 66 interspersed with one or more straight portions 64 adapted to locate the resistance band or other exercise implement in a particular location along the band catch 20 during use. The force of a user pulling on or otherwise manipulating the resistance band or other exercise implement may cause it to slide along the straight portions 64 of the band catch 20 and come to a rest in one of the curved portions 66 of the band catch 20. In FIG. 10B, the band catch 20 may be adapted with a lower extension 68 to allow for a wider range of motion or to expand the band catch 20 for particularly large or thick resistance bands or exercise implements. FIG. 10C depicts a band catch 20 with a secondary loop 70 or hooking mechanism that may be used to more securely capture a resistance band or other exercise implement that has a rounded cross section or that has an eyelet for mounting to the exercise anchor 10. It should be appreciated that the band catch 20 may take on any shape, size, or features as desired or required for a particular application. Furthermore, the exercise anchor 10 may be provided to a user as a set with different band catch 20 shapes adapted for use with different resistance bands or other exercise implements. In certain embodiments, a user may be provided with a single base 24 for mounting to a hinge with multiple interchangeable band catch 20 profiles that may be affixed or otherwise removably attached to the base 24 through a threaded connection, pinned connection, or any other type of mechanical joint.
FIG. 11 provides a depiction of an exercise anchor 10 with bump pads 72 or other lateral extensions that provide padded or motion limiting features. The exercise anchor 10, which may comprise a base 24 with a hinge pin aperture 26 and a band catch 20, may also incorporate one or more bump pads 72 on either side of the base 24. These bump pads 72 may cushion the exercise anchor 10 against the door, the associated wall, or both to prevent marring and to limit the motion of an exercise anchor 10 that may rotate about the hinge pin during use. The bump pads 72 or other lateral extensions may comprise rubber, foam, other elastomers, plastic, or any other material that may cushion or distribute the force of the exercise anchor 10 against the wall, door, or both. In certain embodiments, the bump pads 72 may extend further from the base 24 near the band catch 20 than near the hinge pin aperture 26 to allow for a wider range of motion. As shown, the exercise anchor 10 may also include a radiused portion of the base 24 around or about the hinge pin aperture 26. This radiused section of the base allows for extra clearance for the exercise anchor 10 to pivot or rotate while preserving a substantially planar top and bottom surface of the base 24 to securely engage with the top of the hinge pin and the hinge knuckles.
FIGS. 12-15 provide front and side views of multiple embodiments of exercise anchors 10 with multiple band catches 20. Exercise anchors 10 with multiple band catches 20 may provide enhanced utility to the user by allowing for multiple bands or exercise implements to be installed on a single exercise anchor 10 for storage or for multiple exercises. The multiple band catches 20 may also be arranged, angled, or otherwise positioned to facilitate multiple mounting locations, such as on the upper or lower hinges of a door, and multiple points of attachment to accommodate exercises that target different parts of the body, muscle groups, or motions. Furthermore, multiple band catches 20 may allow a user to hang, attach, or otherwise use multiple bands or exercise implements of varying resistance without the need to remove and replace different bands during an exercise session.
Still referring to FIGS. 12-15, the exercise anchors 10 comprise a base 24 with hinge pin aperture 26 in communication with multiple band catches 20 offset or disposed about a central axis 28. Each band catch 20 may be shaped or otherwise configured to define a band catch aperture 22 with the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10. Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the exercise anchor 10 may incorporate a second band catch 20 disposed at one-hundred eighty degrees about the central axis 28 from the first band catch 20. It should be appreciated that the second band 20 catch may be placed at any orientation from the first band catch 20 without limitation. Referring to FIGS. 13A-14B, the exercise anchor 10 may also incorporate or integrate three band catches 20. As shown in FIG. 13B, the band catches 20 may be oriented at regular or roughly regular positions about the central axis 28 of the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10. However, as shown in FIG. 14B, the band catches 20 may also be oriented at approximate right angles to one another about the central axis 20 of the exercise anchor 10 base 24. Similarly, FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrates an exercise anchor 10 with four band catches 20 arranged at right angles to one another about the central axis 28 of the exercise anchor 10 base 24. It should be appreciated that the exercise anchor 10 may feature any number of band catches 20 arranged or oriented in any way about the central axis 28 of the base 24 with regular or irregular spacing. Furthermore, the band catches 20 may be of different sizes, shapes, or incorporate different features and may be located at any position along the length of the exercise anchor 10 base 24. In certain embodiments, the exercise anchor 10 with multiple band catches 20 may also include an integrated hinge pin or integrated hinge leaf.
FIGS. 16A-16C provide depictions of an exercise anchor 10 with a lower anchor brace 46 for stabilizing the exercise anchor 10 against a hinge 33 or other mounting point. The exercise anchor 10 may comprise a base 24 with a hinge pin aperture 26 in communication with a band catch 20. The band catch 20 may curve upward and around such that the base 24 and the end of the band catch 20 define a band catch aperture 22. The hinge pin aperture 26 may include a hinge pin countersink 44 that provides clearance for the head or cap of a hinge pin 30 to engage the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10 and fit fully or partially within the upper surface of the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10. The base 24 of the exercise anchor 10 may also include a lower anchor brace 46 on the lower surface of the exercise anchor 10 base 24. The lower anchor brace 46 may include a curve, radius, or otherwise be shaped complementary to the hinge 33 to allow the lower anchor brace 46 of the exercise anchor 10 to engage the hinge 33 or hinge knuckles 34 and support greater loads than may be possible with a hinge pin mounting alone. It should be appreciated that the lower anchor brace 46 may take on any geometry or configuration as desired or required for a particular application, or to engage with any particular hinge 33, hinge knuckle 34, or other support structure that may be available in the vicinity of the mounted exercise anchor 10.
Referring to FIG. 16C, when mounted on the hinge 33, the exercise anchor 10 may accept the hinge pin 30 fully into the hinge pin aperture 26 and hinge pin countersink 44 so that the hinge pin 30 is partially or totally enclosed within the hinge pin aperture 26 and hinge pin countersink 44. The lower anchor brace 46 may also engage the knuckles 34 of the hinge 33 to provide extra support to the exercise anchor 10 when mounted. In this configuration, the exercise anchor 10 may support greater loads while minimizing the chance of pulling or otherwise disengaging the hinge pin 30 from the hinge knuckles 34. In the case of a downward force, the torque applied to the exercise anchor 10 may be resisted by the lower anchor brace 46 as it engages the knuckles 34 of the hinge 33. In the case of an upward force, such as when the exercise anchor 10 is mounted to a lower door hinge and a user may be pulling a resistance band or other exercise implement upward, the hinge pin countersink 44 may engage the head of the hinge pin 30. This additional engagement of the hinge pin countersink 44 and the head of the hinge pin 30 applies load to the hinge pin 30 in a sideways direction that will help to prevent removal or pull-out of the hinge pin 30 during use.
FIGS. 17A-17C provide depictions of an exercise anchor 10 with a lower anchor brace 46 and an upper anchor brace 48 for engaging the knuckles 34 of a hinge 33 or a hinge pin head 50. The exercise anchor 10 may comprise a base 24 with a hinge pin aperture 26 in communication with a band catch 20. The band catch 20 may curve upwards and back towards the upper surface of the exercise anchor 10 base 24 to define a band catch aperture 22 between the band catch 20 and base 24. The exercise anchor 10 may also include a lower anchor brace 46 and an upper anchor brace 48 disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the exercise anchor 10. In certain embodiments, either or both of the anchor braces 46, 48 may include a curved or radiused section to engage the curved hinge knuckles 34, a hinge pin head 50 or cap, or both. It should be appreciated that the lower anchor brace 46 or upper anchor brace 48 may take on any geometry as desired or required for a particular application or to fit a particular type, style, or size of hinge 33, hinge pin 30, hinge knuckle 34 or other structure in the vicinity of the exercise anchor 10. Furthermore, each anchor brace 46, 48 may be shaped, sized, or otherwise formed independently to take on any geometry as desired or required independent of the shape, size, or configuration of another anchor brace 46, 48 present on the exercise anchor 10.
Referring to FIG. 17C, the exercise anchor 10 may be installed onto a hinge 33 by insertion of the hinge pin 30 into the hinge pin aperture 26 to secure the exercise anchor 10 to the hinge 33. The lower anchor brace 46 may then engage or otherwise mate with one or more knuckles 34 of the hinge 33 to support the exercise anchor 10 when a downward load is applied. Similarly, the upper anchor brace 48 may also engage with the head 50 of the hinge pin 30 to provide additional support and to transfer load to the hinge pin head 50 in a sideways direction in the case of an upward load. In certain embodiments, the exercise anchor 10 may be supplied with or otherwise interact with a hinge pin 30 with a larger hinge pin head 50 to provide a larger engagement surface for the upper anchor brace 48. It should be appreciated that the exercise anchor 10 may also be mounted to the bottom of a hinge 33 wherein the upper anchor brace 48 may engage with one or more knuckles 34 of the hinge 33 to support additional loads.
Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the exercise anchor 10 with one or more anchor braces 46, 48 may be provided to the user as a kit with one or more hinge leaves. For instance, the exercise anchor 10 may be included with a hinge leaf with a knuckle 34 that is square, hexagonal, octagonal, or of any other regular or irregular geometric shape such that a lower anchor brace 46 or upper anchor brace 48, which may include a complementary geometric shape, may engage the upper or lower knuckle 34 of the hinge 33 and remain stationary during use. A user may then install the exercise anchor 10 in one or more positions wherein the complementary shape of the lower anchor brace 46 or upper anchor brace 48 and hinge knuckle 34 hold the exercise anchor 10 in position without allowing for rotation due to movement of the door on the hinge 33, load applied by a user during exercise, or both.
FIGS. 18-22 provide depictions of an exercise anchor 10 with a hinge capture 80 affixed or otherwise attached to the base 24 and running parallel to the integrated hinge pin 52 for clasping or grasping onto a hinge when installed to prevent pull out or inadvertent removal of the exercise anchor 10 during use. The exercise anchor 10 may comprise a base 24 with an integrated hinge pin 52 and a band catch 20 which arcs up and over the base 24 to define a band catch aperture 22. A hinge capture flange 82 may extend inward from the hinge capture 80 towards the integrated hinge pin 52. It should be appreciated that the exercise anchor 10 may be provided with a hinge pin aperture in place of the integrated hinge pin 52, and a standard or supplied hinge pin or any other specialized hinge pin as described herein may be used to secure the exercise anchor 10 to a hinge.
The hinge capture 80 may serve as a securing mechanism for the exercise anchor 10 when installed on a hinge. The hinge capture 80, positioned parallel to the integrated hinge pin 52, may sit along side the hinge and the hinge capture flange 82 may then engage the bottom of the hinge to prevent the exercise anchor 10 and integrated hinge pin 52 from being inadvertently pulled upward and out of the hinge during use. It should be appreciated that the exercise anchor 10 may rotate relative to the hinge and the hinge capture 80 and hinge capture flange 82 will rotate about the outside of the hinge allowing for rotational movement while maintaining a secure connection with the hinge.
Referring specifically to FIGS. 21 and 22, the exercise anchor 10 may be installed into a hinge 33 such that the hinge capture 80, which may be parallel and offset from the integrated hinge pin 52, will be disposed along the knuckles 34 of the hinge 33. The hinge capture flange 82 may then engage the lower knuckle 34 of the hinge 33 or another lower portion of the hinge 33 to prevent vertical movement and inadvertent removal of the exercise anchor 10.
Referring to FIGS. 18-22, the hinge capture 80 may be affixed or otherwise attached to the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10 by welding, fasteners, adhesives, or it may be formed as an integral part of the material of the exercise anchor 10 base 24. The hinge capture 80 may be composed of a flexible material that allows the hinge capture 80 to act as a cantilevered spring such that when the exercise anchor 10 is installed in a hinge, the hinge capture 80 may flex outward and away from the integrated hinge pin 52 to allow the hinge capture flange 82 to clear the hinge 33 or hinge knuckles 34. As the hinge capture 80 passes over the hinge 33 or hinge knuckles 34 and the hinge capture flange 82 clears the hinge 33 or hinge knuckles 34, the hinge capture 80 may flex into its original position and translate the hinge capture flange towards the integrated hinge pin 52. The hinge capture flange 82 will then move into place below the hinge 33 or bottom hinge knuckle 34 where it may engage the hinge 33 or hinge knuckle 34 and prevent vertical movement of the exercise anchor 10. However, because the hinge capture 80 may be offset from the integrated hinge pin 52 sufficiently to clear the hinge 33 and hinge knuckles 34, the exercise anchor 10 may still freely rotate about the hinge 33 and hinge knuckles 34 during use.
FIG. 23A provides a depiction of an alternative attachment mechanism for the hinge capture 80 to the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10. The hinge capture 80 may be mounted to the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10 through a pivot 84 or other joint that allows for rotation of the hinge capture 80 relative to the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10. A retraction spring 86, having one end mounted on the hinge capture 80 and a second end mounted on the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10, provides a return force to pull the hinge capture 80 towards the base 24 about the pivot 84. When installed, the hinge capture 80 may rotate about the pivot 84, flexing the retraction spring 86, so that the hinge capture flange 82 may clear a hinge or hinge knuckles. When the exercise anchor 10 is fully installed and the hinge capture flange 82 has cleared the hinge or hinge knuckles, the retraction spring 86 will provide a return force to rotate the hinge capture 80 about the pivot 84 to so that the hinge capture flange 82 may engage the bottom of the hinge or hinge knuckles and the hinge capture 80 will be in its original position. It should be appreciated that retraction spring 86 may be a traditional spring, or it may be a mechanism or material, such as elastic, rubber, an elastomer, or any stretchable material or mechanism which may lengthen in response to an applied force and return to its original length.
FIGS. 23B and 23C provide depictions of an exercise anchor 10 with a hinge capture 80 with a telescoping joint 88 to allow the hinge capture 80 and hinge capture flange 82 to engage hinges of varying lengths. The hinge capture 80, which may be affixed or otherwise attached to the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10, may comprise an upper hinge capture 90 and a lower hinge capture 92 in communication via a telescoping joint 88 allowing relative translation between the upper hinge capture 90 and lower hinge capture 92. The lower hinge capture 92, which may include the hinge capture flange 82, may be extended downward relative to the upper hinge capture 90 to adjust the reach of the hinge capture 80 so the hinge capture flange 82 may engage hinges of longer or shorter lengths.
As shown in FIG. 23B, the upper hinge capture 90 and lower hinge capture 92 may be held in position relative to one another by a set screw 96 or other fastener or mechanism for securing the lower hinge capture 92 to the upper hinge capture 90 and maintaining their positional relationship.
Referring to FIG. 23C, the positions of the upper hinge capture 90 and lower hinge capture 92 may be controlled by a retraction spring 94 having one end affixed or otherwise attached to the base 24 of the exercise anchor 10 and the other end affixed or otherwise attached to the lower hinge capture 92 and providing a return force between the base 24 and lower hinge capture 92. During installation, a user may pull or otherwise extend the lower hinge capture 92 such that the hinge capture flange 82 may clear the length of the hinge where the exercise anchor 10 is to be installed. The user may then release the lower hinge capture 92 and the retraction spring 94 will provide a return force translating the lower hinge capture 92 upwards and shortening the overall reach of the hinge capture 80, subsequently engaging the hinge capture flange 82 with the bottom of the hinge or hinge knuckles. It should be appreciated that retraction spring 94 may be a traditional spring, or it may be a mechanism or material, such as elastic, rubber, an elastomer, or any stretchable material or mechanism which may lengthen in response to an applied force and return to its original length.
Referring to FIGS. 1-23, the exercise anchor 10 and any of its associated parts may comprise metals, plastics, composites, natural, or artificial materials that may be selected for their strength, flexibility, weight, finish, corrosion resistance, or other characteristics as necessitated by a particular application. In certain embodiments, the exercise anchor may incorporate one or more coatings such as chrome, titanium nitride, anodization, or any other coatings to improve corrosion resistance, aesthetic appearance, surface wear, or frictional characteristics between the exercise anchor 10 and the materials commonly used for resistance bands or other exercise implements. The exercise anchor 10 may also be provided as a kit or set incorporating one or more parts of the door hinge including the hinge pin 30, associated hardware, or one or more hinge leaves 32. Exercise anchors 10 may also be provided as a set of multiple exercise anchors 10 that feature different band catch 20 arrangements, sizes, or to allow a user to install multiple exercise anchors 10 on multiple door hinges such as, by way of example, the upper, middle, and lower hinges commonly found on doors, which yields to the user different exercise possibilities without the need for removal and reinstallation of the exercise anchor 10.
In summary, while the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, many modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the present invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Accordingly, the invention is to be considered as limited only by the spirit and scope of the following claims, including all modifications and equivalents.
Still other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from reading the above-recited detailed description and drawings of certain exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of this application. For example, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for the inclusion in any claim herein or of any application claiming priority hereto of any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence of such activities, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated. Further, any activity or element can be excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. Unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence or such activities, any particular size, speed, material, dimension or frequency, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Accordingly, the descriptions and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. When any range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that range includes all values therein and all sub ranges therein. Any information in any material (e.g., a United States/foreign patent, United States/foreign patent application, book, article, etc.) that has been incorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such information and the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting information in such incorporated by reference material is specifically not incorporated by reference herein.
Patent Application
20220331644
