The present invention relates generally to exercise devices. The present invention relates more specifically to suspension devices and acrobatic apparatus where the user may hang freely by short handles, bars, or rings. The present invention relates more specifically dual ring suspension exercise devices that are adjustable in height.
Some elements of the present invention are similar to components described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,537,763, issued Jan. 21, 2020, entitled Device for Suspending Rings for Gymnastic Exercises, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The use of rings or handles hanging from a ceiling or elevated apparatus is common in exercise classes where the user is suspended from the rings or handles to perform pull-ups, muscle-ups or other body weight exercises. Other exercises also performed on the rings such as L-sits, where the user holds an acrobatic body position in which all the body weight rests on the hands with the torso held in a slightly forward leaning orientation, with legs held horizontally so that each leg forms a nominal right angle with the torso. The right angle causes the body to have a notable L shape to it.
For pull-ups the rings must be higher off the ground than for L-sits. Often the rings must be adjusted to certain common heights for different exercises during the same workout session. For example, eight feet for pull-ups and three feet for L-sits.
One method to adjust the rings to different heights involves ridged arms, where the straps are attached to the rings at one end and the rigid arms above. The structure is elevated and adjusted up and down as desired. Such a device is typically expensive and requires a higher ceiling for adjustment because the length of the suspension straps is not adjusted. They remain at fixed lengths while the rigid arms are raised up to elevate the rings. A different method, which is the most common method for mounting and adjusting rings and handles to the ceiling, uses a simple setup which is a strap looped over the ceiling rafter and through the ring. The height of the rings is adjusted using a cam buckle attached to one end of the strap and the loose end of the strap is clamped in the cam buckle to adjust for the desired length. There are two main problems with this method. The first being the extra strap is hanging in the way of the user and presents a hazard. The strap can become tangled on the user's foot and injure them when the user dismounts the rings. The typical method to counteract the problem of the extra strap is to take the time to neatly roll it up and tie it to the rafters or at least up and out of the way. This takes a good bit of time and must be done in between different exercises.
The second problem that occurs frequently with prior systems is that it is difficult to adjust each ring to the same height, unless one uses a measuring tape, or some other measuring device or method. This takes time and is difficult to do when one is exhausted but trying to keep their heart rate up by switching to the next exercise quickly.
It would be desirable to provide an inexpensive, simple system that can adjust the height of a pair of rings quickly and accurately. It would further be desirable if the system automatically collects and stores any extra strap out of the way of the user after adjustment.
The present invention is primarily used in suspension training where the device will be attached to a ceiling or frame that keeps the device from moving and allows the user to hang on the device partially supported or fully supported by the device. The primary use of the device is physical training. The benefits of the device of the present invention include allowing the user to quickly adjust the height or length of the straps of the device by pushing a button or pulling on a lever to release a locking mechanism and then pulling downward on the straps. The straps are spring loaded and will retract into the device when the locking mechanism is released. The dual straps adjust at the same time as they are wound on the same spool. This makes the device of the present invention simpler than similar devices that may require separate strap control. The preferred embodiment that uses a cam lock mechanism that directly engages the straps makes the device stronger than similar systems.
In fulfillment of the above and other objectives, the present invention provides a device that supports rings that are suspended from an elevated structure. The device adjusts quickly, accurately, and automatically coils extra strap out of the way of the user. The frame of the device supports a cam buckle, a spinning spool that is spring loaded with a power spring to retract the dual straps.
The device is generally mounted about nine or ten feet above the exercise surface. Fully extended the rings attached to the end of the strap can be adjusted all the way to the ground to facilitate exercises near the ground such as ring supported pushups.
The spool spins about a shaft that is attached to the frame. A power spring is wound about the same common shaft. One end of the spring is attached to the spool and/or shaft while the other end is attached to the frame. When the straps are pulled out as far as they will go, the spring is at its minimum size and maximum tension. When the cam buckle is disengaged the spring retracts and rotates the spool winding up the straps. When the straps are fully wound up the spring is at its maximum diameter and minimum tension.
As oriented when hung for use, the features of the device from top to bottom are; a mounting hook, the spool assembly with the straps leading out and down through the lock mechanism (cam buckle) that is located below the spool on the frame. The ends of the straps are then attached to gymnastic rings or handles.
Reference is made first to
Reel frame and enclosure 12 is suspended from hook hanger 18 on hanger pivot 20. Hook hanger 18 may be structured as a wide curved plate or as a curved rod. Hanger 18 is used to hook over and hang from a ceiling joist, a pull up bar, or any other elevated horizontal structure to support the device of the present invention. The hanger is preferably secured to an immobile structure although in some situations it may be suspended from a free-swinging rope, chain, or other vertical line.
Reel frame and enclosure 12 is a generally circular structure with a lower extension that houses the locking mechanism of the device. In
The locking mechanism of the present invention is designed to restrict movement (up or down) when the lock mechanism is engaged. When in use (i.e., when a downward force is exerted on the straps 26a & 26b) the cam structure of the locking mechanism prevents further extraction of the straps from the device. When not in use (i.e., when there is only the moderate upward force of the retraction spring on the straps) the residual pressure within the closed locking mechanism is sufficient to resist the retraction force of the retraction spring until the user releases the lock mechanism. These structures and functions are described in more detail below.
The user controls the lock mechanism by pulling on release cord pull 32 at the lower end of lock mechanism release cord 30. The upper end of release cord 30 is attached to the end of lock mechanism lever 22 and serves to rotate lever 22 around lock mechanism pivot 24 to remove pressure on the straps 26a & 26b. Again, this functionality is described in detail below in
The user of the device of the present invention may begin by releasing the lock mechanism as described above, and then simply grasping the handles 28a & 28b to pull them down to the desired height. The lock mechanism is then released (set in place) which prevents further extraction of the straps from the device. Optionally, there may be a strap pull cord 39 positioned on one of the straps 26a (in this example) that the user may use to pull the handles and straps down within reach in the event they are initially positioned out of reach. Other means for retrieving the handles (or rings) are envisioned such as having a pole with a hook on the end to retrieve the handles or rings.
Reference is next made to
Reel frame and enclosure 12 is pivotally attached on hanger pivot 20 to hook hanger 18. In the example shown in
Reel frame and enclosure 12 is a generally circular structure with a lower extension that houses the locking mechanism of the device.
Extending from the lower portion of reel frame and enclosure 12 are first strap 36a and second strap 36b. These straps 36a & 36b are distinct from those shown in
It should be noted that the lock mechanism shown in
Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with a number of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications to these embodiments that still fall within the scope of the present invention. Various lock mechanisms are anticipated as are various means for releasing the lock mechanism. Various sizes and types of straps are anticipated as are different types of handles and rings. Depending on the structure of the lock mechanism being used, various surfaces that define the channel for the straps to exit the device enclosure will preferably have higher friction properties to facilitate securing the straps. The straps may have an overall length of a few feet to as much as twenty feet. The size of the device enclosure is, of course, partly defined by the thickness of the straps and their length (which together define the diameter of the reel). The retraction spring should be sufficiently strong to fully retract the straps after full extension, but not so strong as to overcome the frictional set force when the lock mechanism is set.
One advantage of structuring the lock mechanism to act directly on the straps is the increase in holding force with the increase in weight placed on the handles or rings. The upward pull of the retraction spring is generally sufficient to assist with the release of the straps from the locked condition once the lock mechanism is released by the user. Lock mechanisms that act on the reel and/or the axel may likewise incorporate structures whereby the retraction spring force assists with the release of the lock mechanism when the release cord is pulled. Such lock mechanisms associated with the reel and/or axel may include sprocket elements with a tooth that engages the sprocket to stop it and the connected reel/axel from spinning. Such a device could also include a flat disc fixed with the reel/axel with holes around the perimeter and a moveable shaft attached to a button that engages the disc to stop the motion. None of these modifications or variations in structure are seen to depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
This application claims the benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/205,353; Filed: Dec. 7, 2020; the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63205353 | Dec 2020 | US |