Patent Application
20250025729
The invention is a height-adjustable exercise pole that is anchored to floor and ceiling.
An exercise pole is a system that is firmly anchored to floor and ceiling such that it is essentially vertical. The pole is cylindrical with linear width that allows an adult's hand to firmly grasp it. Such poles typically are height adjustable and anchored by an anchoring fixture at top and bottom. It is common for the pole to be made up of similar pole portions that interface with one another so as to adjust overall pole height such that it will closely fit between floor and ceiling. Once so positioned, it can be further lengthened incrementally so as to form a tight fit with floor and ceiling allowing users to support themselves with the pole while the pole maintains it essentially vertical orientation and tight fit between floor and ceiling. Prior art typically uses anchoring fixtures structured to provide support wherein the floor and ceiling are parallel to one another.
The invention herein disclosed and claimed is an exercise pole wherein the ceiling anchoring fixture is structured such that it can accommodate mounting where a ceiling is not parallel to the floor, such as where the ceiling is vaulted. A ball-joint substructure associated with the ceiling anchoring fixture will provide essentially balanced forces in cases where the pole is anchored to a vaulted ceiling and the pole rotated axially. Without that capability, a ball-joint designed for a parallel floor-ceiling anchoring fixture would have uneven forces if the fixture were to be used in a vaulted ceiling. That could cause non-smooth rotation and accelerated time-to-failure, particularly of the bearings. A threaded interface near the ceiling fixture provides for final height adjustment. These are part of the ball-joint substructure such that when adjusted and locked with a jam nut, it enables the pole to rotate freely or remain static, with no inadvertent tightening or loosening of that threaded interface.
The invention, herein disclosed and claimed, is an exercise pole comprising stacking pole portions that interface to increase overall pole-system length; a ceiling anchoring fixture comprising a pole interface, ball-joint substructure and coarse/fine length adjustment structure; and a floor anchoring structure featuring an optional means of locking the pole against rotation, or allowing it to rotate.
Floor and ceiling anchoring fixtures feature rubber pads that press against the floor and ceiling surfaces, respectively, providing a high-friction interface. For a vaulted-ceiling installation, the ceiling anchoring fixture has a plurality of holes that can be used to affix the fixtures to ceiling using screws passing through those holes.
The ceiling anchoring fixture comprises a ball-joint substructure operative to allow the fixture to press flat against a ceiling surface even in cases where the ceiling is not parallel to the floor. The ball-joint substructure will preserve a uniform force distribution on the ball regardless of whether the fixture is affixed to a ceiling that is parallel to the floor, or a ceiling that is vaulted.
A fine length adjustment structure interfaces with the ball-joint substructure such that pole length can be precisely adjusted using a fine-adjustment threaded portion that interfaces with a threaded portion on the ball-joint substructure.
The ball-joint substructure on the ceiling anchoring fixture allows the pole portion or connected pole portions to rotate axially with smooth rotation.
The length adjustment structure is connected to the ball-joint substructure so that the pole and ball rotate together and the fine-adjustment's threaded portion is neither tightened nor loosened during rotation. Both the floor and ceiling anchoring fixtures contain journaled structures that support rotation wherein the anchoring fixtures and their substructures remain fixed in position.
When the pole is allowed to rotate, the journaled structure in the floor anchoring fixture supports pole rotation. Because the floor anchoring structure is always essentially perpendicular to the pole, there is no issue with regard to unequal force distribution during rotation.
The pole portions are essentially cylindrical tube structures with a male interface fixture on one end and a female interface fixture on the other end. These interface fixtures fit firmly in their respective ends and rotate axially as a single unit. Note, the interface may be threaded or non-threaded. In the case of a non-threaded interface, o-rings provide the requisite tight fit that keeps the pole portions from rotating relative to each other and provide rigidity.
The pole portions have a nominal diameter of 45 mm or 1.8 inches. This is size that allows an adult human hand to firmly grasp the pole. The dimension is not critical and can vary between a minimum of 1.5 (38 mm) to 2.0 (51 mm) inches. Pole portions may be metallic or non-metallic and have a thickness consistent with good rigidity. Pole portion surface is typically smooth but not slippery. Common ceiling heights extend from 7′4″ to 12′. Pole portion lengths should be nominally 36 inches such that two stacked pole portions equal 6 feet in length and the dimensions of the ceiling and floor fixtures including substructures and tubular sleeves, combined, add a nominal 14 inches allowing for two inches of coarse and fine adjustment for a standard 7′4″ ceiling. Extension poles can be added where a higher ceiling is used.
The invention embodiments disclosed herein assumes that anchoring fixtures, ball-joint substructures, height-adjustment rod are all made of metallic materials having smooth surfaces, sufficient rigidity, and hardness such that users of most sizes and weights will experience a rigid exercise pole that can rotate smoothly or be locked against rotation. Moving components (e.g. ball bearings) will be smooth and optionally coated so as to support smooth rotation with minimal wear.
The drawings and specifications depict two embodiments of this exercise-pole system and should not be read as limiting the scope of the patent. For example, currently the pole portions and other structures are metallic. A suitable non-metallic material might also be used for various system elements. Dimensions of the exercise-pole anchoring fixtures and pole portions are not critical. Gauge of the tubular portions may vary based on the metallic or non-metallic materials chosen. Note also that drawings are not drawn to scale and relative proportions, as illustrated, are exemplary.
