A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
The present disclosure relates generally to exercise devices and methods, and more particularly, to exercise devices and methods relating to resistance training.
Resistance training is often considered an essential component of any fitness program. A variety of different types of equipment are available for resistance training including free weights, weight machines, resistance bands, etc. Many people prefer using resistance bands/stretchable cords because of their ease of use and portability. Resistance bands generally include handle(s) and a stretchable cord. However, current devices have a fixed point which can limit the exercises a user can perform. Furthermore, current devices are prone to error and thus do not provide consistent and accurate resistance. Additionally, the fixed point can create stress on the cable over time.
In accordance with the present disclosure, interchangeable rotating free-motion fitness handle systems that may be used by individuals for exercise/physical fitness purposes such as resistance training, and methods for creating them are illustrated and described herein.
In one example of an interchangeable and rotational resistance tube handle system, a handle used as an exercise device (“fitness handle”) which allows a resilient cord or tube anchor to move or pan in a linear direction in a channel in order to maintain consistent resistance is disclosed. The fitness handle doesn't require a fixed point for the resistance tube. The fitness handle includes a grip and a frame. The frame includes an opening which allows the cord anchor to slide. The cord/tube/etc. has an adjoining portion which fits into the opening of the handle.
In another embodiment, a hinge-locking tube anchor and pulley system is disclosed. The mechanism may allow users to create an anchor point from which they are able to generate resistance using resistance tubes. Key features can include, but are not limited to, the outer ends of a component which allow sewn webbing loop, or suitable design, to be applied and removed from the component when the webbing is not under tension.
It should be noted that this disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. A variety of other embodiments are also possible using the concepts enclosed herein.
Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. The principles described herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In some instances, example measurements are mentioned merely as illustrations of one or more embodiments and not to restrict the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like referenced numerals may be placed to designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
An interchangeable rotating free-motion fitness handle system may provide more accurate and consistent results because the tube/cord is always stretching linearly and thus, it's not manipulated by a fixed point. Additional muscles can be targeted by using the rotational features.
In one example of an interchangeable rotating free-motion fitness handle system, a fitness handle that features an opening “oculus” that permits a resistance tube anchoring mechanism to enter into a sliding channel such that when combined with a rotational-hand-grip, allows a fitness resistance tube equipped with a resistance tube anchoring mechanism to both pan left and right, and optionally hinge up and down as users move through exercise motions is disclosed. A “barb” that may be located next to the oculus prevents the resistance tube anchoring mechanism from exiting the sliding channel when under any tension.
A resistance tube anchoring mechanism can be a mechanism that is applied to the tail end(s) of plugged resistance tubes which allows for the tubes to be connected to tube accessories including interchangeable handle(s) and any appropriate accessories. Such accessories may be equipped with, for example, a button-style fabric tube anchor point (see
A hinge-locking tube anchor and pulley system may be a mechanism that allows users to create an anchor point from which they are able to generate resistance using resistance tubes. Key features can include, but are not limited to, the outer ends of a component which allow sewn webbing loop, or suitable design, to be applied and removed from the component when said webbing is not under tension. The component may be made of, but of course is not limited to, plastic. Other suitable materials may be also be used.
When under tension, the webbing loops may secure the component as an anchor point, while allowing it to rotate, creating a pulley which responds to torsion friction applied by the fitness tube, thereby reducing wear/damage to the tube. This removable webbing loop design allows the hinge-locking tube anchor and pulley system to be secured to door hinges to create a superiorly secure anchor point, regardless of user orientation to the door. This allows the system to work on both open and closed doors, and offers the convenience of remaining in place when not in use, if the user so chooses. One additional feature is the larger pulley guide fins that define the outer limits of the pulley space. These large fins respond to pressure coming from the resistance tube, when in use, and adjust the orientation of the pulley to minimize wear on the tubes as different exercise movements are performed.
A button-lock ankle/wrist attachment allows a sewn or otherwise connected cuff to be attached to body regions of the user without requiring hand-grip. A key feature is the sewn button lock (slit) which receives the resistance tube anchoring mechanism and holds it securely when under tension, similar to the manner a shirt button behaves. The length of fabric between the sewn button lock and the sewn attachment point to the cuff creates a flexible ‘hinge’ which allows the system to remain secure as orientation to the tube forces change.
Referring to
Fitness handle 220 includes a curved frame 225. Curved frame 225 has a length and two opposing side portions 226, 227. Each of the side portions 226, 227 have a length and are parallel to each other along the majority of their length. An arcuate portion 228 extends between an end of each of the opposing side portions 226, 227. A grip 430 is positioned between the opposing ends of opposing side portions 226, 227 of frame 225. Grip 430 may be rotatable.
As shown in
Connection portion 450 includes a connection opening 455 (also see
Anchoring mechanism 210 is positioned within opening 410 so that barb 440 is positioned interior to one of the side portions 226, 227 of frame 225, while connection portion is exterior to the side portion 226, 227. Barb 440 can prevent the anchoring mechanism 210 from exiting sliding channel 420 when under tension. Neck 445 is positioned in sliding channel 420 and has a width that is smaller than the width of sliding channel 420 so anchoring mechanism 210 may slide within sliding channel 420.
In some embodiments, sliding channel 420 may extend in different lengths along frame 225. For example, in
As shown in
One end of side portion 1626 includes a grip opening 1634 for receiving an end of grip 1680. The opposing end of side portion 1627 includes a corresponding and axially aligned grip opening 1634 for receiving the other end of grip 1680. Each grip opening 1634 opens into a grip cavity 1636 that includes a ledge 1638.
An opening, such as oculus 1640, is defined in side portion 1627. Oculus 1640 forms an end of a sliding channel 1645 defined in frame 1625 and provides an introduction point for anchor 1650. The diameter of oculus 1640 is larger than the width of sliding channel 1645. Oculus 1640 is large enough to allow a portion of anchor 1650 to be inserted through oculus 1640. Although oculus 1640 is shown in side portion 1627 adjacent to grip 1680, in other embodiments, oculus 1640 may be defined through side portion 1626 or in other locations along handle frame 1625. Optionally, oculus 1640 is spaced away from the area where anchor 1650 is located and used during most exercises.
Sliding channel 1645 extends along at least a portion of the length of frame 1625. In some embodiments, sliding channel extends from side portion 1627, through the entirety of arcuate portion 1628, and along side portion 1626 for a length that is approximately equal to the length at which sliding channel 1645 is defined through side portion 1627. In other embodiments, the length of sliding channel 1645 may be varied as desired. For example, sliding channel 1645 may extend from side portion 1627 and along only a part of arcuate portion 1628. In one embodiment, the end of channel 1645 may be located at a midpoint of the arcuate portion, providing a hard stop.
In some embodiments, grooves 1647 may extend adjacent the length of sliding channel 1645 on the interior side of frame 1625. A portion of anchor 1650 may be configured to fit within grooves 1647 to keep anchor 1650 within sliding channel 1645 as anchor 1650 slides within channel 1645.
An embodiment of anchor 1650 is shown in
A perspective view of top receiver 1656 is shown in
Barb 1656 is dimensioned to fit through oculus 1640, while neck 1660 has a smaller width than barb 1656 so that neck 1660 may fit within sliding channel 1645. When anchor 1650 is attached to frame 1625, neck 1645 is within sliding channel 1645 to allow anchor 1650 to slide along the length of sliding channel 1645 by panning left and right.
In some embodiments, barb 1656 includes a central shaft and a pair of flanges 1657 near the connection to neck 1660. The central shaft may be cylindrical. Hooked ends of flanges 1657 are configured to fit within the grooves 1647 positioned adjacent to sliding channel 1645. A user inserts barb 1656 through oculus 1640 with the central shaft aligned with the oculus and with flanges 1657 aligned with sliding channel 1645. The user then rotates anchor 1650 ninety degrees so that flanges 1657 are aligned with and fit into grooves 1647. As anchor 1650 slides within sliding channel 1645, flanges 1657 engage and are guided by grooves 1647. Grooves 1647 prevent anchor 1650 from rotating when neck 1660 is within sliding channel 1645 and help keep anchor 1650 engaged with sliding channel 1645.
A perspective view of bottom receiver 1670 is shown in
As shown by
Although anchor 1650 shows one method of securing a resistance component to handle 1620, in other embodiments, alternative securement methods may be used. For example, an anchor similar to anchor 210 may be used. In other examples, the resistance component may be tied to anchor 1650, a fastener may be used such as a clip, clamp, or anchor plate with holes, or resistance component may be permanently attached to an anchor using a closed loop, adhesive or another suitable method.
A grip overmold 1690 may cover core 1682. In some embodiments, grip overmold 1690 may be rotatable around core 1682. Optionally, grip overmold 1690 may be made of an easy to grip material such as rubber or any other desired composite material. In other embodiments, grip overmold 1690 may be formed from a plastic, wood, or metal. Overmold 1690 may also be textured or contoured to help improve the grip and prevent a user's hand from slipping.
To attach grip 1680 to handle 1620, at least one of the tabs 1688 is removed from stem 1685. Core 1682 is slid within grip overmold 1690 so that grip overmold 1690 surrounds core 1682. Then, each of the ends 1684 is inserted through a respective grip opening 1634 in frame 1625 so that each stem 1685 engages frame 1625 at a grip opening 1634 and head 1686 is positioned within a grip cavity 1636. Gap 1687 allows stem 1685 and head 1686 to be slightly compressed to fit through grip opening 1634 and then rebound to a wider diameter. The uncompressed diameter of head 1686 is greater than the diameter of grip opening 1634, so once head 1686 is inserted through grip opening 1634 it is prevented from being removed from grip opening 1634. Removal of end 1684 from grip opening 1634 requires radial forces to be applied to press the halves of end 1684 together while also pulling end 1684 laterally out of grip opening 1634. After ends 1684 are inserted through a respective grip opening 1634, the additional tab 1688 is clipped onto the stem 1685 that does not have a tab 1688. Connecting a tab 1688 to each stem 1685 helps to prevent grip 1680 from sliding laterally with respect to frame 1625 and prevents core 1682 from rotating.
In some embodiments, a clip lock 1692 may be placed over each grip opening 1634 so that clip lock 1692 rests on ledge 1638 and covers grip cavity 1636. Clip lock 1692 may also assist to prevent accidental release of end 1684 from grip opening 1634. As an example, clip lock 1692 may have an extension 1694 that fits into gap 1687 (see
Other embodiments of handle 1620 may include different grip arrangements, and/or may use other suitable attachment methods to attach grip 1680 to frame 1625. For example, the grip may be a unitary structure that is bolted onto frame 1625 or the core may be a bolt and nut arranged within an overmolded portion. In other embodiments, handle 1620 may include an integrally formed grip. The grip may be cylindrical or may have a contoured shape. For example, grip 1680 may include grooves spaced to accommodate a user's fingers or may be textured to reduce slipping.
While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted, except as set forth in the following claims.
The present patent document is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/466,415 filed on Aug. 22, 2014, which claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/868,769, filed Aug. 22, 2013, and which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61868769 | Aug 2013 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14466415 | Aug 2014 | US |
Child | 15470275 | US |