Patent Grant
10646738
This application is a national phase application under 35 U.S.C. 371, claiming priority to PCT Application No. PCT/IB2016/056484, filed Oct. 27, 2016 and titled Modular Structure for Physical Exercise, which, in turn, claims priority to Columbian Application No. CO 15256716, filed Oct. 28, 2015, the entire contents of each application is incorporated herein by reference.
This invention generally relates to equipment or apparatuses for performing physical exercise and, particularly it relates to a sliding gripping system placed on top of a surface and to a modular structure that contains said system, configured to perform any kind of exercise that uses ropes or bands, either rigid or elastic, which can be applied to the fields of occupational health, physiotherapy and physical training in general.
There currently exists a number of apparatuses designed for use with rigid and elastic bands and similar equipment that allow for performing exercises for strengthening different parts of the body.
As a reference, the following related patents were found:
Patent Application with publication number US20110237410A1, filed by CORE ENERGY FITNESS LLC on Mar. 22, 2011:
This patent application entitled “Resistance Band Exercise Station” consists of a modular hooking system that allows performing different exercises using different types of exercise tools requiring anchorage. This invention utilizes multiple units of safety hooks consisting of open-loop hooks having a barrier member such as a T-bar at the tip to prevent the straps from slipping out.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,711B1 filed by Robert Sylvester on Jul. 31, 2001: This patent entitled, “Elastic cord exercise assembly” consists of an assembly that can be mounted upon the face of a door or wall surface. This machine consists of two guide rails that allow movement to adjust the height of the cord assembly; it also has two cross bars that cover a wide range of exercises by means of an exercise elastic rope.
Patent Application with publication number US2013/0324378A1 filed by LIMITLESS WELLNESS PROJECT LLC, on Dec. 5, 2013:
This patent application entitled, “Removably Mounted Exercise Station” consists of an anchorage member with a plurality of apertures on the front surface, forming rails used to anchor the straps. The band uses a clamp attached to the resistance line made of rubber or plastic, on one side, and one handle on the opposite end. The station can be mounted on trees and other fixed objects using straps. Additionally, the station can be fixed to a wall using screws.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,908,418B2 filed by Paul Saure on Jun. 25, 2005:
This patent entitled, “Door mounted deadman for exercise devices” consists of a continuous strap that extends vertically in the same direction of the door. The equipment is secured by means of a ladder lock that fits the door and D-rings joined at different heights, where users can attach the elastic bands.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,546 filed by James R. Little on May 6, 2007:
This patent entitled, “Wall-mounted exercise Unit” is another wall mount system that uses two rails with a supporting bracket. This unit allows for multiple exercises, including elbow flexion using a bar, thanks to a cross bar included. This unit has a number of hooks used to connect different adaptors and elastic devices.
Similarly, there is equipment available on the market such as the “Slide Exercise Rail Wall” produced by ISOKINETICS, Inc. This equipment consists of a rail with multiple slots at various heights where resistance bands can be attached. ISOKINETICS, Inc. equipment has been designed exclusively for use with resistance bands which are also manufactured by ISOKINETICS, Inc. Additionally, this structure requires more time than other products available on the market when it comes to move the band to a different height or to change band resistance.
There are other commercial products available such as the “TheraBand Wall Station” and the “TheraBand Rehab and Wellness Station” produced by the company THERABAND, which consist of three rails: two of them are vertically aligned and the third one—a shorter one—is horizontally placed in the middle, allowing for multiple exercises. Both exercise stations require the use of resistance bands which are also made by the company THERABAND.
However, all of the above-mentioned exercise structures or systems designed for use with bands or ropes, either elastic or rigid, have some flaws.
Specifically, the use of the above-mentioned devices and other systems available on the market require a supporting structure, which forces the sporting goods consumer to resort to another object to perform specific exercises, thus causing wear in the object, as well as in the rope or band; besides, as the exercise system is fixed to a third structure, it is rarely placed at the height appropriate to each user.
On the other hand, major consumers of this kind of exercise equipment include gyms and sport centers, which must cater for a considerable large amount of customers, with different exercise requirements, simultaneously; this causes wear in elastic bands or ropes due to the flow of users; furthermore, provided these devices have their own individual supporting structures, they only allow for a few users to exercise at the same time, and therefore no training circuits of muscle groups can be performed by several users simultaneously.
As far as the sportsmen market is concerned, the use of elastic bands and ropes becomes important because they reduce the impact and offer the possibility to perform a wider range of exercises in areas of difficult access or under particular conditions where training is performed (i.e. swimming pools and soccer fields). In some training facilities, supporting structures available on the market cannot be adjusted and sportsmen are forced to resort to any object at hand in order to attach the bands to said objects. This poses a risk since not every object is suitable to bear the force applied; furthermore, continuous friction causes bands to wear rapidly or even put users at risk in case a band disengages from its support structure.
Additionally, exercise products currently available on the market are neither space-efficient nor comfortable, when training with elastic or rigid bands. Particularly, equipment currently available is for individual use; therefore, one device is required for each user which implies higher costs and larger space requirements, especially when users are performing maximum extension exercises such as shoulder blade adduction.
Most of the documents of the prior art reviewed, present equipment which include a straight support which is fully in contact with the surface it is attached to, and it does not accept being attached to a surface having any irregularity or protuberance.
After identifying the above-mentioned problems and deficiencies in state-of-the-art exercise equipment, the modular structure for physical exercise disclosed in this document was developed; it consists of a training station for ropes and resistance bands that substantially eliminates the issues arising from the limitations and disadvantages of the prior art.
The present invention consists of a sliding gripping system placed on top of a surface and a modular structure for physical exercise which includes said sliding gripping system. The modular structure for physical exercise is characterized in that it is possible to have multiple work places, which can be used simultaneously, and a sliding gripping system which allows for varying the height of the anchor points to which ropes of bands are attached when performing the exercise.
This invention allows the use of different types of ropes or bands, either elastic or rigid.
A subject matter of the present invention is providing a flexible easy-to-use exercise station with resistance bands that can accommodate different types of resistance bands and other exercise accessories that require anchoring to a physical object.
The present invention is aimed at solving the following problems found in equipment currently available on the market:
1. Products available on the market do not make adequate use of space and are not comfortable when performing exercises involving the use of elastic or rigid bands.
2. Products currently available have been designed for individual use only, which demands larger space for the exercise machine in addition to the space required by each user to perform the applicable exercise, which consequently entails higher occupied-area related costs.
3. Exercise machines currently available do not allow for each user to adjust the height of the supporting structure according to their personal condition and such deficiency may constitute a fundamental factor for risk injury when performing any sport, training, stretching activity, exercise, etc.
The modular structure for physical exercise disclosed in the present invention offers the following advantages:
1. Easy, rapid and safe sliding of the sliding gripping system.
2. Ease to work simultaneously with other users.
3. Ease to perform any exercise using elastic or rigid bands.
In order to have a better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, it is necessary to set forth the following description and claims together with the attached drawings in which its elements or parts are described using conventions, as follows:
The present invention relates to a gripping system that slides on a surface that comprises:
a. Gripping means (300); and
b. Sliding surface (200) for the gripping means (300).
The gripping means (300) are composed mainly of:
a. a hook (26);
b. a swivel joint (29);
c. a swivel joint nut (33);
d. a caster (44);
e. a main spring (45); and
f. a swivel joint screw (32).
The sliding surface (200) on which the gripping means (300) slide consists of:
a. a sliding surface rail (23);
b. a sliding surface tube (24);
c. a first wire rope (46);
d. a second wire rope (47);
e. a large lower pulley (50);
f. a large upper pulley (50);
g. a small lower pulley (52);
h. a small upper pulley (81); and
i. a counterweight (54).
Another embodiment of the present invention presents a modular structure for physical exercise (10) which incorporates the sliding gripping system of the invention.
In reference to
a. an upper base of structure (11);
b. a lower base of structure (12);
c. gripping means (300); and
d. a sliding surface (200) of the gripping means (300).
The upper base of the structure (11) is a plate that allows for fixing the sliding surface (200) and its function is allowing the anchoring of the modular structure for physical exercise (10) to a surface of any plane.
The lower base of the structure (12) is composed of a Plate A of the lower base (13) and a plate B of the lower base (14), which are fixed by means of the lower base screws (15), the lower base nuts (16) and the lower base joints (78). This lower base of the structure (12) has the function of anchoring the modular structure for physical exercise (10) to a surface of any plane.
Both the upper base (11) and the lower base (12)) of the structure have anchor orifices (55) which allow accommodating a wide range of anchors, depending on the resistance desired and the surface to which the structure will be fixed to.
The upper base of the structure (11) also has upper base screws (17) and upper base nuts (79) for anchorage to the supporting devices of the structure.
Bases (11) and (12) of the structure (10) allow for the structure to be installed at a certain height from the floor (anchored to a surface such as a wall) or at floor level, on any surface of any plane or even on irregular surfaces, thus responding to every need of the sporting goods consumers.
The upper bases (11) and lower bases (12) are anchored to a surface, in order to have a rigid structure that is able to support the great forces applied.
Moving along to
a. a hook (26);
b. a swivel joint (29);
c. a swivel joint nut (33);
d. a caster (44);
e. a main spring (45); and
f. a swivel joint screw (32).
The gripping means (300) of the modular structure (10) of the present invention also contain two protector plate handles (38), a pulley system (50 and 52) and one counterweight (54), specially designed for a delicate and smooth movement, allowing for a comfortable way to unlock the safety system, pull and slide the gripping means (300), so as to change the gripping position using a simple force applied. Consequently, the modular structure (10) offers efficient adaptability to the characteristics of specific exercises or users.
The hook (26) correspond to a conventional hook having a large section (27) and a gate (28).
This hook (26) can rotate 360 on a vertical plane by means of a swivel joint (29). That is to say, this swivel joint (29) allows for a bird's-eye rotation of the hook (26) so that the rope or band (75) is always in the same position with respect to the hook (26).
The swivel joint (29) correspond to a loop-shaped element manufactured in any high duration fiber having a large opening in the swivel joint (31) and with a small opening in the edge of the swivel joint (30).
Inside the swivel joint (29), in the inside diameter of the loop, a swivel joint nut (33) is placed, which allows fixing the swivel joint (29) to the swivel joint screw (32).
The hook (26) is inserted in the small opening (30) of the swivel joint (29).
This swivel joint (29) allows for the hook (26) to move freely in the direction of the band or rope (75) and also allows for reduced wear since the hook (26) does not allow lateral sliding.
In another embodiment of the invention, the gripping means (300) may also have a disk (34).
The disk (34) corresponds to a piece of circular shape with an orifice in its center wherein a swivel joint screw (32) is fixed using a nut (36).
The disk (34) produces optimal resistance for compressing the spring (35).
The caster (44) correspond to an element that allows for sliding the gripping means (300) smoothly and is located inside the rail of the sliding surface (23).
The main spring (45) is located between the spring (35) and the caster (44), and slides by means of a swivel joint screw (32).
On the ends of the spring (45), the ends of the first wire rope (46) the second wire rope (47) are placed, attached to the upper rail clip (83) and lower rail clip (84)
Finally, the gripping means (300) have a swivel joint screw (32) that allows the coupling of all pieces of the gripping means (300) together provided this screw passes through the following elements: the main spring (45); the caster (44); the protector plate (37); the spring (35); the swivel joint nut (33); the disk nut (36); the large opening of the swivel joint (31).
The gripping means (300) also have a spring (35) and a protector plate (37). The spring (35) slides along the swivel joint screw (32) positioning itself between the disk (34) and the protector plate (37). As mentioned above, the disk (34) produces a resistance that compresses the spring (35).
The protector plate (37) also has four casters (39) which allow for a smooth sliding along the sliding surface rail (23).
Protector plate casters (39) are fixed to the protector plate using dowels (40).
Two protector plate screws (41) and two protector plate nuts (42) (not shown) are fixed to the protector plate (37), which serve as a safety system.
Finally, foam rubber (43) is attached to the protector plate (37).
The modular structure for physical exercise (10) contains an improved tension absorber and wear-reduction system based upon the gripping means (300), as shown in
Referring now to
a. a sliding surface rail (23);
b. a sliding surface tube (24);
c. first wire rope (46);
d. second wire rope (47)
e. large lower pulley (50);
f. large upper pulley (80);
g. small lower pulley (52);
h. small upper pulley (81); and
i. counterweight (54).
The sliding surface rail (23) and the sliding surface tube (24) are fixed, on both ends, to the upper base joints (18) and lower base joints (78). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the sliding surface rail (23) and the sliding surface tube (24) have a length of 2 meters.
The sliding surface rail (23) is a metal bar on which the gripping means (300) slides.
The sliding surface tube (24) is a metal tube wherein some of the main components of the modular structure for physical exercise (10) are accommodated.
Particularly, this sliding surface tube (24) accommodates: the second wire rope (47); upper hook or snap hook (53); counterweight (54); small lower pulley (52); and first wire rope (46), lower nipple (49), as shown in
The first wire rope (46) is manufactured in steel cable helically wound.
The second wire rope (47) has the same characteristics and length of the first wire rope (46).
The first wire rope (46) passes through the large lower pulley (50) located in the large lower pulley screw (25) with a lower bushing (51) and goes through the small lower pulley (52) thus leading the first wire rope (46) towards one of the ends of the main spring (45).
On the opposite end of the first wire rope (46), the lower nipple (49) is placed, located in the sliding surface tube (24), securing it with the lower square tube clip (82).
The second wire rope (47) passes through the large upper pulley (80) located in the large upper pulley screw (77) with an upper bushing (76) and goes through the small upper pulley (81), thus leading the second wire rope (47) towards one of the ends of the main spring (45).
On the opposite end of the second wire rope (47), the upper nipple (85) is placed, located in the sliding surface tube (24), securing it with the upper square tube clip (48).
The end of the small lower pulley (52) attaches the lower hook or snap hook (86), which attaches to the opposite end of the counterweight (54).
Similarly, the small upper pulley (81) attaches to the upper hook or snap hook (53), which attaches to the opposite end of the counterweight (54).
The lower hooks or snap hooks (86), upper hooks (53) and hook (26) are comprised of two parts. The first part is a unit made of an elongated material bent in such a way that both ends are facing each other, but with a distance between them. The second part is another unit, made of the same material of the first unit hereinabove described, fixed to one of the ends of the first part, in such a way that it can be moved, pulling it closer or farther to the opposite end of the first part. This part does not allow the band or rope (75) (shown in
Finally, the counterweight (54) is a cylinder the height of which is larger than the radius of the base; this cylinder is made of any material having a mass enough to offset the weight of the gripping means (300). At the ends of the counterweight (54), it has two rings to hold it with the upper and lower hooks (53) and (86), respectively, and the wire rope system (46) and (47), as shown in
The main part of the safety system of the modular structure for physical exercise (10) are the protector plate screws (41), which matching specific spots of the rail of the sliding surface (23)—orifices with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the protector plate screw (41), which allows them to slide along such orifices and perform only the movements voluntarily made by the user.
The exercise station of the present invention contains a practical single-structure/support system accommodating one (1) to three (3) users, located in an optimal point for people to exercise comfortably.
In one embodiment of the present invention, one, two or three sliding surfaces (200) can be installed on the same modular structure (10), in this embodiment of the invention, the two or three sliding surfaces (200) share the same bases (11) and (12) and handrails (19). Each sliding surface (200) may be added to the structure at different moments, in case the sporting goods consumer wishes to increase the capacity of the modular structure (10).
The structure of the present invention allows for adjusting the height of the rope or band (75) to work at the appropriate height for different kinds of exercises of the majority of muscle groups and, at the same time, accommodate for several exercise places.
That is to say, the modular structure for physical exercise (10) allows for several exercise places with an individual gripping and sliding system, at the same time, thus allowing several people to exercise simultaneously, at the same or at a different height of the hook, or one person exercising several muscle groups in a circuit.
One of the greatest advantages of the modular structure for physical exercise (10) of the present invention is the possibility to modify the gripping height and accommodate several exercise places at the same time, which is not currently available.
The modular structure for physical exercise (10) can also have one or more sliding surfaces (200), which allow the sliding system and the counterweight of the gripping means (300) to operate.
The commercial design of the modular structure for physical exercise (10) keeps users or any person from seeing the content or operation of the internal mechanisms, thus avoiding accidents, illegal reproduction and lack of aesthetics.
On another embodiment of the present invention, two modular structures can be installed, connected through their bases and orifices, replacing the screws (51) of the lower bases with anchorage that provides the structure with the rigidity necessary, as shown in
Similarly, the modular structure for physical exercise (10), has handrails (19) (shown in
The present invention is useful for the physical exercise area and may be used by particular users or by gyms that provide individuals with physical exercise services.
The following is a summary of the advantages offered by the modular structure for physical exercise of the present invention:
1. Allows for a plurality of people to perform exercises in a limited space: The size and design of the structure or support is efficient, since it requires a minimum space for several users to perform exercises comfortably.
2. Easy-to-use gripping means and change of position with sliding capabilities: The gripping means of the structure of the present invention contain two handles, one pulley system and one counterweight, specially designed for a delicate and smooth movement, offering a comfortable way to unlock the safety system, pull the gripping means, and slide it, so as to change the gripping position by applying a simple force. Consequently, it offers efficient adaptability to the characteristics of both user and type of exercise.
3. Adequate for any type of exercise band or rope: Bands or ropes of different lengths can be used according to the exercise to be performed. The structure of the present invention allows using different bands or ropes in the same hook, since the diameter of the loop is large enough to anchor more than one rope or band, whether elastic or rigid. However, it only requires one hand or rope of any type available on the market to perform the exercises.
4. Tolerates more force: Some exercise machines currently available have restrictions in terms of the force their structure can tolerate; for example, with machines anchored to surfaces such as doors using nylon belts, in the event that the user exerts all the force that his/her weight is capable of generating against the machine, it may lead to disengagement from the machine or deformation of the nylon belt. The structure proposed in the present invention offers higher resistance to large forces applied, to the extent that its structure is modular and is rigidly supported on bases that allow for placing a wide range of anchorages, depending on the resistance desired and the mounting surface.
5. Increased rigidity: The structure or support is rigid to avoid unwanted movements while performing exercises. Such rigidity of the structure is achieved by using structural angle frames made of materials such as steel, which keeps the structure of the invention from becoming deformed after being subjected to external forces. The structure of the invention presents lateral stability, since it admits lateral forces to perform any kind of exercise with bands or ropes, without letting the band slide or overlap, which would have an impact on the user to the extent that it leads to losing control and alters the exercise routine, even resulting in spine problems.
6. Allows for a bird's eye movement of the hook (may be vertical, horizontal or diagonal): The gripping means contain a piece which allows for a bird's eye rotation of the hook, so that the band or rope is always in the same position in relation to the hook.
7. Easy performance of lower-body exercises: The structure makes it easier and safer to exercise muscles from the waist down, as it has one or more handrails. Handrails allow users to support themselves while performing exercises that so require. Handrail size is large enough for every user to grab onto them without bumping into each other.
8. Allows for adding a wide range of fittings and accessories: The structure of the invention is versatile, offering the possibility to add a range of accessories that may be coupled to the hook, as the loop diameter is wide enough to be used with any fitting or accessory currently available.
9. Adjustable to an adequate and sufficient height: The height of the structure or support is ideal for any person to perform a large number of exercises and may be adjusted to specific requirements of the average population.
10. The structure of this invention allows for easy adaptation to different surfaces or places: The structure of this invention incorporates in its design bases that keep enough distance from columns, so that protrusions of the surface will not affect it. Similarly, the structure of the present invention keeps the mounting surface free from significant damage or deterioration, since 4 orifices are enough to accommodate up to three users.
11. The structure can be installed at a certain distance from the floor (for instance, anchored to a wall) or at floor level, anchored to the floor.
12. The structure is adequate for all types of environments: Depending not only on the material but on the coating applied to such material, the structure or support will be suitable for installation in any kind of environment, whether humid or hot.
13. Simple assembly process: Any person with the instructions manual should be able to anchor and assemble the structure of the present invention as well as attach any accessory.
14. Maintenance: The structure of the present invention does not require constant maintenance because its elements, such as casters and bushing, are not subjected to friction, unlike equivalent elements in other machines. Furthermore, the elements of the present invention are manufactured using materials with self-lubricating characteristics, thus avoiding frequent maintenance by users of the modular structure for physical exercise of the present invention.
15. Reduced wear of hands or ropes: The structure of the present invention reduces the wear of exercise bands and ropes, as the currently available structures are supported for example by doors, banisters, etc. However, since those are not suitable supports that were designed to this end, such objects that serve as a support can get worn away or damaged, and even bands or ropes themselves can get damaged or worn away. The structure of the present invention contains a wear and tension absorber system incorporated into the gripping means which contains a swivel joint that allows the hook to move freely according to the direction of the band or rope, and the hook which does not let lateral sliding, also reduces wear.
16. Safety for equipment users: The structure of the present invention, provides additional safety elements to those offered in the prior art, including the easy locking system in which every sliding surface has a range of preset heights consisting of orifices where the protector plate screws fit and do not allow for involuntary changes of position.
17. The easy-to-use novel structure of the present invention allows its usage by people with physical, mental, sensorial or intellectual disabilities.
18. The hidden internal system prevents reproduction or undue manipulation of the structure.
Other embodiments of this invention that become apparent to those of expert skill in the art from reading and putting into practice the description of this invention are deemed included in the scope of protection of this invention. This descriptive specification and any examples mentioned herein are given for the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope or spirit of the invention, which is defined by the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15256716 | Oct 2015 | CO | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2016/056484 | 10/27/2016 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2017/072702 | 5/4/2017 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3115339 | Forte | Dec 1963 | A |
| 5403257 | Lehtonen | Apr 1995 | A |
| 5997448 | Duba | Dec 1999 | A |
| 6267711 | Hinds | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 6527683 | Tolles | Mar 2003 | B2 |
| 7553264 | Carter | Jun 2009 | B2 |
| 8172733 | Batca | May 2012 | B1 |
| 8834328 | Batca | Sep 2014 | B1 |
| 9067100 | Habing | Jun 2015 | B2 |
| 10286279 | Wehrell | May 2019 | B2 |
| 20020107116 | Schulz | Aug 2002 | A1 |
| 20020119869 | Whited Lake | Aug 2002 | A1 |
| 20030060345 | Piane, Jr. | Mar 2003 | A1 |
| 20060040799 | Pompile | Feb 2006 | A1 |
| 20060199706 | Wehrell | Sep 2006 | A1 |
| 20060252614 | Rotondale | Nov 2006 | A1 |
| 20060264305 | Klassen | Nov 2006 | A1 |
| 20070054785 | Drechsler | Mar 2007 | A1 |
| 20070161472 | Drechsler | Jul 2007 | A1 |
| 20120065035 | Makula | Mar 2012 | A1 |
| 20120094804 | Bell | Apr 2012 | A1 |
| 20120142503 | Sevadjian | Jun 2012 | A1 |
| 20130035220 | Adams | Feb 2013 | A1 |
| 20130130866 | Wehrell | May 2013 | A1 |
| 20130196832 | Adams | Aug 2013 | A1 |
| 20130274075 | Habing | Oct 2013 | A1 |
| 20140038777 | Bird | Feb 2014 | A1 |
| 20140121071 | Strom | May 2014 | A1 |
| 20150087486 | Franks | Mar 2015 | A1 |
| 20150165272 | Bird | Jun 2015 | A1 |
| 20160121156 | Bach | May 2016 | A1 |
| 20160151656 | Vannicatte | Jun 2016 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20180311523 A1 | Nov 2018 | US |
