Patent Application
20130109543
The field of the present invention is exercise equipment and in particular a multiple pulley system exercise device.
Pulley devices that function to exercise various muscle groups are well-known in the art. In particular, the use of multiple pulleys in exercise devices coupled with a resistance device have been described previously. See, e.g., Eisa (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2005/0164851); and Batca (U.S. Pat. No. 7,654,942 B1). The resistance device is traditionally in the form of a weight stack whereby the lifter may vary the number of the weights in the stack that are engaged in the exercise. In general, such devices permit a user to exercise certain muscle groups by exerting force on one or more pulleys using various types of handles that in turn lift the engaged weight plates of the weight stack.
Because of the many drawbacks to membership at a gym with exercise equipment, many people opt for home gyms that allow a user to exercise various muscle groups in the convenience of their homes. Of utmost importance in building a home gym is the saving of valuable space. The devices disclosed in the prior art, however, fail to achieve an effective design wherein the user can store the devices in a limited space. For example, the devices disclosed in the prior art fail to provide a thin profile such that the device can be put against a wall so as to minimize the space it takes up within a given room. In addition, while some of the devices disclosed in the prior art consist of designs that may permit exercise of multiple muscles using pulleys, they possess further limitations and drawbacks, including but not limited to lack of a wide range of motion, and lack of a resistance device that allows for a safe, smooth and intense repetition. Other limitations and drawbacks of the devices disclosed in the prior art will be apparent to one of skill in the art.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages and problems inherent in the devices disclosed in the prior art, the present invention is an improved space saving multiple pulley system exercise device capable of effectively exercising a plurality of muscle groups, and allowing for a wide range of motion that is safe, smooth and intense.
As will be described in greater detail below, the present invention accomplishes the foregoing using a four-pulley system. When the user exerts a force on one or more of the pulley systems, the engaged resistance device begins to lift as the resistance variable generator begins to expand. The multiple-pulley system allows the user to perform a wide array of different exercises for various muscle groups, including the shoulders, chest, biceps, triceps, latissimus dorsi, forearms, quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteus maximus.
In one aspect provided herein, is a multiple pulley system exercise device comprising: a left frame comprising a top horizontal member, a bottom horizontal member, a vertical positioning member and a base; a right frame comprising a top horizontal member, a bottom horizontal member; a vertical positioning member and a base, a first, second, third and fourth pulley system, each pulley system comprising one, two, three, four, five, or six or more pulleys; a left and right resistance device; and a first, second, third, and fourth cable, wherein each of the top horizontal members and bottom horizontal members of the left and right frames comprises a first and second end and wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth cables comprises a first and second end.
In certain embodiments, the top horizontal member of the left frame is attached at its first end to the vertical positioning member of the left frame; the bottom horizontal member of the left frame is attached at its first end to the vertical positioning member of the left frame; the top horizontal member of the right frame is attached at its first end to the vertical positioning member of the right frame; and the bottom horizontal member of the right frame is attached at its first end to the vertical positioning member of the right frame.
In certain embodiments, the left resistance device is configured within the left frame to provide resistance for performing exercise; the first end of the first cable is connected to the left resistance device; the first cable is configured to transfer resistance provided by the left resistance device; the first pulley system is configured to accept at least a portion of the first cable; the first pulley system comprises one or more guide pulleys attached to the second end of the top horizontal member of the left frame and a connector pulley, and wherein the first pulley system guides the second end of the first cable downward, towards a user positioned in front of the left frame.
In certain embodiments, the second cable is configured to transfer resistance provided by the left resistance device; the second cable is attached at its first end to the base of the left frame; the second pulley system is configured to accept at least a portion of the second cable and guide the second end of the second cable to the user; the second pulley system comprises one or more guide pulleys attached to the second end of the bottom horizontal member of the left frame and a connector pulley, wherein the connector pulley of the second pulley system is connected to the connector pulley of the first pulley system by a connecting element that allows for the rotation of the connector pulleys of the first and second pulley systems, and wherein the second pulley system is configured in a manner such that a use pulling on the second cable causes the first pulley system to pull downward on the first cable, causing the left resistance device to be lifted upwards.
In certain embodiments, the right resistance device is configured within the right frame to provide resistance for performing exercise; the first end of the third cable is connected to the right resistance device; the first cable is configured to transfer resistance provided by the left resistance device; the third cable is configured to transfer resistance provided by the right resistance device; the third pulley system is configured to accept at least a portion of the third cable; the third pulley system comprises one or more guide pulleys attached to the second end of the top horizontal member of the right frame and a connector pulley, and wherein the third pulley system guides the second end of the third cable downward, towards a user positioned in front of the left frame.
In certain embodiments, the fourth cable is configured to transfer resistance provided by the right resistance device; the fourth cable is attached at its first end to the base of the right frame; the fourth pulley system is configured to accept at least a portion of the fourth cable and guide the second end of the fourth cable to the user; the fourth pulley system comprises one or more guide pulleys attached to the second end of the bottom horizontal member of the right frame and a connector pulley, wherein the connector pulley of the fourth pulley system is connected to the connector pulley of the third pulley system by a connecting element that allows for the rotation of the connector pulleys of the third and fourth pulley systems, and wherein the fourth pulley system is configured in a manner such that a use pulling on the fourth cable during causes the fourth pulley system to pull downward on the third cable, causing the right resistance device to be lifted upwards.
In preferred embodiments, a top and/or bottom horizontal member is attached to a vertical positioning member of the left or right frame using a locking element that allows for the horizontal member to be adjusted and locked in a plurality of positions along the vertical positioning member. In specific embodiments, the locking element is a securing pin that can be inserted into holes in a horizontal member and vertical positioning member and lock the horizontal member in a plurality of fixed positions to the vertical positioning member.
In certain embodiments of the multiple pulley system exercise described herein, the top horizontal members of the left and right frames are connected, and the bottom horizontal members of the left and right frames are connected.
In certain embodiments of the multiple pulley system exercise described herein, the guide pulleys of the first and third pulley systems are attached to the top horizontal members of the left and right frames, respectively, so that the guide pulleys of the first and third pulley systems are spaced approximately 18 inches from each other, and the guide pulleys of the second and fourth pulley systems are attached to the bottom horizontal members of the left and right frames, respectively, so that the guide pulleys of the second and fourth pulley systems are spaced approximately 18 inches from each other.
In certain embodiments of the multiple pulley system exercise device provided herein, at least one of the guide pulleys of the first, second, third and/or fourth pulley system is pivotally attached to its horizontal member so that the guide pulley is capable of pivoting along a vertical axis.
In certain embodiments of the multiple pulley system exercise device provided herein, the device further comprises a first handle attached to the second end of the first cable, a second handle attached to the second end of the second cable, a third handle attached to the second end of the third cable, and a fourth handle attached to the second end of the fourth cable. In specific embodiments, at least one of the first, second, third and fourth handles are detachable. In certain embodiments, the multiple pulley system exercise device, wherein at least one of the first, second, third or fourth handles is connected to the second end of its cable by a snap. In specific embodiments, at least one of the first, second, third or fourth handles is connected to the second end of its cable by a chain.
In certain embodiments of the multiple pulley system exercise device provided herein, the left and right resistance device each comprises: a weight stack setting upon a base; a lifting mount connected to the top of the weight stack; a first elastic element and a second elastic element, the first elastic element having a top end and a bottom end, and the second elastic element having a top end and a bottom end. In these particular embodiments, the first elastic element is interposed vertically along the left side of the weight stack between the lifting mount and the base, and the top end of the first elastic element is connected proximate the center, left side of the lifting mount, and the bottom end of the first elastic element is connected proximate the center, left side of the base. Further, in these particular embodiments, the second elastic element is interposed vertically along the right side of the weight stack between the lifting mount and the base, and the top end of the second elastic element is connected proximate the center, right side of the lifting mount, and the bottom end of the second elastic element is connected proximate the center, right side of the base.
The foregoing description, objects, and advantages of the present invention are not meant to be an exhaustive summary, inasmuch as additional pertinent aspects of this invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken independently or in conjunction with the annexed sheets of drawings, in which one or more embodiments of the invention are described and shown. The following detailed description and annexed drawings are provided only for purposes of illustration of certain specific embodiments of the present invention, and not for purposes of limitation of the appended claims.
The following detailed description of the invention can be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
In the drawings, similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, as well as within the detailed description below.
The following detailed description is not meant to limit the instant claimed invention, inasmuch as alternate embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
Referring to
In one aspect provided herein, as shown in
The left 1 and right 5 frames may be rigid structures configured to provide support for one or more elements of the device. For example, various elements of the device, which will be described further below, may be attached or otherwise secured to the left and right frames. It is contemplated that elements may be attached in any suitable way including by one or more mechanical or other fasteners, adhesives, welds, or a combination thereof. One or more of the elements may be integrally formed as part of the left and right frames in one or more embodiments as well.
It will be understood that the left 1 and right 5 frames may be any structure capable of supporting the elements of the multiple pulley system exercise device as discussed herein. In particular, the left and right frames, may be configured in any way to support the placement of one, two, three, four or more pulley systems on the device as described herein. The left and right frames may comprise a plurality of elongated members such as shown in
The structures which make up the left and right frames need not be elongated members as shown. In some embodiments the frame may comprise one or more planar or other shaped portions such as one or more plates or flat surfaces. As stated, any structure or combination of structures capable of supporting the elements of the isolated triceps extension device as disclosed herein may be used as a frame.
The left and right frames will typically be constructed of one or more rigid materials. Metal such as steel may be used in one or more embodiments. Other materials may be used as well. For example, plastic, wood, composites, carbon fiber, alloys may be used to construct the frame in some embodiments.
In particular embodiments, the left 1 and right 5 frames each comprise a top horizontal member 3, 7 and a bottom horizontal member 4, 8, wherein each horizontal member comprises a first and a second end and wherein each horizontal member is connected to a vertical positioning member 2, 6 of the left or right frame at its first end. In preferred embodiments, as shown in
In certain embodiments, the guide pulley(s) connected to the second end of the top horizontal member of the left frame 23 and the first pulley connected to the second end of the top horizontal member 25 of the right frame are spaced at approximately 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or so or more inches apart. In preferred embodiments, the guide pulley(s) connected to the second end of the top horizontal member 23 of the left frame and the guide pulley(s) connected to the second end of the top horizontal member of the right frame 25 are spaced at approximately 18 inches apart.
In certain embodiments, the guide pulley(s) are connected to the second end of the bottom horizontal member of the left frame 25 and the guide pulley(s) connected to the second end of the bottom horizontal member of the right frame 26 are spaced at approximately 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or so or more inches apart. In preferred embodiments, the guide pulley(s) connected to the second end of the top horizontal member of the left frame 24 and the guide pulley(s) connected to the second end of the top horizontal member of the right frame 26 are spaced at approximately 18 inches apart.
In certain embodiments, as shown in
In certain embodiments, the multiple pulley system exercise device comprises a left 13 and right 14 resistance device. Various types and configurations of resistance devices 13, 14 may be provided. For example, as shown in
The lifting rod 27 may be connected to the end of the cable 15, 16, 17, 18 opposite the end of the cable where a handle 30 is attached. In this manner, pulling the handle pulls the cable and lifting rod and the weights attached thereto. One or more guides 28 may be used to guide the movement of the weights as they are moved. The guides may comprise rigid bars or the like which run through the one or more weights of the resistance device 13, 14. In this manner, the weights may move along the guides. Guide 28 are beneficial in that they prevent the weights from swinging as they move during exercise on the multiple pulley system exercise device. However, it is noted that some embodiments may not include guides such as where movement of the weights is already suitably restricted by other structures or by the configuration of the resistance device. For example, planer or other shaped members which at least partially surround the weights. In one embodiment, these members could be placed adjacent one or more sides of the weights. In this manner, swinging or other undesired movement would be prevented by the members adjacent or partially surrounding the weights. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more weights may be attached to a track to prevent undesired movement.
In another embodiment of a resistance device. In this embodiment, resistance is provided by one or more springs rather than weights. Springs provide the benefit of variable resistance which allows resistance to increase or decrease as the springs are stretched. Such a variable resistance is beneficial because the variable resistance may correspondingly increase as the user pulls on a cable during exercise. In addition, a variable resistance may provide a decreased resistance during the initial steps of an exercise movement. A decreased resistance during the initial steps of an exercise movement can advantageously reduce and/or prevent undesirable stress and injury to the user's body.
In certain embodiments, the resistance device comprises two springs, a lifting mount, and a frame mount. It is noted that some embodiments may utilize a single spring or more than two springs. In addition, though described generally with regard to springs, it is contemplated that other variable resistance generators such as elastic cords and the like may be used in addition to or instead of a spring to provide variable resistance.
The lifting mount and frame mount provide structures to which the ends of the springs may be secured. The springs may be permanently attached to these mounts by one or more welds. Alternatively, the springs may be removably attached to these mounts. For example, the mounts may comprise one or more eyelets or loops which engage hooks on the springs, or vice versa. Removable attachment allows the amount of resistance provided by the resistance device to be changed. For example, additional springs may be added or one or more springs may be replaced with stronger or weaker springs as desired. It is contemplated that any fastener, structure, adhesive, or the like that is capable of securing the springs may be used as a lifting mount or frame mount.
In certain embodiments, the lifting mount includes a plate-like or planar structure. This provides an area to which the cable may be attached. In addition, this provides an area to accommodate two or more springs. Without this area, the springs may not be spaced sufficiently apart and thus become entangled. Furthermore, the planar structure may provide guide holes which allow one or more guides to pass therethrough to guide the movement of the lifting mount and the springs as they are moved during exercise. Without the guides and guide holes, the springs may swing about when moved during training. It is contemplated that other structures may be used to guide the movement of the lifting mount and springs in one or more embodiments. For example, the lifting mount may be attached to a track or be located within an open or closed vertical channel. Guides and guide holes may not be required in all embodiments, as the springs may be suitable stable without them.
The frame mount may also include a planer structure if desired, such as for example, to provide sufficient area to allow two or more springs to be used. Typically, the frame mount will be attached to the frame at the bottom of the device. It is noted that a planar structure may not be provided in all embodiments because one or more frame mounts may be directly attached to the frame at varying spaced intervals. Other resistance devices may be used with the multiple pulley system exercise device as well, including but not limited to, rotating or friction based resistance devices.
Still referring to
In certain embodiments provided herein, the multiple pulley system exercise device comprises one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten or more pulley systems. In preferred embodiments, the multiple pulley system exercise device comprises a four pulley systems, i.e., a first, second, third and fourth pulley system. Any pulley system known to those skilled in the art may be used to guide a cable of the device provided herein from the left or right resistance device to a user. In some embodiments, a pulley system of the device comprises one pulley. In some embodiments, a pulley system of the device comprises two pulleys. In some embodiments, a pulley system of the device comprises three pulleys. In some embodiments, a pulley system of the device comprises four pulleys. In some embodiments, a pulley system of the device comprises five pulleys. In some embodiments, a pulley system of the device comprises six pulleys. In some embodiments, a pulley system of the device comprises seven pulleys. In some embodiments, a pulley system of the device comprises eight or more pulleys.
Referring to
In certain embodiments, the multiple pulley system exercise device comprises a first pulley system, wherein the first pulley system comprises guide pulley(s) 23 attached to a top horizontal member of the left frame and a connecter pulley 32, and wherein the first pulley system guides the first cable 15 upward from the left resistance device 13 and then down towards a user engaged in the multiple pulley system exercise device. In other embodiments, the multiple pulley system, exercise device further comprises a second pulley system comprising guide pulley(s) 24 attached to a bottom horizontal member of the left frame and a connector pulley 33, wherein the connector pulley of the second pulley system, connected to the connector pulley 32 of the first pulley system by a connecting element 34 that allows the free rotation of the connector pulleys 32, 33 of the first, and second pulley systems, wherein the second pulley system guides at least a portion of the second cable 16 to the user, wherein the second pulley system is configured in a manner such that a user pulling on the second cable during the performance of an exercise causes the first pulley system to pull downward on the first cable, causing the left resistance device upward to be lifted upwards, and thereby providing a resistance force to the user performing the exercise. See
In certain embodiments, the guide pulley(s) of each pulley system may be pivotally attached to the left or right frame to help guide a cable attached to the left or right resistance device to the user. Such pivotally attached guide pulley(s) will pivot in the direction a user pulls on the guided cable, allowing for a wider range of possible exercise movements. In certain embodiments, the guide pulley(s) of the first pulley system is pivotally attached to the top horizontal member of the left frame in a manner that allows for the at least the guide pulley(s) to pivot along a vertical axis. In certain embodiments, the guide pulley(s) of the second pulley system is pivotally attached to the bottom horizontal member of the left frame in a manner that allows for the guide pulley(s) to pivot along a vertical axis. In certain embodiments, the guide pulley(s) of the third pulley system is pivotally attached to the top horizontal member of the right frame in a manner that allows for the guide pulley(s) to pivot along a vertical axis. In certain embodiments, the guide pulley(s) of the fourth pulley system is pivotally attached to the bottom horizontal member of the right frame in a manner that allows for the guide pulley(s) to pivot along a vertical axis.
A multitude of exercise motions can be performed using the multiple pulley exercise device, depending on which cable/pulley system(s) the user chooses to engage. For example, biceps and forearm wrist curls can be performed using the first and/or fourth cable/pulley system and latissimus dorsi and triceps pull down exercises can be performed by engaging the first and/or third cable/pulley system.
Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been described and illustrated herein in detail, it is recognized that modifications of many aspects of this device may readily occur and be achieved by those skilled in the art. Consequently, it is intended that the claims herein be interpreted to cover any such modifications. It is further intended that the present invention be not limited according to the disclosed embodiment, but rather only according to the appended claims.
