The disclosure relates in general to exercise equipment, and more particularly, to a pull up system as well as to a bar locking fastener utilized with the pull up system.
The performance of body weight exercises has long been the mainstay of many athletes. One of these body weight exercises is the pull up (also sometimes known as a chin up). Such body weight exercises are known and equipment for such exercises has been known.
Typically, such equipment comprises a bar (generally of a substantially uniform round cross-sectional configuration). Such bars are coupled to support arms, support members, or other structures which essentially suspend the bar therebetween. In many instances, the bar is welded to the support structures. As such, the bar is essentially permanently coupled to the support structures.
In other configurations, the bar may be releasably coupled to the support structures. In some such configurations, the supports may include a bar with openings configured to slidably receive a bar member. Typically, the bar member is maintained in the desired position by a clamp bolt that can sandwich the bar member against the opening. Typically, such a clamp bolt relies upon an opening transverse to the bar opening, which opening has a threaded nut welded thereover. The bolt can be threaded through the fastener and the opening and into contact with the bar. One such configuration is shown in the P3 Pull-Up system offered by Rogue Fitness of Columbus, Ohio. Problematically, such a construction is typically time consuming and requires proper alignment of the nut and the opening.
Additionally, in many instances the support arms comprise relatively complex systems of components that are welded together. Again, such a system is time consuming and costly to manufacture due to the different components and the welding that is required to join the different components.
The disclosure is directed to a pull up system comprising a bar member and a support assembly. The bar member is coupled to the support assembly. The support assembly is attachable to an outside surface.
In an aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed to a pull up system comprising a bar member, and a support assembly. The bar member has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The bar member has an outer surface. The support assembly is attachable to an outside surface. The support assembly includes a first arm member and a second arm member which are spaced apart from each other. Each has a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end with the distal end spaced apart from the outside surface. At least one of the first arm member and the second arm member includes a transverse opening and a bar locking fastener. The transverse opening is structurally configured to receive the bar member slidably therethrough with a locking opening positioned proximate thereto, and in communication therewith.
The bar locking fastener has a flange nut with an upper portion and a lower flange. The upper portion has a perimeter which shape matingly engages the locking opening so as to preclude substantial rotation therebetween when the upper portion is inserted into the locking opening. The lower flange is configured such that passage thereof through the locking opening is precluded when in the operable position between the locking opening and the transverse opening. A bolt is threadedly engaged with the flange nut, with a lower end surface extendable into the transverse opening. Upon positioning of the bar member through the transverse opening, the lower end surface of the bolt can be threadedly engaged with the flange nut to clamp the bar member to the arm member.
In some configurations, the bar member has a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration.
In some such configurations, the bar member is a substantially elongated cylindrical member.
In some configurations, the first arm member and the second arm member each include the transverse opening and the bar locking fastener.
In some configurations, the transverse opening comprises a polygonal configuration.
In some such configurations, the upper portion of the flange nut comprises a polygonal configuration.
In some such configurations, the polygonal configuration of each of the transverse opening and the upper portion of the flange nut each comprise a hexagonal configuration.
In some configurations, the lower flange comprises a substantially circular configuration.
In some configurations, the flange nut is separable from the transverse opening so as to selectively permit coupling and decoupling of the same.
In some configurations, the first arm member and the second arm member are substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other a distance that corresponds to a distance that is less than a length of the bar member.
In another aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed to a bar locking fastener for a pull up system that includes a flange nut and a bolt. The flange nut is insertable into a corresponding opening of an arm member of a support assembly, proximate a transverse opening. The bolt is threadable through the flange nut and extendable into the transverse opening.
In some configurations, the flange nut includes an upper portion and a lower flange. The upper portion has a shape that limits rotation within the transverse opening.
In some configurations, the flange nut comprises a polygonal configuration.
In some configurations, the polygonal configuration comprises a hexagonal configuration.
In some configurations, the lower flange has a circular configuration.
In another aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed to a support assembly for a pull up system. The system comprises an arm member and a bar locking fastener. The arm member has a proximal end and a distal end, a first side and a second side opposite the second side, and a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface so as to define an elongated member with a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration. A transverse opening extends through the first side and the second side. The transverse opening is structurally configured to have a bar member extendable through the transverse opening; opening. The locking opening extending through one of the top surface and the bottom surface and in communication with the transverse opening. The locking opening having a shape.
The bar locking fastener having a flange nut and a bolt. The flange nut has an upper portion and a lower flange. The flange nut is insertable through the transverse opening so as to extend the upper portion through the locking opening, with the lower flange sized so as to preclude passage thereof through the locking opening, and with the shape of the locking opening limiting rotation of the flange nut therein. The bolt has a shaft threadable through the flange nut so as to be extendable into the transverse opening. The bolt has a lower end surface engageable with the bar member, upon insertion of the bar member through the transverse opening.
In some configurations, the transverse opening comprises a generally circular opening.
In some configurations, the transverse opening is positioned closer to the distal end than the proximal end of the arm member.
In some configurations, the shape of the locking opening and the upper portion of the flange nut each comprise a polygonal configuration.
In some configurations, the flange nut is separable from the arm member.
The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:
While this disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment(s) with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment(s) illustrated.
It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.
Referring now to the drawings and in particular to
In the configuration shown, the pull up system comprise bar member 12 and a plurality of support assemblies, such as support assembly 14. It is to be understood the pull up system 10 is manufactured with a substantially strong metallic material such that it allows for supporting an adult body within motion. Further, it is to be understood the pull up system 10 includes two support assemblies 14 be positioned parallel in reference to one another along a planar wall. Distance between the two support assemblies 14 is, in many instances, the length of the bar member 12. A number of different assemblies of the bar member 12 and support assembly 14 are contemplated. For example, a contemplated configuration designed outside of the scope of the figures is an extended bar member 12 that is secured through three support assemblies 14 that are all parallel and equal in reference to one another. Further, the bar member 12 in the contemplated assembly is perpendicular in reference to all previously described support assemblies and equal secured to each.
As illustrated in
Additionally, while a generally hollow bar 12 is shown, it will be understood that the bar 12 may be solid, or may include reinforcing ribs or other structures that extend within the hollow cavity (wherein the bar can be formed from an extrusion or the like, for example). It will be understood that the bar is formed, preferably from a metal member, and may have a finish or a coating thereon. For example, the metal member may be anodized, painted, powder coated, dipped, or otherwise finished. Additionally, surface finishes such as knurling, for example, are also contemplated.
As illustrated in
The arm member 20 further comprises at least one transverse opening 36 aligned axially through the first side 32 and second side 33. Transverse openings 36 are generally of equal or greater dimension relative to the bar member 12 so that the bar member can be slidably extended through the openings. A plurality of transverse openings 36 may be present along the arm member 20. Further, transverse openings are separated by a contemplated distance along the length of the arm member, between the proximal end 30 to the distal end 31. In the configuration shown, two openings are positioned in a spaced apart orientation with the first of the openings being positioned proximate the distal end, and the second being spaced therefrom toward the proximal end. In the configuration shown, both openings remain closer to the distal end than the proximal end. Additionally, both openings are substantially identical in configuration, although the same is not required.
With additional reference to
The wall coupling member 22, as is shown in
The arm coupling portion 53 further comprises first wall 54 and second wall 55. The first wall 54 of the arm coupling portion 53 extends generally perpendicular to the base wall and on the same side thereof as the wall coupling 52. The second wall extends from the end of the first wall 54, opposite the base web 51, and extends in a direction away from the base web. In the configuration shown, the first wall and the second wall are substantially perpendicular, such that the second wall is parallel to the base web 51. In other words, the first wall 54 is separated from the base web by a distance substantially equal to the width of the second wall 55 and is perpendicular thereto.
As set forth above, the first gusset bracket 50 and second gusset bracket 60 are substantially identical to one another. As such, the second gusset bracket 60 comprises a base web 61, a wall coupling portion 62 and an arm coupling portion 63. The base web 61 forms the body of the structure, and in the configuration shown, comprises a generally planar right triangle having two legs that are associated with each other at right angles. The wall coupling 62 comprises a flange, that, in the configuration shown, extends from one of the legs generally perpendicular to the base web. In the configuration shown, the wall coupling extends generally along the entire length of the leg and is likewise substantially planar. A plurality of openings is defined in the wall coupling, and wall fasteners, such as wall fasteners 57 are extendable therethrough.
The arm coupling portion 63 further comprises first wall 64 and second wall 65. The first wall 64 of the arm coupling portion 63 extends generally perpendicular to the base wall and on the same side thereof as the wall coupling 62. The second wall extends from the end of the first wall 64, opposite the base web 61, and extends in a direction away from the base web. In the configuration shown, the first wall and the second wall are substantially perpendicular, such that the second wall is parallel to the base web 61. In other words, the first wall 64 is separated from the base web by a distance substantially equal to the width of the second wall 65 and is perpendicular thereto.
To couple the structures together, the first gusset bracket 50 is, relative to the second gusset bracket 60, rotated 180 degrees about an axis that is centrally located relative to the first and second walls of the arm couplings and substantially parallel thereto. When relatively rotated and positioned together, the arm coupling portions 53, and 63 of the first and second gusset brackets 50, 60 form a pocket, or arm slot 67 (also in
The wall coupling member 22 further includes wall fasteners 57 and arm fasteners 59. Wall fasteners 57 are tapered and aligned planer to the first wall coupling portion 52 and second wall coupling portion 62. A plurality of wall fasteners 57 are used for both the first gusset bracket 50 and second gusset bracket 60 in such a number than the wall coupling member 22 is substantially mated to the external surface. Wall fasteners 57 are vertically aligned substantially in relation to one another between the first gusset bracket 50 and second gusset bracket 60 of the wall coupling member 22, in the configuration shown. The number of wall fasteners 57 are contemplated in different numbers per configurations of the wall coupling member 22, first gusset bracket 50, and second gusset bracket 60 sizes.
Arm fasteners 59 are axially aligned through the second wall 55 and second wall 65 of the first gusset bracket 50 and second gusset bracket 60 of wall coupling member 22, respectively. Arm fasteners run through both the first gusset bracket 50 and second gusset bracket to secure and mate the arm member 20 (through appropriate openings therein which are not shown) to the arm slot 67 created by the conjoined gusset members. Once secure, the first side 32 of the arm member 20 will be mated and coupled to the interior of first wall 64 of second gusset bracket 60 through the axial alignment of the arm fasteners 59. Further, the second side 33 of the arm member 20 will be mated to the interior of the first wall 54 of the first gusset bracket 50 through the axial alignment of the arm fasteners 59. As contemplated in alternate configurations, the fasteners may be of different sizes, lengths, and possess alternate securing mechanisms including, but not limited to, tapered screws, nails, or bolting systems. The base web 51 of the wall coupling member 22 for both gusset brackets is the primary load member of the design. Additional fasteners may be configured to extend through the first walls 54, 64 of the gusset brackets as well, and, correspondingly through corresponding openings of the arm member.
As is shown in
Further, the lower flange 72 is of radially size substantially larger than the locking opening 37, in such a way that movement through the locking opening 37 for the lower portion 72 is not feasible when the upper portion is extended into an operable position. The combination of features involving the flange nut 70 results in a structure that can be axially slid into the locking opening 37 from the inside (i.e., by being inserted into the transverse opening prior to slidable insertion of the bar member), without being able to slide through due to the lower flange being larger than the locking opening. Further, due to the hexagonal configuration about the upper portion 71 of the flange nut 70, rotation of the flange nut 70 while in an operable position within the locking opening is restricted due to the mated sides of the hexagonal surface and the general corresponding structures.
The bolt 80 of bar locking fastener 24, as shown in
To assemble the bar locking fastener 24 into an operable configuration, first the flange nut 70 is inserted through the locking opening 37. Placement is done from the interior of arm member 20, such as, for example, through the transverse opening. The upper portion 71 of the flange nut fits into the locking opening 37 until the lower flange 73 is mated to the interior of the top surface 34 of bar member 20. Following this, the shaft 82 of bolt 80 is placed axially in alignment with the interior of the flange nut 70 and the two are threaded together It is desirable that the head of the bolt is larger than the opening so that, absent a bar member, the bolt does not fall through the locking opening. Additionally, if the locking opening and the flange nut are such that an interference fit can be created therebetween when the flange nut is inserted into the locking opening.
Advantageously, with the present configuration, the assembly of the subsystems to the pull up system 10 does not require welding or other mating, and, instead the pull system 10 are assembled using prefabricated fasteners of contemplated sizes and lengths.
To assemble the pull up system of the present disclosure, the user is first provided with the various components. For example, in the configuration shown, the pull-up system 10 includes one bar member 12, two arm members 20, and four gusset brackets. The quantity of bar locking fasteners 24, wall fasteners 57, and arm fasteners 59 are dependent upon a number of different factors. It will be understood that while the system is shown with only two arm members, it is contemplated that the system my include more than two arm members and that the bar member may be of sufficient length to require multiple arm members. Alternatively, multiple arm members may be utilized with a separate bar member being positioned therebetween, such that arm members between the end arm members have a separate bar member extending from either side thereof.
The mounting of the pull up system will be described with the mounting thereof onto a substantially vertical and planar surface. Of course, the structure, a identified above, can be mounted to any number of different outside devices. Mounting of the pull up system 10 is initiated by the formation of the support assembly. Specifically, the first gusset bracket 50 and the second gusset bracket 60 are assembled by putting the second gusset bracket is positioned in a manner opposite in relation to the first gusset bracket 50. That is, the second gusset bracket 60 is rotated 180 degrees in relation to the first gusset bracket 50.
The positioning of the two forms the arm slot 67. And, the arm member 20 is inserted into the arm slot 67 by insertion via proximal end 30 thereinto. The arm slot, as discussed above is substantially equal in height and width to the height and width of the arm member 20 to allow insertion, while maintaining a, preferably snug fit. In some configurations, the arm member may form the body with the arm coupling portion being positionally defined thereby. The arm member 20 is placed with proximal end 30 within the cavity until such point arm fasteners 59 are aligned along the first wall 54, arm member 20, and first wall 64. The arm fasteners 59 are secured through tapered insertion, using an external tool to supply necessary force to thread the axially aligned arm fasteners 59 through the first wall 54, first wall 64 and arm member 20.
The first of the support assemblies are now formed. As the configuration shown has a pair of substantially identical support assemblies, a second support assembly is formed by again coupling an arm member with a wall coupling member having a first and second gusset bracket.
In some configurations, the two support assemblies are coupled to the vertical surface in a spaced apart orientation, and in an orientation wherein the two arm members are mounted so as correspond, and so that the transverse openings thereof align with each other. In other configurations, the bar member is first assembled, and then the entire structure may be mounted to an outside structure. In either manner, it becomes necessary to mount the support assembly to the vertical surface. In either instance, the wall fasteners 57 are directed into the vertical surface. In some configurations, the vertical surface may comprise studs or wood/metal based structures wherein appropriate fasteners may comprise lag bolts or the like. In other instances bolts may be utilized, wherein the surface comprises a rack or other framework. In still other configurations, masonry screws may be utilized. It will be understood that the particular fasteners that are utilized are not to be deemed limiting, and these are to be considered exemplary.
To secure the bar member 12 to the arm member 20, with reference to
Once the desired bar locking fasteners are formed, the bar member 12 of the pull up system 10 is directed through a transverse opening 36 of each one of the arm members 20 to which it is to be coupled (which is two in the present configuration). As set forth above, when assembled and coupled to a wall (or set up for attachment of the bar member), the transverse opening 36 of the first arm member 20 and the transverse opening 36 of the second arm member 20 of the support assembly 14 are placed in substantial alignment. It will be understood that the separate support assemblies are positioned at a desired distance apart from each other with the understanding that the bar member is of sufficient length to span therebetween (and typically to have a portion extend beyond each of the support assemblies). In many instances, the bar member is sized appropriately for systems that will be mounted at some multiple of 16″ on center, for example, as this will correspond to the gap between studs or vertical supports in typical construction in North America.
Upon placement of the bar member 12 into and through the desired transverse openings, bolt 80 of the bar locking fastener 24 is tightened. Continued tightening will result in the lower end surface 83 of the bolt 80 resting on the outer surface 19 of the bar member 12 in such a way that it supplies a downward force that forces a coupling between the bar member and arm member 20 through the transverse opening, essentially sandwiching the bar member between the bolt and the transverse opening perimeter. Because the locking opening 37 which holds the bar locking faster 24 is of substantially equal shape as the flange nut 70 upper portion 71, the flange nut will not rotate any appreciable amount (i.e., an amount that destroys the functionality of the combination) while the bolt 80 is being placed and the flange precludes the passage of the nut entirely through the locking opening.
Further bar members or arms can be provided and coupled as desired to the appropriate transverse opening. From time to time, it may be desirable to remove the bar member, or to move the bar member to be between other transverse openings. In such an instance, the user can loosen the appropriate bolts of the desired bar locking fasteners to release the clamping hold on the respective bar member. Once each of the bolts that retain the particular bar member are loosened, the user can slidably remove the bar member from interaction with the respective transverse openings, and remove the bar member.
It is contemplated that while the particular support assembly is shown, the bar locking fastener can be utilized with other systems and with other types of pull up systems that include different manners of coupling to outside structures. For example, the particular type of fastener can be utilized, without limitation, in the pull up support assemblies that are of the type that are sold under the trade names P-3 Pull-Up System, P-4 Pull-Up System, P-6V Garage Pull-Up System, P-5V Garage Pull-Up System and/or the Infinity Flying Pull-Up Bar, each of which are available from Rogue Fitness of Columbus, Ohio. In such systems, the support assembly includes a wall coupling members and arm members that are welded or otherwise joined together (with support members buttressing the coupling in some configurations), Some of such systems can be mounted from walls, ceilings or other structures that may be neither substantially vertical, substantially horizontal but substantially oblique to both the vertical and the horizontal.
The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the disclosure and the disclosure is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/103,015, filed Aug. 14, 2018, which is a non-provisional of and claims priority from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/544,954, filed Aug. 14, 2017, entitled “Pull Up System and Bar Locking Fastener Therefor,” the entire disclosures of which prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62544954 | Aug 2017 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 16103015 | Aug 2018 | US |
Child | 17209488 | US |