The present invention pertains to exercise devices and, more particularly to pulley-based exercise devices.
A number of pulley-based exercise devices exist in the market. Many of these devices are designed to be anchored to a door, doorknob, or bed post. These devices typically comprise two pulleys and a rope, with two hand grips (one attached at each end of the rope, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,295 to Schwalm) or with a hand grip and a weight (one attached at each end of the rope, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,229,002 to Masters). Vigorous exercises typically cannot be performed with these devices because, among other things, the anchor is too weak or the rope would rub excessively on the sides of one or both of the pulleys. Also, these devices are compatible with an undesirably limited number and variety of exercises because only a few body positions may be assumed with respect to the devices and because the devices may be used in only a few configurations. Additionally, many of these devices are not easily portable, cannot be attached to a wide variety of horizontal and vertical structures, and cannot support a person's full body weight.
Attempts have been made to strengthen the anchors of pulley-based exercise devices and to increase the number and variety of exercises that may be performed with them. One example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,240 to Dunston, which comprises a single pulley and a rope. These attempts, however, have not provided a satisfactory solution to the problems that are involved in the prior art.
Accordingly, there is a need for a pulley-based exercise device that is compatible with a wide variety of exercises and body positions, can withstand the forces of vigorous exercise, can be used in many configurations, and can be attached to most any vertical or horizontal support. The present invention satisfies this and other needs, and provides further related advantages.
The present invention resides in a pulley training system comprising a pulley wheel mounted on an axle within a pulley housing and a cord configured to be draped over the pulley wheel. An attachment strap may be configured to be adjustably attached to the pulley housing. A first clip may be configured to be attached proximate a first end of the cord, and a second clip may be configured to be attached proximate a second end of the cord.
In one embodiment, each clip is a carabiner, spring clip, or snap hook, and the attachment strap has a buckle attached proximate one end thereof. The attachment strap allows the pulley housing to be raised or lowered to a desired height. A grip in the form of a handle or an arm/foot cradle may be removably attached to one or both clips. A door anchor, such as a slide plate, or wall/ceiling anchor may be removably coupled to the attachment strap for hanging the pulley training system from a door, wall, or ceiling. A threaded fastener, such as a screw or bolt, may be used to affix the wall/ceiling anchor to a wall or ceiling. After the wall/ceiling anchor is bolted to a supporting object, the attachment strap can be fed through the anchor and through an attachment brace welded to the top of the pulley housing. The anchor may be configured to accept one attachment strap or a plurality of attachment straps.
In one embodiment, a generally parabolic groove is formed between two flanges around the circumference of the pulley wheel. The groove inhibits the cord from rubbing on the pulley housing. The circumference of each flange is slightly tapered inward toward the groove.
In another embodiment, the pulley housing comprises a first portion extending over a first face of the pulley wheel and a second portion extending over a second face of the pulley wheel. A first locking hole is formed in the first portion of the pulley housing, and a second locking hole is formed in the second portion of the pulley housing. A third locking hole is formed through the pulley wheel. The first, second, and third locking holes are configured so that they can be aligned and receive a locking pin for stopping the pulley wheel from rotating relative to the pulley housing. The locking pin provides the pulley training system with two modes: a “static” mode in which the pulley wheel is substantially prevented from rotating relative to the pulley housing and an “open” mode in which the pulley wheel is allowed to rotate freely relative to the pulley housing.
In a further embodiment, a first clip hole and a second clip hole are formed in the pulley housing in an area spaced from the pulley wheel. The first and second clip holes are sized to allow the first and second clips to be removably attached to the pulley housing through the clip holes. In this configuration, the pulley training system may be used for exercises that do not require the rotation of the pulley wheel, such as pull ups. Other hanging exercise devices, such as a boxing hag, may be hung from the first and second clips in this configuration, making the pulley training system a central location for exercises of many different kinds.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings.
Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to
The pulley wheel 12 is configured to rotate about its center and is made of metal or a hard, durable plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the pulley wheel has a diameter of approximately 4 inches to approximately 5 inches and, in a more preferred embodiment, has a diameter of approximately 4½ inches. In a preferred embodiment, the pulley wheel has a width of approximately ½ inch to approximately 1 inch and, in a more preferred embodiment, has a width of approximately ¾ inch.
In one embodiment, a generally parabolic groove 30 is formed between two flanges 32 around the circumference of the pulley wheel 12. The groove inhibits the cord 20 from rubbing on the pulley housing 16. In a preferred embodiment, the depth of the groove is approximately 25 percent to approximately 75 percent greater than the diameter of the cord and, in a more preferred embodiment, is approximately 50 percent greater than the diameter of the cord. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the groove at its maximum extent is approximately 50 percent to approximately 200 percent greater than the diameter of the cord and, in a more preferred embodiment, is approximately 100 percent greater than the diameter of the cord. The circumference of each flange has a slight taper 34 inward toward the groove. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the cord is approximately 50 percent to approximately 200 percent greater than the width of each flange and, in a more preferred embodiment, is approximately 100 percent greater than the width of each flange.
The axle 14 comprises an approximately 2-inch-long, %-inch-diameter bolt 36 that extends through holes formed in the pulley wheel 12 and pulley housing 16. The bolt may be secured to the pulley housing by a nut 38. Washers 40 may be mounted on the bolt between the pulley wheel and pulley housing to inhibit the pulley wheel from rubbing on the pulley housing.
The pulley housing 16 is made of steel, aluminum, and/or another durable material, and comprises a first portion 42 extending over a first face 44 of the pulley wheel 12, a second portion 46 extending over a second face 48 of the pulley wheel, and a top portion 50 that joins the first portion to the second portion. The first and second portions extend substantially parallel to each other, and the top portion extends substantially perpendicular to the first and second portions. A steel attachment brace 52 may be welded to the top portion and the attachment strap 18 secured thereto. Alternatively, an opening may be formed in the pulley housing for securing the attachment strap (see
In one embodiment, a first locking hole 54 is formed in the first portion 42 of the pulley housing 16, and a second locking hole 56 is formed in the second portion 46 of the pulley housing. A third locking hole 58 is formed through the pulley wheel 12. The first, second, and third locking holes are configured so that they can be aligned and receive a locking pin 60 (see
In yet a further embodiment, a first clip hole 66 and a second clip hole 68 are formed proximate the sides of the top portion 50 of the pulley housing 16. The first and second clip holes are sized to allow the clips 22 and 26 to be removably attached to the pulley housing through the clip holes. In this configuration, the pulley training system 10 may be used for exercises that do not require the rotation of the pulley wheel 12, such as pull ups. Other hanging exercise devices, such as a boxing bag, may be hung from the first and second clips in this configuration, making the pulley training system a central location for exercises of many different kinds.
The attachment strap 18 can be used to removably couple the pulley training system 10 to a door anchor or wall/ceiling anchor, such as the wall/ceiling anchor 70 shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring again to
The cord 20 can be a rope made of a strong synthetic fiber material. Rope clamps 82 are provided at both ends of the cord to fix the ends back to the cord and create a loop. The rope clamps provide added safety to the user and an aesthetically pleasing way to hide the ends of the cord. The clips 22 and 26 may be tied to the loops using a Prusik knot or other appropriate knot. The length of the usable portion of the cord may be adjusted by making a cord-length adjustment knot (such as a Prusik knot) anywhere in the cord and inserting the clip 22 or the clip 26 through the knot. The cord-length adjustment knot may be made on the cord on only one side of the pulley wheel 12, or knots may be made on the cord on both sides of the pulley wheel. By adjusting the length of the usable portion of the cord, a user can perform exercises that require different cord lengths.
Each clip 22 and 26 is a metal carabiner, spring clip, or snap hook, such as a non-locking, straight gate, offset-D carabiner meeting the EN362 standard and having a major-axis strength of approximately 23 kilonewtons, a minor-axis strength of approximately 7 kilonewtons, and an open-gate strength of approximately 7 kilonewtons.
A grip 84 may be removably attached to one or both clips. The grip 84 may comprise both a substantially rigid hand grip or handle 86 and a relatively flexible arm/foot cradle 88, which are both connected to a metal D-shaped ring 90 by a grip strap 92 made of a strong synthetic fabric. In one embodiment, the grip strap 92 connects the hand grip to the D-shaped ring, and a separate cradle strap 94 connects the arm/foot cradle to the hand grip. The hand grip 86 may be configured as a padded, hollow, plastic cylinder. The arm/foot cradle may be configured as a soft leather tube, which allows a user to engage the arm/foot cradle in the crook of the arm to perform exercises, such as knee raises, without the cradle strap 94 cutting into the skin. In another embodiment, a grip bar having a clip hole proximate each end can be removably attached to both clips, permitting an even wider variety of exercises. A grip bar can add stability when exercising certain muscles.
Unlike a traditional pulley-based exercise device, the pulley training system 10 allows the angle and position of the user's body to determine how much resistance the user feels. As the angle of the body increases, more of the user's body weight comes into play. Resistance thus can range from none of the user's body weight (the only resistance coming from friction in the pulley training system itself) to all of the user's body weight, depending upon the angle and position of the body. The pulley training system can provide a safe workout for beginners, while also providing a vigorous workout for experts. Additionally, cord lengths on either side of the pulley wheel are “self leveling” because of the pulley wheel. One side of the cord being longer than the other would not be an issue to the user.
Well conditioned athletes can perform certain exercises using the pulley training system 10 without any body part contacting the floor or other surface. The user can be fully suspended from the grips 84 and perform certain exercises with all of the user's body weight as resistance. In one embodiment, the pulley training system has a minimum weight rating of 1,000 pounds.
As shown, the pulley training system 10 can be used in many configurations and permits three-dimensional movement natural to the biomechanics of the human body. The pulley training system 10 is not “muscle specific” and can provide an effective workout for a wide variety of muscles. For example, the user can hold a hand grip 86 with one hand and place a foot in an arm/foot cradle 88, for performing both upper and lower body exercises simultaneously. Additionally, a user can perform an exercise in a static fashion (meaning that the pulley wheel 12 is substantially still throughout the exercise) or in a dynamic fashion (wherein the pulley wheel turns). The user may exercise the upper body, the lower body, or both simultaneously, and may exercise the right side of the body, the left side of the body, or both simultaneously. The user may use his or her own body weight as resistance, or may attach a resistance strap or counter balance (such as a weight plate) to one of the clips 22 or 26. In one configuration, the clips may be clipped together so that they can be used simultaneously for the same body part, such as supporting just one foot when one-legged squats are performed. In another configuration, two users, one at each grip 84, can use the pulley training system simultaneously, each user providing resistance to the other. The grips 84 may be changed out so that other “cable attachment”-type exercise devices can be attached to the clips.
Referring now to
The pulley housing 116 comprises a first portion 142 extending over a first face 144 of the pulley wheel 112, a second portion 146 extending over a second face 148 of the pulley wheel, and a bottom portion 150 that joins the first portion to the second portion. The first and second portions extend substantially parallel to each other, and the bottom portion extends substantially perpendicular to the first and second portions. In one embodiment, an opening 196 is formed in the topmost portions of the first portion 142 and second portion 146 for securing an attachment strap, such as attachment strap 18, to the pulley housing.
As with the first embodiment, a locking hole 155 may be formed through the first portion 142 of the pulley housing 116, the second portion 146 of the pulley housing, and the pulley wheel 112. The locking hole is configured so that it can receive a locking pin, such as the locking pin 60, when the pulley wheel is correctly aligned. In one embodiment, the locking hole is positioned below the axle 114, so that it is easier for a user to reach the locking pin when the pulley housing is suspended higher in the air. The locking pin provides the pulley training system 100 with two modes: a “static” mode in which the pulley wheel is substantially prevented from rotating relative to the pulley housing and an “open” mode in which the pulley wheel is allowed to rotate freely relative to the pulley housing. Locking the pulley wheel creates kinetic friction between the pulley wheel and the cord 20 when the cord is pulled, creating greater resistance, which can be helpful for beginning users.
Extensions 198 and 199 may be welded to or formed in the bottom portion 150 of the pulley housing 116. A first clip hole 166 may be formed through the extension 198 and a second clip hole 168 may be formed through the extension 199. The first and second clip holes are sized to allow clips, such as clips 22 and 26, to be removably attached to the pulley housing 116 through the clip holes. In this configuration, the pulley training system 100 may be used for exercises that do not require the rotation of the pulley wheel 112, such as pull ups. Other hanging exercise devices, such as a boxing bag, may be hung from the clips in this configuration, making the pulley training system a central location for exercises of many different kinds.
Referring now to
The pulley housing 216 comprises a first portion 242, a second portion 246, and a top portion 250 that joins the first portion to the second portion. The first and second portions extend substantially parallel to each other, and the top portion extends substantially perpendicular to the first and second portions. In one embodiment, a steel attachment brace 252 may be welded to the top portion for securing an attachment strap, such as attachment strap 18, to the pulley housing.
As with the first and second embodiments, a locking hole may be formed through the first portion 242 of the pulley housing 216 and the pulley wheel 212. A spring-loaded locking plunger 260 (see
Referring now to
The pulley housing 316 comprises a first portion 342, a second portion 346, and a top portion 350 that joins the first portion to the second portion. The first and second portions extend substantially parallel to each other, and the top portion extends substantially perpendicular to the first and second portions. To inhibit the attachment strap 18 from becoming twisted, a swivel 351 comprising an attachment brace 352 and a bolt portion 353 may be attached to the top portion of pulley housing. The attachment strap may be secured to the attachment brace 352. In one embodiment, the attachment strap may be omitted, and the swivel may be attached directly to a supporting object, permanently affixing the pulley housing to the supporting object, such as a ceiling rack, ceiling beam, or specially designed free-standing rack. The swivel gives the pulley housing the ability to rotate through 360 degrees.
As with the third embodiment, a locking hole 355 may be formed through the first portion 342 of the pulley housing 316 and the pulley wheel 312. A locking plunger 360 having a locking pin 362 and a locking knob 364 may be attached over the locking hole for locking the pulley wheel. In “static” mode, the locking pin 362 protrudes through the pulley housing into the pulley wheel, inhibiting the pulley wheel from rotating relative to the pulley housing. In one embodiment, the locking plunger is positioned below the axle 314, so that it is easier for a user to reach the locking knob 364 when the pulley housing is suspended higher in the air. Locking the pulley wheel creates kinetic friction between the pulley wheel and the cord 20 when the cord is pulled, creating greater resistance, which can be helpful in creating more stability for beginning users.
In other embodiments, the pulley housing 16, 116, 216 or 316 could be widened to accommodate two or more pulley wheels within the housing. In this configuration, a user could perform multiple pulley-based exercises simultaneously using only one housing. Alternatively, a plurality of users could perform pulley-based exercises simultaneously using the same housing. Multiple pulleys inside the pulley housing could be arranged side by side, one in front of the other, one in back of the other, or in another suitable arrangement. In other further embodiments, the pulley wheel may be replaced with a series of small pulley wheels or rollers mounted in an arc within the pulley housing.
The present invention has been described above in terms of presently preferred embodiments so that an understanding of the present invention can be conveyed. However, there are other embodiments not specifically described herein for which the present invention is applicable. Therefore, the present invention should not to be seen as limited to the forms shown, which is to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.
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