Patent Application
20150126342
1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to exercise equipment. More particularly, this invention is directed to customizable and ergonomically designed exercise equipment used for strength training and stretching. Most specifically, this invention is directed to a fitness station that may be installed in a commercial gym, a home gym, or in an outdoor exercise area and a detachable resistance band assembly for use therewith. The fitness station allows a user to conveniently and effectively perform and track with precision a variety of different exercises that engage multiple muscle groups using the resistance band assembly. The resistance band assembly is selectively engageable with one of a plurality of attachment members provided on the fitness station. The resistance band assembly may be adjusted to provide a variable resistive force to exercises performed using the fitness station.
2. Background Information
It is well known that in order to keep oneself healthy and active, it is necessary to incorporate exercise into one's daily routine. Many people join gyms to help them exercise on a regular basis. A typical gym will include a number of machines or large equipment systems which are dedicated to exercise one or another part of the body. The user will have to move from machine to machine in order to exercise their entire body. Most of these machines utilize weights which the user will selectively engage with the machine in order to achieve the intensity of workout that they desire. If the user is inexperienced, there is the tendency to avoid particular machines simply because it is difficult to figure out what one is supposed to do on that machine. An inexperienced user or someone who is too ambitious may inadvertently injure themselves if too much weight is applied to any particular exercise. Additionally, in busier gyms, the wait time for particular machines may be long enough that it tends to discourage people from undertaking a full exercise routine. There is therefore the tendency to pick one or two favorite machines and exercises and simply overlook the rest of the body.
Another arena that is becoming increasingly popular for people to exercise in is outdoor “exercise parks”. Unlike gyms, these locations have fewer pieces of equipment for the user to use and most often there is no way to increase the intensity of the workout as the user gets fitter.
Because of the issue with weight-based equipment and the tendency of inexperienced users to accidentally injure themselves thereon, there has been a rise in the interest of using resistance bands during exercise. Resistance bands are elongated elastic or resilient member which may be stretched to greater or lesser degrees. They can be incorporated into an exercise routine for anyone from beginners through to experienced athletes.
The bands themselves may come in a variety of different lengths, diameters, wall thicknesses and different resistances and may include handles or loops at either end. The user will select the appropriate length and resistance for the exercises they wish to perform. A user may initially begin exercising with a low resistance band and progressively change to resistance bands of higher resistance as they gain strength.
During an exercise routine, the user will grasp the handles in either hand and stretch the resistance band, or they may hold part of the resistance band using one or both feet, or they may pass the resistance band around a substantially immovable object, such as a pole or a support for a piece of heavy gym equipment. They may, alternatively, anchor one end of the resistance band by tying it off to a pole or fitness equipment support.
If a person is performing a variety of different exercises it may be desirable to use a different resistance for each different exercise. Repeatedly having to swap out the resistance band for different exercises can be frustrating and time-consuming.
There is still a need in the art for an improved system which helps a user to exercise a number of different parts of the body effectively and which uses resistance bands instead of weights as a way to increase the intensity of the workout as the user gets fitter.
The system disclosed herein includes a fitness station which may act as an anchor and an improved resistance band assembly for use with the fitness station. The system may be used in a gym or in an outdoor fitness area and the resistance band assembly is readily adjustable to change the resistance provided by the assembly. A user may therefore readily exercise their whole body and the system provides a way for progressively increasing the intensity of the workout.
Thus, a fitness station and a resistance band assembly for performing exercises therewith along with a method of using the same is disclosed herein.
The fitness station includes a base; a support extending upwardly from the base; a first arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically above the base; and a plurality of attachment members provided on one or more of the base, the support or the first arm. The resistance band assembly is selectively engageable with one of the attachment members and is operable to apply a resistive force during a performance of an exercise. The resistance band assembly includes a housing that is at least partially rigid and at least a first resilient member for providing the resistive force provided within the housing. The resistance band assembly is such that a user is able to grasp the housing thereof in a single hand and readily attach the assembly to the fitness station; even to attachment members on the fitness station that are located a distance above the user's head. The rigidity of the housing helps ensure that this easy engagement of the assembly to the fitness station is possible.
The method of using the fitness station and resistance band assembly may include attaching the resistance band assembly to one of the attachment members on the fitness station, applying a pulling motion on the resistance band assembly during the performance of an exercise therewith; and generating a resistive force within the resistance band assembly in response to the applied pulling motion.
In a first aspect, the invention may provide a resistance band assembly comprising a housing having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween; a bore defined in the housing, said bore extending from proximate the first end of the housing to proximate the second end thereof; a first attachment assembly provided at the first end of the housing; a second attachment assembly provided at the second end of the housing; a first resilient member extending through the bore from adjacent the first end of the housing to adjacent the second end thereof.
In a second aspect, the invention may provide a resistance band assembly wherein the first attachment assembly is adapted to selectively attach the first end of the housing to a workout accessory engaged by a user; and the second attachment assembly is adapted to selectively attach the first end of the housing to a piece of exercise equipment.
In a third aspect, the invention may provide a resistance band assembly wherein the housing thereof is tubular and rigid.
In a fourth aspect, the invention may provide a resistance band assembly including a housing with a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween; a first disc proximate the first end defining a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern and extending through the first disc; a second disc stacked adjacent the first disc along the longitudinal axis, the second disc defining a plurality of holes arranged in a similar pattern to that of the first disc, where the holes in the second disc are axially aligned with the holes in the first disc; a connection plate proximate the second end of the housing; and a first resilient member engaged with the connection plate at a second end and extending through aligned holes in the first and second discs and being engaged with the first disc at a first end.
In a fifth aspect, the invention may provide a resistance band assembly comprising: a first end defined by a rotatable adjustment member; a second end defined by one or more hooks; a tubular housing extending longitudinally between first and second ends; a first resilient member extending between the first and second ends; wherein the first resilient member provides a first resistance level to the resistance band assembly; and a second resilient member that is selectively engageable as disposed between first and second ends; and wherein the engagement of the second resistance band provides a second resistance level to the resistance band assembly and the second resistance level is greater than the first resistance level.
In a sixth aspect the invention may provide a resistance band assembly having a housing with first and second ends and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween; a bore defined by the housing; a first resilient member having a first end and a second end; a connector disposed within the bore of the housing; a first disc disposed within the bore of the housing; wherein the first resilient member extends between the first disc and the connector; and wherein the first resilient member is selectively detachably engageable with the connector.
In a seventh aspect, the invention may provide a method of using a variable resistance band assembly including the steps of rotating an adjustment member about an assembly axis extending longitudinally through a center of a variable resistance band assembly; engaging a radially extending pin on the adjustment member to select a single disc or a plurality of discs; and moving the selected single disc or plurality of discs along the assembly axis.
In an eighth aspect, the invention may provide an exercise device comprising a housing having a first end and a second end; wherein the first end is adapted to be engaged by a user; a first hook and a second hook defining a portion of the second end of the housing; and wherein the first and second hooks are adapted to releasably attach the exercise device to a separate exercise structure.
In a ninth aspect the invention may provide a method of attaching an exercise device to an exercise structure, said method comprising the steps of providing an attachment member on the exercise structure, wherein the attachment member defines an aperture; providing an attachment assembly at one end of the exercise device; where the attachment assembly includes a top member with a first hook extending outwardly therefrom such that a first space is defined between the top member and a free end of the first hook; positioning the attachment member in the first space between the free end of the first hook and the top member; rotating the exercise device to engage the attachment member in a passageway defined beneath an arcuate section of the first hook and the top member; and engaging the attachment member with a concave surface of the first hook, where the concave surface is positioned opposite the top member.
In a tenth aspect, the invention may provide a method of attaching an exercise device to a separate exercise structure comprising the steps of providing an exercise device having two inverted J-hooks at one end, where the J-hooks are spaced apart and define a vertical gap between them, and further defining a transverse passageway beneath arcuate portions of the J-hooks; moving the J-hooks in a first direction to dispose a ring attached to the exercise structure in the vertical gap; rotating the J-hooks about an longitudinal axis of the exercise device; and moving the J-hooks in a second direction opposite the first direction to engage the arcuate portion of the J-hooks with the ring such that the ring extends through the transverse passageway.
In an eleventh aspect the invention may provide a method of varying a resistive force applied by exercise equipment, said method comprising providing a resistance band assembly for providing resistive force during the performance of an exercise; where the resistance band assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween; a bore defined in the housing; a connector provided in the bore, said connector having a first surface and opposed second surface; a hole defined in the connector and extending between the first and second surfaces; a disc provided in the bore, said disc having a first surface and opposed second surface; an aperture defined in the disc and extending between the first and second surfaces of the disc, where the hole and the aperture are longitudinally aligned with each other; providing a first resilient member; providing a second resilient member; and engaging the first resilient member with the resistance band assembly to provide a first resistive force during the performance of an exercise.
In a twelfth aspect, the invention may provide a resilient member for a resistance band assembly which is used to apply resistance during the performance of an exercise; said resilient member comprising an elongate and resilient shaft having a first end and a second end; a first enlarged area provided adjacent the first end; a second enlarged area provided adjacent the second end; and a limiting element provided within the shaft and operable to limit a degree to which the shaft stretches.
In a thirteenth aspect, the invention may provide an insert for use with a resilient member in a resistance band assembly, where the resilient member includes a shaft having a first end and a second end; a base; an aperture bounded and defined by a face of the base; and a friction-reducing material provided on the face; said friction-reducing coating being adapted to contact the shaft of the resilient member when the shaft extends through the aperture.
In a fourteenth aspect, the invention may provide an insert for an exercise device comprising a disc member having a first surface, a second surface, and a side surface extending between the first and second surfaces; wherein said disc member is adapted to be inserted within the bore of a tubular housing of an exercise assembly; and an aperture defined in the disc member and extending between the first and second surfaces; said aperture being bounded and defined by a face that extends between the first and second surfaces; and wherein a friction-reducing material is provided on the face.
In a fifteenth aspect, the invention may provide an exercise device comprising a housing having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween; a bore defined in the housing and extending between the first and second ends; a disc member located within the bore and between the first and second ends thereof; said disc member having a first surface and a second surface which are oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the housing; and the disc member further includes a side surface extending between the first and second surfaces, said side surface being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis; and an aperture is defined in the disc member and extends between the first and second surfaces; said aperture being bounded and defined by a face that extends between the first and second surfaces; and wherein a friction-reducing material is provided on the face; and a first resilient member extending between the first and second ends of the housing and passing through the aperture.
In a sixteenth aspect, the invention may provide an insert for an exercise device comprising a disc member having a first surface, a second surface, and a side surface extending between the first and second surfaces; wherein said disc member is adapted to be inserted within the bore of a tubular housing of an exercise assembly; an aperture defined in the disc member and extending between the first and second surfaces; said aperture being bounded and defined by a face that extends between the first and second surfaces; and wherein a friction-reducing material is provided on the face.
In a seventeenth aspect the invention may provide an exercise device for attachment to a fitness station; said exercise device comprising a housing having a first end and a second end, and having a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end; a bore defined in the housing and extending from proximate the first end of the housing to proximate the second end thereof; an insert fabricated from a friction-reducing material provided within the bore of the housing; wherein the insert has a first surface and a second surface oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the housing, and has a peripheral surface extending between the first and second surfaces; and a first aperture defined in the insert and extending from the first surface of the insert to the second surface thereof.
A sample embodiment of the invention is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
A variable resistance exercise band assembly and a strength training and stretching system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is depicted in
In the following description, the structure and operation of assembly 30 will be described in greater detail using
Referring to
As indicated above, assembly 30 may include a base member 78 (
A plurality of resilient members 44 (
Referring to
The material used to fabricate base member 78 may be substantially waterproof or impervious, opaque, and/or non-transparent to ultra-violet (UV) light. The latter characteristic tends to ensure that resilient members 44 located within bore 84 of housing are protected from UV exposure if assembly 30 is used in conjunction with an outdoor exercise structure. The materials used for base member 78 therefore aid in prolonging the life of both the base member 78 and resilient members 44. Base member 78 may also provide ozone protection.
Alternatively, instead of the tubular housing being rigid to accomplish the advantages of the present invention, base member 78, sleeve 88 and collar 172 may be fabricated so as to be flexible in nature and a rigid rod 72 used within the interior of the tubular housing may instead comprise the portion of resistance band assembly that is rigid. The rigid rod 72 may enable a user to reach upwardly, holding onto base member 78 or sleeve 88 or collar 172 and hook the second attachment assembly 35 to an overhead piece of exercise equipment with a single hand as described above.
Dimensionally, in one embodiment base member 78 may be approximately sixteen inches long from end of tab 86 to second end 82 and bore 84 diameter is approximately 2¾″, but clearly alternative dimensions are entirely possible, such as a base member 78 length in a range from about six inches to about thirty six inches, forty eight inches, or sixty inches. Furthermore, when base member 78 is about sixteen inches, the overall assembly 30 from first end 32 to second end 34 thereof is about twenty four inches. This length will be longer or shorter depending on length of base member 78 used therein.
Referring still to
One or more tabs 86 extend outwardly from first end 80 of base member 78 and along an outer circumference thereof. As shown in
Referring to
Pin portion 62 is integrally formed in a unitary manner with inner surface 276 of hook connector 60. Inner surface 276 (
Pin portion 62 (
Referring to
When viewed from a side, first hook 56 curves in one direction from base 304 to tip 308 and second hook 58 curves in the opposite direction from base 306 to tip 310. Hooks 56, 58 may further respectively include longitudinal base or leg portions 420, 422, respectively, extending from the respective connections 304, 306, in a cantilevered manner (as best shown in
First, hook 56 is laterally spaced apart from second hook 58 such that a gap 302 (
A transverse through-passageway 418 (
Referring to
A plurality of radial apertures 46 interrupt circumferential wall 230 of connection plate 42 and extend inwardly for a distance toward a central aperture 52 defined by connection plate 42. Apertures 46 are generally C-shaped when viewed from the front (
Central aperture 52 is aligned along longitudinal axis 45 and is defined by a generally cylindrical wall 53 which extends outwardly from an interior face 55 of second surface 228. Wall 53 includes the aforementioned flat section 54 (
As depicted in
The shafts 221 of resilient members 44a-f may all be of the same length and diameter and wall thickness and thus provide the same resistive force. Alternatively, the various resilient members 44a-f may be of different lengths, diameters, and/or wall thicknesses and therefore provide different resistive forces. The resistive force capable of being applied by any one resilient member 44 is dependent upon the length, diameter and wall thickness of shaft 221 thereof. So, if a user wishes to customize resistance band assembly 30 for their own personal use, the user may select specific resilient members 44 which can provide the variety of resistive forces the user desires. The user may therefore select resilient members 44 which are all of the same length, diameter or wall thickness or the user may select resilient members 44 having different lengths, diameters or wall thicknesses. Apart from length, diameter and wall thickness, another way in which the resistance values of resilient members 44 may vary is if resilient members are made from different materials. A user may therefore purposefully replace a resilient member 44 fabricated from a first material with a resilient member fabricated from a second different material with a different elastic characteristic. These resilient members fabricated from different materials may also vary in length, diameter and wall thickness.
Thus, in accordance with an aspect of the invention, the resistive force which may be applied by resistance band assembly 30 may be customized to suit the exercise goals of the user. The customization may be accomplished by the user selectively removing some or all of the resilient members from the housing and inserting other resilient members into the housing; where the replacement resilient members are capable of providing a different resistive force than the resilient members which were removed from assembly 30. So, for example, the user may remove one or more resilient members 44 that have an outer diameter of shaft 221 that is of a first size and insert replacement resilient members having larger or smaller diameter shafts 221.
Each resilient member may have a generally conical, frustoconical or tapered plug 222 provided adjacent first end 218 of the elongate shaft 221. Plug 222 is configured to be at least partially complementary to an aperture in one of the first, second, and third discs 36, 38, 40 and is sized to become engaged or wedged therein, as will be hereinafter described. Plug 222 may be a rigid member shaped like a conventional cork-stop; however other shapes are entirely possible. For example, plug 222 may be spherical and still be able to be retained in one of the tapered apertures defined in discs 36, 38, 40. As is evident from the above, plug 222 is not able to pass through the associated aperture in the associated disc 36, 38, 40 and is thereby engaged with the associated disc.
Each resilient member is further provided with a bulbous member 224 adjacent second end 220 of shaft 221. Bulbous member 224 is spaced longitudinally from tapered plug 222 and is configured to nest within an aperture defined in connection plate 42, as will be further discussed herein. Bulbous member 224 may be a rigid spherical member but other shapes of bulbous member 224 are contemplated. For example, bulbous member 224 may be a tapered cork-stop shape like plug 222. Tapered plug 222 and bulbous member 224 may be stretchably engaged and secured to shaft 221 or may be integrally formed therewith as illustrated in
Bulbous member 224 is of a larger diameter than the diameter of aperture 46 in connection plate 42. The diameter of bulbous member 224 is, however, smaller than the diameter of the apertures in discs 36, 38, 40 and insert 90. Bulbous member 224 is therefore able to pass through the apertures in first, second, and third discs 36, 38, 40 but is unable to pass through aperture 46 in connection plate 42. In order to engage resilient member 44 with connection plate 42, shaft 221 of resilient member 44 is inserted through opening 48 in circumferential surface 230 of connection plate 42 and is moved radially inwardly into aperture 46. This brings bulbous member 224 into abutting contact with surface 228 of connection plate 42, thereby detachably engaging resilient member 44 thereto. Resilient member 44 is disengaged from connection plate 42 by moving shaft 221 radially outwardly from the associated aperture 46 and through opening 48, thus moving bulbous member 224 out of contact with connection plate 42.
The elongate shafts 221 of each resilient members 44 may be hollow and define a longitudinal bore or lumen 301 (
One or both ends 218, 220 of resilient member 44 may be circumscribed by an aperture adjustment member 223 (
Aperture adjustment member 223 may, itself, be conical or frustoconical in shape as illustrated in
Aperture adjustment members 223 may be utilized by a user when customizing assembly 30. Aperture adjustment members 33 are useful in the situation where the apertures within first, second and third discs 36, 38, 40 are larger than the tapered plug on the selected resilient member. This might occur if the resilient member in question has a shaft 221 that is of a smaller diameter and thereby has a tapered plug of smaller dimensions than a standard resilient member 44. In other instances, it may be advantageous to engage a separate aperture adjustment member around an exterior of an existing tapered plug 222 or even a bulbous member 224 that is integrally formed with the elongate resilient member or already engaged therewith so as to increase the overall diameter of the resilient member proximate first end 218 or second end 222.
Referring now to
Second end 94 of sleeve member 88 is configured to engage insert 90 (
Sleeve member 88 includes an end wall 102 (
A plurality of lobes 106 extend outwardly from the surface of end wall 102 which faces first end 32. Lobes 106 extend beyond an outer edge 290 of second end 94 of sleeve member 88. Lobes 106 are provided at intervals around the circumference of end wall 102. End wall 102 further defines a shallow recess 103 which is located inwardly of lobes 106 and is configured to be complementary to insert 90. Insert 90 is received in recess 103.
A bottom view of sleeve member 88 (
Insert 90 is shown in
First wall 109 of insert 90 defines a central aperture 108 therein which is aligned along longitudinal axis 45 and is positioned to be in a complementary location to central aperture 232 of sleeve member 88. A plurality of satellite apertures 110, eccentric to central aperture 108, are defined in first wall 109 and are arranged in a pattern substantially similar to that of the apertures 104 of sleeve member 88. Apertures 110, on insert 90, may be dimensionally sized relatively equal in size to each other and may be smaller than central aperture 108.
As indicated above and illustrated in
Each of first, second, and third discs 36, 3840 defines a plurality of apertures therein. The apertures are arranged on each disc 36, 38, 40 in a substantially similar pattern to the configuration of apertures on connection plate 42, sleeve member 88 and insert 90. The pattern illustrated herein includes the provision of a central aperture which is concentric with longitudinal axis 45 and a plurality of satellite apertures located around the central aperture and eccentric from longitudinal axis 45. The central apertures on the three discs 36, 38, 40 are all aligned along longitudinal axis 45. Similarly, each of the plurality of satellite apertures on any one of the discs 36, 38, 40 is aligned with identically positioned satellite apertures on the other of the discs 36, 38, 40 and with satellite apertures in connection plate 42, sleeve member 88, and insert 90 (
The first, second and third discs 36, 38, 40 will now be described herein in that order, even though third disc 40 is located adjacent insert 90 described above.
Referring to
Of these apertures 124, four apertures are labeled by reference number 124a. These 124a apertures are cylindrically shaped and are of a substantially constant diameter between first and second surfaces 114, 118. One or more of the apertures 124 is labeled by reference number 124b. Apertures 124b are bounded and defined by a frustoconical sidewall that tapers inwardly towards axis 50 which runs through the center of each aperture 124b. With primary reference to
Central aperture 126 extends through disc 36 from first surface 114 to second surface 118 and is aligned along longitudinal axis 45 of assembly 30. A washer receiving area 260 may be formed in the second surface 118 of first disc 36 surrounding central aperture 126. Washer receiving area 260 may include a washer receiving surface 261 which is concentric with central aperture 126. Central aperture 126 is alignable with annular regions 140 and 164 in second and third discs 38 and 40, respectively.
First disc 36 further defines a plurality of notches 129 that interrupt bottom edge 120 of disc 36 and are arranged circumferentially on disc 36. Notches 129 extend inwardly from second surface 118 towards first surface 114. Notches 128 are configured to receive complementary shaped tabs or projections which extend outwardly from second disc 38 as will be described hereafter.
With primary reference to
Referring to
First and second surfaces 128, 132 of second disc 38 define a central aperture 139 and a plurality of satellite apertures 138 therein which extend through disc 38 from first surface 128 to second surface 132. Central aperture 139 has a central annular region 140 therein that is aligned along longitudinal axis 45 and is further aligned with central aperture 126 of first disc 36. Central annular region 140 and central aperture 126 thereby define a common hole or passageway through a portion of assembly 30. Disc 38 further defines two pin passageways 142 (
As best seen in
When second disc 38 is stacked adjacent first disc 36, chamfers 137 on second disc 38 are located proximate the surface which defines washer receiving area 260 in first disc 36.
When second disc 38 is stacked adjacent third disc 40, the gap between protrusions 251 and second surface 132 together with a gap defined between pin ledges 165 and first surface 148 of third disc 40 creates a space within which pins 214 on selector rod 186 may travel during engagement and disengagement of second disc by selector rod 186. This space may be seen in
Satellite apertures 138 are located eccentrically relative to central aperture 139 and longitudinal axis 45 and are positioned to align with apertures 124 in first disc 36 and thereby define a common hole, aperture or bore through a portion of assembly 30. Four of the apertures, depicted by reference number 138a, are uniform apertures which are similar to apertures 124. Two of the apertures, depicted by the reference number 138b, are defined by frustoconical sidewalls that taper inwardly towards the center of each respective aperture 138b from first surface 128 towards second surface 132. Apertures 138b are similarly configured to apertures 124b and are configured to receive a tapered plug 222 of one of resilient members 44 therein. Second disc 38 includes an upper edge 252 and a lower edge 254 of tapered aperture 138b. Upper edge 252 includes or has a larger diameter than lower edge 254, with the sidewall of aperture 138b tapering inwardly towards axis 50 from first surface 128 toward second surface 132.
Second disc 38 further defines a plurality of protrusions 144 located adjacent to circumferential edge 130 and which extend outwardly and forwardly therefrom. Protrusions 144 are spaced at intervals that are generally equivalent to the intervals between notches 129 on second surface 118 of first disc 36. Protrusions 144 are generally complementary to notches 129 and are receivable therein, thereby interlockingly engaging first disc 36 and second disc 38 together. Furthermore, when protrusions 144 nest in notches 129, the alignment of these two components ensures that apertures 124 in first disc 36 will align with apertures 138 in second disc 38. As indicated above, this arrangement creates a series of bores through first and second discs 36, 38 through which shafts 221 of resilient members 44 extend.
Second disc 38 further defines a plurality of recesses 146 in the second surface 132 thereof. Recesses 146 are spaced around the circumference of second surface 132 in a manner similar to protrusions 144. In other words, recesses 146 are spaced at regular intervals around the circumference of second surface 132 and are substantially in longitudinal alignment with protrusions 144.
Referring now to
Third disc 40 is a generally cylindrical member generally similar to second disc 38 but with some minor differentiating features (which will be described hereafter).
Third disc 40 defines a central aperture 163 aligned along longitudinal axis 45. Central aperture 163 includes a small annular region 164 with two opposed passageways 166 extending radially outwardly from annular region 164.
Passageways 166 in third disc 40 are separated from each other by a pair of opposed projections which extend inwardly toward annular region 164. Each projection includes a protrusion 249 and a protrusion 250 which are separated from each other by a radially extending pin receiving area 248. The two protrusions 249 are aligned and opposite each other; the two protrusions 250 are aligned an opposite each other; and the two pin receiving areas 248 are aligned an opposite each other. As best seen in
It should also be noted that protrusions 250 on third disc 40 may be positioned about 60 degrees apart from protrusions 251 on second disc 38. Additionally, each pin receiving surface 253 on second disc 38 may be about 60 degrees wider than each pin receiving area 248 on third disc 40. This “misalignment” between these components on second and third discs 38, 40 aids in ensuring that additional rotation of collar 172 has to be undertaken to engage in order to additionally engage third disc 40 when second disc 38 is already captured by selector rod 186.
When third disc 40 is positioned adjacent sleeve 88 and insert 90, the gap between protrusions 250 and second surface 152, together with a gap defined between recessed pin receiving ledge 105 on sleeve 88 and end wall 102 thereof, creates a space within which pins 216 of selector rod 186 may travel when third disc 40 is being engaged or disengaged by selector rod 186 during use. This space can be seen in
Third disc 40 further defines a plurality of satellite apertures 158 therein. Six apertures 158 are arranged in an orbital satellite orientation eccentric relative to central aperture 163 and longitudinal axis 45. Satellite apertures 158 include four uniform apertures indicated by reference number 158a which extend from first surface 148 through to second surface 152; and two frustoconical or tapered apertures indicated by reference number 158b which are each configured to receive a tapered plug 222 at one end of one of resilient members 44. Referring still to
Third disc 40 further defines a plurality of protrusions 160 circumferentially spaced about, adjacent and interrupting outer edge 150 thereof. Protrusions 160 extend outwardly from first surface 148. These protrusions 160 are complementary to recesses 146 defined in second surface 132 of second disc 38 and ensure a releasable mating relationship between second and third discs 38, 40. When second and third discs 38, 40 are so mated, the central apertures 139 and 163 are aligned with each other and the satellite aperture 138 and 158 are aligned with each other.
Third disc 40 further defines recesses 162 in second surface 152 thereof and interrupting outer circumference edge 154. Recesses 162 are shaped to be complementary to lobes 106 which extend outwardly from surface 102 of sleeve member 88. The mating relationship between lobes 106 on sleeve member 88 and recesses 162 on third disc 40 ensures the alignment of apertures 158 in third disc 40 with apertures 104 in sleeve member 88, and apertures 110 in insert 90.
A friction-reducing ring or a non-stick coating (such as ceramic or Teflon®) may be applied directly to part or all of insert 90 and possibly to the first, second, and third discs 36, 38, and 40 provided in assembly 30. Alternatively, the entire insert 90 or discs 36, 38, 40 may be fabricated from this friction-reducing material. If the friction-reducing material is applied to only part of insert 90 or discs 36, 38, 40, it may be applied to a face which bounds and defines the apertures therein that are configured to receive resilient members 44 therethrough. The central apertures in insert 90 and discs 36, 38, 40 which do not receive resilient members 44 therethrough may be free of the friction-reducing material. The friction-reducing material may coat the face or other surfaces of insert 90 and/or discs 36, 38, 40 and/or may be bonded thereto. Alternatively, the friction-reducing coating may be provided as a washer, or be provided on a washer that is inserted into or is located adjacent to the aperture. If a washer is utilized, then the surface of the washer which will contact resilient member 44 will include the friction-reducing material. The entire washer may be fabricated from the friction-reducing material. The friction-reducing material is utilized to materially reduce friction within assembly 30. Without insert 90, the expected life of resilient members 44 utilized in assembly 30 may be reduced by approximately 50%. Thus, inclusion of insert 90 greatly improves the useful life of resilient members 44.
Referring now to
At this point it is noteworthy that the respective tapered apertures 124b, 138b, and 158b, do not line up with each other. This ensures that the tapered plug 222 on any resilient member 44 does not pass through two tapered holes in adjacent discs. Stated otherwise, tapered aperture 124b aligns with uniform aperture 138a and uniform aperture 158a. Uniform aperture 124a aligns with tapered aperture 138b and is aligned with uniform aperture 158a. Additionally uniform aperture 124a is aligned with uniform aperture 138a and is aligned with tapered aperture 158b.
As indicated previously herein, tubular housing includes a base member 78, sleeve 88 and collar 172. Referring to
Adjustment assembly 170 is described in greater detail hereafter with reference being had to
Upper member 182 further defines a hole 191 (
While upper member 182 is shown and described herein as being a component that extends through aperture 178 in collar 172 and is of a relatively fixed orientation with respect to collar 172, it will be understood that upper member 182 may be differently configured. In particular, upper member 182 may be configured so that at least a portion of the upper member which extends outwardly from collar 172 is able to rotate or swivel about an axis extending along selector rod 186 (i.e., about an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing). Still further, the rotatable or swiveling portion of the upper member may be able to rotate or swivel through 360°. Alternatively, the swiveling portion may rotate or swivel through less than 360° if that is considered desirable. This swiveling upper member is selectively securable to a workout accessory and thus may provide additional freedom of movement of that workout accessory during the performance of an exercise using assembly 30.
Selector rod 186 includes a first end 196 spaced apart from a rounded tip 198. An annular recess 210 is defined approximately midway along the length of selector rod 186. A plurality of disc-selector pins 212 extends radially outwardly from the outer circumferential surface of selector rod 186. Pins 212 are located between tip 198 and annular recess 210. Pins 212 are oriented generally at right angles to a longitudinal axis of selector rod 186 and will therefore also be oriented generally at right angles to longitudinal axis 45 of assembly 30. As illustrated in
Upper and lower selector pins 214, 216 comprise either a single pin which extends through a hole in selector rod 186 and outwardly for a distance beyond the circumferential surface thereof in one direction or two portions of the single pin may extend outwardly in two opposite directions from rod 186. Alternatively, a pair of individual pin ends which are secured to selector rod 186 may extend outwardly from the circumferential surface, being aligned with each other and located diametrically opposite each other. Either configuration will be referred to herein as a “pin”. Pins 214 are engaged with selector rod 186 and extend from the circumferential surface thereof along the same plane but in different directions. Pins 216 are positioned between tip 198 and upper pins 214. Pins 216 extend outwardly from a location where they are secured to selector rod 186. Pins 216 comprise a pair of pin ends which are aligned with each other and are located diametrically opposite each other. Pins 216 extend from the circumferential surface of selector rod 186 along the same plane but in different directions. Upper pins 214 and lower pins 216 are longitudinally aligned with each other and are spaced a distance apart from each other along selector rod 186. This distance is approximately equal to the thickness of second plate 38. (The thickness of second plate 38 is measured between first and second surface 128, 132.) All pins 212 are generally circular in cross-section and are shaped to be complementary to pin passageways 142 and 166 in second and third discs 38, 40; and additionally to a portion of the pin-receiving areas 248 in third disc 40. Pins 212 are rigidly affixed to selector rod 186 and move in unison therewith. Pins 212 extend generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis 45.
During fabrication of resistance band assembly 30 an E-clip 208 is engaged in annular recess 210. First end 196 of selector rod 186 is passed through an aperture in a washer 206 and is then inserted through central aperture 126 of first disc 36. Washer receiving area 260 of first disc 36 receives washer 206 when selector rod 186 extends through the center of washer 206 and through central aperture 126 of first disc 36. When so engaged, selector rod 186 will be able to rotate within central aperture 126 while first disc 36 remains relatively stationary relative to longitudinal axis 45.
After exiting central aperture 126 of first disc 36, first end 196 of selector rod 186 is inserted through the center of a coil spring 184 and is then inserted into hole 191 defined in second end 190 of upper member 182. A diametrically extending aperture 200 formed in rod 186 adjacent first end 196 is aligned with a similarly oriented hole 204 in upper member 182. A locking pin 202 is inserted through the aligned hole 204 and aperture 200. Thus, selector rod 186 secures first disc 36 and upper member 182 together. As shown in
It should be noted that prior to inserting first end 196 of selector rod 186 through central aperture 126 of first disc 36, first end 196 may be inserted through the aligned central apertures 163 and 139 of third and second discs 40, 38, respectively. If this is the case, then third disc 40 and second disc 38 must be oriented so that pins 212 on selector rod 186 pass through the pin passageways 166 and 142, respectively.
Alternatively, after being secured to first disc 36, second end 198 of selector rod 186 may be passed through the central aperture 139 and pin passageways 142 of second disc 38 and then through central aperture 163 and pin passageways 166 of third disc 40. In this instance, selector rod 186 extends outwardly beyond washer-receiving surface 261 of first disc 36 and through annular region 140 and annular region 164 of second and third discs 38, 40 respectively. Passageways 142 and a portion of annular region 140 create a narrow passage through second disc 38 and through which pins 212 on selector rod 186 may pass. Pin passageways 142 are shaped complementary to pins 212 on selector rod 186. It will be understood that selector rod 186 has to be in a fairly precise orientation relative to passageways 142 in order for pins 212 to pass through said pin passageways 142. (It should be further noted that if only a single pin 212 extends outwardly in only one direction from selector rod 186 then only one passageway 142 will be provided in second disc 38.)
Third disc 40 includes pin ledge 165 adjacent annular region 164 for receiving upper pins 214 of selector rod 186 during rotation of collar 172. Passageways 166 in third disc 40 permit rotation of pins 216 extending radially from selector rod 186 therethrough even when rotated within a certain angle of rotation, as defined by the hyperbolic passageway. Passageways 166 on third disc 40, protrusions 249, 250 and pin receiving area 248 cooperate together to interact with bottom pins 216 to engage third disc 40 when selected by a user. When third disc 40 is not selected by a user, bottom pins 216 pass through passageways 166 and are rotatable within the arc length defined by hyperbolic shape of the passageway.
As indicated above and as shown in
Selector rod 186 further extends through central aperture 108 of insert 90 and into the rounded, inverted cone shape of central aperture 232 of sleeve member 88. In particular, the central aperture 232 is configured to receive spherical tip 198 of selector rod 186 therein. Tip 198, when contacting inverted rounded cone surface of aperture 232, permits a smooth transition of tip 198 through central aperture 232. Pin receiving ledge 105 (
Turning back now to collar 172 as shown in
The components of assembly 30 depicted
With primary reference to
In an assembled position, first end 32 facing in the first direction, retention tabs 194 extend outwardly away from each other a distance greater than the diameter of aperture 178. Tabs 194 therefore make contact with landing surfaces 180 to lock collar 172 in place. This locking relationship ensures that collar 172 does not slide in the first direction during use of assembly 30 in the performance of an exercise movement. As previously discussed herein, collar 172 is an inverted cup-like member defining a cavity 284 configured to house selector rod 186, portions of resilient members 44, and the three disc plates 36, 38, and 40. As depicted in
As depicted in
As depicted in
Reference will now be made to the operation of assembly 30. To complete an exercise, the user has an option of selectively choosing a desired resistance value based on the number of resilient members 44a-f engaged in a pulling motion. In operation and with reference to
Hooks 56, 58 on second attachment assembly 35 of assembly 30 enable attachment of assembly 30 to an attachment member 578 on the separate exercise apparatus 510 (
The user may impart an exercise motion to assembly 30 (which is now engaged to the exercise structure via attachment member 578) by pulling on first attachment assembly 33 in some way. This is most easily accomplished by engaging some type of workout accessory with first attachment assembly 33 at first end 32 of assembly 30. One such workout accessory 400 is illustrated engaged with first attachment assembly 33 in
In order for only first disc 36 to be engaged with selector rod 186 and thereby with first attachment assembly 33, the indicator 177 on collar 172 must be aligned with the single chevron indicia 100 on sleeve 88. This position is illustrated in
If it is desired to increase the resistance level applied by assembly 30, then first attachment assembly 33 must be returned to the at rest position shown in
The user must then engage at least the second disc 38 as well as first disc 36 with selector rod 186. This is accomplished by the user grasping collar 172 and rotating the same in the direction indicated by arrow “B” (
If the user rotates collar 172 until indicator 177 on collar 172 moves into alignment with the two chevron indicia 100 on sleeve 88, then the user is selecting a second level of resistance.
As shown in
When collar 172 is rotated into this position and as shown in
When collar 172 is in this third position, selector rod 186 is prevented from clockwise rotation by pin 216 abutting protrusion 250 on third disc 40; and selector rod is prevented from rotating counterclockwise by pins 216 abutting protrusions 249 on third disc 40. At this point, third disc is captured by selector rod 186 and all of the first, second and third discs 36, 3840 are engaged with first attachment assembly 33 and the resistance provided by assembly 30 will involve the need to stretch all of resilient member 44a-44f within assembly 30.
Referring to
Referring to
When the alternative selector rod 186 is inserted through central aperture 126 of the alternative first disc 36, pins 213 will enter the space defined by washer receiving area 260 (
Pins 213 on selector rod 186 are located adjacent surface 263 (
If collar 172 is rotated to the second position, pins 213 will move in the first direction out of the first trough 265 and across the adjacent section of surface 263 (in the first direction) and pins 213 will then drop into the second trough 265 (i.e., second set of opposed and aligned trough portions). Again, the sections of surface 263 are raised relative to the second trough 265 and thus rotation of pins 213 and therefore of selector rod 186 is substantially prevented in each of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. When collar 272 is in this second position, the pins 214 will have moved, as previously described, to cause second disc 38 to be captured by the alternative selector rod 186. The first and second discs 36, 38 are therefore engaged with the alternative selector rod and the resilient members 44 engaged with those discs will therefore provide an additional level of resistive force to any exercise.
If collar 172 is rotated into the third position, pins 213 will move out of the second trough 265, across the next adjacent surface 263 (in the first direction) and subsequently become seated in the third trough 265 (i.e., third set of opposed an aligned trough portions). Again, the next sections of surface 263 are raised relative to the third trough 265. Consequently, the rotation of pins 213 and therefore of selector rod 186 is substantially prevented in each of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. When collar 272 is in this third position, the pins 214 will have moved, as previously described, to cause second disc 38 to be captured, and the pins 216 will have moved as previous described, to cause third disc 40 to be captured by the alternative selector rod 186. Thus all three discs are engaged with the alternative selector rod 186 and the resilient members 44 engaged therewith provide the maximum level of resistive force.
Rotating collar 172 in the opposite direction to that described above will cause selector rod 186 and therefore pins 213 to travel in a direction opposite to the first direction and thereby disengage one or more of the captured discs.
In operation and with respect to
In other instances, it may be desirable to change or replace one or more resilient members 44. For example, a user may desire to customize his or her resistance band assembly 30 by personally selecting the resilient members 44 utilized therein. The user may insert one or more resilient members which have thinner shafts 221 to provide different resistive forces. A resilient member 44 with a thinner shaft 221 could provide less resistive force and a resilient member with a thicker shaft 221 could provide more resistive force.
Thus, if it was needful or desirable to change one or more resilient members, the user will need to disengage the specific resilient member from connection plate 42 and from the various discs, 36, 38, 40. In order to gain access to connection plate 42, the user will disengage first attachment assembly 33 from collar 172 by depressing tabs 194. Collar 172 will then be removed so that the user has access to discs 36, 38, 40. The user is then able to access the resilient band 44 which he or she wishes to replace and is also able to disengage base member 78 from sleeve 88. This is accomplished by pinching tabs 86 toward each other and so that the tabs 86 slide into the bore of the housing. As soon as tabs 86 are clear of the apertures 98 in sleeve 88, base member 78 and sleeve 88 may be separated from each other. Base member 78 may be moved in the direction of arrow “N” (
In operation and with reference to
In operation and with reference to attaching assembly 30 to an exercise structure, an aspect of an embodiment for a method may include the steps of providing an attachment member 578 attached to an exercise structure, wherein the ring defines an aperture; affecting relative movement of the attachment member 578, the movement relative to an assembly 30 defining a gap 302 between two inverted hooks 56, 58 including a free end on each hook; positioning the attachment member 578 in the gap 302 beneath two ends of the hooks 56, 58; affecting a relative rotation of the attachment member 578, which is about 90 degrees, relative to the two hooks 56, 58 such that the attachment member 578 is beneath a hook passageway 418 defined by a downwardly facing concave surface of both hooks 56, 58; and engaging the attachment member 578 with the concave surface of both hooks 56, 58.
In operation and with reference to attaching assembly 30 to an exercise structure, another method may include the steps of providing an assembly 30 including two inverted hooks 56, 58 spaced apart and defining a vertical gap 302 therebetween, defining a transverse hook passageway 418 beneath arcuate portions 410, 412 on the hooks 56, 58; and moving hooks 56, 58 in a first direction to position an attachment member 578 attached to a separate exercise structure in the vertical gap 302. The method may further include revolving hooks 56, 58 about a longitudinal axis 45; and, when this step of revolving the hooks 56, 58 about the longitudinal axis is accomplished, rotating assembly 30 about its longitudinal axis 45 through about 90 degrees. Then, hooks 56, 58 are moved in a second direction opposite that of first direction so as to engage the arcuate portion 410, 412 of the hooks with the attachment member 578 such that the attachment member 578 extends through the transverse passageway 418.
While assembly 30 has been described as having a particular configuration in the previous paragraphs, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that first, second, and third discs 36, 38, 40 may be differently configured to what has been illustrated and described herein. For example, instead of first, second and third discs 36, 38, 40 being generally circular when viewed from above, these discs might be oval or elliptical or any other desired shape. It will also be understood that resilient members 44 may be differently configured and that the holes and apertures defined in the discs 36, 38, 40 may be differently placed and shaped.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any desired number of discs may be provided in the resistance band assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Additionally, while the discs described herein are illustrated as having six holes therein, it will be understood that the discs utilized in the resistance band assembly may include less than six holes or more than six holes. The number of actual resilient bands utilized in the resistance band assembly will be complementary to the number of holes in the discs.
While the sample embodiment of band assembly 30 has been illustrated and described herein as having hook-type connectors thereon, it should be understood that other types of connectors may be utilized on band assembly 30. For example, male/female type connectors could be provided on band assembly 30 and on workout accessories to be used in conjunction therewith or on an exercise structure which band assembly 30 may be secured to in order to perform exercises. Other connectors may be ball and socket type connectors.
Additionally, one having ordinary skill in the art would understand that resilient members 44 may be replaceable with other similarly dimensioned elastic bands, such as a bungee-type cord that can attach to the discs and connection plate.
It will further be understood that if the discs 36, 38, 40 were fabricated to be thicker than illustrated herein so that the end termination of resilient member 44 did not protrude beyond the first surface of the associated disc, the assembly could be fabricated to include fewer holes in some of the discs. For example, first disc 36 could be fabricated to include only two apertures. In this scenario, the assembly sequence would be to put the third disc 40 into bore 84 of base member 78, pass two resilient members 44 through third disc 40 (third disc 40 would still have six apertures defined therein), then install second disc 38 (having only four apertures therein), and pass two resilient members 44 therethrough; and then insert first disc 36 into base member 78 and pass two resilient members 44 therethrough. During actual use of the sample embodiment disclosed herein, all six resilient members pass through third disc 40, only four resilient members 44 pass through second disc 38, and only two resilient members 44 pass through first disc 36.
While resistance band assembly 30 has been described and illustrated herein as including first, second, and third discs 36, 38, 40 and six resilient members 44a-f, it will be understood that assembly 30 may be provided with just one single disc therein with one or more resilient members engaged therewith; or two discs with one or more resilient members engaged therewith; or more than three discs with one or more resilient members engaged therewith. Any combination of discs and resilient members associated therewith may be utilized to generate a desired resistance level to movement of first attachment assembly 33 away from first end 80 of base member 78.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the components of exercise band resistance assembly 30 as herein described above permit a user to exercise by stretching some or all of resilient members 44. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, when resilient members are being selectively stretched, substantially all of the resistive force applied to the exercise results from the bands, not the discs 36, 38, 40 to which the bands are connected. Additionally, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, selector rod 186 and the pins 212 may pass through center apertures in some of the discs when those discs closer to second end 34 are not selected. When pins 214 select second disc 38, elements connected to selector rod 186 contact the second surfaces 118, 132 of both first disc 36 and second disc 38. When third disc 40 is selected, clip 210 contacts the bottom of first disc 36, pins 214 contact the second surface 132 of second disc 38 and pins 216 contact the second surface 152 of third disc 40.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the resistance that may be provided by resistance band assembly 30 is selectively variable. Thus, a user may configure resistance band assembly 30 to provide a lower resistance, an intermediate resistance or a higher resistance. This is accomplished by engaging one or more resilient members 44a-f with selector rod 186 when the resilient members are engaged with connection plate 42. The engagement of the second set of resistance bands (44c and 44d) provides a second resistance level to the resistance band assembly and the second resistance level is greater than the first resistance level.
Referring now to
Base 512 is generally H-shaped when viewed from above and comprises a first base member 524, a second base member 526 and a first and second crossbar 528, 530 which extend between first and second base members 524, 526. Base 512 is of a size that a user of fitness station 510 may stand between first base member 524 and second base member 526 and either in front of first crossbar 528 or behind second crossbar 530. Fitness station may be of any desired size. For example, the overall height of station 510 may vary between 8 and 12 feet as measured from the bottom surfaces of the base members 524, 526, 528, 530 to an uppermost region of the inverted J-shaped support member 538. Each of the first and second base members 524, 526 may be of any desired length, such as from about 5 feet to about 12 feet long. At their closest points relative to each other first and second base members 524, 526 may be spaced around 3 feet apart from each other but other distances are possible. Furthermore, the first and second arms 516, 518 may be of any desired length. For example, each of the first arm portions 556 may be from about 2 feet up to about 7 feet in length.
Each of the first and second base members 524, 526 may be an arcuate component that may be a generally open-C shape. First and second base members 524, 526 are substantially identical and are oriented so that they are mirror images of each other. Members 524, 526 are spaced a distance laterally apart from each other and in such a manner that the base members may curve away from each other. It will be understood, however, that base members 524, 526 may be of any other suitable shape and may be more angular than arcuate.
First base member 524 includes an upper surface 524a, a lower surface 524b, a first side 524c, a second side 524d, a first end 524e and a second end 524f. Second base member 526 includes an upper surface 526a, a lower surface 526b, a first side 526c, a second side 526d, a first end 526e and a second end 526f. First ends 524e, 526e are generally equidistant from crossbar 528 and second ends 524f, 526f are generally equidistant from crossbar 528. First and second base members 524, 526 have a length “L” (
As indicated above, a first crossbar and a second crossbar 528, 530 extend between first and second members 524, 526. First crossbar 528 is positioned a horizontal distance “L1” from first ends 524e, 526e. Second crossbar 530 is positioned a horizontal distance “L2” from first ends 524e, 526e. First crossbar 528 may be a little more than midway between first ends 524e, 526e and second ends 524f, 526f. First and second crossbars 528, 530 are spaced longitudinally from each other such that a gap 532 is defined between them. First crossbar 528 has an upper surface 528a, a lower surface 528b, a first end 528c, a second end 528d, a front 528e and a back 528f. Second crossbar 530 has an upper surface 530a, a lower surface 530b, a first end 530c, a second end 530d, a front 530e and a back 530f. First ends 528c, 530c are welded to first side 526c of second base member 526 and second ends 528d, 530d are welded to first side 524c of first base member 524. It will be understood that instead of two crossbars extending between first and second base members 524, 526, a single crossbar may be utilized or more than two crossbars may be utilized. If a single crossbar is used that crossbar may be of a substantially greater width than either of the first and second crossbars illustrated herein. It will be understood that the length and width of the crossbar(s) utilized herein may be varied but will be selected so that the fitness station has sufficient strength and rigidity to act as an anchor for the exercises to be performed therewith.
Lower surfaces 524b, 526b of first and second base members 524, 526 and lower surfaces 528b, 530b of first and second crossbars 528, 530 are placed on a flat and substantially horizontal support surface such as the ground or a floor of a gym and base 512 may be anchored to that ground or floor surface. Base 512 may be anchored by way of a plurality of bolts that are driven into the support surface or by the provision of a downwardly extending anchor, such as has been described in parent application Ser. No. 13/836,359, the specification of which is incorporated herein.
Prior to placing fitness station onto the support surface, an exercise mat 534 may be placed onto the surface. Fitness station 510 may be placed onto the upper surface of the exercise mat 534 and be anchored to the support surface. The mat 534 may include a grid comprised of a plurality of markings 534a. The markings 534 may be squares that are of a particular size, such as one square foot, so that a person using fitness station 510 is able to stand or lie on mat 534 in particular specific locations each time they perform particular exercises. This grid may help a user perform exercises correctly and be able to consistently replicate the exercises they perform over a period of time. Mat 534 may be resilient in nature and provide cushioning for the user as they work out or stretch using fitness station 510.
Base 512 may be anchored to the flat and substantially horizontal surface in any one of a number of ways. For example, holes may be supplied in first and second base members 524, 526 and first and second crossbeams 528, 530 and then bolts may be inserted through these holes and into the surface beneath base. As indicated previously, leveler legs may be used to ensure fitness station 510 is level and so that it will not be inclined to tip over during use.
The upper surfaces 524a, 526a, and 528a of first and second base members 524, 526 and the upper surface of at least first crossbar 528 is provided with a plurality of attachment members thereon. Each of the attachment members is a component which extends upwardly and outwardly away from the upper surface 524a, 526a of the associated base member 524, 526 and defines an aperture therein. (While not illustrated herein, it will be understood that second crossbar 530 may also be provided with attachment members thereon.) The attachment members are used as components to which a resistance assembly may be secured when a user desires to utilize resistance to increase the intensity and effectiveness of their workout. The resistance assembly is selectively securable to any one of the attachment members by engaging a connector in the aperture defined by the attachment member. The attachment members are shaped to enable the resistance assembly to be oriented at any one of a range of angles relative to the base members 524, 526. This arrangement even enables the resistance assembly to be able to pivot relative to the base members 524, 526. It is contemplated that resistance bands or cord-type devices may also be engaged with the attachment members. During exercise the resistance bands or cord-type devices will be pulled and expand in length, thereby providing resistance to the performance of the pulling motion. Strap-type devices may also be engaged herewith.
One possible type of attachment member which may be suitable for this purpose is a C-shaped ring which is fixedly and permanently secured to base 512 as first attachment members 536. Each of the first attachment members 536 is welded or otherwise securely engaged with the associated one of the first and second base members 524, 526 or first crossbar 528. The first attachment members 536 are spaced at intervals from each other and are positioned so as to extend outwardly from the first or second base member 524, 526 or first crossbar 528. The interval for placement of first attachment members 536 may be a regular interval so that adjacent pairs of first attachment members 536 are spaced the same distance apart from each other. For example, as shown in the attached figures, first attachment members 536 may be spaced one foot apart from each other but it will be understood that other size intervals may be utilized. Alternatively, the intervals selected during fabrication of station 510 may be of different sizes. So, the interval between some adjacent pairs of first attachment members 536 may be one foot while the interval between other adjacent pairs of first attachment members 536 may be six inches or eighteen inches.
The C-shaped rings that are used as first attachment members 536 are passive connections meaning that any resistance assembly utilized has to be threaded through the ring, tied to the ring or clipped to the ring. It is possible that the attachment members used on fitness station could be active in nature. What is meant about the term “active” is that the attachment member is the component that is secured to the resistance assembly and not the other way round. So, for example, instead of a C-shaped ring which is welded at both ends to first or second base members 524, 526 or first cross-bar 528 and a hook or clip on a resistance assembly is threaded through the ring, the attachment member could be a carabiner-type component which can be opened and closed and thereby selectively connected to a resistance assembly. Alternatively, a combination of active and passive attachment members could be utilized on fitness station 510.
All of the first attachment members 536 illustrated in the attached figures comprise C-shaped metal rings that are fixedly secured to particular components of fitness station 510. It will be understood the metal rings utilized on fitness station 510 do not have to be C-shaped components but could be differently shaped. As shown in the figures, the metal rings provided on each of the first and second base members 524, 526 are positioned so that each ring is oriented substantially at right angles to the respective upper surface 524a or 526a. This can best be seen in
Support 514 extends upwardly and outwardly from base 512 and includes a support member 538 that, when viewed from the right side, is an upside down J-shape or has the appearance of a question mark. Support 514 may be fabricated as a segmented component where the various segments are bolted together during installation. Alternatively, support 514 may be a monolithic, unitary component. A semi-circular mounting bracket 540 is secured to upper surface 528a of first crossbar 528 such as by welding. Support member 538 is secured to and extends upwardly and outwardly from a central region of this mounting bracket 40. Support member 538 has an interior surface 538a which faces forwardly and an exterior surface 538b which faces rearwardly. Side surfaces extend between interior and exterior surfaces but these side surfaces are not numbered in the attached figures. A central region of support member 538 includes a widened box 542 which extends outwardly and forwardly from interior surface 538a. As shown in
As seen in
Support 514 further includes a brace member 554 which extends upwardly and outwardly from second crossbar 530 and engages exterior surface of support member 538 (
First arm 516 may be adjustably mounted to support 514 in such a way that the user is able to selectively vary the distance between base 512 and first arm 516 by moving first arm 516 along support 514 either toward or away from base 512, as will be hereafter described. First arm 516 may be generally U-shaped when viewed from above and includes a first section 516a and a second section 516b. First and second sections 516a, 516b are substantially identical to each other but are mounted to support member 538 in such a manner that they are mirror images of each other. Each of the first and second sections 516a, 516b is generally L-shaped and comprises a generally laterally extending first arm portion 556 and a forward extending second arm portion 558. First and second sections 516a, 516b may be generally circular in cross section but they can be of any other cross-sectional shape.
A clamping assembly 560 may independently and adjustably secure each first arm portion 556 to support member 538. Clamping assembly 560 includes a clamp 562 and a base plate 564. Clamp 562 comprises a clamshell-type device comprising a first half and a second half that are substantially identical and are positioned adjacent each other. Each of the first and second halves of the clamp 562 has a flat upper region 562a, a flat lower region 562b (shown on a clamp 562 on first arm 516 in
Clamp 562 is at least partially secured to plate 564. The first half of clamp 562 is welded or otherwise secured to plate 564 and thus, when plate 564 moves, the first half of clamp 562 moves in unison therewith. The second half of clamp 562 is not welded to plate 564 and is detachably secured to the first half of clamp 562. This detachability enables the end of first arm portion 556 to be received into the bore defined by curved sections 562c. Fasteners 566 (
As best seen in
In an alternative arrangement clamps 562 may be secured to support member 538 in a different way. In this alternative arrangement the bolt used to secure clamp to support member 538 may be a carriage bolt that is inserted from the outside of the box 542 into the interior and nuts are positioned in the interior of the box 542. This leaves only the rounded carriage bolt head exposed and prevents unauthorized adjustment of the arm height.
When the first or second section 516a or 516b is moved to the desired height, then clamp 562 is locked in place so that further longitudinal motion is prevented. This locking of clamp 562 is accomplished by engaging handle 576. When the handle 576 is rotated in a second direction, the fastener 572 is tightened once again and sliding motion of base plate 564 in either of an upward direction or a downward direction is effectively prevented. At this point, the selected section 516a or 516b is in the desired position for engaging one or more resistance bands or resistance assemblies with one or more of a plurality of third attachment members 578 provided on first arm 516. When the resistance band or assembly is so secured, the user is able to perform any one of a plurality of selected exercises.
The third attachment members 578 are located on first arm 516 at spaced intervals from each other. Third attachment members 578 may, again, be C-shaped rings that are welded or otherwise secured to first arm 516. The rings may be oriented at right angles to a front face of first arm 516 and may be provided on one or both of the first and second arm portions 556, 558 of first arm 516. Third attachment members 578 may be provided on more than one face of the first arm 516. The third attachment members 578 may be provided at regular intervals relative to each other, such as at a distance of one foot apart from each other. As with the first attachment members 536 and second attachment members 552 discussed earlier herein, differently shaped third attachment members 578 may be utilized, the spacing interval between adjacent third attachment members 578 may be other than regular, and the orientation thereof may be other than at right angles relative to the face of the first arm 516 upon which the third attachment members 578 are provided.
Clamping assemblies 560 also make it possible for the orientation of each of the first and second sections 516a, 516b to be changed. This is accomplished by rotating the selected first or second section 516a or 516b about a horizontal axis “XX” (
Second arm 518 is engaged with support 514 a distance vertically above first arm 516. As illustrated in
Second arm 518 may be adjustably mounted to support 514 in a substantially identical manner to the way first arm 516 may be mounted thereto. Second arm 518 also functions in a substantially identical fashion to first arm 516. Second arm 518 is generally U-shaped when viewed from above and is comprised of a first section 518a and a second section 518b. Each of the first and second sections 518a, 518b is an L-shaped component comprised of a first arm portion 556 and a second arm portion 558. First arm portions 556 may be independently and adjustably mounted by way of clamping assemblies 560 to box region 542 of support member 538. Clamping assemblies 560 however, include fasteners 572 which extend into second slot 546 instead of into first slot 544. The height of each of the first and second sections 518a, 518b of second arm 518 may be independently adjustable relative to upper surface 528a of first crossbar 528 in the same manner as was described herein with respect to the adjustment of first and second sections 516a, 516b of first arm 516. Additionally, the orientation of first and second sections 518a, 518b may be changed by rotating the same within the associated clamping assembly 560 in the same manner as has been described with reference to the rotation of first and second sections 516a, 516b of first arm 516.
A plurality of fourth attachment members 580 is provided at intervals along first and second sections 518a, 518b of second arm 518. Fourth attachment members 580 may, again, be C-shaped rings that are welded or otherwise secured to second arm 518 in a similar manner to third attachment members 578 on first arm 516. Rotation of first or second sections 518a, 518b may be undertaken in order to vary the angle and position of the respective fourth attachment members 580 provided thereon in order to perform any desired exercise.
As best seen in
Each of the fourth and fifth arms 522, 523 is attached to support member 538 and is a generally U-shaped component when viewed from above (
Fourth arm 522 may include a crossbeam 586 (
Fifth arm 523 is a generally U-shaped member that is mounted on exterior surface 538b of support member 538 by way of a mounting bracket 596. A first embodiment of fifth arm 523 is shown in
A clamping assembly 660 secures each first arm 656 to support member 538. Clamping assembly 660 includes a clamp 662 and a base plate 664. Clamp 662 is substantially identical to clamp 562 and functions in the same manner. Clamp 662 comprises a clamshell-type device comprising a first half and a second half that are substantially identical. Each of the first and second halves of the clamp 662 has a flat upper region 662a and a flat lower region 662b and a curved mid-section 662c. The radius of curvature of mid-section 662c is substantially identical to the radius of curvature of the first arms 656. One or the other of the first and second halves of clamp 662 is welded to plate 664. The other of the first and second halves of clamp 662 is not welded to plate 664. One end of first arm 656 of the associated first or second section 616a, 616b is received in the bore defined by curved mid-sections 662c clamp 662. Fasteners 666 pass through apertures 668 in upper and lower sections 662a, 662b and are tightened to clamp the end of first arm 656 therebetween. A handle (not shown in
First arm 616 differs from first arm 516 in that plates 664 of clamping assemblies 660 link first and second sections 616a, 616b thereof in such a way that the sections 616a, 616b may be vertically adjustable in unison with each other. The first and second sections 616a and 616b may be connected together in any one of a number of ways, one of those possible ways being illustrated in
A similar clamping arrangement may also be provided on second arm 518 to enable the entire second arm 518 to be vertically adjusted relative to base members 524, 526.
It will be understood that other mechanisms may be provided on fitness station 10 for linking first and second sections of either of the first and second arms 616, 518 together so that they move vertically as a unit. It will further be understood that if either of the first and second arms 616, 518 is comprised of two separate sections, such as sections 616a and 616b, then independent rotational motion “H” about the horizontal axis “XX” may still be possible.
It will further be understood that one or both of first and second arms 616, 518 may be comprised of a single unitary component instead of two separate sections and the unitary first or second arm 616, 518 may be caused to be vertically adjustable in any other fashion. Depending on the way this unitary first or second arm 616, 518 is mounted to support member 538, unitary rotational motion “H” about horizontal axis “XX” may also be possible.
Referring to
It will be understood that the angle “L” may be a pre-determined angle set by the manufacturer of fitness station 510 by providing a suitable mounting bracket 796 that permits this pre-determined range of motion. By way of example only, angle “L” may be from about 20° to about 90° relative to the horizontal. Alternatively, bracket 796 may be of a type which permits the user to select how far down or how far up he or she wishes to pivot fifth arm 723. The user may be able to pivot fifth arm 723 downwardly by grasping grips 798 and pushing downwardly thereon. The user may be able to pivot fifth arm 723 upwardly by grasping grips 798 and pulling the same upwardly. This pivotal motion of fifth arm 723 may be utilized to perform exercises such as triceps-dips. Fifth arm 723 may be moved through 90° to move the arm out of the way during the performance of exercises that do not require this arm. Fifth arm 723 may also be rotated to collapse it against support member 538 for storage purposes or if fitness station 510 needs to be moved. (It should be noted that fourth arm 522 may also be secured to support member 538 by a bracket that enables fourth arm 522 to pivot out of the way during the performance of various exercises or for storage purposes or if fitness station 510 needs to be moved.)
Fifth arm 723 includes a locking member for securing fifth arm 723 against pivotal motion when selectively positioned in one or another of the first, second or third positions P1, P2, P3. One suitable locking member may be a pin 799 as shown in
In accordance with another aspect of the invention and as shown in
It will be understood that substantially all of the first, third, fourth, and fifth attachment members are illustrated herein as being spaced at regular intervals from each other along surfaces of the associated base 512, first arm 516/616/716, second arm 518, third arm 520, and fifth arm 723. The intervals may be about one foot apart on each of these components. However, the spacing intervals of the attachment members may be different for each of the components upon which they are provided. Alternatively, differently sized intervals between attachment members may be utilized along the length of any one or more of the components upon which the attachment members are provided. The specific placement of the various attachment members may therefore be other than illustrated herein and be determined in accordance with the types of exercise that will be able to be performed on fitness station 510.
It should further be noted that while the various attachment members 536, 552, 578580, 582 are illustrated as being provided on only one surface of the associated arms, these attachment members may be provided on more than one surface of any one or more of the arms, such as is illustrated with respect to arm 716 (having attachment members 778) and arm 723 (having attachment members 801). For example, third attachment members 578 may be provided on a top surface, a bottom surface and a rear surface of first arm 516 in addition to the illustrated placement on the front surface thereof.
Additionally, the angles at which any of the attachment members 536, 552, 578, 580, 582, 778, 801 are provided on any particular arm may be other that what has been illustrated herein. Still further, not all the angles of the attachment members on a single arm need be of the same orientation relative to the surface of the arm or relative to each other. Some attachment members may be installed at right angles to the surface on which they are mounted or they may be at an angle other than ninety degrees thereto. Furthermore, not all the attachment members need to be aligned along the same plane or in the same orientation relative to each other on a single component. For example, on the first arm 516 attachment members 578 are all illustrated as being horizontally oriented. At least some of those attachment members 578 could be turned through ninety degrees relative to the surface on which they are mounted and could be vertically oriented or they may be mounted at angles other than ninety degrees.
Still further, it will be understood that attachment members may be provided on support member 538 and may further be provided on any surface on support member 538.
Fitness station 510 is used by securing one or more resistance assemblies with any one or more selected attachment members in order to perform a particular type of exercise with the resistance assembly. The attachment members and fitness station 510 acts as an anchor for these resistance assemblies. The types of exercises that may be performed using fitness station 510 have been more fully discussed in the parent application Ser. No. 13/836,359, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Referring now to
Thus, referring to
During use, a workout accessory such as handle 400 is selectively engaged with first attachment assembly 33. A pulling motion applied to workout accessory 400 causes first attachment assembly 33 to move away from first end 80 of base member 78 and this stretches first resilient member 44 from a first length to a second length and provides the resistive force to the pulling motion. If assembly 30 is selectively adjusted to engage the second or third disc 38, 40 therein so that more than one resilient member 44 is operatively engaged with first attachment assembly 33, then applying a pulling motion to first attachment assembly 33 will cause the additional resilient members 44 to be stretched from a first length to a second length and thereby increase the resistive force to the pulling motion.
It will be understood that engaging an collar 172 on base member 78 changes the resistive force applied by assembly 30. So, for example if collar 172 is operatively engaged with only a first resilient member 44, assembly 30 will provide a first resistive force to the pulling motion; if a second resilient member 44 is operatively engaged therewith, assembly 30 will provide a second resistive force to the pulling motion on first attachment assembly 33.
A method of performing a resistance exercise includes the steps of providing a fitness station 510 (
The step of attaching assembly 30 to fitness station 510 includes holding an exterior surface 78a (
The step of attaching assembly 30 to fitness station 510 may alternatively include inserting attachment member 578 on fitness station 510 between two laterally spaced-apart hooks 56 and 56 on one end 82 of base member 78. A terminal end 308 or 310 of one of hooks 56, 58, respectively, is inserted through aperture 578a defined between the C-shaped ring of attachment assembly 578 and a surface 517 of fitness station 510 to which attachment assembly 35 is mounted. Base member 78 is then rotated to engage the terminal end 308 or 310 of the other hook 56, 58 with the C-shaped ring and thereby secure assembly 30 to fitness station 510 by way of both hooks 56, 58.
Once assembly 30 is so engaged, the user may use fitness station 510 and assembly 30 to perform an exercise. This may include a step of applying a pulling motion “M” in a first direction to assembly 30 and this motion includes moving first attachment assembly 33 on a first end 80 of base member 78 away from the first end 80 of base member 78. The step of applying a pulling motion “M” further includes engaging workout accessory 400 with first attachment assembly 33 and then moving first attachment assembly 33 by pulling on the workout accessory 400. The pulling motion on the workout accessory 400 preferably occurs in a direction along the longitudinal axis 45 of assembly 30.
This motion in a first direction generates a resistive force inasmuch as the pulling motion causes first resilient member 44 within bore 84 of base member 78 to be stretched from a first length to a second length. If a second resilient member 44 or additional resilient members are provided within bore 84 and extend generally between first attachment assembly 33 and second attachment assembly 34, the second resilient member or additional resilient member may also be stretched from a first length thereof to a second length by moving first attachment assembly 33 away from first end 80 of base member 78. The more resilient members stretched in response to movement of first attachment assembly 33, the greater the resistive force applied by assembly 30.
The method may further include activating an adjustment selector 88/172 provided on base member 78 prior to stretching a second set of resilient members 44. The activating of the collar 172 has been previously described herein. The activating of collar 172 includes rotating a collar 172 at first end 80 of base member 78 to align a marking 177 on collar 172 with a marking 100 on base member 78. The step of rotating collar 172 includes rotating collar 172 to a first position (where marking 177 aligns with the marking 100 of a first chevron) to stretch the first resilient member only; rotating collar 172 to a second position (where marking 177 aligns with the marking 100 of a second chevron) to stretch the first and the second set of resilient members only; and rotating collar 172 to a third position (where marking 177 aligns with the marking 100 of a third chevron) to stretch the first resilient member, second set of resilient members and the additional set of resilient members.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration set out herein are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/836,359, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/931,842 filed on Jan. 27, 2014; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/931,887 filed on Jan. 27, 2014, and of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/938,331 filed on Feb. 11, 2014, the entire specifications of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61931842 | Jan 2014 | US | |
| 61931887 | Jan 2014 | US | |
| 61938331 | Feb 2014 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13836359 | Mar 2013 | US |
| Child | 14598324 | US |
