This invention generally relates to exercise devices, and more specifically to an exercise and lifting apparatus.
Numerous exercise devices and physical therapy devices exist in which the user works against resistance to strengthen muscles, condition muscles, stretch muscles, exercise joints, and the like. There exists a need for improved handles for use when working against resistance, for example while exercising.
Described herein are handles, and apparatus and methods utilizing the handles. The handles are coupled to a cord that is attached to fixed objects or loads, and a user employs the handles to work against resistance. The handles can be moved relative to the cord in a smooth continuous motion in a variety of different directions. The handles may be used for fitness equipment, in fitness programs, for physical therapy equipment, and in physical therapy programs to strengthen and/or stretch muscles, to exercise and/or strengthen joints and their surrounding tissues and/or to improve range of motion for joints. The handles may also be used in lifting aids, for lifting or moving heavy objects.
In one aspect, a handle comprises an elongated handle body comprising a top head, a bottom head, and a central bore that extends along a long axis between the top and bottom heads. The top head comprises a top pulley or set of pulleys that rotates around a top axis that is substantially perpendicular to the long axis, and a bottom head comprising a bottom pulley or set of pulleys that rotates around a bottom axis that is substantially perpendicular to the long axis. In operation, a cord is disposed on a circumferential surface of the top pulley, enters the handle body through a top opening, extends through the central bore, exits the handle body through a bottom opening, and is disposed on a circumferential surface of the bottom pulley. The cord is anchored at both ends to a fixed object or load. The cord may freely travel through the central bore of the handle. The cord is engaged with the top and bottom pulleys, resulting in smooth motion of the handle relative to the cord.
Any suitable type of cord may be used with the handles. In some variations, the cord is elastic. In some variations, the cord is substantially non-elastic. The cord may be solid or hollow. The cord may have a round cross-sectional shape, an elliptical cross-sectional shape, an oval cross-sectional shape, a square cross-sectional shape, a rectangular cross-sectional shape, or may have a compressed or flat cross-section. Non-limiting examples of cords that may be employed with the handles include: solid core rubber cords, hollow rubber cords, woven cords, cables, single strand ropes, multi-strand ropes, ribbons, bands, belts, and the like.
The ends of the cord may be anchored in any suitable configuration to one or more fixed objects or loads. In some cases, the ends of the cord are anchored at the same location. In other variations, the ends of the cord are anchored at different locations which optionally may be located on different fixed objects or loads. For example, an end of a cord may be configured to be anchored to a wall, a floor, a door frame, a door knob, a rack, a ceiling, a rafter, weight, a weight stack, furniture, a post, a tree, or the like. Optionally, an exercise apparatus may comprise one or more anchoring devices for anchoring at least one end of a cord to a fixed object or load. An anchoring device may be configured to be anchored to any type of fixed object or load, with non-limiting examples including walls, floors, door jambs, door handles, ceilings, rafters, weight stacks, posts, furniture, trees, and the like.
The pulleys used in the handles can be any suitable type of pulley. In some variations, there are multiple pulleys in each head to guide the cord. In some variations, at least one of the top and bottom pulleys comprises a circumferential groove or depression that receives the cord. When the handle is in use, the cord sits in the circumferential groove or depression and moves along the circumferential groove as the pulley rotates. In some variations, both the top and bottom pulleys comprise a circumferential groove or depression to receive the cord. In some variations, at least one of the top and bottom pulleys has a non-grooved circumferential surface, so that the cord moves along the non-grooved circumferential surface as the pulley rotates. In some variations, both the top and bottom pulleys have a non-grooved circumferential surfaces. A groove in the pulley may allow the cord to maintain its position on the cord during use.
The handle body can have any suitable shape appropriate for a user. In some cases, a handle body has a shape of a hollow cylinder. In some cases, a handle body has the shape of a hollow elliptical cylinder, or the shape of a hollow cylinder with an oval cross-section. In some cases, a handle may comprise one or more indentations in an outer surface of the handle body or on an external grip disposed on an outer surface of the handle body to accommodate one or more fingers extending around a circumference of the handle body. In some cases, a handle body is sized appropriately in circumference and/or length for use by a certain user demographic, e.g., a circumferential dimension and/or length between top and bottom heads selected for a typical male, female, or adult or child.
Handles optionally may comprise a grip at least partially covering the handle body. In some cases, the grip may extend around the circumference of the handle body. The grip may be made of any suitable material, have any suitable structure, and have any suitable design features. Non-limiting examples of grip design features include grips that improve a user's ability to grip the handle (e.g., a rubbery or non-slip grip surface), grips that improve a user's comfort (e.g., a thick or padded grip), grips that improve aesthetics or marketability of the handle, and any combination of two or more of the foregoing.
The top and bottom heads may be fixed or movable relative to the handle body. In some cases, both heads are fixed relative to the handle body. In some variations, at least one of the top and bottom heads may rotate relative to the long axis of the handle. In other cases, both heads may rotate relative to the long axis of the handle, but are coupled to one another through the central bore of the handle. In some cases, both heads may rotate independently relative to the long axis of the handle. The ability for the heads to rotate may allow the pulleys to better align with the cord which, in turn, may prevent the cord from disengaging from the pulley during use.
In some variations, a handle may comprise a locking mechanism that in operation locks the position of the cord relative to the handle. Any suitable type of locking mechanism may be used. Non-limiting examples of locking mechanisms include rope ratchets, rope locks, clamping devices, D-ring locks, friction locks, and the like.
Another variation of an exercise apparatus comprises two handles and one cord threaded through both handles. Still another version of an exercise apparatus comprises two handles and two cords, where one cord is threaded through one of the handles, and the other cord is threaded through the other of the handles.
Optionally, an exercise apparatus may comprise or provide access to instructions for use. The instructions for use may be in any form on any suitable media, and may for example be part of an exercise or therapy program. For example, instructions for use may be diagrams or written instructions on paper, one or more CDs or other portable digital information storage media comprising audio, visual, and/or audiovisual instructions for use, videos, in-person demonstrations, one or more applications accessible via computer, smart phone, or other personal computing device, group memberships, and/or links or access to websites, on-line user groups and the like.
Described herein are methods that employ the handles and exercise apparatus described herein. In one aspect, a method for strengthening a muscle or joint uses an exercise apparatus as described herein, and the method comprises moving the handle such that the cord passes through the central bore of the handle while working against a resistance applied by the cord to the handle. In another aspect, a method for stretching a muscle, joint or connective tissue uses an exercise apparatus as described herein, and the method comprises moving the handle such that the cord passes through the central bore of the handle while working against a resistance applied by the cord to the handle. In another aspect, a method for improving mobility of a joint uses an exercise apparatus as described herein, and the method comprises moving the handle such that the cord passes through the central bore of the handle while working against a resistance applied by the cord to the handle. In yet another aspect, a method for improving balance using an exercise apparatus as described herein, and the method comprises moving the handle such that the cord passes through the central bore of the handle while working against a resistance applied by the cord to the handle.
Described herein are lifting apparatus for lifting or moving a load. In one aspect, a lifting apparatus comprises a handle as described herein and a cord. In operation, a first end of the cord is coupled to a load to be moved, and a second end of the cord is anchored. The cord is disposed on a circumferential surface of the top pulley, enters the central bore through the top opening of the handle, extends through the central bore of the handle, exits the central bore through the bottom opening of the handle, and is disposed on a circumferential surface of the bottom pulley. When the cord is placed in tension by applying force to the handle to lift or move the load, the top and bottom pulleys rotate as the cord moves through the central bore. Optionally, a lifting apparatus may comprise one or more coupling devices for coupling one or both ends of the cord to a load to be moved. Any suitable coupling device may be used to couple the cord to the load, with non-limiting examples including straps, hooks, belts, clamps, nets, platforms, and the like.
These and other embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art when taken with reference to the following more detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that are first briefly described.
The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which identical reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the different figures. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selective embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, the term “parallel” is intended to mean “parallel or substantially parallel” and to encompass minor deviations from parallel geometries rather than to require that any parallel arrangements described herein be exactly parallel. The term “perpendicular” is intended to mean “perpendicular or substantially perpendicular” and to encompass minor deviations from perpendicular geometries rather than to require that any perpendicular arrangement described herein be exactly perpendicular. The term “square” is intended to mean “square or substantially square” and to encompass minor deviations from square shapes, for example substantially square shapes having chamfered (e.g., rounded or otherwise truncated) corners. The term “rectangular” is intended to mean “rectangular or substantially rectangular” and to encompass minor deviations from rectangular shapes, for example substantially rectangular shapes having chamfered (e.g., rounded or otherwise truncated) corners. The term “circular” is intended to mean “circular or substantially circular” and to encompass minor deviations from circular shapes. The term “oval” is intended to mean “oval or substantially oval” and to encompass minor deviations from oval shapes. The term “elliptical” is intended to mean “elliptical or substantially elliptical” and to encompass minor deviations from elliptical shapes. The term “cylindrical” is intended to mean “cylindrical or substantially cylindrical” and to encompass minor deviations from cylindrical shapes.
The user grips the handle or attaches the handle to a body part (e.g., hand, foot, finger, toe, arm, or leg). To work against resistance or to move a load, the user moves the handle to apply tension to the cord. The handle comprises an elongated handle body comprising a top head, a bottom head, and a central bore that extends along a long axis between the top and bottom heads. The top head comprises a top pulley or set of pulleys that rotate around a top axis or set of axes that are substantially perpendicular to the long axis, and a bottom head comprising a bottom pulley or set of pulleys that rotates around a bottom axis or set of axes that are substantially perpendicular to the long axis. In operation, a cord is disposed on a circumferential surface of the top pulley or set of pulleys, enters the handle body through a top opening, extends through the central bore, exits the handle body through a bottom opening, and is disposed on a circumferential surface of the bottom pulley or set of pulleys. Both ends of the cord are anchored to a fixed object or load. When the handle is used to apply tension to the cord, the pulleys support the cord and may rotate around their respective axes to allow translation of the cord through the central bore. The pulleys operate to reduce friction between the cord and the handle. The pulleys facilitate movement of the handle relative to the cord such that as the user works against resistance, the user can move the handle in a smooth motion in a range of different directions and movements without the cord binding, chafing, or catching against the handle.
Referring now to
The cord may have any suitable construction and any suitable mechanical properties. A cord may be elastic or substantially non-elastic. An elastic cord is a cord that is capable of substantially recovering its original length or shape after being stretched, deformed, compressed or expanded. In some cases, a degree of elasticity of the cord is user-selectable so that the user may control or adjust a degree of resistance. A cord may be selected based on load-bearing capacity, elasticity, shape, material composition, appearance, or any combination of the foregoing. A cord may be solid or may be hollow. A cord may be a unitary cord, or a cord may comprise multiple sections, such as a multi-strand rope or a cable or chain comprising multiple sections or links. Cords may in some cases have an outer coating, jacket, or sheath such as a woven (e.g., cotton or synthetic fiber (e.g., nylon or polypropylene) woven jacket), non-woven polymeric (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, or nylon), or rubber outer coating or jacket. In some cases, a cord may comprise a woven jacket that constricts to compress an interior of the cord as the cord is stretched. In some cases, a coating, jacket or sheath protects the cord from UV radiation from the sun or other sources.
A cord may have a circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, a square shape, a rectangular shape, or a cord may have the form of a belt or strap. In some cases a cord is tubular, such as a rubber tube. Non-limiting examples of cords include solid elastic cords, multi-strand elastic cords, hollow elastic cords, single-strand natural or synthetic ropes, multi-strand natural or synthetic ropes, bands, belts, straps, cables, and chains. If a rubber cord is used, any suitable type of rubber may be used, with non-limiting examples including latex rubber, silicone rubber, neoprene, styrene-butadiene rubber, and nitrile rubber. In some cases, a cord is a Bungee cord or shock cord. In some cases, a cord is a polypropylene or nylon multi-strand rope. In some cases, a cord is a multi-strand rubber (e.g., latex rubber) cord covered by a woven nylon jacket, e.g., a Sport Cord® resistance cord.
Any suitable type of pulley may be used in the handles. In some variations, at least one of the top and bottom pulleys comprises a circumferential groove or depression that receives the cord. When the handle is in use, the cord sits in the circumferential groove or depression and moves along the circumferential groove as the pulley rotates. In some variations, both the top and bottom pulleys comprise a circumferential groove or depression to receive the cord. In some variations, at least one of the top and bottom pulleys has a non-grooved circumferential surface, so that the cord moves along the non-grooved circumferential surface as the pulley rotates. In some variations, both the top and bottom pulleys have a non-grooved circumferential surface.
In the case of rotating heads described in
In some cases, a bearing is used to reduce friction between the pulley and its axle, or for an axle fixed to a pulley, between the axle and its rotational mount. Any suitable type of bearing may be used. Non-limiting examples of bearings that may be used include bushings, journal bearings, sleeve bearings, ball bearings, spiral groove bearings, and roller bearings. In some cases, a lubricant is used to reduce friction between the pulley and an axle, or between an axle and its rotational mount. Any natural or synthetic, solid, gel-like, or liquid lubricant may be used. In some cases, a pulley and/or axle is made from or coated with a material has a low coefficient of friction against other solids, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyethylene.
The handle body can have any suitable shape and size appropriate for its intended application. In some cases, a handle body has the shape of a hollow cylinder. In some cases, a handle body has the shape of a hollow elliptical cylinder, or the shape of a hollow cylinder with an oval cross-section. In some cases, a handle may comprise one or more indentations in an outer surface of the handle body or on an external grip disposed on an outer surface of the handle body to accommodate one or more fingers extending around a circumference of the handle body. In some cases, a handle body is sized appropriately in circumference and/or length for use by a certain user demographic, e.g., a circumferential dimension and/or length between top and bottom heads selected for a typical male, female, or child. The openings through which the cord enters and exits the handle body and the pulleys can be designed to reduce or eliminate contact between the handle body and the cord, or to be shaped such that friction and binding of the cord are reduced. For example, the pulleys can be positioned relative to the openings into the handle body so that the cord is fed directly into the handle body bore without contacting the handle body, or the pulleys can be positioned relative to the handle body so that the cord is fed smoothly into the handle body bore. For example, the opening may have a smooth surface that guides the cord without causing the cord to contact a sharp or rough edge, or to be bent through an acute angle, or to become twisted or kinked, or to become trapped or caught (e.g., in an interstitial space between a pulley and the handle body).
Handles optionally may comprise a grip at least partially covering the handle body. In some cases, the grip may extend around a circumference of the handle body. The grip may be made of any suitable material, have any suitable structure, have any suitable coating, and have any suitable design features. Non-limiting examples of grip design features include grips that improve a user's ability to grip the handle (e.g., a rubbery or non-slip grip surface), grips that improve a user's comfort (e.g., a thick grip, a padded grip, a formable grip, and the like), grips that form to a user's hand, grips that improve aesthetics or marketability of the handle, and any combination of two or more of the foregoing.
The top and bottom heads may be fixed or movable relative to the handle body. In some cases, both heads are fixed relative to the handle body. In some variations, at least one of the top and bottom heads may rotate relative to the long axis of the handle. In other cases, the heads are coupled to one another, but may rotate relative to the long axis of the handle. In some cases, both heads may rotate independently relative to the long axis of the handle. The top head and bottom heads may be separable from or integral with the handle body. In some cases, at least one of the top and bottom heads and the handle body form a unitary article so that the at least one head is not separable from the handle body. In some cases, a coupling is disposed inside the handle body, and the coupling joins together the top and bottom heads. If a coupling is used, it may be configured for movability of a head relative to the handle body. For example, a couple may facilitate rotation of a head relative to a handle body. Non-limiting examples of handles incorporating couplings to connect the top and bottom heads are provided in
In some variations, a handle may comprise a locking mechanism that in operation locks the position of the cord relative to the handle. Any suitable type of locking mechanism may be used. Non-limiting examples of locking mechanisms include rope ratchets, rope locks, clamping devices, D-ring locks, friction locks, and the like.
A handle and its components may be made from any suitable materials. In some cases, a handle body, the top and bottom heads, and the pulleys are made from one or more plastics or polymeric materials. In some cases, metal may be used for one or more components. Polymeric materials used in the handles may be thermoplastic polymers or thermosetting polymers. Polymeric materials used in handle components may be selected based on any consideration of manufacture or use. Non-limiting examples of selection criteria include cost, ease of manufacture, hardness, density, UV resistance, heat resistance, stiffness, elasticity, tensile strength, yield, ductility, impact resistance, toughness, coefficient of friction, environmental considerations (recyclability, evidence of toxicity, and the like), Non-limiting examples of suitable polymeric materials that may be used include Polycarbonate, Nylon, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), copolymers, and polymeric blends. The polymeric materials used in components of a handle may the same or different. A grip, if used, may be made from a different polymeric material than a handle body. A grip may be formed from or coated with a material that promotes a user grip, e.g., to reduce slipping of the user's hand, wicks away sweat, and/or increases hand comfort while gripping. A grip, for example, may be made from a non-slip rubberized material, a textured material, a porous material, or a foam.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Primary pulleys 105, 105′ are positioned on axles 130, 130′ respectively and rotate freely on axles 130, 130′. A secondary top axle 151 is coupled to the top head 131. A secondary bottom axle 151′ is coupled to a bottom head 132. The secondary axles 151, 151′ are oriented perpendicularly to the handle body long axis. Secondary pulleys 160, 160′ are positioned on secondary axles 151, 151′ respectively and rotate freely on the secondary axles 151, 151′.
Cord 125 passes between primary pulley 105 and a secondary pulley 160 that is mounted on secondary axle 151. The cord 125 then enters the central bore of the handle body 110, then exits the bore between primary pulley 105′ and secondary pulley 160′. The cord passes freely through the central bore of the handle resulting in smooth motion of the handle relative to the cord. The dual pulley configuration—utilizing primary pulleys 105, 105′ and secondary pulleys 160, 160′—serves to stabilize travel of the cord 125 so that the cord 125 is not likely to slip off the primary pulleys 105, 105′
Heads 131,132 are free to rotate independently relative to handle body 110 about the longitudinal axis of handle body 110. Anchors 170, 171 serve as one exemplary method of securing heads 131,132 to handle body 110. In the case that the handle body 110 is rotated by the user relative to the orientation of cord 125, the side load of cord 125 on grooves 180, 180′ of pulleys 105,105′ may independently assist the pulleys to maintain alignment and engagement with the cord 125 insuring smooth operation of the handle 100 during both rotation and translation of the handle body 110 relative to the cord 125. In addition, the offset of the axis of pulleys 105, 105′ from the central axis of handle 110 creates a lever effect which allows the side load of the cord 125 on pulleys 105, 105′ to rotate heads 131, 132 relative to the handle body 110. In some cases, the handle 100 may include a locking mechanism so that rotatable heads 131, 132 can be locked by a user so that one or both of the heads 131, 132 do not rotate relative to the handle body 110.
The handles as described herein may be used in a variety of exercise programs and physical therapy treatments to rehabilitate weak muscles, strengthen muscles, stretch muscles and/or connective tissues, to regain joint function, to exercise joints, to stretch tissues surrounding joint, to strengthen muscles surrounding joints, and to restore balance. The smooth motion of the handle relative to the cord facilitates a user working against resistance in a variety of motions. The handles may be used in a variety of configurations and motions that will enable the user to isolate or concentrate on specific muscles, muscle groups, or joints. In some cases, a user may use two handles at once. In some cases, two handles may be operated on a single cord. For example, a user may grip a handle in each hand, and both handles may be threaded onto a single cord to lift a single load, as described in relation to
The handles may be sized and designed for use by particular demographics. For example, handles sized in length and grip size specifically for men, women and children may be provided.
Described herein are exercise apparatus. An exercise apparatus comprises a handle as described herein, and a cord. During use, the cord is threaded through the handle in the following manner. The cord is disposed on a circumferential surface of the top pulley, enters the central bore of the handle body through the top opening of the handle, extends through the central bore of the handle, exits the central bore through the bottom opening of the handle, and is disposed on a circumferential surface of the bottom pulley.
During operation, the ends of the cord are anchored to a fixed object or a load. In some cases, the ends of the cord are anchored at the same location on the same object or load, and in some cases, the ends of the cord are anchored at different locations, which may be on the same object or load, or on different objects or loads. During operation, when tension is applied to the cord, the top and bottom pulleys rotate as the cord moves through the central bore.
In some variations, an exercise apparatus comprises two handles and one cord threaded through both handles, with the cord threaded through each handle as described above. Still another version of an exercise apparatus comprises two handles and two cords, where one cord is threaded through one of the handles, and the other cord is threaded through the other of the handles. The ends of the two cords may be anchored at the same or different locations, which may located on the same object or on different objects. The exercise apparatus may be configured to be anchored to any available or suitable fixed object or load. Non-limiting examples include walls, floors, door jambs, racks, door handles, ceilings rafters, weight stacks, posts, furniture, trees, and the like. Optionally, an exercise apparatus may comprise one or more anchoring devices for anchoring at least one end of a cord to a fixed object or load. An anchoring device may be configured to anchor one or more cord ends to any type of fixed object or load. For example, an anchoring device may be configured to anchor one or more cord ends to a wall, floor, door jamb, rack, door handle, ceiling, rafter, weight stack, post, furniture, tree, and the like.
Optionally, an exercise apparatus may comprise or provide access to instructions for use. The instructions for use may be in any form on any suitable media, and may for example comprise part of an exercise or therapy program. For example, instructions for use may be diagrams or written instructions on paper, one or more CDs or other portable digital information storage media comprising audio, visual, and/or audiovisual instructions for use, videos, in-person demonstrations, one or more applications accessible via computer, smart phone, or other personal computing device, group memberships, and/or links or access to websites, on-line user groups and the like.
Described herein are methods that employ the handles and exercise apparatus described herein. In one aspect, a method for strengthening a muscle or joint uses an exercise apparatus as described herein, and the method comprises moving the cord through the central bore of the handle while working against a resistance applied to the cord. In another aspect, a method for stretching a muscle, joint or connective tissue, uses an exercise apparatus as described herein, and the method comprises moving the cord through the central bore of the handle while working against a resistance applied to the cord. In another aspect, a method for improving mobility of a joint uses an exercise apparatus as described herein, and the method comprises moving the cord through the central bore of the handle while working against a resistance applied to the cord. In yet another aspect, a method for improving balance using an exercise apparatus as described herein, and the method comprises moving the cord through the central bore of the handle while working against a resistance applied to the cord.
The device may also be used as a lifting apparatus as shown in
This disclosure is illustrative and not limiting. Further modifications will be apparent to one skilled in the art in light of this disclosure and are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/241,489, filed Aug. 19, 2016, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/211,213, filed Aug. 28, 2015, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
4645204 | Berger | Feb 1987 | A |
5484368 | Chang | Jan 1996 | A |
9700753 | Boatwright | Jul 2017 | B1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20180133540 A1 | May 2018 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
62211213 | Aug 2015 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 15241489 | Aug 2016 | US |
Child | 15870527 | US |