This disclosure generally relates to aerial equipment useful for exercise, physical training, aerial acrobatics, and circus acts, among other types of activities. This disclosure more specifically relates to trapeze bars and systems that may be used in exercise and training programs.
Trapeze systems are generally well known. In a simple form, a trapeze typically includes a horizontal bar that is hung from an elevated support structure by ropes, straps, webbing, or another type of support line. Trapeze systems are used in a variety of settings for different purposes. One common example is the use of a trapeze for aerial acts in circus, dance, and other types of performances. Performers may balance on the trapeze bar, move around the bar and ropes, hang from the bar, swing on the bar, spin on a bar mounted on a single point, and perform a wide range of other acts.
Trapeze systems are an increasingly common element of some types of exercise and physical training routines. Trainers and instructors can find a trapeze bar particularly useful in developing a participant's strength, balance, judgment and poise. While performers and other professionals may use custom designed and custom built trapeze systems, the increasing use of trapeze systems within exercise programs, and otherwise by the general public, presents a need for trapeze systems that can be adjusted to suit people of varying heights, weights, and capabilities. The same trapeze system may also be used in various locations, and thus is can be helpful have a trapeze system that can be easily assembled and disassembled.
While some past trapeze systems have been developed with these and other needs in mind, there remains a desire for new and improved trapeze systems that address these and other issues.
Embodiments of the invention relate to a trapeze system. One possible embodiment provides a trapeze system that includes an elongated support member, first and second flexible suspension members, a first coupling mechanism, and a second coupling mechanism coupling. The suspension members are for suspending the elongated support member. The first and second coupling mechanisms couple the first flexible suspension member to the elongated support member, and the second flexible suspension member to the elongated support member, respectively. Each of the coupling mechanisms includes a frame member, a frame retention feature, a slot, and a frame engagement feature. The elongated support member includes an end that has an end retention feature and an end engagement feature. The frame member defines an opening that is configured to receive the end of the elongated support member. The frame member also includes a frame retention feature that engages the end retention feature to removably retain the end of the elongated support member within the frame member. The slot is in communication with the opening, and is configured to receive the end of the elongated support member from the opening. The frame engagement feature engages the end engagement feature to rotatably fix the end of the elongated support member.
In one example, the first and the second coupling mechanisms can be infinitely positionable along lengths of the first flexible suspension member and the second flexible suspension member, respectively. In this case each of the first and the second coupling mechanisms may include a releasable clamp that selectively grips and moves along the corresponding flexible suspension member. The flexible suspension members can be separate lengths of webbing.
In some cases the frame member of the coupling mechanisms has a rigid planar member with a perimeter region that encloses the opening and the slot. The end of the elongated support member can optionally include an inner flange and an outer flange, and in some cases at least part of the rigid planar member is positioned between the inner and the outer flanges.
In some examples of the trapeze system, a rotational alignment of the end retention feature and the frame retention feature permits removal of the end of the elongated support member from the frame member. Rotation of the end of the elongated support member at one end of the slot can engage the end engagement feature with the frame engagement feature. In some cases engagement of the end engagement feature and the frame engagement feature rotatably fixes the end of the elongated support member in a rotational alignment with the frame member. The rotational alignment can be different than the rotational alignment of the end retention feature and the frame retention feature.
Some embodiments include a trapeze bar assembly that may be part of a trapeze system or optionally provided apart from flexible suspension members such as webbing, ropes, straps, and the like. One example of a trapeze bar assembly includes an elongated support member with a first end and a second end. Each of the ends have an end retention feature and an end engagement feature. The assembly also includes first and second coupling mechanisms. Each coupling mechanism has a frame member that defines an opening configured to receive one of the ends of the elongated support member. The coupling mechanism also includes a frame retention feature configured to engage a corresponding end retention feature of the elongated support member. Engagement of the corresponding retention features removably retains the end of the elongated support member within the frame member. The coupling mechanism also includes a slot in communication with the opening. The slot is configured to receive the end of the elongated support member from the opening. The coupling mechanism also includes a frame engagement feature configured to engage a corresponding end engagement feature, which rotatably fixes the end of the elongated support member within the slot. According to this example, the first and the second coupling mechanisms are configured to couple the first and the second ends to corresponding first and second flexible suspension members. In addition, the first and the second coupling mechanisms are infinitely positionable along corresponding lengths of the first and the second flexible suspension members.
In some cases, the first and the second ends of the elongated support member each have an inner flange and an outer flange. The flanges restrict translation of the first and the second coupling mechanisms along the elongated support member in an assembled state. In some such cases, the frame member of each of the first and the second coupling mechanisms includes a rigid planar member that fits between the inner and the outer flanges. The rigid planar member of each frame member can have a perimeter region that encloses the opening and the slot of the corresponding coupling mechanism. In some cases each of the first and the second coupling mechanisms can include a releasable clamp configured to selectively grip and move along the first or the second flexible suspension member.
The retention and engagement features of the coupling mechanisms and elongated support member can have different forms. As an example, the end retention feature can be a notch and the frame retention feature can be a protrusion. As another example, the end engagement feature can include a recess in the elongated support member. The frame engagement feature can optionally be a protrusion extending into the slot. Other configurations may also be an option, including configurations in which the end retention and engagement features are protrusions and the frame retention and engagement features are notches/recesses, respectively.
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for assembling a trapeze apparatus, such as one of the trapeze apparatuses described herein. As an example, one possible method for assembling a trapeze apparatus relates to a trapeze apparatus having an elongated support member and first and second coupling mechanisms. The method in this example includes removably coupling a first end of the elongated support member with the first coupling mechanism and removably coupling a second end of the elongated support member with the second coupling mechanism. Removably coupling one of the ends with one of the coupling mechanisms includes aligning a retention feature of the end of the elongated support member with a retention feature of the coupling mechanism and then inserting the end into an opening of the coupling mechanism. Removably coupling an end with a coupling mechanism also includes moving the end of the elongated support member from the opening into a slot of the coupling mechanism, and aligning an engagement feature of the end of the elongated support member with an engagement feature of the coupling mechanism thereby fixing rotation of the end of the elongated support member relative to the coupling mechanism.
The method for assembling a trapeze apparatus can in some cases include coupling the first coupling mechanism to a first flexible suspension member and coupling the second coupling mechanism to a second flexible suspension member. Another step in the method can include moving the first coupling mechanism along the first flexible suspension member to one of an infinite number of positions on the first flexible suspension member and moving the second coupling mechanism along the second flexible suspension member to one of an infinite number of positions on the second flexible suspension member. Further, in some cases aligning the retention features involves rotating the end of the elongated support member into a first rotational alignment with the coupling mechanism, and aligning the engagement features comprises rotating the end of the elongated support member into a second rotational alignment with the coupling mechanism different than the first rotational alignment.
These and various other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description.
The following drawings illustrate some particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Some embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.
The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides some practical illustrations for implementing some embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ that which is known to those of ordinary skill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives.
Embodiments of a trapeze, including, but not limited to, the trapeze system 100 shown in
As another possible feature, the trapeze system 100 includes two separate flexible suspension members 110, 112, instead of a single suspension member. This can allow the trapeze to be suspended from a single point of support or from two separate supports. A user of the trapeze system 100 thus has an option to change the support configuration for the trapeze system 100 if a particular movement or technique may benefit from a single support or a two-point support system. As just two examples, the trapeze system 100 can be suspended from a single support to facilitate spinning techniques, or may be suspended from double supports to provide a more stable base for static techniques.
As shown in
On the other hand, in some cases it may be useful to removably couple the suspension member with the coupling mechanism to allow further disassembly of the trapeze system. The coupling mechanisms and support member can thus be removed from the suspension members together, and/or the elongated support member 102 may be removed and then the coupling mechanisms. It is contemplated that this optional degree of adaptability can facilitate the use of different types of support members (e.g., lighter, heavier, stronger) and coupling mechanisms (e.g., particularly suited for different types of flexible suspension members).
Another example of an optional feature of the trapeze system 100 is the use of a retention mechanism to keep the support member 102 engaged with the coupling mechanisms. A still further feature that will be discussed is the optional inclusion of an engagement mechanism that fixes rotation of the elongated support member 102 with respect to the coupling mechanisms 120, 140.
Returning to
Webbing made from other synthetic or natural materials (e.g., cotton) may also be used for the suspension members. In addition, the material can optionally be tubular or non-tubular. Other types of material suitable for the suspension members will be known by those skilled in the art. Examples of other types of suspension member materials include ropes, cords, wires, straps, and chains, among other examples. Suspension members can be made from natural, synthetic or a combination of natural and synthetic materials. The choice of material for the suspension members may optionally depend upon the particular type of clamp being used for the coupling mechanisms. For example, it may be desirable to choose a material that slides easily through the clamps 122, 142, but that is also capable of being tightly gripped by the clamps 122, 142. This optional combination of features can enhance adjustability while also ensuring that there is no movement of the coupling mechanisms along the length of the suspension members during use of the trapeze system 100.
As discussed above, the flexible suspension members 110, 112 may be separately attached to an elevated support in a two-point connection.
The depicted releasable clamp 222 is a standard cam buckle for a 1-inch wide web, though other types and sizes of buckles and clamps may be used. The clamp 222 includes a release button 230 that selectively releases the clamp's grip on the suspension member 210 when it is pressed. To couple the clamp with the suspension member, the suspension member 210 can be fed through a front opening 232 as shown in
The clamp 222 is thus selectively adjustable while also engaging the flexible suspension member 210 to provide a secure connection. Pressing the release button 230 allows the coupling mechanism 220 to slide up and down the flexible suspension member 210. Upon releasing the button 230, the button and the remaining portion of the clamp 222 grip the suspension member 210 to retain the location of the coupling mechanism 220 on the suspension member. The coupling mechanism 220 is thus infinitely positionable along the length of the suspension member 210 using the releasable clamp 222.
Turning back to
Returning to
The frame member 224 also includes a slot 252. The slot 252 is in communication with and thus also a continuous extension of the opening 250. The slot 252 is thus configured to receive the end of the support member from the opening 250, and vice versa. As shown in the figures, the slot 252 also has a narrower width than the opening. As will be discussed, the narrower width of the slot means that the portion of the frame member 224 surrounding the slot 252 also acts as another frame retention member. In this case the slot 252 also has a length that is optionally greater than the diameter of the opening 250.
In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the frame member 224 is formed as a rigid planar member that defines the opening 250 and the slot 252 within a common plane. The frame member 224 can be made from any material of suitable strength, and in this embodiment is machined from a sheet of 304 stainless steel with a thickness of less than 0.5 inches. In this example the frame member 224 includes a perimeter region 256 that continuously extends around the opening and the slot.
Of course, many different configurations, shapes, thicknesses and other variations could be implemented in the frame member. For example, instead of having a varying width and forming an oval-shaped outer perimeter, the perimeter region could instead have a substantially constant width so that the outer shape of the frame member 224 follows the contour of the inner perimeter that defines the opening 250 and the slot 252. As a further example, in some cases it may not be necessary for the frame member to have a continuous perimeter.
As mentioned above, the trapeze system 100 shown in
The frame member 224 in
As shown in
Continuing with reference to
As shown in
Thus, embodiments of the invention are disclosed. Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain disclosed embodiments, the disclosed embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation and other embodiments of the invention are possible. One skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20160296783 A1 | Oct 2016 | US |