U.S. patent application number 09/941167 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-06 for reorientable pulley system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Icon IP,Inc.. Invention is credited to Stone, Ryan L..
Application Number | 20030045406 09/941167 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25476042 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030045406 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stone, Ryan L. |
March 6, 2003 |
Reorientable pulley system
Abstract
Systems and methods for providing a reorientable pulley system.
A tube, a first pulley and a second pulley are provided so that the
second pulley may be selectively reoriented in relation to the
first pulley while still maintaining an alignment between the
hollow passageway of the tube and the channels of the first and
second pulleys. An exercise device employing the pulley system is
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Stone, Ryan L.; (Provo,
UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WORKMAN NYDEGGER & SEELEY
1000 EAGLE GATE TOWER
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Assignee: |
Icon IP,Inc.
|
Family ID: |
25476042 |
Appl. No.: |
09/941167 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/100 ;
482/102 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/154 20130101;
A63B 21/156 20130101; A63B 23/035 20130101; A63B 21/0628
20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/100 ;
482/102 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/062 |
Claims
What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters
Patent is:
1. A pulley system comprising: a rotating tube having first and
second apertures and a passageway extending within the tube,
wherein the tube is configured to receive a cord therethrough; a
pulley having a channel configured to receive the cord; and means
for aligning the channel of the pulley with the passageway of the
tube, wherein the means for aligning is coupled to the tube and to
the pulley, such that as the tube rotates the pulley moves
therewith, and wherein a portion of the channel of the pulley is
positioned within the tube.
2. A pulley system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a cord
extending along the tube and through the first and second
apertures, and wherein the second aperture is located in a sidewall
of the tube.
3. A pulley system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a
second pulley having a second channel; and means for aligning the
second channel with the tube.
4. A pulley system as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for
aligning the channel of the pulley with the passageway of the tube
comprises an arm coupled to the tube, the pulley being rotatably
mounted on the arm.
5. A pulley system comprising: a rotating tube having first and
second apertures and a passageway extending within the tube,
wherein the tube is configured to receive a cord therethrough; a
pulley having a channel configured to receive the cord; and an arm
configured to align the channel of the pulley with the passageway
of the tube, wherein the arm is coupled to the tube and to the
pulley such that as the tube rotates the pulley moves therewith,
and wherein a portion of the channel of the pulley is positioned
within the tube.
6. A mechanism as recited in claim 5, wherein the arm is an
articulating arm of an exercise device.
7. A pulley system as recited in claim 5, further comprising a cord
extending along the tube and through the first and second
apertures, and wherein the second aperture is located in a sidewall
of the tube.
8. A pulley system, comprising: a rotatable tube having first and
second apertures, wherein the second aperture is located in a
sidewall of the tube; a cord extending through the first and second
apertures; a fixed pulley having a first channel corresponding to
the first aperture such that the first channel receives the cord
and a portion of the cord is located within a passageway of the
tube; and a selectively orientable pulley having a second channel
configured such that the second channel receives the cord.
9. A pulley system as recited in claim 8, wherein the second pulley
is selectively orientable with relation to the fixed pulley.
10. A pulley system as recited in claim 8, wherein a portion of the
selectively orientable pulley is inserted into the second aperture
to align the second channel with the passageway of the tube.
11. A pulley mechanism comprising: a first pulley; a second pulley;
a tube having first and second apertures, wherein the second
aperture is located in a sidewall of the tube; an arm coupled to
the tube at one end, the other end of the tube being pivotably
coupled to a support, the first pulley also being coupled to the
support, such that a cord extends along the first pulley, through
the first aperture of the tube, out the second aperture of the tube
and along the second pulley.
12. A mechanism as recited in claim 11, wherein at least a portion
of the second pulley is located within the second aperture to align
a channel of the second pulley with a passageway of the tube.
13. An exercise device, comprising: a support; and at least one
exercise station coupled to the support, wherein the exercise
station includes a pulley mechanism, the pulley mechansim
comprising: a tube having a first aperture, a second aperture
located in a sidewall, and a passageway extending therebetween, the
tube being movably coupled to the support; and a pulley having a
first channel corresponding to the first aperture such that the
first channel receives a cord and a portion of the cord is located
within a passageway of the tube; and a second pulley having a
second channel corresponding to the second aperture such that the
second channel receives the cord and such that the cord is
essentially unaffected as the second pulley is reoriented from a
first position to a second position.
14. An exercise device as recited in claim 13, wherein the exercise
station includes a plurality of selectable positions.
15. An exercise device as recited in claim 13, wherein the
mechanism includes an arm that is pivotally coupled to the
support.
16. An exercise device as recited in claim 13, wherein a first end
of the cord is coupled to a load and the second end of the cord is
coupled to a handle.
17. An exercise device as recited in claim 13, wherein when the
tube rotates, the tension of the cord is substantially
unaffected.
18. An exercise device, comprising: a resistance assembly; a
vertical support; an exercise station movably coupled to the
vertical support, the exercise station comprising: a tube rotatably
coupled to the vertical support, the tube having a first aperture,
a second aperture and a passageway extending therebetween, the
second aperture extending through a sidewall of the tube; a first
pulley rotatably coupled to the vertical support, the first pulley
having a channel corresponding to the first aperture of the tube;
an arm rotatably coupled to the tube; a second pulley rotatably
coupled to the arm, the second pulley having a channel
corresponding to the second aperture of the tube, wherein a portion
of a channel of the second pulley is positioned within the second
aperture; and a cord extending through the first and second
apertures, a first end of the cord being coupled to the resistance
assembly, a second end of the cord being coupled to a handle
configured to be grasped by a user, and an intermediate portion of
the cord extending between the first and second pulleys, wherein
the extension arm is selectively positioned between a first and
second position.
19. A pulley system as recited in claim 18, wherein as the tube
rotates, the length of the cord does not vary substantially.
20. A pulley system as recited in claim 18, wherein the resistance
assembly comprises a weight stack comprising a plurality of
selectable weights.
21. A pulley system comprising: a rotating tube having first and
second apertures and a passageway extending within the tube,
wherein the tube is configured to receive a cord therethrough; a
pulley having a channel configured to receive the cord; and means
for aligning the channel of the pulley with the passageway of the
tube, wherein the means for aligning is coupled to the tube and to
the pulley, such that as the tube rotates the pulley moves
therewith, and wherein the means for aligning the channel of the
pulley with the passageway of the tube comprises an arm coupled to
the tube, the pulley being rotatably mounted on the arm.
22. A pulley mechanism comprising: a first pulley; a second pulley;
a tube having first and second apertures and a passageway extending
through the tube; an arm coupled to the tube at one end, the other
end of the tube being pivotably coupled to a support, the first
pulley also being coupled to the support, such that a cord extends
along the first pulley, through the first aperture of the tube, out
the second aperture of the tube and along the second pulley.
23. An exercise device, comprising: a support; and at least one
exercise station coupled to the support, wherein the exercise
station includes a pulley mechanism, the pulley mechansim
comprising: a tube having a first aperture, a second aperture and a
passageway extending therebetween, the tube being movably coupled
to the support; and a pulley having a first channel corresponding
to the first aperture such that the first channel receives a cord
and a portion of the cord is located within a passageway of the
tube; and a second pulley having a second channel corresponding to
the second aperture such that the second channel receives the cord
and such that the cord is essentially unaffected as the second
pulley is reoriented from a first position to a second position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to systems and methods for
providing a reorientable pulley system. More specifically, the
invention relates to a reorientable pulley system having an
articulating arm that is particularly useful as an exercise device
for exercising the arms and/or legs of a user.
[0003] 2. Background and Related Art
[0004] Pulleys have traditionally been used to lift objects. A
pulley includes a rotable disk that is allowed to spin on its axis
and is configured to receive a cord (e.g., a rope or cable) around
a portion of the peripheral disk rim. A first end of the cord is
fastened to an object that is to be lifted. The opposing end of the
cord is threaded around a portion of the rim of the pulley, which
is typically coupled to a support above the object, and pulled to
cause the cord to move about the disk rim. As the cord moves, the
disk spins about its axis. Once the cord tightens, additional
pulling on the cord causes the object to be lifted in the direction
of the pulley.
[0005] A pulley facilitates lifting by changing the direction in
which a force is required to be exerted in order to lift an object.
Often the ability to pull in a downward direction rather than
having to exert force in an upward direction has proven to be more
convenient in lifting heavy objects. Pulleys therefore provide a
mechanical advantage. Multiple pulleys may be used in a system to
facilitate lifting by reducing the force that is required to lift
an object.
[0006] While pulleys have been used to facilitate lifting by
changing the direction of the required force and by reducing the
amount of force required, a force is still required to be exerted
in a given direction to lift an object. At times it is advantageous
to modify the given direction of the force exerted. For example, in
an exercise device having a reorientable arm, it is often desirable
to initially orient the arm in one position for a first exercise
(e.g., above the shoulder for arm pull downs) then reorient the arm
in a second position for a second exercise (e.g., below the
shoulders for arm curls).
[0007] However, a number of challenges are encountered in
traditional pulley systems. For example, a change in force
direction (e.g. rotation of an exercise arm) often lengthens or
shortens the cable path of typical systems. For example, as a
typical extension arm having a pulley system is rotated, a cord
used in the pulley system is often loosened or tightened, depending
on the positioning of the extension arm. As a result of the
loosening or lengthening, the position of a handle mounted on the
cord can change with respect to the end of the arm. In one
position, the handle abuts the end of the arm, while in another
position the handle droops in an unsightly, inconvenient manner
away from the end of the arm.
[0008] Thus, it would be an advancement in the art to be able to
modify the direction of the force exerted in a pulley system, e.g.,
for use in exercise equipment and in other disciplines, without
affecting the length or tension of the cord path or without
providing an otherwise awkward pulley system.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an
improved pulley system.
[0010] It is another object of the invention to provide a pulley
system that can be conveniently reoriented.
[0011] It is another object of the invention to provide a pulley
system that allows a user to modify the direction of force without
affecting the length of the cable within the pulley system.
[0012] It is another object of the invention to provide an improved
exercise machine.
[0013] It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise
machine having an improved pulley system.
[0014] It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise
machine having a pulley system wherein cord tension does not vary
substantially as an extension arm of the exercise machine is
rotated.
[0015] The present invention relates to systems and methods for
providing a reorientable pulley system. Implementation of this
embodiment may take place in association with a system that
includes two pulleys configured to receive a cord and are able to
rotate on their corresponding axes. The system further includes a
pivoting tube that is employed to house a portion of the cord that
extends between the two pulleys, referred to as the intermediate
portion of the cord.
[0016] For example, one embodiment relates to a pulley system
having a tube with a first aperture corresponding to a first, fixed
pulley and a second aperture corresponding to a second, rotatable
pulley. As the tube is rotated with respect to a support, the
rotatable pulley is reoriented from a first position (in relation
to the first pulley) to a second position without significantly
affecting the intermediate portion of the cord.
[0017] In a further embodiment, the tube includes a first aperture
at a first end and a second aperture in a sidewall at an opposing
second end. In one embodiment, the tube rotates within a portion of
a support located between the first and second apertures of the
tube. A first pulley is oriented in relation to the first aperture
such that a channel of the rim of the first pulley is configured to
receive the cord and is aligned with the hollow passageway of the
tube.
[0018] A second pulley corresponds to the second aperture such that
a portion of the second pulley is positioned within the second
aperture to thereby align the channel of the second pulley with the
hollow passageway of the tube. Thus, the channels of the first and
second pulleys are aligned. In accordance with the present
invention, the second pulley may be selectively reoriented in
relation to the first pulley while still maintaining the alignment
between the hollow passageway of the tube and the channels of the
first and second pulleys.
[0019] In one embodiment, such as in an exercise machine, the
second pulley is coupled to an articulating arm that is coupled to
the pivoting tube. The coupling of the pulley to the arm maintains
the alignment between the channel of the second pulley and the
hollow passageway of the tube when the tube rotates. A cord
threaded through the system may be affixed to a load (e.g., a stack
of weights) at the first end and pulled at the second end (e.g., by
the hand of an exerciser) to enable the lifting of the load. The
direction in which the second end of the cord is pulled may be
selectively modified by articulating the arm from a first to a
second position. However, even after being reoriented to a second
position, the second pulley maintains its alignment with the hollow
passageway of the tube and the channel of the first pulley.
[0020] The intermediate portion of the cord, which extends between
the first pulley and the second pulley, is essentially unaffected
by the reorientation of the articulating arm since the
reorientation simply rotates the second pulley and the tube about
the intermediate portion of the cord. Furthermore, a reorientation
of the arm does not substantially vary the effective cord tension
of the pulley system. Finally, the present invention allows for the
protection of the cord, provides a convenient single pivot action,
and conveniently couples an extension arm directly to the rotating
tube.
[0021] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of
the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other
features of the present invention will become more fully apparent
from the following description and appended claims, or may be
learned by the practice of the invention as set forth
hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited
and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained,
a more particular description of the invention briefly described
above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof
that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that
these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and
are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the
invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system that provides a
suitable operating environment for the present invention,
[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a pulley system
used at a pivotal connection of the exemplary system of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 2a demonstrates one method for rotatably securing the
rotating tube within a cylindrical member.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of the pivotal
connection of FIG. 2 that further illustrates the orientation
between a first pulley, a second pulley, and a tube of a
reorientable pulley system. The perforated orientation disk 36 of
FIG. 2 and a portion of its associated bracket 26 are not
shown.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of the reorientable pulley
system of FIG. 3 and demonstrates how an intermediate portion of a
cord is essentially unaffected as the tube and corresponding pulley
are reoriented from a first position to a second position.
[0028] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate
pulley system used at a pivotal connection of the exemplary system
of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The present invention relates to systems and methods for
providing a reorientable pulley system. More particularly, one
aspect of the present invention relates to a pulley system having
(i) a rotating tube; and (ii) a plurality of pulleys associated
therewith. A first aperture of the tube corresponds to a first
pulley and a second aperture corresponds to a second, rotatable
pulley. As the tube is rotated, a rotatable pulley is reoriented
from a first position, in relation to the first pulley, to a second
position without significantly affecting the intermediate portion
of a cord extending across the pulleys.
[0030] While the present invention is particularly useful in the
area of exercise equipment to couple to a resistance assembly, such
as by lifting weight stacks, the systems and methods of the present
invention may be used in a variety of different environments and
with a variety of different system configurations for lifting a
load without significantly affecting the intermediate portion of a
cord. Thus, while the following discussion generally relates to an
exercise device that includes a reorientable pulley system, the
systems and methods of the present invention can be used in a
variety of different environments and/or configurations to allow
for the direction of the force exerted on a cord to be conveniently
modified in a multi-pulley system.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary system is illustrated
that provides a suitable operating environment for the present
invention. In FIG. 1, an exercise device, illustrated as exercise
device 10, is provided that includes a vertical support 12, a base
14, articulating extension arms 16a-b, and handles 18a-b. Base 14
is coupled to vertical support 12 and provides stability to
exercise device 10. Handles 18a-b extend from the distal ends of
respective arms 16a-b to allow a user to pull therefrom in order to
lift a selectable weight stack (not shown) having a plurality of
selectable weights located in vertical support 12. By way of
example, the weight stack may be configured as disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,238,323, entitled "Cable Crossover Exercise Apparatus,"
to Simonson, which is incorporated herein by reference, or in a
similar manner.
[0032] Thus, a user may select an amount of weight to lift from the
weight stack, stand on base 14, and pull handle 18a and/or handle
18b to lift the selected weight amount as part of a weight training
workout. In one embodiment, distal members 19a and 19b rotate with
respect to respective arms 16a and 16b.
[0033] Exercise device 10 is designed to provide a diversity of
weight training workouts that focus on various muscle groups,
including upper-body muscle groups. Arms 16a-b are pivotally
coupled to vertical support 12. Pivotal connection assemblies 20a-b
secure arms 16a and 16b in a desired position with relation to
vertical support 12 by inserting a pin 22a and/or 22b into a
corresponding aperture or location of the available locations 24a
and 24b. Thus, a user may independently modify the position of an
arm, such as arm 16b, by extricating pin 22b from a current
location, pivoting arm 16b to the desired angle with respect to
vertical support 12, and inserting pin 22b in the corresponding and
desired aperture location 24b. The ability of the exercise device
10 to have one or more arms 16a-b selectively positioned with
relation to vertical support 12 enables workout diversity.
[0034] The pivoting of arms 16a-b modifies the direction in which
the handles are pulled in order to lift the weight stack. For
example, when arm 16b is positioned and secured so as to extend in
an upward direction from pivotal connection assembly 20b, a user
pulls vertically downward on handle 18b in order to lift the weight
stack. Alternatively, when arm 16b is positioned and secured so as
to extend in a downward direction from connection assembly 20b, a
user pulls vertically upward on handle 18b in order to lift the
weight stack. Likewise, when arm 16b is positioned and secured so
as to extend out from pivotal connection assembly 20b, so as to
form a right angle with vertical support 12, a user may pull
horizontally on handle 18b in order to lift the weight stack. The
positioning of arm 16b to modify the direction in which the handles
are pulled automatically reorients a pulley in an internal pulley
system.
[0035] Arms 16a-b and their respective connection assemblies 20a-b
and pulley systems are each examples of exercise stations that may
be employed in the present invention. However, other exercise
stations may be employed that include the pulley system disclosed
herein.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 2, pivotal connection assembly 20b is
illustrated in an exploded and perspective diagram. Pivotal
connection assembly 20a may be configured in a similar manner, for
example. FIG. 2 also discloses an example of an internal pulley
system that may be employed in the present invention. As provided
above, pivotal connection assembly 20b allows arm 16b of the
exercise device to pivot and thus be conveniently, selectively
positioned in relation to a vertical support.
[0037] Pivotal connection assembly 20b comprises a tube 44
rotatably coupled at one end 46 thereof to fixed support 30. Tube
44 is affixed at an opposing end 49 thereof to arm 16. In FIG. 2,
brackets 26 and 28 are mounted onto a fixed support 30, which is
part of the vertical support 12 of FIG. 1. Bracket 26 includes a
cylindrical portion 27 that corresponds to and extends through an
aperture (not shown) within support 30. Bracket 28 receives first
pulley 32 and allows pulley 32 to spin thereon about the pulley's
axis. Bracket 28 is an example of means for aligning the channel of
pulley 32 with the passageway of a tube 44, as will be further
discussed below.
[0038] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, first end 46 of tube 44 is
pivotally coupled to cylindrical portion 27. According to one
embodiment, first end 46 extends through perforated disk 36, first
bushing 34a, cylindrical portion 27, second bushing 34b and
securing ring 45 and pivots within first and second bushings 34a
and 34b. The respective outer lips of bushings 34a, 34b abut the
opposing edges of cylindrical portion 27 while the remainder of the
bushings 34a-b fit within cylindrical portion 27 (see FIG. 2A).
[0039] In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 2A, first end 46 of tube 44
is prevented from sliding out of bushing 34b through the use of a
securing ring 45 coupled to the tip of first end 46 once first end
46 is slid through first and second bushings 34b. Securing ring 45
attaches to the tip of first end 46 and abuts bushing 34b, thereby
preventing tube from sliding past bushing 34b and out of
cylindrical portion 27. In one embodiment, the tip of first end 46
contains a groove 45a configured to receive securing ring 45. With
or without the groove, securing ring 45 can also be coupled to
first end 46 through welding or adhesion, for example.
[0040] Consequently, arm 16b coupled to tube 44 is rotatably
secured to support 30. However a variety of different methods may
be employed for rotatably securing tube 44 to cylindrical portion
27. For example, in one embodiment, rather than employing a
securing ring 45, tube 44 is coupled to the bushings 34a-b, e.g.,
through welding or adhesion, thereby retaining tube 44 in
cylindrical portion. In this embodiment, the combined tube/bushing
assembly rotates within cylindrical portion 27.
[0041] Perforated orientation disk 36 is mounted onto bracket 26
about the cylindrical portion by connectors, such as bolts, screws,
pins, etc., illustrated as connectors 38. In the illustrated
embodiment, spacers 40 are mounted on connectors 38 between bracket
26 and disk 36.
[0042] Arm 16b includes a weighted end 42 to balance the weight of
arm 16b and thus facilitate the selective positioning of arm 16b.
As provided above, a pin 22b extends through weighted end 42 and is
selectively inserted into one of the aperture locations 24b to
selectively position and secure arm 16b.
[0043] Second end 49 of tube 44 is coupled to arm 16b, such as
through welding. Tube 44 is a hollow tube that may be made from a
variety of materials such as plastic, metal, or another rigid
material, and includes a first aperture located at the first end 46
and a second aperture 48 located in a side wall at opposing second
end 49. As indicated above, in the embodiment shown, the first end
46 of tube 44 is inserted through disk 36, through bushing 34a,
cylindrical portion 27, and through bushing 34b.
[0044] A second pulley 50 is partially inserted into aperture 48 of
tube 44. Pulley 50 is mounted onto arm 16b at aperture 52 (e.g.,
via a pin or bolt), and allowed to rotate on arm 16b. The insertion
of a portion of the rim of pulley 50 into aperture 48 aligns the
rim channel of pulley 50 with the hollow passageway of tube 44.
Thus, arm 16b is an example of a means for aligning the channel of
pulley 50 with the passageway of tube 44. Similarly, the mounting
of pulley 32 onto bracket 28 aligns the rim channel of pulley 32
with the hollow passageway of tube 44.
[0045] A cord 53 having a first end 54 and a second end 55 is used
in the pulley system to allow a user to exert a force against a
resistance assembly, e.g., by lifting a weight stack of the
exercise device. First end 54 of cord 53 can be coupled to the
resistance assembly, e.g., a weight stack. The cord 53 is received
by the channel rim of pulley 32, which is aligned with the hollow
passageway of tube 44. The cord 53 also enters the aperture of tube
44 located at the first end 46, extends along the hollow passageway
of tube 44 and is received by the channel rim of pulley 46, where
it exits aperture 48, extends along arm 16b and is coupled to
handle 18b of FIG. 1. Thus, the first end 54 of the cord 53 couples
to the weight stack, the second end 55 of the cord 53 couples to a
handle to be gripped by a user, while an intermediate portion of
the cord 53 extends between the pulleys 32 and 50.
[0046] The cord 53 represents any elongate member that may be used
in a pulley system to lift a load, including a rope, cable, chain,
etc., and may include such materials as nylon, leather, rubber,
metal, plastic, or another material capable of withstanding the
required tension experienced in a given pulley system.
[0047] With reference to FIG. 3, a perspective view is illustrated
of the assembled internal pulley system of FIG. 2. As provided
above, the pulley system includes pulleys 32 and 50, which are
configured to receive cord 53 having first and second ends 54, 55,
respectively, and are able to spin on their corresponding axes. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, the two pulleys are capable of being
oriented so as to be transverse in relation to each other. Tube 44
houses a portion 61 (FIGS. 2, 4) of the cord 53 that extends
between the two pulleys, referred to as the intermediate portion 61
of cord 53.
[0048] As mentioned, in the illustrated embodiment, tube 44
includes a first aperture at a first end 46 and a second aperture
48 in the sidewall at opposing second end 49. First pulley 32 is
coupled to bracket 28 that is affixed to support 30 and is oriented
in relation to the first aperture such that channel 31 located in
the rim 33 of first pulley 32 is configured to receive the cord 53,
and is aligned with the internal hollow passageway of tube 44.
[0049] Second pulley 50 is oriented in relation to the second
aperture 48 such that a portion of pulley 50 is positioned within
second aperture 48 to thereby align the channel 51 of second pulley
50, which receives the cord 53, with the hollow passageway of tube
44.
[0050] The cord 53 can be threaded through the pulley system by
placing the cord 53 in the channel 31 of the first pulley 32,
extending the cord 53 through the first aperture of tube 44 and
along the hollow passageway of tube 44, and placing cord 53 on the
channel 51 of second pulley 50, thereby extending the cord 53 out
of second aperture 48. The cord 53 may be affixed to a resistance
assembly at the first end (not shown) and pulled at the second end,
which is coupled to handle 18b (FIG. 1), to enable the lifting of
the load.
[0051] As provided above, the direction in which the second end of
the cord is pulled may be selectively modified by rotating arm 16b.
This rotates tube 44 and correspondingly reorients pulley 50.
However, during and after such reorientation, pulley 50 maintains
its alignment with the hollow passageway of tube 44. Consequently,
intermediate portion 61 of cord 53 is essentially unaffected by the
reorientation of the tube and/or pulley and the tension in cord 53
is not significantly affected.
[0052] With reference to FIG. 4, an end view of the reorientable
pulley system of FIG. 3 is illustrated to more fully demonstrate
how the alignment between the channels of the pulleys and the
hollow passageway of the tube is maintained and how the
intermediate portion 61 of the cord 53 is essentially unaffected by
the reorientation of the tube and/or pulley.
[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates the pulley system from an end view
through end 49 of tube 44, and includes pulley 32 in a vertical
position with the channel 31 thereof aligned with the hollow
passageway 45 of tube 44. Thus, a cord 53 that is received by the
channel of pulley 32 may extend into tube 44.
[0054] Pulley 50 is illustrated in a first position 60 in relation
to pulley 32. The first position is a horizontal position that
creates a right angle between pulleys 32 and 50. As illustrated, a
portion of pulley 50 is inserted into aperture 48 to allow the
channel 51 of pulley 50 to be aligned with the hollow passageway 45
of tube 44. Thus, the intermediate portion 61 of cord extends along
the hollow passageway 45 of tube 44 and is received by the channel
51 of pulley 50 in order for cord 53 to extend out of aperture 48
and down arm 16b to handle 18b (See FIG. 1).
[0055] As provided above, a user may selectively position arm 16b
in order to participate in a particular workout. As arm 16b
rotates, tube 44 and pulley 50 move with arm 16b since tube and
pulley 50 are coupled thereto. Therefore, as a user rotates arm
16b, the relationship between the hollow passageway 45 of tube 44
and the channel of pulley 50 is maintained. This is illustrated in
FIG. 4 as arm 16b is rotated from a first transverse position 60 to
a second transverse position 62. In the second transverse position
62, the inside angle between pulley 50 and pulley 32 is increased,
yet the channel 51 of pulley 50 and the hollow passageway 45 of
tube 44 remain aligned.
[0056] Therefore, as arm 16b is selectively repositioned, tube 44
and pulley 50 rotate about the intermediate portion 61 of cord 53.
As such, the intermediate portion 61 of cord 53 is essentially
unaffected as the angle between pulley 32 and pulley 50 is
modified. Hence, the length of cord 53 is not substantially
affected during reorientation of arm 16b. Thus, the handles 18a-b
remain in a constant position with respect to respective arms 16a-b
despite the reorientation of arms 16a-b.
[0057] The placement of a pulley (e.g., second pulley 50) partially
within a tube such as tube 44, and the extension of the cord 53 out
of second aperture 48, provides for the protection of cord 53, can
assist to assure that the cord 53 does not slip off the pulley, and
enables convenient coupling of the extension arm 16b directly to
tube 44 such that arm 16b pivots in an uncomplicated manner along a
single pivot axis.
[0058] However, embodiments of the present invention embrace a
variety of system configurations that allow for and maintain an
alignment between a channel of a first pulley, a channel of a
second pulley, and the hollow passageway of a tube located
therebetween.
[0059] For example, as shown in an exploded view in FIG. 5, in one
embodiment a first pulley 32 is coupled to a first bracket 28 that
is affixed to a support 30. A second pulley 50 is rotatably coupled
to an arm 16b that is in turn coupled to a tube 44a, which includes
a first aperture at a first end 46a and a second aperture 48a at
the opposing second end 49a. The tube 44a extends between the two
pulleys and, upon assembly, the hollow passageway of the tube 44a
is aligned with the channels of the two pulleys 32, 50. A cord 53
may therefore be received by the channel of the first pulley 32,
enter the first aperture of the tube 44a, extend along the hollow
passageway of the tube 44a, extend out of the second aperture 48a,
and be received by the channel of the second pulley 50. By way of
example, the tube 44a may be able to rotate within a sleeve 27 that
is coupled, directly or indirectly, to the support 30. As the tube
44a rotates, the second pulley 50 also rotates about the
intermediate portion 53 of the cord and the alignment between the
second pulley 50 and the hollow passageway of the tube 44a is
maintained since the second pulley 50 and the tube 44a are coupled
by the arm 16b.
[0060] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate
pulley system used at a pivotal connection of the exemplary system
of FIG. 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, end 49a of tube 44a is
coupled to arm 16b at connection point 70, such as through welding,
the aperture 48a at end 49a is not in a sidewall, and pulley 50 is
not positioned within tube 44a, but instead remains outside during
use, as shown. In one embodiment, the remaining features of FIG. 5
are the same as or similar to those discussed above with reference
to FIG. 2.
[0061] Upon assembly in the embodiment of FIG. 5, there is an
alignment between the hollow passageway of the tube 44a and the
respective channels of the first and second pulleys 32, 50.
Furthermore, second pulley 50 may be selectively reoriented in
relation to the first pulley 32 while still maintaining an
alignment between the hollow passageway of the tube 44a and the
respective channels of the first and second pulleys 32, 50.
[0062] Arm 16b is an example of a means for aligning the channel of
pulley 50 with the passageway of tube 44a. Just as a mechanism such
as taught in FIG. 2 may be employed in conjunction with arm 16a
and/or 16b, a mechanism such as taught in FIG. 5 may be employed in
conjunction with arm 16a and/or 16b, for example, or other
arms.
[0063] Thus, the systems and methods of the present invention may
relate to a reorientable pulley system having a tube, a first
pulley and a second pulley, wherein the second pulley may be
selectively reoriented in relation to the first pulley while still
maintaining an alignment between the hollow passageway of the tube
and the channels of the first and second pulleys. The reorientation
of the second pulley essentially does not affect the intermediate
portion of the cord, which extends from the first pulley to the
second pulley, since the reorientation simply rotates the second
pulley and the tube about the intermediate portion of the cord.
Furthermore, the effective cord tension does not vary significantly
as the second pulley is reoriented. In addition, the systems and
methods of the present invention allow for a modification of the
direction of the force exerted in a pulley system without causing
the cord to bind in the system and without having to individually
adjust the pulleys.
[0064] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *