U.S. patent application number 11/333085 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for exercise device.
Invention is credited to Barry Ripley.
Application Number | 20060189457 11/333085 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36913496 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060189457 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ripley; Barry |
August 24, 2006 |
Exercise device
Abstract
An exercise device for providing a cardiovascular and strength
conditioning load includes a elastic resistance. stack assembly
connected to the exercise device, a first elastic band connected to
the elastic resistance stack assembly to provide the load, a second
elastic band not being connected to the elastic resistance stack
assembly and not providing the load.
Inventors: |
Ripley; Barry; (Safety
Harbor, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIKOLAI & MERSEREAU, P.A.
900 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH
SUITE 820
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
36913496 |
Appl. No.: |
11/333085 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60644174 |
Jan 14, 2005 |
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60665752 |
Mar 28, 2005 |
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60718510 |
Sep 19, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/99 ;
482/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0428 20130101;
A63B 21/0628 20151001; A63B 2208/0228 20130101; A63B 21/00069
20130101; A63B 21/00065 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/099 ;
482/100 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/062 20060101
A63B021/062 |
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. An exercise device comprising, a frame, a rod attached to the
frame, a pair of guide rails attached to the frame, a top stack
section fixed to the guide rails a stack frame moveably attached to
the guide rails, the stack frame having a bottom stack section with
a selector shaft attached thereto, a plurality of stack sections
stacked on each other, on the stack frame, a selector pin for
inserting in a hole in one of the stack sections and a
corresponding hole in the stack frame selector shaft to fix the
stack section to the stack frame, thus selecting the number of
stack sections to be moved when the stack frame is pulled on, at
least one elastic member connecting each stack section to the rod
such that as the stack section is displaced from the rod the at
least one elastic member extends and applies a force to bring the
stack frame and all selected stack sections back to their initial
position, a cable connected to the stack frame to displace it from
a rest position and extend the at least one elastic member thus
providing an opposing force on the cable, for a user to exercise
with, a handle on the cable for the user to pull on the cable.
16. An exercise device as in claim 1 having, at least one pulley
attached to the frame for guiding the cable to a desired location
for the user to pull on the handle.
17. An exercise device as in claim 1 having, an adjustable pulley
arm attached to the frame for fixing the pulley arm at different
positions on the frame.
18. An exercise device as in claim 1 having, the adjustable pulley
arm having a pivot to move the pulley arm axially to a desired
position for exercising.
19. An exercise device as in claim 1 having, a side member of the
frame with a pivot on one end for angularly adjusting the position
of the handle when the cable runs through a pulley on the side
member.
20. An exercise device as in claim 19 having, an adjustable pulley
connection to the side member to adjust the handle to a desired
position for exercising.
21. An exercise device as in claim 1 having, the rod at the top of
the frame such that the stack moves downward from its rest
position.
22. An exercise device as in claim 1 having, the rod at the bottom
of the frame such that the stack moves upward from its rest
position.
23. An exercise device as in claim 1 having, trolley guide rails
pivotally attached to the bottom of the frame, the trolley guide
rails having a support for engaging the floor and supporting the
trolley guide at a desired position.
24. An exercise device as in claim 23 having, a seat attached to
the trolley guide.
25. An exercise device as in claim 24 having, a back rest attached
to the seat.
26. An exercise device as in claim 24 having, a leg extension strut
attached to the trolley guide rails, a cable attached to the leg
extension strut for connecting to the stack frame for providing an
opposing force on the cable, for a user to exercise with.
27. An exercise device as in claim 1 having, a means for attaching
the frame to a wall.
28. An exercise device as in claim 1 having, a door pivotally
attached to the frame to cover the exercise device when not in use.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] The present invention claims priority under 35 USC section
119 and based on application Ser. No. 60/644,174 filed on Jan. 14,
2005 and application Ser. No. 60/718,510 file on Sep. 19, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to exercise equipment and more
particularly to exercise equipment that employs static and dynamic
loading.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Due to an increased public interest in fitness and health, a
great variety of exercise equipment has been designed in recent
years. Most of such exercise equipment includes a weight resistant
apparatus or a cycle apparatus or both. To meet the demand for more
convenient exercise equipment, manufacturers have designed smaller
units for residential use. Although, these prior art devices are
more convenient than larger commercial devices, this equipment
suffers from the same limitations, namely, the prior art exercise
devices are unattractive and too large to be placed in a living
area of a home. Thus, this equipment is relegated into the basement
or garage and is either used infrequently or is totally forgotten.
Stair climbing is a popular form of exercise for the cardiovascular
system. However, it can over an extended period of time over stress
the knees. Walking is also a popular form of exercise, but walking
does not load the cardiovascular system to the extent of climbing
stairs.
[0004] There is a need for an exercise device that can provide a
wide range of strength conditioning exercises, can be conveniently
wall mounted and consume less than one square-foot of floor space
and can also provide a load to the cardiovascular system.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,941 discloses a resistive exercise
system which includes a frame structure, a seat member secured
within the frame structure, and a pair of opposing arm supports
that a plurality of weight members positioned upon a weight
shaft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is an exercise apparatus to exercise
and strengthen the user's arms, shoulders, back and chest and to
exercise and strengthen the user's legs. It can also be used as a
cardiovascular conditioning device when used as a rowing
apparatus.
[0007] The present invention is an exercise apparatus that that is
wall mounted and very space-saving. By being wall mounted, the
exercise device can be kept in a convenient area of the home such
as the family room. Furthermore, by having doors covering the
exposed front of the exercise device, the exercise device is more
aesthetic in the family room, living room, den or bedroom of the
user's home. The exercise apparatus of the present invention can be
folded into a minimum profile which facilitates storage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The invention may be understood by reference to the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, iii which, like reference numerals identify like
elements, and in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the exercise device
of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the elastic resistance
stack assembly;
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the bottom elastic
resistance stack section and selector shaft;
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the elastic
resistance stack assembly;
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a cable diagram of the exercise
device;
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the pivoting
arm;
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the exercise device of the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 8a illustrates a front perspective view of the exercise
device in a folded mode;
[0017] FIG. 8b illustrates a back perspective view of the exercise
device in the fold mode; and
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a clip of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 111 illustrates another cable diagram of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates a clip being used in conjunction with
surgical tubing;
[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates another elastic resistance stack
assembly of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise device 100 in accordance with
the teachings of the present invention. The exercise device 100
includes a main frame 1 which may be substantially rectangular in
shape to support the exercise device 100 and a pivoting arm 2 which
is releaseably connected to each side of the main frame 1 and which
pivots with respect to the side of the main frame 1 so that the
distance between the exercise handle 30 on each side and can be
varied for different exercises as desired by the user of the
exercise device 100. The exercise handle 30 is connected to cable
32 which is positioned across the first pivot arm pulley 22 and is
positioned across the second pivot arm pulley 3 both of which are
mounted on the pivoting arm 2. The pivoting arm 2 includes a first
locking assembly 19 which may be a spring pin to lock and release
the pivoting arm 2 as the pivot arm 2 rotates with respect to the
side of the main frame 1 and a adjustable receiver 21 which allows
the pivot arm 2 to be releasably connected to the side of the main
frame 1. The side of the main frame 1 which is shown in a vertical
orientation includes holes 34 to cooperate with the adjustable
receiver 21 so that the pivoting arm 2 may be locked and released
at different heights to the side of the main frame 1. The top of
the main frame 1 is connected to first mainframe pulley 3 to
connect the cable 32 with the elastic resistance stack assembly 5.
In a similar fashion, the bottom of the main frame 1 includes a
second mainframe pulley 36 to connect the cable 32 with the elastic
resistance stack assembly 5.
[0024] The elastic resistance stack assembly 5 allows for an
adjustment to vary the load that is presented to the user of the
exercise device 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the adjustment of the load
is varied by varying the number of the elastic bands 4, surgical
tubing, cords or similar elastic material that is connected to the
cable 32. The amount of load for each elastic band 4 may be the
same or the amount of load for each elastic band 4 may vary so that
a wide range of the load is available for the user. The elastic
resistance stack assembly 5 is slidably mounted on guide rails 38
so that the user may move the elastic resistance stack assembly 5
along the guide rails 38 with the elastic band 4 providing
resistance by increasing and decreasing the load to the user.
[0025] Attached to the bottom of the main frame 1 are trolley guide
rails 14 which are pivotally connected to the bottom of the main
frame 1 so that the user can pivot the trolley guide rails 14 to a
stowed position in that the trolley guide rails 14 are
substantially parallel to the sides of the main frame 1 to provide
a compact storage for the exercise device 100.
[0026] Attached to the trolley guide rails 14 is a trolley assembly
13 which serves as a bottom seat for the user and which is movable
along the trolley guide rails 14 so that the distance between the
main frame 1 and the user of the exercise device 100 can be varied
or changed. The trolley guide rails 14 are supported by a forward
support 12 which can pivot for compact storage and which is
connected to the trolley guide rails 14 and extends to the a ground
or floor to support the trolley guide rails 14. The forward support
12 which includes a spring pin assembly 19 to lock the trolley
guide rails 14 to the forward support 12, preventing the trolley
guide rails 14 and the exercise device 100 from moving while the
user is operating the exercise device 100. The leg extension strut
11 is connected to one end of the trolley guide rail 14 and is
connected to the adjustable shin cushions 15 to engage and protect
the shins of the user when operating the exercise device 100. FIG.
1 additionally shows that backrest 9 and seat cushions 17 are
positioned on the trolley assembly 13 to support the user operating
the exercise device 100. The forward support 20 is connected to
thigh/calf pad 10 to protect the thigh and calf of the user.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom elastic resistance stack section
300 which includes a front cover 350 which is held in a spaced
relationship with the back cover 366 by a spacer 348. The bottom
elastic resistance stack section 300 additionally includes guide
wheels 362 to ride against the guide rails 38. Consequently, the
elastic resistance stack assembly 5 moves substantially in the
vertical direction along the guide rails 38. The bottom elastic
resistance stack section 300 further includes a selector shaft 360
which is approximately perpendicular to the front cover 350 and the
back cover 366 and which includes holes 362 along the longitudinal
direction of the selector shaft 360. These holes are used to accept
a pin which locks a portion of the elastic resistance stack
sections and allows them to be moved by the user of the exercise
device 100.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the elastic resistance
stack assembly 5 and includes a plurality of elastic resistance
stack sections 254 positioned on the bottom elastic resistance
stack section 249 and each elastic resistance stack section 254
positioned on top of another elastic resistance stack section 254.
The top elastic resistance stack section 256 is permanently
fastened in place at the top of the guide rails and does not move.
A first portion of the elastic resistance stack sections 254 moves
with the bottom elastic resistance stack section 249 and
consequently is fixed with respect to the bottom elastic resistance
stack section 249. This portion consequently is movable with
respect to the top elastic resistance stack section 256. The number
of elastic resistance stacked sections 254 associated with this
portion can vary, and consequently, the number of elastic
resistance bands 4 tubes or cords associated with said portion can
likewise vary.
[0029] The elements of the elastic resistance stack section 254
will be discussed. The elastic resistance stack section 254
additionally includes a front cover 250 having a hole 242 to accept
a pin and aligned with the hole 362 of the selector shaft 360 so
that when the pin is inserted in hole 242 and through the hole 362,
the elastic resistance stack section 254 with the pin and the
elastic resistance stack sections 254 below the elastic resistance
stack section 254 with the pin will be associated with the first
portion. Consequently, by the user choosing a specific elastic
resistance stack section 254 to insert the pin into, the user has
chosen the number of elastic resistance stack sections 254
associated with the first portion and the number of elastic
resistance stack sections 254 associated with a second portion that
will not move. Consequently, by selecting a different elastic
resistance stack section 254 to be pinned, the user of the exercise
device 100 can change the load by changing the number of elastic
resistance stack sections 254 associated with the first portion
that moves and changing the number of elastic resistance stack
sections associated with the second portion that does not move. As
the user continues to pull on the handles, the elastic bands tubes
or cords connected to with the elastic resistance stack sections
254 of the first portion are pulled down and a resistance load will
be created by the resistance bands, tubes or cords 4 in the first
portion. Each elastic resistance stack section 254 may have the
corresponding attached elastic band 4 we-tensioned to a different
load than another elastic resistance stack section 254. As a
consequence of the pre-tensioning of the elastic bands 4, the user
obtains substantial resistance or load from the beginning of the
exercise movement for the user. As the user continues to extend the
handles and throughout the range of exercise motion, the resistance
or load continues to increase with the resistance or load being the
greatest at the filly contracted or extended position of the
exercise which has been shown to be beneficial to muscle and
strength development. The result of being able to quickly select a
different elastic resistance stack section 254 is that it enables
the user to quickly change the load of the elastic resistance of
the elastic bands 4 of the exercise device 100.
[0030] FIG. 2 additionally shows spacer 252 to maintain spaced
relationship between the front cover 250 and the rear cover 251
(not shown).
[0031] FIG. 2 shows the attachment fastener 246 which is shown as a
fixed pin to attach the elastic resistance stack section 254 to the
elastic band 4. The attachment fastener 246 is positioned at a
different location for each elastic resistance stack section number
254 so that the elastic band 4 cord or tube attached to one elastic
resistance stack section 254 does not interfere with the operation
of another elastic band cord or tube attached to another elastic
resistance stack section 254. FIG. 2 shows that the attachment
apparatus 246 is positioned in a diagonal. However, other
arrangements are possible.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the elastic
resistance stack assembly 5 with the front cover of 250 removed to
show the rear cover 251, the spacer 252 and the guide wheels 248.
The attachment fastener 246 is shown as a fixed pin to attach the
elastic resistance stack section 254 to the elastic band 4.
[0033] FIG. 12 shows the pin 246 attached to the elastic resistance
clip 255. The elastic resistance clip 255 holds each end of the
elastic tube 4 on to either the elastic resistance attachment rod
or tube 23 or the attachment apparatus 246.
[0034] FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of the elastic resistance
clip 255 shown in FIG. 12. More particularly FIG. 10 shows a clip
255 having a hook or hole on one end and a series of barbed
sections on the other end for attachment to the elastic bands 4,
especially when the surgical tubes are employed. The clip 255 can
also employ adhesive or a retaining sleeve to hold the elastic band
4 on the clip 255.
[0035] FIG. 13 illustrates another elastic resistance stack
assembly 1305 which is similar to the elastic resistance stack
assembly 5 which is shown in FIG. 1. The elastic resistance stack
assembly 1305 as shown in FIG. 13 has a direction of pull
resistance 1304 towards the floor 1302 and a direction of initial
stack movement 1308 which is generally opposite to the direction of
pull resistance and the direction of initial stack movement of the
elastic resistance stack assembly 5 of FIG. 1. The elastic
resistance stack assembly 1305 includes elastic band 4 cord or
tube, a fixed rail brace 256, and elastic resistance attachment rod
or tube 23, and elastic resistance stack section 254. The cable
1306 pulls the elastic resistance stack assembly 5 up.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of the cable connections and
illustrates that the first cable 514 moves along the pivoting arm 2
to the first mainframe pulley 502 and then moves to the second
mainframe pulley 504 and to a third mainframe pulley 506 and then
moves to a fourth mainframe pulley 507 and then to a fifth
mainframe pulley 508 and the to sixth mainframe pulley 510 and
terminates at the receiver at point 512. Pulleys 501, 502 are both
pivoting arm pulleys and adjust up and down with the receiver 21
and the pivoting arm 2. A second cable 516 is attached to the
fourth mainframe pulley 507 and connects the cable 516 to seventh
main frame pulley 518 and to the center mainframe pulley 520, which
is connected to the elastic resistance stack assembly 5.
[0037] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternate embodiment showing another
cable diagram in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention. The first cable 1120 passes over a first alternate
mainframe pulley 1102 along the arm 2 and passes over the second
alternate mainframe pulley 1104 and then passes over the third
alternate mainframe pulley 1106. From the third alternate mainframe
pulley 1106, the first cable 1120 passes over the fourth alternate
mainframe pulley 1108 and then passes over fifth alternate
mainframe pulley 1110. The first cable 1120 passes over the sixth
alternate mainframe pulley 1112 and terminates at point 1114 on
receiver 21. A second cable 1122 is connected to the fourth
alternate mainframe pulley 1108 and passes over the seventh
alternate mainframe pulley 1116 and is connected to the elastic
resistance stack assembly 5.
[0038] The elastic band 4 cord or tube is connected to a rod 23
which traverses the longitudinal direction of the main frame 1.
Consequently, pulling the cable 1120 out of the pivoting arm 2
pulls down on the elastic resistance stack assembly 5 which is
attached to the elastic band 4. The more that the cable is pulled
out from the pivoting arm 2, the more the user of the exercise
device receives increased load due to the elastic bands 4.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the pivoting arm 2
which includes the first pivot arm pulley 22 and the second pivot
arm pulley 3. The first pulley pivot housing 6 which includes the
first pivot arm pulley 22 rotates with respect to the pivoting arm
2. The second pulley pivot housing 42 which includes the second
pivot arm pulley 3 rotates the pivoting arm 2 in a horizontal
plane. FIG. 6 additionally illustrates the first locking assembly
19 to allow the pivoting arm 2 to be raised or lowered by selecting
an appropriate hole 34 so that the user of the exercise device 100
can perform different exercises by changing the height of the
pivoting arm 2. Thus, the pivoting arm 2 can move from side to side
by rotating and can move up and down to achieve mobility in the
vertical direction thereby increasing the versatility of the
exercise device 100. The cable and pulley configuration is such
that there is little or no slack in the cable no matter where the
receiver 21 is moved to regardless if only one handle is moved.
[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the exercise device 100 of
the present invention. The forward support 12 supports the trolley
guide rails 14 on the floor at an angle so that the user can sit
against the backrest 9 and perform exercises with the legs of the
user in conjunction with the leg extension strut 11. The leg
extension strut is connected to the cable 32 by a cable attachment
39.
[0041] FIG. 8a illustrates the front view of the exercise device
100 of the present invention in a folded condition so that all of
the elements of the exercise device 100 fits within the dimensions
of the main frame 1, allowing the exercise device 100 to be wall
mounted and therefore taking up little floor space (for example
less than 1 square foot) also a door 40 or doors can be mounted on
the front of the exercise device 100 making the exercise device 100
more attractive when wall mounted in a family room or similar
living area.
[0042] FIG. 8b illustrates the back view of the exercise device 100
of the present invention in the fold condition, again showing all
the elements of the exercise device 100 fitting within the
dimensions of the main frame 1.
[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the exercise
device 100 where the sides of the main frame 901 pivots, avoiding
the need for the arm 902 to pivot.
[0044] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown
by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in
detail. It should be understood, however, that the description
herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the
invention to the particular forms disclosed.
* * * * *