U.S. patent application number 13/247081 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-29 for friction-based exercise apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to MAX EXERCISERS INC.. Invention is credited to Robert Amstler, James Grimes.
Application Number | 20120077650 13/247081 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45871222 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120077650 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Amstler; Robert ; et
al. |
March 29, 2012 |
Friction-Based Exercise Apparatus
Abstract
A friction-based exercise device is disclosed. Contemplated
exercise devices comprise a segmented shaft having one or more
longitudinal patterns running the length of the shafts or shaft
segments. Cylindrical sliders can be slid onto the shaft where an
interior surface of the slider comprises a complimentary pattern to
and frictionally engages with the longitudinal pattern of the
shaft. When under a gripping force of a user, the sliders flex
inward toward the shaft and increases friction resistance as the
user slides the sliders along the shaft.
Inventors: |
Amstler; Robert; (Santa
Monica, CA) ; Grimes; James; (Yorba Linda,
CA) |
Assignee: |
MAX EXERCISERS INC.
Covina
CA
|
Family ID: |
45871222 |
Appl. No.: |
13/247081 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61387364 |
Sep 28, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/114 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/1272 20130101;
A63B 21/015 20130101; A63B 21/00065 20130101; A63B 2225/09
20130101; A63B 21/0125 20130101; A63B 21/4023 20151001; A63B
21/4035 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/114 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/012 20060101
A63B021/012 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a shaft having a longitudinal
pattern running a length of the shaft; a cylindrical slider
configured to slide onto the shaft and having an interior surface
comprising a complementary pattern to the longitudinal pattern
where the interior surface frictionally engages the shaft under a
griping force of an individual.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shaft is segmented
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the shaft is hollow and
further comprises a post-tensioning bar running the length of the
shaft interior.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, where in the post-tensing bar is
segmented.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a segment joint
configured to couple two shaft segments together.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical slider
comprises multiple longitudinal slats circumferentially disposed
about an axis of the slider and defining the interior surface.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising three longitudinal
slats disposed at approximately every 120 degrees about the axis of
the slider.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the slats comprise a flexible
material and are configured to flex toward the shaft in response to
a user gripping the slider.
9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the slats are independently
flexible.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising multiple
cylindrical sliders.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least two of the sliders
have different base coefficients of friction with respect to the
shaft when free of the griping force.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slider resists rotation
about its axis when disposed on the shaft due to the complementary
patterned interior surface engaging with the longitudinal pattern
of the shaft.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an end cap
configured to couple with an end of the shaft.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising an end plate
configured to securely couple with at least one end of the shaft
via the end cap.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the end cap is configured to
tension a post-tension bar disposed within the shaft.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal pattern
comprises grooves.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the complementary pattern of
the interior surface comprises rails configured to mate with the
grooves.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a wheel
attachment.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one
weight configured to attach to an end of the shaft.
20. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one
appendage attachment configured to couple with the cylindrical
slider.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
provisional application having Ser. No. 61/387,364 filed Sep. 28,
2010. This and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are
incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or
use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or
contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the
definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition
of that term in the reference does not apply.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the invention is fitness technologies.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Fitness equipment takes on many different sizes, shapes, or
functionalities targeting different regions of the body or
targeting different types of users (e.g., men, women, children,
etc.). Unfortunately, most devices can be quite dangerous to use
because the device can exceed a user's safe-use threshold. For
example, a user might unexpectedly exhaust their capabilities while
exercising with free weights, thus putting the user at risk of
injury due to loss of control over the weights. Better exercise
devices would naturally operate under control of a user and well
within the user's safety threshold at any given time during use,
especially after long use when the user becomes most fatigued.
[0004] One possible approach to designing a safe exercise device
includes using user-controlled friction resistance components as
opposed to mechanical springs, weights, bands, or other components
that can easily put a user in danger. Such user controlled friction
resistance components can provide resistance based on a user's
grip. As the user fatigues, their grip also lessens, which in turn
ensures the user remains within their safety limits.
[0005] Example friction based equipment include the following
references:
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,637,205 to Bankston titled "Hand Exercising
and Frictional Resistant-Type Exercising Device", filed Jul. 9,
1970, describes a rod having a slideable sleeve, which a user
grips.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,971,255 to Varney et al. titled "Exercise
Apparatus", filed Aug. 4, 1975, describes a device having hand
grips having an adjustable braking means to create friction.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,778 to Van Noord titled "Portable
Exercising Apparatus with Force Gauge", filed Mar. 12, 1984,
describes a power slide that has a friction mounting.
[0009] U.S. patent application publication 2006/0276314 to Wilson
et al. titled "Bar with Sliding Handgrips for Resistance Exercise
Devices", filed Jun. 16, 2006, describes sliding handgrips for an
exercise bar where the handgrips include rollers, which slide along
the exercise bar.
[0010] Interestingly, the above devices fail to place a user in
full control of friction resistance while also providing a device
that would also be completely portable.
[0011] Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set
forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their
endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include
only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values
should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the
context indicates the contrary.
[0012] Thus, there is still a need for exercise devices allowing a
user to have real-time control over friction resistance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and
methods in which an exercise apparatus can have a rigid shaft,
preferably a segmented shaft, on which one or more user-based
friction resistance sliders can be positioned. In some embodiments,
the sliders are cylindrical hollow sliders that slide onto the
shaft so that the sliders can slide along the length of the shaft
in an axial direction. The sliders preferably are configured to
frictionally engage the shaft based on a gripping force from an
individual. As the user fatigues, their grip will lessen thus
ensuring the user has a reduced risk of injury.
[0014] In some embodiments of the inventive subject matter,
multiple shaft segments can be combined together to form a longer
shaft. A shaft can have two, three, four, or more segments. Shaft
segments can be held in position relative to one another via shaft
joints and tensioned to retain rigidity via an internally disposed
post tensioning bar. Shaft segments can also include longitudinal
patterns, grooves for example, running the length of the shaft
segments. When segments are combined, the shaft joints ensure the
longitudinal patterns remain substantially continuous from one
segment to another.
[0015] Preferred sliders comprise multiple slats having on an
internal surface a complementary pattern to that of the
longitudinal pattern on the segmented shafts. For example, if the
longitudinal pattern comprises grooves, the slider's internal
complementary pattern could include rails. As a user grips the
slider, the slats can flex radially toward the axis of the shaft
under a gripping force of the user. The magnitude of the gripping
force frictionally engages the patter of the slats with the pattern
of the shaft giving rise to friction resistance as the user moves
the sliders axially along the shaft.
[0016] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with
the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent
like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic overview of a segmented friction-based
exercise device and its associated parts.
[0018] FIG. 2 presents a two segment configuration of a
contemplated exercise device.
[0019] FIG. 3 presents a four segment configuration of a
contemplated exercise device having an end plate and suitable for
use in a standing position.
[0020] FIG. 4 presents a more detailed overview of an end plate
assembly.
[0021] FIG. 5 presents different segment configurations a
contemplated exercise device.
[0022] FIG. 6 presents a configuration of the exercise device
having appendage attachments.
[0023] FIG. 7 presents a wheel attachment.
[0024] FIG. 8 presents a more detailed overview of a wheel
attachment having a wheel bearing.
[0025] FIG. 9 presents an alternative slider assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise,
the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling
(in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each
other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional
element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms
"coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously.
[0027] The following discussion provides many example embodiments
of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment
represents a single combination of inventive elements, the
inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible
combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment
comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises
elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also
considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or
D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0028] As discussed previously, known exercise devices fail to
provide continuous user-controlled friction resistance. What has
yet to be appreciated is a friction-based exercise device can be
constructed having hand grip sliders disposed on a segmented shaft
where a user's grip controls friction resistance in a uniform
manner around the grip. Such a device can be used for a full body
workout.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the shaft comprises a
longitudinal patterned surface running the length of the shaft. An
interior surface of a slider preferably has a complimentary
patterned surface that frictionally engages the longitudinal
pattern of the shaft. For example, the shaft can include grooves
running the length of the shaft and the slider's interior surface
can comprise one or more rails that frictionally engage within the
grooves. Such mechanical engagements are considered advantageous to
prevent rotation of the sliders during use. Other patterns are also
contemplated including textured grooves or rails, spiral grooves or
rails, tracks for bearings or wheels in the slider, or other types
of patterns.
[0030] The shaft can include one or more segments to allow a user
to break the apparatus down into smaller components for easy
portability or for different exercises. Longer shafts having two,
three, four, or more segments can be used for standing exercises
while shorter shafts having fewer segments can be used for upper
body exercises. In some embodiments the shaft can be formed from
extruded aluminum tubing where the extrusion process also forms
grooves in the shaft.
[0031] To prevent flexing of the shaft during use, the segments can
be post-tensioned through a post-tensioning bar inserted axially
within a hollow cavity of the shaft. The bar can be tensioned
through one or more shaft end caps, possibly through mechanically
coupling with the bar. Once tensioned, the shaft remains under
pressure and remains rigid during use. The post-tensioning bar can
be segmented as well.
[0032] Segments of the shaft can be coupled via one or more segment
joints that insert into a hollow cavity of the segments while also
providing desired spacing between the segments. The joints can also
have a lumen through which a post-tensioning bar can be threaded.
Further, the shaft joints can be configured to provide continuity
of the longitudinal pattern from one shaft segment to another. For
example, the shaft joint could include a circular ridge is flush
with the external surfaces of the shaft segments, including the
pattern, so that the sliders can move freely from on segment,
across the joint, to another segment without substantially catching
on the interfacing edges of the segments.
[0033] A roughly cylindrical slider can comprise multiple
independently flexible slats disposed around an axis of the slider.
Preferably each slat can flex radially inward toward the outer
surface of the shaft independent of other slats in the slider. A
preferred configuration comprises three slats positioned at roughly
120 degrees apart around the axis of the slider. Such spacing
contributes to ensuring contact points of the slider's interior
surfaces have equally distributed friction around the axis when
griped, which would likely be unachievable in configurations having
a greater number of slats. However, adjusting the number of slats
in the slider is still considered to fall within the scope of the
inventive subject matter. For example a slider could have two,
four, five, or more internal slats. The slats in a single slider
can typically be substantially identical to each other, while in
other embodiments the slats in a slider could comprise different
materials to adjust friction resistance as desired.
[0034] Slats preferably comprise a material that would have a
desirable coefficient of friction when engaged with the shaft, with
or without a user's grip. Example materials can include
Teflon.RTM., nylon, or other materials. In view of the sliders
frictionally engaging the shaft, the sliders eventually show wear.
At which point the user can purchase replacement slats or
sliders.
[0035] In preferred embodiments, the exercise device includes at
least two sliders, where two of the sliders could have different
coefficients of friction without a user's grip. Providing sliders
of different coefficients of friction allows users a greater range
of exercises. For example, a high resistance slider can be gripped
lightly to retain the sliders position, while a low resistance
slider requires a tighter grip to exercise a target muscle group.
It is also contemplated that a slider could include a friction
brake to hold the slider in place, possibly in the form of a clamp,
rubber gasket, screw, or other brake that would substantially hold
the slider in place.
[0036] Contemplated exercise apparatus can also include one or more
additional components to broaden the range of available exercises.
Example components can include a wheel that can be placed between
two sliders on a shaft segment, a plate can be attached to an end
of the shaft for vertical exercises where the plate is held
stationary via the user's feet, spring loaded weights can be added
to the end of a segment to create an oscillating dumbbell, or even
appendage (e.g., leg, arms, etc) attachments that allow the sliders
or shaft to couple securely with an appendage while the user grips
the slider. For example, a leg harness or stirrup can be attached
to a slider, which then can securely attach to a user's legs. The
user grips the sliders to increase the frictional resistance of the
sliders and then exercises their legs against the resistance.
[0037] One should appreciate that a force or a pressure gauge is
unnecessary because the exercise apparatus provides safe and
instant friction resistance based a user's capability at a given
point in time during the workout. One can consider the device as
adapting instantaneously in a real-time fashion to the user
throughout a workout. Gauges simply lack accuracy and eventually
fail, which could cause the user to unknowingly enter a potentially
risky situation. Still, it is contemplated that in some embodiments
one can include pressure gauges, repetition counters, or other
additional components as desired.
[0038] A prototype of the above described apparatus was created
based on a segmented aluminum shaft having two sliders comprising
interior surfaces of nylon and Teflon. The device proved to be
effective and weighed less than 1.7 Kg. The device proved to be
quite robust even in view of the device being modular and having a
low weight. When tensioned via a post-tension bar, the device
became quite rigid capable of withstanding a high stress workout
over an extended period of time and over many work outs, even when
the device was configured with four segments.
[0039] Preferred devices have segmented shafts of low weight and
high stiffness (e.g., does not flex) where stiffness (S) can be
expressed as a force divided by an amount of deflection (d) (e.g.,
S=F/d). The prototype flexes less than one millimeter (0.001 m)
when under one Newton of force. The inventive subject matter is
considered to include exercise apparatus having a modular or
segmented shaft having stiffness-to-weight (S/W) ratio greater than
500 N/m Kg. Note that the prototype has an S/W ratio of (1N/(0.001
m.times.1.7 Kg)) 588 N/m Kg. Through the use of stronger, lighter
materials (e.g., carbon fiber, etc.) contemplated segmented devices
can have an S/W ratio greater than 1000 N/m Kg, or even greater
than 2000 N/m Kg.
[0040] FIG. 1 presents an overview of a modular, portable exercise
apparatus 100. Apparatus 100 can include shaft 110 comprising one
or more of segments 115 where the shaft has longitudinal pattern
(e.g., groove) running the length of shaft 110. In the example
shown, longitudinal pattern 116 comprises three sets of two closely
spaced triangular shaped grooves where each set is disposed at
about 120 degrees around the shaft. Apparatus 100 can also include
one or more of cylindrical slider 120 that slide on to shaft 110
and are configured to glide along segments 115. Sliders 120 provide
friction resistant under pressure or force exerted by a user's
grip, which causes internal slats 123 to flex inward radially
toward shaft 110. Sliders 120 can be configured to provide varying
degrees of natural (e.g., un-gripped) friction resistance as
desired. In a preferred embodiment one of slider 120 has a higher
natural friction resistance than another slider 120. Note that
slats 123 form an interior surface of sliders 120 where the
interior surface adjacent to the exterior surface of shaft 110 has
a complementary pattern 126 (e.g., rails) to the longitudinal
pattern of shaft 110. In more preferred embodiments, slider 120
comprises three of slats 123 place at approximately 120 degrees
around the axis of slider 120. The interior surface of sliders 120
frictionally engages shaft 110. Complementary pattern 126
preferably couples with longitudinal pattern 116 to prevent
rotation of sliders 120 about the axis of shaft 110 during a
workout. Additional embodiments of a slider can be found in
reference to FIG. 9. Longitudinal pattern 116, as illustrated, can
have a triangular cross section, while other embodiments can have
other cross sectional shapes: square, semi-circular, rectangular,
semi-elliptical, or other cross sectional shapes. Apparatus 100 can
also include one or more of post-tensioning bar 130, which can also
be segmented as shown. Bar 130 can be inserted into shaft 110 and
can be tensioned to prevent shaft 110 from flexing. Segments 115
can be joined together via one or more of shaft joints 117. Sliders
120 are prevented from leaving shaft 110 by removable end caps
119.
[0041] FIG. 2 presents one possible configuration of apparatus 100.
The configuration shown comprises two segments 115 forming shaft
110. Post-tensioning bar 130 threads axially through shaft 110,
shaft joint 117, and end plugs 118. End caps 119 couple with bar
130, preferably via a threaded mechanical coupler, and allow the
user to tighten tension on bar 130, thus preventing shaft 110 from
flexing during an exercise regimen.
[0042] In the example shown, one of slider 120 has a higher
coefficient of friction relative to the other slider 120. In some
embodiments, the sliders are color coded to allow the user to
determine which slider has a greater natural resistance. For
example, a red slider could indicate a higher natural coefficient
of friction while a green slider could indicate a relatively lower
natural coefficient of friction.
[0043] The configuration shown can be used for an upper body work
out. For example, a user grips the high friction slider 120 holding
it stationary relative to the shaft while the user also grips the
other low friction slider 120. The user can then exercise upper
body muscle groups by sliding the low friction slider 120 along the
shaft under resistance created by their grip and due to the
materials of the low friction slider 120. One should note all
possible configurations or variations of use are contemplated.
[0044] FIG. 3 presents another possible configuration of apparatus
100 comprising four segments 115 in a vertical arrangement.
Apparatus 100 also include end plate 140 that couples to end plug
118 (not shown in FIG. 3) and is held in place by end cap 119 (also
not shown in FIG. 3). An example standing exercise could include
the user gripping upper slider 120 with both hands to create a
resistance and standing on end plate 140 with their feet. The user
can then bend at the waist using the slider's resistance as an
opposing force to target a user's midsection muscles.
[0045] FIG. 4 provides a more detailed view of how end plate 140
engages an end of apparatus 100. Post-tensioning bar 130 axially
threads through segments 115, shaft joints 117, and through end
plug 118. End plug 118 can comprise a patterned end that engages
with end plate 140 to prevent rotation. End cap 119 can
mechanically couple with bar 130 via a threaded connector, which
allows the user to tight bar 130 to prevent flexing of segments 115
during use.
[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates apparatus 100 can be arranged in numerous
configurations including vertical configurations having two, three,
four, or more of segments 115. A two segment configuration can be
used in a sitting position by placing plate 140 under the user's
lap. Furthermore, adjusting the number of segments 115 in apparatus
100 provides for sizing or dimensioning apparatus 100 to fit a
particular user's size, to target specific muscle groups, or to
target desired exercises.
[0047] FIG. 6 presents a possible embodiment of apparatus 100 that
includes one or more attachments 150 that can be used to increase
the range of accessible muscle groups or range of exercises
available to the user. In the example shown, the attachments
include appendage attachment 150, thigh stirrups for example, that
couple with sliders 120. A user can place their thighs within
attachment 150 while gripping sliders 120. The user creates
resistance by gripping sliders 120 and then moves their thighs
toward each other and away from each other against the resistance
crated by the user's grip.
[0048] FIG. 7 presents another type of attachment, which can
include abdominal wheel 153. Abdominal wheel 153 is configured to
freely rotate about an axis of shaft 110 (not shown in FIG. 7)
while sliders 120 are prevented from rotating as discussed above. A
user can grip sliders 120 and place wheel 153 against a floor or
other surface. The user can then perform various exercises
targeting the abdominal region by rolling wheel 153 along the
floor, possibly in a push-up like motion.
[0049] FIG. 8 presents an exploded view of abdominal wheel 153. Of
particular note, abdominal wheel 153 can include wheel bearing 155,
which can also include complementary pattern 123. Thus, bearing 155
grips a shaft segment 115 while allowing wheel 153 to rotate freely
around bearing 155.
[0050] FIG. 9 presents an exploded view of another possible slider
embodiment. Slider assembly 920, similar to slider assembly 120
presented in FIG. 1, also includes slats 923, slider caps 925, and
grip 921. In addition, slider assembly 920 comprises fillers 924
that fit within grooves on the back side or externally facing side
of slats 923. Fillers 924 aid in distributing gripping force across
the longitudinal length of slats 923. Further, fillers 924 also
create a flush outer surface for slats 923. When a person grips
slider assembly 920, the person feels a substantially smooth
gripping surface, increasing comfort to the user.
[0051] Slider assembly 920 comprises additional features. When
slider assembly 920 is fully assembled and placed on a shaft or a
shaft segment, complimentary pattern 926 on slats 923 fully engage
the shaft's longitudinal pattern's, with little or no radial gaps
between the shaft external surface and internal surface of slats
923. Such an approach increases a friction resistance sensitivity
of slider assembly 920 when under a person's grip. A small change
in grip pressure can significantly alter friction of the slider
assembly allowing a much greater range of applied friction while
also reducing grip fatigue.
[0052] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many
more modifications besides those already described are possible
without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive
subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the
spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the
specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in
the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In
particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be
interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a
non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,
components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with
other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly
referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one
of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . .
and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element
from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
* * * * *