U.S. patent application number 13/940844 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-31 for door mounted exercise assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Timothy Erin Cole. Invention is credited to Timothy Erin Cole.
Application Number | 20130288861 13/940844 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49477797 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130288861 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cole; Timothy Erin |
October 31, 2013 |
Door Mounted Exercise Assembly
Abstract
The present invention provides a new and improved article of
exercise assembly. The device is adapted for attachment onto an
upper portion of a doorway and is retained thereon without
requiring attachment of permanent fixtures to the doorframe. The
device includes a plurality of pulley wheels and a cable running
therethrough. The cable is attached to a weight on a first end and
a handle on a second end. The cable facilitates user exercises by
raising or lowering the weights when a user pulls the handle and
attached cable downward. The assembly is capable of supporting
weighted plates, thereby providing resistance variety. Individuals
can use the assembly at a variety of positions to exercise
different muscles of the body.
Inventors: |
Cole; Timothy Erin;
(Campbell River, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cole; Timothy Erin |
Campbell River |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
49477797 |
Appl. No.: |
13/940844 |
Filed: |
July 12, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61736603 |
Dec 13, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/102 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/1263 20130101;
A63B 21/0618 20130101; A63B 2208/0228 20130101; A63B 2208/0214
20130101; A63B 21/4034 20151001; A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 21/06
20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 2208/0204 20130101; A63B
21/4013 20151001; A63B 21/1627 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101;
A63B 21/1636 20130101; A63B 23/03525 20130101; A63B 21/4033
20151001; A63B 21/154 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/102 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06 |
Claims
1) A doorway mounted pulley exercise assembly comprising: a main
body frame; said main body frame having two laterally opposing
arcuate bars positioned in parallel and having the same
orientation, wherein said arcuate bars are secured to a set of
first, second, and third crossbars; said first cross bar positioned
at a proximal position along said two laterally opposing arcuate
bars; said second cross bar positioned at a distal position along
said two laterally opposing arcuate bars; said third crossbar
positioned at a distal position along said two laterally opposing
arcuate bars; a pulley system comprising a set of first, second,
and third pulley and a pulley cord that translates along said
pulleys; clips disposed at opposing ends of said pulley cord; said
pulley system is secured to said main body frame along said second
and third crossbars.
2) The assembly of claim 1, wherein said first crossbar is adapted
to be situated on an upper portion doorway and said second crossbar
is adapted to be positioned on an opposite side of said doorway
when said assembly is in use and secured to said doorway.
3) The assembly of claim 1, wherein said second crossbar includes
padding at its ends adapted to reduce denting of said doorway.
4) The assembly of claim 1, wherein said pulley system includes
apertures adapted to receive said second and third crossbars.
5) The assembly of claim 1, wherein said pulley cord comprises: a
weight holder at one end and a handle at an opposite end; wherein
said weight holder includes a central stem adapted for reception of
weighted plates and a base member adapted for receiving and
supporting weighted plates thereon; and wherein said handle is
configured for actuating said pulley system.
6) The assembly of claim 5 wherein said weight holder has a
connection ring disposed at the top of said central stem.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/736,603 filed on Dec. 13, 2012, entitled "Door
Sculptor." The above identified patent application is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of
disclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an exercise devices. More
specifically the invention relates to a pulley system configured
for removable attachment on a doorway, and wherein the system is
further adapted for supporting weights.
[0004] The exercise of weight lifting has origins that have been
traced back to the beginning of recorded history and remains one of
the most popular forms of exercises today. The act of lifting
weights is a form of strength training that strengthens the muscles
of the body and further serves to increase the overall health of a
user's body. The exercise comprises lifting or moving an object
having a certain mass against the force of gravity. Repeated acts
of lifting facilitate the gradual increase in the strength and mass
of the muscles that perform the lifting of the weights.
[0005] Weight lifting can improve the overall health of the user,
increase muscle mass, and promote weight loss. These body changes
are particularly useful for those playing sports as well as those
who typically live a sedentary life. To make exercise more
convenient for those who may not have a lot of free time in their
day, there are a variety of exercise devices that are available for
use in a home setting. These devices include stationary equipment
adapted for supporting a person, barbells and dumbbells moved by a
user, and simple machine systems attached to a weight that is
lifted by a user. These simple machines comprise a pulley, lever, a
wheel, or an incline that alter the force of the weights a user
must lift.
[0006] Pulley systems are often favored among the plurality of
available exercise machine systems because they enable a variety of
exercise activities to be performed on a single setup. Furthermore,
pulley systems enable quick changes between weight amounts and
allow a single person to perform activities, often without
requiring the assistance of a spotter. The setbacks of choosing a
pulley system exercise machine are that they often are stand-alone
systems that occupy a large section of a room and they are not
easily movable once situated.
[0007] There are several devices that attempt to provide pulley
system exercise machines that do not require much space or setup.
These pulley systems are door mounted or ceiling mounted to save
interior room space. The drawbacks of these systems are that they
are often either permanently attached to a doorway, or are
attachable by a clip to a permanently installed frame. Because
these devices are not supported on the doorway by their own forces,
transporting the pulley systems from one location to another
involves complex disassembly and reassembly in another doorway.
Reinstallation typically requires securing the system with screws
or similar fastening devices. What is needed is a pulley system
exercise machine that is supported by its own weight when installed
in a doorway. Furthermore, a pulley system is desired that is
portable and comprises an attachment for the addition of a
plurality of weights.
[0008] The present invention relates to pulley system exercise
machine assembly that is removable from a doorway and occupies a
minimal amount of space. The exercise assembly includes a hanging
pulley with a cable running through the pulley that connects a
weight on one end with a handle on its opposite end. The assembly
does not require any permanent connections such as screws inserted
into the doorway. The installed assembly is supported within a
conventional doorway by its own weight. The exercise assembly spans
the width of the doorway and enables a user to completely remove
the assembly after use, thus allowing the doorway to maintain a
clean look when the system is not installed. The assembly has an
attachment for addition of a plurality of weights to provide
sufficient resistance for those of all fitness levels. In this way,
the present invention provides a novel hanging pulley assembly that
allows all users to exercise in their home without the need to
purchase large equipment or systems that require mechanical
supports that could potentially damage the frame of a doorway.
[0009] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0010] Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to
pulley assembly exercise devices. These include devices that have
been patented and published in patent application publications.
These devices generally relate to pulley assemblies that occupy a
large area of a room or systems that are permanently attached to a
doorway. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to
the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes
of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the
present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing
in the prior art.
[0011] Specifically U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,907 to Zito describes a
home weight lifting exercise device having clips for engagement
over an upper edge of a door. When the door is closed, the clips
are between the door and a doorframe, the clips are held in place
by the closure of the door on the doorframe. A pulley system is
attached to the clips and provides a connection between a user and
weighted sandbags adapted for strength training. While the exercise
device of Zito is similar in nature and relevant to the present
invention, it differs in that it is supported on the door instead
of being self-supporting.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,428,578 to Kirkpatrick teaches an exercise
device that is connected to the bottom edge of a door when the door
is closed. The device includes a clamp that attaches to the bottom
of the closed door, a stretchable cord, and a handle that connects
to the cord. To use the device, the user attaches the clamp to the
bottom of a door and closes the door to provide a secure connection
therein, then to begin the exercise, the user pulls on the handles
against the resistance of the cord. Although the exercise device of
Kirkpatrick is similar in nature and relevant to the present
invention, it differs in that it is supported by a door bottom
rather than being self-supporting like the present invention, and
further fails to offer a pulley system connected to weights.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,869 to Frate teaches a portable exercise
machine that can be mounted to a side of a door frame. The exercise
machine attaches to the side of the doorframe by a pair of fads
that tighten to clamp onto the frame. The machine includes a pair
of upper and lower pads, a pad adjusting means, a series of
pulleys, a cable attached to the pulleys, and a handle. While the
portable exercise machine of Frate is similar in nature and
relevant to the present invention, it differs in that it doesn't
span the width of the doorway.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,529 to Weintraub discloses a dual
operational exercise resistance device that attaches to a
supporting structure, such as a freestanding platform base, a wall,
or a door. The resistance of the device is easily adjustable and
the device comprises a base unit and a pulley attached to the base
unit. When a cable on the pulley is pulled, the lever arm pivots.
As the lever arm pivots, the biasing means stretches and provides
resistance to the user. Although the exercise device of Weintraub
is similar in nature and relevant to the present invention, it
differs in that it fails to provide its own support, and further
differs in that it is not easily portable.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,847 to Lamle teaches a doorway mounted
exercise device having upper and lower bars bridging the doorway
that support pulleys. The upper bar is collapsible for removal to
enable a person to walk through the doorway, and the lower bridging
bar is hinged to allow swinging against the door so as to not
obstruct the doorway when not in use. Although the doorway mounted
exercise device of Lamle is similar in nature and relevant to the
present invention, it differs in that it fails to provide an
exercise device that is supported without permanent attachments to
the door frame, and further differs in that it is not easily
removable.
[0016] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0250619 to Daikeler teaches
a doorway mounted exercise apparatus that is held in place using
the user's own body weight. The exercise apparatus comprises first
and second L-shaped members, connecting members, and gripping
members. When installed in a doorway, the device clamps against
either side of the door and the user can hold the gripping bars and
hang therefrom to perform pull-ups. The user's own weight serves to
hold the exercise apparatus securely in place in the doorway. While
the exercise apparatus of Daikeler is similar in nature and
relevant to the present invention, it differs in that it fails to
offer a pulley system for attachment to weights.
[0017] The present invention relates to a new and improved on-door
exercise system. The device spans the width of a doorway, occupies
a minimal amount of space when compared to stand-alone systems, and
is easily and completely removable from the doorway. The exercise
system includes a hanging pulley system including a series of three
pulley wheels with a cable running through that connect a weight on
one end with a handle on its opposite end. The system comprises an
attachment for holding a plurality of weights that provide a range
of resistance levels to suit the needs of users with a variety of
fitness levels. Additionally, the system does not require any
permanent connections such as screws inserted into the doorway, and
the system is supported on a conventional doorway under its own
weight. Furthermore, the removable exercise system enables a user
to exercise at home while maintaining an unobstructed doorway when
the system is not in use.
[0018] In view of the drawbacks of the prior art devices, it is
shown that the prior art has several known setbacks and that the
present invention is substantially divergent in design elements
from the prior art and subsequently it is clear that there is a
need in the art for an improvement to existing in-doorway exercise
devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially
fulfills these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of in-door exercise systems now present in the prior art, the
present invention provides a new in-door hanging pulley exercise
assembly wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience
for the user when the user desires a system that is held in place
without requiring fixtures that might damage a doorway.
[0020] The on-door exercise assembly of the present invention is
designed for those who wish to exercise in a home setting, but do
not have the space necessary for large gym equipment. The assembly
comprises a main body portion configured for supporting itself on a
doorway and a pulley and weight system adapted to provide
resistance to a user. The pulley system is attached to the main
body section and facilitates a connection between a user and a
selected amount of weights, which the user lifts to perform an
exercise routine.
[0021] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved pulley exercise assembly that has all of
the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
in-door exercise assembly that is completely removable from a
doorframe.
[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
in-door exercise assembly that comprises a pulley assembly for
lifting weights.
[0024] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
in-door exercise assembly that does not require permanent door
fixtures to support the assembly.
[0025] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Although the characteristic features of this invention will
be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and
manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood
after a review of the following description, taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are
provided throughout.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the in-door exercise assembly of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the in-door exercise assembly installed on a
doorframe.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a view of the connection between the
pulley system and a set of weights.
[0030] FIG. 4A illustrates a view of the preferred embodiment of
the in-door exercise assembly.
[0031] FIG. 4B illustrates a view of the preferred embodiment of
the in-door exercise assembly in use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like
reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like
or similar elements of the in-door exercise assembly of the present
invention. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear
description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will
be discussed as used for enabling the use of a pulley exercise
assembly in a home setting. The figures are intended for
representative purposes only and should not be considered to be
limiting in any respect.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown the preferred
embodiment of the in-door exercise assembly of the present
invention. The in-door assembly 5 is designed to enable a user to
exercise with a pulley system in a home setting and includes a main
body frame 10 with an attached pulley system 40.
[0034] The main body frame 10 comprises a pair of arcuate members
15, 16, and three steel cross members 20, 25, and 26 that connect
the left 15 and right 16 arcuate members together. Each of the
arcuate members and cross members are secured together by bolts 33,
welding, or by fastened by other suitable means in the art. The
arcuate members curve and may form a bend such that they are
substantially L-shaped.
[0035] The cross members 25 and 26 support the pulley system 40,
and are secured opposite cross member 20, which is rectangularly
shaped and is configured to lie flat against a door frame. The
opposing arcuate members 15 and 16, are attached at their proximal
ends by the rectangularly shaped cross member 20, and at an
opposing end by cross members 25 and 26. The cross members 25 and
26 are securely attached to the distal ends of the arcuate members
15 and 16, however the cross members 25 and 26 lie on the lower and
upper surfaces of the arcuate members respectively. The securement
of the cross members 25 and 26 on differing surfaces of the arcuate
members aids in distributing the forces that accompany the use of
the exercise device 5.
[0036] The pulley system comprises a pulley body frame 40 including
apertures 35, 36, for the reception of two of the cross members 25
and 26 of the main body frame 10 and further includes a series of
three pulley wheels 45, 46, and 47 connected to the pulley body
frame 40 by a plurality of apertures 48 and bolts 49 about which
the pulleys 45, 46, and 47 rotate. The set of three pulleys 45, 46,
and 47 are located at the proximal, middle, and distal ends of the
pulley frame 40. These pulleys facilitate the distribution of the
forces applied to the assembly 5 when the assembly 5 is connected
to a plurality of weights during exercise movements.
[0037] To assemble the preferred embodiment of the in-door pulley
assembly 5 the pulley system 40 is secured to the main body frame
10. First the rectangular shaped crossing member 20 including a
door protecting padding 21, is secured at its proximal and distal
ends to the left 15 and right 16 arcuate members by bolts 33 or by
other suitable fastening means of the art. Separately the pulley
system 40 is secured to the cross bars 25, 26. The cross bars 25
and 26 are inserted through apertures 35, 36 respectively, that are
located on either side of the pulley system 40. Next the crossbars
25 and 26 that are connected to the pulley system 40 are secured to
the arcuate members 15, 16 by bolts 33 similar to that which secure
the crossing member 20 to the arcuate members 15 and 16.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2, once the frame 10 is secured to the
pulley system 40, the pulley cable 50 can be attached to the system
5. The cable 50 can be comprised of wire ropes, nylon coated wire
ropes, braided cables, chain links, or other suitable cable that
fits around the pulley system 40 and supports the forces of the
attached weights 80. To install the cable 50, one end of the cable
50 is placed around the top of a first pulley 45 and pulled until a
sufficient length of cable 50 reaches the underside of a second
pulley 46. The cable 50 is pulled around the underside of the
second pulley 46 around the pulley 46 until the cable 50 reaches an
upper portion of the third pulley 47. Finally, the cable 50 is
pulled along the upper side of the third pulley 47 and down along
the pulley 47 to enable the series of pulleys rotate with the
movement of the cable 50.
[0039] To secure the assembly 5 to a doorway 85, first the crossbar
20 and the pair of arcuate members 15 and 16 are inserted through
the doorway at a length that does not permit the crossbars 25 and
26 to pass through the door entrance. The crossbar 20 is placed on
an upper portion of the doorway 85 and the rest of the assembly 5
is rotated downward until the pair of rubber paddings 30 and 31 of
the crossbar 25 contact the sides of the doorway 85. The placement
of the doorframe 85 positioned between the crossbars 20 and 25
enables the assembly 5 to remain attached to the doorway 85 under
its own weight and orientation of the crossbars 20 and 25.
Furthermore, placement of the rubber paddings 30 and 31 on the ends
of the crossbar 25 and the padding 21 of the first crossbar 20 aid
in providing friction against the doorway 85 to prevent any
slippage of the assembly 5. Furthermore, the paddings 21, 30, 31
additionally aid to protect the doorway 85 against any damage as a
result of the forces applied to the assembly 5 when a user is
performing an exercise routine.
[0040] The pulley cable 50 includes an attachment clip 55 for
connection to a variety of gripping attachments 60 that a user can
grasp to perform their exercises. The gripping attachments 60 can
be one or more of abdominal straps, ankle cuffs and straps, curl
bars, traditional grips, lat bars, seated row handles, straight
bars, and triceps ropes, or other suitable attachments known in the
art.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 3, there are shown a plurality of
weights attached to a weight holder 70. The weight holder 70
includes central stem 75 and a large base 76. The selected amount
of weights is slid over or onto the weight holder 70 until the
proper resistance is achieved; wherein the weights can be weighted
plates 80. The stem 75 of the weight holder 70 is adapted to
receive a plurality of weights 80, and the base 76 is adapted to
hold the weights 80. Although the base is shown to be circular, it
is within the scope of the present invention to include a base
section having other shapes including but not limited to shapes
such as oval, square, rectangular and triangular.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, there are shown a perspective
views of the preferred embodiment showing the connection to a set
of weights 80 in the doorway 85, and a view of the in-door assembly
5 of the present invention while in use, respectively. The assembly
5 comprises a main frame 10 including a set of three crossbars 20,
25, and 26, connected by left 15 and right 16 arcuate bars.
Furthermore, the main frame 10 is connected to a pulley system 40
having a set of three pulley wheels 45, 46, and 47 that hold a
pulley cable 50. The cable connects the user to weights 80 that
reside on a weight holder 70 having a central stem 75 and a base 76
having cutouts 78 thereon, with an opposing end connected to a
gripping portion 60 that the user grasps to apply an opposing force
to the weights 80. When the user applies a force to the gripping
portion 60, the cable 50 moves along the pulleys 45, 46 and 47 of
the pulley system 40. The cable 50 movement initiates pulley 45,
46, 47 rotation and facilitates the lifting of the weights 80 off
the ground when a force is applied to the gripping section 60. The
gripping portions 60 can be one or more of a plurality of
attachments including that of abdominal straps, ankle cuffs and
straps, curl bars, traditional grips, lat bars, seated row handles,
straight bars, and triceps ropes. Thus, the device is capable of
being used in a variety of positions that best fit the type of
attachment used. Furthermore, the assembly can be used in a
sitting, standing, kneeling or other similar positions to
exercise.
[0043] To remove the assembly 5 from the doorway 85, first the
weight holder 70 and the gripping 60 portions are separated from
the clips 55 of the ends of the pulley cable 50. Next the pulley
cable 50 is pulled from one of the ends and removed from the pulley
system 40. Finally the assembly 5 is lifted and rotated forward so
that the crossbar 20 is moved away from the doorway 85 and the
assembly is separated from the doorway 85.
[0044] The present invention is designed for users who wish to
exercise at home without requiring the use of large exercise
equipment such as those commonly seen in gyms. The present
invention is further designed for those who wish to have an
exercise assembly that is installable on a doorway 85 and supported
by its own weight. The present invention spans the width between
sides of a doorway and is easily removable therefrom. The in-door
exercise system 5 of the present invention includes a main body
section 10 securable to a doorway 85, and a hanging pulley system
40 connected to the main body section 10. The pulley 50 is inserted
through the pulley system 40 by being pulled over a first pulley
45, under a second pulley 46, and over the third pulley 47. The
opposing ends of the pulley cord 50 are then connected to a
gripping handle 60 at one end and to a plurality of weights 80 at
the opposite end that apply a resistive force for the user.
[0045] Furthermore, the present invention is easily installed and
removable on a doorway, and comprises no permanent fixtures that
have the potential to damage a doorway 85. The assembly 5 includes
a clip 55 for the attachment of a variety of gripping portions 60
for the manipulation of the resistive weights 80. Furthermore, the
assembly can be used in a variety of positions including sitting
and standing that enable a user to perform a wide range of
exercises with the in-door assembly 5 of the present invention.
After use, the exercise assembly 5 completely removes from the
doorway 85, enabling a user to have an unobstructed doorway when
not in use. In this way, the present invention provides an assembly
5 for performing a multitude of exercises in a home setting without
needing equipment that requires a large amount of space or
permanent fixtures.
[0046] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has
been shown and described in what is considered to be the most
practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however,
that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and
that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the
art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0047] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *