U.S. patent application number 16/801416 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-26 for glide handle training device.
The applicant listed for this patent is JMC Engineering, LLC. Invention is credited to James Anthony McCrea, Charles Westhorpe Pederson.
Application Number | 20210260436 16/801416 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004701603 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210260436 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCrea; James Anthony ; et
al. |
August 26, 2021 |
GLIDE HANDLE TRAINING DEVICE
Abstract
An exercise device in the form of a glide handle typically
includes an elongated handle body, a strap or other suitable
connecting member attaching the handle to a swivel, and a pulley
assembly attached to the swivel. The pulley engages a cord which is
attached to fixed objects or loads, and a user employs the handle
to displace the cord. The combination of the swivel with the pulley
allows the handle to be moved relative to the cord in a smooth
continuous motion and in a plurality of directions. The glide
handle may be used to strengthen and stretch a muscle, joint, or
connective tissue, and to improve range of motion for joints. The
device may be incorporated into fitness and physical therapy
programs.
Inventors: |
McCrea; James Anthony; (San
Carlos, CA) ; Pederson; Charles Westhorpe; (San
Carlos, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JMC Engineering, LLC |
SAN CARLOS |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004701603 |
Appl. No.: |
16/801416 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/20 20130101;
A63B 21/0628 20151001; A63B 21/22 20130101; A63B 21/154 20130101;
A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/4045 20151001; A63B 21/4035
20151001; A63B 21/0414 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A63B 21/22 20060101 A63B021/22; A63B 21/04 20060101
A63B021/04; A63B 21/055 20060101 A63B021/055; A63B 22/20 20060101
A63B022/20; A63B 21/062 20060101 A63B021/062 |
Claims
1. A glide handle comprising: an elongated handle; a connecting
member in communication with both the handle and a swivel
component; a pulley assembly connected to the swivel component, the
pulley assembly comprising a pulley housing, an axle, and a pulley;
an elastic cord disposed on a circumferential surface of the
pulley; such that during operation both ends of the elastic cord
are anchored to separate points of fixed structures; resistance is
increased as the handle is pulled away from the elastic cord; the
swivel allows rotation of the handle relative to the pulley; and
the pulley rotates to allow the elastic cord to travel along the
circumferential surface of the pulley with minimal friction.
2. The glide handle of claim 1, wherein the handle is rotatably
coupled to the connecting member.
3. The glide handle of claim 1, wherein the handle has at least one
flat surface.
4. The glide handle of claim 1, wherein the pulley comprises a
circumferential groove that in operation receives the elastic
cord.
5. The glide handle of claim 1, wherein the elastic cord has a
solid round cross-section.
6. The glide handle of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a flat
surface.
7. The glide handle of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a grip
that at least partially covers the handle body.
8. The glide handle of claim 1, wherein a strap is provided on the
handle body to secure the handle to a limb or other appendage of a
user.
9. A glide handle comprising: an elongated handle; a connecting
member that connects the handle and a swivel component; a pulley
assembly connected to the swivel component, the pulley assembly
comprising a pulley housing, an axle, and a pulley; a substantially
inelastic cord disposed on a circumferential surface of the pulley;
such that during operation: a first end of the cord is anchored to
a fixed structure; a second end of the cord is anchored to a load
such that resistance is created when the handle is pulled, the
swivel allowing rotation of the handle relative to the pulley, and
the pulley rotating so that the cord travels through a central bore
of the pulley with minimal friction.
10. The glide handle of claim 9, wherein the handle is rotatably
coupled to the connecting member.
11. The glide handle of claim 9, wherein the handle has a flat
surface.
12. The glide handle of claim 9, wherein the pulley comprises a
circumferential groove that receives the cord.
13. The glide handle of claim 9, wherein the cord has a solid round
cross-section.
14. The glide handle of claim 9, wherein the handle body has a flat
surface.
15. The glide handle of claim 9, wherein the handle body comprises
a grip that covers at least a portion of the handle body.
16. The glide handle of claim 9, wherein a strap is provided on the
handle body to secure the handle to a limb or other appendage of a
user.
17. The glide handle of claim 9, wherein the load is variable.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention generally relates to fitness devices and
methods, and more specifically is a glide handle and methods of
operating same.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] There are no relevant related applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Numerous exercise devices and physical therapy devices exist
in which the user works against resistance to strengthen muscles,
condition muscles, stretch muscles, exercise joints, and the like.
There exists a need for improved handles for use when working
against resistance while exercising.
SUMMARY
[0004] Described herein is a glide handle device and apparatus and
methods utilizing the device. The glide handle includes an
elongated handle body, a strap or other suitable connecting member
attaching the handle to a swivel, and a pulley assembly attached to
the swivel. The pulley engages a cord which is attached to fixed
objects or loads, and a user employs the handle to displace the
cord. The combination of the swivel with the pulley allows the
handle to be moved relative to the cord in a smooth continuous
motion and in a plurality of directions. The glide handle may be
used to strengthen and stretch a muscle, joint, or connective
tissue, and to improve range of motion for joints. The device may
be incorporated into fitness and physical therapy programs.
[0005] These and other embodiments, features and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the
art when taken with reference to the following more detailed
description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings that are first briefly described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the glide handle.
[0007] FIG. 2A shows a side view of the glide handle, and FIG. 2B
shows a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2A.
[0008] FIG. 3A shows a top plan view of an alternate design of the
glide handle with integrated components, and FIG. 3B shows a
sectional view taken along line E-E of FIG. 3A.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another alternate design of
the glide handle with flat surfaces on the handle.
[0010] FIGS. 5A and 5B show the glide handle in use with a fixed
mounting points installation.
[0011] FIGS. 6A and 6B show the glide handle in use with a weight
stack assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] The following detailed description should be read with
reference to the drawings, in which identical reference numbers
refer to like elements throughout the different figures. The
drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selective
embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention. The detailed description illustrates by way of example,
not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This
description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and
use the invention, and describes several uses of the invention,
including what is presently believed to be the best mode of
carrying out the invention.
[0013] Referring first to FIG. 1, it can be seen that a glide
handle 100 includes an elongated handle 101. The handle 101 can
have any shape chosen by a user. In many cases, the handle 101 is
cylindrical. In some cases, the handle 101 profile may be
elliptical or have one or more flat areas. The handle 101 may have
one or more indentations in an outer surface to accommodate one or
more fingers of the user extending around a circumference of the
handle. In some cases, the handle 101 can be sized appropriately in
circumference and/or length for use by a certain user demographic,
e.g., a circumferential dimension and/or length selected for a
typical male or female, or adult or child.
[0014] The handle 101 optionally may include a grip at least
partially covering the handle 101. In some cases, the grip may
extend around the circumference of the handle 101. The grip may be
made of any suitable material, have any suitable structure, and
have many varied design features. Non-limiting examples of grip
design features include grips that improve a user's ability to grip
the handle (e.g., a rubbery or non-slip grip surface), grips that
improve a user's comfort (e.g., a thick or padded grip), grips that
improve aesthetics or marketability of the handle, and any
combination of those features.
[0015] The handle 101 may also include a strap 108 to allow a user
to more securely grip the handle 101.
[0016] A connecting member 102 attaches the handle 101 to a swivel
103. The connecting member 102 can be a flexible strap (e.g.,
fabric or rubber), or a substantially rigid member (e.g., plastic
or metal). The connecting member 102 attaches to one or both ends
of the handle 101. The connecting member 102 may be rigidly fixed
to the handle 101 or rotatably coupled to the handle 101.
[0017] The swivel 103 rotatably couples the connecting member 102
to the housing 104 of a pulley assembly 105. The swivel 103 allows
the handle 101 to rotate freely relative to the pulley assembly
105.
[0018] The pulley assembly 105 receives a cord 107. The pulley
assembly 105 includes a pulley 105, a pulley housing 104, and an
axle 106. In operation, the cord 107 is disposed on a
circumferential surface of the pulley assembly 105. The pulley
assembly 105 may be designed with a groove adapted to the profile
of the cord 107 (e.g. round or flat grooves). The pulley 105 may
rotate to allow translation of the cord 107 relative to the glide
handle 101.
[0019] The cord 107 can have any suitable construction and any
suitable mechanical properties. The cord 107 may be elastic or
substantially non-elastic. The cord 107 may be round, rectangular,
oval, or have any other cross section chosen by the user. The cord
107 can be solid or hollow.
[0020] The combination of the swivel 103 and the pulley assembly
105 with the handle 101 allows for a unique range of motion
relative to the cord 107.
[0021] FIG. 2A shows another view of the glide handle 100. FIG. 2B
shows a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2A. The
connecting member 102 is shown to pass thru a hollow area of handle
101 and is thereby rotatably coupled to handle 101. Connecting
member 102 is attached to swivel component 103 by way of a round
post integrated into the swivel component. Swivel component 103 is
rotatably coupled to pulley housing 104 by way of an axle fixed to
swivel 103 engaged with a hole in pulley housing 104.
[0022] FIG. 3A illustrates another configuration of a glide handle
300. FIG. 3B shows a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG.
3A. In this configuration, the handle 101, connecting member 102,
and swivel 103 are all combined into an integral unit, alternate
handle 301.
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a view of still another configuration of a
glide handle 400. In this configuration, handle 401 includes flat
surfaces for engaging a body part of a user such as the palm of a
hand or the bottom of a foot. In addition, the handle 401 is
rotatably coupled to a connecting member 402 to insure proper
alignment of the body part with the flat surface of the handle
during use.
[0024] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an implementation of the glide
handle 100 wherein the cord 107 is elastic and is affixed to a
stationary object. FIG. 5A illustrates a start position wherein no
force is yet exerted on the cord 107 by the handle 101. The length
of the cord 107 can be chosen to be of sufficient length to provide
whatever range of motion is desired by the user. Each end of the
elastic cord 107 is anchored to one or more fixed structures by
anchoring points 502, 502' such that the cord is held substantially
straight between the anchoring points 502, 502'. It should be
understood that anchoring points 502, 502' may be displaced in any
direction. (e.g. the anchoring points may be on the floor, wall, or
ceiling or may be displaced horizontally or vertically) The
distance between the anchoring points 502, 502' may also be
adjusted to preload tension in the cord.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 5B, when the user displaces the glide
handle 100 perpendicular to the axis of the cord 107, the tension
in the elastic cord 107 is increased thus creating a resistance
exercise. In addition, the handle 101 may be moved in a plurality
of directions (as illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 5B), both
vertically and horizontally. These movements can be choreographed
by a user into exercises which target specific muscles and joints.
The ability of the cord 107 to rotate on the pulley 105 ensures
that the tension on the cord 107 is uniform, which allows a unique
range of motion relative to the load on the handle 101.
Furthermore, the ability of the handle 101 to rotate relative to
the cord 107 by way of the swivel 103 allows the user to vary his
grip position which can create unique exercise options and/or
mitigate awkward grip positions.
[0026] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another implementation of the
glide handle 100 utilizing a weight stack assembly 600. In this
implementation, the cord 604 is anchored to a fixed mount 607 at a
first end. The cord 604 engages with the pulley 105 on the glide
handle 100 assembly. The cord 604 passes over a weight stack pulley
605 (which rotates on a fixed axle 606). A second end of the cord
604 is affixed to a variable weight stack 602. The weight stack 602
includes a movable pin 603 whose variable position determines what
portion of the weight stack 602 that will be lifted when the glide
handle 100 assembly is pulled so as to displace the cord 604. FIG.
6A shows the starting configuration prior to displacement whereas
FIG. 6B shows the configuration after displacement of the glide
handle 100 assembly. Similar to the example shown in FIGS. 5A and
5B, movements can be choreographed into specific exercises as
desired by the user.
[0027] The glide handle as described herein may be used in a
variety of exercise programs and physical therapy treatments to
rehabilitate weak muscles, strengthen muscles, stretch muscles
and/or connective tissues, to regain joint function, to exercise
joints, to stretch tissues surrounding joint, to strengthen muscles
surrounding joints, and to restore balance. The glide handle may be
used in a variety of configurations and motions that will enable
the user to isolate or concentrate on specific muscles, muscle
groups, or joints. In some cases, two handles may be operated on a
single cord. In other cases, the user may use two glide handles
mounted next to each other to create exercises using coordinated
motion of both arms, such as cross-country skiing or swimming. The
glide handle may also be strapped to a foot or leg to allow a user
to exercise leg muscles or leg joints, or strapped to a wrist or
arm to allow a user to exercise arm muscles or arm or shoulder
joints without the use of hands.
[0028] The ends of the cord may be configured to be more easily
anchored to fixed objects or loads. (e.g. carabiners attached to
ends of the cord)
[0029] This disclosure is illustrative and not limiting. Further
modifications will be apparent to one skilled in the art in light
of this disclosure and are intended to fall within the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *