U.S. patent number 3,599,974 [Application Number 04/783,037] was granted by the patent office on 1971-08-17 for a friction-type exercising device.
Invention is credited to David D. Price.
United States Patent |
3,599,974 |
Price |
August 17, 1971 |
A FRICTION-TYPE EXERCISING DEVICE
Abstract
An improved exercising device whereby the person exercises by
pulling a rope means extended generally over and between upper and
lower pulley wheels. The exercising device is provided with an
adjustable friction brake, whereby the amount of pulling force
required to overcome the friction may be varied, as well as guide
means, whereby the rope means is retained in contact with the
pulley wheels and in the proper operational path throughout the use
of the exercising device. The operations of lifting and pulling may
be aided by an adjustable, pivoted hand grip member movably
disposed along the rope means for selected affixture.
Inventors: |
Price; David D. (Oklahoma City,
OK) |
Family
ID: |
25127980 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/783,037 |
Filed: |
December 11, 1968 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/118;
242/156 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
21/015 (20130101); A63B 7/045 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
21/012 (20060101); A63B 21/015 (20060101); A63b
021/00 (); A63b 021/20 () |
Field of
Search: |
;272/79,80,81,82,83
;242/156,155,99 ;57/113 ;254/188,189 ;273/DIG.6 ;271/33 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Pinkham; Richard C.
Assistant Examiner: Browne; William R.
Claims
What I claim is:
1. An exercising device comprising:
upper and lower pulley wheels;
framework means comprising upright members receiving said upper and
lower pulley wheels in rotational affixture to support said pulley
wheels in spaced-apart disposition, said framework means further
comprising a platform supporting said upright members;
a continuous rope means extending around the pulley wheels to
define an operational path;
an adjustable brake means cooperating with one of the pulley
wheels, whereby the force required to rotate the said one of the
pulley wheels is adjustable by varying the gripping force on the
said one of the wheels; and
a guide means whereby the rope means is retained within the
operational path, comprising;
a guide bracket encircling a portion of the upper pulley wheel and
the rope means;
a tubular-shaped guide eyelet encircling the rope means and
disposed with respect to the lower pulley wheel to guide the rope
means into proper engagement with the lower pulley wheel; and,
said adjustable brake means comprising a spring biased friction
developing means disposed adjacent and off center of the said one
of the pulley wheels in biased disposition to said one of the
pulley wheels to retard relative movement between said one of the
pulley wheels and said rope means.
2. The exercising device of claim 1, wherein the lower pulley wheel
includes a groove around the outer periphery thereof, said rope
means being disposed generally in a portion of said groove.
3. The exercising device of claim 2, wherein the rope means has a
generally circular cross section having a cross-sectional diameter
sized to be approximately twice the depth of said groove, whereby a
portion of said rope means will extend beyond the outer periphery
of the lower pulley wheel, when in engagement therewith.
4. The exercising device of claim 2, wherein the groove around the
lower pulley wheel is defined further to include a frictional
material bonded to the surface of said groove, thereby increasing
the frictional contact between the rope means and the lower pulley
wheel.
5. The exercising device of claim 2 wherein the guide means
includes a shaft mounted near the lower pulley wheel having a guide
roller journaled thereon, said guide roller is of a generally
cylindrical shape having a grooved portion, sized to rollingly
engage the rope means, extending around the circumference of said
rope means and generally between the ends of said guide roller,
said guide roller positioned to increase the frictional contact
between the rope means and the lower pulley wheel and generally to
retain said rope means firmly within said groove to keep the rope
means from slipping.
6. The exercising device of claim 1 wherein the rope means is
constructed of flexible hose material.
7. The exercising device of claim 1, wherein the adjustable brake
means cooperates with the lower pulley wheel to vary the force
required to rotate said lower pulley wheel.
8. The exercising device of claim 7, wherein the adjustable brake
means includes,
an end plate disposed on each side of the lower pulley wheel;
a brake shoe means disposed on each side of the lower pulley
wheel;
a brake pad means secured to each of said brake shoe means,
disposed to frictionally engage opposite sides of the lower pulley
wheel respectively;
a plurality of bolts connecting each of said brake shoe means to
the respective end plate;
spacer means disposed about each bolt and each spacer means
positioned, between each of said end plates and the respective
brake shoe means; and
a threaded bolt means connecting said end plates, whereby the
distance between each of said brake shoe means may be varied,
thereby varying the engaging force between each of the brake pad
means and the lower pulley wheel.
9. The adjustable brake means of claim 8, wherein the spacer means
is a spring.
10. The exercising device of claim 9 wherein the grip means
includes, a pair of gripping members pivotally secured to each
other, said handle means comprising two handles, each handle being
secured to a separate gripping member; and including a spring
disposed generally between each gripping member and attached on
opposite ends to each respective gripping member, thereby biasing
the gripping members generally into engagement with said rope
means.
11. The exercising device of claim 1 characterized further to
include a grip means removably attached to the rope means, having a
pair of handle means attached to and extending generally
perpendicular from said grip means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to improvements in exercising
devices and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an
improved exercising device whereby the individual exercises by
pulling a rope means.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various exercising devices have been designed in the past employing
a rope and pulley arrangement, wherein the general idea was that
the person would exercise by pulling the rope against some force.
One such device included a rope extended over a single pulley and a
series of weights attached to one end of the rope. The individual
would simply pull the rope against the opposite force of the
weights. The variety of exercises which could be performed using
this device were limited, and the individual was required to keep a
multitude of weights of various sizes on hand to change the
requirements of the unit. To be operable, this exercising device
had to be permanently affixed to a wall or some other solid
stationary structure.
One other such device included a rope extended over a single
pulley, and a leather braking device, whereby the force required to
rotate the pulley was adjustable to some extent. This particular
device, although very useful for doing certain exercises, was
limited in that the individual could only exercise by pulling in a
downward direction on the rope, and the device had to be
permanently affixed to a wall or some other solid stationary
structure. It is apparent from the foregoing that this device
utilized the downward pull of the individual to maintain the
necessary frictional contact between the rope and the pulley
wheel.
It is apparent that the exercising devices in the past have been
limited in their application to a narrow range of specific types of
exercises, and generally have not been both mobile and adjustable
to meet the exercising needs of a variety of different users.
The problems encountered in designing an exercising device, wherein
the individual could exercise by pulling a rope means in either an
upward or downward direction, and wherein the pulling force
required was adjustable over a wide range, have been many. Some of
the problems included; designing the proper combination of guide
means to keep the rope means in the proper operational path and yet
allow some flexible movement of the rope means in a lateral
direction to accommodate the individual exercising, and to design a
proper supporting structure whereby the exercising device was both
mobile and structurally sound. Other problems which exist are, of
course, obvious from the foregoing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention contemplates an exercising device comprising
upper and lower pulley wheels. A continuous rope means is extended
around the pulley wheels to define an operational path. An
adjustable brake means cooperates with one of the pulley wheels,
whereby the force required to rotate the pulley wheel is
adjustable. The exercising device employs appropriate guide means,
whereby the rope means is retained within the operational path. The
guide means includes a guide bracket encircling a portion of the
upper pulley wheel and the rope means and a guide eyelet encircling
the rope means, disposed with respect to the lower pulley wheel, to
guide the rope means into proper engagement with the lower pulley
wheel.
One object of the invention is to provide a single exercising
device which is adjustable to meet a variety of different
exercising requirements.
Another object of the invention is to provide an exercising device
which may be effectively used by persons of different ages and
different body builds.
A further object of the invention is to provide an exercising
device employing a rope means wherein the individual may exercise
by either pulling or lifting in an upward or downward direction, in
a manner similar to a rope pulling and rope climbing exercise using
a hand-over-hand technique.
One further object of the invention is to provide an exercising
device with appropriate and adequate guide means to retain the rope
means within the operational path.
A still further object of the invention is to provide an exercising
device with an adjustable brake means which requires different
forces to pull the rope.
Another object of the invention is to provide an exercising device
which is both structurally sound and yet mobile.
Another object of the invention is to provide an exercising device
having a special grip assembly, which may be used for lifting and
overhead pressing exercises.
One other object of the invention is to provide an exercising
device which is economical in construction and operation.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will be evident from
the following detailed description. When read in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the exercising device.
FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the exercising device taken
substantially along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial side elevation of the lower pulley
assembly of the exercising device, taken substantially along lines
3-3 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial front elevation of the lower pulley
assembly of the exercising device, taken substantially along lines
4-4 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial top elevation of the lower pulley
assembly of the exercising device, taken substantially along lines
5-5 of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial top elevation of the upper pulley
assembly of the exercising device taken substantially along lines
6-6 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial front elevation of the grip assembly
which may be used with the exercising device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings in detail, and particularly to FIG. 1,
reference character 10 generally designates an exercising device
constructed in accordance with the invention. The exercising device
10 generally comprises: a base 12; a pair of framework assemblies
14, mounted on the base 12 and secured to each other; an upper
pulley assembly 16 mounted between the framework assemblies 14 and
disposed generally near the top of said framework assemblies 14; a
lower pulley assembly 18 mounted on the base 12 and disposed
generally between the framework assemblies 14; a continuous rope
means 20 extending between the upper and lower pulley assemblies 16
and 18 respectively; and a grip assembly 21 which may be secured
about the rope means 20, when the exercising device is used for
lifting or overhead press exercising.
The base 12, having beveled corners 22 and 24 (FIG. 5), is provided
to support the exercising device 10. The corners 22 and 24, are
beveled on approximately a 45 degree angle to eliminate the safety
hazard inherent with sharp corners. The corners 24 are beveled over
a longer length than the corners 22 to facilitate the installation
or storage of the exercising device 10 in the corner of a room. It
is obvious that the mounting of the various components of the
exercising device 10 on the base 10 lends a mobility to the
exercising device 10. It is also apparent, and will become more
apparent hereinafter, that the base 12 could be eliminated and the
various components of the exercising device 10 could be permanently
installed in a particular location.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the framework assemblies 14 are
generally of a triangular shape, having sides 26, 28 and 30
thereon. A plurality of rungs 32 are provided between and connected
to the sides 26 and 28, respectively, to provide additional
structural support to the framework assemblies 14. The framework
assemblies 14 are attached to the base 12 of exercising device 10
by means of bolts 34, shown in FIG. 5, which extend through the
sides 30 of framework assemblies 14 and the base 12. The sides 26
and 28, and the rungs 32, may be constructed from a rod or pipe of
any appropriate material which will give the desired strength
characteristics. One of the reasons for the particular shape and
positioning of the framework assemblies 14 with respect to the base
12 and the other components (to be described in detail hereinafter)
of the exercising device 10 is to prevent the framework assemblies,
and more particularly the side 28 thereof from interfering with the
individuals head, arms, and hands during the operation of the
exercising device 10, as will be made more apparent
hereinafter.
Generally near the top of framework assemblies 14, the sides 26 and
28 thereof are formed on approximately a 90.degree. bend 36 (shown
in FIG. 1) and extended generally parallel to the base 12 of
exercising device 10. The sides 26 and 28 terminate at their ends
38 and 40, respectively, and are secured to each other near the
said ends 38 and 40.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the pair of framework assemblies 14 are
spaced a distance apart and disposed at an angle with respect to
each other. The angular disposition of the framework assemblies 14
is provided to give additional structural support to the framework
assemblies 14 and to facilitate the corner mounting or storage,
previously mentioned, of the exercising device 10. The exact angle
would depend on the particular size of the exercising device 10. As
more clearly shown in FIG. 2, the pair of framework assemblies 14
are structurally secured to each other by means of brackets 42.
Although each framework assembly 14 of exercising device 10 is
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to be of a one piece construction, it is
obvious that each framework assembly 14 could be constructed in
sections to facilitate dismantling for storage or shipment of the
exercising device 10.
As clearly shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, the upper pulley assembly 16
is disposed relatively between the pair of framework assemblies 14
and is approximately centered with respect to the end points 38 and
40 of sides 26 and 28, respectively. The upper pulley assembly 16
includes an upper pulley wheel 42, having a groove 44 formed around
the outer periphery thereof, and a shaft 46 extending therethrough,
which is sized and finished to allow free rotation of upper pulley
wheel 42 thereabout.
The shaft 46 of upper pulley wheel 42 is extended through, and
supported by a shaft support 48 and is secured thereto by means of
nuts 50. The shaft support 48 of upper pulley assembly 16 is
secured to the sides 26 and 28 of framework assemblies 14, near the
respective end points 38 and 40 thereof. As more clearly shown in
FIG. 6, the shaft support 48 includes a guide bracket portion 52
which extends beyond and around the outer periphery of upper pulley
wheel 42. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the lower edge of the guide
bracket 52, generally adjacent the rope means 20 is beveled or
flared in a generally outwardly direction with respect to the upper
pulley wheel 142, to accommodate the rope means 20 during the
operation of the exercising device 10, as will be explained in
detail hereinafter.
The lower pulley assembly 18, which is mounted on the base 12 of
exercising device 10, is disposed generally in alignment with and
below the upper pulley assembly 16. As more clearly shown in FIGS.
3, 4 and 5, the lower pulley assembly 18 includes a lower pulley
wheel 54 which is designed similar to upper pulley wheel 42 of
upper pulley assembly 16, having a groove 56 formed around the
outer periphery thereof and a shaft 58 which extends therethrough,
said shaft 58 being sized and finished to allow free rotation of
lower pulley wheel 54 thereabout. In a preferred form, a thin film
of frictional material, such as a rubberlike or plastic material is
bonded to the surface of groove 56 of lower pulley wheel 54, or in
the alternative the entire lower pulley wheel or a portion thereof
is constructed of such material for reasons to be made more
apparent hereinafter. The diameter of the pulley wheel 54 of lower
pulley assembly 18, as more clearly shown in FIG. 1, is greater
than the diameter of pulley wheel 42 of upper pulley assembly
16.
A continuous rope means 20 is extended over and between the upper
and lower pulley wheels 42 and 54 of upper and lower pulley
assemblies 16 and 18, respectively. More particularly, the rope
means 20 is disposed in a portion of the grooves 44 and 56 of upper
and lower pulley wheels 42 and 54, respectively. In a preferred
form, the rope means 20 is sized to be approximately twice the
depth of said grooves 44 and 56 and is constructed of a tube of
plastic hoselike material having a relatively flexible
characteristic, the purpose for which to be described more fully
hereinafter. The exact diameter of the rope means 20 would depend,
to some extent, on the size of the particular exercising device
being constructed. It is also apparent from FIG. 6 that the rope
means 20 is disposed with respect to the guide bracket 52 of upper
pulley assembly 16 to be encompassed by said guide bracket 52 for
reasons which will become more apparent hereinafter.
As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the lower pulley wheel 54 of lower
pulley assembly 18 is disposed relatively between two support
structures 60 of a generally rectangular shape, having opposite
ends 62 and 64, respectively, and upper and lower sides 66 and 68,
respectively. The support structures 60 of lower pulley assembly 18
are firmly secured to the base 12 by means of bolts 70.
Two parallel support members 72, forming a part of each support
structure 60, are centrally disposed between opposite ends 62 and
64 and connect the upper and lower sides 66 and 68 of the
respective support 60. A shaft support 74 is connected between and
supported by the parallel support members 72 of each support
structure 62. The shaft 58 of lower pulley wheel 54 extends through
the shaft supports 74 of lower pulley assembly 18 and is secured
thereto by means of nuts 76.
An adjustable brake assembly 78 is disposed relatively between the
parallel support members 72 and near the upper side 66 of structure
60. The brake assembly 78 includes a pair of end plates 80, one on
each side of pulley 54. The lower portion 82 of each end plate 80
is of a generally hollow cylindrical shape. A shaft 84 is extended
through the hollow lower portion 82 of each end plate 80 and
through the respective parallel support members 72, thereby
affixing the end plates 80 to the structures 60 in a manner which
allows the end plates 80 to rotate about the axes of shafts 84 for
reasons which will become apparent hereinafter. The shafts 84 of
each end plate 80 is secured in position to the respective support
members 72 by nuts 86.
A metal brake shoe 88 is secured to the inside portion of each end
plate 80 by means of bolts 90, which extend through mating holes in
the end plate 80. In one form of the invention and as shown more
clearly in FIG. 5, a compression spring 90 surrounds each bolt 90
and is disposed between the end plate 80 and the brake shoe 88. It
will become apparent in the discussion hereinafter that the
compression spring 91 could be replaced with spacer washers if
desired. A brake pad 92, of asbestos or other appropriate material,
is bonded to the inside portion of each brake shoe 88. As more
clearly shown in FIG. 4, the brake pads 92 of adjustable brake
assembly 78 are designed and positioned to brakingly contact the
opposite sides of lower pulley wheel 54 of the lower pulley
assembly 18. A threaded bolt 94 having a handle 96 in one end
thereof, extends through end plates 80 of adjustable brake assembly
78, and threadedly engages one of the end plates 80 opposite the
handle end of bolt 94.
It is apparent from FIGS. 4 and 5, that when the handle 96 of
adjustable brake assembly 78 is turned, the end plates 80 thereof
will rotate about the shaft 84 in a direction 98 or 100 depending
upon whether the handle 96 is rotated in a clockwise or
counterclockwise direction respectively. When the handle 96 is
turned in a clockwise direction, thus rotating the end plate 80 in
a direction 98, it is apparent that the frictional contact between
the brake pad 92 of brake assembly 78 and the lower pulley wheel 54
of lower pulley assembly 18 will increase. This increase in
frictional contact will, of course, result in a greater amount of
centrifugal force being required to rotate lower pulley wheel 54 of
lower pulley assembly 18. The compression springs 91 will
continually bias the brake shoes 88 and brake pads 92 toward the
lower pulley wheel 54 of lower pulley assembly 18, thereby
permitting a finer control of the amount of frictional contact
obtained by turning the handle 96 of adjustable brake assembly
78.
As shown more clearly in FIG. 5, a guide eyelet 102 is secured to
the upper side 66 of structures 60 and generally near the end 62
thereof. The guide eyelet 102 is provided with an aperture 104 and
having an inner diameter which is sized to be slightly larger than
the outer diameter of rope means 20. As more clearly shown in FIGS.
4 and 5, the upper portion of the guide eyelet 102, generally
adjacent the aperture 104, is beveled or flared in a generally
outwardly direction with respect to the aperture 104, to
accommodate the rope means 20, which extends through the aperture
104, during the operation of the exercising device 10 as will be
described in detail hereinafter.
A roller support 106, shown more clearly in FIG. 3, is secured to
each end 62 and 64 of the support structure 60 and is disposed
generally between the upper and lower sides 66 and 68 thereof. A
guide roller 108, shown more clearly in FIG. 5, having a shaft 110
extending therethrough is disposed relatively between each pair of
roller supports 106 and is secured thereto by means of nuts 111.
The guide roller 108 is provided with a groove or track 112, which
is sized to provide a rolling fit with the outer periphery of rope
means 20. As shown more clearly in FIG. 1, the rollers 108 are
shown disposed, with respect to the rope means 20 and the lower
pulley wheel 54 of lower pulley wheel 54, such that the rollers 108
will bias the rope means 20 toward the lower pulley wheel 54 and
generally hold the rope means 20 within the groove 56 of the lower
pulley wheel 54, thereby keeping the rope means 20 from slipping
therein.
The grip assembly 21, as shown more clearly in FIG. 7, basically
comprises a pair of gripping members 120 and a pair of handles 122.
One of the pair of handles 122 is secured to each of the gripping
members 120 respectively. Each of the gripping members 120 is
provided with an upper and lower portion 124 and 126, respectively,
which are connected to each other on one side portion thereof by a
connecting portion 128. The inner periphery of each of the upper
and lower portions 124 and 126 is sized to matingly fit a portion
of the outer periphery of the rope means 20. In a preferred form,
each upper and lower portion 124 and 126 is provided to have a
generally cylindrical shape to mate with the rope means 20, which
in a preferred form is provided to have a generally circular cross
section. A plurality of grooves (not shown) are provided
encompassing a portion of the inner periphery of the upper and
lower portions 124 and 126, adjacent the rope means 20. The grooves
are provided to substantially reduce the slippage, which may occur
between the grip assembly 21 and the rope means 20. The upper and
lower portions 124 and 126, respectively are disposed with respect
to each other, such that in an assembled position, as clearly shown
in FIG. 7 the portions 124 and 126 will engage generally opposite
side portions of the rope means 20.
The gripping members 120, and more particularly each connecting
member 128 thereof, are pivotally secured to each other by a
fastener 130. Therefore in an assembled position, the upper portion
124 of each gripping member 120 is generally disposed on opposite
side portions of the rope means 20, with respect to each other, and
the lower portion 126 of each gripping member 120 is disposed on
opposite side portions of the rope means 20, with respect to each
other, for reasons which will be made more apparent
hereinafter.
Each handle 122 is shown in FIG. 7 to be secured to the upper
portion 124 of each gripping member 120 respectively, and extending
generally perpendicular thereto. In a preferred form, each handle
122 should extend from each gripping member 120, a sufficient
distance so that when an individual is performing a lifting or
overhead pressing exercise, using the exercising device 10, he may
grip each handle 122 without interference from his knees, as will
be described hereinafter.
A spring 132 is secured on opposite ends thereof to a post 134,
which is provided on each lower portion 126 of each gripping member
120. The spring 132 is so disposed and sized to bias each gripping
member 120 into engagement with the rope means 20, for reasons to
be made more apparent hereinafter.
OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The exercising device 10, in a preferred form, is designed to be
used by a person standing generally in front of the exercising
device 10, near end 62 of support structure 60. In one form, to
exercise, the individual would grasp the rope means 20 and pull or
lift the rope means 20, generally in the upward or downward
direction, in a manner similar to a rope climbing or rope lifting
exercise using a hand-over-hand technique, depending upon the area
of the body one desires to exercise.
It is apparent, that during the operation of the exercising device
10, as described above, the rope means 20 will be continually
moving around and between the upper and lower pulley wheels 42 and
54 of upper and lower pulley assemblies 16 and 18, respectively,
thereby establishing the general operational path of the rope means
20. The rope means 20 has an overall length, which slightly exceeds
the length of the operational path, to provide some flexible
movement of the rope means 20 in the generally lateral direction.
The rope means, in a preferred form, is constructed from a plastic
hoselike material, which is relatively flexible and can be
stretched to some extent. It is apparent, that this movement in the
lateral direction combined with the flexibility of the rope means
20, permits the person using the exercising device 10, to pull or
lift the rope means 20 directly upward without interference from
the rope means 20. It is obvious, also, from the foregoing that
there will exist pulling forces in direction, other than directly
tangent to the upper and lower pulley wheels 42 and 54 of upper and
lower pulley assemblies 16 and 18 respectively. It is therefore,
important that adequate guide means are employed to retain the rope
means 20 in a proper track or operational path.
The rope means 20 of exercising device 10 is retained within the
proper operational path by means of guide brackets 52 of upper
pulley assembly 16 guide eyelet 102 and guide rollers 108 of lower
pulley assembly 18.
The guide bracket 52 (shown in FIG. 6) of upper pulley assembly 16
is provided to retain the rope means 20 within groove 44 of upper
pulley wheel 42 in a manner, such that the rope means 20 will not
be pulled out of said groove 44 during the operation of the
exercising device 10.
The guide eyelet 102 (shown more clearly in FIG. 5) of lower pulley
assembly 18 is designed and located to guide the rope means 20 into
the groove 56 of lower pulley wheel 54.
The guide rollers 108 (shown more clearly in FIG. 5) of lower
pulley assembly 18 are provided and disposed to maintain a constant
frictional contact between the rope means 20 and the groove 56 of
lower pulley wheel 54. Since the diameter of the rope means is
sized to be twice the depth of groove 56 of lower pulley wheel 54,
a portion of the rope means 20 will extend beyond the outer
periphery of said lower pulley wheel 54, thereby allowing the guide
rollers 108 to contact the rope means 20 without interference from
the lower pulley wheel 54 of lower pulley assembly 18. The guide
rollers 108 of lower pulley assembly 18 function to retain the rope
means 20 in frictional contact with the groove 56 of lower pulley
wheel 54 to prevent slippage between the rope means 20 and the
lower pulley wheel 54.
The thin film of rubberlike or plastic frictional material, which
is bonded to the surfaces of groove 56 of the lower pulley wheel
54, results in an increased frictional contact being established
between the rope means 20 and said groove 56, thereby eliminating
most of the slippage between the rope means 20 and the lower pulley
wheel 54 which might occur during the operation of the exercising
device 10. The particular type of frictional material used would
depend, to some extent, on the type of material used to construct
the rope means 20, for example, when the rope means 20 is
constructed from a tube of plastic hoselike material, the
frictional material would be a plasticlike or rubberlike material.
Of course as described hereinbefore, the entire lower pulley wheel
54 or a portion thereof could be constructed of such material,
thereby accomplishing the same purpose and yet eliminating the need
for bonding such material to the lower pulley wheel 54.
The centrifugal force required to rotate lower pulley wheel 54 of
lower pulley assembly 18, or in other words the amount of pulling
force required to move the rope means 20, may be increased or
decreased by turning the handle 96 of adjustable brake assembly 78,
in a manner previously described. The lower pulley wheel 54 of
lower pulley assembly 18 is provided, having a diameter larger than
the diameter of upper pulley wheel 42 of upper pulley assembly 16,
to accommodate the adjustable brake assembly 78 and to increase the
efficiency of said adjustable brake assembly 78 by providing an
increased area of frictional contact. The pulling pressure may
therefore be adjusted to fit the size, strength, and age
requirements of the particular person using the exercising device
10.
It is also apparent from the foregoing that the brake assembly 78
may be adjusted to a position, whereby further rotation of the
lower pulley wheel 54 of lower pulley assembly 18 is prevented. In
this position of the brake assembly 78, the exercising device 10
may be used effectively by an individual desiring to practice, what
is commonly referred to as isometric exercises.
The grip assembly 21 may be used in performing a lifting or pulling
exercise, using the exercising device 10; however, it is
particularly useful when performing the lifting exercise. The grip
assembly 21 is attached to the rope means 20 by forcing each handle
122 in a general direction 136, as shown in FIG. 7. Since the
gripping members 120 are pivotally secured to each other, this
movement of each handle 122 in a direction 136 will cause the upper
and lower portions 124 and 126 of each gripping member 120 to move
in the general directions 138, 140, 142, and 144 respectively. It
is apparent that this movement of each gripping member 120 will
spread the gripping member 120 a distance apart, thereby providing
a sufficient gap between them so that the grip assembly 21 may be
disposed on a rope means 20. When the force is removed from each
handle 122, the spring 132 will bias each gripping member 120 back
into engagement with the rope means 20. Of course the grip assembly
21 may be quickly and easily disengaged from the rope means 20, in
a manner similar to that described hereinabove.
To exercise, the individual would grasp each handle 122
simultaneously and lift or pull on said handle 122, thereby lifting
or pulling the rope means 20. In particular, when performing the
lifting exercise, the individual would grasp each handle 122, and
lift in a generally upward direction. Since each handle is extended
a distance in a generally perpendicular direction from the rope
means 20 the individual's arms and hands, when performing the
overhead press and the lifting exercises, will generally extend
about the outer side portion of his respective knee and leg,
thereby reducing the back strain encountered during this type of
exercise.
As previously described a portion of the guide brackets 52 and the
guide eyelet 102 is beveled or flared to reduce the possibility of
the rope means 20 hanging, or catching on the guide eyelet 102, or
the guide brackets 52, during the operation of the exercising
device 10.
From the foregoing, it is apparent that the exercising device 10
provides a versatile unit, whereby one may perform a variety of
different exercises by simply making minor adjustments in the
exercising device 10. The adjustable braking feature of the
exercising device 10, combined with the continuous rope means 20,
permits the exercising device 10 to be used to the maximum
advantage by persons having different heights, weights, ages and
exercising requirements.
Changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts or
elements of the various embodiments as disclosed herein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by
the following claims.
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