U.S. patent number 3,752,474 [Application Number 05/273,440] was granted by the patent office on 1973-08-14 for arm and leg push pull type exercising device.
Invention is credited to Alcide R. Macabet, Jean-Daniel Macabet.
United States Patent |
3,752,474 |
Macabet , et al. |
August 14, 1973 |
ARM AND LEG PUSH PULL TYPE EXERCISING DEVICE
Abstract
A portable exercise apparatus that has hand grips attached to
opposite ends of a cable for reciprocation during an exercise. The
hand grips are mounted on a separate cable reeved over a pulley.
The apparatus also has, attached to the opposite end of the cable,
straps that are attached to the feet of a user, which also are
reciprocated during an exercise. The straps are attached to a
separate cable reeved over a pulley.
Inventors: |
Macabet; Alcide R. (Paris,
FR), Macabet; Jean-Daniel (Paris, FR) |
Family
ID: |
23043948 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/273,440 |
Filed: |
July 20, 1972 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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116865 |
Feb 19, 1971 |
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705064 |
Feb 13, 1968 |
3565424 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/131;
482/71 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
23/03575 (20130101); A63B 21/154 (20130101); A63B
69/18 (20130101); A63B 2208/12 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
23/035 (20060101); A63B 69/18 (20060101); A63B
21/00 (20060101); A63b 021/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;272/79R,82,81,80,83R,57B |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Pinkham; Richard C.
Assistant Examiner: Browne; William R.
Parent Case Text
REFERENCE TO COPENDING APPLICATIONS
This is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 116,865 filed Feb.
19, 1971, which is a division of patent application Ser. No.
705,064, filed Feb. 13, 1968 now Pat. No. 3,565,424.
Claims
The invention having been thus described, what is claimed as new
and desired to secure by Letters Patent is:
1. An exerciser device, having in combination, a pulley and means
of fastening it to a fixed point, a main cable passing over this
pulley and having a snap hook fastened to each end, two
intermediate pulleys equipped with swivels attached to the said
snap hooks, and an auxiliary cable passing over each of the
intermediate pulleys, each one of said auxiliary cables being
equipped at each end thereof with a first means on each end of the
auxilary cable to permit gripping by the upper limbs of a user and
alternately pulled by a user during an exercise program and the
other of said auxiliary cable being equipped with a second means
for engagement by the lower limbs of a user and alternately pulled
by a user during an exercise program, the first means having
handles to be grasped by a user, and the second means having straps
which may be wrapped around his ankles, the straps being looped and
being equipped with wedging parts permitting the suppression
play,
the second means having an auxiliary cable connecting device, said
device having a universal endpiece composed of a strap having at
one end a swivel fixed to an associated pulley, said strap having
at its center a bulge permitting fastening by wedging, and having
at its other end a ring and a snap-hook,
each one of said handles being made of a triangular rigid frame on
which are fastened said handles which are of different thicknesses.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
For some time, physical culture addicts have wished to have an
apparatus that could be used in limited space for exercise and for
practicing sports. To be sure, physical training apparatus have
existed using varying numbers of cables and pulleys and having
means for gripping and fastening, but none of them has the same
characteristics, permits the same performances, and finally is
related in such a direct way to physical training and to sports.
Most equipment of this kind is bulky and expensive. In addition,
such apparatus has lacked versatility as to the variety of muscles
that could be exercised and the types of sports that could be
practiced. These and other difficulties experienced with the prior
art devices have been obviated in a novel manner by the present
invention.
It is, therefore, an outstanding object of the invention to provide
an improved apparatus which, although simple in construction,
permits the user to exercise his four limbs in coordination or in
opposition, while providing him, in case of need, with a usable
support.
Another object of this invention is the provision of apparatus
which is versatile as to muscles that may be exercised and sports
that may be practiced.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of
exercise and practice apparatus which can be used in limited
quarters and which is simple and inexpensive.
With these and other objects in view, as will be apparent to those
skilled in the art, the invention resides in the combination of
parts set forth in the specification and covered by the claims
appended hereto.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is characterized by the fact that it comprises in
combination a pulley and the means of fastening in a removable way
to a fixed point, a main cable passing over this pulley, two
intermediate pulleys fixed to the free ends of this main cable, and
two auxiliary cables each passing over one of the intermediate
pulleys and which are equipped with holding means especially
adaptable on the upper and lower limbs of a user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The character of the invention, however, may be best understood by
reference to one of its structural forms, as illustrated by the
accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of exercise apparatus embodying the
principles of the present invention, FIG. 2 and 3 are enlarged
views of portions of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1,
FIG. 4, 4a, and 4b show different ways of arranging the foot
fastenings of the apparatus of FIG. 1,
FIG. 5 shows the details of mounting of a swivel, equipped with a
block-slide,
FIGS. 6 and 7 show a variation of the means of fastening the
apparatus,
FIGS. 8 and 9 show accessories which may be used with the
apparatus,
FIG. 10 shows a variation of the apparatus of FIG. 1, including
clogs,
FIG. 11 is a view in perspective of a clog used in the apparatus of
FIG. 10,
FIG. 12 is a view showing a special use of the apparatus fo FIG.
10,
FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of the two clogs of the apparatus
of FIG. 10,
FIG. 14 is a view in perspective of a variation of the clog,
FIGS. 15 and 16 are views in perspective showing the possible uses
of variations of the apparatus, i.e., clogs having snow and water
ski shape,
FIG. 17 is a view in perspective on a larger scale of a clog used
in the apparatus of FIG. 15,
FIGS. 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d are cross-sectional views taken along
the lines a--a', b--b', c--c', and d--d' of FIG. 17,
FIG. 17e is a detailed view of the clog of FIG. 17 on a larger
scale, and
FIG. 17f is a vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. 17e.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 has a fastening device in the form of
a pulley 4 attached by a swivel 3 to a strap 2 which is itself
extended by a strap 17 buckled onto a post 1. A main cable 5 is
passed over the pulley 4 and has at its ends two intermediate
pulleys 6 and 62. Each of these pulleys, which is preferably
identical to the pulley 4, has a swivel 3a (FIG. 5) fastened to a
tubular block-slide in which is passed the end of the cable 5
locked in the groove in the slide, so that it is thus possible to
give a variable useful length to the cable. Pulley 6 has an
auxiliary cable 7 equipped with snap-hooks 9 at its ends fastened
to handles 10. Each handle 10 (FIG. 2) is of triangular shape and
comprises three grips 11 of different thicknesses. These grips 11,
anatomical in shape, correspond to the hand of a man, of a woman,
and a child, so that the same grip is suitable for users of
different sizes.
As is seen in FIG. 6, the holding device, universal in type,
comprises a band 2 which is attached by one and to the ring of the
swivel 3 and which has at its other end a snap-hook 16 especially
intended for receiving the two rings 17a of the extension strap 17,
shown in FIG. 7, with which the device can effectively be equipped
for fastening to an object of a certain thickness forming an axis,
such as the post 1. This same device can also be used (as shown in
FIG. 6) for attaching the pulley by wedging the strap under a door
19 or between a door and its framework. A stop 18 is passed through
the loop of the band 2 in order to form a bulge which does not pass
through the opening. It is noted that it is also possible to form a
loop in the strap 2 by passing the snap-hook 16 through the ring of
the swivel 3, and that the snap-hook 16 or the ring which carries
it can also be fastened directly to a fixed point.
The pulley 6a has an auxiliary cable 8 equipped at its ends with
snap-hooks 12 fastened to straps 13 which permanently loop
"eightwise." Each strap 13 (FIG. 3) has a block-slide 14 permitting
the length of the free part of the loop to be adjusted in order to
adapt it to the foot of the user, once the strap is placed in
position. On FIGS. 4, 42, and 4b the three standard arrangements of
the strap 13 are shown on the foot of a user, the passage from one
to the other of these arrangements being carried out automatically
and instantaneously by mere slipping of the strap on itself,
according to the changes of direction of the user.
In one variation, the ends of one of the auxiliary cables 7 or 8
can also be fastened to the rings 20a of a mouthpiece 21 (FIG.
9).
The apparatus described can be used in many ways, one of which is
shown in FIG. 1. The simultaneous harnessing of the four limbs of
the user favors movements in all useful directions, without
modifying this harnessing, nor its fastening. The user can move
without difficulty from a leg movement to an arm movement or to a
combined movement. He can place himself facing forward, backward or
sideways to carry out this movement. He can also combine exercises
in the standing position with other exercises lying or sitting
down. The four limbs as well as the body work in coordination and
in opposition, simultaneously, if so desired. In addition,
according to the desire of the user, the limbs can either work
easily or strongly, or in a controlled association of suppleness
and strength. The apparatus permits use in the home as well as
outside, individually or in a group. Its method of use favors its
role as an instrument for learning a sport and for sports
practice.
In a variation illustrated by FIGS. 10 to 13, the apparatus is
intended more particularly for ski training and has two clogs 22
joined by a coupling device 23. As is seen in FIG. 11, the lower
face of each clog 22 has two facets 22a forming a constant external
salient angle of about 220.degree. with respect to a central ridge
22b. This central ridge and the lateral ridges 22c are equipped
with corners. The front end of the clog shows a raised curve 22e,
and rings 22f (intended to permit the fastening of the clog
directly to the snap-hook of cable 8) are seen at the two ends of
the clogs.
As is seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, the coupling device 23 has a shackle
23a made of round steel rod, the two parallel legs of which are
threaded into tubes 22d going through the clogs along the
lingitudinal axis of the latter. The two legs of the shackle are
joined at the back by a removable cross-piece 23b which has end
rings in which the said legs are threaded, with knurled nuts 23c
holding the whole assembly together. At the front, the two legs
form a point at 60.degree. ended by a fastening ring 23d. The clogs
22 can slide freely along the legs of the shackle 23a on the
rectilinear part of these legs which may have, for instance, a
length of 60 cm. The point has, for example, a length of 18 cm. The
clogs can also turn around the legs which are separated from each
other by about 17 cm.
The anchoring ring 23d can be fixed to the ground by any adequate
means. It is among other means possible to use for this purpose a
nail or a peg driven into the ground as shown on 23f (FIG. 12). It
is also possible to use an anchoring device with suction discs,
cords or hooks, the whole being preferably adjusted so that the
shackles can turn freely on an axle passing through the ring
23d.
Finally, the coupling device can easily be dismounted, the
cross-piece 22b can be detached after removal of the knurled nuts
and the clogs can then be withdrawn from the rods.
In the method of use shown in FIG. 11, the clogs 22 have a
heelpiece 24 and an X-shaped rod strap 24a attached removably at
24c to the heelpiece and to the clogs.
The apparatus eqquipped with clogs shown in FIG. 11 can be used (as
is shown in FIG. 10) for ski practice. The coupling device is
fastened to the ground by a peg, as is shown in FIG. 12, and the
clogs worn by the user (as shown in FIG. 11) are attached to the
ends of the auxiliary cable 8 by rings 22f from their back ends.
The user holds ski poles equipped with handles 10a to which are
attached the ends of the auxiliary cable 7 can then do many
exercises using skiing techniques.
It is noted that the free play around the shackle 23a is sufficient
to ensure the logitudinal and axial independence of the clogs which
permits ensuring a correct attitude of the feet during the movement
without compromising the maintenance of a strict parallelism. The
peg 23f also determines the center around which the pivoting of the
skis should take place during a simulation of turning on skis (FIG.
12). It is noted that the user is not necessarily harnessed to the
cables 7 and 8. In the same way, at a later stage, when the habit
of parallelism is acquired, it is possible to do without the
coupling device.
Since the clogs are equipped with a central bottom ridge permitting
maneuvering like ice skates, the user can, on a slippery floor,
carry out a complete range of exercises which he will be able to do
successively with the apparatus without clogs, with the apparatus
equipped with coupled clogs or not, or with the clogs only, coupled
or not. The apparatus thus permits passing from physical training,
directly to the preparation, then to the practice of skiing.
The use of clogs with double facets permits, owing to the
inclination of the latter, carrying out on the spot, as an
exercise, and with adequate muscular adaptation, movements exactly
imitating those which can only be carried out on the ground and at
full speed with ordinary skis. The harness permits the exact
control of the movements and the maintenance of a perfect balance,
whether the sticks are used or not. As a variation, the clogs can
have an orthopedic sole which will be recommended for use with bare
feet.
In a clog variation shown in FIG. 14, the clog has a flat upper
face with hollows in which stops 25 are located for fastening a
small cord 24b serving for securing the clog on the foot. In one
method of utilization, the user can have the ankle directly
attached to the auxiliary cable 8 by means of a strap 13 equipped
with a ring; in order to protect the bare foot from the small cord,
this strap rests on a protecting band in position around the ankle
and crossed on the instep. This same clog can be worn with
shoes.
In a variation shown in FIG. 15, the clogs 27 have the approximate
shape of snow skis and can be used directly on snow. In this
variation, a coupling device for the clogs has two saddle-bows 27
in the form of hoops, the branches of which are equipped with
slides 28 housed in the hollow guides 29 fixed longitudinally on
the clogs.
The guides 29 shown in cross-section in FIG. 17f are equipped at
one end with a lock 30 (FIG. 17e) which, once in position, prevents
any freeing of the saddle-bow, the latter, however, remaining free
to move axially along the guide slot for a limited length.
The use of clogs with double facets permits, owing to the
inclination of the latter, carrying out on the spot, as an
exercise, and with adequate muscular adaptation, movements exactly
imitating those which can only be carried out on the ground and at
full speed with ordinary skis. The harness permits the exact
control of the movements and the maintenance of a perfect balance,
whether the sticks are used or not. As a variation, the clogs can
have an orthopedic sole which will be recommended for use with bare
feet.
In a clog variation shown in FIG. 14, the clog has a flat upper
face with hollows in which stops 25 are located for fastening a
small cord 24b serving for securing the clog on the foot. In one
method of utilization, the user can have the ankle directly
attached to the auxiliary cable 8 by means of a strap 13 equipped
with a ring; in order to protect the bare foot from the small cord,
this strap rests on a protecting band in position around the ankle
and crossed on the instep. This same clog can be worn with
shoes.
In a variation shown in FIG. 15, the clogs 27 have the approximate
shape of snow skis and can be used directly on snow. In this
variation, a coupling device for the clogs has two saddle-bows 27
in the form of hoops, the brances of which are equipped with slides
28 housed in the hollow guides 29 fixed longitudinally on the
clogs.
The guides 29 shown in cross-section in FIG. 17f are equipped at
one end with a lock 30 (FIG. 17e) which, once in position, prevents
any freeing of the saddle-bow, the latter, however, remaining free
to move axially along the guide slot for a limited length.
As in seen in FIG. 17a, the lower face of the clog 26 has two
facets 26a situated between a central ridge 26b and two lateral
ridges 26c. The front end, which is curved upwards 26d equipped
with a ring 26e, has two facets 26a forming a reentrant angle (FIG.
17a). A little in front of the foot, these two facets are in line
(FIG. 17b). Further back, they form a salient angle which is
accentuated toward the back (FIGS. 17c and 17d). The facets 26a are
thus generally helicoidal in shape.
In addition, the clog has a heelpiece 32 and foot-holding straps 31
and 33. The heelpiece 32 is placed behind the half-length of the
ski and the lateral ridges 26c in preference extend further back
than the central ridge in order to increase the lift of the back of
the clog.
In a variation shown in FIG. 16, the clogs have the shape of water
skis which are buoyant in order to permit the use of the apparatus
either at home, or on water, with a view to learning this sport. On
water, the clog can also be used singly. It is noted that the
pulley 4, over which the main cable 5 passes, can be attached to a
fixed support (peg) or to a moving connection (a motor boat, for
instance).
It will be noted that it is because of the inherent characteristics
and the special arrangement of devices in conformity with the
invention that a system is obtained which permits passing directly
from the simple exercise to training, then to the practice of the
sport, or vice-versa, by means of the same apparatus. It is this
same arrangement which permits carrying out in one single sequence
and with no idle time an almost unlimited series of movements in
all directions without having to modify either the harness to the
apparatus or the fixing point of the latter.
It is obvious that minor changes may be made in the form and
construction of the invention without departing from the material
spirit thereof. It is not, however, desired to confine the
invention to the exact form herein shown and described, but it is
desired to include all such as properly come within the scope
claimed.
* * * * *