Frictional Resistance Exercise System and Methods of Use
An improved frictional resistance exercise system is disclosed. Typically, the improved frictional resistance exercise system includes a plurality of T-shaped cylindrical members and a plurality of door mount assemblies. Each of the plurality of door mount assemblies is adapted to fit over a door edge and extend to at least one of a door front surface and a door back surface allowing a door to be opened or closed when coupled thereon. Moreover, each of the plurality of T-shaped cylindrical members is coupled to each of the plurality of door mount assemblies. A rope having a first end and a second end is slidably coupled to each of the plurality of T-shaped cylindrical members. Exemplary exercise routines for use with the improved frictional resistance exercise system whereby the resistance can be varied throughout the range of motion of the exercise routine are further disclosed.
The present invention pertains to exercise equipment and methods of exercising.
BACKGROUNDMany individuals are incorporating strength training into their regular exercise routines. However, traditional weight training uses free weights, elastic or rubber bands or rods to produce a force or counter force for the individual engaged in strength training. These traditional weight training techniques generally comprise some form of stored energy in their system that could become excessive and cause injury to the individual. This risk of injury is exacerbated particularly when the individual is a child or elderly person. Additionally, traditional weight training systems using elastic or rubber bands significantly constrain the range of motion that can be performed. Moreover, significant exercise time is typically lost because the user is required to select the correct combination of weights and elastic or rubber bands or rods to perform various exercises. Certain mechanical gym systems attempt to mitigate this safety concern by incorporating large support structures to contain the weight and/or elastic or rubber bands or rods. Some gym systems braid a plurality of elastic bands together in an effort to control an unexpected release of stored energy which would occur if a single elastic band were to snap due to age or otherwise. Additionally, these mechanical gym systems utilize cables and pulleys to direct or limit the force associated with the stored energy. Hence, the forces and resistances from these mechanical gym systems are generally limited on a single plane thereby negating some of the effectiveness of a given exercise. Also, mechanical gym systems typically do not provide variable resistance throughout the range of motion for a specific exercise or routine. Moreover, these mechanical gym systems are typically heavy and/or bulky and not suitable for residential use when space is limited. For example, these heavy and bulky mechanical gym systems are usually installed in a communal area in multiple dwelling units such as apartment complexes and hotels.
For some individuals, the alternative of exercising in a communal area is neither convenient nor desirable. Coupled with the safety concerns of the stored energy in most mechanical gym systems as well as their high costs, many individuals unfortunately forgo important and health strength training exercise routines. Heretofore, an exercise system that provides strength training safely and conveniently while providing variable resistance during the entire range of motion in an exercise or routine remains a desirable system for many individuals.
Embodiments of a frictional resistance exercise device typically comprise a T-shaped cylindrical member and a door mount assembly. The T-shaped cylindrical member typically includes a first cylindrical section and a second cylindrical section. The T-shaped cylindrical member is coupled to the door mount assembly. The door mount assembly typically includes a first section, a second section, and a third section. Each of these sections typically abuts a surface of a door. The sections are adapted to attach generally to a door edge and allow the door to be closed even when the door mount assembly is attached. However, some embodiments of the frictional resistance exercise device may only comprise a T-shaped cylindrical member coupled directly to a door surface.
An exemplary rope assembly is used with a plurality of friction resistance exercise devices coupled to a door to create a frictional resistance exercise system. The rope assembly typically comprises a rope, a handle stirrup on each end of the rope, and a first handle and a second handle coupled to each handle stirrup. A variety of exercise routines can be performed by a user using embodiments of a frictional resistance exercise system.
An exemplary frictional resistance exercise system typically includes a first frictional resistance exercise device, a second frictional resistance exercise device, and a rope assembly. In some embodiments a cord can be used to aid in securing the first and second frictional resistance exercise devices to the door. Numerous rope configurations can be used in conjunction with the variety of exercise routines to provide safe and convenient strength training. Utilizing two frictional resistance exercise devices coupled to a door typically, but not necessarily, at a top door edge and a bottom door edge enables a user to best perform various exercises where the user's two hand move together (e.g., a squat exercise), as well as exercises where the user's foot and opposite side hand move in an opposite direction to each other (e.g., a leg extension exercise).
Embodiments of the frictional resistance exercise system advantageously provide a variable resistance over a range of motion for a given exercise. Almost every exercises and exercise routines require a resistance curve that matches the strength curve of the user thereby necessitating a variable resistance to optimize the exercise or exercise routine. Embodiments of the frictional resistance exercise system enable the user to control and adjust the resistance of an exercise throughout the entire range of motion of the exercise thereby allowing the strength curve of the user to be more precisely matched during various points in the range of motion of the exercise.
Embodiments of the frictional resistance exercise system provide benefits including, but not limited to: (i) elimination of stored energy release from stretching of elastic or rubber bands or rods, springs or the like, (ii) significantly reduced floor space requirements, (iii) reduced set-up and storage time for the exercise equipment, (iv) matched resistance to the user's strength curve, and (v) varied resistance controlled by the user without having to make weight selection adjustments.
TerminologyThe terms and phrases as indicated in quotes (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document including the claims unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.
The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning: either or both.
References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment.
The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.
Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “back”, “front” and “lateral” are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.
As applicable, the terms “about” and “generally” as used herein unless otherwise indicated mean a margin of +−20%. Also, as applicable, the term “substantially” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−10%. Concerning angular measurements, “about” or “generally” refer to +−10 degrees and “substantially” refers to +−5.0 degrees unless otherwise indicated. It is to be appreciated that not all uses of the above terms are quantifiable such that the referenced ranges can be applied.
Exemplary Embodiments of a Frictional Resistance Exercise DeviceIn some embodiments the first and second cylindrical sections 105 & 115 are integrated pieces or welded or glued together. More typically, the first cylindrical section 105 is coupled to the second cylindrical section 115 by one or more fasteners and one or more receiving nuts. As illustrated in
Still referring to
The third section 220 is a flat generally rectangular section and connected to the second section 210. As illustrated in
Typically, but not necessarily, the door mount assembly is a unitary piece of metal generally shaped as illustrated in
Still referring to
Now referring to
It is pertinent to note that when a plurality of friction resistance exercise devices 10 are employed in a friction resistance exercise system end caps for the first cylindrical section 105 are typically not necessary because ropes and rope assemblies used in conjunction with the plurality of friction resistance exercise devices 10 will be adequately secured without such end caps. As shown in the perspective view of
The frictional resistance exercise device is not limited by the exemplary embodiment as described above. Many variations and alternate embodiments exist and are contemplated with the scope of invention. For example, one variation of the frictional resistance exercise device exists where the door mount assembly extends perpendicularly from the door edge. With reference to
The rope assembly 400 is slidably coupled to the first and second T-shaped cylindrical members of the first and second frictional resistance exercise devices 10a & 10b. Starting from the first handle 405a of the rope assembly 400 and ending with the second handle 405b, the rope 410 is placed: (i) between the right arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105 of the first frictional resistance exercise device 10a and the door 30; (ii) over or around the top of the second cylindrical section 115 of the first frictional resistance exercise device 10a; (iii) between the left arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105 of the first frictional resistance exercise device 10a and the door 30; (iv) down generally extending the length of the door 30; (v) between the left arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105 of the second frictional resistance exercise device 10b and the door 30; (vi) under or around the bottom of the second cylindrical section 115 of the second frictional resistance exercise device 10b; and (vii) between the right arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105 of the second frictional resistance exercise device 10b and the door 30 (refer back to
Still referring to
Depending on the specific exercise routine being performed, it may be advantageous to couple the first frictional resistance exercise device 10a a hinge side door edge and the second frictional resistance exercise device 10b to a latch side door edge. Moreover, it is sometimes advantageous (but not necessary) to align the first frictional resistance exercise devices 10a approximately longitudinally or directly above the second frictional resistance exercise device 10b when the first and second frictional resistance exercise devices 10a &10b are coupled on top and bottom door edges. Similarly, it is sometimes advantageous (but not necessary) to align the first frictional resistance exercise devices 10a approximately latitudinally or directly across the second frictional resistance exercise device 10b when the first and second frictional resistance exercise devices 10a &10b are coupled on hinge and latch side door edges.
As illustrated in
It is to be appreciated that when utilizing the frictional resistance exercise system a greater force is required to push or pull the one of the handles generally away from the door 30 or the system than the force required to resist or hold the other of handles from moving toward the door 30 or the system given the friction resistance provided by devices and system. Moreover, there is no stored energy in the system from elastic or rubber bands or rods, gravity from weights, (or similar stored energy techniques mechanisms used in most exercise equipment) that could become excessive and cause injury to the user 15 when such stored energy suddenly releases.
Embodiments of the frictional resistance exercise system including the various configurations of the plurality of frictional resistance devices thereof can be utilized as to perform various exercises. An exemplary method utilizing embodiments of the frictional resistance system is illustrated in the flow chart of
Method 500 enables a user to more safely and conveniently perform a variety of exercises. An operation 505 of method 500 comprises providing a plurality of frictional resistance exercise devices. As illustrated in
Returning now to the flow chart of
Next, as described in block 520, a rope is attached to the first and second exercise devices. The rope can be the rope assembly 400 described above and illustrated in
Referring back to
It is to be appreciated that the numerous exercises may be performed in accordance with the method described above. Although a few exemplary exercises are discussed and illustrated in
The various embodiments and variations thereof illustrated in the accompanying figures and/or described above are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations to the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon the appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.
For example, in some embodiments, the door mount assemblies can be modified to couple directly to a wall, fence (e.g., warming-up and strengthening a user's arm for baseball practice or games), or other structure besides a door.
Claims
1. A frictional resistance exercise system comprising:
- a plurality of T-shaped cylindrical members;
- a plurality of door mount assemblies, the plurality of door mount assemblies being adapted to fit over a door edge and extending to at least one of a door front surface and a door back surface allowing a door to be closed when coupled thereon, each of the plurality of T-shaped cylindrical members being coupled to each of the plurality of door mount assemblies;
- wherein the plurality of door mount assemblies comprise a first door mount assembly coupled to a door edge and a second door mount assembly coupled the opposing door edge, the first door mount assembly being approximately aligned linerally with the second door mount assembly; and
- a rope, the rope having a first end and a second end, the rope being slidably coupled to each of the plurality of T-shaped cylindrical members.
2. The frictional resistance exercise system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of T-shaped cylindrical members is comprised of copper and is substantially hollow.
3. The frictional resistance exercise system of claim 2, wherein the at least one of the plurality of T-shaped cylindrical members comprises a first section and a second section intersecting the first section in the approximate center thereof, the first section being coupled to the second section by one or more fasteners and one or more receiving nuts.
4. The frictional resistance exercise system of claim 3, wherein the first section being coupled to the second section by one or more fasteners and one or more receiving nuts comprises the first section being coupled to the second section by two threaded fasteners and two threaded receiving nuts whereby head portions of the two threaded fasteners are in contact with bores in the door mount assembly, elongated threaded portions of the two threaded fasteners pass through the second section, and ends of the elongated threaded portions distal the head portions extend into the first section, and are coupled to the two threaded receiving nuts therein.
5. The frictional resistance exercise system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of door mount assemblies comprise a first door mount assembly coupled to a top door edge and second door mount assembly coupled to a bottom opposing door edge, the first door mount assembly being approximately aligned longitudinally with the second door mount assembly.
6. The frictional resistance exercise system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of door mount assemblies comprise a first door mount assembly coupled to a hinge side door edge and second door mount assembly coupled to a latch door edge, the first door mount assembly being approximately aligned latitudinally with the second door mount assembly.
7. The frictional resistance exercise system of claim 5, wherein the first door mount assembly and the second door mount assembly are coupled proximal a hinge side door edge.
8. The frictional resistance exercise system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of door mount assemblies includes a bracket having a first section and a second section, the first section being a flat generally rectangular section with one or more first bores, and a second section being connected to and disposed substantially perpendicular to the first section thereby creating an L-bracket.
9. The frictional resistance exercise system of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of door mount assemblies further includes a third section, the third section being a flat generally rectangular section, the third section being connected to and disposed substantially perpendicular to the second section thereby creating a J-bracket.
10. The frictional resistance exercise system of claim 9, wherein the first section, the second section, and the third section has a thickness of approximately 16-24 gauge.
11. The frictional resistance exercise system of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of door mount assemblies further includes (i) one or more first fasteners, each of the one or more first fasteners adapted to extend substantially through each of the one or more first bores and to couple to the one or more first retaining nut, and (ii) one or more second fasteners, each of the one or more second fasteners adapted to extend substantially through each of the one or more second bores and to couple to the door edge.
12. The frictional resistance exercise system of claim 1 further comprising, at least one padding member, the at least one padding member being couples to a door mount assembly adjacent a surface of a door.
13. (canceled)
14. A frictional resistance exercise system comprising:
- a first T-shaped cylindrical member;
- a first door mount assembly, the first door mount assembly including a bracket coupled to a door top edge and extending to a door front surface and a door back surface, the first door mount assembly being coupled to the first T-shaped cylindrical member;
- a second T-shaped cylindrical member;
- a second door mount assembly, the second door mount assembly including a bracket coupled to a door bottom edge and extending to the door front surface and the door back surface, the second door mount assembly being coupled to the second T-shaped cylindrical member, and
- a rope, the rope having a first end and a second end, the rope being slidably coupled to the first and second T-Shaped cylindrical members.
15. The frictional resistance exercise system of claim 14, further comprising,
- a cord, the cord coupled to a base portion of the first T-shaped cylindrical member and a base portion of the second T-shaped cylindrical member, the cord adapted to secure a one of the first door mount assembly and second door mount assembly when the other of the first door mount assembly and the second door mount assembly is coupled to its door edge by one or more fasteners.
16. A method of exercising, the method comprising:
- providing a plurality of frictional resistance exercise devices, each of the frictional exercise devices having a T-shaped cylindrical member and a door mount assembly, wherein (i) the door mount assembly is adapted to fit over a door edge and extend to at least one of a door front surface allowing a door to be closed when coupled thereon, and (ii) the T-shaped cylindrical member is coupled to the door mount assembly;
- securing a first frictional resistance exercise device to a top door edge;
- securing a second frictional resistance device to a bottom door edge;
- attaching a rope to the first frictional resistance exercise device and the second exercise devices;
- applying a force to the ends of the rope while holding the ends of the rope along a horizontal plane, the force being resisted by the first and second frictional devices.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 5, 2010
Publication Date: Aug 11, 2011
Inventor: Arvin F. Liester (Monument, CO)
Application Number: 12/701,325
International Classification: A63B 21/018 (20060101);