Hybrid Hook for Weight Training
Here is disclosed an attachment for a pull up cable of a weight training machine. The attachment is for use with a free weight having a pair of weights on either end of a handle. The attachment includes an elongated member having opposite ends with a hook formed on each of the opposite ends of the elongated member. An attachment member is formed on the elongated member midway between the opposite ends. Each of the hooks are dimensioned to hook onto the handle portion of the free weight. The hooks are separated from each other by a distance sufficient to permit a user to grasp the handle of the free weight between the hooks. Finally, the attachment member is configured to couple to the pull up cable of the weight machine.
The invention relates generally to weight training machines which use primarily gravity as a source of resistance and an combination of cables and pulleys to convey that resistance to the person using the machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONWeight training involves the repetitive use of certain resistance exercises to train various muscle groups in the body. Weight training can be achieved using a variety of different techniques aided by a variety of different devices. Free weights, such as dumbbells and bar bells are tradition weight training equipment, which are very effective for the purpose of weight training when used appropriately. Weight training machines are another form of weight training equipment which uses a series of simple machines, such as levers and pulleys, to deliver a source of resistance to a user. Weight training machines usually use a series of heavy weights which are coupled to the simple machines as a source of resistance; however, weight training machines which use elastic deformation of bands or elongated members are also known. Weight training machines have the advantage of being easy to set up and use and can provide a user with a work out targeting specific muscle groups. Free weights are also very effective, and have added benefits such as versatility and the ability to work out several muscle groups simultaneously. Each type of equipment has its advantages and disadvantages; however, nearly all serious weight trainers will use free weights. Unfortunately, free weights do require some skill to use properly, particularly if the trainer wishes to target specific muscle groups while avoiding injury or strain. A system which combines the advantages of both types of training equipment would be beneficial.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachment for a pull up cable of a weight training machine. The attachment is for use with a free weight having a pair of weights on either end of a handle. The attachment includes an elongated member having opposite ends with a hook formed on each of the opposite ends of the elongated member. An attachment member is formed on the elongated member midway between the opposite ends. Each of the hooks are dimensioned to hook onto the handle portion of the free weight. The hooks are separated from each other by a distance sufficient to permit a user to grasp the handle of the free weight between the hooks. Finally, the attachment member is configured to couple to the pull up cable of the weight machine.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachment for a pull up cable of a weight training machine. The attachment is for use with a dumbbell having a pair of weights on either end of a handle. The attachment includes an elongated member having opposite ends with a hook formed on each of the opposite ends of the elongated member. An attachment member is formed on the elongated member midway between the opposite ends. Each of the hooks are dimensioned to hook onto the handle portion of the free weight. The hooks are separated from each other by a distance sufficient to position the hooks adjacent to and between the weights. Finally, the attachment member is configured to couple to the pull up cable of the weight machine.
With the foregoing in view, and other advantages as will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates as this specification proceeds, the invention is herein described by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, which includes a description of the preferred typical embodiment of the principles of the present invention.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONReferring to
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A specific embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed; however, several variations of the disclosed embodiment could be envisioned as within the scope of this invention. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims
Claims
1. An attachment for a pull up cable of a weight training machine for use with a free weight having a pair of weights on either end of a handle, the attachment comprising:
- a. An elongated member having opposite ends, a hook formed on each of the opposite ends of the elongated member, an attachment member formed on the elongated member midway between the opposite ends;
- b. each of the hooks dimensioned to hook onto the handle portion of the free weight;
- c. the hooks being separated by distance sufficient to permit a user to grasp the handle of the free weight between the hooks, and
- d. the attachment member configured to couple to the pull up cable of the weight machine.
2. The attachment of claim 1 wherein the attachment member comprises a flat member with an aperture passing there through, the aperture dimensioned to receive a carabineer coupled to the pull up cable.
3. The attachment of claim 1 wherein each of the hooks is formed as a perpendicular extension from the elongated member, the hook having a curved terminal end dimensioned to receive the handle portion of the free weight, the curved terminal end separated from the elongated member by a length sufficient to permit the user's hand to pass between the handle portion of the free weight and the elongated portion.
4. The attachment of claim 3 wherein the distance separating the hooks is at least 5 inches and wherein the length is at least 4 inches.
5. The attachment of claim 2 wherein the elongated member has opposite sides and wherein the attachment member is positioned on the opposite side of the elongated member relative to the hooks.
6. An attachment for a pull up cable of a weight training machine for use with a dumbbell having a pair of weights on either end of a handle, the attachment comprising:
- a. An elongated member having opposite ends, a hook formed on each of the opposite ends of the elongated member, an attachment member formed on the elongated member midway between the opposite ends;
- b. each of the hooks dimensioned to hook onto the handle portion of the free weight;
- c. the hooks being separated by distance sufficient to position the hooks adjacent to and between the weights, and
- d. the attachment member configured to couple to the pull up cable of the weight machine.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 11, 2014
Publication Date: Jan 14, 2016
Inventor: David P. MacInnis (Toronto)
Application Number: 14/329,504