Pull-up station with rotary handles and footrest

Abstract

A training device for pulling up your own body weight from a fully or partially horizontal body position of which the operating principle is based on the rotation of the handles so that the user's feet remain pressed against the footrest whilst performing the pull-ups.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are several tools known for body pull-ups. A common tool is a pull rod that can be attached to a wall. One disadvantage of this instrument is that raising the body is too heavy an exercise to perform once or repeatedly for many.

Another common tool is a frame to enable horizontal pull-ups. In this exercise, the body is pulled up from a wholly or partly horizontal body position, during which the feet continue to rest on the ground whilst lying on your back. The frame is fitted with handles above the user's upper body in order to perform a pull-up. Because the feet continue to rest on the ground during this exercise, the body weight is distributed across the arms and legs, making this less of a strenuous exercise than the one in which the entire body weight is pulled up.

One disadvantage of the frame for horizontal pull-ups is that, if the exercise is performed with the legs stretched out, a horizontally directed force is exerted onto the feet, with this force working in opposite direction when pulling up and lowering the body. This horizontal force is caused due to the distance between the point at which the feet rest on the ground, and the handles of the frame remaining the same, while the distance between the hands and the feet becomes smaller, as the arms are moved towards the body from a position stretched out in front of the body. The horizontal force causes the feet to want to slide over the ground, as a result of which the exercise cannot be performed smoothly. A known solution is to perform the exercise with bent legs, during which the soles of the feet rest on the ground. However, one disadvantage of this form is that the body's center of gravity is closer to the feet compared to when the legs are stretched out, making the pull-ups less strenuous.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide a training device that is suitable for pulling up your own body from a fully or partially horizontal body position, whilst not too strenuous for a person of average physical fitness and strength in order to repeat the exercise multiple times and not too easy to be tiring after a limited number of repetitions. To this end, the present invention makes it possible to pull up with legs stretched out from a fully or partially horizontal body position, without an alternating forward and rearward horizontal force being exerted onto the feet. This objective is achieved by the present invention in the form of a training device for pulling up your own body weight from a fully or partially horizontal body position, consisting of at least one or multiple uprights with at least two handles attached to it for the user's hands, a footrest where the feet can be pressed against, and a connecting piece between the uprights and the footrest, in which construction the handles can rotate towards the footrest with the center of rotation located below or close to the user's upper body, in such a way that the user can perform a pull-up while the feet remain pressed against the rest.

Furthermore, the training device, thanks to the present invention, offers the option of making further adjustments so that the body can be pulled up in different ways. A number of such adjustments will be discussed later on in this document.

As such, the aim of the present invention has been achieved. The operating principle of the present invention is based on the rotation of the handles as described above, so that the user's feet remain pressed against the footrest whilst performing the pull-ups. The advantage of this principle is that the user's body is well-positioned, allowing the user to concentrate on the pull-up exercise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments of the present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference numerals, which are given by way of illustration only and thus do not limit the example embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the preferred design of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a detail of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view to illustrate the rotation of the handles;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view to illustrate a user performing a pull-up;

FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C are three side views to illustrate a user performing a pull-up;

FIG. 5 is a side view to illustrate the various forces that are acting;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative to the preferred design;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the preferred design with additional tools;

FIG. 8A and FIG. 89 are perspective views of an alternative to the preferred design of the footrest;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative to the preferred design;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative to the preferred design;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an alternative to the preferred design;

FIG. 11B is a detail of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are two side views of an alternative to the preferred design to illustrate a user performing a pull-up.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred design in accordance with the present invention allows the connecting piece between the uprights and footrest to be adjusted in length, so that the distance between the uprights and the footrest can be adjusted to the user's height, or to the manner in which the user wants to perform the exercise. There are various tools known in the prior art which can serve as an adjustable connecting piece between the uprights and footrest. Examples of such known tools are: plates, pipes, tubes, ropes, belts, chains, rails, linear bearings, spindles and hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders.

In the preferred design in accordance with the present invention, the connecting piece between the uprights and the footrest consists of a baseplate and ropes, chains or belts that can be adjusted in length, connecting the baseplate and footrest. The rotatability of the uprights is achieved by attaching the uprights to the baseplate by means of hinges. Since the feet are pressed against the footrest during the entire exercise, the connection between baseplate and footrest is acted on in one direction only, making it possible to use ropes, chains or belts. The advantages of ropes, chains or belts are that the dimensions of the baseplate and footrest can remain limited so that the training device takes up little space when not in use. Its limited volume is particularly important when the training device is used in a living environment. Another advantage of ropes, chains or belts is that the connection that has been established can be adjusted in length using basic tools.

In the preferred design in accordance with the present invention, the footrest is connected to the baseplate at the same height as where the feet are supported. This prevents torque forces acting on the construction of the footrest so that the footrest can be constructed with a limited amount of material.

In the preferred design in accordance with the present invention, two uprights are connected at the top by a rod, which is fitted with at least two handles. It prevents torque forces acting on the uprights and baseplate, partly thanks to the uprights having been hinged to the baseplate, so that the uprights and baseplate of the footrest can be constructed with a limited amount of material.

In the preferred design in accordance with the present invention, the footrest is designed in such a manner that the feet are pressed against the rest whilst the heels are resting on the ground so that the exercise can be performed comfortably.

FIG. 1A shows a preferred design of the present invention, with two uprights 11 that are connected at the top by a rod 12. In accordance with this preferred design, the rod 12 provides the handles for the user's hands. The uprights 11 are connected to a baseplate 14, by means of two hinges 13. Two brackets 15 are mounted on the baseplate through which two ropes 16 are looped. The ropes are connected to the footrest on the other side by means of eye bolts 17 and knots 18. The ropes 16 are adjustable in length by means of two clamps 19, to which the ropes 16 are connected by means of knots 20. The eye bolts 17 are attached to the uprights 22 and attached to the beam 23 of the footrest. The uprights 22 of the footrest are connected to baseplate 21 of the footrest. The footrest in the preferred design shown consists of the assembly of two eye bolts 17, the beam 23, two uprights 22 and the baseplate 21. FIG. 1B has zoomed in on a section of FIG. 1A and shows a bracket 15, part of a rope 16, a hinge 13, part of an upright 11 and part of the baseplate 14.

FIG. 2 shows the same preferred design of the present invention as FIG. 1A, yet from a different perspective, in which the two uprights 11 and the rod 12 are shown in three different random positions, thereby providing an insight into the rotating operation of the uprights 11.

FIG. 3 shows the same preferred design of the present invention as FIG. 1A, yet from a different perspective, with the user performing horizontal pull-ups. The user uses his hands 25 to hold the rod 12, causing his feet 26 to be pressed against the beam 23 of the footrest.

FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C show the same preferred design of the present invention as FIG. 1A from a side view, with the user in three different, random positions. NG. 4A shows the starting position in which the user is sitting on the ground, his hands 25 holding the rod 12 and his feet 26 pressed against the beam 23, which cannot be seen from the side, of the footrest. FIG. 4B shows the position in which the user has stretched out his body from the starting position, thus hanging from the training device. FIG. 4C shows the position in which the user has pulled himself up.

FIG. 5 shows the same preferred design of the present invention as FIG. 1A, yet from a side view, in which the user is shown in a random position whilst pulling up, together with the various forces that are acting. In FIG. 5, the gravitational force 50 is shown as a force acting on the center of the user's body. In FIG. 5, the gravitational force 50 is disintegrated in two forces 51 and 52 acting on the training device. The user's hands exert force 51 on the rod 12. This three 51 also acts on the uprights 11. The user's feet exert force 52 on the beam 23, which cannot be seen from the side view. In FIG. 5, three 51 is disintegrated into forces 53 and 54 and force 52 into 55 and 56. Forces 53 and 55 act on the cord 16 in opposite ways. Forces 54 and 56 are the forces exerted by the training device on the floor or ground. The sum of forces 54 and 56 is equal to the sum of gravity 50 and the weight of the training device.

Alternatively, or additionally, a training device, in accordance with the present invention, can be fitted with handles for the user's hands, which are or can be positioned in different ways. This can be achieved by attaching brackets to the uprights, or by attaching brackets to a rod which connects the uprights at the top, or by connecting the uprights at the top by means of a construction which makes it possible for the handles to be positioned differently. The advantage of handles with different positions is that the exercise can be performed in different ways.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative to the preferred design of the present invention, from a perspective view. The parts in FIG. 6 which are the same as in FIG. 1A are numbered in the same way. One difference between the training devices in FIG. 1A and FIG. 6 is that the rod 12 in FIG. 1A has been replaced by a construction 61 in FIG. 6, making it possible to use the handles in different positions. Another difference is that the cords 16, the clamps 19 and eye bolts 17 in FIG. 1A have been replaced in FIG. 6 by two chains 62 and two screw hooks 63. The chains are connected to the baseplate by means of two brackets 15 and to the footrest by the screw hooks 63. The distance between the baseplate and footrest can be changed by changing the links in which the chains 62 are hooked into the screw hooks 63.

FIG. 7 shows the same preferred design of the present invention as FIG. 1A, from the same perspective view, with two brackets 71 and two hooks 72 added to it. The brackets 71 provide for handles in a different position compared to the position of the handles provided by the rod 12. To this end, the brackets 71 have been attached to the hooks 72. The hooks 72 suspend from the rod 12.

Alternatively or additionally, a training device in accordance with the present invention can be fitted with a footrest with a rotatable part against which user's feet can be pressed. Thanks to this rotatable part, the feet can rotate with the movement of the body whilst pulling up. The rotatable part can further be fitted with one or multiple springs, creating a preferred position for the rotatable part and thus reducing the risk that the rotatable part rotates further than desired by the user. For this same purpose, the footrest can further be fitted with stops, limiting the angle of movement of the rotatable part.

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B show an alternative to the preferred design of the footrest of the present invention from two different perspective views. FIG. 8A shows a footrest with a rotatable part 81 against which the user's feet can be pressed in two different random positions. The surface of the movable part 81 in FIG. 8A is ribbed so that the user's feet cannot slip. FIG. 8B shows the other side of the footrest from which it is clear that the rotatable part 81 is connected to a shaft 83 by means of two bearings 82. The shaft 83 is connected to either side of the uprights 22, which are attached to a baseplate 21. FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B partially show the cords 16 which are connected to the footrest by two eye bolts 17 and knots 18.

Alternatively, or additionally, a training device in accordance with the present invention can be fitted with a footrest with a part against which the user's feet can be pressed and which consists of a cushion filled with a gas (mixture), liquid (mixture) or elastic material. An example of an elastic material as referred to in the preceding sentence is foam rubber. This cushion enables the user's feet to rotate with the movement of the body whilst pulling up.

Alternatively, or additionally, a training device in accordance with the present invention can be fitted with uprights which, by means of one or multiple tools, enable the user to change the distance between the handles and their center of rotation, i.e. the height of the handles. There are various tools known in the prior art which make it possible to change the height of the handles. One example of a common tool is for each upright to be composed of two telescoping tubes or pipes, which can be fixed at different positions in relation to each other. Another example of a common tool involves a number of holes at different heights in each upright, in which a locking pin can be inserted at the desired height. Subsequently, a bracket can be attached to this locking pin, which serves as handle. One advantage of changing the height of the handles is that this allows the training device to be adjusted to the user's physical dimensions, or to the manner in which the user wishes to perform the exercise.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative to the preferred design of the present invention from a perspective view, in which the height of the handles can be changed. FIG. 9 shows two different, random heights of the handles. The parts in FIG. 9 which are the same as in FIG. 1A are numbered in the same way. One difference between the training devices in FIG. 1A and FIG. 9 is that the uprights 11 in FIG. 1A have been replaced by two pairs of telescoping tubes 91 and 92 and two locking pins 93 in FIG. 9. The two tubes 91 are connected by means of hinges 13 attached to the baseplate 14 and fitted with a number of holes through which the locking pins 93 can be inserted. The two tubes 92 are attached to the rod 12 and each fitted with a hole through which the locking pins 93 can be inserted. FIG. 9 shows the tubes 92 and locking pins 93 in two different, random positions, in which the locking pins 93 fix the position of tubes 92 in relation to tubes 91.

FIG. 10 shows an alternative to the preferred design of the present invention from a perspective view, in which the height of the handles can be changed. The parts in FIG. 10 which are the same as in FIG. 6 are numbered in the same way. One difference between the training devices in FIG. 6 and FIG. 10 is that the uprights 11 and construction 61 in FIG. 6 have been replaced by uprights 101, locking pins 102, brackets 103 and, optionally, beam 104 in FIG. 10. The brackets 103 which serve as handles for the user are attached to the locking pins 102. The locking pins can be inserted in the holes in the uprights 101 according to personal preference, making it possible to change the height of the handles. The beam 104 is optional and ensures that the two uprights 101 maintain the same angle of rotation in relation to the baseplate when pulling up.

Alternatively, or additionally, a training device in accordance with the present invention can be fitted with uprights which can be attached to the footrest by means of a connecting piece, without hinges and a baseplate. The uprights are able to rotate in the direction of the footrest thanks to the shape of the contact surface between the uprights and the floor.

Alternatively, or additionally, a training device in accordance with the present invention can be fitted with a footrest which allows the heels of the feet to rest on the ground. The advantage of this is that the footrest can be constructed with a limited amount of material and, for example, can consist of a bar or leather strap.

FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B show an alternative to the preferred design of the present invention from a perspective view, in which the uprights are attached to the footrest by means of a connecting piece without hinges and a baseplate, which construction allows for the heels of the feet to rest on the ground. The parts in FIG. 11A which are the same as in FIG. 1A are numbered in the same way. One difference between the training devices in FIG. 1A and FIG. 11A is that the baseplates 14 and hinges 15 in FIG. 1A have been replaced by a circular bar 111, shafts 112 and rings 113 in FIG. 11A. Another difference between the training devices in FIG. 1A and FIG. 11A is that the uprights 22, beam 23 and the baseplate 21 of the footrest in FIG. 1A have been replaced by the beam 114 in FIG. 11A. In FIG. 11A, the uprights 11 have been attached to the circular bar 111. Two shafts 112 have been attached at the ends of the circular bar 111. The shafts 112 have been fitted with flat ends which serve as stops for two rings 113. Two ropes 16 are looped through the rings 113, which can rotate around the shafts 112. The cords 16 are connected to the beam 114 by means of two eye bolts 17 and two knots 18. The uprights 11 can rotate towards the footrest as the circular bar 111 can roll over the ground. The user's feet can be pressed against the beam 114, whilst the heels of the feet rest on the ground. FIG. 11B has zoomed in on a section of FIG. 11A and shows part of the circular bar 111, part of a rope 16, a shaft 112 and a ring 113.

Alternatively, or additionally, a training device in accordance with the present invention can be used for pulling up your own body from a largely vertical body position. Two differences compared to the preferred design for pulling up your own body from a largely horizontal body position are that, at equal physical dimensions of the user, the distance between the center of rotation of the handles and the footrest is smaller, and second, the distance between the handles and the rotation center of the handles is larger.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B show an alternative to the preferred design of the present invention from a side view, with the user in two different, random positions. The description of the parts of the training device is equal to the description of the parts in FIG. 1A. FIG. 12A shows the position in which the user suspends from the rod 12 with both hands 121 holding on. The feet 122 are pressed against the beam 23, which cannot be seen from the side view, of the footrest. FIG. 12B shows the position in which the user has pulled himself up.

Claims

1. A training device for pulling up your own body weight from a fully or partially horizontal body position, consisting of at least one or multiple uprights with at least two handles attached to it for the user's hands, a footrest where the feet can be pressed against, and a connecting piece between the uprights and the footrest, in which construction the handles can rotate towards the footrest with the center of rotation located below or close to the user's upper body, in such a way that the user can perform a pull-up while the feet remain pressed against the rest.

2. A training device according to claim 1, further comprising the connecting piece between the uprights and footrest being adjustable in length.

3. A training device as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the handles for the user's hands are or can be positioned in different ways.

4. A training device as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the footrest is fitted with a rotatable part.

5. A training device according to claim 4, further comprising the rotatable part is fitted with one or multiple springs, which provide the rotatable part with a preferred position.

6. A training device according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising the rotatable part is fitted with one or multiple stops that limit the angle of movement of the rotatable part.

7. A training device as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the footrest is fitted with a part against which the user's feet can be pressed and which consists of a cushion filled with a gas (mixture), liquid (mixture) or elastic material.

8. A training device as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the uprights have been fitted with one or multiple tools that enable the user to change the distance between the handles and the center of rotation of the handles.

9. A training device as in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising pulling up your own body from a largely vertical body position for which, at equal physical dimensions of the user, (i) the distance between the center of rotation of the handles and the footrest is smaller compared to pulling up your own body from a largely horizontal body position and (ii) the distance between the handles and the center of rotation of the handles is larger.