US20120302410A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20120302410A1
Application number: US13/482,680
Authority: US
Inventors: John Kitchens; Scott Johnson
Original assignee: KITCHENS JOHN W DR
Current assignee: KITCHENS JOHN W DR
Priority date: 2011-05-26
Filing date: 2012-05-29
Publication date: 2012-11-29
Also published as: WO2012162694A3; WO2012162694A2

Abstract

A portable exercise device is for use by a subject in performing at least a pull-up exercise association with a fixed support structure. A clamp includes a body having an elongated portion and at least one projecting end portion including a movable connector for securely fastening the body to the support structure. A hand grip is connected to the clamp, such as along a portion of the body, and may be movable relative thereto. The clamp may be removably fixed to the support structure for performing the pull-up exercise. The clamp may also be supported in a manner that facilitates the performance of a push-up exercise. Related methods are disclosed.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/490,226, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to the exercise arts and, more particularly, to a portable exercise device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The combination of today's frenetic pace of living combined with the current trend toward a desire for health and well-being has led to a substantial need for the ability to perform a meaningful exercise regimen while “on the go.” While various types of portable exercise devices have been proposed, all suffer from considerable bulk, cost, and complexity, which is anti-thetical to the current need. Furthermore, many such devices are arranged to allow for only one form of exercise, making it necessary to bring along multiple devices in order to perform an array of exercises.

Accordingly, a need exists for an improved portable exercise device to aid in addressing the above issues.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a portable exercise device for use by a subject in performing at least a pull-up exercise association with a support structure. The device comprises a clamp including a body, which may be C-shaped and thus includes a first projecting end portion and a second projecting end portion spaced from the first projecting end portion so as to form a gap for receiving the support structure in use, at least one of said first and second end portions including a connector adapted for moving along an axis for securely fastening the C-shaped body to the support structure. A hand grip connected to the clamp extends in a direction generally aligned with the axis. The clamp may be removably fixed to the support structure for performing the pull-up exercise.

In one embodiment, the connector comprises a rod extending through an opening in the body, the rod including a pad for contacting the support structure. The connector in one particular embodiment comprises a ratchet mechanism. A second connector may be provided for use in combination with the connector for aiding in securing the clamp to the support structure. The device may further include a support for supporting the clamp in an upstanding position for aiding the subject in the performance of a push-up exercise. The support may further include a receiver for receiving the connector. In one embodiment, the receiver is non-circular in shape and the connector is a similar non-circular shape to prevent the rotation of the clamp relative to the support when mated.

The hand grip may overlie a portion of the C-shaped body of the clamp, or a portion of the C-shaped body may be spaced from and extend generally parallel to the hand grip. The device may include a recess in the body of the clamp for receiving an auxiliary exercise component. In one particular embodiment, the hand grip comprises a material softer than the body. The hand grip may also be movably mounted to the clamp, and adapted to adjust the position of the movable connector for securing the clamp to the support structure.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a portable exercise device for use by a subject in association with a door frame for performing a pull-up exercise or in association with a floor for performing a push-up exercise. The device comprises a C-shaped clamp for fastening adjacent the door frame for performing the pull-up exercise, and a support for supporting the clamp in a position for performing the push-up exercise.

In one embodiment, the C-shaped clamp includes a connector for securing the clamp adjacent to the door frame. The support may include a receiver for receiving a portion of the C-shaped clamp. The receiver and the portion of the C-shaped clamp may be formed of corresponding shapes for engaging one another so as to prevent relative rotation. The support may comprise a connector adapted for engaging a surface adjacent the door frame during the pull-up exercise.

A further aspect of the disclosure relates to a method of performing an exercise with the aid of a portable exercise device. The method comprises attaching a C-shaped clamp to a fixed support structure to aid in performing a pull-up exercise; removing the C-shaped clamp from the fixed support structure; and supporting the C-shaped clamp in an upright position for aid in performing a push-up exercise. In one embodiment, the supporting step comprises attaching the clamp to a support in a manner that prevents relative rotation of the clamp and the support. The method may further include the step of attaching a bar to the clamp prior to the removing step.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a portable exercise device for use by a subject in performing at least a pull-up exercise association with a support structure. The device comprises a clamp including a first projecting end portion and a second projecting end portion spaced from the first projecting end portion so as to form a gap for receiving the support structure in use, at least one of said first and second end portions including a connector adapted for moving along an axis for securely fastening the clamp to the support structure. A hand grip os connected to the clamp, said hand grip extending in a direction generally aligned with the axis and being associated with an actuator for moving the connector along the axis for securely fastening the clamp to the support structure. Consequently, the clamp may be removably fixed to the support structure for performing the pull-up exercise.

In one embodiment, the actuator comprises a linear actuator for urging the clamp to tighten against the support structure when the hand grip is grasped during the pull-up exercise. The device may further include a base for supporting the clamp in a generally upright position for performing a push-up exercise. The base may include a receiver for receiving and holding the clamp in place, and the actuator may comprise a linear actuator for urging the clamp to tighten against the base when the hand grip is grasped during the push-up exercise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects described herein and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exercise device according to the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is side view of an exercise device fixed in a position associated with the top of a door frame;

FIG. 3ais a side view of an exercise device engaging a support;

FIG. 3bis a bottom view of the exercise device and support ofFIG. 3a;

FIG. 3cis a top view of the exercise device and support ofFIG. 3a;

FIG. 4ais a side view of a support;

FIG. 4bis an end view of the brace;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the device with two clamping means;

FIG. 6ais a side view of a subject using the device ofFIG. 5 attached to a wall adjacent a door frame for assistance with a pull-up;

FIG. 6bis a front view of a subject using two of the devices ofFIG. 5 attached to a wall adjacent a door frame for assistance with a pull-up;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a device with a ratchet bar clamping means;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a device with a recess for supporting a bar for pull-ups;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a subject using two of the devices ofFIG. 8 attached to a wall adjacent a door frame for assistance with a pull-up utilizing a bar between the two devices; and

FIGS. 10-16 illustrate alternate embodiments of exercise devices according to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made toFIG. 1, illustrating aportable exercise device10 for use by a human subject (see representation of subject S inFIG. 6a) performing an exercise using their arms. In the illustrated embodiment, thedevice10 includes aclamp11 having a generally C-shaped body. Thedevice10 includes ahand grip12, which may be secured to and extend along an elongated portion of the C-shaped body, and should be sufficient in length and diameter to provide a gripping surface for a wide variety of hand sizes.

A fastener is provided for securing theclamp11 in a fixed location. The fastener may be located at one end of the C-shaped body. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener comprises afirst connector13 corresponding to and opposing a second connector at an opposing end of the body, such as abrace16, to form a gap G for receiving a support structure. Together, the first and second connectors extend along an axis, and thehand grip12 extends in a longitudinal direction L generally in alignment with this axis (e.g., parallel to it), and generally in a transverse direction T relative to the end portions of the C-shaped body.

Theconnector13 may be actuatable or movable relative to the body of theclamp11 to control the relative positioning of an associatedpad15 with theconnector13 along the axis. To provide this actuation, theconnector13 may include a threadedrod14 that extends through a threadedopening17 in the body of theclamp11. The threading is arranged such that rotating therod14, such as by using anexternal finger grip18 or the like, allows for the subject to manually adjust theconnector13 to a position for fixing theclamp10 to a support structure in combination with thebrace16.

In use, the clampingconnector13 andbrace16 may be used to secure thedevice10 to astructural support20. In practice, thedevice10 may be adapted to be affixed adjacent a door frame, as shown inFIG. 2. More specifically, thepad15 ofconnector13 andbrace16 may engage opposite sides of acommon wall21 above a horizontaldoor frame member22. The corresponding portal defined by the door frame, includingframe member22, thus provides a convenient location for the performance of a pull-up exercise, as shown inFIG. 6b.

With reference toFIGS. 3a-3c, theexercise device10 may also be adapted for use in performing a push-up exercise. In one embodiment, this may be achieved using a stand, such as asupport30, that may be removably attached to theclamp11. The mode of attachment may be such that thesupport30 is positioned between theconnector13 and thebrace16. Thissupport30 is arranged to support the body of theclamp11 in an upright or upstanding position above a floor, including the ground, to allow a subject to perform push-ups while gripping thehand grip12. Thedevice10 can thus be modified to perform two different exercises with minimal parts, effort, re-arrangement or cost.

Thesupport30 may be elongated in a direction X generally transverse to a direction of elongation Y of the body of theclamp11. When connected in place, thesupport30 may also be arranged to prevent relative movement with thedevice10. This may be achieved using a receiver, such as asocket31, for receiving thebrace16. The fit between thebrace16 and thesocket31 should be snug to stabilize theclamp11.

In one particular example, thesocket31 and thebrace16 may be formed of a similar non-circular shape to prevent relative rotation between theclamp11 and thesupport30. For instance, the shape of thesocket31 and thebrace16 may be generally polygonal. In one more specific example, thesocket31 and thebrace16 are generally rectangular (seeFIGS. 4a-4b).

Thesupport30 may include a pair of spacedfootplates32 for lending additional support to thedevice10 when used in the course of performing a push-up exercise. Thesefootplates32 may be arranged for contacting the support surface underneath the device when the device is in the upstanding position. Thefootplate32 may be formed of a material providing a non-skid surface, such as rubber.

In a still further embodiment as illustrated inFIG. 5, a further embodiment of anexercise device50 is disclosed with aclamp51 including a pair of

connectors

53a,53b. These

connectors

53a,53bwork in combination to secure the device in a fixed location, such as above a door frame. As withdevice10, this second embodiment ofdevice50 includes ahand grip52 for interacting with the subject's hand in the performance of an exercise such as a pull-up.

The

connectors

53a,53beach may comprise arod54 that fits through anopening57 in the body of theclamp51. Eachrod54 may include apad55 for engaging a structure to aid in securing thedevice50 to the structure. Therod54 andopening57 may be threaded to allow the subject to adjust the clamping

connectors

53a,53bto a desired position for fixing the clamp in place.

Theclamp51 may interact with asupport30 as described above with respect to clamp11. In the case of asupport30 with asocket31, one of theconnectors53bmay fit into thesocket31 for added stabilization. Theconnector53bmay be of a similar non-circular shape as thesocket31 to prevent relative rotation between theclamp51 and thesupport30. For example, theconnector53band thesocket31 may be generally polygonal in shape, or may be generally rectangular.

FIGS. 6aand6billustrate this embodiment of theexercise device50 in use. As withdevice10 above, thisdevice50 may be attached to astructural support20 for aiding the subject in performing a pull-up. The

connectors

53a,53bmay be secured adjacent adoor frame22 during the pull-up exercise. Twodevices50 may be used in combination, one interacting with each of the subject's hands during the pull-up.

A further embodiment of aportable exercise device70 is illustrated inFIG. 7, which includes aclamp71 and ahand grip72. Thedevice70 further includes aconnector73 and abrace76, which together fix theclamp71 in a stable location. Theconnector73 comprises a ratchet mechanism, which includesrod74 andteeth79 extending therealong. The ratchet mechanism further includes aratchet78 for interacting with theteeth79 and selectively fixing therod74 in place at a desired position. Therod74 fits through anopening77 in the body of theclamp71, and may be maintained at a desired position for holding the clamp in a fixed location.

As described above with respect to clamps11 and51, theclamp71 may interact with asupport30 for aiding in the performance of a push-up (not shown). In the case of asupport30 with asocket31, thebrace76 fits into thesocket31 for added stabilization. Thebrace73 may be of a similar non-circular shape as thesocket31 to prevent relative rotation between theclamp71 and thesupport30. For instance, thebrace76 and thesocket31 may be generally polygonal in shape, such as generally rectangular.

In still a further embodiment, aportable exercise device80 as shown inFIG. 8 includes aclamp81 with aconnector83 and abrace86 for securing the device in a fixed location. Thedevice80 further includes ahand grip82 for assisting the subject in performing an exercise such as a pull-up. Theclamp81 further includes a notch orrecess87 for optionally retaining an auxiliary implement, such as abar88, rope, handle, or other exercise implement, when the clamp is secured to astructural support20.

FIG. 9 shows one possible mode of use, wherein twodevices80 are used in conjunction with thebar88. As with previous embodiments, thedevice80 may be attached to astructural support20 such as awall21 adjacent adoor frame22. In this embodiment, thebar88 is retained in therecess87 of each device, spanning at least the distance between thedevices80. The subject may optionally grip thebar88 rather than the hand grips82 for aid in performing a traditional pull-up. Although not depicted, theclamp81 may be removably connected to asupport30 as described above with respect to clamp11 for aid in the performance of a push-up.

Turning now toFIGS. 10-15, an alternative embodiment of anexercise device100 is shown. Thedevice100 of this embodiment comprises aclamp102 having a body, which may be C-shaped. The body of theclamp102 in turn includes ahand grip104 spaced from and connected to the body (which thus provides the entire device with an A-shape, but the clamp body remains C-shaped). Theclamp102 is arranged for connecting with a stable support structure, such as by way ofconnectors106 associated with

interconnected portions

102a,102bof the clamp. One of the portions, such asportion102a, may include a projectingleg103 extending generally parallel to thehand grip104, along which the connection between the

portions

102a,102bis formed. For example, the end of theleg103 may be positioned in an opening O in theportion102band fixed in place in a manner that allows pivoting, such as by a pinned connection.

Thehand grip104 in this embodiment is connected to the body of theclamp102 in a manner that permits relative movement between the two structures. For example, thehand grip104 may be pivotably connected to the body of theclamp102 at one end, such as alongportion102a. This may be achieved using ahand grip support107 carrying ayoke107a, which in turn may be pinned to thebody portion102 to provide the relative movement between the two structures.

The

body portions

102a,102bof theclamp102 may also be connected in a manner that permits relative adjustment of the spacing between theconnectors106 through actuation. For example, a linear actuator may be formed such as by using a threaded connection associated with thehandgrip104. The threaded connection in the illustrated embodiment includes a threadedconnector108 and threadedsockets108a,108b(formed in the open end of thehandgrip104 at one end and areceiver105 associated withportion102bat the other).

With this arrangement, rotation of thehand grip104 combined with the pivoting connection established between theconnector106 and the body of theclamp102 moves theconnectors106 toward or away from each other along an axis generally parallel the axis A aligned with the gap G between theconnectors106. As should be appreciated, this adjustment, combined with the relative movement of the

portions

102a,102b, allows for theconnectors106 to be moved together or apart for purposes of engaging the support structure, such as opposite faces of a door frame member. The threaded connection may also be provided such that the threads are cut in a direction to oppose any tendency of thehand grip104 to rotate during the exercise (i.e., when thehand grip104 is grasped outwardly and urged to rotate during a pull-up exercise, the threaded connection becomes tighter to move theconnectors106 closer to each other).

As perhaps best understood with reference toFIG. 12, eachconnector106 may comprise a base110 adapted to be pivotally mounted to the body of theclamp102. Aface pad112 may be attached to thisbase110 to provide an engagement surface. However, it is possible to form each connector106a,106bfrom a single piece of material mounted to the body of theclamp102 in a fixed condition.

Turning toFIG. 13, it can be understood that the relative movement of the

portions

102a,102bof theclamp102 may be achieved by pivoting movement. To ensure that the desired free pivoting movement is achieved, the leg extending fromportion102bmay be provided with anelongated slot114, such as along theleg103, for receiving a corresponding connector, such as a pin (not shown). Thisslot110 thus facilitates the desired relative movement to ensure that the full engagement of theconnectors106 with the stable support structure, such as the opposed faces of a wall above a door frame, is achieved.

Theconnectors106 in this embodiment may also be adapted for engaging a support (not shown) for use in adapting thedevice100 for performing a push up exercise. Alternatively, theconnectors106 and corresponding end faces116 of the body of theclamp102 may be adapted for engaging a generally planar surface, such as the floor or ground, or a support118 (FIG. 15) having a base sufficient to ensure stability during the push-up exercise.

As illustrated, thesupport118 may include one ormore receivers118afor receiving corresponding portions of thedevice100, such as projecting flanges extending from a foot portion at eachend116. With the body upstanding in such position, thehand grip104 extends generally parallel to the floor or ground, ready for receiving a the hand during the pull-up exercise. Also, thereceivers118 may be arranged such that, as a result of the threaded connection formed in this embodiment, the outward grasping of thehand grip104 during the push-up exercise creates a rotational movement that tends to move theconnectors106 apart, and thus urges the flanges into thereceivers118a, thus ensuring a secure connection is thus maintained.

While a threaded connection is illustrated inFIGS. 10-13, it is also possible to use a different type of releasable connection, such as a spring clip to form a carabiner-style connection, between thehand grip104 and the body of theclamp102, as shown inFIG. 16. An actuator, such as athumb screw118 may be provided. Awedge arrangement120, which permits relative vertical movement to adjust the position at least one of the connectors relative to the stable support structure. This helps to ensure a secure engagement during the pull-up exercise.

The clamp components of any of the foregoing embodiments may be fabricated of a light-weight, yet durable material, such as hard (ABS) style plastic. This allows for portability, yet provides strength for supporting the weight of the subject. For example, the material forming the body of the clamp comprises a polymer such as plastic. This conveniently would allow the exercise device to pass through airport security measures without concern for metal detectors or the like. Thehand grip12 may be made of a tubular or sleeve-like material, which may be softer than the material of the clamp body (e.g. foam rubber), so as to make it comfortable to grip while performing the exercise(s). However, the handgrip may be made of molded plastic so as to decrease production cost.

Summarizing, the disclosure is directed to the following items:

1. A portable exercise device for use by a subject in performing at least a pull-up exercise association with a support structure comprising:

- a clamp including a body having a first projecting end portion and a second projecting end portion spaced from the first projecting end portion so as to form a gap for receiving the support structure in use, at least one of said first and second end portions including a connector adapted for moving along an axis for securely fastening the body to the support structure; and
- a hand grip connected to the clamp, said hand grip extending in a direction generally aligned with the axis;
- whereby the clamp may be removably fixed to the support structure for performing the pull-up exercise.

2. The exercise device of item 1, wherein the connector comprises a rod extending through an opening in the body, the rod including a pad for contacting the support structure.

3. The exercise device of items 1 or 2, wherein the connector comprises a ratchet mechanism.

4. The exercise device of any of the foregoing items, further including a second connector for use in combination with the connector for aiding in securing the clamp to the support structure.

5. The exercise device of any of the foregoing items, further including a support for supporting the clamp in an upstanding position for aiding the subject in the performance of a push-up exercise.

6. The exercise device of item 5, wherein the support further includes a receiver for receiving the connector.

7. The exercise device of item 6, wherein the receiver is non-circular in shape and the connector is a similar non-circular shape to prevent the rotation of the clamp relative to the support when mated.

8. The exercise device of any of the foregoing items, wherein the hand grip overlies a portion of the body of the clamp.

9. The exercise device of any of the foregoing items, further including a recess in the body of the clamp for receiving an auxiliary exercise component.

10. The exercise device of any of the foregoing items, wherein the hand grip comprises a material softer than the body.

11. The exercise device of any of the foregoing items, wherein the hand grip is movably mounted to the clamp.

12. The exercise device ofitem 11, wherein the hand grip is adapted for movement relative to the body to adjust the position of the movable connector for securing the clamp to the support structure.

13. The exercise device of any of the foregoing items, wherein a portion of the body is spaced from and extends generally parallel to the hand grip.

14. The exercise device of any of the foregoing items, wherein the body is C-shaped.

15. A portable exercise device for use by a subject in association with a door frame for performing a pull-up exercise or in association with a floor for performing a push-up exercise, comprising:

- a C-shaped clamp for fastening adjacent the door frame for performing the pull-up exercise; and
- a support for supporting the clamp in a position for performing the push-up exercise.

16. The exercise device ofitem 15, wherein the C-shaped clamp includes a connector for securing the clamp adjacent to the door frame.

17. The exercise device of

items

15 or 16, wherein the support includes a receiver for receiving a portion of the C-shaped clamp.

18. The exercise device ofitem 17, wherein the receiver and the portion of the C-shaped clamp are formed of corresponding shapes for engaging one another so as to prevent relative rotation.

19. The exercise device of any of items 15-18, wherein the support comprises a connector adapted for engaging a surface adjacent the door frame during the pull-up exercise.

20. A method of performing an exercise with the aid of a portable exercise device comprising:

- attaching a C-shaped clamp to a fixed support structure to aid in performing a pull-up exercise;
- removing the C-shaped clamp from the fixed support structure; and
- supporting the C-shaped clamp in an upright position for aid in performing a push-up exercise.

21. The method ofitem 20, wherein the supporting step comprises attaching the clamp to a support in a manner that prevents relative rotation of the clamp and the support.

22. The method ofitem 20, further including the step of attaching a bar to the clamp prior to the removing step.

23. A portable exercise device for use by a subject in performing at least a pull-up exercise association with a support structure comprising:

- a clamp including a first projecting end portion and a second projecting end portion spaced from the first projecting end portion so as to form a gap for receiving the support structure in use, at least one of said first and second end portions including a connector adapted for moving along an axis for securely fastening the clamp to the support structure; and
- a hand grip connected to the clamp, said hand grip extending in a direction generally aligned with the axis and being associated with an actuator for moving the connector along the axis for securely fastening the clamp to the support structure;
- whereby the clamp may be removably fixed to the support structure for performing the pull-up exercise.

24. The exercise device of claim 23, wherein the actuator comprises a threaded connection for urging the clamp to tighten against the support structure when the hand grip is grasped during the pull-up exercise.

25. The exercise device of claim 23, further including a base for supporting the clamp in a generally upright position for performing a push-up exercise.

26. The exercise device of claim 25, wherein the base includes a receiver for receiving and holding the clamp in place.

27. The exercise device of claim 26, wherein the actuator comprises a linear actuator for urging the clamp to tighten against the base when the hand grip is grasped during the push-up exercise.

The foregoing description of several aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. The embodiments described are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. For example, while the devices will typically be used in pairs, it is possible to use only one of the devices, to use different embodiments of the devices together, or to use one of the devices in associated with a different exercise device. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments described were chosen to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which it is fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.