Abstract:
A portable door mounted exercise system that can be easily set up and taken down and which doesn&#39;t occupy any significant floor space. The system provides variable resistance for aerobic, cardiovascular and muscle building exercises. Variable resistance is provided through a set of elastic cords. A user can select to use any combination of the cords to provide a desired level of resistance for exercise and training. The cords can be attached to a handle, ankle strap, squat strap or neck strap depending on the type of exercise or training desired by the user. The cords can be attached to a pulley system and bracket which is slidably attached to a door mount to provide variable positioning for the pulley system. The system can also include a training computer to provide audio and video training information to the user.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The embodiments of the invention relate to personal fitness machines. Specifically, the embodiments of the invention relate to a door mounted exercise apparatus. 
         [0003]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0004]    The awareness of the importance of cardiovascular and muscle training has increased the demand for affordable and convenient home exercise equipment. While gyms and health clubs typically offer a variety of sophisticated and expensive equipment, they have limited or distant locations, limited hours, long term contracts and high membership fees. Even when these limitations are not an impediment, travel, changes in schedules, holidays and work can prevent the use of these facilities. 
         [0005]    Many types of exercise machines have been produced and marketed to individual consumers. These exercise machines include stationary bikes, elliptical machines, treadmills, weight machines and similar apparatuses. While designed and marketed for the home, these machines are still relatively costly. These devices are also heavy, cumbersome and large. As a result, these devices are not suitable for use during travel as they are not easily portable. The devices also take up considerable floor space. As a result, there are a limited number of locations in the home where there is sufficient space for the exercise machines. Many of these locations are not suitable because they would interrupt the other uses of a room. For example, the exercise machines are usually quite loud, when in use. As a result, they are inconvenient to use in areas where other individuals might be disturbed, such as other family members who are sleeping, watching television or engaged in similar activities. As a result, these home exercise machines are impractical for many individuals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that different references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of one embodiment of a portable door mounted exercise system. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of one embodiment of a mounting and pulley system for the portable door mounted exercise system. 
           [0009]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are diagrams of one embodiment of a door mount and bracket for the portable door mounted exercise system. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of another embodiment of a door mount and bracket for the portable door mounted exercise system. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a diagram of a one embodiment of an adjustable door mount for the portable door mounted exercise system. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a diagram of one embodiment of the adjustable bracket. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a diagram of one embodiment of the parts of the adjustable bracket. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a diagram of one embodiment of the parts of the top door mount. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is a diagram of one embodiment of the parts of the bottom door mount. 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is a diagram of one embodiment of the portable door mounted exercise system with a training computer. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of one embodiment of a portable door-mounted exercise system. The portable door-mounted exercise system is designed to assist in aerobic, cardiovascular and muscle building exercises through the provision of resistance to the movements of a user. The system includes a set of elastic cords  109  that provide the resistance, a set of pulleys  103 A-D to redirect forces acting on the elastic cords  109 , a set of frames  101 A,  101 B, a locking strap  105 , a set of brackets and a set of door mounts. A ‘set,’ as used herein refers to any positive whole number of items including one item. 
         [0018]    The elastic cords  109  include a set of elastic strands that form a core of the cord. These elastic strands are covered in a flexible sheath. The flexible sheath can be made of nylon, cotton or other flexible materials. In another embodiment, the elastic cords are entirely composed of elastic strands or a monolithic elastic strand. Any elastic polymer, rubber or similar material can be utilized. The selection of elastic material as well as the size and shape of the elastic material can be based on the desired resistance in the elastic cord. Thicker, denser and less elastic materials will generally offer higher levels of resistance than thinner and more elastic materials. 
         [0019]    The elastic cords  109  have a length approximating a standard door height when the elastic cords  109  are in a rest or non-stressed state. The elastic cords  109  can expand by several feet or even twice their length or more dependent on the force applied and the materials selected. In one example embodiment, the elastic cords are approximately six feet long at rest and can be stretched to approximately twelve feet in length. At each end of the elastic cords  109  a stop and latching mechanism are attached. These structures can be attached by clamping, adhesives, interlocking mechanisms or structures or similar attachment mechanisms or techniques. These features are described in further detail herein below in regard to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0020]    Any number of elastic cords  109  can be utilize in the portable door-mounted exercise system. In one example embodiment, six elastic cords are included. Three cords are present on each side (left and right) of the system. One sub-set of the cords is arrayed to be used by the left hand or foot of the user and the other sub-set of the cords is arrayed to be used by the right hand or foot of the user. In the example embodiment, two of the cords offer the same level of resistance while the third cord in the set offers a higher level of resistance such as twice the resistance level of the other individual cords. This provides the user with a degree of flexibility in selecting the level of resistance when working out. For example, if two cords offer five pounds of resistance while the other cord offers ten pounds of resistance, then the user can select to use the cords individually or in combination to obtain a range of resistance from five pounds to twenty pounds for each set of elastic cords. If both ends of a set of elastic cords are utilized, then this range can be further increased. 
         [0021]    In other embodiments, additional elastic cords can be included in each sub-set such that four, five or six elastic cords are present in each sub-set for a total of eight, ten or twelve elastic cords in the portable door-mounted exercise system. The resistance levels in each cord can be different or have a pattern to maximize the selections available to the user. Changes in resistance levels between the elastic cords can be proportionate or based on fixed ratios. For example, in an embodiment where three cords are present in each left/right set, two chords can have the same resistance (e.g. five pounds) while the third has double the resistance level (e.g. ten pounds) of the other cords. In an example embodiment where five cords are present, there can be two cords with a first resistance level (e.g. five pounds), two cords with a second doubled resistance level (e.g., ten pounds) and a fifth cord with a quadrupled resistance level (e.g. twenty pounds). This distribution provides a user with a consistent level of granularity (i.e., five pound increments) for varying a selected resistance level for exercises. 
         [0022]    The pulleys  103 A-D are sets of mounted wheels that define grooves that complement the size of the elastic cords  109 . The pulleys  103 A-D are mounted to a set of brackets such that the individual pulleys have a range of lateral motion or are omni-directional. The individual pulley wheels can be formed from any material capable of withstanding the compressing forces applied by the user and the elastic cords  109 . The wheels can be formed from polymers, metals, alloys, natural materials and similar materials. 
         [0023]    The pulleys  103 A-D are positioned and mounted to a set of brackets and door mounting mechanisms that are described in greater detail herein below in regard to  FIGS. 2-4 . The sets of pulleys  103 A-D are spaced apart from one another at respective top and bottom ends of the door by a set of frames  101 A,  101 B. These frames  101 A,  101 B provide horizontal stability to the system by rigidly connecting the respective door mounting mechanisms and brackets. The frames  101 A,  101 B also define interlocking components to receive a locking strap  105 . The frames  101 A,  101 B can be formed from stainless steel, steel alloys, titanium alloys or similar lightweight, high strength materials. The frames  101 A,  101 B can have any shape with sufficient length to properly space the pulley sets  103 A-D apart and define the interlocking mechanism for the locking strap  105 . In one example embodiment, the frames  101 A,  101 B are generally rectangular, flat and have a length that is slightly less than the width (of the front surface) of a standard door. In one example embodiment, the frames  101 A,  101 B are seventeen inches long and seven inches wide. 
         [0024]    The locking strap  105  can be a single strap or set of interlocking straps. The locking strap can be a nylon weave, cotton weave or other densely woven fabric. In other embodiments, other materials including elastic polymers, natural materials or similar materials can be utilized. The locking strap  105  allows the user to secure the upper and lower mounting mechanisms to the door by applying an inward tension to these structures through the frames  101 A,  101 B. The locking strap  105  can be redundant in this functional aspect with the elastic cords  109 , which also act to secure the portable door-mounted exercise system to the door. However, during the set-up and take down of the system the locking strap  105  can hold the upper and lower mounting mechanisms in place while the user adds or removes the elastic cords  109 , which are not centered and are difficult to manage during assembly and disassembly without the locking strap  105  to stabilize the system vertically. 
         [0025]    The locking strap  105  can be attached to each frame  101 A,  101 B by looping through an aperture defined by each frame  101 A,  101 B. The loop can be closed by stitching, an attachment mechanism such as a catch, snap fit, buckle or similar mechanism. In one embodiment, the locking strap is attached to each frame separately with individual loops. In another embodiment, a single larger loop can be utilized or combinations thereof. 
         [0026]    The individual locking strap  105  or a set of locking straps are then releasably coupled together with a release mechanism  107 . The release mechanism  107  can be a clasp, buckle, snap-fit, or similar mechanism that allows for a quick separation of the locking strap  105  and the frames  101 A,  101 B to enable disassembly and dismounting of the system. The locking strap  105  can have any length appropriate for the size of the door and the overall portable door-mounted exercise system. For example, the system can have a height between 78 inches and 84 inches. In this case the locking strap  105  can have a length between 50 and 70 inches. 
         [0027]    The portable door-mounted exercise system can have a depth between 1″ and 3″ dependent on the size of the door it is designed for. For example the depth can be 1⅝ inches. The overall weight of the system can be between six and ten pounds to allow it to be easily portable and capable of being carried in a small bag or case. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of one embodiment of a mounting and pulley system for the portable door mounted exercise system. The pulley systems  103  are mounted over a door  205  through a door mount  215  and bracket  217 . The pulley systems  103  include a set of swivel bases  211 , wheels  209  and axles  219 . An example of a door top mount is described for sake of convenience and clarity. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the principles and structures described herein also are applicable to the door bottom mount structures, which are not separately described. 
         [0029]    The door mount  215  over hangs or clamps the door  205  to rest the weight of the exercise system onto the door. The door mount  215  can be formed separately from or integrally with the bracket  217  and the frame  101 . The door mount  215  can be formed from stainless steel, steel alloys, titanium alloys, and similar strong and lightweight materials. The door mount  215  has a thickness of approximately 1⅝ inches to provide clearance with the door frame. The overhang or clamp can have any length and has a width that matches the depth of the door. The door mount  215  can extend out from the door to provide a coupling point for the pulley system  103  and bracket  217  that is angled downward. In other embodiments, the bracket and pulley system  103  can be flush with or approximately flush with the surface of the door. 
         [0030]    The bracket  217  can be attached to the door mount  215  and frame  101  through riveting, welding, bolts, or similar attachment mechanisms or techniques. The bracket  217  can also be integrally formed with the door mount  215  or the frame  101 . The bracket  217  defines the attachment point for the pulley system  103  through a swivel point such as a bolt  201 , pivot, fixed attachment or similar method of attachment using bolts, rivets, screws or similar attachment mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment, the bracket  217  defines openings to receive a bolt  201  that serves a swivel point for the pulley system  103  enabling a range of motion around the axis of the swivel point. 
         [0031]    The base  211  of the pulley system  103  also defines a channel or similar structure to receive the swivel point or analogous mechanism. The base  211  provides a mounting point for the wheel  209  of the pulley system  103 . The wheel  209  is attached to the base  211  through an axle  219 . The axle  219  can allow a full 360 degrees of motion to the wheel  209  or can limit the rotation to less than full rotation in either direction or both directions. 
         [0032]    The elastic cords  109  are disposed around the wheels  209  and between the base  211  and the wheel  209 . The elastic cord  109  is terminated by a latch  207  and stop  203 . The latch  207  provides a mechanism through which the elastic cord  109  can be attached to a handle, strap or similar interface for a user of the exercise system. The latch  207  can be any interlocking mechanism that allows any number of elastic cords  109  to be coupled to a handle, strap or similar device. In one embodiment, the handle is an ankle strap, squat strap, neck strap, wide grip bar, T-bar or similar gripping structure. 
         [0033]    The stop  203  connects the latch  207  to the elastic cord  109  and prevents the elastic cord  109  from contracting through the pulley system  103 . The stop  203  can include a clamp, latch, interlocking mechanism or similar mechanism for attachment to the elastic cord  109 . The size and shape of the stop  203  prevent it from traversing the channel formed by the wheel  209  and the base  211  of the pulley system thereby remaining engaged with the pulley system  103 . The pulley wheel  209  can be either removably coupled to the base  211  or have spring loaded or similarly biased attachment that allows the wheel  209  to be moved away from the base to allow the elastic cord  109  to be disengaged for purposes of disassembly. 
         [0034]    The strap  105  can be attached to the frame  101  by looping through an aperture defined by the frame  101 . The frame  101  can also define protruding structures, such as a triangle or pyramid shaped protrusion  225 , to position the strap  105  and lock  107  away from the surface of the door  205 . The protrusion  225  and positioning of the strap  105  and lock  107  away from the door provides a balance or countervailing force during use of the door gym when the user is pulling on the elastic chords to provide a stable mount to the door. In an alternative embodiment, the strap  105  and lock  107  are flush with the surface of the door  205  to secure the exercise machine to the door  205  and ensure the pulley system  103  and elastic cords  109  are stably connected to door  205 . 
         [0035]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are diagrams of one embodiment of a door mount and bracket for the portable door mounted exercise system. In this example embodiment, the door mount  215  or clamp structure is integrally formed with the bracket structure  217  and defines an angle at which the pulley system is to be mounted. The holes  301  for receiving the swivel or pivot points are defined by the integral structure. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of another embodiment of a door mount and bracket for the portable door-mounted exercise system. In this example embodiment, the door mounts  401  are directly coupled to the frame  101  and separate from the brackets  403 . The door mounts  401  define the angle at which the brackets  403  are attached to the exercise system. The brackets  403  are attached to the door mounts  401  by a set of bolts  405 A,  405 B, rivets, screws or similar attachment mechanisms. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  is a diagram of a one embodiment of an adjustable door mount for the portable door mounted exercise system. The adjustable door mount includes a set of overhang structures  501 , a top cross-bar  503 , a set of rails  505  and an adjustable bracket  517 . The bottom mount  507  is fixed and also includes a set of overhang structures and a cross-bar and is described in further detail in regard to  FIG. 9 . The other components of the door gym including the elastic cords, pulleys and similar components can be similar or identical to those used in the other embodiments described herein above. The adjustable door mount system allows the height of the top sets of pulleys to be adjusted as desired by the user and allows the door mounted gym system to provide a consistent experience independent of the size (e.g., height) of the door upon which it is mounted. The adjustment also provides greater flexibility for positioning relative to the height of the user to allow the user to focus exercise on specific muscles or ranges of movement. 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  is a diagram of one embodiment of the adjustable bracket. The adjustable bracket  517  includes a bracket  217 , a bracket mount  609 , a pivot mechanism  607 , a brace  603  and an engagement mechanism  605 . The adjustable bracket  517  is mounted onto a rail  505  that is attached to the cross-bar  503  and overhang structures  501 . The components of the adjustable bracket  517  can be formed from any high strength materials, including stainless steel, iron, aluminum, alloys, plastics and similar materials. 
         [0039]    The adjustable bracket  517  rotates from an open or unlocked position to a closed or locked position relative to the rail  505 . The adjustable bracket  517  can slide relative to the rail  505  when in the open position to enable the user to adjust the height of the pulley system attached to the adjustable bracket  517  relative to the top or bottom of the door. The engagement mechanism  605  secures the adjustable bracket  517  to the rail  505  when the adjustable bracket  517  is in a closed position. The engagement mechanism  605  can include a biasing force to exert a clamping pressure on the rail  505  in conjunction with the brace  603 . In another embodiment, the engagement mechanism  605  can also be secured to the rail  505  through an interlocking mechanism, latching mechanism or similar mechanism to secure the relative positions of the rail and the bracket  517 . 
         [0040]    The engagement mechanism  605  can also secure the adjustable bracket  517  and upper mounting mechanism to the bottom mounting mechanism through a strap  601  that connects the upper and bottom mounts. The strap  601  can be an elastic cord or an adjustable length strap ties the adjustable bracket  517  to the other mount. The strap  601  can also provide a biasing force on the engagement mechanism  605  to secure it to the rail  505 . In another embodiment, the strap  601  is replaced by a backing constructed of a flexible material to form a flat surface upon which printed material can be placed including exercise related information and information on the use of the door mounted gym. The backing can be coupled to the engagement mechanism through a hook and loop or ring or similar mechanism. The backing is also attached to the bottom mount to secure it at each corner roughly parallel to the door. 
         [0041]    The adjustable bracket  517  rotates between the open and closed positions through a pivot mechanism  607 . The pivot mechanism  607  can also join the brace  603  and the bracket mount  609 . Any type of rotating or pivoting mechanism  607  can be utilized including a blot that provides between a ten degree and 180 degree range of movement. 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  is a diagram of one embodiment of the parts of the adjustable bracket. This view provides an illustration of the individual parts of the adjustable bracket  517 . The bracket  217  can be of any size and designed to accommodate a set of pulleys having a vertical orientation. The bracket  217  can be removably coupled to or intrinsically formed with a bracket mount  609 . The bracket mount  609  can be welded, bolted, interlocking or similarly coupled to the bracket  217 . Similarly the bracket mount  609  can define a set of apertures for receiving the bolt  703  or similar pivot mechanism that couples the mounting bracket  609  with the engagement mechanism and brace  603 . 
         [0043]    The engagement mechanism can also be coupled to the bracket mount  609  and brace  603  with a set of torsion springs  701 A,B that provide a biasing force to bias the engagement mechanism toward a closed position. The torsion springs  701 A,B can work in conjunction with the elastic cords and straps to provide the biasing force that secures the adjustable bracket to the rails. 
         [0044]    A bolt  703  or similar pivoting mechanism can be secured to the brace  603 , engagement mechanism and mounting bracket  609  through a set of apertures in each component and a locking nut or similar securing mechanism. 
         [0045]      FIG. 8  is a diagram of one embodiment of the parts of the top door mount. The top door mount includes a set of overhang structures  501 , a top cross-bar  503  and a bottom cross-bar  801 . The overhang structures  501  have a shape that matches the top of a cross-section of a door to wrap around the top of the door and distribute the load or weight of the door gym to the top of the door and the door frame when the door is closed. The overhang structures  501  can run the length of the top of the door and the cross-bar  503  or any length thereof. A symmetrical placement of the overhang structures on the cross-bar distributes the load more evenly and provides the most stable structure. 
         [0046]    The cross-bar  503  joins the overhang structures  501  to the rails  505 . The cross-bar  503  can be welded, bolted, integrally formed or similarly coupled to the rails  505  and overhang structures  501 . Similarly, the bottom cross-bar  801  joins the two bottom ends of the rails  505  to provide greater stability to the top door mount structure and a stop for the adjustable brackets. The bottom cross-bar  801  can be welded, bolted, integrally formed or similarly coupled to the rails  505 . The bottom cross-bar  801  can also define an opening to receive a set of straps or similar structures that connect the bottom-cross bar  801  to the bottom mount. 
         [0047]      FIG. 9  is a diagram of one embodiment of the parts of the bottom door mount. The bottom door mount includes a set of bracket mounts  903 A,B, a cross-bar  901  and pads  907 A,B. The bracket mounts  903 A,B define a structure on which the set of pulleys can be mounted. Each bracket mount  903 A,B can define a strap or backing attachment mechanism  905 A,B. The strap or backing attachment mechanism  905 A,B can be hooks, openings, latches or similar mechanisms for attaching a strap or backing to the bottom door mount. 
         [0048]    The cross-bar  901  can similarly define a set of attachment mechanisms for receiving straps or a backing that couples the bottom door mount to the top door mount. The cross-bar  901  can also define or be coupled to an overhang structure that wraps around the bottom of a door. The cross-bar  901  can have an ‘L’-shape or similar shape that in conjunction with the bracket mounts  903 A,B defines a ‘U’-shape that when coupled to the top door mount secures the door gym to a door. 
         [0049]      FIG. 10  is a diagram of one embodiment of the portable door-mounted exercise system with a training computer. The exercise system can include a training computer  1001 . The training computer  1001  can be mounted at the top or bottom of the machine. The training computer  1001  can be mounted to the frame  101 , door mounts, brackets or similar structures of the exercise system. The training computer  1001  can include audio/visual components such as speakers and displays (e.g., liquid crystal displays) to provide instruction or motivation to a user. The training computer  1001  can collect user data such as completed exercise information, heart rate and similar information. The training computer  1001  can also monitor the status and use of the exercise system such as the types of exercise performed, the resistance levels used, timer information and similar information. The training computer  1001  can provide guided work out information, feedback, motivational information or similar information. 
         [0050]    The training computer  1001  can also have alternative or additional features including music playback (e.g., compact discs, MP3 or similar music sources), video playback, satellite and broadcast television programming, digital versatile disc (DVD) playback, computer connectivity, video games, and similar features can also be included with the training computer. The training computer can be battery operated or connected to external power. 
         [0051]    In the foregoing specification the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will however be evident that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded as an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.