Patent Publication Number: US-2017361150-A1

Title: Rigging system for suspension exercise training

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/352,372, filed on Jun. 20, 2016, entitled “Rigging System for Suspension Exercise Training,” which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The technology described herein relates to a rigging system for suspension exercise training. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Suspension exercise training is a form of bodyweight resistance exercise using a rigging system with ropes or straps to support the user while performing a variety of movements to increase strength and flexibility. Various forms of rigging systems have been designed to aid a user in performing suspension exercises. The rigging systems need to be able to attach to a fixed point above the user and be strong enough to support the user&#39;s weight plus additional force caused by the user when pulling on or moving while supported by the rigging system. Rigging systems for suspension exercise training also often include handles for ease of holding and grasping the device opposite the fixed end. The straps, cords, or ropes used in such rigging systems are often adjustable to accommodate different heights and relative locations for fixed points and different sizes of users. Due to the desire for adjustability, design challenges arise. For example, excess strap length can impede the user when performing an exercise. Further, connection to different types of fixed points can require multiple additional attachment components. 
     The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be bound. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one implementation, a rigging system is disclosed for use in performing suspension exercises. The rigging system includes a first strap, an first buckle, and a handle. The first buckle forms a distal end of the rigging system through which a first end portion of the first strap is threaded and in which the first strap is selectively secured. The first buckle further includes a first buckle body including a span and two sidewalls positioned on opposing sides of the span and connected to the span. The sidewalls are defined by respective perimeter edges. A resilient bumper surface is formed on the perimeter edges of the sidewalls. A retention structure is joined to the body that releasably secures the first strap within and with respect to the first buckle at a variety of positions. A handle is operatively associated with a second end of the first strap. 
     In another implementation, a rigging system is disclosed for use in performing suspension exercises. The rigging system includes a first strap and a second strap connected to each other by a lower buckle. A handle is further connected to an end of the second strap by a third strap. The lower buckle is connected to a first end of the first strap. The lower buckle includes a lower buckle body that defines a slot through which the second strap passes and a bulkhead around which the second strap loops whereby a length of the second strap is located below a length of the first strap when a second end of the first strap is joined to a fixed point located above the second strap such that the first and second straps hang vertically from the fixed point. A retention structure is joined to the lower buckle body that releasably secures the second strap within and with respect to the lower buckle at a variety of positions. The third strap is connected at both ends to an end of the second strap. The handle is supported by a length of a portion of the third strap. 
     In a further implementation, a rigging system is disclosed for use in performing suspension exercises. The rigging system includes a first strap of a first length; a second may strap of a second length, a first buckle, a second buckle, and a handle. The first buckle may form a distal end of the rigging system through which the first length of the first strap is selectively secured. The second strap may be fixed at a first end to a first end of the first strap. The second length of the second strap is thus located below the first length of the first strap when a portion of the first strap between the first end and a second end is joined to a fixed point located above the second strap such that the first and second straps hang vertically from the point. The second length of the second strap may be selectively secured through the second buckle. The handle may be connected to a second end of the second strap in a fixed position such that a distance between second end of the second strap and the handle is constant. 
     In yet another implementation, a rigging system is disclosed for use in performing suspension exercises. The rigging system includes a first strap of a first length, a second strap of a second length connected to an end of the first strap, an elongate handle, and an ankle strap. The elongate handle may be connected to the second strap in an orientation normal to the first length of the first strap when the first strap is under tension. The ankle strap is formed as a resilient, self-supporting stirrup connected to the elongate handle, wherein lateral ends of the ankle strap are connected to lateral ends of the elongate handle. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of a rigging system for suspension exercise training including a fixed-point mount. 
         FIG. 1B  is a front elevation view of a rigging system for suspension exercise training. 
         FIG. 1C  is an isometric view of the rigging system of  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 2A  is a front isometric view of an upper buckle of the rigging system of  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 2B  is a bottom isometric view of the upper buckle of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is a top isometric view of the upper buckle of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view in cross-section of the upper buckle of  FIG. 2A  with a strap threaded there through. 
         FIG. 4A  is an exploded isometric view of the components of the upper buckle of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 4B  is an exploded top isometric view of the components of the upper buckle of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 4C  is an exploded bottom isometric view of the components of the upper buckle of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 5A  is a front isometric view of a lower buckle of the rigging system of  FIG. 1A  connecting an upper strap to a lower strap. 
         FIG. 5B  is a bottom isometric view of the lower buckle of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6A  is an exploded top isometric view of the components of the lower buckle of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6B  is an alternate exploded top isometric view of the components of the lower buckle of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6C  is an exploded bottom isometric view of the components of the lower buckle of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a handle and ankle strap of the rigging system of  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 8A  is an isometric view of a handle link that connects several straps in the rigging system of  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 8B  is an isometric view of a D-ring for alternate use as a handle link to connect several straps in the rigging system. 
         FIG. 9A  is an isometric view in cross-section of the handle and ankle strap of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9B  is an isometric view in cross-section of the handle and ankle strap of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a handle core of the handle of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 11A  is a side isometric view of an end cap for the handle of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 11B  is an alternate side isometric view of the end cap of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11C  is a rear isometric view of the end cap of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view of the ankle strap that connects to the handle as shown in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the ankle strap separated from the handle. 
         FIG. 14  is an isometric view of the lower buckle and an alternate version of a lower strap threaded there through. 
         FIG. 15  is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment including two rigging systems without ankle straps and further including a connector bar that connects the handles of the two rigging systems together. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments of a rigging system for use in performing suspension exercises are disclosed herein. The rigging system is configured for selective attachment to a fixed-point mount (e.g., a beam, a bar, a tree limb, or a door jamb), typically located at a position above the user&#39;s head. A handle on the opposite end of the rigging system hangs from this fixed point and is grasped by the user to support a portion of the user&#39;s weight while the user performs resistance exercises against a reduced portion of the user&#39;s body weight. In some embodiments, the fixed point may be a doorjamb above the top of a door. In the disclosed embodiments, a height adjustment buckle of the rigging system is designed to be positioned generally distal from a structure forming the handle during use of the rigging system. This is in contrast to other suspension exercise trainers in which the adjustment buckle is fixedly joined to the handle structure, thus locating the buckle in a position generally closer to the forearm during use of the rigging system. There are some potential downsides to this position. First, the height adjustment buckle can press against the arm, which is uncomfortable. Second, adjusting the handle up and down becomes a two-step process, because after adjusting the height, the user must then manage the excess webbing to minimize interference of the webbing with the user&#39;s motion during a training exercise. By positioning the height adjustment buckle in a selectively changeable position that is typically away from the handle straps, the free end of the strap extending away from the height adjustment buckle will generally not come into contact with the user during the exercise. Since the excess webbing at the free end of the strap may be allowed to hang down freely during an exercise as it will generally not interfere with the user&#39;s motion, it does not need to be adjusted separately. 
     An upper buckle, which may also be referred to as a height adjustment buckle, can serve as a door anchor, or can cinch over a pull-up bar. A rubber outside edge helps to protect the doorframe from damage, and helps to grip a pull-up bar when cinched tight. The upper buckle also provides adjustability for positioning the lower buckle, allowing easy access for people of different heights, or for different ceiling heights. 
       FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C  depict an embodiment of a rigging system  100  for exercise training. Primary components of the rigging system  100  may include an upper buckle  102 , an upper strap  104 , a lower buckle  106 , a lower strap  108 , a handle  110 , an ankle strap  112 , a handle strap  114 , and a handle link  116 . The upper strap  104  joins the upper buckle  102  to the lower buckle  106 . An end portion of the upper strap  104 , which for convenience may be referred to herein as the first end portion of the upper strap  104 , may be threaded through the upper buckle  102  and adjustably engaged therewith. Another end portion of the upper strap  104 , which for convenience may be referred to herein as the second end portion of the upper strap  104 , may be connected to the lower buckle  106  preferably via a loop  105  formed in the second end of the upper strap  104  extending around a structure of the lower buckle  106 . The loop  105  in the upper strap  104  may be fixed in size and position as shown or it may alternatively be adjustable as further described herein. 
     The upper buckle  102  may be attached to an optional fixed-point mount  260  via a mount strap  262  as further described below. The upper buckle  102  may also be attached to other fixed-point structures (e.g., bars, tree limbs, poles, etc.) via the mount strap  262 , another strap, or the upper strap  104 . Alternatively, the upper buckle  102  may provide a resistance stop for placement between a door and a doorjamb and function as the fixed point. A first end portion of the lower strap  108  may be adjustably connected to the lower buckle  106  on an opposite side of the lower buckle  106  from the attachment of the upper strap loop  105 . A second end portion of the lower strap  108  may be attached to the handle link  116 . In one embodiment the lower strap  108  has a fixed connection to the handle link  116  via a loop  109 . In other embodiments the loop  109  may be adjustable as further described herein below. 
     A first end portion of the handle strap  114  may be connected to the handle link  116  via a handle strap loop  115   a  formed in the first end. A similar handle strap loop  115   b  may be formed in a second end portion of the handle strap  114  to similarly connect the second end to the handle link  116 . A middle section of the handle strap  114  supports or otherwise connects to the handle  110  as further described herein. The ankle strap  112  also attaches to the handle  110  and may be attached in a fixed position relative to the handle  110  as further described herein. 
     The upper buckle  102  is shown in greater detail from multiple perspectives in  FIGS. 2A-4C . The upper buckle  102  may be constructed around an upper buckle body  122  that provides a framework for other components of the upper buckle  102 . The upper buckle body  122  may be a monolithic piece formed of plastic, e.g., by injection molding. In exemplary embodiments, the plastic may be a high strength, abrasion and impact resistant, thermoplastic polyamide (nylon) formulation (e.g., Zytel® 43% glass-filled nylon to 30% glass-filled nylon, or carbon-filled nylon). Other subcomponents of the upper buckle  102  or other plastic components of the riggings system  100  such as the lower buckle  106 , the handle link  116 , and the handle  110  may be made of the same or similar plastics with similar qualities. In alternate embodiments, the upper buckle body  122  may be formed from a stamped metal such as aluminum. In other embodiments, the upper buckle body  122  and other components of the upper buckle  102  may be made of die cast steel to increase the strength of such components. Other components (e.g., the lower buckle  106  and the handle link  116 ) may be similarly formed. 
     The upper buckle body  122  may have opposing sidewalls  123   a,    123   b  that are arranged parallel with respect to each other and are connected together by an upper buckle span  126  which holds the upper buckle sidewalls  123   a,    123   b  in a position spaced apart from each other. The upper buckle sidewalls  123   a,    123   b  may be formed as oval or oblong shapes as shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 2A-2C . However, the upper buckle sidewalls  123   a,    123   b  may be formed in various other shapes as desired. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the top edges of the upper buckle sidewalls  123   a,    123   b  may be formed with corresponding symmetric depressions in positions adjacent to span  126 . Similarly, the span  126  may be contoured from a front edge to a back edge to form a concave trough therein. In addition to the upper buckle span  126 , a number of vanes  128   a,    128   b,    128   c  may further extend between the upper buckle sidewalls  123   a,    123   b  to hold the upper buckle sidewalls  123   a,    123   b  together and maintain the desired separation distance. 
     A grip wall  125  may be formed on and extend between the inner edges of the vanes  128   a,    128   b,    128   c . The surface of the grip wall  125  may be knurled, fluted, grooved, or otherwise tooled or formed with a surface treatment to provide a high friction or gripping surface against the upper strap  104  as further described herein. A pair of retention bulkheads  124   a,    124   b  may extend normally inward from the interior sides of the upper buckle sidewalls  123   a,    123   b  on an opposite end of the upper buckle  102  from the vanes  128   a,    128   b,    128   c . In some embodiments the retention bulkheads  124   a,    124   b  define a gap  154  between them and thus do not extend as a single piece to connect the upper buckle sidewalls  123   a,    123   b  together. The span  126  is thus positioned between the grip wall  125  connecting the vanes  128   a,    128   b,    128   c  on one side and the retention bulkheads  124   a,    124   b  on the other side. 
     A span wall  138  may extend normally from a base of one edge of the span  126  on the side closest to the retention bulkheads  124   a,    124   b . A rear slot  150  is thereby defined between the span wall  138  and the retention bulkheads  124   a,    124   b . Similarly a front slot  152  is defined between a front edge of the span  126  and the grip wall  125 . 
     A number of the surfaces of the upper buckle  102  may be covered or coated with an upper buckle bumper  140 . The upper buckle bumper  140  may be formed of a thermoplastic elastomeric material, for example, rubber. In some embodiments the upper buckle bumper  140  may be formed as a separate piece and fitted onto the upper buckle body  122 . In other embodiments the upper buckle bumper  140  may be formed by an injection over mold process and directly molded onto the upper buckle body  122 . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C , the upper buckle bumper  140  is formed with two sidewall bumpers  142   a,    142   b  connected together by a span bumper  144 . The sidewall bumpers  142   a,    142   b  are sized and shaped to fit around an edge perimeter of the upper buckle sidewalls  123   a  and  123   b . The span bumper  144  may be sized and configured to seat on top of the span  126  and connect the sidewall bumpers  142   a,    142   b  together. The upper buckle bumper  140  may also be formed to follow the depressions in the upper buckle sidewalls  123   a,    123   b  and the concave form of the span  126  to provide a contour surface  146  along the length of the span  126  and through to the outer surfaces of the upper buckle sidewalls  123   a,    123   b.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, and 4C , a top surface of the span  126  may define a number of grooves  127 . A bottom surface of the span bumper  144  may be formed with a number of bumper ribs  148  sized, spaced, and configured to seat within the retention grooves  127  on the top surface of the span  126 . Similarly the upper buckle body  122  may be formed with a pair of grooves  147  that are inset from and follow the perimeter of the upper buckle sidewalls  123   a,    123   b . The sidewall bumpers  142   a,    142   b  may be formed with inwardly extending lips  145  on outer and inner edges in order to define a channel  143  there between. Thus when the upper buckle bumper  140  is placed on the upper buckle body  122 , an inner lip  145  of each of the sidewall bumpers  142   a,    142   b  seats in respective ones of the grooves  147  in the upper buckle body  122 ; the outer lips  145  of each of the sidewall bumpers  142   a,    142   b  extend slightly over an outer surface of the upper buckle sidewalls  123   a,    123   b  about their perimeter; and a perimeter wall of each of the upper buckle sidewalls  123   a,    123   b  seats within the channels  143  in the sidewall bumpers  142   a,    142   b . In this manner the upper buckle bumper  140  securely attaches to and is held in place on the upper buckle body  122 . 
     An upper buckle clip  130  is retained within the upper buckle body  122  by a shaft  132 . The upper buckle clip  130  is shown to best advantage in  FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C  and may be made of the same material as the upper buckle body  122 . The upper buckle clip  130  may include a paddle portion  156  that extends from a number of hinge bosses  160  arranged adjacent to and separated from each other along a width of the upper buckle clip  130 . A grip surface  158  may be formed on the upper buckle clip  130  opposite the hinge bosses  160 . The grip surface  158  may be knurled, notched, grooved, fluted, or provided with any other appropriate high friction surface texture or feature. Each of the hinge bosses  160  may define a hinge aperture  162  arranged along a common center axis. The hinge apertures  162  may be sized to receive a clip shaft  132 . 
     A torsion spring  134  may seat between two of the hinge bosses  160  such that the clip shaft  132  additionally passes through a center of the windings of the torsion spring  134 . A pair of spring arms  136   a,    136   b  may extend from the windings of the torsion spring  134  and define a separation angle between them. A first spring arm  136   a  may seat within an aperture in the paddle  156 . The second spring arm  136   b  may seat within a notch  139  formed within a bottom edge of the span wall  138 . A pair of shaft apertures  129  may be defined within the upper buckle sidewalls  123   a,    123   b  below the front edge of the span  126 . The shaft apertures  129  may be sized to receive the clip shaft  132 . The upper buckle clip  130  may thus be positioned within a well in the upper buckle body  122  beneath the span  126  with the clip shaft  132  extending through the shaft aperture  129  in the first upper buckle sidewall  123   a,  then through the hinge apertures  162  and the hinge bosses  160  of the upper buckle clip  130 , including through the spring  134 , and then extending through the shaft aperture  129  in the second upper buckle sidewall  123   b  to hold the upper buckle clip  130  in place in the upper buckle body  122 . The upper buckle clip  130  may be arranged such that the grip surface  158  on the upper buckle clip  130  is positioned opposite the grip wall  125  of the upper buckle body  122 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 10  and  FIG. 3 , the upper strap  104  is releasably engaged within the upper buckle  102  and connects the upper buckle  102  to the lower buckle  106 . The upper strap  102  (as well as all of the other straps forming embodiments of the rigging system  100  disclosed herein) may be formed of webbing, for example, 38 mm nylon or nylon-polypropylene webbing with test strengths between 1300 lb. and 2000 lb. or greater. In other embodiments, the webbing may include a Kevlar® weave for added tensile strength and durability. A first end of the upper strap  104  may be arranged in the upper buckle  102  with one length of the upper strap  104  positioned in the rear slot  150  between the retention bulkheads  124   a,    124   b  and the span wall  138 . The upper strap  104  may fold on itself to create a loop above the span  126  and direct a second length of the upper strap  104  through the front slot  152  and between the grip wall  125  and the grip surface  158  on the upper buckle clip  130 . A free end of the upper strap  104  may extend from the front slot  152  beneath the upper buckle  102  parallel and adjacent to an opposing length of the upper strap  104 . An upper strap restraint  118  may be attached to the free end of the upper strap  104  in order to secure the free end of the upper strap  104  to the length of the upper strap  104  extending between the upper buckle  104  and the lower buckle  106 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A-6C , the lower buckle  106  may connect the upper strap  104  to the lower strap  108 . The lower buckle  106  may be formed in a similar manner as the upper buckle  102  whereby two lower buckle sidewalls  163   a,    163   b  are spaced apart from each other in parallel and are held together by a lower buckle bulkhead  161  and a lower buckle span  167 . Note, in the case of the lower buckle  106 , the lower buckle bulkhead  161  is a single piece and extends entirely between the lower buckle sidewalls  163   a,    163   b . An interior wall of the lower buckle bulkhead  161  is formed as a grip wall  165  similar in form to the grip wall  125  of the upper buckle  102 . The grip wall  165  is spaced apart from an edge of the lower buckle span  167  thereby defining a lower slot  164  there between. A hasp portion  159  is formed between the lower buckle sidewalls  163   a,    163   b  on an opposite end of the lower buckle  106  from the lower buckle bulkhead  161 . The hasp portion  159  defines a retention slot  168  there through. An upper slot  166  is further defined between the hasp portion  159  and the lower buckle span  167 . A span wall  178  extends downward from an edge of the lower buckle span  167  to further define the upper slot  166  in a similar manner as the span wall  138  of the upper buckle  102 . A spring arm notch  179  is formed within a bottom edge of the span wall  138 . 
     Two shaft apertures  169  are defined, respectively, within the lower buckle sidewalls  163   a,    163   b  substantially below the lower buckle span  167 . A lower buckle clip  170  that is identical in form to the upper buckle clip  130  seats within a well in the lower buckle  106  beneath the lower buckle span  167  and pivots on a lower buckle shaft  172  that seats within the shaft apertures  169  in the lower buckle sidewalls  163   a,    163   b . A lower buckle torsion spring  174  also seats around the shaft  172  to bias the lower buckle clip against the grip wall  165 . As noted, the form of the lower buckle clip  170  and its configuration within the lower buckle  106  are substantially the same as the form and configuration of the upper buckle clip  130  and, therefore, the description above with respect to the upper buckle  102  is equally applicable with respect to the lower buckle  106  and no further description need be provided. 
     The upper strap  104  passes through the upper slot  166  and wraps around the hasp portion  159  to form an upper strap loop  105  and connect to the lower buckle  106 . In some embodiments, the upper strap loop  105  may have a fixed connection such that two opposing portions of the upper strap are sewn, adhered, or otherwise fixed to each other in order to form a permanent loop. In other embodiments an upper strap loop  105  may be formed by passing a free end of the upper strap loop  105  through the upper slot  166  and then passing the free end through the retention slot  168  to create a loop that cinches the upper strap  104  to the hasp portion  159  of the lower buckle  106 . The lower strap  108  may pass through the lower slot  164  defined between the lower buckle bulkhead  161  and the lower buckle span  167  and pass between a grip surface of the lower buckle clip  170  and the grip wall  165  on the interior side of the lower buckle bulkhead  161 . The torsion spring  174  may hold the lower buckle clip  170  in a biased position to pinch the lower strap  108  against the grip wall  165 . A lower strap restraint  120  may be attached to the free end of the lower strap  106  in order to secure the free end of the lower strap  106  to the length of the lower strap  106  extending between the lower buckle  106  and the handle link  116 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C , a lower portion of the lower strap  108  extends downward and terminates at a lower strap loop  109  that is secured around a handle link  116 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , the handle link  116  may be a monolithic piece (e.g., an injection molded plastic part or a stamped metal piece) defining a top bar  182  connected to a V-shaped bar  184  and defining a V-shaped slot  180  there between. The top bar  182  may further define two lower strap slots  186   a,    186   b.  The v-bar  184  may further define two pairs (i.e., four total) handle strap slots  188   a,    188   b,    188   c,    188   d,  wherein two adjacent slots are formed in one leg of the V-shaped bar  184  and two adjacent slots are formed in the second leg of the V-shaped bar  184 . In one embodiment the lower strap  108  passes through the V-shaped slot  180  and wraps around the top bar  182  to form the lower strap loop  109  connected to the handle link  116 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the lower strap loop  109  is a permanent loop with opposing pieces of the lower strap  108  permanently fixed together, for example, by stitching, adhesive, or other fixation technique. In an alternative embodiment, the lower strap loop  109  could pass through the V-shaped slot  180  and then be threaded through one or both of the lower strap slots  186   a,    186   b  in order to securely fasten the lower strap  108  to the handle link  116 . 
     In an alternate embodiment, a steel D-ring  116 ′ as shown in  FIG. 8B  may be used in place of the handle link  116  in the rigging system  100  in order to increase the strength of the link structure connecting the handle strap  114  to the lower strap  108 . The D-ring  116 ′ may be formed of  6 mm- 8 mm diameter steel rod and bent into a triangular or D-shaped form as shown in  FIG. 8B . The bent rod material may form a straight top bar  182 ′ and a bent or V-shaped bar  184 ′ beneath the top bar  182 ′ and thereby define a triangular slot  180 ′. The lower strap loop  109  would wrap around the top bar  182 ′ and the handle strap loops  115   a,    115   b  would wrap around respective legs of the V-shaped bar  184 ′. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the handle strap  114  extends downward from the handle link  116  to connect with the handle  110  and the ankle strap  112 . The free ends of the handle strap  114  may be passed through the V-shaped slot  180  and around respective legs of the V-shaped bar  184  in order to form handle strap loops  115   a,    115   b , which thereby attach the handle strap  114  to the handle link  116 . The handle strap loops  115   a,    115   b  may be formed as permanently fixed loops by sewing, adhering, or otherwise fixing opposing portions of the handle strap together with the V-shaped bar  184  positioned within the handle strap loops  115   a,    115   b . In an alternative embodiment, the free ends of the handle straps  114  may be inserted through the V-shaped slot  180  in the handle link  116  and then threaded through one or both of the slots in respective pairs of handle strap slots  188   a,    188   b,    188   c,    188   d  and cinched to create looped connections. 
     Before the handle strap  114  is secured to the handle link  116 , the handle strap  114  passes through a core of the handle  110  as depicted in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . The handle  110  may be composed of several components including a handle core  190 , a handle grip  198 , and two opposing end caps  200 .  FIG. 10  depicts the construction of the handle core  190  in greater detail. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the handle core  190  is formed as a cylindrical tube of generally constant diameter. Each of the lateral ends of the handle core  190  flare outward circumferentially to form end flanges  196 . A grid of transverse ribs  194   a,    194   b  may be formed on the cylindrical outer surface  192  of the handle core  190 . The handle core  190  and the features thereof may be formed monolithically, for example, by a plastic injection molding process. The handle grip  198  may be formed on the handle core  190  by overmolding an elastomeric material. The end flanges  196  may provide a boundary to the spread of the elastomeric material as it cures and the transverse ribs  194   a,    194   b  may provide for increased adherence of the elastomeric material to the handle core  190 . 
     In another implementation, the handle grip  198  may be sleeved over the handle core  190  and seat between the end flanges  196 . In this implementation, the handle grip  198  may be formed as a tube of a foam or elastomeric material to provide a cushioned grip to the user. The transverse ribs  194   a,    194   b  on the cylindrical surface  192  of the handle core  190  form a structure that bites against the handle grip  198  to prevent the handle grip from sliding or spinning around the handle core  190  when gripped by a user. The end flanges  196  similarly resist longitudinal movement of the handle grip  198  along the handle core  190 . 
     The open ends of the handle core  190  are covered by end caps  200  as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B .  FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C  show the structure of the end caps  200  in greater detail. Each of the end caps  200  has a cap head  202  on one end and a cap sleeve  204  that extends from an inside base surface of the cap head  202 . The cap head  202  may be formed as a circular disc of a diameter commensurate with the diameter of the end flanges  196  of the handle core  190 . The cap sleeve  204  may be of smaller diameter than the cap head  202  and have an outer diameter generally congruent with an inner diameter of the handle core  190  in order to provide a friction fit between the cap sleeve  204  and an inner wall of the handle core  190 . 
     The cap head  202  may define an upper band slot  206  and a lower band slot  208  that align with each other within the cap head  202  to define a continuous passageway there through. The thickness of the lower band slot  208  may be greater than the thickness of the upper band slot  206  such that a retention ledge  218  is formed as a step between the upper band slot  206  and the lower band slot  208  in the middle of the cap head  202 . The cylindrical wall forming the cap sleeve  204  defines a cap cavity  212  and an interior side of the cap head  202  forms a base of the cap cavity  212 . A cap channel  214  is formed in a portion of the sidewall of the cap sleeve  204 . A handle strap slot  210  is formed in a portion of the cap head  202  axially offset from the positions of the upper band slot  206  and the lower band slot  208  and adjacent the interior wall of the cap head  202  forming the base of the cap cavity  212 . The handle strap slot  210  is wider than and is centered on the cap channel  214  such that the cap channel  214  and the handle strap slot  210  form a continuous T-shaped opening. 
     A guide wall  216  is formed as a cord panel within the cap cavity  212  extending normally from the interior base wall of the cap head  202  and parallel to the opening defined by the cap channel  214 . The guide wall  216  may extend for only a portion of the length of the cap sleeve  204  as depicted in the figures or it may extend the entire length of the cap sleeve  204  in other embodiments not shown. A middle portion of the handle strap extends through the handle core  190  and further through the cap cavities  212  of each of the end caps  200  adjacent the guide walls  216  to exit out of the handle strap slots  210  and extend upward toward the handle link  116  as show in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . 
     The structure of the ankle strap  112  is depicted in greater detail in  FIG. 12 . The ankle strap  112  is composed of an inner length of ankle web  220  that is surrounded, covered, or coated by a web cover  224 . The web cover  224  may be formed as a U-shaped stirrup with eye rings  226  on each end defining ring apertures  228 . The web cover  224  may be made of an elastomeric material, for example, rubber and encase a majority of the ankle web  220 . In one embodiment the web cover  224  may be over molded by injection molding over the ankle web  220 . In another embodiment the web cover  224  may be formed and define a seam  232  on an inner wall thereof to provide access for insertion of the ankle web  220  within the web slot  234 . By this sleeved or over molded construction, the web cover  224  forms and exoskeleton over the ankle web  220  and supports the ankle strap  112  in a resilient form that, while pliable, is self-supporting and retains a stirrup shape that allows a user to more easily insert a foot through the opening. 
     A middle length of the ankle web  220  extends through a sleeve portion  225  along the length of the web cover  224 . The two free ends of the ankle web  220  extend from the sleeve portion  225  of the web cover  224  out of web slots  234  into the ring apertures  228  defined by the eye rings  226 . A locking tab  230  may be formed as part of the web cover  224  and extend from the ankle strap rings  226  inward into the ring apertures  228  to form a semi-circular section opposite the free ends of the ankle web  220 . The free ends of the ankle web  220  may further be folded over in order to form web tabs  222   a,    222   b.    
     As depicted in  FIG. 9B , the web tabs  222   a,    222   b  seat within the upper band slot  206  and the lower band slot  208  of the end caps  200 . The web tabs  222   a,    222   b  seat in the wider upper band slots and the end edges of the ankle web  220  abut the retention ledges  218  at the point of transition of thickness between the upper band slot  206  and the lower band slot  208 . The lengths of the ankle web  220  extending from the web tabs  222   a,    222   b  extend through the thinner lower band slot  208  to exit the end caps  200 . The ankle strap rings  226  fit over and around the circumference of the cap heads  202  of the end caps  200 . The locking tabs  230  within the ring aperture  228  of the ankle strap ring  226  also seat within the upper band slots  206  above the web tabs  222   a,    222   b  in order to ensure retention of the web tabs  222   a,    222   b  within the end caps  200 . 
     To assemble the ankle strap  112  with the sleeved form of the web cover  224  and connect it to the handle  110 , the ends of the ankle web  220  may be inserted through the lower band slot  208  and extended through the upper band slot  206  in the respective end caps  200 . The ends of the ankle web  200  may then be folded over to form the web tabs  222   a,    222   b  which are sewn together. The web tabs  222   a,    222   b  may then be pulled back into the upper band slot  206  to wedge the web tabs  222   a,    222   b  within the upper band slot  206  against the retention ledge  218 . The web cover  224  may then be pried open along the cover seam  232  running length-wise along the middle and slipped over the ankle web  220 . The cap heads  202  of the end caps  220  may then be inserted into the ring apertures  228  at the lateral ends of the ankle strap  112  and the locking tabs  230  may be inserted into the upper band slots  206 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 13 , the ankle strap  112  may be removed from the handle  110  by pulling the end caps  200  out from their friction fit interface with the handle core  190 . As may be understood when viewing  FIG. 13  in combination with  FIG. 9B , when the ankle straps  112  are connected to the handle  110 , the cap channels  214  and handle strap slots  210  and the end caps  200  align with the ends of the handle strap  114  exiting the handle core  190 . The cap channels  214  allow the handle strap  114  to be received within the cap sleeve  204  and ultimately seat within the handle strap slot  210 . It should also be noted that once the handle strap  114  seats within the handle strap slot  210 , the handle strap  114  fixes the ankle strap  112  in an obtuse angular position with respect to the longitudinal orientation of the handle strap and prevents the ankle strap from rotating with respect to the handle  110 . Similarly the interface between the locking tabs  230  and the upper band slots  206  and the end caps  200  prevent the ankle strap  112  from rotating with respect to the end caps  200 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the ankle strap  112  protrudes at a 120 degree angle from the vertical handle straps  114  (i.e., a plane containing an entire length of the ankle strap forms an angle of substantially 120 degrees with respect to the length of the first strap), thus extending the ankle strap  112  below the elevation of the handle  110 . This position allows a user to insert a foot through the ankle strap and under the handle  110  without having to use hands to hold the ankle strap  112  in place. The ankle strap  112  further radiates outward from a center axis of handle  110  (i.e., the ankle strap  112  extends in a plane containing a center axis of the tubular handle  110  when viewed from the side). Additionally, the lateral protrusions of the end caps  200  and the ankle strap  112  beyond the separation distance of the handle strap  114  at the ends of the of the handle core  190  are very slight. This slim profile may be beneficial when doing exercises such as horizontal scissor kicks (i.e., essentially running in place horizontally, face down or face up with the foot straps on), because the user&#39;s feet can move in a more natural running movement without the handles  110  or ankle straps  112  hitting each other. 
     While in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures the ankle strap  112  is removable, it may be desirable to provide a permanent attachment option in order to prevent removal and possible loss of the ankle strap  112  once removed. In one embodiment, the cap sleeves  204  on the end caps  200  could be made without the cap channel  214  such that a tight friction fit of the end caps  200  in the handle core  190  would be achieved by wedging the handle strap  114  between the cap sleeves and the inner surface of the handle core  190 . In another exemplary embodiment, cap sleeves  204  on the end caps  200  could again be made without the cap channel  214 , but the a perimeter of an area of the cap sleeve  204  conforming to the placement of the cap channel  214  on each end cap  200  could be scored or otherwise weakened such that a user could easily remove part of the cap sleeves  204  to create the cap channels  214  and thus convert otherwise fixed end caps into removable end caps  200 . 
     As noted above the rigging system  100  may be mounted to a variety of fixed points in a number of different ways. In one implementation, the rigging system  100  may be mounted to a fixed-point mount  260  such as shown in  FIG. 1A . The fixed-point mount  260  may hold a steel pin  264 , preferably in a horizontal orientation. A mount strap  262  may loop around the steel pin  264  and provide a connection loop end  266  freely hanging from the steel pin  264 . The connection loop end  266  may be fitted around the retention bulkheads  124   a,    124   b  of the upper buckle  102  by slipping an edge of the web of the connection loop end  266  through the gap  154  between the retention bulkheads  124   a,    124   b  to place the part of connection loop end  266  in the rear slot  150  and around the retention bulkheads  124   a,    124   b . In this manner the rigging system  100  may be held from the fixed point mount  260  by the interface between the mount strap  262  and the retention bulkheads  124   a,    124   b  as shown in  FIG. 1A . 
     In an alternative configuration, the rigging system  100  may be mounted directly to any, preferably mostly cylindrical, bar  268  or post at any orientation as indicated in  FIG. 10 . The upper strap  104  may be removed from the front slot  152 , wrapped around the bar  268 , and then threaded back through the front slot  152  and pulled tight such that around the bar  268 . The upper strap restraint  118  at the free end of the upper strap  104  is highly pliable and can easily be inserted through the front slot  152  in either direction. In this configuration, the concave trough formed in the upper buckle span  126  generally conforms to the curvature of the bar  268 . The loop formed between the two lengths of the upper strap  104  extending above the upper buckle  102  similarly wrap around and conform to the bar  268  to hold the rigging system snugly in position. The upper buckle clip  130  firmly biases the upper strap  104  against the grip wall  125  in the front slot  152  preventing the upper strap  104  from slipping or loosening. The span bumper  144  covering the span  126  and the sidewall bumpers  142   a,    142   b  adjacent the span bumper  144  provide a high-friction, non-slip surface that further prevents slippage of the upper buckle  102  with respect to the bar  268  and holds the rigging system in a fixed point position. 
     In a further configuration, the rigging system  100  may be mounted in a doorjamb not shown) to provide a fixed point mounting location. In this configuration, the upper strap  104  may be pulled tight against the span  126 , thereby removing the loop from the prior configuration that fit around the bar  268 . The upper buckle  102  may then be positioned on one side of a door, both lengths of the upper strap  104  extending from the upper buckle  102  may be placed over the top of the door, and the door may be closed against the door jamb such that the lengths of the upper strap  104  extend through the crack between the door and the door jamb. The upper buckle  102  may be oriented on the opposite side of the door such that the flat, bottom edge of the upper buckle  102  seats against the door and the door jamb, thus preventing the upper strap  104  from pulling through the crack. The rubber sidewall bumpers  142   a,    142   b  provide both a non-slip surface and a non-scuff surface against the door and the door jamb, thereby preventing damage to the door and frame when a door is used as a fixed point anchor for the rigging system  100  in this manner. 
     The user to change its length to accommodate for the height of the fixed point, the size of the user, the type of exercise to be performed, or any combination of these needs may easily adjust the rigging system  100 . The primary adjustment to a length of the rigging system  100  may be made using the lower buckle  108 . By pushing the paddle of the lower buckle clip  170  in the lower buckle  106  to remove the bias holding the lower strap  108  in a fixed position, the lower strap  108  can freely slide within the lower slot  164  around the lower buckle bulkhead  161 , thus changing the distance between the lower buckle  108  and the handle  110 . By changing the distance between the lower buckle  108  and the handle  110 , the lower buckle  108  can remain a pre-determined distance from the upper buckle  102  while changing the location of the handle  110  relative to the fixed-point mount. Thus, the lower buckle  108  can remain at a predetermined distance from the fixed-point mount during adjustment of a vertical position of the handle  110 . However, as described in more detail below, this predetermined distance between the upper buckle  102  and lower buckle  108  can be selectively changed by adjusting the distance between the lower buckle  108  and the upper buckle  102  using the adjustment feature of the upper buckle clip  130 . 
     Once a desired length of the portion of the lower strap  108  between the lower buckle  106  and the handle link  116  is achieved to appropriately position the height of the handle  110 , the paddle may be released, allowing the torsion spring  174  on the lower buckle  106  to bias the grip surface on the lower buckle clip  170  toward the grip wall  165  and pressing against the lower strap  108  to hold it there between. 
     Once adjustment of the lower strap  108  is complete, the lower strap restraint  120  may be used to hold the free end of the lower strap  108  against the length of lower strap  108  under tension in order to avoid possible interference of the free end of the lower strap  108  with the user when performing exercises. The lower strap restraint  120  may be a length of hook and loop fastener material affixed to the free end of the lower strap  108  that extends laterally to form tab structures. The tabs may be long enough to fold around the width of the opposing length of the lower strap  108  and hook together around the portion of the lower strap  108  under tension. 
     If in any particular situation, manipulation of the lower buckle  106  and the length of the lower strap  108  do not adequately achieve the desired length of the rigging system  100 , the length of the upper strap  104  can likewise be adjusted in combination. The upper buckle clip  130  can be manipulated to release the bias force on the upper strap  104 , allowing the length to be adjusted to a new position, which changes the distance between the lower buckle  104  and the upper buckle  102 . The upper buckle clip  130  can be released after appropriate adjustment of the upper strap  104  to reassert the bias force of the upper buckle clip  130  on the upper strap  104  to hold it firmly in position. 
     Once adjustment of the upper strap  104  is complete, the upper strap restraint  118  may be used to hold the free end of the upper strap  104  against the length of upper strap  104  under tension in order to avoid possible interference of the free end of the upper strap  104  with the user when performing exercises. The upper strap restraint  118  may be a length of hook and loop fastener material affixed to the free end of the upper strap  104  that extends laterally to form tab structures. The tabs may be long enough to fold around the width of the opposing length of the upper strap  104  and hook together around the portion of the upper strap  108  under tension. 
     Additionally, by locating the upper buckle  102  and the lower buckle  106  toward the upper ends of the upper strap  104  and lower strap  108 , respectively, the free ends of the upper strap  104  and lower strap  108  are less likely to interfere with the user when performing an exercise. For example, if the lower buckle  106  was located adjacent to the handle straps  114  rather than the handle link  116 , the free end of the lower strap  108  would fall downward toward the handle  110  and ankle strap  112  and possibly interfere with the user when performing exercises. By placing the lower buckle  106  away from a connection point with the handle straps  114 , the likelihood of the free end of the lower strap  108  interfering with the handle  110  or the ankle strap  112  is averted or minimized. Positioning the lower buckle  106  away from connection adjacent to the handle straps  114  also prevents the possibility of discomfort of the lower buckle  106  pressing into a user&#39;s forearm when performing exercises. 
       FIG. 14  depicts an alternate embodiment of a rigging system for suspension exercise training in which the lower strap  108  is provided with a series of measurement markers  240  spaced along the length of the lower strap  108 . The measurement markers  240  may be positioned at even increments of a particular unit of measure (for example, inches). The measurement markers  240  may be marks woven within the web of the lower strap  108 , marks screen printed onto the web of the lower strap  108 , labels adhered or sewn to the web of the lower strap  108 , or formed on the lower strap  108  in any other fashion. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the lower buckle may be formed with a recess in the lower buckle bulkhead  161  that creates a marker window  176  to frame or highlight the present selected measurement on the lower strap  108 . Such a measurement system may be a significant aid to the user when changing a length of the lower strap  108  to accommodate different exercises during an exercise program. 
       FIG. 15  depicts an alternate embodiment of a rigging system for suspension exercise training, wherein two separate rigging systems  100  are used in conjunction and connected together by a connector bar  250 . The ankle straps  112  are removed from the handles  110  on each of the rigging systems  100 . The connector bar  250  may then be connected between two opposing ends of the handles  110 ; for example, by use of friction fit inserts (not shown) extending from the connector bar  250  into the handle cores  190  of each of the handles  110 . Such a configuration may provide a user with an alternate rigging system for the performance of different exercises. Additionally the wider handle surface provided by the connector bar  250  may provide a simplified or easier platform for users new to suspension exercise training to complete appropriate exercises. 
     All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present devices, systems, and structures described herein, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions; order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary. 
     The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.