Patent Publication Number: US-11648434-B2

Title: Exercise shuttle device

Description:
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
     The present application is directed to an exercise device, and more specifically to an exercise device including a shuttle that translates along cables in response to manipulation of the cables. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Resistance training is often used to build strength and muscle, while also increasing a person&#39;s endurance. Resistance training often involves the use of weights, elastic bands, or specialized machines, all typically designed to work one muscle against another or against gravity. Traditional exercise equipment typically comprises heavy components that are designed to target a single area of the body. Additionally, traditional exercise equipment typically requires a large amount of dedicated space to store bulky items, which are unable to be transported with ease due to the equipment&#39;s weight and size. Thus, users of exercise equipment are usually limited to a particular dedicated space. 
     Another limitation of such equipment is that the equipment is further designed for use by a single person at a time. Thus, a second person working out alongside the first person must wait until the first person has completed its use of the exercise equipment to begin his or her use of the equipment. Further, typical exercise equipment, such as exercise machines, comprise various moving parts that can only be fixed or maintained by specialized persons with knowledge of how the machine functions. 
     There is a need to provide an exercise device that is compact, lightweight, easily transportable, and adapted for use by both a single person and two persons. In addition, there is a need to provide such a device that may be used to strengthen various muscle groups. 
     SUMMARY 
     In various embodiments, an exercise device is disclosed herein. The exercise device may comprise two cables positioned substantially parallel to one another, and a shuttle adapted to retain a corresponding length of each cable and to translate along the cables. 
     In one aspect, an exercise device includes a shuttle configured to translate along a first and a second cable in response to a separation of the cables by a user. The shuttle may include housing having a first side and a second side. A first cable slot may extend through the housing between a pair of first cable feed slots positioned respectively at the first side and the second side of the housing. A second cable slot may extend through the housing between a pair of second cable feed slots positioned respectively at the first and second side of the housing. A first pulley may be rotatably mounted to the housing and have a first engagement surface that extends around the first pulley configured to engage the first cable when extended through the first cable slot. The first engagement surface may define at least a portion of a first cable slot. A second pulley may be rotatably mounted to the housing and have a second engagement surface that extends around the second pulley configured to engage the second cable when extended through the second cable slot. The second engagement surface may define at least a portion of the second cable slot. 
     In one example, the shuttle may include one or more cable guides comprising at least a first guide surface to assist in guiding the first cable through the first slot and a second guide surface to assist in guiding the second cable through the second slot. The one more cable guides may include a cable guide attached to the housing and positioned between the first and second pulleys. 
     In any of the above or another example, the housing may include a plate and the first and second pulleys are rotatably mounted to the plate. The first and second pulleys may be positioned to rotate within a same plane. 
     In any of the above or another example, the exercise device may also include the first cable and the second cable, wherein the first cable extends through the first cable slot and the second cable extends through the second slot. 
     In another aspect, an exercised device includes a shuttle. The shuttle may comprise two or more pulleys positioned on opposite lateral sides of the shuttle. The pulleys may be positioned in a horizontal plane and rotate about separate vertical axes. The cables may run through an open space between the pulleys, with a first cable engaging an inner surface of the first pulley and a second cable engaging an inner surface of the second pulley. The shuttle may further comprise a housing upon which the pulleys are rotatably mounted. 
     The shuttle may further comprise at least one cable guide disposed between the pulleys and adapted to separate and guide the cables running through the shuttle. In one embodiment, the cable guide comprises a low friction surface. In another embodiment, the cable guide may include rotating components adapted to rotate along with the movement of the cables to reduce friction between the shuttle and cables. 
     Translation of the shuttle is achieved through separation of first ends of the cables. The separation of the cables creates a force upon the pulleys of the shuttle, projecting the shuttle along the cables towards second ends of the cables. In one embodiment, a second user is disposed at the second ends of the cables. After a first user has returned the first ends of the cable to a substantially parallel position, the second user may then perform a similar separation of the second ends of the cables, thereby projecting the shuttle back towards the first ends. This exercise may be repeated until a set number of translations is achieved or the users become fatigued. 
     In another aspect, a single user may utilize the exercise device by attaching the second ends to an elevated, stationary object. The single user may similarly separate the first ends of the cables, thereby translating the shuttle towards the second ends. Upon returning the first ends to a substantially parallel position, gravity will force the shuttle to return to the first ends. The single user may repeat this exercise until a set number of translations is achieved or the user becomes fatigued. 
     The exercise device may further comprise various attachments disposed on the first and second ends of the cables, wherein the attachments are adapted to be manipulated by a user. In one embodiment, the attachment may comprise a handle adapted to be grasped by a user. In another embodiment, the attachment may comprise a strap that may be fastened around a limb of a user. 
     Various muscles groups may be targeted through exercises with the device, such as the back (e.g., latissimus dorsi, rhomboids), shoulders (e.g., deltoids), neck (e.g., trapezius), arms, or chest. Additionally, various stances and movements may be incorporated to increase a difficulty of an exercise. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features of the described embodiments are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The described embodiments, however, both as to organization and manner of operation, may be best understood by reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIGS.  1 A &amp;  1 B  illustrate perspective and elevated views of a shuttle according to various embodiments described herein; 
         FIGS.  2 A &amp;  2 B  illustrate a shuttle in operation with cables according to various embodiments described herein; 
         FIGS.  3 A &amp;  3 B  illustrate a shuttle in operation with cables according to various embodiments described herein; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a cable attachment for use with the exercise device according to various embodiments described herein; and 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a cable attachment for use with the exercise device according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a perspective view of the shuttle according to an embodiment described herein; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a shuttle perspective view of the shuttle according to an embodiment described herein. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The present description describes an exercise device and methods of using the same. The exercise device may include a shuttle having pulleys through which cables may be extended. The shuttle is configured to translate along the cables when corresponding ends of cables are separated. The separation of the cables drives rotation of the pulleys, causing the shuttle translate along the cables, away from the separating ends. 
       FIGS.  1 A- 5    illustrate exemplary features of an exercise device  2  and accessories thereof according to various embodiments wherein like numbers identify like features. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 3 B , the exercise device  2  comprises a shuttle  10  configured to translate along a pair of cables  30 ,  40 . The shuttle  10  may be adapted to retain a length of the cables  30 ,  40 . As shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B , the shuttle  10  may include a housing  12  configured to rotationally mount two or more pulleys  14 ,  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, a first pulley  14  and a second pulley  16  are rotationally mounted to the housing  12  via pins  13 ,  15  on opposite sides of a central region of the shuttle  10 . The pulleys  14 ,  16  include respective engagement surfaces  14   a ,  16   a  that extend around the pulleys  14 ,  16  and are adapted for engaging the cables  30 ,  40  within the central region of the shuttle  10 . 
     The shuttle  10  may also include one or more guide surfaces  18   a ,  18   b . Guide surfaces  18  may assist, if necessary, in guiding cables  30 ,  40  through cable slots  20 ,  22  that extend through the shuttle  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the shuttle  10  includes a first guide surface  18   a  for assisting in guiding of the first cable  30  through a first cable slot  20  and a second guide surface  18   b  for assisting in guiding the second cable  40  through a second cable slot  22 . The guide surfaces  18   a ,  18   b  preferably comprise low friction surfaces to allow cables to easily slide therealong when guided. The guide surfaces  18   a ,  18   b  may comprise additional components to reduce friction along the guide surfaces  18   a ,  18   b . In one embodiment, the guide surfaces  18   a ,  18   b  may be coated in a lubricant to reduce friction between the cables  30 ,  40  and the guide surfaces  18   a ,  18   b . In another embodiment, a plurality of wheels or freely spinning components, such as ball transfer units, may be disposed on the guide surfaces  18   a ,  18   b , whereby the wheels or other spinning components may rotate in the direction of the moving cables  30 ,  40  to reduce friction. The guide surfaces  18   a ,  18   b  may be provided by one or more cable guides  18 . For example, the shuttle  10  may include a cable guide  18  comprising one or more rotationally mounted pulleys comprising guide surfaces  18   a ,  18   b . In the illustrated embodiment, the shuttle  10  includes a cable guide  18  including guide surfaces  18   a ,  18   b  mounted between the first and second pulleys  14 ,  16  to assist in guiding the cables through the shuttle  10  if needed. The cable guide  18  includes a projecting structure, which has a cylindrical shape in the illustrated embodiment. Cable guides  18  or guide surfaces  18   a ,  18   b  may also be adapted for ensuring that cables  30 ,  40  do not entangle one another within the shuttle  10 . 
     As introduced above, the cables  30 ,  40  are extendable through the housing  12  through a first cable slot  20  and a second cable slot  22 , respectively, that extend through the housing  12  between a first side  12   a  and a second side  12   b  of the housing  12 . The first cable slot  20  may be at least partially defined by the first pulley  14  or first engagement surface  14   a  thereof and the second cable slot  22  may be at least partially defined by the second pully  16  or second engagement surface thereof  14   b . When included, the first guide surface  18   a  may define a portion of the first cable slot  20  and the second guide surface  18   b  may define a portion of the second cable slot  22 . For example, first and second cable feed slots  20 ,  22  may be defined between respective first and second engagement surfaces  14   a ,  16   a  and corresponding first and second guide surfaces  18   a ,  18   b . The shuttle  10  may include a pair of first and second cable feed slots  20   a ,  22   a  positioned along the first side  12   a  of the housing  12  defining first ends of the first and second cable slots  20 ,  22  and a pair of first and second cable feed slots  20   b ,  22   b  along the second side  12   b  of the housing  12  defining second ends of the first and second cable slots  20 ,  22 . 
     The cables  30 ,  40  may further comprise corresponding first ends  30   a ,  40   a  and corresponding second ends  30   b ,  40   b . In use, separation of cables  30 ,  40  relative to the cable slots  20 ,  22  at one end of the cables  30 ,  40  drives rotation of the pulleys  14 ,  16  and corresponding translation of the shuttle  10  along the cables  30 ,  40  towards the opposite end of cables  30 ,  40 . For example, if a user of the exercise device  2  separates corresponding first ends  30   a ,  40   a  from one another, the separation of the cables  30 ,  40  will cause a force to act upon the engagement surfaces  14   a ,  16   a  on a side proximate the first ends  30   a ,  40   a . The separation will typically be lateral with respect to the shuttle  10  and approximately within a same plane as the rotation of the pulleys  14 ,  16 , e.g., transverse to the rotation axis. The force acting on the engagement surfaces  14   a ,  16   a  causes the pulleys  14 ,  16  to rotate about the pins  13 ,  15 , thereby moving the shuttle  10  in the direction of the corresponding second ends  30   b ,  40   b  of the cables  30 ,  40 . 
     While the illustrated cable guide  18  is mounted stationary to the housing  12 , in some embodiments, the shuttle  10  may include one or more movable cable guides  18 . For example, a cable guide  18  may include a rotatable pulley or a guide arm, either of which may be configured to be movable to adjust the size or path of the cable slots  20 ,  22 . While the illustrated cable guide  18  includes a cylindrical structure having guide surfaces  18   a ,  18   b  configured to guide cables  30 ,  40  through the shuttle  10 , in some embodiments, additional cable guides  18  are provided. Such additional cable guides  18  may be dedicated for guiding one or more cables. In one embodiment, the shuttle  10  does not include cable guides  18 . 
     With further reference to  FIG.  2 A , the shuttle  10  may include or be configured for use with two or more cables  30 ,  40 . As shown, the exercise device  2  incudes the shuttle  10 , the first cable  30  and the second cable  40 . The first cable  30  extends through the first cable slot  20  of the shuttle  10  between a first cable feed slots  20   a ,  20   b  of the first cable slot  20 , wherein the first cable feed slot  20   a  of the first cable slot  20  is proximate the first end  30   a  of the first cable  30  when fed through the shuttle  10  and the first cable feed slot  20   b  of the first cable slot  20  is proximate the second end  30   b  of the first cable  30  when fed through the shuttle  10 . The second cable  40  extends through the second cable feed slot  22  between second cable feed slots  22   a ,  22   b  of the second cable slot  22 , wherein the second cable feed slot  22   a  of the second cable slot  22  is proximate the first end  40   a  of the second cable  40  when fed through the shuttle  10  and the second cable feed slot  22   b  of the second cable slot  22  is proximate the second end  40   b  of the second cable  40  when fed through the shuttle  10 . Thus, the pair of first and second cable feed slots  20   a ,  22   a  may be located at the first side  12   a  of the housing  12  and the pair of first and second cable feed slots  20   b ,  22   b  may be located at the second side  12   b  of the housing. 
     The cables  30 ,  40  may comprise a durable material adapted for allowing repeated translation of the shuttle  10  along the lengths of the cables  30 ,  40  without causing damage. In one embodiment, the cables  30 ,  40  may comprise a rope that, in turn, may comprise metal wire, hemp, cotton, nylon, or any other material or combination of materials known in the art. In another embodiment, the cables  30 ,  40  may comprise elastic polymer allowing a user or users to apply additional resistance during an exercise by stretching the cables  30 ,  40 . 
     As introduced above, the shuttle  10  may include a set of pulleys  14 ,  16  configured to receive and be rotatable by separation of the cables  30 ,  40 . Friction between the engagement surfaces  14   a ,  16   a  and the cables  30 ,  40  causes rotation of the pulleys  14 ,  16  and feeding of the cables  30 ,  40  through the shuttle  10  when corresponding ends of the cables  30 ,  40  are laterally separated, generally within the plane of the pulleys  14 ,  16 , a lateral separation distance beyond the respective cable slots  20 ,  22  along the corresponding side  12   a ,  12   b  of the housing  12 . For example, with reference to  FIG.  2 B , first ends  30   a ,  40   a  may be separated (as indicated by arrows A, B) such that the portions of the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  proximate to the shuttle  10  are separated a lateral separation distance greater than that between the first and second cable feed slots  20   a ,  22   a , taken between the respective engagement surfaces of the pulleys  14   a ,  16   a  defining the lateral extents of the first and second cable feed slots  20   a ,  22   a  along the first side  12   a  of the housing  12 , to cause respective pulleys  14 ,  16  to rotate (as indicated by arrows C, D). As the pulleys  14 ,  16  rotate, the shuttle  10  translates along the cables  30 ,  40  away from the separating first ends  30   a ,  40   a  and towards the second ends  30   b ,  40   b  (as indicated by arrow E). The shuttle  10  uses portions of the cables  30 ,  40  that extend from the second side  12   b  of the housing  12  as a track for the shuttle  10  to follow and subsequently feeding those portions of the cables  30 ,  40  through the first and second cable feed slots  20   b ,  22   b  along the second side  12   b  of the housing  12  towards the first side  12   a  of the housing  12 . 
     During use of the exercise device  2 , when the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  of the cables  30 ,  40  are separated, the second ends  30   b ,  40   b  of the cables may remain substantially parallel to one another and not cross, thereby allowing the shuttle  10  to translate towards the second ends  30   b ,  40   b  with minimal resistance. By maintaining portions of the second ends  30   b ,  40   b  proximate to the shuttle  10  at a lateral separation distance equal to or less than the lateral separation distances between the first and second cable feed slots  20   b ,  22   b , the increased lateral separation distance between the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  drives rotation of the pulleys  14 ,  16  toward the second ends  30   a ,  40   b.    
     In one embodiment, the second ends  30   b ,  40   b  may be anchored to a stationary object, such as a poll or wall, thereby allowing a single user to utilize the exercise device  2  alone. The second ends  30   b ,  40   b  may be attached at an elevated position relative to the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  to allow gravity to return the shuttle  10  toward the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  when the user pulls the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  together. The force of gravity acting downward from the second ends  30   b ,  40   b  towards the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  would cause the pulleys  14 ,  16  to rotate in a direction opposite arrows C, D as gravity pulls the shuttle  10  along the cables  30 ,  40 . 
     The exercise device  2  may further comprise stops  50  disposed on the first and second ends  30   a ,  30   b ,  40   a ,  40   b  of the cables  30 ,  40 . The stops  50  may be adapted to limit the translation of the shuttle  10  along the cables. In one embodiment, the stops  50  may comprise a spherical knob disposed at the first and second ends  30   a ,  30   b ,  40   a ,  40   b , wherein the spherical knobs have a greater diameter than the size of the cable slots  20 ,  22 , thereby hindering the cables  30 ,  40  from feeding further through the cable slots  20 ,  22  when abutting against them. However, the stops  50  may comprise any shape or configuration adapted for hindering the further translation of the shuttle  10  along the cables  30 ,  40 . In another embodiment, the position of the stops  50  may be adjustable along the length of the cables  30 ,  40 . For example, stops  50  may be configured to clamp or compress cables  30 ,  40  to maintain a desired position and release compression to remove or relocate. 
       FIGS.  3 A &amp;  3 B  demonstrate an example of the exercise device  2  in operation when utilized by two users. As shown in  FIG.  3 A , the shuttle  10  may begin at a position on the cables  30 ,  40  between the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  and the second ends  30   b ,  40   b . Various cable attachments  60  may be disposed at the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  and the second ends  30   b ,  40   b  for users to better manipulate the cables  30 ,  40 . Using the cable attachments  60  on the first ends  30   a ,  40   a , a first user may laterally separate the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  such that a lateral separation distance between the portions of the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  proximate the shuttle  10  is greater than the lateral separation distance between the first and second cable feed slots  20   a ,  22   a , taken between the respective engagement surfaces of the pulleys  14   a ,  16   a  defining the lateral extents of the first and second cable feed slots  20   a ,  22   a . In one example, a first user may separate the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  in opposite lateral directions without crossing the cables  30 ,  40 . As shown in  FIG.  3 A , the force caused by the separating the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  of the cables  30 ,  40  pushes the shuttle  10  along cables  30 ,  40  in the direction of the second ends of the cables  30   b ,  40   b . The shuttle  10  may travel along the cables  30 ,  40  until it reaches and contacts a stop  50  disposed proximate the second ends  30   b ,  40   b , thereby stopping further translation along the cables  30 ,  40 . The translation of the shuttle  10  may also stop if the lateral separation distance between the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  of the cables  30 ,  40  proximate to the shuttle  10  is reduced to that of the lateral separation distance between the first and second cable feed slots  20   a ,  22   a  or less, thereby removing the force propelling the shuttle  10  toward the second ends  30   b ,  40   b . It is noted that translation of the shuttle  10  toward the second ends  30   b ,  40   b  may also be stopped or prevented if the portions of the second ends  30   b ,  40   b  of the cables  30 ,  40  proximate to the shuttle  10  are maintained at a lateral separation distance greater than the distance between the first and second cable feed slots  20   b ,  22   b . As shown in  FIG.  3 B , a second user using the cable attachments  60  at the second ends  30   b ,  40   b  of the cables  30 ,  40  may then proceed to separate the second ends  30   b ,  40   b  as described above with respect to the first user. 
     Simultaneously with or prior to the separation of the second ends  30   b ,  40   b  by the second user, the first user may return the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  to a substantially parallel position, whereby the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  are separated a distance substantially equal to a distance between the engaging surfaces  14   a ,  16   a  of the pulley. Thus, the force caused by the second user separating the second ends  30   b ,  40   b  of the cables  30 ,  40  pushes the shuttle  10  to translate along the cables  30 ,  40  toward the first ends  30   a ,  40   a . The process of separating the corresponding ends of cables  30 ,  40  while returning the opposite corresponding ends of cables  30 ,  40  to a lateral separation distance equal to or less than the lateral separation distances between engagement surfaces defining lateral ends of respective cable feed slots, e.g., to a substantially parallel position, may be repeated until a desired number of repetitions is achieved or the first and second users are depleted of energy. 
     In one embodiment, the second user may attempt to catch the shuttle  10  on the second ends  30   b ,  40   b  prior to the shuttle  10  contacting the stops  50  by preemptively separating the second ends  30   b ,  40   b . Catching the shuttle  10  prior to it contacting the stops  50  may add a level of difficulty to an exercise by requiring additional coordination, strength, and timing. 
     As introduced above, various cable attachments  60  may be used to assist in the manipulation of the cables  30 ,  40 . Typically, cable attachments  60  include a connector for connecting a manipulation structure to the cables  30 ,  40 , wherein the manipulation structure is configured to be grasped by or coupled to a user. Many such cable attachments are known in the art, such as handles/hand grips, limb straps, ropes, pulley bars, triangle grips, straight bars, V handles, etc. Any known or suitable later developed cable attachments may be used. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates an example cable attachment  60   a  comprising cuff or strap. The strap includes a connector comprising a loop for attaching to a connector along a cable. Ends of the strap may be adapted for wrapping around a wrist or ankle of a user or to an object, e.g., to anchor the cable relative to the object. In the illustrated example, the strap includes a length of fabric with ends including an attachment structure comprising hook and loop elements to allow ends of the strap to be selectively attached and detached. Other strap or cuff configurations may also be used. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates another cable attachment  60   b  comprising a D handle. The D handle includes a D shaped frame having an connector on one side comprising a slot for attaching to a connector along a cable and a grip for a user to grip on the other. The grip may be rotatable relative to the D shaped frame. 
     In various embodiments, the connectors may be configured for interchanging cable attachments. For example, connectors may be configured to selectively attach various cable attachments allowing users to interchange cable attachments. Interchangeability may also allow users to adapt to their own strength or desired exertion. For example, first ends  30   a ,  40   a  of the cables  30 ,  40  may be selectively connected to straps or cuffs and second ends  30   b ,  40   b  of the cables  30 ,  40  may be selectively connected to heavier handles. The straps of cuffs may be removed from the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  and thereafter recoupled to the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  or replaced by different cable attachments. 
     The shuttle housing may have various configurations. For example, the housing may be configured to be open, partially enclosed, or completely enclosed. For example, the housing may be open along one or more sides. In one configuration, the housing includes a plate of other structure onto which the pulleys mount along one side. The housing may be otherwise open, e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  1 A &amp;  1 B . In an example, of an enclosed configuration, the housing may include a multi-side container wherein the pulleys are contained in the housing and walls defining first and second ends of the housing have cable feed slots defined therethrough. 
     In various embodiments, the housing may include one or more doors or panels that may be selectively opened and closed by a user to access the pulleys. For example, with reference to  FIG.  6    showing a partially enclosed embodiment of a housing  12 , the housing  12  may include first and second plates  17   a ,  17   b . The pulleys  14 ,  16  may attach to the first plate  17   a . The second plate  17   b  may position above the first plate  17   a . As shown, a sidewall attaches between the first and second plates  17   a ,  17   b ; however, the second plate  17   b  may be mounted relative to the first plate  17   a  utilizing different structures that may be positioned at the same or different locations. The second plate  17   b  pivotably mounts to the sidewall via a hinge  19  about which it is selectively pivotable to position over and reveal the first plate  17   a  and pulleys  14 ,  16 . The second plate  17   b  may therefore function as a door to the pulleys  14 ,  16  and cable slots  20 ,  22 . In another embodiment, the second plate  17   b  is removably attachable from the housing  12  and may be held in place via a clip, latch, or other fastener. 
     In another embodiment of a partially enclosed housing  12 , the housing  12  comprises a first plate  17   a  upon which the first pulley  14  and the second pulley  16  are rotationally mounted. The housing  12  may further comprise a second plate  17   b  substantially parallel to the first plate  17   a  and disposed on an opposite side of the first and second pulley  14 ,  16 , whereby the first and second pulley  14 ,  16  are located between the first plate  17   a  and the second plate  17   b . The second plate  17   b  may be adapted to secure and retain the cables  30 ,  40  within the shuttle  10 , whereby the cables  30 ,  40  cannot slip out of the cable feeds slots  20 ,  22  and off the shuttle  10 . The housing  12  may or may not include one or more lateral sidewalls positioned outside the pulleys  14 ,  16 . The combination and configuration of the first plate  17   a , the second plate  17   b , the cable guide  18 , and the pulleys  14 ,  16  may enclose upper and lower sides of the cable slots  20 ,  22 . In one example, the second plate  17   a  positions above the pulleys a distance less than that of the width of the cables such that the cables do not slip out of the cable slots  20 ,  22 . In a further example, the pulleys  14 ,  16  rotate about pins (see, e.g.,  FIG.  1 A ) and the pins attach to both first and second plates  17   a ,  17   b.    
     The exercise device  2  may be used to work and develop various muscles groups such as the back (e.g., latissimus dorsi, rhomboids), shoulders (e.g., deltoids), neck (e.g., trapezius), arms, or chest. When used to provide resistance when moving raised arms in about 90 degree arcs from the center of the chest to the lateral sides of the user, the device may be used to work and develop muscles analogous to those utilized when performing back/rear cable crossovers. The exercise device may be used in other orientations to work other muscle groups or muscles, including those in the legs. For example, the exercise device may be used to in a vertical or other angled orientation. 
     In another embodiment, the exercise device may be used to work and develop hip abductors of the user. In this embodiment, the cable attachments  60  of the cable  30 ,  40  may be secured to the lower legs of the user around the calf and shin or ankles of the user. The user may be in a seated position with the leg together, wherein thighs of the user are substantially horizontal. The user may then separate its legs in opposite lateral directions, thereby separating the cables  30 ,  40  and propelling the shuttle  10  to the opposite ends of the cables  30 ,  40 . The opposite ends of the cables  30 ,  40  may be secured to a higher point on a stationary object, whereby gravity would return the shuttle to the ends of the cables where the user is located, or a second user may engage the exercise device  2  in a similar manner and return the shuttle  10  to the first user. 
     As introduced above, two users may utilize the exercise device  2  at the same time. For example, two users may face each other while each user holds handles attached to the cables  30 ,  40 . While a user positioned at the first side of the shuttle  10  separates the cables  30 ,  40  to translate the shuttle  10  toward a second user posited at the second side of the shuttle  10  the second user may maintain the second ends  30   b ,  40   b  of the cables  30 ,  40  together or at a lateral separation distance approximating the distance between the cable feed slots  20 ,  22 . 
     In one embodiment, both users may use identical cable attachments  60  and position the cables ends  30   a ,  30   b ,  40   a ,  40   b  at a substantially similar height during user. In another embodiment, a first user may utilize the strap configuration  60   a  for the cable attachments  60  while a second user may utilize the handle configuration  60   b.    
     Users may modify an exercise by using the device from a squatting position. In one embodiment, a first user starts an exercise by separating the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  from a standing position. The second user may be in a squatting position to receive the shuttle  10  at the second ends  30   b ,  40   b . Upon receiving the shuttle  10  at the second ends  30   b ,  40   b , the second user may rise to a standing position, while concurrently the first user lowers its body to a squatting position. The exercise may be repeated with the first and second users alternating between standing and squatting positions while using the exercise device  2 . 
     The users may further enhance or alter the workout by changing and alternating feet positions when using the exercise device  2 . For example, the users may begin an exercise with feet shoulder-width apart. The user may then progress to a staggered stance, whereby one foot is located in front another, thereby focusing the exercise on the leg positioned in front. 
     The exercise device  2  may also be used by a single individual. For example, a user may attach the second ends  30   b ,  40   b  of the cables  30 ,  40  to an object or wall and then separate the first ends of the cables to translate the shuttle towards the second ends of the cables. To return the shuttle toward the first ends, the individual may bring the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  of the cables  30 ,  40  together and allow gravity to pull the shuttle  10  back toward the first ends  30   a ,  40   a . For example, when the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  of the cables  30 ,  40  are held together and angled downward relative to the second ends  30   b ,  40   b , gravity may pull the shuttle  10  along the cables in the second direction toward the first ends  30   a ,  40   a . This may occur if a lateral separation distance between the cables  30 ,  40  corresponds to about the feed slots  20 ,  22 . If sufficient contact and accompanying friction between the cable surfaces and the engagement surfaces  14   a ,  16   a  of the pulleys  14 ,  16  is present, the pulleys  14 ,  16  may rotate as gravity pulls the shuttle  10  to translate along the cables  30 ,  40 . In another example, the contact and accompanying friction between the cable surfaces and the engagement surfaces  14   a ,  16   a  of the pulleys  14 ,  16  may be insufficient to drive full rotation of the pulleys  14 ,  16  that correspond to the cable length moving through the shuttle  10 , and the shuttle  10  may translate along cables  30 ,  40  without full accompanying rotation of the pulleys  14 ,  16 . 
     Other exercises that may be performed with the exercise device  2  may include those for working the legs and/or glutes. For example, cables  30 ,  40  may be attached to a user&#39;s ankle, e.g., via straps or cuffs, and the user may perform scissor kicks, kickbacks, or leg or hip abductions wherein the relative separation of the legs, separates the first ends  30   a ,  40   a  of the cables  30 ,  40 , to translate the shuttle  10 . The exercises may be performed by two users at opposite ends of the cables  30 ,  40   a  or a single user wherein the opposite paired ends are anchored to a wall or other structure such that bringing the legs back together allows the shuttle to return back toward the user. 
     In some embodiments, the shuttle  10  may be configured to have a resistance setting. The resistance setting may have a single level of resistance that may be engaged or the resistance setting may comprise differing levels of resistance. In one embodiment, the resistance setting may alter the size of the feed slots  20 ,  22  that the cables  30 ,  40  pass through. The resistance setting may move the position of the pulleys  14 ,  16  closer to the guiding surfaces  18   a ,  18   b , thereby minimizing the size of the feed slots  20 ,  22 . When the feed slots  20 ,  22  are narrowed to a size equal to or less than a diameter of the cables  30 ,  40 , an interference fit is created between the cables  30 ,  40  and the engaging surfaces  14   a ,  16   a  and the guide surfaces  18   a ,  18   b . The creation of an interference fit increases the friction acting on the shuttle as it translates along the cables  30 ,  40 , thereby increasing resistance. By further narrowing the feed slots  20 ,  22 , resistance can be incrementally increased. In one embodiment, knobs disposed on the housing  12  of the shuttle  10  may be used to alter the resistance setting, wherein a tightening of the knobs may turn gears coupled to the pulleys  14 ,  16 , which may be adapted to translate the position of the pulley  14 ,  16  relative to the guiding surfaces  18   a ,  18   b . In one embodiment, the position of the guiding surfaces  18   a ,  18   b  may be altered relative to the pulleys  14 ,  16  to achieve the same effect of narrowing the feed slots  20 ,  22 . In another embodiment, resistance to the translation of the shuttle  10  along cables  30 ,  40  may be accomplished by applying a resistance to the rotation of the pulleys  14 ,  16 . For example, resistance to rotation may be provided by rotation bearings packed or otherwise configured to provide additional resistance than a free wheel bearing. In one embodiment, pulleys  14 ,  16  with set rotation bearing resistance may be mounted and/or interchangeably mounted to allow users to selected a desired resistance. In one embodiment, the exercise device  2  is configured to employ magnetic resistance. For example, one or more magnets may be mounted to the housing  12 . The position of the magnets relative to ferromagnetic material of the pulleys  14 ,  16  may be adjustable to increase or decrease drag. A knob, button, crank, or the like may be provided to adjust the distance. In another example, the exercise device  2  may include a battery and a current controller to adjust electrical current supplied with respect to one or more magnets, e.g., electromagnets, mounted to the housing and positioned relative to ferromagnetic material of the pulleys  14 ,  16  to increase or decrease drag. A knob, button, crank, or the like may be provided to adjust electrical current supplied to the magnets or adjust the distance between the magnets and/or pulleys  14 ,  16 . In another embodiment, friction resistance may be utilized. For example, a tensioner belt may be extended around a circumferential surface of the pulley  14 ,  16  relative to the axis of rotation. The belt may be static with respect to the housing and tension of the belt against the surface of the pulley may be adjusted to increase or decrease friction between the belt and the pulley surface, thereby controlling drag. In another example, a pad may be mounted to the housing relative to a surface of the pulley  14 ,  16 . The location of the pad relative to the surface of the pulley  14 ,  16  may be adjusted to change a amount of force applied by the pad against the surface to modify the friction therebetween to increase or decrease drag. In either example, a knob, button, crank, or the like may be provided to adjust tension on the belt or adjust the position of the pad and/or pulleys  14 ,  16 . The additional resistance to the rotation of the pulleys  14 ,  16  requires a user to exercise a greater amount of force to cause the pulleys  14 ,  16  to rotate and thereby allow movement of the shuttle  10 . In one embodiment, the resistance to the rotation of the pulleys  14 ,  16  may be adjusted to increase and decrease the rotational resistance. In another embodiment, the rotational resistance of the pulleys  14 ,  16  may be increased as the pulleys  14 ,  16  rotate in one direction and decrease as it rotates in the opposite direction, thereby allowing for varying resistance as the shuttle  10  travels along the cables  30 ,  40 . In yet another embodiment, the exercise device  2  may comprise interchangeable shuttles  10  with different set resistances. A user desiring a strenuous exercise may apply the shuttle  10  with the greatest resistance, while a user desiring a less demanding exercise may apply the shuttle  10  with a lower resistance. 
     In some embodiments, additional pulleys may be used. In one example, additional pulleys may be positioned to provide differential separation of the cable feed points at the first and second ends of the shuttle. In this or another example, additional pulleys may be arranged to provide a more tortuous path through multiple pulleys for each cable to provide additional resistance than with single pulleys on each side of the shuttle. As noted above, pulleys may be configured to provide various levels of resistance to rotation. Depending on the cable surfaces and/or pully engagement surfaces used, high levels of pulley rotation resistance may overcome friction between the cable surfaces and pulley engagement surfaces, resulting in the cable sliding along all or portions of the cable engagement surfaces. One way to address this is to increase surface contact between the cable surfaces and the cable engagement surfaces of the pulleys. In one example, each cable is routed through three pulleys. The pulleys may be positioned to rotate within a single plane. The first and third pulleys may be longitudinally aligned and the second pulley may be offset. The offset of the second pulley increases the contact area along the cable surfaces and cable engagement surfaces of the second pulley thereby allowing greater resistance to be applied to rotation of the second pulley, for example. 
     Pulleys may be set to have different resistance when rotated in a first rotational direction, e.g., corresponding to translation of the shuttle along the cables in the first direction, than to rotation in a second rotational direction, e.g., corresponding to translation of the shuttle along the cables in the second direction. This may allow a user to utilize two different resistances or two users to each utilized a different resistance. In one example, pulleys are freely rotatable in a first rotation direction, which may be different for each pulley, and subject to resistance in a second rotation direction such that translation the shuttle in the first direction is subject to rotational resistance of the pulleys and translation of the shuttle in the second direction is subject to free rotation (or less). 
     The exercise device  2  may further comprise additional components designed to increase the difficulty of the exercise. In one embodiment, the shuttle  10  may be designed to receive and secure weighted parts adapted to increase the weight of the shuttle  10 . As depicted in  FIG.  7   , the shuttle  10  may comprise a receiving post  24  adapted to receive one or more weight disks  26 . A user may select to an appropriate number and/or size of weight disks  26  to add additional resistance to an exercise. In another embodiment, cable attachments  60  may be weighted, or adapted to receive weighted components, to increase the difficulty of an exercise. 
     While the present description generally describes the shuttle  10  as translating along a pair of cables  30 ,  40 , those having skill in the art will appreciate upon reading the present description that additional cables may be used such that when a cable is separated relative to one or more additional cables, the separation of corresponding cables cause rotation of pulleys through which the cables are fed and translation of the sled away from separating ends of the cables. 
     Although specific arrangements have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific arrangement shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments and arrangements of the invention. Combinations of the above arrangements, and other arrangements not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular arrangement(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments and arrangements falling within the scope of the appended claims. 
     The grammatical articles “one”, “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this specification, are intended to include “at least one” or “one or more”, unless otherwise indicated. Thus, the articles are used in this specification to refer to one or more than one (i.e., to “at least one”) of the grammatical objects of the article. By way of example, “a component” means one or more components, and thus, possibly, more than one component is contemplated and may be employed or used in an application of the described embodiments. Further, the use of a singular noun includes the plural, and the use of a plural noun includes the singular, unless the context of the usage requires otherwise. Additionally, the grammatical conjunctions “and” and “or” are used herein according to accepted usage. By way of example, “x and y” refers to “x” and “y”. On the other hand, “x or y” refers to “x”, “y”, or both “x” and “y”, whereas “either x or y” refers to exclusivity. Any numerical range recited herein includes all values and ranges from the lower value to the upper value. These are only examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values and ranges between and including the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application. Numbers modified by the term “approximately” or “about” are intended to include+/−10% of the number modified. 
     The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this invention. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this invention. Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims described below.