Patent Publication Number: US-11654330-B2

Title: Doorway pullup handle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/980,067 filed on Feb. 21, 2020, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Pullup bars that attach to doorframes, and other exercise handles in general, are not compact. In particular, since pullup bars are a long horizontal bar, they take up space across the width of the door. In addition, they are often left on doorways, which prevents the door from closing. Thus, rather than placing the pullup bar in a location that will be convenient or encourage exercise, they are placed where they will cause the least inconvenience. 
     In addition, pullup bars don&#39;t lock onto the attachment location. That is, they are essentially balanced on the top of a door frame. While they purport to use the user&#39;s weight to stabilize the bar position, if the user shifts his/her weight then the stability of the bar can be dramatically affected resulting in a fall and/or injury. Installation of brackets or other attachment means increases stability but removes all ability to move the bar, eliminating one of the key benefits of an at home pullup bar. 
     Further, pullup bars can cause permanent damage. For example, many pullup bars have a support bar which is pressed against a door frame to prevent the pullup bar from falling. This pressure can cause damage to the door frame. In addition, the weight is all supported by a small portion of a door&#39;s upper molding. Over time, this can move or otherwise damage the molding. 
     Finally, pullup bars do not travel well. Their bulkiness means that they are not able to be placed in luggage. Therefore, any travel requires at least partial disassembly of the pullup bar. This is an inconvenience that means many users will simply refuse to take the pullup bar, missing out on the benefits of this exercise. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a pullup system which is compact, stable, doesn&#39;t cause damage and travels well. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     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 characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     One example embodiment includes a pullup handle. The pullup handle includes a U-shaped clamp. The U-shaped clamp is configured to secure the pullup handle to a desired location. The U-shaped clamp includes an arm on a first side of the U-shaped clamp, a support on a second side of the U-shaped clamp opposite the arm, and a base between the arm and the support. The pullup handle also includes a handle attached on the base of the U-shaped clamp. 
     Another example embodiment includes a pullup handle. The pullup handle includes a U-shaped clamp, the U-shaped clamp configured to secure the pullup handle to a desired location. The U-shaped clamp includes a pair of arms on a first side of the U-shaped clamp and a support on a second side of the U-shaped clamp opposite the arm. The U-shaped clamp also includes a base between the arm and the support, where the base includes a set of parallel rails. The U-shaped clamp further includes a first set of hinges, where the first set of hinges attaches the pair of arms to the set of parallel rails and a second set of hinges, where the second set of hinges attaches the support to the set of parallel rails. The width of the support is smaller than a gap between the pair of arms. The pullup handle also includes a handle attached on the base of the U-shaped clamp and a grip, where the grip covers at least a portion of the handle. 
     Another example embodiment includes a pullup handle. The pullup handle includes a U-shaped clamp, the U-shaped clamp configured to secure the pullup handle to a desired location. The U-shaped clamp includes a pair of arms on a first side of the U-shaped clamp and a support on a second side of the U-shaped clamp opposite the arm, where the support includes a brace. The U-shaped clamp also includes a base between the arm and the support, where the base includes a set of parallel rails. The U-shaped clamp further includes a first set of hinges, where the first set of hinges attaches the pair of arms to the set of parallel rails and a second set of hinges, where the second set of hinges attaches the brace to the set of parallel rails. This U-shaped clamp additionally includes a first cross-bar attached to the pair of arms opposite the first set of hinges, a second cross-bar attached to the pair of arms, a third cross-bar attached to the support opposite the second set of hinges, and a fourth cross-bar attached to the support. The width of the support is smaller than a gap between the pair of arms. The pullup handle also includes a handle attached on the base of the U-shaped clamp and a grip, where the grip covers at least a portion of the handle. 
     These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1 A  illustrates a front view of the example of a doorway pullup handle; 
         FIG.  1 B  illustrates a front view of the example of a doorway pullup handle in a folded position; 
         FIG.  1 C  illustrates a rear view of the example of a doorway pullup handle; 
         FIG.  1 D  illustrates a rear view of the example of a doorway pullup handle in a folded position; 
         FIG.  1 E  illustrates a side view of the example of a doorway pullup handle; 
         FIG.  1 F  illustrates a side view of the example of a doorway pullup handle in a folded position; 
         FIG.  1 G  illustrates a top view of the example of a doorway pullup handle; 
         FIG.  1 H  illustrates a top view of the example of a doorway pullup handle in a folded position; 
         FIG.  1 I  illustrates a bottom view of the example of a doorway pullup handle; 
         FIG.  1 J  illustrates a bottom view of the example of a doorway pullup handle in a folded position; 
         FIG.  1 K  illustrates a front side bottom isometric view of the example of a doorway pullup handle; 
         FIG.  1 L  illustrates a front side bottom isometric view of the example of a doorway pullup handle in a folded position; 
         FIG.  1 M  illustrates a rear top side isometric view of the example of a doorway pullup handle; 
         FIG.  1 N  illustrates a rear top side isometric view of the example of a doorway pullup handle in a folded position; 
         FIG.  2 A  illustrates close-up view of the button on the example of a doorway pullup handle; 
         FIG.  2 B  illustrates an isometric close-up view of the button on the example of a doorway pullup handle; and 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a partially exploded view of  FIG.  1 G  showing the relationship between the handle and the circular frame. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale. 
       FIGS.  1 A- 1 N  (collectively “ FIG.  1   ”) illustrate an example of a doorway pullup handle  100 .  FIG.  1 A  illustrates a front view of the example of a doorway pullup handle  100 ;  FIG.  1 B  illustrates a front view of the example of a doorway pullup handle  100  in a folded position;  FIG.  1 C  illustrates a rear view of the example of a doorway pullup handle  100 ;  FIG.  1 D  illustrates a rear view of the example of a doorway pullup handle  100  in a folded position;  FIG.  1 E  illustrates a side view of the example of a doorway pullup handle  100 ;  FIG.  1 F  illustrates a side view of the example of a doorway pullup handle  100  in a folded position;  FIG.  1 G  illustrates a top view of the example of a doorway pullup handle  100 ;  FIG.  1 H  illustrates a top view of the example of a doorway pullup handle  100  in a folded position;  FIG.  1 I  illustrates a bottom view of the example of a doorway pullup handle  100 ;  FIG.  1 J  illustrates a bottom view of the example of a doorway pullup handle  100  in a folded position;  FIG.  1 K  illustrates a front side bottom isometric view of the example of a doorway pullup handle  100 ;  FIG.  1 L  illustrates a front side bottom isometric view of the example of a doorway pullup handle  100  in a folded position;  FIG.  1 M  illustrates a rear top side isometric view of the example of a doorway pullup handle  100 ; and  FIG.  1 N  illustrates a rear top side isometric view of the example of a doorway pullup handle  100  in a folded position. 
       FIG.  1    shows that the doorway pullup handle  100  can include a U-Shaped clamp  102 . The U-shaped clamp  102  is configured to secure the pullup handle  100  to a desired location. For example, the U-shaped clamp  102  can be used to secure the pullup handle  100  to the top of a door frame or similar location. The U-shaped clamp  102  must be able to secure the pullup handle  100  securely enough that not only is the pullup handle  100  supported, but so is the weight of a user hanging from the pullup handle  100 , as described below. As used in the specification and the claims, the phrase “configured to” denotes an actual state of configuration that fundamentally ties recited elements to the physical characteristics of the recited structure. That is, the phrase “configured to” denotes that the element is structurally capable of performing the cited element but need not necessarily be doing so at any given time. Thus, the phrase “configured to” reaches well beyond merely describing functional language or intended use since the phrase actively recites an actual state of configuration. 
     As used herein, a “clamp” is a fastening device used to create inward pressure. Thus, the U-shaped clamp  102  provides an inward pressure on a surface. The inward pressure ensures that all downward pressure (i.e., weight) is then transferred to an adjacent surface. For example, if the U-shaped clamp  102  is secured to a door frame, then the U-shaped clamp provides an inward pressure on the wall above the doorframe. Thus, any weight then rests on the top of the doorframe. I.e., the U-shaped clamp  102  ensures through inward pressure that all the weight of both the pullup handle and the user is transferred to the doorframe or other securing area. 
       FIG.  1    also shows that the U-shaped clamp  102  can include a base  104 . The base  104  allows the inner spacing of the U-shaped clamp  102  to be adjusted by the user. In particular, the base  104  allows the user to create more spacing within the U-shaped clamp  102  in order to place the pullup handle  100  then reduce the amount of spacing with the U-shaped clamp  102  to secure the pullup handle  100  in place. The revers is true when removing the pullup handle  100 . 
       FIG.  1    further shows that the base  104  can include two rails  106 . The rails  106  allow the inner spacing of the U-shaped clamp  102  to be adjusted. The rails  106  are generally parallel to one another. This is because as the inner spacing of the U-shaped clamp is changed, non-parallel rails  106  would lead to twisting or an inability to make adjustments. The rails  106  include one or more features that allow the user to change the inner spacing of the U-shaped clamp  102 , as discussed below. The rails  106  can telescope in order to create a U-shaped clamp  102  which allows for a larger size. 
       FIG.  1    additionally shows that the pullup handle  100  can include one or more vertical arms  108 . The one or more vertical arms  108  attach to the rails  106  and form one “arm” of the U-shaped clamp  102 . The benefit of having a pair of arms  108  is that the hollow space in the middle allows the arms  108  to be folded and the hollow space in the middle accommodates other portions of the pullup handle  100 , allowing the folded to design to be more compact. In other words, a pair of arms  108  can be critical to ensure that the folded design is as compact as possible, making the pullup handles more transportable. The vertical arms  108  can be telescoping to allow the height of the U-shaped clamp  102  to be adjusted. 
       FIG.  1    moreover shows that the pullup handle  100  can include one or more hinges  110 . The one or more hinges  110  are attached to each of the vertical arms  108 . This allows the arms  108  to be folded, making the pullup handle  100  more compact and transportable. In particular, the hinges  110  allow the vertical arms  108  to lie flat parallel to the rails  106 . 
       FIG.  1    also shows that the pullup handle  100  can include two cross-bars  112 . The first cross-bar  112  is stationary and forces the two vertical arms  108  to move in concert with one another. I.e., it is attached permanently to the two vertical arms  108 . The second cross-bar  112  can be fixed or can move relative to the vertical arms  108 . This allows the second cross-bar  112  to adjust the height of the U-shaped clamp  102 . The height of the second cross-bar  112  can be adjusted by inserting it into different slots along the vertical arms  108 , by securing it with a screw, or using any other desired method. Adjusting the height of the second cross-bar  112  can allow the user to ensure that the pullup handle  100  hangs at the desired height, giving the proper spacing for the user&#39;s hands, as discussed below. 
       FIG.  1    further shows that the pullup handle  100  can include a brace  114 . The brace  114  is attached to the rails  106  opposite the arms  108 . The attachment between the brace  114  and the rails  106  is movable. That is, the brace  116  can move along the rails  106  to allow the user to adjust the inner spacing of the U-shaped clamp  102 . 
       FIG.  1    additionally shows that the pullup handle  100  can include a support  116 . The support  116  is attached to the brace  114 . Thus, the support  116  forms the other “arm” of the U-shaped clamp  102 . The support  116  is narrow enough that when the pullup handle is folded it fits between the arms  108 . I.e., the support  116  fits in the gap between the arms  108  when folded. This is critical to allow the pullup handle  100  to be as compact as possible for transporting. 
       FIG.  1    moreover shows that the pullup handle  100  can include a second set of hinges  118 . The second set of hinges  118  attach the support  116  to the brace  114 . This allows the support  116  to be folded, making the pullup handle  100  more compact and transportable. In particular, the second set of hinges  118  allow the support  116  to lie flat parallel to the rails  106 . 
       FIG.  1    also shows that the pullup handle  100  can include a second set of two cross-bars  120 . The first cross-bar  120  is stationary and is attached permanently to the support  116 . The second cross-bar  120  can be fixed or can move relative to the support  116 . This allows the second cross-bar  120  to adjust the height of the U-shaped clamp  102 . The height of the second cross-bar  120  can be adjusted by inserting it into different slots along the support  116 , by securing it with a screw, or using any other desired method. Adjusting the height of the second cross-bar  120  can allow the user to ensure that the pullup handle  100  hangs at the desired height, giving the proper spacing for the user&#39;s hands, as discussed below. 
       FIG.  1    further shows that the pullup handle  100  can include a handle  122 . The handle  122  supports the user during a pullup exercise. The handle  122  is attached to the rails  106 . The handle may be made of any suitable material that is sufficient strong to support the user&#39;s weight. For example, the handle  122  can be made of metal, such as steel. 
       FIG.  1    additionally shows that the pullup handle  100  can include a grip  124  on the handle  122 . The grip  124  prevents the user&#39;s hands from moving on the handle  122 . For example, the grip  124  can be made of rubber or cloth attached to the handle  122 , such that the rubber or cloth prevents the user&#39;s hands from moving along the handle  122 . The grip  124  may be porous to prevent sweat from the user making the grip  124  slick or causing other problems. 
       FIG.  1    moreover shows that the pullup handle  100  can include a circular frame  126 . The circular frame  126  allows the handle  122  to rotate relative to the rails  106  and the U-shaped clamp  102 . That is, the U-shaped clamp  102  is secured on a surface and is immobile, but the handle  122  can still move within the circular frame  126 . 
     The circular frame  126  includes one or more stops. The one or more stops allow the handle  122  to lock in certain positions relative to the circular frame  126 . This means that the position of the handle  122  is fixed relative to the circular frame  126  during an exercise routine. That is, the stops allow the handle  122  to be placed in a desired position relative to the circular frame  126  and to remain in that position as long as desired by the user. There can be ball bearings or other mechanisms within the circular frame  126  which allows for easier rotation of the handle  122  relative to the circular frame  126 . 
       FIGS.  2 A- 2 B  (collectively “ FIG.  2   ”) illustrate a cross-sectional view of the pullup handle  100 .  FIG.  2 A  illustrates close-up view of the button on the example of a doorway pullup handle  100 ; and  FIG.  2 B  illustrates an isometric close-up view of the button on the example of a doorway pullup handle  100 . The cross-sectional view shows how the U-shaped clamp can be locked into place when desired. 
       FIG.  2    shows that the pullup handle  100  can include one or more teeth  202  on the rails  106 . The teeth  202  include protrusions which allow the brace  114  to be locked into place on the rail  106 . In particular, the teeth  202  ensure that when a locking mechanism is engaged, the brace  114  does not move relative to the rail  106 . A cross-section of the teeth  202  can look like a zigzag. This gives a high amount of friction preventing movement but allows a locking mechanism to be loosened, at which time the brace  114  moves easily relative to the rails  106 . 
       FIG.  2    also shows that the pullup handle  100  can include a locking mechanism  204 . The locking mechanism  204  engages the teeth  202  to lock the brace  114  in place relative to the rails  106 . That is, the locking mechanism  204  pushes into the teeth  202  preventing movement of the brace. 
       FIG.  2    further shows that the pullup handle  100  can include a biasing mechanism  206 . The biasing mechanism pushes the locking mechanism  204  onto the teeth  202 . This is the normal or default state of the locking mechanism  204 . I.e., the user must release the locking mechanism  204 , as described below, in order to move the brace  114  relative to the rail  106 . This is critical, because the locking mechanism  204  should be automatically engaged during an exercise routine. 
       FIG.  2    additionally shows that the pullup handle  100  can include a release button  208 . The release button  208  allows a user to move the brace  114  relative to the rails  106 . In particular, when depressed the release button  208  pushes on the central portion of the biasing mechanism  206  that forces the locking mechanism  204  away from the teeth  202 , allowing the brace to move freely. Because the release button  208  pushes on the central portion of the biasing mechanism  206  it releases a locking mechanism on both sides of the brace  114 . Therefore, a user pushes on the release button  208 , moves the brace  114  into the desired position on the rails  106  and then releases the release button  208 , locking the brace  114  into place along the rails  106 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a partially exploded view of  FIG.  1 G  showing the relationship between the handle  122  and the circular frame  126 .  FIG.  3    shows that the circular frame  126  includes one or more stops  302 . The one or more stops allow the handle  122  to lock in certain positions relative to the circular frame  126 . This means that the position of the handle  122  is fixed relative to the circular frame  126  during an exercise routine. That is, the stops  302  and the protrusion  304  form a locking mechanism that allows the handle  122  to be placed in a desired position relative to the circular frame  126  and to remain in that position as long as desired by the user. There can be ball bearings  304  or other mechanisms within the circular frame  126  which allows for easier rotation of the handle  122  relative to the circular frame  126 . 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.