Patent Publication Number: US-9421414-B2

Title: Exercise device

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Exercise devices often include features that provide for a variety of exercises. One such feature utilizes a cable guided by pulleys that is attached to a resistance unit. To effectuate an exercise, a user can move an end of the cable. In some cases, the user can move the end of the cable in an unconstrained manner via a handle. Such exercises are typically known as cable exercises. In other cases, the end of the cable is attached to a component of the exercise device that is constrained to move in a predetermined manner, such as in a linear motion. Bench presses or squats are examples of exercises that typically utilize this type of feature. 
     To achieve a variety of exercises, the user can select from among several cables located about the exercise device. Typically, cable end locations have little or no adjustability. In other words, the exercise device cannot be adjusted to allow the cable end to “pull” from a different location. Furthermore, cable-type exercises and bench press type exercises often cannot be performed using the same cable. This can lead to a complicated arrangement of pulleys and cables in order to provide for a variety of exercises. 
     SUMMARY 
     Thus, there is a need for an exercise device capable of providing for a variety of exercises, having an adjustable cable pull location and using the same cable for both cable-type and bench press type exercises. Adjustability and customizability are frequently important factors for individuals who wish to focus exercises on specific muscle groups. Accordingly, an exercise device and associated methods are provided. Such a device can comprise a frame and a resistance component coupled to the frame. The exercise device can further comprise a cable coupled to the resistance component and supported by the frame, configured to transmit a force from a motion end of the cable to the resistance component. The exercise device can also comprise a pulley system movably coupled to the frame along a track, the pulley system supporting the cable as the cable transmits the force to the resistance component, the pulley system configured to be reversibly fixed in position relative to the frame. The pulley system can include a first pulley member and a second pulley member, the second pulley member being removably attachable to the first pulley member such that at least one of the first and second pulley members can be independently moved along the track. 
     Furthermore, a method of using an exercise device in accordance with the principles herein can comprise fixing a first pulley member of a pulley system to a frame of an exercise device, the pulley system being movably coupled to the frame along a track and configured to be reversibly fixed relative to the frame. The method can also comprise moving a second pulley member of the pulley system relative to the first pulley member, the second pulley member being removably attachable to the first pulley member, wherein a cable coupled to a resistance component is supported by the frame and the first pulley member, and a motion end of the cable is fixed relative to the second pulley member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exercise device, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic representation of an exercise device, in accordance with another example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a schematic representation of a first position of a pulley system of an exercise device in, accordance with an example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a schematic representation of movement of a pulley system of an exercise device, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates a schematic representation of a second position of a pulley system of an exercise device, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates a schematic representation of a fixed first pulley member and movement of a second pulley member of an exercise device, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3E  illustrates a schematic representation of a fixed pulley system and movement of a motion end of a cable of an exercise device, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of a first pulley member of a pulley system of an exercise device in, accordance with an example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  is an opposite side view of the first pulley member of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a side view of a second pulley member of a pulley system of an exercise device in, accordance with an example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5B  is an opposite side view of the second pulley member of  FIG. 5A   
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a pulley system with a safety mechanism, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a component of the safety mechanism in 
         FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     These figures are provided merely for convenience in describing specific embodiments of the invention. Alteration in dimension, materials, and the like, including substitution, elimination, or addition of components can also be made consistent with the following description and associated claims. Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made to certain examples, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. Examples discussed herein set forth an exercise device and associated methods that can provide for a variety of exercises and have an adjustable cable pull location while using the same cable for both cable-type and bench press type exercises. 
     With the general embodiments set forth above, it is noted that when describing exercise device, or the related method, each of these descriptions are considered applicable to the other, whether or not they are explicitly discussed in the context of that embodiment. For example, in discussing the exercise device per se, the system and/or method embodiments are also included in such discussions, and vice versa. 
     It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. 
     It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a pulley” includes one or more of such pulleys and reference to “a track” includes one or more of such tracks. 
     Also, it is noted that various modifications and combinations can be derived from the present disclosure and illustrations, and as such, the following figures should not be considered limiting. 
     In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set forth below. 
     As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. 
     Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims unless otherwise stated. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is expressly recited. The structure, material or acts that support the means-plus function are expressly recited in the description herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given herein. 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 1  is an exercise device  10 . In accordance with one example of the present disclosure, the exercise device  10  can comprise a frame  20 , a resistance component  30 , a cable  40 , and a pulley system  50 . The frame  20  can provide a general support and framework for various elements of the exercise device. For example, as illustrated in the figure, the frame  20  can include a plurality of elongate structural members arranged in a configuration that defines a workspace for a user of the exercise device  10 . Thus, the frame  20  can be purpose built for the exercise device  10 . In another example, the frame can include a preexisting structure that is adapted or incorporated for use as a frame of an exercise device, such as a wall or other structure of a building. 
     Additionally, the frame  20  can support the resistance component  30 , the cable  40 , and the pulley system  50 . In certain examples, the frame  20  can include a seat, armrests, bars, handles, or other features that are configured to interface with a user. In still another example, the frame  20  can include a rack, bar, peg, or other feature configured to support weights or other elements of the resistance component. Such features can be utilized during an exercise or as storage features. 
     In one example, the resistance component  30  can be coupled to the frame  20 . In a particular example, the frame  20  can include guides or tracks  22  configured to guide or constrain the motion of the resistance component  30  as it is moved during an exercise. The resistance component  30  can provide resistance with weights, magnetic resistance, flexible members such as rods, springs, or any other suitable resistance component. In addition, the frame  20  can include guides or tracks  24  configured to constrain the motion of the pulley system  50  for exercise set-up and/or during an exercise. Thus, the pulley system  50  can be movably coupled to the frame  20  along the track  24 . In a particular example, the guides or tracks  22 ,  24  can be linear and can be oriented vertically, thus constraining movement to be in a linear up-and-down manner. Of course, the guides or tracks can alternatively be non-linear and can be oriented in any direction. Ergonomics, biomechanics, musculature, and characteristics of particular exercises may be considered when designing a guide or track and its shape and orientation. 
     As mentioned above, the frame  20  can support the cable  40 . The cable  40  can be coupled to the resistance component  30  while supported by the frame  20 . The cable  40  can be configured to transmit a force from a motion end of the cable to the resistance component  30 . For example, the motion end of the cable can be configured to be located near a user during an exercise. The user can cause the motion end of the cable to move during the exercise, which transmits the force to the resistance unit  30 , thus providing resistance for the exercise. In one embodiment, a handle can be attached, removably or permanently, to the motion end of the cable, thus facilitating the exercise. In another embodiment, the motion end can be coupled to the pulley system  50 , discussed further below, to facilitate the exercise. In either case, the pulley system  50  can be configured to support the cable  40  as the cable transmits the force to the resistance component  30 . 
     In a specific aspect, the exercise device  10  can include a pair of pulley systems  50 ,  52  aligned on tracks located on opposing sides of the frame  20 . Each pulley system  50 ,  52  can be associated with a cable and resistance component, as discussed above. Furthermore, the pair of pulley systems  50 ,  52  can be configured to allow a user to be located between the pulley systems and to engage both of the pulley systems simultaneously while performing an exercise. Thus, the user can grasp handles  60 ,  62  attached to the pulley systems  50 ,  52  to perform, for example, a dead lift exercise. The handles  60 ,  62  can optionally extend such that the user can stand between ends of the handles in an open space between the handles, with a handle on either side of the user. This configuration can allow the user to lift the handles up adjacent to the hips, as opposed to lifting a single bar in front of the legs, to achieve a safer and more effective lifting posture. Of course, it should be recognized that a single handle or bar can be coupled to both pulley systems  50 ,  52 . In another example, the user can grasp handles attached to the motion end of each cable. This configuration can allow the user to perform cable exercises, for example, by pulling the cables across the body toward opposite sides of the frame. 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 2  is a schematic representation of an exercise device  100 , in accordance with the present disclosure. The exercise device  100  is similar to the exercise device  10  discussed above in many respects. For example, the exercise device  100  can include a frame  120 , a resistance component  130 , a cable  140 , and a pulley system  150 . The pulley system  150  can be movably coupled to the frame  120  along a track  124 . The pulley system can support the cable  140  as the cable transmits force to the resistance component  130 . 
     In one aspect, the exercise device  100  can include fixed pulleys  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  disposed about the frame  120  to direct the cable  140  as the cable transmits force between the pulley system  150  and the resistance component  130 . Additionally, the exercise device  100  can include a pulley  118  coupled to the resistance component  130  to cause the resistance component to move in response to force applied to the resistance component from cable  140 . 
     Furthermore, the pulley system  150  can include a first pulley member  152  and a second pulley member  156 . The second pulley member  156  can be removably attached to the first pulley member  152  of the pulley system  150  with a removable coupling  172 . In one aspect, a cable end  141  can be coupled to the pulley system  150 . For example, the cable end  141  can be coupled to a first pulley member  152 . In another aspect, a motion end  142  of the cable  140  can be coupled to a second pulley member  156  of the pulley system  150 . Thus, in this configuration, movement of the entire pulley system  150 , with no relative movement between the first pulley member  152  and the second pulley member  156 , can allow the resistance component to remain substantially unaffected. In other words, movement of the pulley system  150 , causing movement of the cable about pulley  118  coupled to the resistance component  130 , imparts no substantial force to the resistance component, which allows the resistance component to remain substantially stationary. This can be beneficial when moving or repositioning the pulley system  150  when the first pulley member  152  and the second pulley member  156  are coupled to one another because substantially no resistance is offered by the resistance component. This can ease reconfiguration of the pulley system when changing exercises. 
     The pulley system  150  can be configured to be reversibly fixed in position relative to the frame  120 . For example, the pulley system  150  can be moved along the track  124  during an exercise or fixed in a position for a certain exercise. Following the exercise, the pulley system  150  can be moved and fixed in another position for a different exercise. In this manner, the pulley system  150  can be fixed relative to the frame  120  but such fixture is not permanent, thus the pulley system  150  can be reversibly fixed in position. Accordingly, the figure illustrates a removable coupling  170  between the pulley system  150  and the track  124 . Such a removable coupling can include a pin or latch connection. It should be noted that a removable coupling can optionally be between the pulley system  150  and the frame  120  to reversibly fix the position of the pulley system relative to the frame. 
     As mentioned above, the pulley system  150  can include a first pulley member  152  and a second pulley member  156 . The second pulley member  156  can be removably attached to the first pulley member  152  of the pulley system  150  with a removable coupling  172 , such as a pin or latch connection. With the pulley system  150  being movable relative to the frame  120  and with the second pulley member  156  and the first pulley member  152  being removably attachable to one another, at least one of the first pulley member  152  and second pulley member  156  can be independently moved along the track  124 . It should be noted that for purposes of the schematic illustration of  FIG. 2 , either one or both of the first pulley member  152  and second pulley member  156  can be moved along the track  124  even though the second pulley member  156  is not shown adjacent to the track  124 . Additionally, the track  124  can include a plurality of tracks or guides and the first and second pulley members can be operatively coupled to any or all of such tracks to be movable relative to the frame and/or one another. 
     In a particular aspect, the pulley system  150  can be reversibly fixed relative to the frame  120  by a connection  170 , such as a pin or latch connection, between the first pulley member  152  and the frame  120 . In other words, the first pulley member  152  can be configured to be movably coupled to a track  124  and reversibly fixed relative to the track. Additionally, the second pulley member  156  can be moved relative to the frame  120  and/or track  124 . In another example, the second pulley member  156  can be removably attached to the first pulley member  152  and both the first and second pulley members can be moved relative to the frame  120  and/or track  124 . 
     This characteristic of having the second pulley member  156  removably attachable to the first pulley member  152  can provide for a wide variety of exercises and uses for the exercise device  100  because the pulley system  150  can be moved to provide cable “pull” from a variety of locations. This is beneficial for both cable-type exercises and bench press type exercises. 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3C , to set up for a cable-type exercise and/or a bench press type exercise, the user can fix the pulley system  250  at a desired location relative to the frame  220 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , the pulley system  150  can be fixed at a first position relative to the track  124  and frame  220 . Removable coupling  270  can be disengaged to allow the pulley system  250  to move relative to the track and frame, as shown in  FIG. 3B . The removable coupling  270  can be reengaged to fix the pulley system  250  at a second position relative to the track and frame, as shown in  FIG. 3C . 
     For a bench press type exercise, when positioning the pulley system  250 , the first pulley member  252  can be positioned at or below the chest of the user. With the pulley system  250  at a desired location relative to the track and/or frame, for example as illustrated in  FIG. 3C , the user can set up for a bench press type exercise. To do so, the user can disengage removable coupling  272  to allow the second pulley member  256  to be movable relative to the first pulley member  252 , as shown in  FIG. 3D . The motion end  242  of the cable is coupled to the second pulley member  256  such that the motion end  242  is fixed relative to the second pulley member  256 . Additionally, a handle can be removably or permanently attached to the second pulley member  256  to facilitate the exercise. Thus, when the user pushes or pulls on the handle, the second pulley member  256  moves relative to the frame  220 , moving the motion end  242  of the cable  240  and providing resistance for the exercise. The first pulley member  252  remains fixed relative to the frame  220  and supports the cable  240  during the exercise. Thus, the first pulley member  252  can be positioned at a starting/ending point for the movement of the exercise and the second pulley member  256 , when moved away from the first pulley member  252 , will be drawn toward the first pulley member  252  due to the force in the cable  240  provided by the resistance component. 
     It should be recognized that “pull down” type exercises can also be performed on the exercise device. In this case, the first pulley member  252  can be positioned sufficiently high relative to the user such that an effective pull down exercise can be performed when moving the second pulley member  256  relative to the frame  220  and first pulley member  252 . Thus, set up for a pull down exercise is similar to set up for a bench press type exercise, except that the positioning of the first pulley member  252  for a pull down exercise may be higher than the position for a bench press type exercise. Additionally, movement of the second pulley member  256  relative to the first pulley member may be below the first pulley member  252  for a pull down type exercise as opposed to above the first pulley member  252  for a bench press type exercise. In another aspect, the fixed position of the first pulley member  252  can be such that the user can move the second pulley member  256  alternatively above and below the first pulley member  252  to achieve aspects of both bench press type exercises and pull down type exercises. 
     When positioning the pulley system  250  for a cable-type exercise, the pulley system  250  can be positioned to provide an appropriate range of motion of the movable end  242  of the cable  240  as the user performs the exercise. In other words, the pulley system  250  can be positioned to provide a suitable range of force vectors provided by the cable  240  acting on the pulley system  250  throughout the movement of the cable exercise. With the pulley system  250  at a desired location relative to the track and/or frame, for example as illustrated in  FIG. 3C , the user can proceed with a cable type exercise. To facilitate a cable type exercise, the motion end  242  of the cable  240  can be coupled to the second pulley member  256  such that the motion end  242  is movable relative to the second pulley member  256 , as shown in  FIG. 3E . Thus, when the user pulls on the cable  240 , the first and second pulley members remain fixed relative to the frame  220  and the user can execute the cable exercise. Additionally, a handle  264  can be removably or permanently attached to the motion end  242  of the cable  240  to facilitate the exercise wherein the user pulls on the cable using the handle  264 . In a particular aspect, the pulley system  250  can be fixed relative to the frame  220  because the first pulley member  252  is fixed relative to the frame  220  with removable coupling  270  and the second pulley member  256  is removably attached to the first pulley member  252  with removable coupling  272 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 3A-3E , the first and second pulley members  252 ,  256  can include pulleys to support the cable  240  and provide for movement of the cable relative to the pulley members  252 ,  256 . In certain embodiments, the first pulley member  252  and/or the second pulley member  256  can include a single pulley or a plurality of pulleys. For example, the first pulley member  252  can include pulleys  253 ,  254  and the second pulley member  256  can include pulleys  257 ,  258 . In a particular embodiment, as illustrated, the motion end  242  of the cable  240  can be coupled to the second pulley member  256  having two pulleys  257 ,  258 , wherein the motion end  242  of the cable has a stop feature  244 , such as a ball, cone or other shape which does not fit through a space between pulleys  257 ,  258  and that prevents the motion end  242  of the cable from passing between the pulleys. In this manner, the motion end  242  of the cable can be coupled to the second pulley member  256  to allow the cable  240  to pass between the two pulleys  257 ,  258  when a user pulls on the cable, but the cable cannot move back through the two pulleys  257 ,  258  beyond the stop feature  244 . The stop feature  244  can also cause the motion end of the cable to move with the second pulley member  256  when the second pulley member is moved, such as when the second pulley member is being moved during a bench press type exercise or pull down type exercise. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , illustrated is a first pulley member  352 , in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. The first pulley member  352  can include a guide or track engagement feature  355  configured to allow the first pulley member  352  to move along a track. The track engagement feature can include a square channel, round channel, T-channel, hollow shaft, or other configuration that mates with or accommodates a track for relative movement. In one aspect, the track engagement feature  355  can also serve as a mounting location for one or more pulleys  353 ,  354  of the first pulley member  352 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  also illustrate removable coupling features  370 ,  372 . Removable coupling feature  370  is associated with the track engagement feature and comprises a pin to interface with a hole or opening in the track, thus providing a reversibly fixed attribute to the pulley system. Removable coupling feature  372  is associated with cover  376  and comprises a pin to interface with a hole or opening of a second pulley member  356  (see engagement feature  374  in  FIGS. 5A and 5B ). The cover  376  can be configured to overlap one or more pulleys of a second pulley member  356  when the first pulley member  352  is coupled to the second pulley member  356  when the first and second pulley members  352 ,  356  are coupled to one another. This can provide a guard or shield for the pulleys of the second pulley member  356 . In another aspect, the cable can be coupled to the first pulley member  352  at anchor location  351 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , illustrated is a second pulley member  356 , in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. The second pulley member  356  can include one or more pulleys  357 ,  358 . The second pulley member  356  can also include one or more guide or track engagement features  359  configured to allow the second pulley member  356  to move along the track. The track engagement feature can include a square channel, round channel, T-channel, hollow shaft, or other configuration that mates with or accommodates a track for relative movement. As mentioned above, removable coupling feature  372  of the first pulley member  352  can engage with engagement feature  374  of the second pulley member  356 . Cover  378  can support the pulleys  357 ,  358 , track engagement features  359 , and engagement feature  374 . The cover  378  can also be configured to overlap one or more pulleys of a first pulley member  352  when the first pulley member is coupled to the second pulley member  356 . This can provide a guard or shield for the pulleys of the first pulley member  352  when the first and second pulley members  352 ,  356  are coupled to one another. 
     Additionally, the second pulley member  356  can include a coupling  361  for a handle. In one aspect, the handle is removable from the second pulley member  356  and the coupling  361  enables removable attachment of the handle to the second pulley member. For example, the coupling  361  can provide a hole or shaft configured to receive the handle therein. In one aspect, the handle slides into the hole or shaft. In another aspect, the handle is threaded into the hole or shaft. The coupling  361  for the handle can also be supported by the cover  378 . The coupling  361  can also include a biasing mechanism, such as a spring, operable with a safety mechanism, as discussed below. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the exercise device can further comprise a safety mechanism to help prevent injury to a user during an exercise. The safety mechanism can provide a hook  480  and a catch  482  to secure the entire pulley system  450  or the second pulley member  456 , preventing downward movement of the pulley system  450  or second pulley member  456  that may cause harm to the user. In a particular embodiment, the safety mechanism can include the hook  480  supported by the frame  420  and the catch  482  supported by the handle  460 . Alternatively, the safety mechanism can include a catch supported by the frame and a hook supported by the handle. In either case, the hook can engage the catch to prevent movement of the pulley system  450  or second pulley member  456  in a given direction or directions. In a particular aspect, the handle  460  can be biased, such as by a spring, to engage the catch and the hook. To proceed with an exercise, the user can rotate the handle  460 , freeing the catch from the hook. When finished with the exercise, the user can manually rotate the catch and hook into engagement or the user can rely on the self-biasing of the catch with the spring to secure the pulley system. 
     In one aspect, the safety mechanism can be employed when setting up a bench press type exercise or a pull down type exercise. In this case, the second pulley member is disengaged from the first pulley member. The user can engage the catch and hook to secure the second pulley member at a suitable location relative to the frame, such as a location for beginning the exercise. 
     In a related example, and to reiterate to some degree, a method of using an exercise device is presented in accordance with the principles herein. The method comprises fixing a first pulley member of a pulley system to a frame of an exercise device, the pulley system being movably coupled to the frame along a track and configured to be reversibly fixed relative to the frame. The method also comprises moving a second pulley member of the pulley system relative to the first pulley member, the second pulley member being removably attachable to the first pulley member, wherein a cable coupled to a resistance component is supported by the frame and the first pulley member, and a motion end of the cable is fixed relative to the second pulley member. It is noted that no specific order is required in this method, though generally in one embodiment, these method steps can be carried out sequentially. 
     In one aspect, the method further comprises attaching a handle to the second pulley member. In another aspect, the method further comprises attaching the second pulley member to the first pulley member and moving the motion end of the cable relative to the second pulley member, wherein the cable is supported by the second pulley member. In a particular aspect, the method further comprises attaching a handle to the motion end of the cable. In yet another particular aspect, the method further comprises detaching the second pulley member from the first pulley member. 
     It is to be understood that the above-referenced embodiments are illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and described above in connection with the exemplary embodiment(s) of the invention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.