US20110172068A1

US20110172068A1 - Resistance training device

Info

Publication number: US20110172068A1
Application number: US12/983,766
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Lee Tyson, Iii
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-01-08
Filing date: 2011-01-03
Publication date: 2011-07-14

Abstract

The resistance training device includes a pair of adjustment rails attached to a door frame by at least two mounting blocks. An adjustable exercise platform includes a slidable carriage riding on the adjustment rails to adjustably set the height of the exercise platform. The exercise platform includes a pair of oppositely disposed cavities for receiving resistance blocks. The resistance block provides a predetermined amount of exercise resistance and is interchangeable with other resistance blocks to vary the resistance. A pair of pectoral, butterfly handles are insertably mounted bores in the support block and the resistance block to allow the user to perform butterfly exercises. The resistance training device is easy to assemble/disassemble for storage or transport.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/282,263, filed Jan. 8, 2010.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fitness machines, and more specifically to a resistance training device configured for easy transport and assembly to promote exercise.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

A regular exercise program has proven to be a highly effective way to maintain or increase one's health. However, due to the hectic demands of today's society, it is oftentimes difficult to schedule or maintain an exercise program. If time can be found, one is usually burdened with health club fees and additional transportation costs.
One effective method of maximizing one's time for exercise lies in home exercise equipment. A plethora of home exercise equipment exists, but most are developed for specific applications such as abdominal exercisers. While the more specific purposed exercisers may be effective, not many exists to provide an effective pectoral workout and/or have limited mobility. Some home equipment is more robust and allows a wider range of exercises, such as a Bowflex™ machine. However, these types of equipment require a substantial investment, which many may not be able to afford. In light of the above, it would be beneficial in the art to provide an exerciser that can provide an effective pectoral workout with means for easy stowage and portability.
Thus, a resistance training device solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The resistance training device includes a pair of adjustment rails attached to a door frame by at least two mounting blocks. An adjustable exercise platform includes a slidable carriage riding on the adjustment rails to adjustably set the height of the exercise platform. The exercise platform includes a pair of oppositely disposed cavities for receiving resistance blocks. The resistance block provides a predetermined amount of exercise resistance and is interchangeable with other resistance blocks to vary the resistance. A pair of pectoral, butterfly handles are insertably mounted in bores in the support block and the resistance block to allow the user to perform butterfly exercises. The resistance training device is easy to assemble/disassemble for storage or transport.
These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a resistance training device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the resistance training device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the mounting block for the resistance training device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the resistance training device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the resistance block for the resistance training device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the exercise platform for the resistance training device according to the present invention, broken away and partially in section to show details thereof.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a resistance training device, generally referred to by reference number 10, which is configured to maximize pectoral exercises while being convenient for home, office or abroad. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the resistance training device 10 includes a pair of adjustment mounting rails or rods 11 attached in parallel to a header and a side of a door frame by mounting or anchoring blocks or assemblies 20. An exercise platform 40 slidably mounts to the adjustment rods 11 and may be fixed in the desired position by a pair of clamps 33. The adjustment rods 11 are angled rods providing the two areas of adjustable mounting of the anchoring blocks 20, one to the side of the door frame and the other to the header. Additional anchoring blocks 20 may be used adjacent either the header, side of the frame or both for increased stability. Although only one pair of clamps 33 are shown in the Figures, attached to the rods 11 below the platform 40, additional pairs may be mounted atop the exercise platform 40. Alternatively, the exercise platform 40 may include clamping assemblies to fix the position thereof along the adjustment rods 11.
As more clearly shown in FIG. 3, each anchoring block 20 includes a base 24 and a pair of movable jaws 21, 22 defining a C-clamp. The anchoring block 20 may be covered with a layer of compressible material, both for aesthetics and protection. The base 24 includes a pair of bores 28 for the adjustment rods 11 to permit the anchoring block 20 to slide thereon. To fix the anchoring position of the anchoring block 20 on the rods 11, the base 24 includes at least one curved pressure pad inside each bore 28. The pressure pad 28 conforms to the shape of the adjustment rod 11 and may be clamped thereto by a wing screw 27 or thumb screw. The pressure pad 28 may be covered with friction enhancing material or layer to increase clamping performance.
Each movable jaw 21, 22 is hinged to the base 24 and moves or pivots in the direction indicated by arrow 12 in FIG. 3. A tension spring 29 between the jaws 21, 22 maintains or biases the jaws 21, 22 in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 3. Opening of the jaws 21, 22 allows them to be wrapped behind door frame members or jambs of various dimensions. To ensure that the jaws 21, 22 are properly hooked onto the door frame member, the distal end of each jaw 21, 22 includes an appendage or finger having a movable or pivotable finger pad 23. Each pad 23 is movable or pivotal so that it may easily hook behind the door frame member or molding. Each pad 23 may also include a layer or covering to protect the molding and/or to increase grip thereon.
To clamp the anchoring block 20 onto the door frame member, the anchoring block 20 includes a compressible brace 31 attached to an end of a wing screw 30 or thumb screw. The brace 31 may be made from relatively elastic material that permits strong clamping engagement with the door jamb without marring the surface thereof. Thus, when the anchoring block 20 has been properly adjusted and mounted, the door jamb is disposed between the pads 23 and the brace 31 and the anchoring block 20 is clamped to the door jamb by turning the wing screw 30. It is noted that the brace 31 may be notched to conform to the interior shape of the door molding.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, the exercise platform 40 may be a substantially rectangular block defining a carriage 41. As with the anchoring blocks 20, the carriage 41 may include a covering of compressible material for aesthetics and protection. The carriage 41 includes a pair of bores 43 permitting the carriage 41 to adjustably slide along the adjustment rods 11. The carriage 41 also includes another pair of bores 42 for insertably mounting the pectoral, butterfly handles 46. Intermediate the top and bottom ends of the carriage 41, a pair of oppositely disposed cavities 44 are formed congruent with the bores 42. The cavities 44 receive resistance blocks 50 which provide the desired resistance for the resistance training device. A spacer brace 45 may be disposed or formed at the rear of the carriage 41 to brace the exercise platform against the door jamb. The brace 45 may be a separate element that is biased against the door jamb in a passive or selective manner, e.g. compression springs, and/or the brace may be formed with similar materials to the brace 31 for similar effect.
Each butterfly handle 46 may be a substantially J-shaped member having a handle bar 48 defining the shape. A padded grip 47 is disposed at one end, and the other end of the handle bar 48 includes a split end 49. The padded grip 47 permits the user to place their forearm thereon while performing the exercise as well as providing areas for the user to grip.
The resistance training device 10 includes interchangeable resistance blocks or plugs 50 for selectively defining the resistance of the device 10. The user may be provided with a plurality of resistance block sets, each set having a resistance different from the other. As shown in FIG. 5, each resistance block 50 may be a substantially solid cube having a cylindrical core 51, the cubes being mounted in cavities in the platform 40 so that the cubes do not rotate. The cylindrical core 51 is split to form semi-cylindrical hollow through holes or bores 53. These bores 53 are adapted to receive the slotted split end 49 of a respective butterfly handle 46 to form a male/female connection thereby. When the split end 49 is connected to the core 51, rotation of the handle 46 concurrently rotates the core 51.
In the preferred embodiment, the cylindrical core 51 is integral inside the resistance block via integral springs 52. The springs 52 bias the core 51 in one direction such that turning the handle 46 in the opposite direction requires the user to act against the bias or resistance of the springs 52. As an alternative, the leaf-like coil spring 52 may be replaced with a torsion spring surrounding the core 51 and securely attached to the interior of the resistance block 50. As a further alternative, the resistance block may be made from durable rubber with the two semi-cylindrical through holes or bores 53 formed thereon. The central partition between the bores 53 would be substantially increased in durability such that during operation, the central partition may deform without breaking. It is noted that in all instances, any durable material with limited deformation characteristics may be used to make the resistance block 50 with the desired resistance. To ensure long lasting operation of the resistance training device 10, the distal end of the split end 49 may be covered by a reinforced cap 13 to minimize or prevent deformation of the split end 49.
The following describes how to use the resistance training device 10. To ready the training device 10, the user mounts one of the anchoring blocks 20 to a door jamb as noted above. The pair of adjustment rods 11 are threaded through bores 28 in the mounted anchor block 20 and clamped via pressure pads 26. The exercise platform 40 is slidably mounted to the adjustment rods 11 and clamped at the desired height by clamps 33. The other end and the header area of the adjustment rods 11 are then secured to the door jamb by additional anchoring blocks 20. Pre-selected resistance blocks 50 are installed in the cavities 44 formed in the exercise platform 40. Then the butterfly handles 46 are insertably mounted through the bores 42, 53 and the resistance training device is ready for use.
As noted above, exercise is a great health benefit for everyone. The pectoral muscles are one of the major muscle groups that with regular exercise, will help burn more calories and reduce weight. As such, the resistance training device 10 provides an effective workout for the pectorals, and due, in part, to relatively few parts and low complexity, the resistance training device 10 may be easily assembled/disassembled for storage and transport.
It is noted that the resistance training device 10 may encompass a variety of alternatives. For example, the coverings mentioned above may be comprised of vinyl, rubber, composites or other similar materials. The rods 11 and the handle bars 48 may be made from durable yet relatively lightweight metals to increase portability. The resistance training device 10 may be colored and/or include indicia.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A resistance training device, comprising:

an exercise frame adapted to be mounted to a door frame;

a plurality of anchoring blocks adjustably and detachably mounted to the exercise frame for securely mounting the exercise frame to the door frame;

an exercise carriage slidably mounted to the exercise frame, the exercise carriage having a pair of oppositely disposed cavities;

a pair of resistance blocks detachably mounted inside the cavities in the carriage, the resistance blocks having a predetermined resistance for a desired exercise; and

a pair of exercise handles operatively attached to the resistance blocks;

wherein repetitious operation of the handles by a user exercises target muscles.

2. The resistance training device according to claim 1, wherein said exercise frame comprises a pair of spaced adjustment mounting rods, said plurality of anchoring blocks and said exercise carriage being selectively and adjustably mounted to said pair of adjustment mounting rods.

3. The resistance training device according to claim 2, wherein each of said mounting rods has an elongated, vertically extending section and a horizontal section extending perpendicular from one of the ends of the vertically extending section, the vertically extending section and the horizontal section supporting the resistance training device on at least two sides of the door frame.

4. The resistance training device according to claim 2, wherein each said anchoring block comprises:

a base having a pair of bores for slidably mounting said anchoring block to said pair of adjustment mounting rods;

a pair of spaced movable jaws extending from opposite sides of said base, said base and said pair of movable jaws forming a C-clamp for mounting said anchoring block to the door frame; and

a movable brace extending through said base to brace said anchoring block against the door frame.

5. The resistance training device according to claim 4, wherein said base further comprises:

a clamp extending into each of the bores in said base, the clamp fixing the adjusted position of the respective anchoring block on the adjustment mounting rods, said clamp having a pressure pad, the pressure pad having a curved surface conforming to curvature of the respective adjustment mounting rod; and

a moving mechanism attached to the pressure pad to selectively move the pressure pad against said respective adjustment mounting rod.

6. The resistance training device according to claim 5, wherein said moving mechanism comprises a wing screw extending through a threaded bore in the base of said clamp, the pressure pad being mounted at a distal end of the wing screw.

7. The resistance training device according to claim 4, wherein each said movable jaw has one end pivotally mounted to said base and an opposite end having a movable finger pad for hooking onto the door frame.

8. The resistance training device according to claim 7, further comprising a spring extending between said movable jaws, the spring biasing said movable jaws into a closed position.

9. The resistance training device according to claim 4, wherein said movable brace comprises:

a compressible head to safely brace said anchoring block against the door frame; and

a moving mechanism for moving said compressible head toward the door frame.

10. The resistance training device according to claim 9, wherein said compressible head has notches defined therein, the notches being adapted for conforming to the door frame.

11. The resistance training device according to claim 9, wherein said moving mechanism comprises a wing screw extending through a threaded bore in said base, said compressible head being mounted on a distal end of the wing screw.

12. The resistance training device according to claim 2, wherein said exercise carriage comprises:

a rectangular body having a pair of spaced bores defined therein for slidably mounting said carriage in a desired position on said adjustment mounting rods, the oppositely disposed cavities being defined in the rectangular body;

a pair of clamps mounted on the adjustment mounting rods below the rectangular body to fix the rectangular body in the desired position;

a spacer brace formed at a rear side of the rectangular body to brace the rectangular body against the door frame; and

a pair of spaced mounting bores for detachably mounting said exercise handles to the rectangular body, each of the cavities being in communication with a respective one of the mounting bores to facilitate operative connection between a respective one of the exercise handles and a respective one of the resistance blocks.

13. The resistance training device according to claim 12, wherein each said resistance block comprises:

a substantially solid cube having a cylindrical core, the cylindrical core having a partition wall extending diametrically across the core to form semicylindrical hollow through holes, the core being rotatable, the cube being mounted in one of the cavities in said carriage so that the cube does not rotate; and

integral coil springs extending from the cylindrical core into the cube, the springs being biased in one direction, the springs providing the predetermined amount of resistance when the core is rotated against said bias.

14. The resistance training device according to claim 13, wherein each said handle comprises an elongated, substantially J-shaped handle bar having a padded grip at one end, the end opposite the padded grip being split, the split end engaging the partition wall extending diametrically across the cylindrical core in said resistance block so that rotation of said handle rotates the cylindrical core against the bias resistance of the spring.

15. The resistance training device according to claim 14, wherein said resistance blocks comprise a set of interchangeable resistance blocks having a different predetermined resistance.

16. The resistance training device according to claim 1, wherein each said resistance block comprises:

17. The resistance training device according to claim 16, wherein said resistance blocks comprise a set of interchangeable resistance blocks having a different predetermined resistance.

18. The resistance training device according to claim 1, wherein each said handle comprises an elongated, substantially J-shaped handle bar having a padded grip at one end, the end opposite the padded grip being split, the split end engaging the partition wall extending diametrically across the cylindrical core in said resistance block so that rotation of said handle rotates the cylindrical core against the bias resistance of the spring.