US20200398105A1

US20200398105A1 - Portable pull-up apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20200398105A1
Application number: US16/446,671
Authority: US
Inventors: Kenji Coulter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-06-20
Filing date: 2019-06-20
Publication date: 2020-12-24

Abstract

Implementations of a portable pull-up apparatus are provided. In some implementations, the portable pull-up apparatus comprises a first arm and a second arm connected at a pivot point. In some implementations, the portable pull-up apparatus further comprises an attachment device connected to the first arm and the second to attach a gripping device. In some implementations, the portable pull-up apparatus further comprises a first elongated portion and second elongated portion rotatably attached to the first arm and the second arm, respectively. to securely hold the portable pull-up device above a door frame. In some implementations, the angle between the first arm and the second arm at the pivot point is greater than 90 degrees when the portable pull-up apparatus is in the fully closed position. In some implementations, the attachment device is a chain and a gripping object can be attached to the chain using a hook.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to implementations of a portable pull up apparatus.

BACKGROUND

A pull-up is an exercise designed to work the upper-body (e.g., trunk, shoulders, arms, backs, abdominal muscles, pelvic floor, hands, and forearms.) To perform the exercise, a person must suspend his/her body by holding his/her arms onto an object and then must pull his/her body upward.
There exists equipment to assist a person to perform a pull-up. For example, U.S. Patent Appl. Publ. No. 2013/0165298 discloses an exercise device adapted for installation on a door frame or stand that includes a pair of clamping members having an elongated body extending between a first end and a second end and an arcuate portion extending from the second end and terminating at a free articulating end.
The '298 application further discloses that the clamping members are pivotally connected at a first pivot point provided between the first and second ends where a pair of gripping members is disposed on the free articulating end of the arcuate portion of the clamping members.
The '298 application also discloses that a pair of links is provided where each link is pivotally connected to one of the clamping members at a second pivot point. The pair of links is pivotally connected to each other at a third pivot point. An elastic member extends between the second pivot of the clamping members.
The exercise device of the '298 application further includes a hook connected to the pair of links at a third pivot point for supporting a stretching or strengthening device.
The '298 application discloses that the clamping members are movable between a first position where the gripping members are urged toward one another and a second position where the gripping members are separated from one another.
To perform a pull-up, the '298 application discloses installing two of the above-described exercise devices on a doorway by spreading apart first ends of clamping members of each exercise device. When each exercise device is positioned at a desired location above the doorway, the user releases the first ends such that gripping portions are urged toward each other. A stretching or strengthening device then is connected to the hook on each exercise device. By placing a vertical load in a downward direction on the hook via the stretching or strengthening device, the links cause the first ends of the clamping members to be urged closer together, thereby increasing the force that the gripping members exert on the wall to prevent the exercise devices from sliding from the wall surface.
The '298 application discloses that the angle between the clamping members in an installed configuration at the first pivot point is substantially a right angle.
The '298 application comprises numerous shortcomings. Among other things, the '298 application is relatively complex. As discussed above, the exercise device disclosed in the '298 application comprises three pivot points where an elastic member extends between the second pivot of the clamping members, a pair of links are connected to each other at a third pivot point, and a hook is connected to the pair of links at a third pivot point for supporting a stretching or strengthening device.
Furthermore, the angle between the clamping members in an installed configuration at the first pivot point is substantially a right angle, which produces relatively inefficient force that the gripping members exert on the wall and makes the exercise device relatively large.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example front and back, respectively, of a portable pull-up apparatus according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example configuration of portable pull-up apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates example gripping objects that may be used with the portable pull-up apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an example use of a portable pull-up apparatus according to the present disclosure to assist a person to perform a pull-up.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of a portable pull-up apparatus are provided. In some implementations, the portable pull-up apparatus comprises a first arm having a first end and a second end wherein the first arm comprises a curved portion having a first end and a second end and a straight portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the straight portion extends from the second end of the curved portion.
In some implementations, the portable pull-up apparatus further comprises a second arm having a first end and a second end wherein the second arm comprises a curved portion having a first end and a second end and a straight portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the straight portion of the second arm extends from the second end of the curved portion of the second arm.
In some implementations, the portable pull-up apparatus further comprises an attachment device having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the attachment device is connected to the first arm at a first attachment point adjacent to the second end of the first arm and wherein the second end of the attachment device is connected to the second arm at a second attachment point adjacent to the second end of the second arm.
In some implementations, the portable pull-up apparatus further comprises a first elongated portion attached to the first end of the first arm and a second elongated portion attached to the first end of the second arm.
In some implementations, the first end and the second end of the curved portion of the first arm extends toward the first end and the second end, respectively, of the curved portion of the second arm.
In some implementations, the straight portion of the first arm extends from the curved portion of the first arm towards the straight portion of the second arm and the straight portion of the second arm extends from the curved portion of the second arm towards the straight portion of the fist arm until the straight portions of the first arm and second arm connect at a pivot point.
In some implementations, the straight portion of the first arm extends from the pivot point away from the straight portion of the second arm and the straight portion of the second arm extends from the pivot point away from the straight portion of the fist arm.
In some implementations, the angle between the first arm and the second arm at the pivot point is greater than 90 degrees when the portable pull-up apparatus is in the fully closed position. In this way, the portable pull-up apparatus is relatively compact and closer to the door frame when installed which thereby provides more leverage.
In some implementations, the first elongated portion and second elongated portion are rotatably attached to the first end of the first arm and the first end of the second arm. In this way, the portable pull-up devices can be more compactly stored, for example, in luggage.
In some implementations, the attachment device is a chain and a gripping object can be attached to the chain using a hook. In this way, the portable pull-up device can be easily assembled and disassembled.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example front and back, respectively, of a portable pull-up apparatus 100 according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
In some implementations, the portable pull-up apparatus 100 comprises a first arm 106 having a first end 106 a and a second end 106 b, a second arm 108 having a first end 108 a and a second end 108 b, an attachment device 112 having a first end 112 a and a second end 112 b, a first elongated portion 104 attached to the first end 106 a of the first arm 106, and a second elongated portion 105 attached to the first end 108 a of the second arm 108.
In some implementations, the first arm 106 comprises a curved portion 106 c having a first end 106 c 1 and a second end 106 c 2 and a straight portion 106 d having a first end 106 d 1 and a second end 106 d 2 wherein the first end 106 d 1 extends from the second end 106 c 2 of the curved portion 106 c.
Similarly, the second arm 108 comprises a curved portion 108 c having a first end 108 c 1 and a second end 108 c 2 and a straight portion 108 d having a first end 108 d 1 and a second end 106 d 2 wherein the first end 108 d 1 extends from the second end 108 c 2 of the curved portion 108 c.
In some implementations, the first end 106 c 1 and the second end 106 c 2 of the curved portion 106 c of the first arm 106 extends toward the first end 108 c 1 and the second end 108 c 2, respectively, of the curved portion 108 c of the second arm 108.
In some implementations, the straight portion 106 d of the first arm 106 extends from the curved portion 106 c towards the straight portion 108 d of the second arm 108 and the straight portion 108 d of the second arm 108 extends from the curved portion 1068 towards the straight portion 106 d of the fist arm 108 until the straight portions 106 d, 108 d connect at a pivot point 110.
In some implementations, the straight portion 106 d of the first arm 106 extends from the pivot point 110 away from the straight portion 108 d of the second arm 108 and the straight portion 108 d of the second arm 108 extends from the pivot point 110 away from the straight portion 106 d of the fist arm 108.
In some implementations, the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 define an opening 107 between the first arm 106 and the second arm.
In some implementations, the pivot point 110 comprises an opening extending through the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 and having a first connector extending through the opening. In some implementations, the first connector comprises a bolt extending through the opening. In some implementations, the first connector further comprises a nut. In some implementations, the first connector may be any type of connector.
In some implementations, the first end 112 a of the attachment device 112 is connected to the first arm 106 at a first attachment point 112 c adjacent to the second end 106 b of the first arm 106. In some implementations, the second end 112 b of the attachment device 112 is connected to the second arm 108 at a second attachment point 112 d adjacent to the second end 108 b of the second arm 106.
In some implementations, the first attachment point 112 c comprises an opening extending through the first arm 106 and a second connector extending through the opening and the first end 112 a of the attachment device 112. In some implementations, the second connector comprises a bolt extending though the opening and the first end 112 a of the attachment device 112. In some implementations, the second connector further comprise a nut and, in some implementations, a washer. In some implementation, the first end 112 a of the attachment device 112 may be connected to the first arm 106 by extending a bolt through the opening and a link of the chain and securing the chain using a washer and nut. In some implementations, the connector may be any suitable connector.
Similarly, the second attachment point 112 d comprises an opening extending through the second arm 108 and a third connector extending through the opening and the second end 112 b of the attachment device 112. In some implementations, the third connector is the same as the second connector.
FIG. 3 illustrates an example configuration of portable pull-up apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an implementation of the present disclosure. More specifically, in some implementations, the first elongated portion 104 and second elongated portion 105 are rotatably attached to the first end 106 a of the first arm 106 and the first end 108 a of the second arm 108, respectively.
In some implementations, the portable pull-up apparatus 100 is configured so that the first elongated portion 104 and second elongated portion 105 extend in a horizontal (FIGS. 1 and 2) or vertical direction (FIG. 3). In this way, the first elongated portion 104 and second elongated portion 105 can be rotated to the vertical position to store the portable pull-up apparatus 100 when it is not in use.
In some implementations, the first elongated portion 104 comprises a first side 104 a attached to the first end 106 a of the first arm 106 and a second side 104 b opposite the first side. In some implementations, the second side 104 b of the first elongated portion 104 includes a padded surface.
Similarly, in some implementations, the second elongated portion 105 comprises a first side 105 a attached to the first end 108 a of the second arm 108 and a second side 105 b opposite the first side 105 a. In some implementations, the second side 105 b of the second elongated portion 105 includes a padded surface.
In some implementations, the padding of the first elongated portion 104 and second elongated portion 105 comprises foam. In some implementations, the padding comprises any suitable material to protect a wall in contact with the first elongated portion 104.
In some implementations, the second side 104 b of the first elongated portion 104 and the second side 105 b of the second elongated portion 105 are flat.
In some implementations, each of the first elongated portion 104 and second elongated portion 105 is 8.5 inches. In some implementations, each of the first elongated portion 104 and second elongated portion 105 is longer than 8.5 inches. In some implementations, each of the first elongated portion 104 and second elongated portion 105 is shorter than 8.5 inches.
FIG. 4 illustrates example gripping objects 114, 414 that may be used with the portable pull-up apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an implementation of the present disclosure.
In some implementations, a gripping object may comprise an attachment portion (e.g., attachment portion 414 a) and an object 414 b secured to the attachment portion 414 a. The attachment portion 414 a is configured to attach to the attachment device 112.
The attachment portion 414 a can be any type of device. The gripping object 414 b can be any object and made from any material such as wood, rope, plastic, or any suitable material. The gripping object 414 b can be any shape such as elongated, round, knotted, ring, irregular, or any other suitable shape.
In some implementations, the gripping objects are attached to the attachment device 112 using the openings in the attachment device 112. In some implementations, the attachment device 112 is a chain and the attachment portion 414 a of the gripping object is a hook. In this way, a gripping object is attached to the attachment device 112 by inserting the hook in a link of the chain as shown in FIGS. 1-3. Furthermore, in this way, the portable pull-up apparatus can be easily disassembled.
In operation, when force is applied to the attachment device 112, the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 move towards each other thereby decreasing the opening 107 between the first arm 106 and the second arm 108.
The first arm 106 and the second arm 108 also can move away from each other. In some implementations, the length of the attachment device 112 can limit the amount of movement of the first arm 106 and the second arm 108.
In some implementations, the length of the attachment device 112 is configured such that the maximum distance between the second side 104 b of the first elongated portion 104 and the second side 105 b of the second elongated portion 105 is 4.75 inches. In some implementations, the length of the attachment device 112 is configured such that the maximum distance between the second side 104 b of the first elongated portion 104 and the second side 105 b of the second elongated portion 105 is less than 4.75 inches. In some implementations, the length of the attachment device 112 is configured such that the maximum distance between the second side 104 b of the first elongated portion 104 and the second side 105 b of the second elongated portion 105 is greater than 4.75 inches.
In some implementations, when the attachment device 112 is fully extended, the portable pull-up apparatus is in the fully opened position.
In some implementations, when the first arm 106 and second arm 108 can no longer move toward each other, the portable pull-up apparatus is in the fully closed position.
In some implementations, the angle between the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 at the pivot point 110 in the fully closed position is greater than 90 degrees. In some implementations, the angle between the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 at the pivot point 110 in the fully closed position is between 90 and 135 degrees. In some implementations, the angle between the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 at the pivot point 110 in the fully closed position is greater than 135 degrees.
In some implementations, the first arm 106 and second arm 108 are made from plastic. In some implementations, the first arm 106 and second arm 108 are made from metal. In some implementations, the first arm 106 and second arm 108 are made from any suitable material.
In some implementations, the first elongated portion 104 and second elongated portion 105 are made from plastic or any suitable material.
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an example use of a portable pull-up apparatus according to the present disclosure to assist a person to perform a pull-up. To use a portable pull-up apparatus according to the present disclosure to assist a person to perform a pull-up, in some implementations, two portable pull-up apparatus are spaced apart on a door frame 516, 616.
To place a portable pull-up apparatus on a door frame, the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 are spaced apart to receive a portion of a door frame in the opening 107 between the first arm 106 and the second arm 108.
In some implementations, a gripping object may be attached to the attachment device 112.
In some implementations, a downward force is applied to the gripping object thereby applying a force to the attachment device 112 and causing the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 to move towards each other until the first elongated portion 104 and second elongated portion 105 securely engage a portion of a wall above the door frame. In this way, as shown in FIG. 6, a person may perform pull-ups using of a portable pull-up apparatus according to the present disclosure.
In some implementations, one portable pull-up apparatus according to the present disclosure can be used to assist a person to perform a pull-up.
In some implementations, to store a portable pull-up apparatus according to the present disclosure, the first elongated portion 104 and the second elongated portion 105 are positioned in a vertical position.
In some implementations, a gripping object is detached from the attachment device. In some implementations, the gripping object is detached by removing a hook having an opening from a chain link.
In some implementations, the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 are moved towards each other until the portable pull-up apparatus is in a fully closed position.
Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “implementation” or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in some implementations”, or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.
The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.

Claims

1. A portable pull-up apparatus comprising

a first arm having a first end and a second end wherein the first arm comprises a curved portion having a first end and a second end and a straight portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the straight portion extends from the second end of the curved portion;

a second arm having a first end and a second end wherein the second arm comprises a curved portion having a first end and a second end and a straight portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the straight portion of the second arm extends from the second end of the curved portion of the second arm;

an attachment device having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the attachment device is connected to the first arm at a first attachment point adjacent to the second end of the first arm and wherein the second end of the attachment device is connected to the second arm at a second attachment point adjacent to the second end of the second arm;

a first elongated portion attached to the first end of the first arm; and

a second elongated portion attached to the first end of the second arm,

wherein the first end and the second end of the curved portion of the first arm extends toward the first end and the second end, respectively, of the curved portion of the second arm;

wherein the straight portion of the first arm extends from the curved portion of the first arm towards the straight portion of the second arm and wherein the straight portion of the second arm extends from the curved portion of the second arm towards the straight portion of the fist arm until the straight portions of the first arm and second arm connect at a pivot point;

wherein the straight portion of the first arm extends from the pivot point away from the straight portion of the second arm and wherein the straight portion of the second arm extends from the pivot point away from the straight portion of the fist arm; and

wherein the angle between the first arm and the second arm at the pivot point is greater than 90 degrees when the portable pull-up apparatus is in the fully closed position.

2. The portable pull-up apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first elongated portion and second elongated portion are rotatably attached to the first end of the first arm and the first end of the second arm, respectively such that the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion can extend in a horizontal and vertical direction when rotated.

3. The portable pull-up apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first elongated portion comprises a first side attached to the first end of the first arm and a second side opposite the first side wherein the second side of the first elongated portion includes a padded surface and wherein the second elongated portion comprises a first side attached to the first end of the second arm and a second side opposite the first side wherein the second side of the second elongated portion includes a padded surface.

4. The portable pull-up apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a gripping object having an attachment portion and an object secured to the attachment portion wherein the attachment portion is configured to attach to the attachment device, wherein the attachment device is a chain and the attachment portion of the gripping object is a hook.

5. The portable pull-up apparatus of claim 1 wherein the angle between the first arm and the second arm at the pivot point is greater than 90 degrees and no more than 135 degrees when the portable pull-up apparatus is in the fully closed position.

6. The portable pull-up apparatus of claim 1 wherein the angle between the first arm and the second arm at the pivot point is greater than 135 degrees when the portable pull-up apparatus is in the fully closed position.

7. A method of using the portable pull-up apparatus of claim 1, the method comprising:

placing the portable pull-up apparatus on a door frame by spacing apart the first arm and the second arm to receive a portion of a door frame in an opening between the first arm and the second arm;

receiving a portion of the door frame in the opening between the first arm and the second arm

attaching a gripping object to the attachment device; and

applying a downward force to the gripping object thereby applying a force to the attachment device and causing the first arm and the second arm to move towards each other until the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion securely engage a portion of a wall above the door frame.

8. A method of storing the portable pull-up apparatus of claim 2, the method comprising:

positioning the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion in a vertical position; and

moving the first arm and the second arm towards each other until the portable pull-up apparatus is in a fully closed position.

9. A portable pull-up apparatus comprising

a gripping object having an attachment portion and an object secured to the attachment portion wherein the attachment portion is configured to attach to the attachment device;

a first elongated portion attached to the first end of the first arm; and

a second elongated portion attached to the first end of the second arm,

wherein the straight portion of the first arm extends from the pivot point away from the straight portion of the second arm and wherein the straight portion of the second arm extends from the pivot point away from the straight portion of the first arm;

wherein the first elongated portion and second elongated portion are rotatably attached to the first end of the first arm and the first end of the second arm, respectively such that the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion can extend in a horizontal and vertical direction when rotated; and

wherein the attachment device is a chain and the attachment portion of the gripping object is a hook.

10. The portable pull-up apparatus of claim 9 wherein the angle between the first arm and the second arm at the pivot point is greater than 90 degrees when the portable pull-up apparatus is in the fully closed position.

11. The portable pull-up apparatus of claim 9 wherein the angle between the first arm and the second arm at the pivot point is greater than 90 degrees and no more than 135 degrees when the portable pull-up apparatus is in the fully closed position.

12. The portable pull-up apparatus of claim 9 wherein the angle between the first arm and the second arm at the pivot point is greater than 135 degrees when the portable pull-up apparatus is in the fully closed position.

13. A method of using the portable pull-up apparatus of claim 9, the method comprising:

receiving a portion of the door frame in the opening between the first arm and the second arm attaching a gripping object to the attachment device; and

14. A method of storing the portable pull-up apparatus of claim 9, the method comprising: