Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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STRENGTH TRAINING AND STRETCHING SYSTEM AND RESISTANCE BAND
ASSEMBLY FOR USE THEREWITH
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to exercise equipment. More particularly,
this
invention is directed to customizable and ergonomically designed exercise
equipment used for strength training and stretching. Most specifically, this
invention
is directed to a fitness station that may be installed in a commercial gym, a
home
gym, or in an outdoor exercise area and a detachable resistance band assembly
for
use therewith. The fitness station allows a user to conveniently and
effectively
perform and track with precision a variety of different exercises that engage
multiple
muscle groups using the resistance band assembly. The resistance band assembly
is selectively engageable with one of a plurality of attachment members
provided on
the fitness station. The resistance band assembly may be adjusted to provide a
variable resistive force to exercises performed using the fitness station.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
It is well known that in order to keep oneself healthy and active, it is
necessary to incorporate exercise into one's daily routine. Many people join
gyms to
help them exercise on a regular basis. A typical gym will include a number of
machines or large equipment systems which are dedicated to exercise one or
another part of the body. The user will have to move from machine to machine
in
order to exercise their entire body. Most of these machines utilize weights
which the
user will selectively engage with the machine in order to achieve the
intensity of
workout that they desire. If the user is inexperienced, there is the tendency
to avoid
particular machines simply because it is difficult to figure out what one is
supposed
to do on that machine. An inexperienced user or someone who is too ambitious
may
inadvertently injure themselves if too much weight is applied to any
particular
exercise. Additionally, in busier gyms, the wait time for particular machines
may be
long enough that it tends to discourage people from undertaking a full
exercise
routine. There is therefore the tendency to pick one or two favorite machines
and
exercises and simply overlook the rest of the body.
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Another arena that is becoming increasingly popular for people to exercise in
is outdoor "exercise parks". Unlike gyms, these locations have fewer pieces of
equipment for the user to use and most often there is no way to increase the
intensity of the workout as the user gets fitter.
Because of the issue with weight-based equipment and the tendency of
inexperienced users to accidentally injure themselves thereon, there has been
a rise
in the interest of using resistance bands during exercise. Resistance bands
are
elongated elastic or resilient member which may be stretched to greater or
lesser
degrees. They can be incorporated into an exercise routine for anyone from
beginners through to experienced athletes.
The bands themselves may come in a variety of different lengths, diameters,
wall thicknesses and different resistances and may include handles or loops at
either
end. The user will select the appropriate length and resistance for the
exercises they
wish to perform. A user may initially begin exercising with a low resistance
band and
progressively change to resistance bands of higher resistance as they gain
strength.
During an exercise routine, the user will grasp the handles in either hand and
stretch the resistance band, or they may hold part of the resistance band
using one
or both feet, or they may pass the resistance band around a substantially
immovable
object, such as a pole or a support for a piece of heavy gym equipment. They
may,
alternatively, anchor one end of the resistance band by tying it off to a pole
or fitness
equipment support.
If a person is performing a variety of different exercises it may be desirable
to
use a different resistance for each different exercise. Repeatedly having to
swap out
the resistance band for different exercises can be frustrating and time-
consuming.
SUMMARY
There is still a need in the art for an improved system which helps a user to
exercise a number of different parts of the body effectively and which uses
resistance bands instead of weights as a way to increase the intensity of the
workout
as the user gets fitter.
The system disclosed herein includes a fitness station which may act as an
anchor and an improved resistance band assembly for use with the fitness
station.
The system may be used in a gym or in an outdoor fitness area and the
resistance
band assembly is readily adjustable to change the resistance provided by the
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assembly. A user may therefore readily exercise their whole body and the
system
provides a way for progressively increasing the intensity of the workout.
Thus, a fitness station and a resistance band assembly for performing
exercises therewith along with a method of using the same is disclosed herein.
The fitness station includes a base; a support extending upwardly from the
base; a first arm extending outwardly from the support a distance vertically
above the
base; and a plurality of attachment members provided on one or more of the
base,
the support or the first arm. The resistance band assembly is selectively
engageable
with one of the attachment members and is operable to apply a resistive force
during
a performance of an exercise. The resistance band assembly includes a housing
that
is at least partially rigid and at least a first resilient member for
providing the resistive
force provided within the housing. The resistance band assembly is such that a
user
is able to grasp the housing thereof in a single hand and readily attach the
assembly
to the fitness station; even to attachment members on the fitness station that
are
located a distance above the user's head. The rigidity of the housing helps
ensure
that this easy engagement of the assembly to the fitness station is possible.
The method of using the fitness station and resistance band assembly may
include attaching the resistance band assembly to one of the attachment
members
on the fitness station, applying a pulling motion on the resistance band
assembly
during the performance of an exercise therewith; and generating a resistive
force
within the resistance band assembly in response to the applied pulling motion.
In a first aspect, the invention may provide a resistance band assembly
comprising a housing having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis
extending therebetween; a bore defined in the housing, said bore extending
from
proximate the first end of the housing to proximate the second end thereof; a
first
attachment assembly provided at the first end of the housing; a second
attachment
assembly provided at the second end of the housing; a first resilient member
extending through the bore from adjacent the first end of the housing to
adjacent the
second end thereof.
In a second aspect, the invention may provide a resistance band assembly
wherein the first attachment assembly is adapted to selectively attach the
first end of
the housing to a workout accessory engaged by a user; and the second
attachment
assembly is adapted to selectively attach the first end of the housing to a
piece of
exercise equipment.
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In a third aspect, the invention may provide a resistance band assembly
wherein the housing thereof is tubular and rigid.
In a fourth aspect, the invention may provide a resistance band assembly
including a housing with a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis
extending
therebetween; a first disc proximate the first end defining a plurality of
holes
arranged in a pattern and extending through the first disc; a second disc
stacked
adjacent the first disc along the longitudinal axis, the second disc defining
a plurality
of holes arranged in a similar pattern to that of the first disc, where the
holes in the
second disc are axially aligned with the holes in the first disc; a connection
plate
proximate the second end of the housing; and a first resilient member engaged
with
the connection plate at a second end and extending through aligned holes in
the first
and second discs and being engaged with the first disc at a first end.
In a fifth aspect, the invention may provide a resistance band assembly
comprising: a first end defined by a rotatable adjustment member; a second end
defined by one or more hooks: a tubular housing extending longitudinally
between
first and second ends; a first resilient member extending between the first
and
second ends; wherein the first resilient member provides a first resistance
level to
the resistance band assembly; and a second resilient member that is
selectively
engageable as disposed between first and second ends; and wherein the
engagement of the second resistance band provides a second resistance level to
the
resistance band assembly and the second resistance level is greater than the
first
resistance level.
In a sixth aspect the invention may provide a resistance band assembly
having a housing with first and second ends and a longitudinal axis extending
therebetween; a bore defined by the housing; a first resilient member having a
first
end and a second end; a connector disposed within the bore of the housing; a
first
disc disposed within the bore of the housing; wherein the first resilient
member
extends between the first disc and the connector; and wherein the first
resilient
member is selectively detachably engageable with the connector.
In a seventh aspect, the invention may provide a method of using a variable
resistance band assembly including the steps of rotating an adjustment member
about an assembly axis extending longitudinally through a center of a variable
resistance band assembly; engaging a radially extending pin on the adjustment
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member to select a single disc or a plurality of discs; and moving the
selected single
disc or plurality of discs along the assembly axis.
In an eighth aspect, the invention may provide an exercise device comprising
a housing having a first end and a second end; wherein the first end is
adapted to be
engaged by a user; a first hook and a second hook defining a portion of the
second
end of the housing; and wherein the first and second hooks are adapted to
releasably attach the exercise device to a separate exercise structure.
In a ninth aspect the invention may provide a method of attaching an exercise
device to an exercise structure, said method comprising the steps of providing
an
attachment member on the exercise structure, wherein the attachment member
defines an aperture; providing an attachment assembly at one end of the
exercise
device; where the attachment assembly includes a top member with a first hook
extending outwardly therefrom such that a first space is defined between the
top
member and a free end of the first hook; positioning the attachment member in
the
first space between the free end of the first hook and the top member;
rotating the
exercise device to engage the attachment member in a passageway defined
beneath an arcuate section of the first hook and the top member; and engaging
the
attachment member with a concave surface of the first hook, where the concave
surface is positioned opposite the top member.
In a tenth aspect, the invention may provide a method of attaching an
exercise device to a separate exercise structure comprising the steps of
providing an
exercise device having two inverted J-hooks at one end, where the J-hooks are
spaced apart and define a vertical gap between them, and further defining a
transverse passageway beneath arcuate portions of the J-hooks; moving the J-
hooks in a first direction to dispose a ring attached to the exercise
structure in the
vertical gap; rotating the J-hooks about an longitudinal axis of the exercise
device;
and moving the J-hooks in a second direction opposite the first direction to
engage
the arcuate portion of the J-hooks with the ring such that the ring extends
through
the transverse passageway.
In an eleventh aspect the invention may provide a method of varying a
resistive force applied by exercise equipment, said method comprising
providing a
resistance band assembly for providing resistive force during the performance
of an
exercise; where the resistance band assembly includes a housing having a first
end,
a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween; a bore defined
in the
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housing; a connector provided in the bore, said connector having a first
surface and
opposed second surface; a hole defined in the connector and extending between
the
first and second surfaces; a disc provided in the bore, said disc having a
first surface
and opposed second surface; an aperture defined in the disc and extending
between
the first and second surfaces of the disc, where the hole and the aperture are
longitudinally aligned with each other; providing a first resilient member;
providing a
second resilient member; and engaging the first resilient member with the
resistance
band assembly to provide a first resistive force during the performance of an
exercise.
In a twelfth aspect, the invention may provide a resilient member for a
resistance band assembly which is used to apply resistance during the
performance
of an exercise; said resilient member comprising an elongate and resilient
shaft
having a first end and a second end; a first enlarged area provided adjacent
the first
end; a second enlarged area provided adjacent the second end; and a limiting
element provided within the shaft and operable to limit a degree to which the
shaft
stretches.
In a thirteenth aspect, the invention may provide an insert for use with a
resilient member in a resistance band assembly, where the resilient member
includes a shaft having a first end and a second end; a base; an aperture
bounded
and defined by a face of the base; and a friction-reducing material provided
on the
face; said friction-reducing coating being adapted to contact the shaft of the
resilient
member when the shaft extends through the aperture.
In a fourteenth aspect, the invention may provide an insert for an exercise
device comprising a disc member having a first surface, a second surface, and
a
side surface extending between the first and second surfaces; wherein said
disc
member is adapted to be inserted within the bore of a tubular housing of an
exercise
assembly; and an aperture defined in the disc member and extending between the
first and second surfaces; said aperture being bounded and defined by a face
that
extends between the first and second surfaces; and wherein a friction-reducing
material is provided on the face.
In a fifteenth aspect, the invention may provide an exercise device comprising
a housing having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis
extending
therebetween; a bore defined in the housing and extending between the first
and
second ends; a disc member located within the bore and between the first and
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second ends thereof; said disc member having a first surface and a second
surface
which are oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the housing;
and the disc
member further includes a side surface extending between the first and second
surfaces, said side surface being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis;
and an
aperture is defined in the disc member and extends between the first and
second
surfaces; said aperture being bounded and defined by a face that extends
between
the first and second surfaces; and wherein a friction-reducing material is
provided on
the face; and a first resilient member extending between the first and second
ends of
the housing and passing through the aperture.
In a sixteenth aspect, the invention may provide an insert for an exercise
device
comprising a disc member having a first surface, a second surface, and a side
surface
extending between the first and second surfaces; wherein said disc member is
adapted to be inserted within the bore of a tubular housing of an exercise
assembly;
an aperture defined in the disc member and extending between the first and
second
surfaces; said aperture being bounded and defined by a face that extends
between
the first and second surfaces; and wherein a friction-reducing material is
provided on
the face.
In a seventeenth aspect the invention may provide an exercise device for
attachment to a fitness station; said exercise device comprising a housing
having a
first end and a second end, and having a longitudinal axis extending from the
first end
to the second end; a bore defined in the housing and extending from proximate
the
first end of the housing to proximate the second end thereof; an insert
fabricated from
a friction-reducing material provided within the bore of the housing; wherein
the insert
has a first surface and a second surface oriented at right angles to the
longitudinal
axis of the housing, and has a peripheral surface extending between the first
and
second surfaces; and a first aperture defined in the insert and extending from
the first
surface of the insert to the second surface thereof.
In an eighteenth aspect, this document discloses a resistance assembly
comprising: a housing including a first section and a second section in end-to-
end
orientation; where the first section has a first end and a second end and the
second
section has a first end and a second end; and the first end of the second
section is
adjacent the second end of the first section; a bore defined in the housing
and
extending from the first end of the first section to the second end of the
second section;
a connector provided within the bore; a disc provided within the bore a spaced
distance
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from the connector; at least one resilient member extending between the
connector
and the disc; and wherein the first and second sections of the housing are
separable
from each other to gain access to the at least one resilient member.
In a nineteenth aspect, this document discloses a resistance assembly
comprising: a housing including a first section and a second section in end-to-
end
orientation; where the first section has a first end and a second end and the
second
section has a first end and a second end; and the first end of the second
section is
adjacent the second end of the first section; a bore defined in the housing
and
extending from the first end of the first section to the second end of the
second section;
a connector provided within the bore, said connector having a thickness and
including
a plurality of holes passing through the thickness of the connector, each hole
having
an opening that extends to and interrupts the perimeter of the connector; a
disc
provided within the bore and spaced a distance from the connector, said disc
comprising a plurality of apertures passing through the disc, each aperture
aligned
with a hole in the connector; at least one resilient member extending between
the
connector and the disc, engaged to the connector at a hole and engaged to the
disc
at an aperture aligned with said hole; and wherein the first and second
sections of the
housing are separable from each other to gain access to the at least one
resilient
member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
A sample embodiment of the invention is set forth in the following
description,
is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and
set forth in
the appended claims.
FIG. 1 is an isometric perspective view of the variable resistance exercise
band
assembly of the present invention;
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FIG. 2 is a schematic representation indicating that elements respectively
depicted in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D should be aligned left to
right;
FIG. 2A is an exploded isometric view of some components of the variable
resistance exercise band assembly;
FIG. 2B is an exploded isometric view of some components of the variable
resistance exercise band assembly;
FIG. 2C is an exploded isometric view of some components of the variable
resistance exercise band assembly;
FIG. 2D is an exploded isometric view of some components of the variable
resistance exercise band assembly;
FIG. 2E is an exploded isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the
adjustment assembly which forms at least a part of the first attachment
assembly;
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of six resilient members or elastic bands utilized
in
the variable resistance exercise band assembly;
FIG. 4 is an isolated isometric view of a connection plate utilized in the
variable resistance exercise band assembly;
FIG. 5 is a top view of the connection plate;
FIG. 6 is an isolated isometric view of a collar and an insert connected
thereto
which are utilized in the variable resistance exercise band assembly;
FIG. 7 is an isometric view opposite to that shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is an isolated bottom view of the collar and connected insert of FIG.
6;
FIG. 9 is an isolated bottom isometric view of a third disc utilized in the
variable resistance exercise band assembly;
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the third disc;
FIG. 11 is an isolated top isometric view of the third disc;
FIG. 12 is an isolated bottom isometric view of a second disc utilized in the
variable resistance exercise band assembly;
FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the second disc;
FIG. 14 is an isolated top isometric view of the second disc;
FIG. 15 is an isolated bottom isometric view of a first disc utilized in the
variable resistance exercise band assembly;
FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the first disc;
FIG. 16A is a bottom view of a second embodiment of the first disc;
FIG. 17 is an isolated top isometric view of the first disc;
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FIG. 18 is a cross-section view of the second end of the variable resistance
exercise band assembly taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 19 is a cross-section view of the first end of the variable resistance
exercise band assembly taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 19A is an enlarged cross-section of the first end of one of the resilient
bands showing a separate adjustment cone engaged therewith;
FIG. 19B is an enlarged perspective view of the adjustment cone shown in
FIG. 19A;
FIG. 20 is a section view taken along line 20-20 in FIG. 19 depicting the
bottom of the third disc;
FIG. 21 is a section view taken along line 21-21 in FIG. 19 depicting the
bottom of the second disc;
FIG. 22 is a section view taken along line 22-22 in FIG. 19 depicting the
bottom of the first disc;
FIG. 22A is a section view taken along line 22-22 in FIG. 19 but depicting the
alternative embodiment of the first disc illustrated in FIG. 16A;
FIG. 23 is an end view of the variable resistance exercise band assembly
taken along line 23-23 in FIG. 1 depicting a first and second hook defining
the
second end;
FIG. 24 is an operational side view of the variable resistance exercise band
assembly;
FIG. 25 is an operational side view of the variable resistance exercise band
assembly depicting two resilient members stretched during an exercise
movement;
FIG. 26 is an operational side view of the variable resistance exercise band
. 25 assembly depicting the rotation of an adjustment member to select the
second disc;
FIG. 27 is an enlarged bottom view of the second disc during the movement
indicated in FIG. 26;
FIG. 28 is an enlarged bottom view of the third disc during the movement
indicated in FIG. 26;
FIG. 29 is an operational side view of the variable resistance exercise band
assembly depicting the selection of the second disc and four resilient members
stretched during an exercise movement;
FIG. 30 is an operational side view of the variable resistance exercise band
assembly depicting the rotation of an adjustment member to select the third
disc;
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FIG. 31 is an enlarged bottom view of the second disc during the movement
indicated in FIG. 30;
FIG. 32 is an enlarged bottom view of the third disc during the movement
indicated in FIG. 30;
FIG. 33 is an operational side view of the variable resistance exercise band
assembly depicting the selection of the third disc and four resilient members
stretched during an exercise movement (note: two resilient members are not
shown
in this view for clarity, but all six resilient members are stretched when the
third disc
is selected for an exercise movement);
FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 19 depicting a pair
of
spring tabs compressed inwards to remove a collar;
FIG. 35 is an isometric perspective view of the variable resistance exercise
band assembly with an auxiliary handle connected to the first end;
FIG. 36 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation of the second end of the
resistance band assembly;
Fig. 37 is a perspective view of a fitness station in accordance with an
aspect
of the present invention;
Fig. 38 is a front view of the fitness station;
Fig. 39 is a top view thereof;
Fig. 40 is a right side view of the fitness station;
Fig. 41 is a rear view thereof;
Fig. 42 is an enlarged cross-section of a first embodiment of the first arm of
the fitness station taken along line 42-42 of Fig. 37;
Fig. 43 is an enlarged cross-section of a second embodiment of the first arm
of the fitness station taken along line 42-42 of Fig. 37;
Fig. 44 is a right side view of the fitness station showing a third embodiment
of
the first arm of the fitness station and a second embodiment of the fifth arm
thereof;
Fig. 45 is an enlarged right side view of a portion of the fitness station of
Fig.
44 showing the fifth arm in an unlocked and rotated position; and
Fig. 46 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the first arm of the
fitness station showing the resistance band assembly engaged therewith for the
performance of an exercise.
Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A variable resistance exercise band assembly and a strength training and
stretching system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is
depicted
in Figures 1-46. In the following description, the variable resistance band
assembly is
generally referred to herein as assembly 30 and the strength training and
stretching
system is generally referred to herein as fitness station 510. Assembly 30 is
shown
in Figs. 1-36 and fitness station 510 is shown in Figs. 37-45. Assembly 30 is
shown
engaged with fitness station 510 in Fig. 46. Assembly 30 is selectively
engaged with
fitness station 510 in order to perform a wide variety of resistance type
exercises. A
pulling force is applied to a first end of assembly 30 and a resistive force
is
generated in response to that pulling motion by one or more resilient members
44
which are located within a housing of the assembly 30.
In the following description, the structure and operation of assembly 30 will
be
described in greater detail using Figs. 1-36 as a reference. Subsequently, the
structure and operation of fitness station 510 will be described in greater
detail using
Figs. 37-45 as a reference. Fig. 46 will then be used to describe how assembly
30 is
engaged with fitness station 510 and how the combination is then used to
perform an
exercise.
FIG. 2 schematically depicts the various elements of assembly 30 in FIG. 2A,
FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D which should be aligned left to right as
pictographically indicated in FIG. 2. FIG. 2E shows an alternative embodiment
of one
of the discs utilized in assembly 30. FIGS. 3-17 show individual elements of
assembly 30 in isolation. FIG. 3 illustrates the resilient or elastic band
members 44
which provide the resistance generated by assembly 30. FIGS. 4-5 show a
connection plate 42 used to engage one end of resilient members 44. Connection
plate 42 is referred to as a "connection plate" because all of resilient
members 44
provided in assembly 30 are engaged therewith. FIGS. 6-8 show a sleeve member
through which resilient members 44 are threaded. FIGS. 9-11 show a third disc
through which resilient members 44 are threaded. FIGS. 12-14 show a second
disc
through which resilient members 44 are threaded. FIGS. 15-17 show a first disc
through which resilient members 44 are threaded. (As indicated previously FIG.
16A
shows an alternative embodiment of the first disc. FIGS. 18-23 show the
various
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elements of assembly 30 assembled together. FIGS. 24-36 show assembly 30 in
operation.
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, assembly 30 includes a tubular housing having a first
end 32 and a second end 34. A first attachment assembly 33 is provided at
first end
32 of the tubular housing and a second attachment assembly 35 is provided at
second end 34 thereof. The housing includes a base member 78 (Fig. 1 and 2B),
a
sleeve member 88, and a collar 172 which are oriented in end-to-end
relationship. A
bore is defined by the tubular housing and this bore extends from first end 32
through to second end 34. It will be understood that instead of the tubular
housing
being comprised of separate but operatively engaged components (base member
78, sleeve member 88 and/or collar 172), the tubular housing may be a single,
monolithic, and unitary component. The tubular housing may be rigid along its
entire
length from first end 32 to second end 34 thereof. Alternatively, only a
portion of the
tubular housing may be rigid. So, for example, only base member 78 may be
rigid.
Still further, the exterior tubular housing may be rigid but one or more
components
located within the interior of the tubular housing may be rigid. This rigidity
or partial
rigidity enables a user to reach up and hook resistance band assembly 30 to a
piece
of exercise equipment that is located a distance above the user's head or out
of the
user's reach in another direction. The rigidity or partial rigidity of the
tubular housing
or components within the interior of the tubular housing also enables the user
to
grasp and manipulate resistance band assembly 30 in a single hand. This
feature
makes it quick and easy for a user to engage or disengage resistance band
assembly 30 with a fitness station or with a workout accessory, as will be
later
described herein.
As indicated above, assembly 30 may include a base member 78 (FIGS. 1
and 2B) with a sleeve member 88 extending longitudinally outwardly from a
first end
80, and collar 172 extending longitudinally outwardly from an end of sleeve
member
88. First attachment assembly 33 (Fig. 2A) is provided at first end 32 of the
tubular
housing. First attachment assembly 33 includes an adjustment assembly 170
which
extends partially outwardly through an opening at one end of collar 172. A
second
attachment assembly 35 (FIG. 2A) is provided at second end 34 of the tubular
housing, specifically adjacent second end 82 of base member 78. First and
second
attachment assemblies 33, 35 enable assembly 30 to be selectively secured to
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workout accessories, exercise structures or exercise machines so that a range
of
exercises may be performed therewith.
A plurality of resilient members 44 (FIG. 3) is provided within a bore of the
tubular housing, where the bore of the housing is comprised partially of bore
84 (FIG.
2B) of base member 78, various apertures 104 (Fig. 2C) defined in sleeve
member
88, and a cavity 284 (Fig. 20) defined in collar 172. Resilient members 44
will be
described in greater detail later herein. Resilient members 44 are threaded
through
apertures in first, second and third discs 36, 38, 40 (FIG. 2C), through
apertures in
an insert 90, through apertures in sleeve member 88 and are then removably
engaged with connection plate 42 (Fig. 2A). The tapered end 222 of each
resilient
member 44 is not able to pass through the associated aperture in the discs 36,
38,
40 with which the resilient member is engaged. Thus, resilient members 44
extend
through the bore of the tubular housing from proximate first end 32 to
proximate
second end 34. The discs 36, 38, 40 are selectively engageable with first
attachment
assembly 33 provided at second end 32 of assembly 30, specifically with
adjustment
assembly 170. First attachment assembly 33 is used to engage resistance band
assembly 30 with workout accessories as will be further described herein.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2B, base member 78 is a tubular housing that may
be fabricated entirely or partially from a strong, rigid material. Base member
78 may
be comprised of two semi-circular cylinder halves which are mated together by
any
suitable means, such as heat-welding. Instead of being fabricated from two
separate
halves which are joined together, base member 78 may, alternatively, be a
generally
rigid, integrally formed, monolithic, or unitary member. Rigid base member 78
may
be a self-supporting structure which allows a user to reach out and extend a
distance
without assembly 30 becoming limp. This self-supporting feature is
advantageous
inasmuch as it allows a user to reach an attachment member 578 (FIG. 35) that
may
be provided on some type of overhead exercise structure and which would be
difficult to engage assembly 30 thereto if base member 78 was not self-
supporting.
The material used to fabricate base member 78 may be substantially
waterproof or impervious, opaque, and/or non-transparent to ultra-violet (UV)
light.
The latter characteristic tends to ensure that resilient members 44 located
within
bore 84 of housing are protected from UV exposure if assembly 30 is used in
conjunction with an outdoor exercise structure. The materials used for base
member
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78 therefore aid in prolonging the life of both the base member 78 and
resilient
members 44. Base member 78 may also provide ozone protection.
Alternatively, instead of the tubular housing being rigid to accomplish the
advantages of the present invention, base member 78, sleeve 88 and collar 172
may
be fabricated so as to be flexible in nature and a rigid rod 72 used within
the interior
of the tubular housing may instead comprise the portion of resistance band
assembly
that is rigid. The rigid rod 72 may enable a user to reach upwardly, holding
onto base
member 78 or sleeve 88 or collar 172 and hook the second attachment assembly
35
to an overhead piece of exercise equipment with a single hand as described
above.
Dimensionally, in one embodiment base member 78 may be approximately
sixteen inches long from end of tab 86 to second end 82 and bore 84 diameter
is
approximately 2 3/4", but clearly alternative dimensions are entirely
possible, such as
a base member 78 length in a range from about six inches to about thirty six
inches,
forty eight inches, or sixty inches. Furthermore, when base member 78 is about
sixteen inches, the overall assembly 30 from first end 32 to second end 34
thereof is
about twenty four inches. This length will be longer or shorter depending on
length of
base member 78 used therein.
Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2B, base member 78 has a first end 80, a
second end 82 and a longitudinal axis 45 extending therebetween. Bore 84 of
base
member 78 extends from first end 80 to second end 82. Base member 78 may
comprise a first section, second section, and a third section. First section
is
proximate first end 80 and the third section is proximate second end 82. The
second
section is intermediate the first and third sections. Second section is of a
first
diameter and the first and second sections are of a larger second diameter. An
angled transition surface is provided between the second section and each of
the
first and third sections. The difference between the first and second
diameters may
extend only to the exterior surface of housing or may extend additionally to
the
internal diameter of bore 84. One or both of the first and third sections of
base
member 78 may be provided with ridges or grooves on an exterior surface
thereof to
aid in the gripping of assembly 30 during use thereof.
One or more tabs 86 extend outwardly from first end 80 of base member 78
and along an outer circumference thereof. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 19, tabs 86
releasably connect base member 78 to sleeve member 88. Base member 78 snaps
onto sleeve member 88 by way of tabs 86 and housing is thereby piloted over
the
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outer diameter of sleeve member 88. Tabs 86 permit easy engagement with sleeve
member 88 and easy removal of base member 78 from sleeve member 88. Thus,
tabs 86 act as a "quick connect" or a "quick-disconnect" element. This quick
connect
and quick disconnect feature aids in making it easy for a user to replace
resilient
members 44 in order to change the resistive force delivered by resistance band
assembly 30. The feature is also useful if a resilient member 44 becomes
damaged
and needs to be replaced.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, second attachment assembly 35 is operatively
engaged with second end 82 of base member 78. Second attachment assembly 35
includes a hook connector 60. As shown in Fig. 18, second end 82 of base
member
78 is provided with a lip 274 for engagement with hook connector 60. Referring
again
to FIGS. 1 and 2A, hook connector 60 has at least one and preferably two hooks
extending outwardly from outer surface 270 thereof. In particular, a first
hook 56 and
a second hook 58 extend outwardly from outer surface 270 in a first direction.
A pin
portion 62 extends inwardly from an inner surface 276 of hook connector 60 in
a
second direction. Convex outer surface 270 is generally hemispherical in shape
and
is symmetric about longitudinal axis 45 when viewed in cross-section. An
annular
cut-out defining an edge rabbet 272 is formed in outer surface 270. Rabbet 272
is
located adjacent lip 274 on second end 82 of base member 78 when resistance
band assembly 30 is assembled. This second end 34 of resistance band assembly
is illustrated in FIG. 18.
Pin portion 62 is integrally formed in a unitary manner with inner surface 276
of hook connector 60. Inner surface 276 (FIGS. 2A & 18) is a convex surface
facing
first end 32 and spaced opposite first surface 270. Pin portion 62 is a
tubular
25 structure which extends inwardly from inner surface 276 and towards first
end 32 of
assembly 30. Pin portion 62 defines a hollow bore 278 that is concentric about
longitudinal axis 45. Bore 278 extends from a pin end 280 outwardly towards
inner
surface 276 of hook connector 60 and terminates at an end 282 (FIG. 18)
located
between first and second surfaces 270, 276. Pin portion 62 is of a first
diameter
30 proximate hook connector 60 and is of a second diameter proximate pin end
280. A
shoulder 63 is formed in pin portion 62 between the first diameter and second
diameter regions. The region of pin portion 62 having the second diameter is
also
provided with a flat wall 64. A hole 66 is defined in the non-flattened
portion of this
second diameter region and hole 66 passes completely through pin portion 62.
The
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region of pin portion 62 which includes flat wall 64 is received through
central
aperture 52 of connection plate 42. The flat wall 64 aligns with the flat wall
54 of
connection plate 42, thereby orienting pin portion 62 and connection plate 42
and
aiding in preventing rotation of connection plate 42 about longitudinal axis
45.
Pin portion 62 (FIGS. 2A and 18) extends outwardly from hook connector 60,
through central aperture 52 of connection plate 42 and into a bore 284 of rod
72.
First end 70 of rod 72 fits over the end of pin portion 62 and abuts face 226
of
connection plate 42. A hole 74 is defined in the exterior surface of rod 72.
When rod
72 is engaged with the second diameter region of pin portion 62, holes 66 and
74 are
aligned with each other and a pin 68 passes through these aligned holes 66, 74
and
secures rod 72 to pin portion 62 and thereby secures connection plate 42 to
second
attachment assembly 35.
Referring to FIGS. 2A and 23, first and second hooks 56, 58 extend outwardly
from outer surface 270 of hook connector 60. First and second hooks 56, 58 may
be
uniform, monolithic members constructed of metal or other suitably strong
material
that may selectively revolve in unison about longitudinal axis 45. The term
"revolve"
refers to the fact that hooks 56, 58 are both offset from longitudinal axis
45. Each of
the first and second hooks 56, 58 may be J-shaped. First hook 56 extends
upwardly
and outwardly from a rigid connection 304 with upper surface 270 of hook
connector
60 to form an inverted "J" terminating at a tip 308. Second hook 58 extends
upwardly
and outwardly from a rigid connection 306 with upper surface to form an
inverted "J"
terminating at a tip 310. Each of first and second hooks 56, 58 may extend
through
an aperture defined in upper surface 270 and into a pocket formed in the hook
connector 60. The hooks 56, 58 and the pockets they fit into may have
flattened
regions on them similar to the flat walls 64/54. These flattened regions aid
in keeping
first and second hooks 56, 58 from rotating about the axis of the screw 271
used to
secure them to hook connector 60.
When viewed from a side, first hook 56 curves in one direction from base 304
to tip 308 and second hook 58 curves in the opposite direction from base 306
to tip
310. Hooks 56, 58 may further respectively include longitudinal base or leg
portions
420, 422, respectively, extending from the respective connections 304, 306, in
a
cantilevered manner (as best shown in FIG. 24). Hook 56 further includes a
first
arcuate section 410 and hook 58 includes a second arcuate section 412. First
arcuate section 410 defines a concave surface 414 and second arcuate section
412
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defines a concave surface 416. A first radius of curvature is associated with
first
arcuate section 410 on first hook 56 and a second radius of curvature is
associated
with the second arcuate section 412 on second hook 58. First and second radii
of
curvature may be equal.
First hook 56 is laterally spaced apart from second hook 58 such that a gap
302 (FIG. 23) is defined between therm Gap 302 is partially defined between
first
arcuate section 410 and second arcuate section 412. Gap 302 is in a range of
from
about 1/4 inch to about 2 inches or more. An arbitrary rectangular perimeter
424
relative to first and second hooks 56, 58 may be projected on second end 34 to
define four equally sized quadrants when viewing second end 34 from above.
This is
illustrated in FIG. 23. The four quadrants are identified by Roman Numerals I,
II, III,
and IV, respectively. A base portion 420 and connection 304 of first hook 56
may be
in a first quadrant I. Tip 308 of first hook 56 may be in a second quadrant
II. A base
portion 422 and connection 306 of second hook 58 may be in a third quadrant
HI. Tip
310 of second hook 58 may be in a fourth quadrant IV. The first quadrant I is
180
degrees from the third quadrant M. From this arrangement, it can be seen that
the
first connection 304 and the second connection 306 may be spaced apart 180
degrees from each other on diametrically opposite sides of longitudinal axis
45 when
viewing second end 34 from the end as in FIG. 23. There may further be a first
offset
distance measured from first connection 304 to longitudinal axis 45 and a
second
offset distance measured from second connection 306 to longitudinal axis 45.
The
absolute values of the first and second offset distances may be substantially
equal.
Relative to gap 302, tip 308 and tip 310 are catty-cornered to each other
(i.e.,
diagonally offset) such that if a first imaginary line is drawn from J-tip 308
to J-tip 310
and a second imaginary line is drawn from connection 304 to connection 306,
the
intersecting first and second lines would form an X-like pattern or X-shaped
configuration when viewed from second end 34 of assembly 30. Tips 308, 310 may
be spherical and are oriented in such a way so as to face first end 32 of
assembly
30.
A transverse through-passageway 418 (Fig. 36) is defined between upper
surface 270 and concave surfaces 414, 416. Passageway 418 is adapted to
receive
an attachment member 578 of a separate exercise structure such as the fitness
station 510 illustrated in Figs. 37-46. A first space is defined between tip
308 of first
hook 56 and upper surface 270 of assembly 30; and a second space is defined
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between tip 310 of second hook 58 and upper surface 270. The first and second
spaces allow entry of attachment member 578 into passageway 418. One or both
of
first and second hooks 56, 58 may be utilized to engage attachment member 578.
First and second hooks 56, 58 are substantially parallel to each other as may
be
seen in FIG. 23. Attachment member 578 is initially engaged by one or the
other of
hooks 56, 58 and then assembly 30 is twisted so that the other of the hooks
56, 58
engages attachment member 578. Attachment member 578 is thus engaged by both
hooks 56, 58 and because hooks are oppositely oriented and parallel to each
other,
attachment member 578 will become trapped by hooks 56, 58. Attachment member
578 will not be easily accidentally released from hooks 56 and 58 unless and
until a
rotational-type motion on assembly 30 is utilized to disengage hooks 56, 58
from
attachment member 578.
Referring to FIGS. 2A, 4 and 5, connection plate 42 is provided within bore 84
of base member 78. Connection plate 42 comprises a generally rigid member that
may be circular or disc-like in shape, although other shapes may be utilized
such as
an oval or elliptical shape. (It will be understood that any desired shape of
connection plate 42 may be utilized in assembly 30). Connection plate 42 has a
thickness extending between a first surface 226 and a second surface 228
thereof.
First surface 226 faces first end 32 and second surface 228 faces second end
34
and connection plate 42 is generally at right angles to longitudinal axis 45.
A
cylindrical circumferential wall 230 extends between first and second surfaces
226,
228 and has inner and outer surfaces.
A plurality of radial apertures 46 interrupt circumferential wall 230 of
connection plate 42 and extend inwardly for a distance toward a central
aperture 52
defined by connection plate 42. Apertures 46 are generally C-shaped when
viewed
from the front (FIG. 5); where the front is considered to be from first end
32.
Circumferential wall 230 is interrupted by openings 48, each of which permits
access
to one of apertures 46. Openings 48 extend longitudinally from first surface
226 to
second surface 228 of connection plate 42. A longitudinal axis 50 (FIG. 2A and
5)
extends through each aperture 46. Axis 50 is oriented generally parallel to
longitudinal axis 45 of assembly 30 and is spaced eccentrically relative
thereto.
Apertures 46 are positioned in a satellite orientation around central aperture
52 and
around longitudinal axis 45.
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Central aperture 52 is aligned along longitudinal axis 45 and is defined by a
generally cylindrical wall 53 which extends outwardly from an interior face 55
of
second surface 228. Wall 53 includes the aforementioned flat section 54 (FIG.
5).
Central aperture 52 is thus generally D-shaped when viewed from the front.
Resilient
members 44 are detachably engageable with connection plate 42. Each resilient
member 44 subsequently extends through bore 84 of base member 78 and is
engaged with at least one of first, second and third discs 36, 38, 40.
As depicted in FIG. 3, six resilient members 44a, 44b, 44e, 44d, 44e, and 44f
are utilized in assembly 30. Resilient members 44 comprise elongate tubular
resilient
or elastic bands. These bands are longitudinally stretchable and are engaged
with
components within assembly 30 in order to be able to impart a resistance when
stretched during the performance of an exercise motion. Each resilient member
44
includes a shaft 221 having a first end 218 spaced apart and longitudinally
opposite
a second end 220. Each resilient member 44 is located within the tubular
housing
such that shaft 221 thereof will be aligned along an axis 50 (Fig. 2A or 2C)
that is
eccentric from longitudinal axis 45 and is generally parallel thereto.
The shafts 221 of resilient members 44a-f may all be of the same length and
diameter and wall thickness and thus provide the same resistive force.
Alternatively,
the various resilient members 44a-f may be of different lengths, diameters,
and/or
wall thicknesses and therefore provide different resistive forces. The
resistive force
capable of being applied by any one resilient member 44 is dependent upon the
length, diameter and wall thickness of shaft 221 thereof. So, if a user wishes
to
customize resistance band assembly 30 for their own personal use, the user may
select specific resilient members 44 which can provide the variety of
resistive forces
the user desires. The user may therefore select resilient members 44 which are
all of
the same length, diameter or wall thickness or the user may select resilient
members
44 having different lengths, diameters or wall thicknesses. Apart from length,
diameter and wall thickness, another way in which the resistance values of
resilient
members 44 may vary is if resilient members are made from different materials.
A
user may therefore purposefully replace a resilient member 44 fabricated from
a first
material with a resilient member fabricated from a second different material
with a
different elastic characteristic. These resilient members fabricated from
different
materials may also vary in length, diameter and wall thickness.
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Thus, in accordance with an aspect of the invention, the resistive force which
may be applied by resistance band assembly 30 may be customized to suit the
exercise goals of the user. The customization may be accomplished by the user
selectively removing some or all of the resilient members from the housing and
inserting other resilient members into the housing; where the replacement
resilient
members are capable of providing a different resistive force than the
resilient
members which were removed from assembly 30. So, for example, the user may
remove one or more resilient members 44 that have an outer diameter of shaft
221
that is of a first size and insert replacement resilient members having larger
or
smaller diameter shafts 221.
Each resilient member may have a generally conical, frustoconical or tapered
plug 222 provided adjacent first end 218 of the elongate shaft 221. Plug 222
is
configured to be at least partially complementary to an aperture in one of the
first,
second, and third discs 36, 38, 40 and is sized to become engaged or wedged
therein, as will be hereinafter described. Plug 222 may be a rigid member
shaped
like a conventional cork-stop; however other shapes are entirely possible. For
example, plug 222 may be spherical and still be able to be retained in one of
the
tapered apertures defined in discs 36, 38, 40. As is evident from the above,
plug 222
is not able to pass through the associated aperture in the associated disc 36,
38, 40
and is thereby engaged with the associated disc.
Each resilient member is further provided with a bulbous member 224
adjacent second end 220 of shaft 221. Bulbous member 224 is spaced
longitudinally
from tapered plug 222 and is configured to nest within an aperture defined in
connection plate 42, as will be further discussed herein. Bulbous member 224
may
be a rigid spherical member but other shapes of bulbous member 224 are
contemplated. For example, bulbous member 224 may be a tapered cork-stop shape
like plug 222. Tapered plug 222 and bulbous member 224 may be stretchably
engaged and secured to shaft 221 or may be integrally formed therewith as
illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. Each of the tapered plug 222 and bulbous
member
224 includes a region that is of a greater diameter than the diameter of shaft
221.
Bulbous member 224 is of a larger diameter than the diameter of aperture 46
in connection plate 42. The diameter of bulbous member 224 is, however,
smaller
than the diameter of the apertures in discs 36, 38, 40 and insert 90. Bulbous
member
224 is therefore able to pass through the apertures in first, second, and
third discs
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36, 38, 40 but is unable to pass through aperture 46 in connection plate 42.
In order
to engage resilient member 44 with connection plate 42, shaft 221 of resilient
member 44 is inserted through opening 48 in circumferential surface 230 of
connection plate 42 and is moved radially inwardly into aperture 46. This
brings
bulbous member 224 into abutting contact with surface 228 of connection plate
42,
thereby detachably engaging resilient member 44 thereto. Resilient member 44
is
disengaged from connection plate 42 by moving shaft 221 radially outwardly
from the
associated aperture 46 and through opening 48, thus moving bulbous member 224
out of contact with connection plate 42.
The elongate shafts 221 of each resilient members 44 may be hollow and
define a longitudinal bore or lumen 301 (FIG. 19) therein which extends from
proximate first end 218 of shaft 221 to proximate second end 222 thereof.
(Bulbous
member 224 and tapered plug 222 may be rigid members releasably secured within
lumen 301 under the elastic pressure of resilient member 44.) A length limiter
300
may extend through lumen 301 and be connected with each of first and second
ends
218, 222. In one embodiment, limiting member 300 connects to tapered plug 222
adjacent first end 218 of shaft 221 of the resilient member and extends to
bulbous
member 224 adjacent second end 220. Limiting member 300 may be fabricated from
a substantially flexible material so that member 300 it is able to compress
longitudinally when the resilient member 44 is in a non-stretched state.
Limiting
member 300 is of a longer length than shaft 221 of resilient member 44 in an
un-
stretched state but is of a shorter length than the length to which shaft 221
could be
stretched if limiting member 300 was not provided therein. Thus, when
resilient
member 44 is stretched to a stretched state during an exercise motion,
limiting
member 300 substantially prevents resilient member 44 from being
overstretched.
(Repeated overstretching resilient member 44 could cause resilient member 44
to
wear out prematurely.) The limiting action provided by limiting member 300
substantially reduces the risk of damage to resilient member 44 or possible
injury to
a user if resilient member 44 breaks during use. In one particular embodiment,
limiting member 300 may be fabricated from a Keylar cord or string. It will
be
understood that materials other than Kevler may be utilized for this purpose.
(Kevtar is a registered trademark of E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND
COMPANY).
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One or both ends 218, 220 of resilient member 44 may be circumscribed by
an aperture adjustment member 223 (FIGS. 19A and 19B). In particular, aperture
adjustment member 223 may be applied around the exterior surface of at least
part
of tapered plug 222 to enable the same to become wedged in an aperture of one
of
discs 36, 38, 40. Aperture adjustment member 223 has a first end 223a, a
second
end 223b, an exterior surface 223c, and an interior surface 223d. Interior
surface
223d bounds and defines a bore 223e which extends from proximate the first end
223a to the second end 223b. An opening 223f to bore 223e is defined in first
end
223a. Shaft 221 of resilient member 44 extends through bore 223e and through
opening 223f. At least a portion of the face of aperture adjustment member 223
which bounds and defines opening 223f and/or bore 223e includes a friction-
reducing material that allows shaft 221 of resilient member 44 to pass
therethrough.
The tapered plug 222 of resilient member 44 is engaged in bore 223e of
aperture
adjustment member 223 as illustrated in FIG. 19A. Aperture adjustment member
223
may be sized and shaped to be engaged in one of the apertures in one of the
first,
second or third discs 36, 38, 40 and thereby prevent the associated tapered
plug 222
from being drawn through that aperture. Aperture adjustment member 223 is
particularly adapted to be sized and shaped so as to become at least partially
wedged in one of the apertures in first, second or third discs (i.e., one of
124b in first
disc 36; 138b in second disc 38, or 158b in third disc 40) when engaged around
the
tapered plug 222. When aperture adjustment member 223 is wedged in the
aperture
and the associated disc is moved, then aperture adjustment member 223 and
therefore that end of resilient member 44 will move in unison with the moving
disc.
Aperture adjustment member 223 may, itself, be conical or frustoconical in
shape as illustrated in FIG. 19B. Resilient member 44 may engage aperture
adjustment member 223 in such a way that the latter will not tend to slip off
resilient
member 44 when that resilient member is inverted. The entire aperture
adjustment
member 223 may be fabricated from a non-stick or friction-reducing material
such as
Teflon to reduce the likelihood of friction-induced wear of the elastic
material
forming resilient member 44. (Teflon is a registered trademark of E. I. DU
PONT
DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY). The materials of the aperture adjustment member
223 and discs 36, 38, 40 are of types where the static and dynamic
coefficients of
friction thereof are close enough that you don't get into a stick/slip
situation.
Additionally, the material used for aperture adjustment member 223 has a low
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coefficient of friction so that it is slippery and does not cause much
resistive force on
the outer diameter of resilient member 44. The terms "non-stick" or "friction-
reducing"
used herein should be considered to cover any and all materials which may be
used
to fabricate or coat exterior surfaces of components used in resistance band
assembly 30 which allow those components to move easily relative to each other
and which reduce frictional wear on those components.
Aperture adjustment members 223 may be utilized by a user when
customizing assembly 30. Aperture adjustment members 33 are useful in the
situation where the apertures within first, second and third discs 36, 38, 40
are larger
than the tapered plug on the selected resilient member. This might occur if
the
resilient member in question has a shaft 221 that is of a smaller diameter and
thereby has a tapered plug of smaller dimensions than a standard resilient
member
44. In other instances, it may be advantageous to engage a separate aperture
adjustment member around an exterior of an existing tapered plug 222 or even a
bulbous member 224 that is integrally formed with the elongate resilient
member or
already engaged therewith so as to increase the overall diameter of the
resilient
member proximate first end 218 or second end 222.
Referring now to FIGS. 2C and FIGS. 6-8, sleeve member 88 is engaged with
first end 80 of base member 78 and extends longitudinally outwardly therefrom.
Sleeve member 88 is a generally cylindrical member with first and second ends
92,
94 and a cylindrical side wall 96 extending therebetween. Side wall 96 defines
two
apertures 98 therein configured to receive tabs 86 which extend outwardly from
base
member 78. Apertures 98 are complementary to at least part of tabs 86. As
illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, apertures 98 may be a generally truncated-
triangular
. shape and tabs 86 on base member 78 may have the appearance of an arrow-
head.
First end 92 of sleeve member 88 is positioned adjacent first end 80 of base
member
78. Apertures 98 in the sleeve member 88 receive tabs 86 from base member 78
in
a selectively releasable spring-locking manner, thereby creating a releasable
connection between base member 78 and sleeve member 88.
Second end 94 of sleeve member 88 is configured to engage insert 90 (FIG.
2C) and collar 172, as will be later described herein. Sleeve member 88
includes a
plurality of indicia or markings 100 disposed circumferentially around an
exterior
surface of sidewall 96 and adjacent second end 94 thereof. Thus, the indicia
100 will
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be positioned adjacent collar 172 when sleeve member 88 is engaged therewith.
This is illustrated in FIG. 1.
Sleeve member 88 includes an end wall 102 (FIGS. 2C, 8 and 19) which
defines a central aperture 232 and a plurality of satellite apertures 104
therein.
Apertures 104 are spaced in a satellite configuration around central aperture
232
and eccentric with respect to longitudinal axis 45. The pattern or
configuration of
central aperture 232 and apertures 104 is substantially similar to apertures
52 and
46 of connection plate 42. Apertures 104 are uniform apertures meaning that
they
are of a constant shape and diameter from proximate a first surface of end
wall 102
to proximate a second surface 102a (Fig. 8) thereof. These uniform apertures
104,
which have planar walls when viewed in cross-section, allow one of resilient
members 44 to pass therethrough when resilient members 44 are stretched and
releasably attached to their respective discs 36, 38, 40, as will be later
described
herein. Central aperture 232 is not a uniform aperture in that aperture 232 is
defined
by a rounded, inverted cone-shaped wall. Sleeve member 88 further includes a
pin-
receiving ledge 105 (FIG. 6) which is concentric with central aperture 232 and
extends outwardly for a distance beyond the surface of end wall 102 which
faces first
end 32 of assembly 30. FIG. 6 shows that pin-receiving ledge 105 is recessed
relative to end wall 102.
A plurality of lobes 106 extend outwardly from the surface of end wall 102
which faces first end 32. Lobes 106 extend beyond an outer edge 290 of second
end
94 of sleeve member 88. Lobes 106 are provided at intervals around the
circumference of end wall 102. End wall 102 further defines a shallow recess
103
which is located inwardly of lobes 106 and is configured to be complementary
to
insert 90. Insert 90 is received in recess 103.
A bottom view of sleeve member 88 (FIG. 8) shows a plurality of ribs 234
extend radially inwardly from an inner surface of sidewall 96 and towards an
outer
circular support member 236. Ribs 234 provide structural support to sleeve
member
88 when subjected to forces produced by resilient members 44 during use of
assembly 30. A pair of central ribs 238 diametrically opposed to each other is
connected to and extends outwardly from a circular inner support 240. Circular
inner
support 240 is concentric with outer circular support 236 and is located
inwardly
therefrom. Ribs 238 extend radially from inner circular support 240 to outer
circular
support 236 and are connected to each of supports 240 and 236. A gap 242 is
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defined between inner circular support 240 and outer circular support 236.
When
sleeve member 88 is engaged with second attachment assembly 35, ribs 238 act
as
a tongue-and-groove type attachment with slots 79 defined in first end 76 of
rod 72
of second attachment assembly 35. Ribs 238 slide into and are captured by
slots 79
when first end 76 of rod is received in gap 242 of sleeve member 88. This
engagement between sleeve member 88 and rod 72 is illustrated in FIG. 19. When
ribs 238 are slidably received within slots 79, the ribs 238 tend to restrict
rotation of
rod 72 about longitudinal axis 45.
Insert 90 is shown in FIGS. 2C, 6 and 7. Insert 90 is engageable in sleeve
member 88 and with third disc 40. Insert 90 includes a first wall 109 and a
plurality of
additional walls 111 of differing diameters. Walls 111 extend outwardly and
rearwardly from the circumference of first wall 109. The configurations of
walls 111
and of the circumference of first wall 109 are complementary to the shape of
recess
103 defined in sleeve member. As illustrated herein, both the recess 103 and
circumference of walls 109 and 111 may have the appearance of a daisy-type
flower.
A plurality of tabs 112 extend outwardly from the peripheral surface of walls
111.
First wall 109 of insert 90 defines a central aperture 108 therein which is
aligned along longitudinal axis 45 and is positioned to be in a complementary
location to central aperture 232 of sleeve member 88. A plurality of satellite
apertures 110, eccentric to central aperture 108, are defined in first wall
109 and are
arranged in a pattern substantially similar to that of the apertures 104 of
sleeve
member 88. Apertures 110, on insert 90, may be dimensionally sized relatively
equal
in size to each other and may be smaller than central aperture 108.
FIGS. 6-8 show insert 90 engaged with end wall 102 of sleeve member 88.
Insert 90 is configured to snap-fittingly engage with sleeve member 88 by
means of
tabs 112 traveling through the associated apertures 104 and interlockingly
engaging
with rear surface 102a of wall 102 on sleeve member 88. When insert 90 is
connected to sleeve member 88 and snapped into place via tabs 112, insert 90
occupies recess 103 in sleeve member 88 and wall 109 of insert 90 is
substantially
flush with the surface of wall 102 which faces first end 32. Additionally,
central
aperture 108 on insert 90 is longitudinally aligned with central aperture 232
on sleeve
member 88 and satellite apertures 110 on insert 90 are longitudinally aligned
with
satellite aperture 104 on sleeve member 88. Lobes 106 on sleeve member 88
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project outwardly beyond first wall 109 of insert and are positioned outwardly
of the
circumferential surface of insert 90.
As indicated above and illustrated in FIG. 2C, assembly 30 includes a first
disc 36, a second disc 38 positioned adjacent first disc 36 along longitudinal
axis 45,
and a third disc 40 positioned adjacent second disc 38 along longitudinal axis
45.
Second disc 38 is in direct contact with each of the first and third discs 36,
40.
Preferably, no gaps are defined between first disc 36 and second disc 38 and
between second disc 38 and third disc 40. Third disc 40 is located between
insert 90
and second disc 38 and first disc 36 is located between second disc 38 and an
interior surface of collar 172 proximate first end 32 of assembly 30.
Each of first, second, and third discs 36, 38 40 defines a plurality of
apertures
therein. The apertures are arranged on each disc 36, 38, 40 in a substantially
similar
pattern to the configuration of apertures on connection plate 42, sleeve
member 88
and insert 90. The pattern illustrated herein includes the provision of a
central
aperture which is concentric with longitudinal axis 45 and a plurality of
satellite
apertures located around the central aperture and eccentric from longitudinal
axis
45. The central apertures on the three discs 36, 38, 40 are all aligned along
longitudinal axis 45. Similarly, each of the plurality of satellite apertures
on any one
of the discs 36, 38, 40 is aligned with identically positioned satellite
apertures on the
other of the discs 36, 38, 40 and with satellite apertures in connection plate
42,
sleeve member 88, and insert 90 (Fig. 6). An axis 50 that is eccentric to
longitudinal
axis 45 extends through each group of aligned satellite apertures. An example
of one
such eccentric axis 50 is shown in FIG. 2C. Thus the three central apertures
are
axially aligned (along longitudinal axis 45) and each group of three satellite
apertures
is axially aligned (along one of the axes 50). A shaft 221 of one of resilient
members
44 is threaded through each aligned groups of the satellite apertures.
The first, second and third discs 36, 38, 40 will now be described herein in
that order, even though third disc 40 is located adjacent insert 90 described
above.
Referring to FIG. 2C and FIGS. 15-17, first disc 36 is a generally rigid
cylindrical member positioned closest to first end 32 of assembly 30 relative
to
second disc 38 and third disc 40. First disc 36 has a first surface 114
bounded by a
circumferential edge 116, a second surface 118 partially bounded by edge 120
and a
cylindrical sidewall 122 extending between first and second surfaces 114, 118.
First
and second surfaces 114, 118 are oriented substantially at right angles to
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longitudinal axis 45. First and second surfaces 114, 118 of first disc 36
define a
central aperture 126 and a plurality of satellite apertures 124 therein.
Satellite
apertures 124 are eccentrically spaced about central aperture 126 and
longitudinal
axis 45. In the illustrated embodiment, six apertures 124 are spaced
symmetrically
about central aperture 126 and longitudinal axis 45. Apertures 124 extend
completely through disc 36 from first surface 114 to second surface 118
thereof.
Of these apertures 124, four apertures are labeled by reference number 124a.
These 124a apertures are cylindrically shaped and are of a substantially
constant
diameter between first and second surfaces 114, 118. One or more of the
apertures
124 is labeled by reference number 124b. Apertures 124b are bounded and
defined
by a frustoconical sidewall that tapers inwardly towards axis 50 which runs
through
the center of each aperture 124b. With primary reference to FIG. 15, FIG. 16,
and
FIG. 17, first disc 36 has an upper aperture edge 256 spaced apart from a
lower
aperture edge 258 and tapered aperture 124b is defined between them. Upper
aperture edge 256 has a larger diameter than lower aperture edge 258 and the
wall
extending therebetween therefore tapers inwardly towards axis 50 from first
surface
114 to second surface 118. In particular, tapered aperture 124b is bounded by
a
tapered frustoconical wall 125 which connects to a cylindrical wall 127
(depicted in
cross-section Fig. 19). Wall 125 may be uniformly angled or tapered. Aperture
124b
is configured to receive therein the complementary-shaped frustoconical or
tapered
plug 222 provided on one of resilient members 44.
Central aperture 126 extends through disc 36 from first surface 114 to second
surface 118 and is aligned along longitudinal axis 45 of assembly 30. A washer
receiving area 260 may be formed in the second surface 118 of first disc 36
surrounding central aperture 126. Washer receiving area 260 may include a
washer
receiving surface 261 which is concentric with central aperture 126. Central
aperture
126 is alignable with annular regions 140 and 164 in second and third discs 38
and
40, respectively.
First disc 36 further defines a plurality of notches 129 that interrupt bottom
edge 120 of disc 36 and are arranged circumferentially on disc 36. Notches 129
extend inwardly from second surface 118 towards first surface 114. Notches 128
are
configured to receive complementary shaped tabs or projections which extend
outwardly from second disc 38 as will be described hereafter.
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With primary reference to FIG. 17, the first surface 114 of first disc 36 has
a
diameter 262 measured from edge 116 and extending through longitudinal axis
45.
Diameter 262 of first disc 36 may be approximately two and a half inches. The
upper
edges defining apertures 124 all have the same diameter 264 at the first
surface 114
regardless of whether the aperture is a uniform aperture 124a or a tapered
aperture
124b. Diameter 264 extends through central axis 50 of the satellite apertures
124a.
The approximate surface area of first surface 114 of first disc 136 may be
found by
first calculating the overall area of first surface and subtracting the area
of the six
satellite apertures 124a. This method may also provide a ratio of surface area
to total
aperture area. With an overall outer diameter 262 of 2.5 inches and six
apertures
124 with diameters of 0.75 inches (3/4 of an inch) the total surface area of
114 is
approximately 4.9in2. The sum of the aperture 124 areas is found by finding
the area
of a single aperture 124, which is 0.44 in2 and multiplying this by six holes;
which is
2.64in2. That is the total surface area of first surface 114 is approximately
4.9in2
minus 2.6in2, which is roughly 2.27in2. A total sum of aperture area to
surface area is
generally about 1:1. Stated otherwise, the ratio of aperture area is about
2.64in2 and
the surface area of first surface 114 is 2.27in2, which is about a ratio of
1:1. In
accordance with an aspect of the present invention, while the ratio shown is
about 1
to 1, it is contemplated that a sum of aperture area relative to surface area
could be
in the range of 0.5:1 to about 2:1.
Referring to FIG. 2C and FIGS. 12-14, second disc 38 is described in greater
detail. Second disc 38, like first disc 36, is a generally rigid member that
is
cylindrically shaped and is disposed between first disc 36 and third disc 40.
Second
disc 38 includes a first surface 128 bounded by circumferential edge 130
spaced
opposite a second surface 132 bounded by bottom circumferential edge 134. A
cylindrical sidewall 136 extends between first and second surfaces 128, 132.
Second
disc 38 is stacked adjacent first disc 36 and is aligned along longitudinal
axis 45.
First and second surfaces 128, 132 are disposed substantially at right angles
to
longitudinal axis 45.
First and second surfaces 128, 132 of second disc 38 define a central
aperture 139 and a plurality of satellite apertures 138 therein which extend
through
disc 38 from first surface 128 to second surface 132. Central aperture 139 has
a
central annular region 140 therein that is aligned along longitudinal axis 45
and is
further aligned with central aperture 126 of first disc 36. Central annular
region 140
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and central aperture 126 thereby define a common hole or passageway through a
portion of assembly 30. Disc 38 further defines two pin passageways 142 (FIGS.
13
and 14) integrally formed with annular region 140 and extending radially
outwardly
therefrom and from longitudinal axis 45. Pin passageways 142 are aligned with
each
other and are diametrically opposed to each other. Passageways 142 and a
portion
of annular region 140 create a narrow passage through second disc 38, the
purpose
of which will be later described herein. A chamfer 137 (FIG. 14) is defined in
first
surface 128 around at least a portion of central annular region 140 and pin
passageways 142. Chamfer 137 angles inwardly from first surface 128 and toward
central axis 45 and second surface 132.
As best seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, the two pin passageways 142 are separated
from each other by two opposed projections which extend inwardly toward
central
annular region 140. Each projection includes a protrusion 251 and a protrusion
255
which are separated from each other by a pin receiving area 253. The two
protrusions 251 are located opposite each other; the two protrusions 255 are
located
opposite each other; and the two pin receiving areas 253 are located opposite
each
other. FIG. 12 shows that the two protrusions 255 terminate substantially
flush with
second surface 132 and that the two protrusions 251 terminate a distance
inwardly
from second surface 132, thereby creating a gap between protrusions 251 and
second surface 132. Pin receiving areas 253 are located a further distance
inwardly
from second surface 132 relative to protrusions 251.
When second disc 38 is stacked adjacent first disc 36, chamfers 137 on
second disc 38 are located proximate the surface which defines washer
receiving
area 260 in first disc 36.
When second disc 38 is stacked adjacent third disc 40, the gap between
protrusions 251 and second surface 132 together with a gap defined between pin
ledges 165 and first surface 148 of third disc 40 creates a space within which
pins
214 on selector rod 186 may travel during engagement and disengagement of
second disc by selector rod 186. This space may be seen in FIG. 19.
Satellite apertures 138 are located eccentrically relative to central aperture
139 and longitudinal axis 45 and are positioned to align with apertures 124 in
first
disc 36 and thereby define a common hole, aperture or bore through a portion
of
assembly 30. Four of the apertures, depicted by reference number 138a, are
uniform
apertures which are similar to apertures 124. Two of the apertures, depicted
by the
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reference number 138b, are defined by frustoconical sidewalls that taper
inwardly
towards the center of each respective aperture 138b from first surface 128
towards
second surface 132. Apertures 138b are similarly configured to apertures 124b
and
are configured to receive a tapered plug 222 of one of resilient members 44
therein.
Second disc 38 includes an upper edge 252 and a lower edge 254 of tapered
aperture 138b. Upper edge 252 includes or has a larger diameter than lower
edge
254, with the sidewall of aperture 138b tapering inwardly towards axis 50 from
first
surface 128 toward second surface 132.
Second disc 38 further defines a plurality of protrusions 144 located adjacent
to circumferential edge 130 and which extend outwardly and forwardly
therefrom.
Protrusions 144 are spaced at intervals that are generally equivalent to the
intervals
between notches 129 on second surface 118 of first disc 36. Protrusions 144
are
generally complementary to notches 129 and are receivable therein, thereby
interlockingly engaging first disc 36 and second disc 38 together.
Furthermore, when
protrusions 144 nest in notches 129, the alignment of these two components
ensures that apertures 124 in first disc 36 will align with apertures 138 in
second disc
38. As indicated above, this arrangement creates a series of bores through
first and
second discs 36, 38 through which shafts 221 of resilient members 44 extend.
Second disc 38 further defines a plurality of recesses 146 in the second
surface 132 thereof. Recesses 146 are spaced around the circumference of
second
surface 132 in a manner similar to protrusions 144. In other words, recesses
146 are
spaced at regular intervals around the circumference of second surface 132 and
are
substantially in longitudinal alignment with protrusions 144.
Referring now to FIG. 2C and FIGS. 9-11, third disc 40 is described in greater
detail. Third disc 40 includes a first surface 148 defined by a
circumferential edge
150 spaced opposite a second surface 152 bounded by a circumferential edge
154.
Third disc 40 is stacked between insert 90 and second disc 38 and in such a
way
that first and second surfaces 148, 152 of third disc 40 are generally at
right angles
to longitudinal axis 45. A cylindrical sidewall 156 extends between edges 150
and
154.
Third disc 40 is a generally cylindrical member generally similar to second
disc 38 but with some minor differentiating features (which will be described
hereafter).
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Third disc 40 defines a central aperture 163 aligned along longitudinal axis
45.
Central aperture 163 includes a small annular region 164 with two opposed
passageways 166 extending radially outwardly from annular region 164. FIG. 10
shows that the two opposed passageways 166 generally resemble a hyperbola. The
shape of arcuate pin receiving area 253 in second disc 38 is similar to the
hyperbolic
shape of hyperbolic passageway 166 in third plate 40 but pin receiving area
253 is
rotatably shifted about thirty degrees relative to longitudinal axis 45.
Passageways 166 in third disc 40 are separated from each other by a pair of
opposed projections which extend inwardly toward annular region 164. Each
projection includes a protrusion 249 and a protrusion 250 which are separated
from
each other by a radially extending pin receiving area 248. The two protrusions
249
are aligned and opposite each other; the two protrusions 250 are aligned an
opposite
each other; and the two pin receiving areas 248 are aligned an opposite each
other.
As best seen in FIG. 9, both of the protrusions 249 terminate substantially
flush with
second surface 152 and both of the protrusions 250 terminate a distance
inwardly
from second surface 152 such that a gap is created between protrusions 250 and
second surface 152. Pin receiving areas 248 each have a surface that is
located a
distance further inwardly from second surface 152 relative to protrusions 250.
It should also be noted that protrusions 250 on third disc 40 may be
positioned about 60 degrees apart from protrusions 251 on second disc 38.
Additionally, each pin receiving surface 253 on second disc 38 may be about 60
degrees wider than each pin receiving area 248 on third disc 40. This
"misalignment"
between these components on second and third discs 38, 40 aids in ensuring
that
additional rotation of collar 172 has to be undertaken to engage in order to
additionally engage third disc 40 when second disc 38 is already captured by
selector rod 186.
When third disc 40 is positioned adjacent sleeve 88 and insert 90, the gap
between protrusions 250 and second surface 152, together with a gap defined
between recessed pin receiving ledge 105 on sleeve 88 and end wall 102
thereof,
creates a space within which pins 216 of selector rod 186 may travel when
third disc
is being engaged or disengaged by selector rod 186 during use. This space can
be seen in FIG. 19.
FIG. 11 shows that first surface 148 of third disc 40 defines a pair of
opposed
pin ledges 165 which are each recessed a distance inwardly from first surface
148. A
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pair of opposed chamfers 147 is defined in first surface 148 with each chamfer
147
extending between pin ledges 165. Chamfers 147 angle downwardly from first
surface and inwardly toward central axis 45 and second surface 152. When third
disc
40 is positioned adjacent second disc 38, chamfers 147 and pin ledges 165 on
third
disc 40 are positioned opposite pin-receiving area 253 on second disc 38.
Third disc 40 further defines a plurality of satellite apertures 158 therein.
Six
apertures 158 are arranged in an orbital satellite orientation eccentric
relative to
central aperture 163 and longitudinal axis 45. Satellite apertures 158 include
four
uniform apertures indicated by reference number 158a which extend from first
surface 148 through to second surface 152; and two frustoconical or tapered
apertures indicated by reference number 158b which are each configured to
receive
a tapered plug 222 at one end of one of resilient members 44. Referring still
to FIG.
9 and FIG. 10, tapered aperture 158b is defined between a top aperture edge
244
and a bottom aperture edge 246. Top aperture edge 244 diameter is larger than
bottom aperture edge 246. Thus, aperture 158b tapers inwardly towards center
axis
50.
Third disc 40 further defines a plurality of protrusions 160 circumferentially
spaced about, adjacent and interrupting outer edge 150 thereof. Protrusions
160
extend outwardly from first surface 148. These protrusions 160 are
complementary
to recesses 146 defined in second surface 132 of second disc 38 and ensure a
releasable mating relationship between second and third discs 38, 40. When
second
and third discs 38, 40 are so mated, the central apertures 139 and 163 are
aligned
with each other and the satellite aperture 138 and 158 are aligned with each
other.
Third disc 40 further defines recesses 162 in second surface 152 thereof and
interrupting outer circumference edge 154. Recesses 162 are shaped to be
complementary to lobes 106 which extend outwardly from surface 102 of sleeve
member 88. The mating relationship between lobes 106 on sleeve member 88 and
recesses 162 on third disc 40 ensures the alignment of apertures 158 in third
disc 40
with apertures 104 in sleeve member 88, and apertures 110 in insert 90.
A friction-reducing ring or a non-stick coating (such as ceramic or Teflon )
may be applied directly to part or all of insert 90 and possibly to the first,
second, and
third discs 36, 38, and 40 provided in assembly 30. Alternatively, the entire
insert 90
or discs 36, 38, 40 may be fabricated from this friction-reducing material. If
the
friction-reducing material is applied to only part of insert 90 or discs 36,
38, 40, it may
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be applied to a face which bounds and defines the apertures therein that are
configured to receive resilient members 44 therethrough. The central apertures
in
insert 90 and discs 36, 38, 40 which do not receive resilient members 44
therethrough may be free of the friction-reducing material. The friction-
reducing
material may coat the face or other surfaces of insert 90 and/or discs 36, 38,
40
and/or may be bonded thereto. Alternatively, the friction-reducing coating may
be
provided as a washer, or be provided on a washer that is inserted into or is
located
adjacent to the aperture. If a washer is utilized, then the surface of the
washer which
will contact resilient member 44 will include the friction-reducing material.
The entire
washer may be fabricated from the friction-reducing material. The friction-
reducing
material is utilized to materially reduce friction within assembly 30. Without
insert 90,
the expected life of resilient members 44 utilized in assembly 30 may be
reduced by
approximately 50%. Thus, inclusion of insert 90 greatly improves the useful
life of
resilient members 44.
Referring now to FIG. 19, resilient members 44 are threaded through the
aligned satellite apertures of one or more of first disc 36, second disc 38,
and third
disc 40, through insert 90, sleeve 88, and are then secured to connection
plate 42.
Tapered plug 222 of each resilient member 44 in the assembled device is
configured
to fit within one of the substantially complementary-shaped frustoconical
satellite
apertures of the associated one of the first, second or third discs 36, 38, or
40. In
accordance with an aspect of the present invention, tapered plug 222 of
resilient
member 44a fits within frustoconical aperture 124b of first disc 36. Tapered
plug 222
of resilient member 44b fits within frustoconical aperture 124b of first disc
36.
Tapered plug 222 of resilient member 44c fits within frustoconical aperture
138b of
second disc 38. Tapered plug 222 of resilient member 44d fits within
frustoconical
aperture 138b of second disc 38. Tapered plug 222 of resilient member 44e fits
within frustoconical aperture 158b of third disc 40. Tapered plug 222 of
resilient
member 44f fits within frustoconical tapered aperture 158b of third disc 40.
At this point it is noteworthy that the respective tapered apertures 124b,
138b,
and 158b, do not line up with each other. This ensures that the tapered plug
222 on
any resilient member 44 does not pass through two tapered holes in adjacent
discs.
Stated otherwise, tapered aperture 124b aligns with uniform aperture 138a and
uniform aperture 158a. Uniform aperture 124a aligns with tapered aperture 138b
and
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is aligned with uniform aperture 158a. Additionally uniform aperture 124a is
aligned
with uniform aperture 138a and is aligned with tapered aperture 158b.
As indicated previously herein, tubular housing includes a base member 78,
sleeve 88 and collar 172. Referring to Figs. 1, 2D, 19, and 34, collar 172 may
be a
generally rigid, cup-shaped member. Collar 172 has a first end 174 and a
second
end 176 with a tubular wall 175 extending therebetween. First end 174 and
tubular
wall 175 bound and define a cavity 284 (Fig. 19). First end 174 is
substantially
continuous and is disposed opposite an opening to cavity 284, where the
opening is
defined by second end 176. A circumferential wall 286 (Fig. 34) on first end
174
defines a through-aperture 178 which is in communication with cavity 284.
Aperture
178 is configured to receive part of adjustment assembly 170 (Fig. 2D)
therethrough
as will be described below. A pair of opposed receiving surfaces 180 are
provided on
an exterior surface of first end 174 adjacent aperture 178. One or more ribs
288
(FIGS. 19 and 34) are provided on first end 174 of collar 172. Ribs 288 extend
radially outwardly from circumferential wall 286 and then for a distance along
tubular
wall 175. Ribs 288 are provided to strengthen top end 174 of collar 172.
Collar 172
further includes an indicator 177 provided on an exterior surface tubular wall
175.
Indicator 177 is selectively positionable to align with indicia 100 on sleeve
member
88 when assembly 30 is used.
Adjustment assembly 170 is described in greater detail hereafter with
reference being had to FIGS. 2D, 19 and 34. Adjustment assembly 170 includes
an
upper member 182, a compression coil spring 184, and a selector rod 186. Upper
member 182 may be a generally U-shaped rigid member that has a first end 188
and
a second end 190. An aperture 192 is defined in upper member 182 adjacent
upper
end 188. Aperture 192 is adapted to receive a carabiner clip or other
connection
device therethrough in order to secure resistance band assembly 30 to a
workout
accessory or other piece of exercise equipment. A pair of retention tabs 194
is
provided on opposing side surfaces of upper member 182. Retention tabs 194 are
biased outwardly by a spring 193 (FIG. 19) located within a bore of upper
member
182. Retention tabs 194 are operatively engaged with spring 193 and are biased
away from each other by spring 193. Tabs 194 may be depressed toward each
other
in the direction of arrow "D" (Fig. 34) to compress spring 193. Retention tabs
194 are
moved toward each other when upper member 182 is to be passed through aperture
178 in collar 172. Once retention tabs 194 are released, tabs 194 will move
away
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from each other under force of spring 193 returning to its original shape and
position.
When tabs 194 are depressed toward each other in the direction of arrow "D"
(Fig.
34) and upper member 182 is moved in the direction of arrow "E", upper member
182 slides through aperture 178 in collar 172. Once the tabs 194 clear first
end 174
on collar 172, the tabs 194 move in the opposite direction to arrow "D" and a
portion
of each tab 194 slides onto receiving areas 180. Retention tabs 194 thereby
become
engaged with receiving area 180 on collar 172 and prevent upper member 182
from
being moved in the opposite direction of arrow "E" unless and until tabs 194
are
depressed toward each other once again. It should also be noted that a
shoulder
190a on upper member 182 engages an inner surface of first end 174 and
prevents
further movement of upper member 182 in the direction of arrow "D". Thus,
retention
tabs 194 detachably engage collar 172 and attachment assembly 170 together.
Collar 172 may be quickly and easily removed from assembly 30 by depressing
tabs
194 in the direction of arrow "D" and then sliding collar 172 off upper member
182 in
the direction of arrow "E"; and may be quickly and easily reconnected
therewith by
reversing these steps. This quick disconnect/reconnect feature enables a user
to
quickly and easily access the resilient members 44 within the interior of
assembly 30.
Upper member 182 further defines a hole 191 (FIG. 19) in second end 190
thereof. Hole 191 is provided for engagement of selector rod 186 with upper
member
182. Referring to Figs. 2D, 19, and 34, selector rod 186 may be a generally
rigid
member that is cylindrical in shape and is oriented on upper member 182 so
that rod
186 will extend along longitudinal axis 45 and be concentric therewith when
assembly 30 is assembled for use.
While upper member 182 is shown and described herein as being a
component that extends through aperture 178 in collar 172 and is of a
relatively fixed
orientation with respect to collar 172, it will be understood that upper
member 182
may be differently configured. In particular, upper member 182 may be
configured so
that at least a portion of the upper member which extends outwardly from
collar 172
is able to rotate or swivel about an axis extending along selector rod 186
(i.e., about
an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing). Still
further, the
rotatable or swiveling portion of the upper member may be able to rotate or
swivel
through 360 . Alternatively, the swiveling portion may rotate or swivel
through less
than 360 if that is considered desirable. This swiveling upper member is
selectively
securable to a workout accessory and thus may provide additional freedom of
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movement of that workout accessory during the performance of an exercise using
assembly 30.
Selector rod 186 includes a first end 196 spaced apart from a rounded tip 198.
An annular recess 210 is defined approximately midway along the length of
selector
rod 186. A plurality of disc-selector pins 212 extends radially outwardly from
the
outer circumferential surface of selector rod 186. Pins 212 are located
between tip
198 and annular recess 210. Pins 212 are oriented generally at right angles to
a
longitudinal axis of selector rod 186 and will therefore also be oriented
generally at
right angles to longitudinal axis 45 of assembly 30. As illustrated in Fig.
2D, pins 212
include upper selector pins 214 and lower selector pins 216.
Upper and lower selector pins 214, 216 comprise either a single pin which
extends through a hole in selector rod 186 and outwardly for a distance beyond
the
circumferential surface thereof in one direction or two portions of the single
pin may
extend outwardly in two opposite directions from rod 186. Alternatively, a
pair of
individual pin ends which are secured to selector rod 186 may extend outwardly
from
the circumferential surface, being aligned with each other and located
diametrically
opposite each other. Either configuration will be referred to herein as a
"pin". Pins
214 are engaged with selector rod 186 and extend from the circumferential
surface
thereof along the same plane but in different directions. Pins 216 are
positioned
between tip 198 and upper pins 214. Pins 216 extend outwardly from a location
where they are secured to selector rod 186. Pins 216 comprise a pair of pin
ends
which are aligned with each other and are located diametrically opposite each
other.
Pins 216 extend from the circumferential surface of selector rod 186 along the
same
plane but in different directions. Upper pins 214 and lower pins 216 are
longitudinally
aligned with each other and are spaced a distance apart from each other along
selector rod 186. This distance is approximately equal to the thickness of
second
plate 38. (The thickness of second plate 38 is measured between first and
second
surface 128, 132.) All pins 212 are generally circular in cross-section and
are shaped
to be complementary to pin passageways 142 and 166 in second and third discs
38,
40; and additionally to a portion of the pin-receiving areas 248 in third disc
40. Pins
212 are rigidly affixed to selector rod 186 and move in unison therewith. Pins
212
extend generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis 45.
During fabrication of resistance band assembly 30 an E-clip 208 is engaged in
annular recess 210. First end 196 of selector rod 186 is passed through an
aperture
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in a washer 206 and is then inserted through central aperture 126 of first
disc 36.
Washer receiving area 260 of first disc 36 receives washer 206 when selector
rod
186 extends through the center of washer 206 and through central aperture 126
of
first disc 36. When so engaged, selector rod 186 will be able to rotate within
central
aperture 126 while first disc 36 remains relatively stationary relative to
longitudinal
axis 45.
After exiting central aperture 126 of first disc 36, first end 196 of selector
rod
186 is inserted through the center of a coil spring 184 and is then inserted
into hole
191 defined in second end 190 of upper member 182. A diametrically extending
aperture 200 formed in rod 186 adjacent first end 196 is aligned with a
similarly
oriented hole 204 in upper member 182. A locking pin 202 is inserted through
the
aligned hole 204 and aperture 200. Thus, selector rod 186 secures first disc
36 and
upper member 182 together. As shown in Fig. 34, when first disc 36 and upper
member 182 are secured together, spring 184 is located between first surface
114 of
first disc 36 and second end 190 of upper member 182.
It should be noted that prior to inserting first end 196 of selector rod 186
through central aperture 126 of first disc 36, first end 196 may be inserted
through
the aligned central apertures 163 and 139 of third and second discs 40, 38,
respectively. If this is the case, then third disc 40 and second disc 38 must
be
oriented so that pins 212 on selector rod 186 pass through the pin passageways
166
and 142, respectively.
Alternatively, after being secured to first disc 36, second end 198 of
selector
rod 186 may be passed through the central aperture 139 and pin passageways 142
of second disc 38 and then through central aperture 163 and pin passageways
166
of third. disc 40. In this instance, selector rod 186 extends outwardly beyond
washer-
receiving surface 261 of first disc 36 and through annular region 140 and
annular
region 164 of second and third discs 38, 40 respectively. Passageways 142 and
a
portion of annular region 140 create a narrow passage through second disc 38
and
through which pins 212 on selector rod 186 may pass. Pin passageways 142 are
shaped complementary to pins 212 on selector rod 186. It will be understood
that
selector rod 186 has to be in a fairly precise orientation relative to
passageways 142
in order for pins 212 to pass through said pin passageways 142. (It should be
further
noted that if only a single pin 212 extends outwardly in only one direction
from
selector rod 186 then only one passageway 142 will be provided in second disc
38.)
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Third disc 40 includes pin ledge 165 adjacent annular region 164 for receiving
upper pins 214 of selector rod 186 during rotation of collar 172. Passageways
166 in
third disc 40 permit rotation of pins 216 extending radially from selector rod
186
therethrough even when rotated within a certain angle of rotation, as defined
by the
hyperbolic passageway. Passageways 166 on third disc 40, protrusions 249, 250
and pin receiving area 248 cooperate together to interact with bottom pins 216
to
engage third disc 40 when selected by a user. When third disc 40 is not
selected by
a user, bottom pins 216 pass through passageways 166 and are rotatable within
the
arc length defined by hyperbolic shape of the passageway.
As indicated above and as shown in FIG. 19, selector rod 186 is configured to
extend through the aligned central apertures 126 of first disc 36, 139 of
second disc
38, and 163 of third disc 40. Spring 184 is positioned around selector rod 186
and is
located between second end 190 of upper member 182 and first surface 114 of
first
disc 36. Second end 190 of upper member 182 acts as a first spring seat and
first
surface 114 of first disc 36 acts as a second spring seat for spring 184.
Spring 184 is
compressible along the longitudinal axis 45 during operation of assembly 30.
The
above-described configuration provides a receiving area in cavity 284 defined
in
collar 172 for the first end 218 of resilient members 44 to rest. This can be
seen in
Fig. 19.
Selector rod 186 further extends through central aperture 108 of insert 90 and
into the rounded, inverted cone shape of central aperture 232 of sleeve member
88.
In particular, the central aperture 232 is configured to receive spherical tip
198 of
selector rod 186 therein. Tip 198, when contacting inverted rounded cone
surface of
aperture 232, permits a smooth transition of tip 198 through central aperture
232. Pin
receiving ledge 105 (FIG. 6) on sleeve 88 is provided to receive bottom pins
216 of
selector rod 186 during rotation of selector rod 186, particularly when third
disc 40 is
being engaged with selector rod 186 or disengaged therefrom, as will be
further
described herein. Chamfers 137 on second disc 38 and 147 on third disc 40 aid
in
guiding the rounded tip 198 of selector rod 186 into the adjacent central
apertures
139 and 163, respectively, after first attachment assembly 33 has been moved
from
an at rest position (shown in Fig. 1) to a use position (shown in Fig. 29) and
then
back to the at rest position.
Turning back now to collar 172 as shown in FIG. 19; second end 176 of collar
172 terminates closely adjacent a first edge 290 of sleeve member 88 when
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assembly 30 is assembled. A small gap is defined between second end 176 of
collar
172 and first edge 290 of sleeve member 88. This gap is sufficient to permit
collar
172 to rotate with upper member 182 while allowing sleeve 88 to stay
relatively
stationary with respect to longitudinal axis 45. Still referring to FIG. 19,
second edge
92 of sleeve member 88 contacts a lip 292 on first end 80 of base member 78
when
tabs 86 are inserted through apertures 98 defined in sleeve member 88. Because
first end 80 of base member 78 is secured to sleeve member 88 via tabs 86,
base
member 78 remains stationary with sleeve member 88 relative to longitudinal
axis 45
when collar 172 is rotated about longitudinal axis 45. When assembly 30 is
assembled, the tip 198 of selector rod 186 extends outwardly beyond second
surface
152 of third disc 40 and beyond second end 176 of collar 172 and first edge
290 of
sleeve 88. Tip 198 of selector rod terminates before second edge 92 of sleeve
member 88 and first edge 292 of base member 78. .
The components of assembly 30 depicted FIG. 18 are all generally affixed
together and generally do not rotate about longitudinal axis 45 when assembly
30 is
subjected to extension forces on resilient members 44 during use. Bulbous
members
224 are releasably secured to connection plate 42 (FIG. 19) and are
selectively
detachable therefrom if base member 78 is released from its engagement with
sleeve member 88. This disengagement of base member 78 from sleeve member 88
would occur if a user was customizing the resistance band assembly 30 or
needed to
replace a damaged resilient member 44.
With primary reference to FIG. 19, the cross-sectional view of first end 32 is
depicted with first end 32 oriented in a first direction. The following
description will be
made with the understanding that first end 32 is facing in this first
direction, however,
the directional orientation used in this description will be understood to
change
relative to any subsequent changes in the orientation of first end 32.
In an assembled position, first end 32 facing in the first direction,
retention
tabs 194 extend outwardly away from each other a distance greater than the
diameter of aperture 178. Tabs 194 therefore make contact with landing
surfaces
180 to lock collar 172 in place. This locking relationship ensures that collar
172 does
not slide in the first direction during use of assembly 30 in the performance
of an
exercise movement. As previously discussed herein, collar 172 is an inverted
cup-
like member defining a cavity 284 configured to house selector rod 186,
portions of
resilient members 44, and the three disc plates 36, 38, and 40. As depicted in
FIG.
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20, passageways 166 in third disc 40 permit pin 216 to pass therethrough when
the
third disc 40 is not selected by a user. FIG. 20 shows a configuration where
selector
rod 186 is in a position where the rod 186 only lifts first disc 36 via washer
206 and
clip 208 if first attachment assembly 33 is moved away from first end 32 of
the
tubular housing. Both of the second disc 38 and third disc 40 are not engaged
by
selector rod 186 when in the position illustrated in FIG. 20. In this
position, selector
rod 186 passes through annular region 164 and resilient members 44a and 44b
are
stretched through cylindrical apertures 158a.
As depicted in FIG. 21, selector rod 186 and pins 214 are oriented in the
same longitudinal plane as the orientation of pins 216 in FIG. 20. In this
configuration, pins 214 pass through pin passageways 142 in second disc 38
(FIG.
2C) such that the second disc 38 is not engaged with rod 186.
As depicted in FIG. 22, selector rod 186 is engaged with the bottom of first
disc 36 by E-clip 208 and washer 210. It should be noted that resilient
members 44f
and 44e are not shown in the cross-section taken along line 22-22 in FIG. 19
because the tapered plugs 222 of resilient members 44C and 44e only extend in
the
first direction from second end to third disc 40.
Reference will now be made to the operation of assembly 30. To complete an
exercise, the user has an option of selectively choosing a desired resistance
value
based on the number of resilient members 44a-f engaged in a pulling motion. In
operation and with reference to FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, the user ensures the
indicator
177 on collar 172 aligns with one chevron indicia 100 on sleeve member 88.
This
advises the user that only first disc 36 is selected with resilient members
44a and
44b connected thereto. Thus, the lowest level of resistance will be applied by
assembly 30 to the exercise motion. An exemplary exercise structure is
disclosed in
the parent application, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/836,359, filed
March 15,
2013, wholly owned by the applicant and entitled "STRENGTH TRAINING AND
STRETCHING SYSTEM", the entire specification of which is hereby incorporated
by
reference as if fully written herein. An additional exemplary exercise
structure is
further disclosed in FIGS. 37-46 herein.
Hooks 56, 58 on second attachment assembly 35 of assembly 30 enable
attachment of assembly 30 to an attachment member 578 on the separate exercise
apparatus 510 (Fig. 37). This is accomplished by sliding attachment member 578
through the gap 302 between hooks 56, 58 and manipulating hooks 56, 58 in a
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circular motion about longitudinal axis 45 to selectively latch hooks 56, 58
to the
attachment member 578 on the exercise apparatus. Hooks 56, 58 may,
alternatively,
attach to an adapter engaged with attachment member 578.
The user may impart an exercise motion to assembly 30 (which is now
engaged to the exercise structure via attachment member 578) by pulling on
first
attachment assembly 33 in some way. This is most easily accomplished by
engaging
some type of workout accessory with first attachment assembly 33 at first end
32 of
assembly 30. One such workout accessory 400 is illustrated engaged with first
attachment assembly 33 in FIG. 35. When the user pulls on handle 400 to move
the
same in a direction longitudinally away from assembly 30, first attachment
assembly
33, specifically engagement member 182, is caused to move in that longitudinal
direction, depicted by arrow "C" (FIG. 33). As indicated previously,
engagement
member 182 is secured to collar 172 by tabs 94. Engagement member 182 is
further
secured at all times to first disc 36 and thereby to any resilient members 44
which
are engaged with first disc 36 by their tapered ends 222 being wedged in the
frustoconical apertures 124b defined therein. A resilient member resistance
force
vector associated with the resilient members 44 engaged with first disc 36
when
stretched during an exercise movement occurs in a direction opposite that of
arrow
"C". The amount of force associated with first disc 36 during performance of
the
exercise movement is negligible relative to the resilient member resistance
force
vector. Stated otherwise, the actual weight or mass of first disc 36 provides
very little
resistive force to the exercise movement; most all of the resistive force to
the
exercise is provided by resilient members 44 engaged with first disc 36.
(Similarly, it
should be noted that the second and third discs 38, 40 are also of negligible
or
insubstantial weight/mass and do not provide any significant resistive force
to the
exercise performed with assembly 30. It is only the resistive force provided
by
stretching the resilient members 44 associated with second and third discs 38,
40
which generates the resistive force to any performed exercise.)
In order for only first disc 36 to be engaged with selector rod 186 and
thereby
with first attachment assembly 33, the indicator 177 on collar 172 must be
aligned
with the single chevron indicia 100 on sleeve 88. This position is illustrated
in Fig. 1.
When selector rod 186 is only engaged with first disc 30, pins 214 on selector
rod
186 sit in pin passageways 142 of second disc 38 and pins 216 sit in
passageways
166 of third disc. Thus, neither of second disc 38 and third disc 40 is
operatively
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engaged with selector rod 186. Since pin passageways 142 are bounded on either
side by one of protrusions 251 and one of protrusions 255, selector rod 186 is
prevented from rotation in the clockwise direction (when viewed from below as
in
FIG. 21) by protrusions 255 preventing pins 214 from rotating in the clockwise
direction. Furthermore, selector rod 186 is prevented from rotating in the
counterclockwise direction by protrusions 251 preventing pins 214 from
rotating in
the counterclockwise direction.
If it is desired to increase the resistance level applied by assembly 30, then
first attachment assembly 33 must be returned to the at rest position shown in
Figs.
1 or 26. Chamfer 137 (Fig. 14) in first surface 128 of second disc 38 is
provided to
aid in guiding second end 198 of selector rod 186 into central aperture 139
when first
attachment assembly 33 returns to its "at rest" position during the
performance of an
exercise using resistance band assembly 30 or when the resistance level is to
be
changed. Similarly, chamfer 147 (Fig. 11) in first surface 148 of third disc
40 aids in
guiding second end 198 of selector rod 186 into central aperture 163 of third
disc 40
when first attachment assembly 33 is returning to its rest position.
The user must then engage at least the second disc 38 as well as first disc 36
with selector rod 186. This is accomplished by the user grasping collar 172
and
rotating the same in the direction indicated by arrow "B" (Fig. 26) to the
location
shown in Fig. 27. Because collar 172 is fixedly secured to engagement member
182
and thereby to selector rod 186, when collar is rotated in the direction
indicated by
arrow "B", then selector rod 186 will rotate within the bore of the tubular
housing in
the direction of arrow "B". This rotation of selector rod 186 causes the pins
214 and
216 to rotate in unison therewith.
If the user rotates collar .172 until indicator 177 on collar 172 moves into
alignment with the two chevron indicia 100 on sleeve 88, then the user is
selecting a
second level of resistance. FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 are bottom views of second
disc 38
and third disc 40, respectively, showing the positioning of the components
associated with the rotational movement depicted in FIG. 26. Aligning
indicator 177
with the two chevron indicia 100 causes collar 172 to move slightly in the
direction of
arrow "A" (FIG. 26) when the pins 214 move in the direction of arrow "B" (FIG.
27)
within the bore of assembly 30, out of pin passageways 142 and over recessed
protrusions 251. Pins 214 slide over the recessed protrusions 251 and onto the
further recessed pin receiving areas 253. This causes second disc 38 to be
captured
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by selector rod 186. Second disc 38 is thus selected and engaged with selector
rod
186. When the indicator 177 and indicia 100 are aligned, the user will feel
and hear a
"Vide as selector rod 186 engages second disc 38. These "clicking" feelings
and
sounds will be physically experienced by the user whenever a disc is added or
dropped during rotation of collar 172. This helps the user to know when they
have
actually added or removed resistance.
FIG. 28 shows the position of pins 216 when second disc 38 is engaged by
selector rod 186. Pins 216 remain in passageways 166 in third disc 40 and are
the
third disc 40 is thus not engaged with selector rod 186. Clockwise rotation of
selector
rod 186 is prevented by pins 214 being prevented from rotating clockwise
because of
their engagement with protrusions 255 on second disc 38. Additionally, the
rotation
of selector rod 186 in a counterclockwise direction is prevented by
protrusions 250
on the third disc 40 preventing pins 216 from moving in a counterclockwise
direction.
As shown in FIG. 29, when resistance band assembly 30 is in this second
position with both the first and second discs 38, 40 engaged with selector rod
186,
first attachment assembly 33 may be pulled longitudinally outwardly from
second end
32 of the tubular housing in the direction of arrow "C" during the performance
of an
exercise. When the second disc 38 is selected, resilient members 44a, 44b,
44c, and
44d are stretched as first attachment assembly 33 moves in the direction of
arrow
"C" while resilient members 43e and 43f, which are attached to third disc 40,
are not
stretched. The multiple resilient members provided an increased resistive
force to
the pulling motion.
FIG. 31 and FIG. 32 show enlarged bottom views of second disc 38 and third
disc 40, respectively, associated with the indicia alignment of FIG. 30. As
depicted in
FIG. 30, if the user desires to select an even greater resistive force, it is
necessary to
return first attachment assembly 33 to the at rest position. The user then
rotates
collar 172 to align indicator 177 on collar 172 with the three chevron indicia
100 on
sleeve 88. This will cause third disc 40 to be captured by pins 216 of
selector rod
186.
When collar 172 is rotated into this position and as shown in FIG. 32, pins
216
move through pin passageways 166 on third disc 40 and rotate until the pins
216
slide over the recessed protrusions 250 and into pin receiving areas 248. FIG.
31
shows that the rotation of collar 172 causes pins 214 to move from a first
region
253a of pin receiving area 253 to a second region 253b thereof. Second disc 38
thus
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remains engaged with selector rod 186. Pin receiving area 253 in second disc
38 is
thus configured to contact upper pins 214 on selector rod 186 when the second
disc
38 is selected or when third disc 40 is selected. If only the first disc 36 is
selected,
both sets of pins 214, 216 will pass through pin passageway 142 during the use
of
assembly 30.
When collar 172 is in this third position, selector rod 186 is prevented from
clockwise rotation by pin 216 abutting protrusion 250 on third disc 40; and
selector
rod is prevented from rotating counterclockwise by pins 216 abutting
protrusions 249
on third disc 40. At this point, third disc is captured by selector rod 186
and all of the
first, second and third discs 36, 38 40 are engaged with first attachment
assembly 33
and the resistance provided by assembly 30 will involve the need to stretch
all of
resilient member 44a-44f within assembly 30.
Referring to FIG. 2E there is shown an alternative embodiment of adjustment
assembly 170 that is used in conjunction with an alternative embodiment of
first disc
36 shown in FIGS. 16A and 22A and described hereafter. The alternative
embodiment of adjustment assembly 170 includes third pins 213 which are
located
between upper pins 214 and first end 196 of selector rod 186. Third pins 213
are
spaced longitudinally from pins 214 and 216. Pins 213, 214, 216 may all be
aligned
in the same plane as each other along selector rod 186. This embodiment of
selector
rod 186 does not include annular recess 210 and E-clip 208 and washer 206 are
omitted as well. Thus, in this embodiment, a dedicated pin is provided on
selector
rod 186 for each of the first, second and third discs 36, 38, 40. When
selector rod
186 is rotated to engage first disc 36, third pins 213 will be positioned such
that first
disc 36 and selector rod 186 will move in unison away from second and third
discs
38, 40. When selector rod 186 is rotated to engage second disc 38, third pins
213
will engage first disc 36 and pins 214 will engage second disc 38. When
selector rod
186 is rotated to engage third disc 40, third pins 213 will engage first disc
36, pins
214 will engage second disc 38 and pins 216 will engage third disc 40. Thus,
none of
the discs 36, 38, 40 is passively engaged with selector rod 186.
Referring to FIGS. 16A and 24A there is shown the alternative embodiment of
the first disc 36 with which the alternative selector rod is engageable. The
alternative
embodiment of the first disc is substantially identical to the first disc
illustrated in
FIGS. 15-17 except that the washer-receiving surface 261 is replaced with a
surface
263 that is concentric with central aperture 126. Surface 263 defines a
plurality of
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radial troughs 265 which extend outwardly from central aperture 126 and
generally
toward sidewall 122. Troughs 265 are shallow semi-circular depressions in
surface
263. The alternative embodiment of first disc 36 includes three troughs 265
which
each extend along a diameter of the circular surface 263. Each of the three
troughs
is separated into two separate portions by central aperture 126 so that it
appears
that six troughs are provided within surface 263. Troughs 265 are oriented at
about
600 relative to each other. It will be understood that a different number of
troughs 265
disposed at a different angle relative to each other could be provided in the
alternative first disc 36.
When the alternative selector rod 186 is inserted through central aperture 126
of the alternative first disc 36, pins 213 will enter the space defined by
washer
receiving area 260 (Fig. 19) and first surface 118 of second disc 38. It
should be
remembered when looking at Fig. 19, that the figure is depicting the original
embodiment of the first disc and the original selector rod. Since E-clip 208
and
washer 206 are omitted from the alternative adjustment assembly 170, the
washer
receiving area 260 shown in Fig. 19 will only have selector rod 186 passing
through
it.
Pins 213 on selector rod 186 are located adjacent surface 263 (FIG. 22A).
When collar 172 is rotated to the first position (FIG. 1) to select and engage
only
alternative first disc 36, pins 213 will move in a first direction, traveling
across
surface 263 and become seated in a first trough 265 (i.e., in two aligned and
opposed portions of the first trough). The adjacent sections of surface 263
are
effectively raised relative to the first trough and, consequently, rotation of
selector
rod 186 in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction is
substantially
prevented because rotation of pins 213 is stopped by these raised sections of
surface 263.
If collar 172 is rotated to the second position, pins 213 will move in the
first
direction out of the first trough 265 and across the adjacent section of
surface 263 (in
the first direction) and pins 213 will then drop into the second trough 265
(i.e.,
second set of opposed and aligned trough portions). Again, the sections of
surface
263 are raised relative to the second trough 265 and thus rotation of pins 213
and
therefore of selector rod 186 is substantially prevented in each of a
clockwise and
counterclockwise direction. When collar 272 is in this second position, the
pins 214
will have moved, as previously described, to cause second disc 38 to be
captured by
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the alternative selector rod 186. The first and second discs 36, 38 are
therefore
engaged with the alternative selector rod and the resilient members 44 engaged
with
those discs will therefore provide an additional level of resistive force to
any
exercise.
If collar 172 is rotated into the third position, pins 213 will move out of
the
second trough 265, across the next adjacent surface 263 (in the first
direction) and
subsequently become seated in the third trough 265 (i.e., third set of opposed
an
aligned trough portions). Again, the next sections of surface 263 are raised
relative
to the third trough 265. Consequently, the rotation of pins 213 and therefore
of
selector rod 186 is substantially prevented in each of a clockwise and
counterclockwise direction. When collar 272 is in this third position, the
pins 214 will
have moved, as previously described, to cause second disc 38 to be captured,
and
the pins 216 will have moved as previous described, to cause third disc 40 to
be
captured by the alternative selector rod 186. Thus all three discs are engaged
with
the alternative selector rod 186 and the resilient members 44 engaged
therewith
provide the maximum level of resistive force.
Rotating collar 172 in the opposite direction to that described above will
cause
selector rod 186 and therefore pins 213 to travel in a direction opposite to
the first
direction and thereby disengage one or more of the captured discs.
In operation and with respect to FIG. 34, there may be instances in which it
is
desirable to remove first attachment assembly 33. If, for example, it is
desired to
replace any component of the first attachment assembly 33 because of damage to
that component, then retention tabs 194 are depressed inwardly in the
direction of
arrow "D" (Fig. 34). This permits collar 172 to be disengaged from upper
member
182. At this point, upper member 182 is still engaged with selector rod 186
and first,
second, and third discs 36, 38, 40. Resilient members 44 still extend from
connection
plate 42, through insert 90, through third disc 40, second disc 38, and first
disc 36. In
order to disengage selector rod 186 from the third and second discs 40, 38,
the rod
186 needs to be rotated to permit pins 212 to slide out of the associated
central
apertures. In order to disengage first disc 36 from selector rod 186, clip 208
must
first be disengaged. Any component part on upper member 182 or selector rod
186
may then be removed and replaced and then the assembly 30 may be reassembled
by reversing these steps.
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In other instances, it may be desirable to change or replace one or more
resilient members 44. For example, a user may desire to customize his or her
resistance band assembly 30 by personally selecting the resilient members 44
utilized therein. The user may insert one or more resilient members which have
thinner shafts 221 to provide different resistive forces. A resilient member
44 with a
thinner shaft 221 could provide less resistive force and a resilient member
with a
thicker shaft 221 could provide more resistive force.
Thus, if it was needful or desirable to change one or more resilient members,
the user will need to disengage the specific resilient member from connection
plate
42 and from the various discs, 36, 38, 40. In order to gain access to
connection plate
42, the user will disengage first attachment assembly 33 from collar 172 by
depressing tabs 194. Collar 172 will then be removed so that the user has
access to
discs 36, 38, 40. The user is then able to access the resilient band 44 which
he or
she wishes to replace and is also able to disengage base member 78 from sleeve
88. This is accomplished by pinching tabs 86 toward each other and so that the
tabs
86 slide into the bore of the housing. As soon as tabs 86 are clear of the
apertures
98 in sleeve 88, base member 78 and sleeve 88 may be separated from each
other.
Base member 78 may be moved in the direction of arrow "N" (Fig. 18) until the
user
is able to gain access to the bulbous member 224 of resilient member 44 it is
desired
to replace. Bulbous member 224 is pulled radially outwardly until resilient
member 44
is no longer engaged with connection plate 42. The user will push resilient
member
44 in the opposite direction to arrow "N" and out of the disc resilient member
44 is
terminated in and then through the aligned apertures in the other discs; and
continues this motion until bulbous member 224 is pulled out of the assembly.
The
replacement resilient member is then inserted into the resistance band
assembly by
reversing the aforementioned steps. If the resilient member's shaft 221 is
thinner and
therefore the tapered end 222 therein is smaller than the apertures in the
respective
first, second, or third discs, then an aperture adjustment member 223 will be
engaged around the tapered end 222 prior to inserting the bulbous end 224 of
the
replacement resilient member through the apertures in the discs. The size of
the
aperture adjustment member 223 is selected to ensure that the combination of
the
aperture adjustment member 223 and tapered end 222 will not pass through the
tapered aperture in the necessary first, second, or third disc 36, 38, 40.
More than
one resilient member 44 may be changed out in this fashion. When all of the
desired
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resilient members 44 are engaged between connection plate 42, insert 90,
sleeve
88, and discs 40, 38, 36 then base member 78 is moved in the opposite
direction of
arrow "N" (Fig. 18) until the spring-biased tabs 86 pop back through apertures
98 in
sleeve 88. Collar 172 and collar 172 are then reengaged with the rest of the
device.
Tabs 194 pass through aperture 178 in collar 172. Resistance band assembly 30
is
then ready for use once again.
In operation and with reference to FIG. 35, an auxiliary workout accessory
such as auxiliary handle 400 may be connected to upper member 182 through
aperture 192 via an intermediate member such as carabiner 402. In the instance
illustrated in FIG. 35, auxiliary handle 400 is designed to rotate about each
"X", "Y",
and "Z" axis. For the auxiliary handle 400 depicted in FIG. 35, rotational
arrow "X" is
associated with the roll about a longitudinal axis. Rotational arrow "Y" is
associated
with the pitch rotating about a transverse axis and rotational arrow Z is
associated
with the yaw rotation about a vertical axis. This auxiliary handle 400 coupled
via a
connecting member or carabiner 402 to upper member 182 ensures that
substantially linear forces along longitudinal axis "X" are imparted through
assembly
30 during the exercise motion. Also depicted in FIG. 35 is attachment member
578
for attaching hooks 56, 58 thereto. It will be understood that instead of a
rotatable
handle 400, a swivel carabiner could be utilized instead of carabiner 402. It
will
further be understood that any one of a number of workout accessories, such as
workout bars or ropes may be engaged with upper member 182.
In operation and with reference to attaching assembly 30 to an exercise
structure, an aspect of an embodiment for a method may include the steps of
providing an attachment member 578 attached to an exercise structure, wherein
the
ring defines an aperture; affecting relative movement of the attachment member
578,
the movement relative to an assembly 30 defining a gap 302 between two
inverted
hooks 56, 58 including a free end on each hook; positioning the attachment
member
578 in the gap 302 beneath two ends of the hooks 56, 58; affecting a relative
rotation
of the attachment member 578, which is about 90 degrees, relative to the two
hooks
56, 58 such that the attachment member 578 is beneath a hook passageway 418
defined by a downwardly facing concave surface of both hooks 56, 58; and
engaging
the attachment member 578 with the concave surface of both hooks 56, 58.
In operation and with reference to attaching assembly 30 to an exercise
structure, another method may include the steps of providing an assembly 30
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including two inverted hooks 56, 58 spaced apart and defining a vertical gap
302
therebetween, defining a transverse hook passageway 418 beneath arcuate
portions
410, 412 on the hooks 56, 58; and moving hooks 56, 58 in a first direction to
position
an attachment member 578 attached to a separate exercise structure in the
vertical
gap 302. The method may further include revolving hooks 56, 58 about a
longitudinal
axis 45; and, when this step of revolving the hooks 56, 58 about the
longitudinal axis
is accomplished, rotating assembly 30 about its longitudinal axis 45 through
about 90
degrees. Then, hooks 56, 58 are moved in a second direction opposite that of
first
direction so as to engage the arcuate portion 410, 412 of the hooks with the
attachment member 578 such that the attachment member 578 extends through the
transverse passageway 418.
While assembly 30 has been described as having a particular configuration in
the previous paragraphs, it will be understood by those skilled in the art
that first,
second, and third discs 36, 38, 40 may be differently configured to what has
been
illustrated and described herein. For example, instead of first, second and
third discs
36, 38, 40 being generally circular when viewed from above, these discs might
be
oval or elliptical or any other desired shape. It will also be understood that
resilient
members 44 may be differently configured and that the holes and apertures
defined
in the discs 36, 38, 40 may be differently placed and shaped.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any desired number of
discs may be provided in the resistance band assembly in accordance with an
aspect of the present invention. Additionally, while the discs described
herein are
illustrated as having six holes therein, it will be understood that the discs
utilized in
the resistance band assembly may include less than six holes or more than six
holes. The number of actual resilient bands utilized in the resistance band
assembly
will be complementary to the number of holes in the discs.
While the sample embodiment of band assembly 30 has been illustrated and
described herein as having hook-type connectors thereon, it should be
understood
that other types of connectors may be utilized on band assembly 30. For
example,
male/female type connectors could be provided on band assembly 30 and on
workout accessories to be used in conjunction therewith or on an exercise
structure
which band assembly 30 may be secured to in order to perform exercises. Other
connectors may be ball and socket type connectors.
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Additionally, one having ordinary skill in the art would understand that
resilient
members 44 may be replaceable with other similarly dimensioned elastic bands,
such as a bungee-type cord that can attach to the discs and connection plate.
It will further be understood that if the discs 36, 38, 40 were fabricated to
be
thicker than illustrated herein so that the end termination of resilient
member 44 did
not protrude beyond the first surface of the associated disc, the assembly
could be
fabricated to include fewer holes in some of the discs. For example, first
disc 36
could be fabricated to include only two apertures. In this scenario, the
assembly
sequence would be to put the third disc 40 into bore 84 of base member 78,
pass
two resilient members 44 through third disc 40 (third disc 40 would still have
six
apertures defined therein), then install second disc 38 (having only four
apertures
therein), and pass two resilient members 44 therethrough; and then insert
first disc
36 into base member 78 and pass two resilient members 44 therethrough. During
actual use of the sample embodiment disclosed herein, all six resilient
members
pass through third disc 40, only four resilient members 44 pass through second
disc
38, and only two resilient members 44 pass through first disc 36.
While resistance band assembly 30 has been described and illustrated herein
as including first, second, and third discs 36, 38, 40 and six resilient
members 44a-f,
it will be understood that assembly 30 may be provided with just one single
disc
therein with one or more resilient members engaged therewith; or two discs
with one
or more resilient members engaged therewith; or more than three discs with one
or
more resilient members engaged therewith. Any combination of discs and
resilient
members associated therewith may be utilized to generate a desired resistance
level
to movement of first attachment assembly 33 away from first end 80 of base
member
78.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the components of
exercise band resistance assembly 30 as herein described above permit a user
to
exercise by stretching some or all of resilient members 44. In accordance with
another aspect of the present invention, when resilient members are being
selectively stretched, substantially all of the resistive force applied to the
exercise
results from the bands, not the discs 36, 38, 40 to which the bands are
connected.
Additionally, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
selector rod
186 and the pins 212 may pass through center apertures in some of the discs
when
those discs closer to second end 34 are not selected. When pins 214 select
second
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disc 38, elements connected to selector rod 186 contact the second surfaces
118,
132 of both first disc 36 and second disc 38. When third disc 40 is selected,
clip 210
contacts the bottom of first disc 36, pins 214 contact the second surface 132
of
second disc 38 and pins 216 contact the second surface 152 of third disc 40.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the resistance that may be
provided by resistance band assembly 30 is selectively variable. Thus, a user
may
configure resistance band assembly 30 to provide a lower resistance, an
intermediate resistance or a higher resistance. This is accomplished by
engaging
one or more resilient members 44a-f with selector rod 186 when the resilient
members are engaged with connection plate 42. The engagement of the second set
of resistance bands (44c and 44d) provides a second resistance level to the
resistance band assembly and the second resistance level is greater than the
first
resistance level.
Referring now to Figs. 37-42, a fitness station 510 in accordance with an
aspect of the present invention is described. Fitness station 510 includes a
base
512, a support 514, a first arm 516, a second arm 518, a third arm 520, a
fourth arm
522, and a fifth arm 523.
Base 512 is generally H-shaped when viewed from above and comprises a
first base member 524, a second base member 526 and a first and second
crossbar
528, 530 which extend between first and second base members 524, 526. Base 512
is of a size that a user of fitness station 510 may stand between first base
member
524 and second base member 526 and either in front of first crossbar 528 or
behind
second crossbar 530. Fitness station may be of any desired size. For example,
the
overall height of station 510 may vary between 8 and 12 feet as measured from
the
bottom surfaces of the base members 524, 526, 528, 530 to an uppermost region
of
the inverted J-shaped support member 538. Each of the first and second base
members 524, 526 may be of any desired length, such as from about 5 feet to
about
12 feet long. At their closest points relative to each other first and second
base
members 524, 526 may be spaced around 3 feet apart from each other but other
distances are possible. Furthermore, the first and second arms 516, 518 may be
of
any desired length. For example, each of the first arm portions 556 may be
from
about 2 feet up to about 7 feet in length.
Each of the first and second base members 524, 526 may be an arcuate
component that may be a generally open-C shape. First and second base members
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524, 526 are substantially identical and are oriented so that they are mirror
images of
each other. Members 524, 526 are spaced a distance laterally apart from each
other
and in such a manner that the base members may curve away from each other. It
will be understood, however, that base members 524, 526 may be of any other
.. suitable shape and may be more angular than arcuate.
First base member 524 includes an upper surface 524a, a lower surface
524b, a first side 524c, a second side 524d, a first end 524e and a second end
524f.
Second base member 526 includes an upper surface 526a, a lower surface 526b, a
first side 526c, a second side 526d, a first end 526e and a second end 526f.
First
.. ends 524e, 526e are generally equidistant from crossbar 528 and second ends
5241,
526f are generally equidistant from crossbar 528. First and second base
members
524, 526 have a length "L" (Fig. 38) as measured from first end 524e, 526e
through
to second end 524f, 526f. First and second base members 524, 526 may be hollow
or substantially solid and may be free of openings or apertures along their
lengths.
Leveler legs (not shown) may extend downwardly from a bottom surface of base
members 524, 526 and from bottom surfaces of one or both of first and second
crossbars 528, 530. These leveler legs may be used to level fitness station
510 on
the surface upon which it stands.
As indicated above, a first crossbar and a second crossbar 528, 530 extend
between first and second members 524, 526. First crossbar 528 is positioned a
horizontal distance "L1" from first ends 524e, 526e. Second crossbar 530 is
positioned a horizontal distance "L2" from first ends 524e, 526e. First
crossbar 528
may be a little more than midway between first ends 524e, 526e and second ends
524f, 526f. First and second crossbars 528, 530 are spaced longitudinally from
each
.. other such that a gap 532 is defined between them. First crossbar 528 has
an upper.
surface 528a, a lower surface 528b, a first end 528c, a second end 528d, a
front
528e and a back 5281. Second crossbar 530 has an upper surface 530a, a lower
surface 530b, a first end 530c, a second end 530d, a front 530e and a back
530f.
First ends 528c, 530c are welded to first side 526c of second base member 526
and
second ends 528d, 530d are welded to first side 524c of first base member 524.
It
will be understood that instead of two crossbars extending between first and
second
base members 524, 526, a single crossbar may be utilized or more than two
crossbars may be utilized. If a single crossbar is used that crossbar may be
of a
substantially greater width than either of the first and second crossbars
illustrated
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herein. It will be understood that the length and width of the crossbar(s)
utilized
herein may be varied but will be selected so that the fitness station has
sufficient
strength and rigidity to act as an anchor for the exercises to be performed
therewith.
Lower surfaces 524b, 526b of first and second base members 524, 526 and
lower surfaces 528b, 530b of first and second crossbars 528, 530 are placed on
a
flat and substantially horizontal support surface such as the ground or a
floor of a
gym and base 512 may be anchored to that ground or floor surface. Base 512 may
be anchored by way of a plurality of bolts that are driven into the support
surface or
by the provision of a downwardly extending anchor, such as has been described
in
parent application Serial No. 13/836,359, the specification of which is
incorporated
herein.
Prior to placing fitness station onto the support surface, an exercise mat 534
may be placed onto the surface. Fitness station 510 may be placed onto the
upper
surface of the exercise mat 534 and be anchored to the support surface. The
mat
534 may include a grid comprised of a plurality of markings 534a. The markings
534
may be squares that are of a particular size, such as one square foot, so that
a
person using fitness station 510 is able to stand or lie on mat 534 in
particular
specific locations each time they perform particular exercises. This grid may
help a
user perform exercises correctly and be able to consistently replicate the
exercises
they perform over a period of time. Mat 534 may be resilient in nature and
provide
cushioning for the user as they work out or stretch using fitness station 510.
Base 512 may be anchored to the flat and substantially horizontal surface in
any one of a number of ways. For example, holes may be supplied in first and
second base members 524, 526 and first and second crossbeams 528, 530 and then
bolts may be inserted through these holes and into the surface beneath base.
As
indicated previously, leveler legs may be used to ensure fitness station 510
is level
and so that it will not be inclined to tip over during use.
The upper surfaces 524a, 526a, and 528a of first and second base members
524, 526 and the upper surface of at least first crossbar 528 is provided with
a
plurality of attachment members thereon. Each of the attachment members is a
component which extends upwardly and outwardly away from the upper surface
524a, 526a of the associated base member 524, 526 and defines an aperture
therein. (While not illustrated herein, it will be understood that second
crossbar 530
may also be provided with attachment members thereon.) The attachment members
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are used as components to which a resistance assembly may be secured when a
user desires to utilize resistance to increase the intensity and effectiveness
of their
workout. The resistance assembly is selectively securable to any one of the
attachment members by engaging a connector in the aperture defined by the
attachment member. The attachment members are shaped to enable the resistance
assembly to be oriented at any one of a range of angles relative to the base
members 524, 526. This arrangement even enables the resistance assembly to be
able to pivot relative to the base members 524, 526. It is contemplated that
resistance bands or cord-type devices may also be engaged with the attachment
members. During exercise the resistance bands or cord-type devices will be
pulled
and expand in length, thereby providing resistance to the performance of the
pulling
motion. Strap-type devices may also be engaged herewith.
One possible type of attachment member which may be suitable for this
purpose is a C-shaped ring which is fixedly and permanently secured to base
512 as
first attachment members 536. Each of the first attachment members 536 is
welded
or otherwise securely engaged with the associated one of the first and second
base
members 524, 526 or first crossbar 528. The first attachment members 536 are
spaced at intervals from each other and are positioned so as to extend
outwardly
from the first or second base member 524, 526 or first crossbar 528. The
interval for
placement of first attachment members 536 may be a regular interval so that
adjacent pairs of first attachment members 536 are spaced the same distance
apart
from each other. For example, as shown in the attached figures, first
attachment
members 536 may be spaced one foot apart from each other but it will be
understood that other size intervals may be utilized. Alternatively, the
intervals
selected during fabrication of station 510 may be of different sizes. So, the
interval
between some adjacent pairs of first attachment members 536 may be one foot
while the interval between other adjacent pairs of first attachment members
536 may
be six inches or eighteen inches.
The C-shaped rings that are used as first attachment members 536 are
passive connections meaning that any resistance assembly utilized has to be
threaded through the ring, tied to the ring or clipped to the ring. It is
possible that the
attachment members used on fitness station could be active in nature. What is
meant about the term "active" is that the attachment member is the component
that
is secured to the resistance assembly and not the other way round. So, for
example,
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instead of a C-shaped ring which is welded at both ends to first or second
base
members 524, 526 or first cross-bar 528 and a hook or clip on a resistance
assembly
is threaded through the ring, the attachment member could be a carabiner-type
component which can be opened and closed and thereby selectively connected to
a
resistance assembly. Alternatively, a combination of active and passive
attachment
members could be utilized on fitness station 510.
All of the first attachment members 536 illustrated in the attached figures
comprise C-shaped metal rings that are fixedly secured to particular
components of
fitness station 510. It will be understood the metal rings utilized on fitness
station 510
do not have to be C-shaped components but could be differently shaped. As
shown
in the figures, the metal rings provided on each of the first and second base
members 524, 526 are positioned so that each ring is oriented substantially at
right
angles to the respective upper surface 524a or 526a. This can best be seen in
FIG.
38. The metal rings provided as first attachment members 536 on first crossbar
528,
however, may not be oriented substantially at right angles to upper surface
528a.
Instead, the metal rings may be oriented at an angle other than ninety degrees
relative to upper surface 528a. The angle of the metal rings on first crossbar
528
may be around 450 relative to upper surface 528a.
Support 514 extends upwardly and outwardly from base 512 and includes a
support member 538 that, when viewed from the right side, is an upside down J-
shape or has the appearance of a question mark. Support 514 may be fabricated
as
a segmented component where the various segments are bolted together during
installation. Alternatively, support 514 may be a monolithic, unitary
component. A
semi-circular mounting bracket 540 is secured to upper surface 528a of first
crossbar
528 such as by welding. Support member 538 is secured to and extends upwardly
and outwardly from a central region of this mounting bracket 40. Support
member
538 has an interior surface 538a which faces forwardly and an exterior surface
538b
which faces rearwardly. Side surfaces extend between interior and exterior
surfaces
but these side surfaces are not numbered in the attached figures. A central
region of
support member 538 includes a widened box 542 which extends outwardly and
forwardly from interior surface 538a. As shown in FIG. 38, box region 542 has
a front
surface 542a and side surfaces 542b, 542c. Each side surface 542b, 542c
defines a
vertically extending first slot 544 and a second slot 546 therein. As is
evident from
FIG. 40, second slot 546 is located vertically above first slot 544 and is
spaced a
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distance therefrom. A J-shaped hook 548 extends downwardly and forwardly from
an
upper region of interior surface 538a and third arm 520 is engaged therewith.
A
terminal end 538c of support member 538 includes a rearwardly extending
suspension member 550. Suspension member 550 may be L-shaped and at least
one region of the suspension member 550 is oriented generally parallel to
upper
surfaces of first and second base members 524, 526 and a second region of
suspension member 550 extends upwardly and generally at right angles to the
first
region. The second region forms an upwardly extending lip. One or more second
attachment members 552 may be provided on a lower surface of the first region
of
suspension member 550. Second attachment member(s) 552 may be oriented at
right angles relative to first region of suspension member 550 or they may be
orientated at a different angle relative thereto. Suspension member 550 may be
utilized to perform various suspension exercises by engaging non-stretchable
ropes
or straps such as TAX 8 straps (sold by Fitness Anywhere, LLC). The rope or
straps
may be secured to suspension member 550 utilizing the vertically-oriented
upstanding lip and/or one of second attachment member(s) 552 provided on the
underside of suspension member 550. Alternatively, suspension member 550 may
be utilized to suspend other fitness apparatus such as a heavy punching bag.
As seen in FIG. 37, an additional plurality of second attachment members 552
is provided on a lower end of support member 538 a distance vertically above
mounting bracket 540. One of the second attachment members 552 is provided on
interior surface 538a and other second attachment members 552 are provided on
each of the side surfaces of support member 538. The second attachment members
552 may all be located in the same plane as illustrated in Fig. 37 and is
oriented
generally at right angles to the respective surface from which it extends. It
will be
understood, however, that second attachment members 552 may be located in
different planes relative to each other and they may be oriented at angles
other than
ninety degrees to the mounting surface. As with first attachment members 536,
second attachment members 552 are welded or otherwise fixedly secured to the
surfaces upon which they are provided.
Support 514 further includes a brace member 554 which extends upwardly
and outwardly from second crossbar 530 and engages exterior surface of support
member 538 (FIG. 40). Brace member 554 is oriented at an angle "K" (FIG. 40)
relative to upper surface 530a of second crossbar 530. Angle "K" is less than
90 so
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that brace member 554 is able to effectively brace support member 538. A first
end
of brace member 554 is welded or otherwise secured to second crossbar 530 and
a
second end of brace member 554 is welded or otherwise secured to exterior
surface
of support member 538. The second end of brace member 554 engages exterior
surface of support member 538 at a location a distance vertically above a
bottom
end 542c of box region 542 but below first arm 416.
First arm 516 may be adjustably mounted to support 514 in such a way that
the user is able to selectively vary the distance between base 512 and first
arm 516
by moving first arm 516 along support 514 either toward or away from base 512,
as
will be hereafter described. First arm 516 may be generally U-shaped when
viewed
from above and includes a first section 516a and a second section 516b. First
and
second sections 516a, 516b are substantially identical to each other but are
mounted
to support member 538 in such a manner that they are mirror images of each
other.
Each of the first and second sections 516a, 516b is generally L-shaped and
comprises a generally laterally extending first arm portion 556 and a forward
extending second arm portion 558. First and second sections 516a, 516b may be
generally circular in cross section but they can be of any other cross-
sectional
shape.
A clamping assembly 560 may independently and adjustably secure each first
arm portion 556 to support member 538. Clamping assembly 560 includes a clamp
562 and a base plate 564. Clamp 562 comprises a clamshell-type device
comprising
a first half and a second half that are substantially identical and are
positioned
adjacent each other. Each of the first and second halves of the clamp 562 has
a flat
upper region 562a, a flat lower region 562b (shown on a clamp 562 on first arm
516
in FIG. 42) and a curved mid-section 562c (FIG. 40). The radius of curvature
of mid-
section 562c is substantially identical to the radius of curvature of the
first arm
portions 556 of first and second sections 516a, 516b. When the first and
second
halves of clamp 562 are positioned adjacent each other, the curved mid-
sections
562c are placed so as to define a generally circular bore through clamp 562.
As best
seen in FIG. 42, the first end of each first arm portion 556 is received
through this
bore and when the first and second halves are secured to each other, the first
ends
are tightly retained in the bore. It will be understood that if first arm
portion 556 is of a
non-circular configuration, the inside surface of the clamp 562c would be
shaped to
mate with the outside surface of first arm portion 556.
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Clamp 562 is at least partially secured to plate 564. The first half of clamp
562
is welded or otherwise secured to plate 564 and thus, when plate 564 moves,
the
first half of clamp 562 moves in unison therewith. The second half of clamp
562 is
not welded to plate 564 and is detachably secured to the first half of clamp
562. This
detachability enables the end of first arm portion 556 to be received into the
bore
defined by curved sections 562c. Fasteners 566 (FIG. 42) are passed through
apertures 568 in upper and lower sections 562a, 562b of the first and second
halves
of clamp 562 and are tightened to lock the end of first arm portion 556
therebetween.
In order to make it easier to accomplish the tightening motion, a handle 570
is
provided on each fastener 566. Moving the handle 570 in a first direction
loosens the
fastener 566 and this makes it possible for the second half of clamp 562 to be
moved
away from the first half thereof. Moving the handle 570 in a second direction
tightens
the fastener 566, thereby moving second half of clamp 562 toward first half
thereof
and clamping first arm portion 556 therein.
As best seen in FIG. 42, base plate 564 is located adjacent one or the other
of
side surfaces 542b, 542c of box region 542 of support member 538. Fasteners
572
secure base plate 564 and thereby the first half of clamp 562 to support
member
538. Fasteners 572 each include a shaft 221 which extends through apertures
574 in
base plate 564 and into slot 544 in box region 542. A handle 576 is engaged
with
each fastener 572. When handle 576 is moved in a first direction, the fastener
572 is
slightly loosened and the base plate 564 is then free to be moved either
upwardly or
downwardly relative to the associated side surface 542b or 542c of box region
542.
This up-and-down sliding motion is parallel to a longitudinal axis "YY" (FIG.
42) of
support member 538 as is indicated by arrow "G" in this figure. The sliding
motion
enables the user to selectively and independently adjust the vertical height
of the
one or the other of the associated first or second section 516a, 516b of first
arm 516
relative to the upper surface 528a of first crossbar 528. Thus, first and
second
sections 516a, 516b may be independently moved toward or away from base 512 so
that the selected section of first arm 516 may be at a desired height for a
particular
exercise.
In an alternative arrangement clamps 562 may be secured to support member
538 in a different way. In this alternative arrangement the bolt used to
secure clamp
to support member 538 may be a carriage bolt that is inserted from the outside
of the
box 542 into the interior and nuts are positioned in the interior of the box
542. This
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leaves only the rounded carriage bolt head exposed and prevents unauthorized
adjustment of the arm height.
When the first or second section 516a or 516b is moved to the desired height,
then clamp 562 is locked in place so that further longitudinal motion is
prevented.
This locking of clamp 562 is accomplished by engaging handle 576. When the
handle 576 is rotated in a second direction, the fastener 572 is tightened
once again
and sliding motion of base plate 564 in either of an upward direction or a
downward
direction is effectively prevented. At this point, the selected section 516a
or 516b is
in the desired position for engaging one or more resistance bands or
resistance
assemblies with one or more of a plurality of third attachment members 578
provided
on first arm 516. When the resistance band or assembly is so secured, the user
is
able to perform any one of a plurality of selected exercises.
The third attachment members 578 are located on first arm 516 at spaced
intervals from each other. Third attachment members 578 may, again, be C-
shaped
rings that are welded or otherwise secured to first arm 516. The rings may be
oriented at right angles to a front face of first arm 516 and may be provided
on one
or both of the first and second arm portions 556, 558 of first arm 516. Third
attachment members 578 may be provided on more than one face of the first arm
516. The third attachment members 578 may be provided at regular intervals
relative
to each other, such as at a distance of one foot apart from each other. As
with the
first attachment members 536 and second attachment members 552 discussed
earlier herein, differently shaped third attachment members 578 may be
utilized, the
spacing interval between adjacent third attachment members 578 may be other
than
regular, and the orientation thereof may be other than at right angles
relative to the
face of the first arm 516 upon which. the third attachment members 578 are
provided.
Clamping assemblies 560 also make it possible for the orientation of each of
the first and second sections 516a, 516b to be changed. This is accomplished
by
rotating the selected first or second section 516a or 516b about a horizontal
axis
"XX" (FIG. 42) which extends along the length of the sections 516a, 516b. The
possible rotational motion is indicated by the arrow "H" in FIG. 42. This
rotational
motion may be desired to position the third attachment members 578 at a
different
location or orientation relative to support member 538 in order to perform any
desired exercise that requires such placement of third attachment members 578.
The rotational adjustment is accomplished by loosening fasteners 568 to a
degree
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sufficient to enable the selected first or second section 516a or 516b to
rotate within
the bore defined by the central regions 562c of clamp 562. Fasteners 568 are
partially loosened by rotating handles 570 in a first direction. Once
fasteners 568 are
loosened, the first or second section 516a or 516b is rotated into the desired
position, fasteners 568 are tightened once again by rotating handles 570 in a
second
direction thereby enabling clamp 562 to retain the first end of first or
second section
516a, 516b in the new orientation.
Second arm 518 is engaged with support 514 a distance vertically above first
arm 516. As illustrated in FIG. 40 first arm 516 may be oriented generally
horizontally
.. or at a slight angle "I" above the horizontal. This angle "I" may be in the
order of from
about 50 to about 100 above the horizontal. Second arm 518 may be oriented at
an
angle "J" above the horizontal. This angle "J" may be in the order of from
about 15
to about 25 relative to the horizontal.
Second arm 518 may be adjustably mounted to support 514 in a substantially
identical manner to the way first arm 516 may be mounted thereto. Second arm
518
also functions in a substantially identical fashion to first arm 516. Second
arm 518 is
generally U-shaped when viewed from above and is comprised of a first section
518a and a second section 518b. Each of the first and second sections 518a,
518b
is an L-shaped component comprised of a first arm portion 556 and a second arm
portion 558. First arm portions 556 may be independently and adjustably
mounted by
way of clamping assemblies 560 to box region 542 of support member 538.
Clamping assemblies 560 however, include fasteners 572 which extend into
second
slot 546 instead of into first slot 544. The height of each of the first and
second
sections 518a, 518b of second arm 518 may be independently adjustable relative
to
upper surface 528a of first crossbar 528 in the same manner as was described
herein with respect to the adjustment of first and second sections 516a, 516b
of first
arm 516. Additionally, the orientation of first and second sections 518a, 518b
may be
changed by rotating the same within the associated clamping assembly 560 in
the
same manner as has been described with reference to the rotation of first and
.. second sections 516a, 516b of first arm 516.
A plurality of fourth attachment members 580 is provided at intervals along
first and second sections 518a, 518b of second arm 518. Fourth attachment
members 580 may, again, be C-shaped rings that are welded or otherwise secured
to second arm 518 in a similar manner to third attachment members 578 on first
arm
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516. Rotation of first or second sections 518a, 518b may be undertaken in
order to
vary the angle and position of the respective fourth attachment members 580
provided thereon in order to perform any desired exercise.
As best seen in FIG. 38, third arm 520 is engaged with support member 538.
Third arm 520 is an arcuate member that may be generally circular in cross-
section
(FIG. 40). Third arm 520 is welded or otherwise secured to J-shaped hook 548
which
extends downwardly from a top region of interior surface 538a of support
member
538. Third arm 520 curves downwardly on either side of support member 538. A
plurality of fifth attachment members 582 are welded or otherwise secured to
one of
the faces of third arm 520. That face may be a downwardly facing face as
illustrated
in FIG. 38 but it will be understood that other face(s) may be provided with
fifth
attachment members 582 instead of the downward facing face or in addition
thereto.
Fifth attachment members 582 may be similar to first, second, third, and
fourth
attachment members, 536, 552, 578, 580 and may be engaged with and oriented on
third arm 520 in substantially the same way as the other attachment members
536,
552, 578, 580 are engaged with the other components of fitness station 510 set
out
=
above.
Each of the fourth and fifth arms 522, 523 is attached to support member 538
and is a generally U-shaped component when viewed from above (Fig. 39). The
mountings for fourth and fifth arms 522, 523 are on a plane that is generally
90
degrees relative to the mounting for first and second arms 516, 518. Fourth
arm 522
may be mounted to exterior surface 538b of support member 538 by way of
mounting bracket 584 (FIG. 40). Bracket 584 secures fourth arm 522 to support
514
in a fixed orientation; that orientation being slightly angled upwardly as
shown in FIG.
40. Bracket 584 engages support member 538 at a location that is generally
aligned
with a middle region of second slot 546. It is possible that bracket 584 could
be of a
type which pivotally secures fourth arm 522 to support 514. In this latter
instance,
fourth arm 522 could be pivoted up and down during the performance of an
exercise.
Fourth arm 522 may include a crossbeam 586 (Fig. 40) that extends between
opposed sections of fourth arm 522 to provide the user with a variety of hand
grips to
facilitate different exercises. Crossbeam 586 may be removable to allow users
full
range of exercise motion without interference from crossbeam 586. Inwardly
extending first handles 588 are provided at each end of fourth arm 522 and
first
handles 588 are each provided with a cushioning grip 590 thereon. A pair of
second
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handles 592 extends outwardly from fourth arm 522 a distance vertically
beneath
first handles 588. Second handles 592 extend inwardly toward each other at a
different angle from the angle at which first handles 588 extend inwardly
toward each
other. Cushioning grips 594 are provided on the ends of second handles 592.
Fourth
arm 522 may be utilized for a variety of different exercises such as pull-ups
or chin-
ups.
Fifth arm 523 is a generally U-shaped member that is mounted on exterior
surface 538b of support member 538 by way of a mounting bracket 596. A first
embodiment of fifth arm 523 is shown in FIG. 40. Fifth arm 523 may be mounted
on
support member 538 at a level that is aligned with approximately midway along
length of first slot 544. Bracket 596 secures fifth arm 523 to support 514 in
a fixed
and unchangeable orientation. Fifth arm 523 may be oriented so that it is
substantially horizontally mounted and is generally parallel to upper surfaces
524a,
526a of first and second base members 524, 526. A cushioning grip 598 is
provided
on each end of fifth arm 523. Fifth arm 523 may be used as a dip bar for
performing
triceps dips or other similar exercises.
FIG. 43 shows a second embodiment of the first arm, generally indicated at
616. First arm 616 may be adjustably mounted to support 514. In particular,
the
distance between first arm 616 and base 512 is selectively variable by moving
first
arm 616 toward or away from base 512. First arm 616, like first arm 516, is
generally
U-shaped when viewed from above and comprises a first section 616a and a
second
section 616b. First and second sections 616a, 616b are substantially identical
to
each other and are mounted in such a manner that they are mirror images of
each
other relative to support member 538. Each of the first and second sections
616a,
616b is generally L-shaped and comprises a generally laterally extending first
arm
portion 656 and a forward extending second arm portion (not shown in FIG. 43
but
substantially identical to second arm portion 558). First and second sections
616a,
616b may be generally circular in cross section.
A clamping assembly 660 secures each first arm 656 to support member 538.
Clamping assembly 660 includes a clamp 662 and a base plate 664. Clamp 662 is
substantially identical to clamp 562 and functions in the same manner. Clamp
662
comprises a clamshell-type device comprising a first half and a second half
that are
substantially identical. Each of the first and second halves of the clamp 662
has a flat
upper region 662a and a flat lower region 662b and a curved mid-section 662c.
The
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radius of curvature of mid-section 662c is substantially identical to the
radius of
curvature of the first arms 656. One or the other of the first and second
halves of
clamp 662 is welded to plate 664. The other of the first and second halves of
clamp
662 is not welded to plate 664. One end of first arm 656 of the associated
first or
second section 616a, 616b is received in the bore defined by curved mid-
sections
662c clamp 662. Fasteners 666 pass through apertures 668 in upper and lower
sections 662a, 662b and are tightened to clamp the end of first arm 656
therebetween. A handle (not shown in Fig 43 but similar to handle 570) is used
to
rotate fasteners 666 in either of the first and second directions as described
in
reference to fasteners 566 and handles 570.
First arm 616 differs from first arm 516 in that plates 664 of clamping
assemblies 660 link first and second sections 616a, 616b thereof in such a way
that
the sections 616a, 616b may be vertically adjustable in unison with each
other. The
first and second sections 616a and 616b may be connected together in any one
of a
number of ways, one of those possible ways being illustrated in FIG. 43. FIG.
43
shows that a first base plate 664 is detachably engaged with an end of first
section
616a and a second base plate 664 is detachably engaged with an end of second
section 616b. The first and second base plates 664 are located adjacent side
surfaces 542b, 542c of box region 542 on support member 538. First and second
base plates 664 are connected together in any suitable manner. One such manner
is
illustrated in FIG. 43; that way being the use of fasteners 672 which extend
through
aligned apertures 674 in first and second base plates 664 and through first
slot 544.
When connected in this manner, when the first base plate 664 slides up or down
side
surface 542b, then the second base plate 664 will also slide up or down side
surface
542c. A handle 676 is engaged with each fastener 672. When handles 676 are
rotated in a first direction, the associated fasteners 672 are slightly
loosened and first
and second base plates 664 are free to slide, in unison, either upwardly or
downwardly relative to the associated side surface 542b or 542c of box region
542.
As the base plates 664 move upwardly or downwardly along box region 42, the
entire first arm 616 is raised or lowered relative to base members 524, 526.
When
the desired vertical position of first and second sections 616a, 616b is
attained then
handles 676 are rotated in a second direction to lock first and second base
plates
664 in that vertical position.
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A similar clamping arrangement may also be provided on second arm 518 to
enable the entire second arm 518 to be vertically adjusted relative to base
members
524, 526.
It will be understood that other mechanisms may be provided on fitness
station 10 for linking first and second sections of either of the first and
second arms
616, 518 together so that they move vertically as a unit. It will further be
understood
that if either of the first and second arms 616, 518 is comprised of two
separate
sections, such as sections 616a and 616b, then independent rotational motion
"H"
about the horizontal axis "XX" may still be possible.
It will further be understood that one or both of first and second arms 616,
518
may be comprised of a single unitary component instead of two separate
sections
and the unitary first or second arm 616, 518 may be caused to be vertically
adjustable in any other fashion. Depending on the way this unitary first or
second
arm 616, 518 is mounted to support member 538, unitary rotational motion "H"
about
horizontal axis "XX" may also be possible.
Referring to Figs. 44 and 45, fitness station 510 may be provided with a
second embodiment of the fifth arm, generally indicated at 723. Fifth arm 723
is
mounted to support member 538 by way of a mounting bracket 796. Mounting
bracket 796 may be any type of bracket which permits fifth arm 723 to be
selectively
rotated relative to support member 538. For example, bracket 723 may be U-
shaped
with a sleeve 797 provided thereon. Shaft 800, which has cushioning grips 798
at
either end, may be passed through sleeve 797 such that a central region of
shaft 800
is located within sleeve 797. A spring member may be provided on bracket 796
to
urge shaft 800 into a default rest position. In that rest position the fifth
arm 723 may,
for example, be generally horizontally oriented. Bracket 796 may permit fifth
arm 723
to be selectively pivoted into one of a first position P1 (FIG. 45), a second
position
P2 and a third position P3 and then preferably locked into place to prevent
accidental
injury to the user or to others. The possible pivotal motion is indicated by
arrow "K" in
FIG. 45. First position P1 and second position P2 are shown in phantom in FIG.
45
and the third position P3 is shown in solid lines. Second position P2 is where
shaft
800 of fifth arm 723 is generally horizontal and parallel to base members 524,
526
and may be the at rest position. First position P1 is where shaft 800 is
located at an
angle "L" above the horizontal second position P2. Third position P3 is where
shaft
800 is located at an angle "L" below second position P2. Fifth arm 723 may be
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pivoted between first and third positions P1, P3 in some instances or may be
pivoted
only between first and second positions P1, P2 or between second and third
positions P2, P3. Alternatively, fifth arm 723 may be reciprocally movable
between
positions P1, P2, and P3. The range of pivotal motion may be selectable by the
user
in order to perform different types of exercises.
It will be understood that the angle "L" may be a pre-determined angle set by
the manufacturer of fitness station 510 by providing a suitable mounting
bracket 796
that permits this pre-determined range of motion. By way of example only,
angle "L"
may be from about 200 to about 90 relative to the horizontal. Alternatively,
bracket
796 may be of a type which permits the user to select how far down or how far
up he
or she wishes to pivot fifth arm 723. The user may be able to pivot fifth arm
723
downwardly by grasping grips 798 and pushing downwardly thereon. The user may
be able to pivot fifth arm 723 upwardly by grasping grips 798 and pulling the
same
upwardly. This pivotal motion of fifth arm 723 may be utilized to perform
exercises
such as triceps-dips. Fifth arm 723 may be moved through 90 to move the arm
out
of the way during the performance of exercises that do not require this arm.
Fifth arm
723 may also be rotated to collapse it against support member 538 for storage
purposes or if fitness station 510 needs to be moved. (It should be noted that
fourth
arm 522 may also be secured to support member 538 by a bracket that enables
fourth arm 522 to pivot out of the way during the performance of various
exercises or
for storage purposes or if fitness station 510 needs to be moved.)
Fifth arm 723 includes a locking member for securing fifth arm 723 against
pivotal motion when selectively positioned in one or another of the first,
second or
third positions P1, P2, P3. One suitable locking member may be a pin 799 as
shown
in Figs. 44 and 45. Pin 799 may be passed through aligned holes (not shown) in
sleeve 797 and shaft 800 to lock the fifth arm 723 against pivotal motion
(FIG. 44).
When pin 799 is withdrawn from the aligned holes (as shown in FIG. 45), fifth
arm
723 may be pivoted relative to support member 538 in the manner previously
described herein. The locking member may be any other suitable locking
mechanism
that prevents or limits pivotal motion of fifth arm 723.
FIG. 44 also shows a third embodiment of the first arm, generally indicated in
this figure at 716. First arm 716 includes additional attachment members 778
which
may be provided at intervals on one or more of bottom, top, and rear surfaces
of first
arm 716 as well as on the front surface thereof.
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In accordance with another aspect of the invention and as shown in FIG. 4-4,
attachment members 801 may also be provided on upper and/or lower surfaces of
shaft 800 of fifth arm 723. Some type of resistance band (not shown in these
figures)
may be engaged between any selected attachment member 801 on fifth arm 723
and any selected attachment member 778 of first arm 716 to increase the
resistance
to the pivotal motion of fifth arm 723 as indicated by arrow "K". This
increased
resistance may be desirable as a user gets fitter and stronger.
It will be understood that substantially all of the first, third, fourth, and
fifth
attachment members are illustrated herein as being spaced at regular intervals
from
each other along surfaces of the associated base 512, first arm 516/616/716,
second
arm 518, third arm 520, and fifth arm 723. The intervals may be about one foot
apart
on each of these components. However, the spacing intervals of the attachment
members may be different for each of the components upon which they are
provided. Alternatively, differently sized intervals between attachment
members may
be utilized along the length of any one or more of the components upon which
the
attachment members are provided. The specific placement of the various
attachment
members may therefore be other than illustrated herein and be determined in
accordance with the types of exercise that will be able to be performed on
fitness
station 510.
It should further be noted that while the various attachment members 536,
552, 578 580, 582 are illustrated as being provided on only one surface of the
associated arms, these attachment members may be provided on more than one
surface of any one or more of the arms, such as is illustrated with respect to
arm 716
(having attachment members 778) and arm 723 (having attachment members 801).
For example, third attachment members 578 may be provided on a top surface, a
bottom surface and a rear surface of first arm 516 in addition to the
illustrated
placement on the front surface thereof.
Additionally, the angles at which any of the attachment members 536, 552,
578, 580, 582, 778, 801 are provided on any particular arm may be other that
what
has been illustrated herein. Still further, not all the angles of the
attachment
members on a single arm need be of the same orientation relative to the
surface of
the arm or relative to each other. Some attachment members may be installed at
right angles to the surface on which they are mounted or they may be at an
angle
other than ninety degrees thereto. Furthermore, not all the attachment members
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need to be aligned along the same plane or in the same orientation relative to
each
other on a single component. For example, on the first arm 516 attachment
members
578 are all illustrated as being horizontally oriented. At least some of those
attachment members 578 could be turned through ninety degrees relative to the
surface on which they are mounted and could be vertically oriented or they may
be
mounted at angles other than ninety degrees.
Still further, it will be understood that attachment members may be provided
on support member 538 and may further be provided on any surface on support
member 538.
Fitness station 510 is used by securing one or more resistance assemblies
with any one or more selected attachment members in order to perform a
particular
type of exercise with the resistance assembly. The attachment members and
fitness
station 510 acts as an anchor for these resistance assemblies. The types of
exercises that may be performed using fitness station 510 have been more fully
discussed in the parent application Serial No. 13/836,359, the entire
specification of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
Referring now to Fig. 46, resistance band assembly 30 is shown selectively
engaged with one of the first attachment members 578 on first arm 516 of
fitness
station 510 (Fig. 37). In particular, second attachment assembly 35 is shown
selectively engaged with first attachment member 578. A workout accessory 400
is
shown engaged with first attachment assembly 33.
Thus, referring to Fig. 46, there is disclosed in combination a fitness
station
510 and assembly 30. Fitness station includes a base 512; a support 514
extending
upwardly from base 512; a first arm 516 extending outwardly from support 514 a
distance vertically above base 512; and a plurality of attachment members 578
provided on one or more of base 512, support 514 or first ami 516. Assembly 30
is
selectively engageable with one of attachment members 578 and is operable to
apply a resistive force during a performance of an exercise. Assembly 30
includes a
housing that is at least partially rigid and a first resilient member 44
within the
housing for providing the resistive force. The rigid part of the housing may
be base
member 78 and the first resilient member 44 is located within base member 78.
The
housing or at least base member 78 tends to maintain its shape during
engagement
of resistance band assembly 30 with the one of attachment members 578 on
fitness
station 510 and during the performance of the exercise. Base member 78 is
secured
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to fitness station 510 by inserting first hook 56 or second hook 58 through an
aperture 578a defined by the C-shaped ring of attachment member 578 and the
surface upon which that ring is mounted. When the terminal end of one of the
first or
second hooks is inserted through aperture 578a, resistance band assembly 30 is
twisted about its longitudinal axis 45 to engage the other of the hooks 56, 58
and
thereby lock resistance band assembly 30 to the attachment member 578.
During use, a workout accessory such as handle 400 is selectively engaged
with first attachment assembly 33. A pulling motion applied to workout
accessory 400
causes first attachment assembly 33 to move away from first end 80 of base
member 78 and this stretches first resilient member 44 from a first length to
a second
length and provides the resistive force to the pulling motion. If assembly 30
is
selectively adjusted to engage the second or third disc 38, 40 therein so that
more
than one resilient member 44 is operatively engaged with first attachment
assembly
33, then applying a pulling motion to first attachment assembly 33 will cause
the
additional resilient members 44 to be stretched from a first length to a
second length
and thereby increase the resistive force to the pulling motion.
It will be understood that engaging an collar 172 on base member 78 changes
the resistive force applied by assembly 30. So, for example if collar 172 is
operatively engaged with only a first resilient member 44, assembly 30 will
provide a
first resistive force to the pulling motion; if a second resilient member 44
is
operatively engaged therewith, assembly 30 will provide a second resistive
force to
the pulling motion on first attachment assembly 33.
A method of performing a resistance exercise includes the steps of providing
a fitness station 510 (Fig. 37) having a base 512, a support 514 extending
upwardly
from base 512; a first arm 516 extending outwardly from support 514, and a
plurality
of attachment members engaged with one of first arm 516, base 512 or support
514.
Fig. 46 shows assembly 30 engaged with first attachment member 578 on first
arm
516. The method further includes the step of providing resistance band
assembly 30
comprising a base member 78 that is at least partially rigid and a first
resilient
member 44 (not shown in the Figure but shown in Figs. 18 and 19) within the
interior
of base member 78 for providing the resistive force during the performance of
an
exercise. Base member 78 may be rigid along its entire length from first end
80 to
second end 82 thereof or only portion of base member 78 may be rigid. That
portion
is sufficiently rigid enough to enable a user to engage assembly 30 with
fitness
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station while supporting base member 78 in a single hand and such that
assembly
30 does not become limp and flop over during this engagement. The method
further
includes the step of attaching assembly 30 to one of attachment members (such
as
578) on fitness station 510; applying a pulling motion on assembly 30 during
the
performance of an exercise therewith; and generating a resistive force within
assembly 30 in response to the applied pulling motion. The pulling motion as
illustrated in Fig. 46 would include moving workout accessory 400 in a first
direction
away from first arm 516, i.e., generally along the longitudinal axis 45 (Fig.
38) of
assembly 30. The generated resistive force will occur in a second direction
opposite
the first direction. The reciprocal pulling motion and resultant resistive
force is
illustrated by the arrow "M" in Fig. 46.
The step of attaching assembly 30 to fitness station 510 includes holding an
exterior surface 78a (Figs. 1 and 2B) of base member 78 of assembly 30 and
introducing a terminal end of J-shaped hook 56 or 58 on one end 82 of base
member
78 into an aperture 578a defined by one of the attachment members 578 on
fitness
station 510; and engaging hook 56 or 58 with attachment member 578. The step
further includes twisting base member 78 to engage the other hook 56 or 58.
The
step of holding exterior surface 78a of base member 78 includes holding base
member 78 in one hand.
The step of attaching assembly 30 to fitness station 510 may alternatively
include inserting attachment member 578 on fitness station 510 between two
laterally spaced-apart hooks 56 and 56 on one end 82 of base member 78. A
terminal end 308 or 310 of one of hooks 56, 58, respectively, is inserted
through
aperture 578a defined between the C-shaped ring of attachment assembly 578 and
a surface 517 of fitness station 510 to which attachment assembly 35 is
mounted. .
Base member 78 is then rotated to engage the terminal end 308 or 310 of the
other
hook 56, 58 with the C-shaped ring and thereby secure assembly 30 to fitness
station 510 by way of both hooks 56, 58.
Once assembly 30 is so engaged, the user may use fitness station 510 and
assembly 30 to perform an exercise. This may include a step of applying a
pulling
motion "M" in a first direction to assembly 30 and this motion includes moving
first
attachment assembly 33 on a first end 80 of base member 78 away from the first
end
80 of base member 78. The step of applying a pulling motion "M" further
includes
engaging workout accessory 400 with first attachment assembly 33 and then
moving
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first attachment assembly 33 by pulling on the workout accessory 400. The
pulling
motion on the workout accessory 400 preferably occurs in a direction along the
longitudinal axis 45 of assembly 30.
This motion in a first direction generates a resistive force inasmuch as the
pulling motion causes first resilient member 44 within bore 84 of base member
78 to
be stretched from a first length to a second length. If a second resilient
member 44
or additional resilient members are provided within bore 84 and extend
generally
between first attachment assembly 33 and second attachment assembly 34, the
second resilient member or additional resilient member may also be stretched
from a
first length thereof to a second length by moving first attachment assembly 33
away
from first end 80 of base member 78. The more resilient members stretched in
response to movement of first attachment assembly 33, the greater the
resistive
force applied by assembly 30.
The method may further include activating an adjustment selector 88/172
provided on base member 78 prior to stretching a second set of resilient
members
44. The activating of the collar 172 has been previously described herein. The
activating of collar 172 includes rotating a collar 172 at first end 80 of
base member
78 to align a marking 177 on collar 172 with a marking 100 on base member 78.
The
step of rotating collar 172 includes rotating collar 172 to a first position
(where
marking 177 aligns with the marking 100 of a first chevron) to stretch the
first resilient
member only; rotating collar 172 to a second position (where marking 177
aligns with
the marking 100 of a second chevron) to stretch the first and the second set
of
resilient members only; and rotating collar 172 to a third position (where
marking 177
aligns with the marking 100 of a third chevron) to stretch the first resilient
member,
second set of resilient members and the additional set of resilient members.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,
clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied
therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used
for
descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration set out herein are an example and
the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
