Continuous rope pulling exercise apparatus

• US 8,025,608 B2
• Filed: 08/13/2008
• Issued: 09/27/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Marius Popescu
• Original Assignee: Marius Popescu
• Inventors: Popescu, Marius
• Primary Examiner(s): Thanh; Loan
• Assistant Examiner(s): HWANG, VICTOR KENNY
• Application Number:
  US12/191,194
• Publication Number:
  US 20100041520A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,140 Days
• Field of Search: 482/23, 482/34, 482/37, 482/44, 482/49, 482/51, 482/115, 482118-120, 482/111, 482/114, 182/239
• US Class Current: 482/37
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0638 Displaying moving images of recorded environment, e.g. virtual environment
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00069 Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0051 using eddy currents induced in moved elements, e.g. by permanent magnets
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0058 using motors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/008 using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/012 using frictional force-resisters electromagnetically-controlled brakes A63B21/0056
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/015 including rotating or oscillating elements rubbing against fixed elements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/156 the position of the pulleys being variable, e.g. for different exercises
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/225 with flywheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4043 Free movement, i.e. the only restriction coming from the resistance A63B21/00043, A63B21/072 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/093 Height
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03525 Supports for both feet or both hands performing simultaneously the same movement, e.g. single pedal or single handle A63B21/0724 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/12 for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles bench press exercises A63B21/078; for teaching music G09B15/06
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1209 Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 7/045 Using endless ropes

Abstract

A unique rope-pulling exercise apparatus that includes a support structure, a continuous rope, and a means for applying resistance to the force applied on the rope by the user, as the rope is pulled in either direction.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus for permitting a user to exercise by pulling on a continuous rope comprising:

a. a frame, said frame comprising;

i. main chassis where rope control mechanisms are attached;

ii. a platform that remains positioned beneath the user during use; and

iii. a boom member, said boom member forming a lower end and an upper end; and

iv. a boom pulley located along the boom;

b. a length of rope, wherein said rope forms a loop;

c. a plurality of pulleys, wherein each of said plurality of pulleys, and said boom pulley, are configured to rotate while in contact with said rope during use;

d. a braking mechanism that applies resistance to the rope as the rope is pulled by the user; and

e. a governor that controls the braking mechanism during use, said governor comprising;

i. a governor tube, wherein the governor tube spins during use, and wherein changes in the pulling force applied by the user cause acceleration or deceleration of the spinning governor tube;

ii. a main hub connected to the governor tube, wherein the main hub spins during use;

iii. a plurality of mounting brackets, each connected to the governor tube, said mounting brackets comprising an upper end and a lower end;

iv. one or more weights, wherein each weight is connected to the upper end of the mounting brackets;

v. wherein the weights are allowed to rotate about an axis, said axis separating the upper end and the lower end of the mounting bracket;

vi. wherein the weights are subjected to centrifugal force caused by the acceleration or deceleration of the spinning main hub during use;

vii. wherein acceleration of the main hub causes the weights to rotate the mounting bracket about its axis; and

viii. wherein the rotation of the mounting bracket about its axis activates the braking mechanism.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a carriage member, said carriage member comprising a pulley.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein said carriage member is capable of being adjustably locatable along the length of the boom member.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said braking mechanism comprises:

a. a viscous brake mechanism;

b. a wind mill brake mechanism;

c. a magnetic brake mechanism;

d. a fluid mill brake mechanism;

e. a drum and pad/s brake mechanism;

or

f. a drum and strap brake mechanism.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the braking mechanism is amplified through the use one or more of the following:

a. sprockets with chains;

b. gears;

c. timing belts;

d. pulleys;

e. belts;

or

f. sheaves.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, comprising:

a. wherein the governor is located within a drum, said drum comprising an inside surface and an outside surface, wherein the drum and the governor are allowed to spin at the same speed during use; and

b. a belt, wherein said belt;

i. tightens through the action of the governor during use, and

ii. creates friction with the outside surface of the drum when the belt is tightened through the action of the governor during use.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

a. the governor is located on a first disk, said first disk and governor capable of spinning at the same speed during use; and

b. a second disk is fixed in a position, wherein the second disk and first disk are pressed together by the governor creating friction; and

c. a buffer pad is located between the first and second disks, and rigidly mounted to the first disk.

8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the governor is adjustable through the use of a shift handle capable of exerting a force on a tension rod, wherein the tension rod is located within the governor.

9. The exercise apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a spring connected to the tension rod, wherein the spring is capable of exerting a force on the tension rod.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of rollers, said rollers positioned around the rope to manage the rope during use.

11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a rope tensioning bracket that is capable of adjusting the tension in the rope.

12. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a roller functionally connected to the rope tensioning bracket, wherein the tension in the rope is capable of adjustment through manipulating the location of the rope tensioning bracket.

13. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is motorless.

14. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of rope rollers capable of guiding the rope, where at least one of the rollers further comprises a rope-gripping roller.

15. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more of the following:

e. a rope-gripping roller that is attached to a plurality of gears;

f. a rope-gripping roller that is attached to a plurality of pulleys;

g. a rope-gripping roller that is attached to a plurality of sprockets; and

h. a rope-gripping roller that is attached to a sprocket, that is then linked to a governor and a brake mechanism by a plurality of gears and belts.

16. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the length of rope comprises two ends capable of linking together to form an endless loop, and further comprising chain links capable of attaching together at the junction of the two ends of the rope.

17. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the length of rope comprises two ends capable of linking together to form an endless loop, and where each end is fused together.

18. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electronic display attached to the frame that displays information to the user.

19. An exercise apparatus for permitting a user to exercise by pulling on a continuous rope comprising:

a. a frame, said frame comprising;

i. main chassis where rope control mechanisms are attached;

ii. a platform that remains positioned beneath the user during use; and

iii. a boom member, said boom member forming a lower end and an upper end; and

iv. a carriage member, said carriage member being adjustably located along the length of the boom member, to selectively adjust the angle of pulling of a rope by a user between vertical and horizontal, and comprising a pulley, said pulley being located along the boom;

b. a length of rope, wherein said rope is capable of forming a loop;

c. a plurality of pulleys, wherein each of said plurality of pulleys are configured to rotate while in contact with said rope during use; and

d. one of the following brake mechanisms;

i. a wind mill brake mechanism;

ii. a magnetic brake mechanism;

iii. a fluid mill brake mechanism;

iv. a drum and pad/s brake mechanism;

v. a drum and strap mechanism;

vi. a viscous brake mechanism;

or

vii. an electric motor.

20. The exercise apparatus of claim 19, wherein the brake mechanism is amplified through the use one or more of the following:

a. sprockets with chains;

b. gears;

c. timing belts;

d. pulleys;

e. belts; and

/or

f. sheaves.

21. An exercise apparatus for permitting a user to exercise by pulling on a continuous rope comprising:

a. a frame, said frame comprising;

i. main chassis where rope control mechanisms are attached;

ii. a platform that remains positioned beneath the user during use; and

iii. a boom member, said boom member forming a lower end and an upper end;

iv. a length of rope, wherein said rope is capable of forming a loop; and

v. a carriage member, adjustably located along the length of the boom member to selectively adjust the angle of said rope between vertical and horizontal for pulling engagement by the user;

b. a plurality of pulleys, wherein each of said plurality of pulleys are configured to rotate while in contact with said rope during use; and

c. one of the following brake mechanisms;

i. a wind mill brake mechanism;

ii. a magnetic brake mechanism;

iii. a fluid mill brake mechanism;

iv. a drum and pad/s brake mechanism;

v. a drum and strap mechanism;

or

vi. a viscous brake mechanism.

22. An exercise apparatus for permitting a user to exercise by pulling on a continuous rope comprising:

a. a frame, said frame comprising;

i. main chassis where rope control mechanisms are attached;

ii. a platform that remains positioned beneath the user during use; and

iii. a boom member, said boom member forming a lower end and an upper end; and

iv. a carriage member, said carriage member being adjustably located along the length of the boom member and comprising a boom pulley, said boom pulley being located along the boom;

b. a length of rope, wherein said rope is capable of forming a loop;

c. a plurality of pulleys, wherein each of said plurality of pulleys, and said boom pulley, are configured to rotate while in contact with said rope during use; and

d. a governor that controls a braking mechanism during use, said governor comprising;

i. a governor tube, wherein the governor tube spins during use, and wherein changes in the pulling force applied by the user cause acceleration or deceleration of the spinning governor tube;

ii. a main hub connected to the governor tube, wherein the main hub spins during use;

iii. a plurality of mounting brackets, each connected to the main hub, said mounting brackets comprising an upper end and a lower end;

iv. one or more weights, wherein each weight is connected to the upper end of the mounting brackets;

v. wherein the weights are allowed to rotate about an axis, said axis separating the upper end and the lower end of the mounting bracket;

vi. wherein the weights are subjected to centrifugal force caused by the acceleration or deceleration of the spinning main hub during use;

vii. wherein acceleration of the main hub causes the weights to rotate the mounting bracket about its axis;

viii. wherein the rotation of the mounting bracket about its axis activates the braking mechanism; and

e. one of the following brake mechanisms;

i. a wind mill brake mechanism;

ii. a magnetic brake mechanism;

iii. a fluid mill brake mechanism;

iv. a drum and pad/s brake mechanism;

v. a viscous brake mechanism;

or

vi. a drum and strap mechanism.