Dual Straps Suspension Training System

Abstract

A device for adjustably suspending a pair of gymnastic rings or handles is described. The device has a power spring to automatically retract a pair of straps attached to the rings onto a spool. There is a lock mechanism that holds the pair of straps and rings in place at a desired height. A release cord is attached to the lock mechanism to allow for the release of the lock mechanism from below. A strap retrieval cord may optionally be attached to a strap to allow retrieval of the pair of straps from below.

Claims

1. A system for vertically suspending two hand grasped devices from an elevated structure and allowing for variations in a common height of the two hand grasped devices, the two hand grasped devices including exercise rings, the system comprising: a device frame having an upper end defining a point of attachment for fixed suspension from the elevated structure; a spool having a rotation axle, the spool axially supported on the device frame at a position between the upper end and the lower end of the device frame; a coil power spring fixed to the device frame, the coil power spring axially coupled to the spool; a pair of straps wound onto the spool, the pair of straps extending from the spool towards the lower end of the device frame and extending from the frame to points of attachment on the two hand grasped devices; and a lock mechanism supported by and positioned on a portion of the device frame, the lock mechanism alternately fixing and releasing the pair of straps to be wound on the spool or unwound from the spool; wherein release of the lock mechanism allows the pair of straps to be drawn out from the spool or alternately retracted back onto the spool, wherein setting the lock mechanism prevents the pair of straps from movement therethrough in at least a downward direction, and wherein the coil power spring serves to preference the retraction of the straps back onto the spool after being drawn out from the spool when the lock mechanism is released.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the lock mechanism comprises a pivoting cam device that contacts the pair of straps.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a lock mechanism pull cord attached at an upper end to the lock mechanism and lose at a lower end to be grasped and pulled by the user to release the lock mechanism.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the lock mechanism is preferenced to return to a set condition when a downward force on the pull cord is relieved.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the lock mechanism acts by making direct frictional contact with the pair of straps.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the lock mechanism acts by making direct contact with the spool to interrupt free rotation of the spool.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the lock mechanism acts by making direct contact with the rotation axel to interrupt free rotation of the axel.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the coil power spring is coaxial with the spool and is positioned adjacent to the spool on the device frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a profile view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown with a number of optional control cords, the device shown in a generally retracted condition prior to being extended for use.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 with the reel component of the present invention exposed for clarity, the device again shown in a generally retracted condition prior to being extended for use.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the reel components of the present invention showing the manner in which the dual straps are wound together on the reel and the rewind spring positioned next to and coaxial with the dual strap reel.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a detailed cutaway view of one preferred embodiment of the dual strap locking mechanism of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Reference is made first to FIG. 1 for a description of the basic components of the system of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a profile view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown with a number of control cords, the device shown in a generally retracted condition prior to being extended for use. Strap suspension device 10 is generally comprised of reel frame and enclosure 12 and power retraction spring and enclosure 14. Reel frame and enclosure 12 is coaxial with and supports power retraction spring and enclosure 14 having a common reel and spring axel 16. The manner in which these two components interact with each other is shown in more detail below in FIG. 3.

[0019] Reel frame and enclosure 12 is suspended from hook hanger 18 on hanger pivot 20. Hook hanger 18 may be structured as a wide curved plate or as a curved rod. Hanger 18 is used to hook over and hang from a ceiling joist, a pull up bar, or any other elevated horizontal structure to support the device of the present invention. The hanger is preferably secured to an immobile structure although in some situations it may be suspended from a free-swinging rope, chain, or other vertical line.

[0020] Reel frame and enclosure 12 is a generally circular structure with a lower extension that houses the locking mechanism of the device. In FIG. 1, lock mechanism lever 22 and lock mechanism pivot 24 can be seen. The internal structure of one embodiment of the locking mechanism of the present invention is shown in detail below in FIG. 4. Extending from this lower portion of reel frame and enclosure 12 are first strap 26a and second strap 26b. Although these straps 26a & 26b are reeled onto the single retraction reel together, they are not otherwise attached to each other along their entire length. This allows the two handles 28a & 28b to be drawn apart as far as may be required for use. The only limitation on the separation of the two handles 28a & 28b, and the two straps 26a & 26b, is the length or distance they are extended from the device 10.

[0021] The locking mechanism of the present invention is designed to restrict movement (up or down) when the lock mechanism is engaged. When in use (i.e., when a downward force is exerted on the straps 26a & 26b) the cam structure of the locking mechanism prevents further extraction of the straps from the device. When not in use (i.e., when there is only the moderate upward force of the retraction spring on the straps) the residual pressure within the closed locking mechanism is sufficient to resist the retraction force of the retraction spring until the user releases the lock mechanism. These structures and functions are described in more detail below.

[0022] The user controls the lock mechanism by pulling on release cord pull 32 at the lower end of lock mechanism release cord 30. The upper end of release cord 30 is attached to the end of lock mechanism lever 22 and serves to rotate lever 22 around lock mechanism pivot 24 to remove pressure on the straps 26a & 26b. Again, this functionality is described in detail below in FIG. 4.

[0023] The user of the device of the present invention may begin by releasing the lock mechanism as described above, and then simply grasping the handles 28a & 28b to pull them down to the desired height. The lock mechanism is then released (set in place) which prevents further extraction of the straps from the device. Optionally, there may be a strap pull cord 39 positioned on one of the straps 26a (in this example) that the user may use to pull the handles and straps down within reach in the event they are initially positioned out of reach. Other means for retrieving the handles (or rings) are envisioned such as having a pole with a hook on the end to retrieve the handles or rings.

[0024] Reference is next made to FIG. 2 for a description of the same device of the present invention arranged with rings instead of the handles shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, with the reel component exposed for clarity, the device again shown in a generally retracted condition prior to being extended for use. Strap suspension device 10 is again shown to be comprised of reel frame and enclosure 12 and power retraction spring and enclosure 14. In the view of FIG. 2 it can be seen how reel frame and enclosure 12 is coaxial and connected with power retraction spring and enclosure 14, again having a common axel 16.

[0025] Reel frame and enclosure 12 is pivotally attached on hanger pivot 20 to hook hanger 18. In the example shown in FIG. 2, hook hanger 18 is structured as a wide curved plate suitable to be hooked over and hung from a pull up bar or the like. Once again, the hanger is preferably secured to an immobile structure although in some situations it may be suspended from a free-swinging bar or other horizontal rod or pipe.

[0026] Reel frame and enclosure 12 is a generally circular structure with a lower extension that houses the locking mechanism of the device. FIG. 2 shows the internal components of reel frame and enclosure 12 rotatably positioned between parallel back and front plates that support reel and spring axel 16. In FIG. 2, lock mechanism lever 22 and lock mechanism pivot 24 can be more clearly seen as well as the manner in which the lock mechanism contacts straps 36a & 36b. Once again, the internal structure of one embodiment of the locking mechanism of the present invention is shown in greater detail below in FIG. 4. Reel and spring axel 16 extends from one wall of the enclosure 12, through strap reel spool 17, through the second wall of enclosure 12, through retraction spring 19, and finally through the outer wall of spring enclosure 14. Axel 16 rotates freely through each enclosure wall (preferably with one or more bearings or slip rings) and is rotationally fixed to the center of strap reel spool 17 and retraction spring 19 to connect the two and to function in the manner shown in FIG. 3.

[0027] Extending from the lower portion of reel frame and enclosure 12 are first strap 36a and second strap 36b. These straps 36a & 36b are distinct from those shown in FIG. 1 only to the extent they terminate with rings 38a & 38b instead of handles. Once again, the user controls the lock mechanism by pulling on release cord pull 32 at the lower end of lock mechanism release cord 30. The upper end of release cord 30 is attached to the end of lock mechanism lever 22 and serves to rotate lever 22 around lock mechanism pivot 24 to remove pressure on the straps 36a & 36b. This functionality is described in greater detail below in connection with FIG. 4. Optionally, there may be a strap pull cord 39 positioned on one of the straps 36a (in this example) that the user may use to pull the rings and straps down within reach in the event they are initially positioned out of reach.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the reel components of the present invention showing the manner in which the dual straps are wound together on the reel and the rewind spring positioned next to and coaxial with the dual strap reel. In this schematic profile view the strap reel is shown apart from the retraction spring to show the manner in which extraction of the straps 26a & 26b from the reel (rotation direction “A”) rotates the reel and spring axel 16 to tighten (rotation direction “B”) the retraction spring 19. As long as the lock mechanism is set, the straps remain extracted (unwound) from the reel spool. When the lock mechanism is released by the user, the retraction spring rotates the reel spool in the opposite direction thereby reeling up the dual straps back into the enclosure.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a detailed cutaway view of one preferred embodiment of the dual strap locking mechanism of the present invention. In this view, the lower portion of reel frame and enclosure 12 is shown to define a channel through which the dual straps pass together. Once out from enclosure 12, straps 26a & 26b may separate as shown. Straps 26a & 26b are loosely held between a fixed block and cam lock pressure block 23 as they exit enclosure 12. Cam lock pressure block 23 is positioned to channel the straps out of the enclosure and to oppose the force of cam lock 23 that is movably positioned on the opposite side of straps 26a & 26b. In the lock mechanism example shown in FIG. 4, a cam lock 23 pivots around lock mechanism pivot 24 as moved by the movement of lock mechanism lever 22 when the user pulls on lock mechanism release cord 30.

[0030] It should be noted that the lock mechanism shown in FIG. 4 is but one example of the manner in which the straps on the reel spool may be immobilized or released. Other mechanisms, controlled by the user with the lock mechanism release cord 30, may be fixed within the reel frame and enclosure 12 to achieve the same manner of control. Mechanisms that act to contact the reel spool (for example), as opposed to directly on the straps, could be set or released by the user with the lock mechanism release cord 30. Any mechanism connected to the pull cord on one end, and preferenced (as by a spring or weight) to move in the opposite direction when no downward pull on the cord is made, can interact with the straps, the reel, or even the axel, to alternately lock or free the straps to raise or lower.

[0031] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with a number of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications to these embodiments that still fall within the scope of the present invention. Various lock mechanisms are anticipated as are various means for releasing the lock mechanism. Various sizes and types of straps are anticipated as are different types of handles and rings. Depending on the structure of the lock mechanism being used, various surfaces that define the channel for the straps to exit the device enclosure will preferably have higher friction properties to facilitate securing the straps. The straps may have an overall length of a few feet to as much as twenty feet. The size of the device enclosure is, of course, partly defined by the thickness of the straps and their length (which together define the diameter of the reel). The retraction spring should be sufficiently strong to fully retract the straps after full extension, but not so strong as to overcome the frictional set force when the lock mechanism is set.

[0032] One advantage of structuring the lock mechanism to act directly on the straps is the increase in holding force with the increase in weight placed on the handles or rings. The upward pull of the retraction spring is generally sufficient to assist with the release of the straps from the locked condition once the lock mechanism is released by the user. Lock mechanisms that act on the reel and/or the axel may likewise incorporate structures whereby the retraction spring force assists with the release of the lock mechanism when the release cord is pulled. Such lock mechanisms associated with the reel and/or axel may include sprocket elements with a tooth that engages the sprocket to stop it and the connected reel/axel from spinning. Such a device could also include a flat disc fixed with the reel/axel with holes around the perimeter and a moveable shaft attached to a button that engages the disc to stop the motion. None of these modifications or variations in structure are seen to depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.