US 2004/0142799 A1Application

Muscular training apparatus

Publication Date:2004-07-22

•7 Claims

•7 Drawing Sheets

Abstract

There is provided a muscular training apparatus that can be utilized without any limitation of a place, in which wires accumulating an elastic energy are repeatedly withdrawn and released, in order to train muscles of the human body. The muscular training apparatus includes a lengthy base (100), a fixed frame (300) fixed on the central portion of the base (100), a pair of wire reels (110, 210) rotatively coupled to one side of the fixed frame (300), wires (150, 250) each one end of which is fixed to each wire reel (110, 210) and each other end of which is wound around each wire reel (110, 210), spiral springs (120, 220) were as each one of which is fixed to each wire reel (110, 210) and were as the other end of which is fixed to the fixed frame (300), and grips (160, 260) connected to the other end of each wire (150, 250). Accordingly, the muscular training apparatus allows a user to have his or her feet supported on the base and repeatedly withdraw and release the wires, to thus enable a specific portion of the body to be trained. The muscular training apparatus is easy to carry and does not need an additional fixing unit. Thus, the muscular training apparatus can be conveniently used without any limitation of a training place. Also, the muscular training apparatus is simpler than the conventional training apparatus, to accordingly enable lightness and inexpensive production.

Metadata

Inventors

In Yeo
Hwa Go

Application Information

Application Number:US 10/454,181

Filing Date:2003-06-03

Priority Date:2003-01-22

Patent Drawings (7 sheets)

Description

Background of the Invention

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a muscular training apparatus for the purpose of contracting and releasing muscles in each portion of the human body including a stretching motion involving various positions.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] With a stationary piece of work out equipment it has a iron bar, a parallel bar, etc, and is used in the general use as a muscular training apparatus and is not portable but must always be in a fixed stationary position and is inconvenient for user's to use.

[0005] FIG. 1 shows a muscular training apparatus using combination of lockable and unlockable wires Disclosed in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0250269.

[0006] In the stationary muscular training device a dedicated support brace is bracketed to either the wall or ceiling or attached to a dedicated support table and traction cables 4 are suspended so that weights 42 may be pulled through rollers 5 at portions extended toward both sides of the body 1 of the device, with the above combination muscular contraction and release can be performed by pulling the traction strips 4 or use of grips 41 combined with the respective ends of the traction strips 4 to desired positions.

[0007] However, since the muscular training apparatus requires that the device is stationary as to limit use and placement of the apparatus. Which makes its use stationary because it cannot be moved at all.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] To solve the above problems, the objective of this invention is to provide a muscular training apparatus that will allow the user to train muscles conveniently without the restrictions of a stationary apparatus.

[0009] It is also the objective of the present invention to provide a portable device that is capable of allowing the user the convenience of training muscles in a variety of standing or sitting positions.

[0010] In accomplishing this the above objective listed herein the present invention will provide a muscular training apparatus comprising; a lengthy base; a fixed frame placed on the central portion of the base; at least one wire reel rotatively coupled to one side of the fixed frame in which an annular winding groove and an accommodating portion having an internal space are formed; a wire or wires each at one end of which will be fixed to one side of the apparatus and will be secured by being wound around the annular grow of at least one wire reel; a spiral spring each placed on one end of which will be fixed to the accommodating portion of the device and with the use of a singular or set of grips that are attached and connected to the of the wires attached to the wires connected to the spiral spring and reels enclosed inside the apparatus.

[0011] The muscular training apparatus according to the present invention shall further comprises a speed reducer for reducing the rotational speed of the wire reel when the wire is released from the wire reel.

[0012] The speed reducer composes a frictional reel positioned in the other side of the fixed frame and with a combined rotatively wire reel on the same axis as that of the wire reel a frictional band frictionally contacting the outer circumferential surface of the frictional reel, and a tension adjustment unit for adjusting the tension of the frictional band.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] The above and other and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing the preferred embodiment thereof in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a conventional training apparatus;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a training apparatus according to the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a training apparatus according to the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the rear side of FIG. 3;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the FIG. 3 training apparatus where essential components are combined; and

[0019] FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining operations of a one-direction clutch bearing employed in the present invention, respectively.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0020] A muscular training apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] The muscular training apparatus can be utilized without any limitation of a place, in which wires accumulating an elastic energy are repeatedly withdrawn and released, in order to train muscles of a certain portion groups of a human body.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 5, the muscular training apparatus includes a lengthy base 100, a fixed frame 300 fixed on the central portion of the base 100, a pair of wire reels 110 and 210 rotatively coupled to one side of the fixed frame 300, wires 150 and 250 each one end of which is fixed to each wire reel 110 or 210 and each other of which is wound around each wire reel 110 or 210, spiral springs 120 and 220 each one of which is fixed to each wire reel 110 or 210 and each other end of which is fixed to the fixed frame 300, and grips 160 and 260 connected to the one end of each wire 150 or 250.

[0023] An annular winding groove 111 or 211 around which the wire 150 or 250 is accommodated, and an accommodating portion 112 or 212 in which the spiral spring 120 or 220, are formed in each wire reel 110 or 210. On end of the wire 150 or 250 is fixedly wound around the central portion of the winding groove 111 or 211 several turns, so that the wire can be released together with rotation of the wire reel 110 or 210.

[0024] Also, the inner end of the spiral spring 120 or 220 is fixedly combined with a fixing piece 303 or 304 in the fixing frame 300, respectively. The outer end of the spiral spring 120 or 220 is fixed to the edge of the accommodation portion 112 or 212 in each wire reel 110 or 210, respectively. Thus, the wire reel 110 or 210 rotates in one direction when the wire 150 or 250 is released from the wire reel 110 or 210. In this case, the spiral spring 120 or 220 is contracted to accumulate an elastic energy therein. Then, when the wire reel 110 or 210 rotates in the other direction by the accumulated elastic energy, the release wire 150 or 250 is wound around the winding groove 111 or 211.

[0025] Also, in the muscular training apparatus according to the present invention, a rotational block 140 or 240 is rotatably combined with the fixed frame 300, in which the wire 150 or 250 released from the wire reel 110 or 210 passes through the rotational block 140 or 240, and a guide roller 141 or 241 is rotatably combined with the rotational block 140 or 240, for guiding the wire 150 or 250. The rotational block 140 or 240 and the guide roller 141 or 241 rotate according to a releasing direction of the wire 150 or 250, to thereby minimize a friction at the time of releasing and winding the wire 150 or 250.

[0026] Meanwhile, the muscular training apparatus according to the present invention further includes a speed reducer for reducing a rotational speed of the wire reel 110 or 210 when the wire 150 or 250 is released from the wire reel 110 or 210.

[0027] The speed reducer includes a frictional reel 170 or 270 positioned in the other side of the fixed frame 300, and rotatably combined with the wire reel 110 or 210 on the same axis as that of the wire reel 110 or 210, a frictional band 400 frictionally contacting the outer circumferential surface of the frictional reel 170 or 270, and a tension adjustment unit for adjusting the tension of the frictional band 400.

[0028] The speed reducer allows a user to perform a stronger muscular training exercise since the frictional reel 170 or 270 rotating together with the wire reel 110 or 210 when the wire 150 or 250 is released from the wire reel 110 or 210 undergoes a rotational resistance due to the frictional band 400.

[0029] The tension adjustment unit comprises an adjustment knob 310 combined with the fixed frame 300 so as to idly rotate in which a screw portion 311 is formed, and a movable block 320 screw-engaged with the adjustment knob 310, connected to the frictional band 400, and ascending and descending together with the frictional band 400 according to rotation of the adjustment knob 310. As a result, the tension adjustment unit makes a frictional resistance with respect to the frictional reel 170 or 270 vary according to the ascending and descending of the frictional band 400.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the wire reel 110 or 210 and the frictional reel 170 or 270 are coaxially combined with the shaft 101 or 201, respectively, so that the former rotates together with the latter. Reference numerals 130 and 230 are closing plates combined with the accommodation portions 112 and 212 in the wire reels 110 and 210, respectively. Reference numerals 102 and 202 are fixing pins for fixing the shafts 101 and 201 to the wire reels 110 and 210, respectively.

[0031] Also, in the muscular training apparatus according to the present invention, a one-direction clutch bearing 351 or 352 is combined with the shaft 101 or 201 of the frictional reel 170 or 270, so that the frictional reel 170 or 270 rotates when the wire 150 or 250 is withdrawn and released from the wire reel 110 or 210, and the frictional reel 170 or 270 does not rotate when the released wire 150 or 250 is wound at the time of restoring and rotating the wire reel 110 or 210 according to the restoring of the spiral spring 120 or 210.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, an inclined groove 3541a or 352a is formed in the one-direction clutch bearing 351 or 352, and a ball or roller 351b or 352b is accommodated in the inclined groove 351a or 352a, so as to make a rolling-friction with the shaft 101 or 201, respectively.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 6A, when the shaft 101 or 201 rotating together with the wire reel 110 or 210 rotates clockwise, that is, when the released wire 150 or 250 is wound by the restoring of the spiral spring 120 or 220 which has stored an elastic energy, the roller 351b or 352b is positioned in the wider portion of the inclined groove 351a or 352a, and thus the frictional reel 170 or 270 pressingly installed in the one-direction clutch bearing 351 or 352 does not rotate. In this case, the frictional reel 170 or 270 does not rotate even due to the frictional resistance against the frictional band 400.

[0034] Also, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the shaft 101 or 201 rotating together with the wire reel 110 or 210 rotates counterclockwise, that is, when the wire 150 or 250 is withdrawn by a user together with operation of the spiral spring 120 or 220 whose radius is narrowed and then contracted so as to accumulate an elastic energy, the roller 351b or 352b is positioned in the narrower portion of the inclined groove 351a or 352a and thus the frictional reel 170 or 270 pressingly installed in the one-direction clutch bearing 351 or 352 rotates together with the rotating wire reel 110 or 210. Here, the frictional reel 170 or 270 rotates together with the frictional resistance against the frictional band 400, to thus strengthen a withdrawal force of the wire 150 or 250 by the user.

[0035] The shaft 101 or 201 is rotatatively supported by bearings 301 and 351, or 302 and 352 provided in a closing frame 350. The fixed frame 300 and the closing frame 350 in which the wire reel 110 or 210 and the friction reel 170 or 270 are installed, are covered with a case 500 to thus finish an external casing, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] The muscular training apparatus 600 having the above-described configuration according to the present invention is used as follows.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2 as an example of using the muscular training apparatus according to the present invention, when a user who sits on a floor makes his or her feet closely contacting ground portions 105 and 106 in the base 100, and grasping and pulling the grip 160 or 260, the wire 150 or 250 is withdrawn. When a withdrawal force applied to the pulled wire 150 or 250 is released, the wire 150 or 250 is wound around the wire reel 110 or 210. When such a withdrawal operation of the wire 150 or 250 is repeated, a particular portion of the human body is trained. As described above, since the radius of the spiral spring 120 or 220 is reduced so as to accumulate an elastic energy at the time of withdrawing the wire 150 or 250, a strong withdrawal force is needed. On the contrary, when the withdrawal force is released, the wire 150 or 250 is wound by the accumulated elastic energy.

[0038] Also, in order to make a stronger force needed at the time of withdrawing the wire 150 or 250, the adjustment knob 310 is rotationally adjusted, to thus enlarge a frictional resistance between the elastic band 400 and the frictional reel 170 or 270.

[0039] The muscular training apparatus 600 according to the present invention can be used by withdrawing the wire 150 or 250, at a standing state where a user steps on the ground portion 105 or 106 in the base 100.

[0040] As described above, the muscular training apparatus according to the present invention allows a user to have his or her feet supported on the base and repeatedly withdraw and release the wires, to thus enable a particular portion of the body to be trained. The muscular training apparatus is easy to carry and does not need an additional fixing unit. Thus, the muscular training apparatus can be conveniently used without any limitation of a training place. Also, the muscular training apparatus is simpler than the conventional training apparatus, to accordingly enable lightness and inexpensive production.

Claims

1. A muscular training apparatus comprising:

a lengthy base;

a fixed frame fixed on the central portion of the base;

at least one wire reel rotatively coupled to one side of the fixed frame, in which an annular winding groove and an accommodating portion having an internal space are formed;

a wire or wires were as each one end of which is fixed to the at least one wire reel and each other end of which is wound around the annular groove of the at least one wire reel;

a spiral spring or spiral springs were as each one end of which is fixed to the accommodating portion of the at least one wire reel and a or each other end of which is fixed to the fixed frame, to then be accommodated in the accommodating portion; and

a grip or grips connected to the other end of the or each wire.

2. The muscular training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a speed reducer for reducing a rotational speed of the wire reel when the wire is released from the wire reel.

3. The muscular training apparatus of claim 2, wherein the speed reducer comprises: a frictional reel positioned in the other side of the fixed frame, and rotatively combined with the wire reel on the same axis as that of the wire reel; a frictional band frictionally contacting the outer circumferential surface of the frictional reel; and a tension adjustment unit for adjusting the tension of the frictional band.

4. The muscular training apparatus of claim 3, wherein the tension adjustment unit comprises: an adjustment knob combined with the fixed frame so as to idly rotate; and a movable block screw-engaged with the adjustment knob, connected to the frictional band, and ascending and descending together with the frictional band according to rotation of the adjustment knob, with a result that the tension adjustment unit frictionally contacts the frictional reel according to the ascending and descending of the frictional band.

5. The muscular training apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a one-direction clutch bearing combined with the shaft of the frictional reel, so that the frictional reel rotates when the wire is withdrawn and released from the wire reel, and the frictional reel does not rotate when the released wire is wound at the time of restoring and rotating the wire reel according to the restoring of the spiral spring.

6. The muscular training apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a one-direction clutch bearing combined with the shaft of the frictional reel, so that the frictional reel rotates when the wire is withdrawn and released from the wire reel, and the frictional reel does not rotate when the released wire is wound at the time of restoring and rotating the wire reel according to the restoring of the spiral spring.

7. The muscular training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a rotational block rotatively combined with the fixed frame, in which the wire passes through the rotational block; and a guide roller rotatively combined with the rotational block, for guiding the wire.