Exercise bar and cord assembly

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to exercise equipment.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] The lifting of a rod or bar 100 of an exercise bar assembly (FIG. 4) of one sort or another by a user against the resistance of an elastic exercise cord 20 has become an increasingly popular form of exercise.

[0005] In one prior art arrangement, the ends of the elastic cord 20 are anchored in some manner with one mid-portion run through or suitably seated upon the bar. The bar may then be tugged in a beneficial manner. The cord ends may terminate at any improvised connection system—for example, either a strap impinged in the crack of a door or in anyone of several securing mechanisms present on a wall mounted assembly. The cord ends may even have handgrips 120 connected to them. The operator may put his or her feet the handgrips to hold them and stretch the cord's mid-portion upwards by appropriate use of the bar 100. In another arrangement, the ends of the cord are securely connected to the exercise bar 100. The mid-portion of the cord may be secured at a door or wall by any means. The mid-portion of the cord may also be self-anchored by standing upon it. In either arrangement, it is quite common for the operator to grasp the opposing ends of the rod or bar 100 and raise it 100, to a point far above his or her head while stretching the cord 20. In either arrangement, the assembly becomes a convenient portable substitute for cumbersome weight lifting apparatus.

[0006] It is also known to wrap a portion of the elastic cord around the ends of the exercise bar 100 in order to shorten the cord's length. The technique could be employed in either of the two modes of exercise operation. If the cord's mid-portion, for example, were along or within the bar 100, opposing portions of the cord would be wrapped or twisted about the bar 100 ends. If cord ends are connected to the bar itself 100, cord 20 may be wrapped about the bar at its ends. The undertaking of that convenience to effectually shorten cord length came at a cost, however. Wrapping of the cord at the bar 100 ends, resulted in a torque built up or a twisting force which the operator had to resist. That unwanted force tended to diminish the ordinarily sought-after benefits from operation of an elastically anchored lifting bar 100 in either mode of exercise.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 437,822 (Reach) shows a tug-of-war belt about which a rope would wrap. The belt does not have a bar 100 or an elastic cord. U.S. Pat. No. 4,245,839 (Trent) shows a tugging belt with the cord ends terminating in a door crack impingement. U.S. Pat. No. 2,448,384 (Meinzinger) shows a device to grasp a fishing line. U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,964 (Walls) discloses a handle, similar to a tennis racquet or golf club, with elastic cords connected to a door jam. The operator was to stretch the elastics by moving the handle. U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,835 (Hinds, et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,316,610 (Hinds) show an exercise bar 20 featuring means to effectually shorten a cable 24 by conveniently wrapping opposing sections of the cable around the end of bar 20. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,316,610, pins 92, 93 are provided to move with holes 94–95 to effect joining of opposing sections 90, 91 of the bar.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,355,171 (Oesau) discloses separate chains 14, 16 in lieu of a continuous elastic cord anchored to the anchor bar 12 that the operator stood upon. U.S. Pat. No. 3,117,781 (Vargo) featured a bar 9, in the manner considered here, in which the inextensible cord 17 was anchored into a platform 1 upon which the operator stood. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,256,015 (Perrin), the cord 25 ends are fastened by interweaving them through holes 21 drilled in the extension or bar 20 so that the operator could exercise by standing upon the cord's mid-portion. U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,265 (Wiede, et al.) featured a hollow bar 13 with which connection was accomplished by running the cord 11 ends longitudinally in opposition through passages 15 within the bar 100. Again, the operator stood upon the cord's mid-portion during exercise.

[0009] Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,867 (Hinds) featured an exercise bar 17 with a cord 11 anchored to the ends of the bar 17. Bar 17 was formed in halves joined by a suitable locking mechanism (col. 2, line 65). The bar 17 included a groove 19 along its length for the cable 11. At the ends of the bar 17 are lugs 24 for wrapping the cable 11.

[0010] In the '867 Hinds patent, a pair of stirrups 12 are placed within receptacles 30. This arrangement was bulky and the stirrups could be oriented only in a direction transverse to the bar 17 because of the interfering presence of lugs 24.

[0011] It would be highly useful to have with us a connector which is not limited in orientation but which could be emplaced in any radial position within a bar end socket regardless of the presence of cord enwrapment pegs.

[0012] In one aspect, the invention is an assembly of an exercise lifting bar and any one of several specially designed emplacement blocks 3 which connect to an elastic cord assembly 2. The emplacement block 3 may take almost anyone of several conceivable forms other than the base of a solid handgrip. One novel embodiment of the block 3 is a strapped handgrip's connection block 130 shaped to fit snugly within a nest 11 in the bar or elongated extension 10. The configuration of this block 130 has a disadvantage in permitting its emplacement in only one directional position. Other blocks 3 are described, however, which may be axially rotated within the nest 11—sockets carved into the ends of the rod 10—so as to be positioned in any direction upon emplacement. The blocks 3 are particularly configured to provide convenience and connective security.

[0013] As at prior art, the stick-like or rod-like device 10 is held in the operator's hands and—in either first or second mode exercise—typically lifted upward or tugged against the resistance of an elastic cord 20 in a direction away from an anchoring site situated either remotely from him or her or more proximately, such as when portions of the cord 20 or objects connected thereto 20 are stood upon. The focus thereof is upon second mode exercise—that in which it is the mid-portion of the cord 20 is anchored and its ends 21 which are stretched in exercise. Embodiments are provided for, however, which address well known variations in first mode exercise as well—that is, that in which it is the cord ends 21 which are anchored and the mid-portion which is thus stretched. Certain structural embellishments including nodes 13, impingement sectors 31, and a retaining ledge 16 are present which contribute to acceptable connectability. This mutual configuration permits the two interconnected parts 3, 11 to remain in place after being pressed together and yet requires little effort to yank them 3, 11 apart for other exercise service or convenient stowage.

[0014] Optional features dispose at the ends of the bar 10 and within the block 3 cord emplacement channels or slots 14, 34, respectively which facilitate the cord's 20 emplacement into the system.

[0015] Although a snap-fit bar separation assembly 400 is not unknown to the art as a portability feature, the improved model here includes a spring 42 and release button 41 version.

[0016] While the exercise assembly which is the subject hereof features a patentable combination of members, most of which are familiar to us, they might perhaps equally well be billed as improvements to the prior art model 100. So presented, the number of improvements would be at least two because of the specially shaped emplacement block and the bar's snap-fit mechanism 400 featured herein.

[0024] The subject of this application is an exercise cord and bar assembly comprised of an exercise bar end assembly 11A and 11B, an exercise cord assembly 2 and a pair of cord emplacement blocks 130A and 130B.

[0025] In simplest form, the first of the three general components, the exercise bar end assembles 11A and 11B, comprise a portion of the elongated extension 10 which is of a general rod-like configuration. The exercise bar end assemblies 11A and 11B include opposing bar emplacement nests 11A and 11B disposed at respective ends thereof. Preferably present, however, are also cord emplacement channels 14A and 14B disposed at each of the extension's ends 10B and 10C and a cord stretching recess 12 disposed longitudinally along the underside of the elongated extension 10 for optional traditional first mode exercise—that is, wrapping part of the mid-portion of the exercise cord 20 around the ends 10B and 10C of the elongated extension's ends 10 to effectually shorten the exercise cord 20 and increase its resistance for lifting type exercises.

[0026] In FIG. 1, cord wrapping pegs 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D have been disposed at the ends 10B and 10C for first mode use to provide a stop to keep the cord 20 from slipping off. The connection block 130A and 130B is configured for easy removal because one's fingers may be slipped conveniently underneath to pull one connection blocks 130A and 130B out. Also, the cord emplacement block 3 may be configured with sufficient height so that cord wrapping pegs 15A and 15B become unnecessary. If a block 3 is formed to extend upward above the bar or extension 10 and is firmly impinged within the nest 11A or 11B, the cord 20 wrapping security is essentially equal to that provided by pegs 15A–D—that is, the protrusion provided by the block's 3 upper portion then serves as a reasonable substitute for a peg 15A, 15B, 15C or 15D. Moreover, it should be observed that in the case of the connection blocks 130A and 130B in FIG. 1, the block 3, because of the particular shape of its uppermost portion, cannot be arbitrarily rotated when emplacing and fitting the blocks into one of the nests 11A and 11B. Other than that shown, the only position the block 3 may occupy without interference with the pegs 15A–D in either case is 180 degrees away.

[0027] While in the more recent of prior art structures, the elongated extension 10 did include cord wrapping pegs 15, it is feasible to construct the elongated extension 10 without the pegs 15A–D. The configuration for such purpose is designated herein as the continuously contoured projection. The word continuously is expressed to infer the absence of structural discontinuities such as those cord wrapping pegs 15A–1 5C—that is, either a straightly formed object in which the perimeter along any longitudinal cross section extends in a generally straight line, or a smoothly formed or streamlined one comprising slight arcuitry. Changes in curvature along the way are also permitted within the scope of the definition, which immediately distinguishes an elongated extension 10 comprising cord wrapping pegs 15A–D from those elongated extensions 10 which do not. Elongated extensions 10D and 10E comprising continuously contoured projection configuration are illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0028] FIG. 14 discloses in detail a bar separation assembly 4. The presence of this preferred feature is also indicated in FIGS. 1 and 4. The bar separation assembly 4 forms a bar separation seam 40 and includes a button opening 43 and snap-fit means of connection 400 (FIG. 14). Herein, the snap-fit of connection 400 preferably comprises a release button 41 and an exercise bar grasshopper separation spring 42 connected both to the release button 41 and a separation spring seat 44.

[0029] The bar separation seam 40 is merely the dividing place between the two parts 10B and 10C of the bar elongated extension 10. When the two pieces are interconnected, the release button 41 is disposed to emerge through the button opening 43 which is merely an orifice in the body of the elongated extension 10. The two pieces 10B and 10C are preferably shaped to slide together in telescope, for example, as shown in FIG. 1. The grasshopper leg spring 42, so named because of its strength and resilience, when bent and seated as shown in FIG. 14 is connected to the release button 41 in any known manner; preferably by impingement within a hollow 41A disposed within the button 41. The mid-portion 42A of the spring 42 may be bent to accomplish this fitted connection. The ends 42B and 42C of the spring 42 are then preferably bent as shown and fitted along portions within the elongated extension 10 to provide a firm tensioning seat. When the button 41 is depressed, the button 41 clears the opening 43 and the two extension pieces 10B and 10C (FIG. 1) pieces may be pulled apart at the separation seam 40. When the pieces 10B–10C are slid back together, by reason of the tension provided by the grasshopper leg spring 42, the button 41 pops through the opening 43 the instant the two 41, 43 become aligned. One may conceive of various other snap-fit means 400, of course. While many are, in fact, readily available on the market, for various contraptions and at least one incorporated within one of the more recent prior art models, the one presented herein is simple to manufacture and particularly suited to the assembly. Although great effort is not required to snap-fit the extension's 10 pieces together or pull them apart once the release button 41 is depressed, because of the structural integrity of the elongated extension 10, the connection is properly considered one of rigid emplacement.

[0030] The second of the major components, the elastic exercise cord assembly 2 may include only an elastic cord 20 whose ends 21A and 21B, in preparation for exercise, are connected-indirectly, ante—to the respective ends of the bar or elongated extension 10. In most embodiments, the cord 20 is of a hollow configuration, in which case an impingement plug 22 is also preferably present.

[0031] Lastly, each of the two cord emplacement blocks 3A and 3B is configured to seat within one of the emplacement nests 11A and 11B. The blocks 3A and 3B have an elastic exercise cord tunnel 32 through which the cord 20 is extended for connection. In shorthand parlance, the blocks 3A and 3B are characterized as a tunneled structure. Although, in such an embodiment, simple enreevement of the cord 20 through the tunnel 32 will suffice, a cord emplacement slot 34 (FIG. 6) may be provided to facilitate the emplacement. Moreover, although the cord 20 may merely be knotted at the end 21 to complete the connection, it is superior by far to employ a cord 20 which is hollow in configuration and to insert within its end 21A or 21B an impingement plug 22 to serve as a stopper. In either case, the connection provided between the cord 20 and the blocks 3A or 3B is appropriately characterized as one of rigid emplacement.

[0032] As matters of definition, the end of the tunnel 32 into which the cord 20 is inserted for the required connection is herein designated its cord conduit opening 35 and the opposing end thereof 32 through which the cord end 21 emerges, its cord impingement opening 33.

[0033] As FIGS. 7–12 demonstrate, the neck 30 of blocks 3A and 3B may have any one of a number of shapes along its axial cross-section. It is merely necessary that the nests 11A and 11B be mated to the base 30 configuration. If the shape is non-symmetrical, as in FIGS. 7–9, the number of ways the neck 30 will fit within the nests 11A and 11B is very limited. If the shape is symmetrical, however, neck 30 may conveniently be axially rotated to fit in anyone of a number of ways.

[0034] It is not essential upon assembly that the cord emplacement channels 14A and 14B and the block's cord emplacement slot 34, if included, be disposed in alignment with one another. It should be apparent that deliberately setting the slot 34 and the nests 14A and 14B in misalignment would enhance the cord 20 connecting security. Axial symmetry of the emplacement block's neck 30 then provides an additional convenience in which the cord 20 is emplaced more or less simultaneously and the block 3 then axially rotated within the nest 11 to a non-aligned position.

[0035] While axial symmetry of the block's neck 30, as shown in FIGS. 10–12, is a considerably preferred configuration, the nests 11A and 11B may be configured to mate to particular shapes. The blocks 3A and 3B may, for example, be shaped to accommodate the connection block, such as in the case in FIG. 1 or, perhaps, as also already extant in prior art, the cord connecting end of a solid handgrip assembly 120. Otherwise stated, the end of the connection blocks 130A and 130B of the strapped handgrip and that of the solid handgrip 120 (FIG. 4) into which the exercise cord 20 is reeved become emplacement blocks 3A and 3B.

[0036] In one embodiment, the blocks 3A and 3B are formed into a conical or truncated conical configuration that is sometimes referred to as frusto-conical. The emplacement nests 11A and 11B are mated to the blocks 3A and 3B. In shape, the emplacement of the blocks 3A and 3B within the nests 11A and 11B may be considered sufficiently secure for exercise.

[0037] It should be apparent that when the elastic cord 20 is stretched during exercises in which the blocks 3A and 3B are disposed within the nests 11A and 11B, their dislodgement is highly unlikely—perhaps nearly impossible. As a matter of convenience, however, it is preferable that the blocks 3A and 3B be firmly retained in place when preparing for exercise or even during intermediate intervals of non-exercise. Within each nest 11A and 11B, therefore, one or more impingement nodes 13 are preferably present. The node 13 is merely a small protrusion along the wall is a nest 11A against which the emplacement block's neck 30, that is, the lower or most inserted portion of the block 3 becomes impinged when pressed into place. The portion of the neck 30 which contacts the node 13 is herein designated the block's impingement sector 31. A number of impingement sectors 31 may be disposed around the block's neck 30, consistent with the number of ways the block 3 emplacement is possible. When manufacture is by molding, the incorporation of nodes 13 and impingement sectors 31 is a simple matter. It is merely necessary that each contact one another 31, 13 tightly. The conical or tapered configuration for the block 3 and nest 11A then becomes unnecessary. Although nodes 13 are shown in FIG. 6 together with conical block 3 and nest 11 configuration, where impingement is accomplished by reason of the presence of one or more nodes 13 and impingement sectors 31, straight vertical walls are preferred. Impingement nodes 13 are visible in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7–12. As those illustrations show, a small clearance is necessarily formed proximate the nodes 13 at that portion of the nest wall upon which they 13 are situated. The reference to the “mating” of shapes as used herein, therefore, takes that small separation difference into account. Although the tolerances of these impingement features do not appear to rise to the definition herein of rigid emplacement, they must be such as to provide a suitably secure fit for exercise purposes.

[0038] If a wall 11A were provided without more, there would be concern that the emplacement block 3 might be pushed part way or all of the way through. In many of the exercise assembly's embodiments, therefore, a block retaining ledge 16 upon which the block 3 becomes firmly seated is also disposed deeply within the nest 11. FIG. 3 shows a block 3 inserted into a nest 17 in which not the bottom 3E thereof but an intermediate portion of its neck 30 is that which is configured to seat upon the ledge 16.

[0039] It is appropriate here to consider a second way to address the problem of axial rotation emplacement capability for the block 3. This can be achieved by conferring upon uppermost portion of block 3 what is designated herein as wrapping peg clearance configuration. For such an attribute, that portion of the block 3 is without the outward projections characterized by either the strapped handgrip's cord connector 130 or the outward and upward prongs of the solid handgrip 120. It is, therefore, appropriate to state as a matter of terminology that an emplacement block 3 so shaped comprises wrapping peg clearance configuration at the uppermost portion thereof. An assembly comprising such a block 3 would permit the inclusion of cord wrapping pegs 15A and 15D without the disadvantages mentioned supra. Moreover, a block 3 so configured may comprise either axial symmetry or non-symmetry. In embodiments in which symmetry is preferred, it is, therefore, advantageous to configure the block 3 from top to bottom with radial symmetry.