Friction-Based Exercise Apparatus

Abstract

A friction-based exercise device is disclosed. Contemplated exercise devices comprise a segmented shaft having one or more longitudinal patterns running the length of the shafts or shaft segments. Cylindrical sliders can be slid onto the shaft where an interior surface of the slider comprises a complimentary pattern to and frictionally engages with the longitudinal pattern of the shaft. When under a gripping force of a user, the sliders flex inward toward the shaft and increases friction resistance as the user slides the sliders along the shaft.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application having Ser. No. 61 / 387,364 filed Sep. 28, 2010. This and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The field of the invention is fitness technologies.BACKGROUND[0003]Fitness equipment takes on many different sizes, shapes, or functionalities targeting different regions of the body or targeting different types of users (e.g., men, women, children, etc.). Unfortunately, most devices can be quite dangerous to use because the device can exceed a user's safe-use threshold. For example, a user might unexpectedly exhaust their capabilities while exercising with free weight...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which an exercise apparatus can have a rigid shaft, preferably a segmented shaft, on which one or more user-based friction resistance sliders can be positioned. In some embodiments, the sliders are cylindrical hollow sliders that slide onto the shaft so that the sliders can slide along the length of the shaft in an axial direction. The sliders preferably are configured to frictionally engage the shaft based on a gripping force from an individual. As the user fatigues, their grip will lessen thus ensuring the user has a reduced risk of injury.

[0014]In some embodiments of the inventive subject matter, multiple shaft segments can be combined together to form a longer shaft. A shaft can have two, three, four, or more segments. Shaft segments can be held in position relative to one another via shaft joints and tensioned to retain rigidity via an internally disposed post tensioning bar. Shaft segments can also include longitudinal patterns, grooves for example, running the length of the shaft segments. When segments are combined, the shaft joints ensure the longitudinal patterns remain substantially continuous from one segment to another.

[0015]Preferred sliders comprise multiple slats having on an internal surface a complementary pattern to that of the longitudinal pattern on the segmented shafts. For example, if the longitudinal pattern comprises grooves, the slider's internal complementary pattern could include rails. As a user grips the slider, the slats can flex radially toward the axis of the shaft under a gripping force of the user. The magnitude of the gripping force frictionally engages the patter of the slats with the pattern of the shaft giving rise to friction resistance as the user moves the sliders axially along the shaft.

[0016]Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, most devices can be quite dangerous to use because the device can exceed a user's safe-use threshold.

For example, a user might unexpectedly exhaust their capabilities while exercising with free weights, thus putting the user at risk of injury due to loss of control over the weights.

Interestingly, the above devices fail to place a user in full control of friction resistance while also providing a device that would also be completely portable.

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