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I have wanted to own a VersaClimber, but their price is just too outrageous. I saw the "Jacob's Ladder" and thought what a clever alternative it was. Jeez, it costs more than a VersaClimber!
It got the old neurons firing though, and here is my design for a supper cheap, just as effective climbing machine. Of course, it hasn't been built yet ;-)
Notes:
"notched pulleys"--these are pulleys notched for the rungs of the rope ladder. They keep the ladder from slipping and allow the "friction device" access to the edge of the pulley.
"friction device"--this is the fuzziest part of the design. It could be as simple as a screw that presses against one or both of the pulleys to control the climbing speed, or something more elaborate, of course.
Another item could be a set of counter-pulleys set to the floor to control swing. I would not necessarily want that because the built in tendency to swing causes you to use muscles and technique that would add to your fitness experience.
You could also fit a counter weight for the resistance control and/or to smooth out motion.
Has anyone built something like this? If not I am surprised.
It got the old neurons firing though, and here is my design for a supper cheap, just as effective climbing machine. Of course, it hasn't been built yet ;-)
Notes:
"notched pulleys"--these are pulleys notched for the rungs of the rope ladder. They keep the ladder from slipping and allow the "friction device" access to the edge of the pulley.
"friction device"--this is the fuzziest part of the design. It could be as simple as a screw that presses against one or both of the pulleys to control the climbing speed, or something more elaborate, of course.
Another item could be a set of counter-pulleys set to the floor to control swing. I would not necessarily want that because the built in tendency to swing causes you to use muscles and technique that would add to your fitness experience.
You could also fit a counter weight for the resistance control and/or to smooth out motion.
Has anyone built something like this? If not I am surprised.
![[Collegiate Exercise] Dorm Room Fitness](http://img.instructables.com/files/deriv/FPR/85RY/GPBDG81Y/FPR85RYGPBDG81Y.SQUARE.jpg)
Also, if you build the ladder rungs out of metal in an elongated U shape, where the sides are short, and the bottom of the U is long, it would help to alleviate any potential slippage from the pulleys.
As for the friction device, I would recommend not using a screw to dig into the pulley. You might be better using an inline skate wheel, or something that is hard rubber. It shouldn't damage your pulley as much.
As for friction (did you read the notes?) I said:
"friction device"--this is the fuzziest part of the design. It could be as simple as a screw that presses against one or both of the pulleys to control the climbing speed, or something more elaborate, of course.
But keep thinking and let us know if you build one!Just some ideas.... keep us all updated and if you do build; take loads of pictures!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluid_coupling
Such a device could even be fitted with a sensor stopping the ladder if you were too low on it!