WEARABLE RESISTANCE EXERCISE APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREFOR

Abstract

A wearable resistance exercise apparatus has at least one pulley. A cable is coupled to the at least one pulley. At least one handle is located at the end of the cable and adapted to be gripped by a user. A wearable support member is provided, wherein the at least one pulley is located on the wearable support member. At least one exercise accessory is coupled to the wearable support member.

Description

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to resistance exercise equipment and, more particular, to a wearable resistance exercise apparatus that employs a resistance pulley system and that can be used to perform resistance exercises when in position on a wearer.

Resistance exercise equipment is a popular tool used for conditioning, strength training, muscle building, and the like. Various types of resistance exercise equipment are known, such as free weights, exercise machines, and resistance exercise bands or tubing. Various limitations exist with the prior art exercise devices. For example, many types of exercise equipment, such as free weights and most exercise machines, are not portable. With respect to exercise bands and tubing, they may need to be attached to a stationary object, such as a closed door or a heavy piece of furniture. This becomes a problem when, for example, the user wishes to perform resistance exercises in a location where such stationary objects are not readily found, such as outdoors. For the prior art devices that do not need to be attached to stationary objects, such as other types of bands or tubing, such prior art systems typically provide only one level of resistance. This is a disadvantage for a user who wishes to increase or decrease the level of resistance for the user's resistance exercises. For such users, it becomes necessary to acquire more than one set of resistance exercise bands or tubing.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method that overcomes the above problems. The apparatus and method would provide for resistance exercise equipment that is portable, that may be used on its own without the need to employ other types of equipment, and that allows for adjustable resistance levels.

SUMMARY

A wearable resistance exercise apparatus has at least one pulley. A cable is coupled to the at least one pulley. At least one handle is located at the end of the cable and adapted to be gripped by a user. A wearable support member is provided, wherein the at least one pulley is located on the wearable support member. At least one exercise accessory is coupled to the wearable support member

The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a wearable resistance exercise apparatus, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a back view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is front view of a pulley device, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front, perspective, mirror image view of the pulley device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a tension adjusting device, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the pulley device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the pulley device of FIG. 4, with a portion thereof being shown in phantom;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the pulley device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a magnified view of another embodiment of the tension adjusting device;

FIG. 10 is a front view of another embodiment of the wearable resistance exercise apparatus having magnified view of different attachments;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the wearable resistance exercise apparatus having the pivot board shown in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the wearable resistance exercise apparatus having a pivot board, the pivot board being used for another exercise;

FIG. 11C is a front view of the picot board used in FIG. 11A-11B;

FIG. 11A is a side view of the wearable resistance exercise apparatus having the swing seat as shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 11B is a rear view of the wearable resistance exercise apparatus having the swing seat of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12A is a front view of another embodiment of the wearable resistance exercise apparatus; and

FIG. 12B is a rear view of the wearable resistance exercise apparatus of FIG. 12A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a wearable resistance exercise apparatus 10 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the exercise apparatus includes the following main components: two pulley devices 20, cables 22 which are coupled to the pulley devices 20, handles 24 which are coupled to the ends of the cables 22, and a wearable support member 12, to which the pulley devices 20 are attached. In this embodiment, the exercise apparatus 10 further includes tension adjusting devices 30, which are coupled to the front of the wearable support member 12. Also in this embodiment, the wearable support member 12 includes front closures 14.

In this embodiment, the wearable support member 12 is a vest. However, other forms of wearable support members, such as jackets, jumpsuits, or the like may be used. Preferably, the wearable support member 12 is composed of a heavy duty material, so that use of the pulley devices 20, as herein described, do not cause the wearable support member 12 to stretch, sag or tear. Preferably, the wearable support member 12 has front closures 14, so that it may be remain securely in position on a wearer during use of the exercise apparatus 10. It may be desired to use side or back closures in addition to or instead of the front closures 14.

In one embodiment, the handles 24 are attached to the cables 22 with fasteners, such as a snap hooks or carabineers. It may be desired to use hollow handles, which may be slipped over the cables 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 and FIGS. 6-8, an embodiment of a pulley device 20, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the pulley device 20 includes a backplate 26 having a plurality of openings (not shown) through which coupling members 28, such as bolts, may be inserted in order to couple the pulley device 20 to the wearable support member 12 (as best seen in FIG. 2). Preferably, the backplate 26 is composed of a rigid material, such as metal, so that it is capable of supporting the weight of the pulley device 20. A tension cable 32 extends from the pulley device 20 to a tension adjusting device 30 (as best seen in FIG. 1).

In this embodiment, the tension adjusting devices 30 are positioned on the front of the wearable support member 12. In this way, they are within easy reach of a wearer of the exercise apparatus 10, who can adjust tension without needing to remove the wearable support member 12 by rotating the tension adjusting devices 30. However, it may be desired to position the tension devices 30 elsewhere, such as on the back or sides of the wearable support member 12.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the structure of an embodiment of a portion of an exercise apparatus 10 is shown, with particular attention to the tension adjustment feature. A worm screw 34 is provided, with the worm screw 34 being rotatable by a turning of its corresponding tension adjusting device 30 (not shown), with the rotation being communicated through tension cable 32 (not shown). Rotation of the worm screw 34 alters the load on load spring 36. Where it is desired to increase resistance, the tension adjusting device 30 should be turned in the direction that will cause increased load on the load spring 36. To decrease resistance, rotation should occur in the opposite direction.

An increase in load on the load spring 36 causes anterior movement of a clutch plate 38, which provides increased tension on the corresponding pulley device 20. This will create increased resistance for the user. A decrease in load on the load spring 36 causes posterior movement of a clutch plate 38, which provides decreased tension on the corresponding pulley device 20. This will create decreased resistance for the user.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the pulley device 20′ is shown. In this embodiment, the pulley device 20′ is removable and may be attached to different areas of the wearable support member 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wearable support member 12 may have one or more attachment loops 40. The attachment loops may be formed on different areas of the wearable support member 12.

The pulley device 20′ has a “U” shape frame 42. A channel 44 is formed in the “U” shaped frame 42. The wheel and axle unit 46 is positioned in the channel 44 with the axle portion secured in the “U” shaped frame 42. A hinge mechanism 48 is kingly coupled to the “U” shaped frame 42. The hinge mechanism 48 allows the pulley device 20′ to be removably attached to different areas of the wearable support member 12.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the exercise apparatus 10 may have a plurality of attachment devices. As shown in FIG. 10, the exercise apparatus 10 may have an exercise computer 50, an exercise board 56, one or more pockets 78, heating and or cooling elements 80, a massage device 82 and/or a swing seat 66.

The exercise computer 50 may be built into the wearable support member 12. Alternatively, the exercise computer 50 may be removably attached to the wearable support member 12. The exercise computer 50 is an electronic device that will provide feedback on your exercise routine such as: length of exercise time; calories burned; heart rate; tension on the pulley device 20/20′; time of day; store digital recordings such as music, exercise instructions, etc. and the like. The above listing is given as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner.

If the exercise computer 50 is used to measure heart rate, the wearable support member 12 may have a built in heart rate strap 52. The heart rate strap 52 may be used to measure the wearer's heart rate and to transmit this information to the exercise computer 50.

If the exercise computer 50 is used to store digital recordings such as music, exercise instructions, etc., the wearable support member 12 may have built in headphones 54. The built in head phones 54 may be used to allow the wearer of the wearable support member 12 to listen to the digital recordings.

The exercise computer 50 may also be stored in one or more pockets 78 formed on the wearable support member 12. The pockets 78 may further be used o store other items such as an MP3 player, food, keys, and the like.

The wearable support member 12 may further have heating and or cooling elements 80 and or a massage device 82 formed therein. The heating and cooling elements 80 may be sued based on the weather conditions to keep the user at an optimal temperature during a workout. The massage device 82 may be used to relax the muscles after a workout.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11C, the exercise apparatus 10 may have an exercise board 56. The exercise board 56 may be coupled to the pulley device 20/20′ to allow the user of the exercise apparatus 10 to do additional exercises. In accordance with one embodiment, the exercise board 56 is formed of a board member 56A. The board member 56A may be configured to be slightly curved in nature. A middle section 60 of the board member 56A may have a wider width than the end sections 58 of the board member 56A.

An opening 62 may be formed on each of the end sections 58. The openings 62 may be used to allow the tension cable 22 and handles 24 to be inserted there through. By altering the position of the exercise board 56, different exercises may be performed for different parts of the body. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the exercise board 56 may be positioned on the back of the user to perform shoulder presses. Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, the user may place the exercise board 56 on a surface such as a floor to allow a user to stand on the exercise board 56 to perform calf raises and or leg extensions. The above are just a few examples of exercises that may be performed and should not be seen in a limiting manner.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12B, the wearable resistant exercise apparatus 10 may have a swing seat 66. The swing seat 66 may be movably attached to the wearable support member 12. The swing seat 66 may be used for shoulder exercises. In accordance with one embodiment, the swing seat may be comprised of a body member 68. The body member 68 may be formed of a flexible material. A flexible material may allow the body member 68 to conform to the body of the user as shown in FIGS. 12A-12B. Located on each end section 70 of the body member 68 may be a strap member 72. The strap member 72 may be coupled to an adjustment device 74. The adjustment device 74 may be used to adjust a length of the strap member 72. Located on one end of each strap member 72 may be an attachment mechanism 76. The attachment mechanism 76 may be used to rotatably couple each strap member 72 to the wearable support member 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 13A-13C, another embodiment of the wearable support member 12′ is shown. Like in the previous embodiments, the wearable support member 12′ is a vest. However, other forms of wearable support members, such as jackets, jumpsuits, or the like may be used. Preferably, the wearable support member 12′ is composed of a heavy duty material, so that use of the pulley devices 20/20′ do not cause the wearable support member 12′ to stretch, sag or tear. Preferably, the wearable support member 12′ has front closures 14′, so that it may be remain securely in position on a wearer during use of the exercise apparatus 10. It may be desired to use side or back closures in addition to or instead of the front closures 14′. A top section of the wearable support member 12′ may be formed of a mesh material 12A.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it may be desired for the wearable support member 12 to include only one pulley device 20 to which two handles 24 are attached. It may also be desired for the wearable support member 12 to include only one pulley device 20 to which only one handle 24 is attached. In this latter embodiment, a user would be required to either grasp the single handle 24 with both hands, or exercise using one hand at a time.

Statement of Operation

In order to position the wearable resistance exercise apparatus 10 so that it may be used to perform resistance exercises, a user would put the exercise apparatus 10 on the user's upper body, so that the pulley devices 20 are positioned over the user's back and the tension adjusting devices 30 are positioned over the user's chest. The user would set a desired level of resistance by manipulating the tension adjusting devices 30. The user would then perform resistance exercises by gripping the handles 24 and pulling them in a manner intended to stimulate muscle building.

For example, a user may wish to grasp the handles 24 and bring both hands directly forward, in a rowing or bench press type of motion. A user may wish to bring the handles 24 in an arc-type of motion until they contact each other in front of the user's body, in a fly type of motion. A user could extend both hands upward from a point beginning behind the neck, in a triceps extension type of motion. Numerous other variations are also possible.

A user may wish to utilize a single resistance setting for an exercise session. Alternatively, a user may wish to perform multiple sets of a particular exercise, and may wish to increase resistance between sets to perform a pyramid-style workout. The user may also wish to change resistance between different exercises.

While embodiments of the disclosure have been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A wearable resistance exercise apparatus comprising, in combination:

at least one pulley;

a cable coupled to the at least one pulley;

at least one handle located at the end of the cable and adapted to be gripped by a user;

a wearable support member, wherein the at least one pulley is located on the wearable support member; and

at least one exercise accessory coupled to the wearable support member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory is an exercise computer attached to the wearable support member.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one accessory is a heart rate strap which transmits heart rate data to the exercise computer.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one accessory is a headphone set attached to the exercise computer for listening to electronic files stored in the exercise computer.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory is an exercise board.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory is a swing seat removably attached to the wearable support member.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory is a swing seat removably attached to the wearable support member.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory is at least one of a heating element or a cooling element formed in the wearable support member.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory is a massage device formed in the wearable support member.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wearable support member is a vest.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the vest has at least one closure located on an anterior portion of the vest.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tension adjusting device coupled to the at least one pulley.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the tension adjusting device is activatable from a position that is remote from the pulley.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one pulley is removably attached to the wearable support member.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one pulley comprises:

a “U” shaped frame;

a wheel assembly attached within the “U” shaped frame; and

a hinge mechanism kingly coupled to the “U” shaped frame 42 to allow the at least one pulley to be removably attached to different areas of the wearable support member.

15. A wearable resistance exercise apparatus comprising, in combination:

at least one pulley;

a cable coupled to the at least one pulley;

at least one handle located at the end of the cable and adapted to be gripped by a user;

a wearable support member, wherein the at least one pulley is located on the wearable support member; and

at least one exercise accessory coupled to the wearable support member, wherein the at least one accessory is at least one of an exercise computer attached to the wearable support member, a heart rate strap which transmits heart rate data to the exercise computer, an exercise board removably attached to the wearable support member, or a swing seat removably attached to the wearable support member.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one accessory is a headphone set attached to the exercise computer for listening to electronic files stored in the exercise computer.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one accessory is at least one of a heating element or a cooling element formed in the wearable support member.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one accessory is a massage device formed in the wearable support member.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a tension adjusting device coupled to the at least one pulley.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one pulley is removably attached to the wearable support member.