PORTABLE EXERCISE AND/OR REHABILITATION DEVICE

Abstract

A portable exercise or rehabilitation device which permits users to perform a variety of stretching exercises includes a ground contacting member which the user uses to contact the ground, preferably between their legs, and a moveable handle which the user holds onto while performing stretching. The moveable handle slides away to greater and greater distances from the ground contacting member using a telescoping assembly. Once at a preferred separation distance, a lock holds the telescoping member in place so that the user may brace the ground contacting member against the ground and stretch his or her back, shoulders, or other muscles using the handle. The device preferably is on the order of sixteen to forty inches long in its non-extended state and can be conveniently carried in a gym pouch.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to equipment used for performing stretching exercises, either for physical fitness or rehabilitation of damaged muscles.

Background Description

Prior inventions by the inventor relating to stretching and rehabilitation, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,421,801, 5,529,560, 5,626,547, and 5,938,573, dealt with a sizable piece of gym equipment wherein a user would sit on a seat and use scissor like leg platforms to open and close their legs and use a moveable pole or leg portion to allow the user to stretch their back and arm muscles. While the design is innovative and provides a wide variety of options for fitness and rehabilitation, it is not portable and requires a large area for use.

As explained in the above-mentioned patents, each of which are herein incorporated by reference, stretching is an important component of physical fitness. Ideally, a good exercise regimen will facilitate being able to stretch a wide variety of muscle groups so as to maximize flexibility. Proper and periodic stretching is also required for physical rehabilitation for individuals after an illness or injury. Traditional pre-exercise or post-exercise stretching exercises performed on a simple floor mat or by hanging from a bar can provide a number of benefits. However, these techniques are fairly limited, as, for example, a rehabilitating patient may lack the strength required to perform stretches, the average person may lack hand strength required to hang from a bar, and the person's body configuration and features may prevent them from stretching different muscle groups.

While the importance of stretching is well recognized, there have not been many advances which make attaining good stretching for fitness or therapy easily attainable by the average person. For example, while many gyms have large pieces of equipment, e.g., the device shown in the patents noted above, PILATES® equipment, cages with bungy cords, etc., this is not the type of equipment that the average person can carry around (and many gym's find they take up too much floor space). What is needed is a convenient, portable device, which allows a person to carry the product around comfortably, e.g., to a gym, clinic, or any location of interest, and which provides the person with a means to perform a variety of different stretching exercises.

SUMMARY

In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a lightweight, small (e.g., 1 foot 4 inches to 3 feet six inches), telescoping stretching pole that he or she can carry in a gym bag or pouch. The stretching pole preferably has an extension length of 3 feet to 6 feet with its sliding telescoping assembly fully extended and allows a user to perform a wide variety of stretches while seated on the floor, seated on a chair, or while standing.

According to the invention, a stretching device is pole shaped, and has telescoping assembly connecting a ground engaging member and a moveable handle. In some applications, the user positions the ground engaging member between their legs, then extends the moveable handle by sliding it outward as a telescoping extension using the telescoping assembly. Upon extension to the desired location, the telescoping assembly automatically locks in place. Once at a desirable distance for the stretch to be performed, pulls back on handles connected to the telescoping assembly and stretches while bracing the ground engaging member comfortably on the ground or other surface. Indicia may be provided on the telescoping assembly to permit the user to select various amounts of stretching and/or to track his or her progress. A stationary grasping member on the telescoping assembly can be provided to help assist the user when he or she is extending or retracting the telescoping assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, the ground engaging member will be dome shaped or will have another suitable surface shape which permits the ground engaging member to rotate or pivot relative to the ground. In this way, the user may have the extended stretching device at greater or smaller inclines relative to the ground as desired, and/or the user may stretch centrally or to the left or right side of his or her body so as to engage different muscle groups in different stretches. The dome shaped member may have a flat bottom portion which enables the user to more easily center the stretching device when it is to be used vertically.

The locking mechanism preferably is automatic so that it locks in place after extension, and may preferably be disengaged with one hand so that the telescoping assembly with the attached moveable handle can be retracted so that the stretching device may be stored or reset for different stretching exercises to be performed. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be operated by the user during stretching for locking and/or unlocking the telescoping assembly.

In some embodiments the moveable handle will have the form of a handlebar which has handles extending in opposite directions from an axis which passes through the telescoping assembly. The handlebar may be disconnectable from a sliding member of the telescoping assembly for more compact storage. In addition, the handlebar, or different handles of the handlebar, may be configured to be connectable at different locations or orientations on the sliding member to accommodate different angles for varying the stretching exercises, and/or to permit greater amounts of stretching to be performed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are isometric views of different embodiments of a portable stretching device;

FIG. 2 is a back isometric view of the stretching device shown in FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic views showing the stretching device respectively in the retracted and the extended configuration;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic views showing an alternative embodiment of the stretching device; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the stretching device with two extensions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there is shown a stretching device 10 which includes a ground engaging member 12 at one end, a moveable handle 14 at its other end, and a telescoping assembly 15 connecting the ground engaging member 12 and moveable handle 14.

FIG. 3A shows the stretching device 10 in its retracted configuration. FIG. 3B shows the stretching device 10 in its extended configuration. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, it can be seen that the handle 14 is connected to a sliding member 16 which slides in and out of the base portion of the telescoping assembly 15. The sliding member 16 may be nearly as long as the base portion of the telescoping assembly 15 to allow for maximum extension and thereby greater degrees of stretching. While the configuration of FIGS. 3A and 3B has one sliding member 16 for the telescoping assembly 15, in alternative designs there might be two or more sliding members that form part of the telescoping assembly, thereby allowing the device to be more compact and/or to extend outwardly greater distances (see FIG. 5 for example).

In the retracted configuration of FIG. 3A, the distance from the bottom of the ground engaging member 12 to the top of the moveable handle 14 is preferably 1 foot 4 inches to 3 feet six inches in length. This size allows the device to be easily carried in a gym bag or gym pouch. Also, it is preferred that by using light weight metals and/or plastic materials, the weight of the stretching device 10 can be kept to five pounds or less and more preferably three pounds or less. In the exemplary design depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, 3A, and 3B, the base portion of the telescoping assembly is polycarbonate, while the sliding member 16 is metal. Having a light weight and relatively small device makes it readily portable. Portability of the device allows it to be used just about anywhere the user would like to use it, and makes the device more desirable to the user so that he or she will in fact use the stretching device 10 frequently. To assist in portability, in some applications the moveable handle 14 may assume a handle bar shape where the handle bar is connected by a pin 18 that can selectively connect or disconnect the handle bar from the sliding member 16 so that it can be stored more compactly.

In operation, the user places the ground engaging member 12 in contact with a surface (e.g., the ground, a gym mat, etc.). In many stretches, the user will have their bottom or knees on the ground and the ground engaging member 12 will be positioned on the surface between the user's legs. The ground engaging member 12 is preferably shaped such that it can be rolled, rotated, rocked, or pivoted against the ground to change the incline and direction of the telescoping assembly relative to the user's body. For example, the user might lean the telescoping assembly forward for deeper stretches, or more restfully extended it substantially upward. Also, for example, in some stretches, the user might lean the telescoping assembly more to the left side of his or her body or more to the right side of his or her body. Whatever angle or inclination chosen, the ground engaging member 12 keeps the stretching device in contact with the ground so that the user can comfortably perform stretches. Because of the ability to move the telescoping assembly 15 in almost any direction, the user is able to perform a variety of stretches to engage a variety of different muscle groups.

In some applications, e.g., where stretching is performed while standing on the side line of a football or soccer field, the ground engaging member 12 may be weighted and/or be removable to add a weighted member. Having a weighted ground engaging member 12 (e.g., 3-8 lbs) allows a user to comfortably perform shoulder stretches while standing.

The dome shape of the ground engaging member 12 preferably includes a centrally located flat bottom surface, perhaps approximately the size of the quarter. Having a flat bottom permits the use to more easily center the stretching device when it is to be used in an upright configuration while the user is seated or standing.

As shown in FIGS. 1B, 3A, and 3B, the telescoping assembly 15 may have indicia thereon which will enable the user to gauge the stretch being performed and to track his or her progress. This is best seen with reference to FIG. 3B where the marker 19 which moves up the stationary portion of the telescoping assembly 15 as the sliding member 16 is extended. By keeping track of the marker 19 relative to the indicia, the user might choose a greater or lesser degree of stretch for different stretching exercises, or he or she might be able, after time, see that he or she can achieve greater amounts of stretching from continued use of the stretching device.

A locking mechanism 22 positioned on the telescoping assembly 15 is used to lock the sliding member 16 at varying amounts of extension which correspond to greater or lesser amounts of distance between the ground engaging member and the moveable handle 16. In a preferred embodiment, shown by example in FIGS. 2 and 4A, 4B and 5, the locking mechanism is similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,268 to Whittington, which is herein incorporated by reference. In FIG. 1B, and FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5 a cone (22′) or ball (3) is used to unlock the locking mechanism simply by pushing the cone 22′ or ball 3 upward. Thus, in use, the user simply slides the sliding member 16 (FIG. 1B/3B) or 2 (FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5) to a desired position and the telescoping assembly is then automatically locked in place. Then, after use, the cone 22′ in FIG. 1B or ball 3 is moved upward, an operation usually only requiring one hand, and this release the locking mechanism so that the sliding member 16 or 2 can be retracted.

In an alternative embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 1A, 2, 3A and 3B, the locking mechanism 22 can be operated after the handlebar 14 is extended. Preferably, this can be accomplished with one hand so as to lock the sliding member 16 in place. After stretching the locking mechanism can be unlocked to retract the sliding member 16 and handlebar 14. In FIGS. 1A, 2, 3A, and 3B, the locking mechanism is depicted as a wing feature which merely needs to be turned to lock and turned back to unlock. A preferred locking mechanism 22 which may be employed in the practice of the invention is a pinless locking mechanism such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,084,913, 9,095,743, and 9,522,296, each of which is herein incorporated by reference, wherein the sliding member 16, would be firmly grasped by, for example, ball bearings on the inside of the locking mechanism when it is in the locked position.

As shown in each of the drawing figures, a stationary grasping member 24 on the base portion of the telescoping assembly 15 can provide the user with a comfortable mechanism for both carrying and using the stretching device. Once the ground engaging member 12 is positioned between his or her legs, the user can grasp the grasping member 24 with one hand and move the moveable handle 14 upward (e.g., extending outward out of the base of the telescoping assembly 15) with his or her other hand.

In a preferred embodiment where the handle 14 is a handle bar with two handles perpendicularly extending from an axial line of the telescoping assembly 15, the pin 18 can be used to connect the handle 14 at different angles relative to the axial line. In addition, the pin 18 might be connectable at different positions on the length of the sliding member 16 so as to enlarge or retract the distance of stretching possible.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show an embodiment of the stretching device similar to that depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, 3A, and 3B. With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the handle 1 can be fixed or removable. The sliding member 2, sometimes referred to as the telescoping inner tube, is respectively shown in the nested configuration and at least partially extended position. The sliding member 2 is slidable in the vertical plane in and out of the base outer tube 5. As is shown in FIG. 5, there can be more than one telescoping inner tube 2 and 2′. The release mechanism 3 is preferably for a locking mechanism as, for example, described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,268, or other suitable system. As indicated above, the handle 1 and attached sliding member 2 can be slid outward and automatically lock in position. When desired after stretching, the ball shaped release mechanism 3 is slid slightly upward to release, allowing the sliding member 2 to retract vertically into the base outer tube 5.

A grip 4 is used for carrying the stretching device and for holding the device during stretching exercises. For example, with the ground engaging member 8 in contact with the ground, e.g., between the legs of the user where the user's legs are stretched out on a floor or mat, the user holds the grip 4 then uses one hand to unlock the release mechanism 3. Thereafter, he or she can extend the sliding member 2 to the desired location using the handle bar 1, where it is automatically locked in place. After extension, a variety of exercises may be performed by the user, e.g., stretching forward with the user leaning his or her torso relatively closer or farther from the floor with the stretching device pivoting closer to the floor while still engaging the floor or mat with the ground engaging member 8, stretching towards the user's left or right side by rolling or pivoting the ground engaging member to their left or right side, etc.

The outer tube 5 may have indices imprinted thereon or notched therein to allow a user to track their progress on stretching. A bushing 7 can be connected to the sliding member 2 inside the outer tube 5, and be slidable therewith. The bushing 7 allows the nested tub to slide in a smooth, controlled manner within the outer tube 5. A projecting nub 9 can be positioned on the sliding member 2 approximately 2 to 5 inches from the bottom. The projecting nub 9 will contact a washer (not shown) adjacent the release mechanism and prevent the sliding member 2 from being pulled out from the base outer tube 5.

With reference to the configuration in FIG. 5, longer stretching and/or more compact storage sizes can be achieved with two sliding members 2 and 2′ are used. In this embodiment, two release mechanisms 3 and 3′ may be used to adjust and lock in place the extension of each sliding member 2 and 2′.

While the invention has been described in terms of its preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable exercise or rehabilitation device for performing stretching exercises, comprising:

a ground contacting member on a first end;

a moveable handle on a second end;

a telescoping assembly connecting the ground contacting member and the moveable handle, wherein the telescoping assembly permits the moveable handle to be moved variable distances towards and away from the ground contacting member; and

a locking member which selectively locks the telescoping assembly such that the ground contacting member and the moveable handle are held at selected and variable distances from one another when the locking member is locked.

2. The portable exercise or rehabilitation device of claim 1 wherein the locking member locks the telescoping assembly by a pinless locking mechanism.

3. The portable exercise or rehabilitation device of claim 1 further comprising indicia on at least a portion of the telescoping assembly to permit a user to gauge stretching exercises performed at different separation distances between the ground contacting member and the moveable handle.

4. The portable exercise or rehabilitation device of claim 1 wherein the moveable handle is in the form of a handle bar with two handles extending to opposite sides of an axis passing through the telescoping assembly.

5. The portable exercise or rehabilitation device of claim 4 wherein the handle bar is disconnectable from a sliding member of the telescoping assembly.

6. The portable exercise or rehabilitation device of claim 1 further comprising at least one stationary grasping member positioned on a section of the telescoping assembly.

7. The portable exercise or rehabilitation device of claim 1 wherein the ground contacting member is configured to permit rotation and/or pivoting when in contact with a ground surface.

8. The portable exercise and rehabilitation device of claim 7 wherein the ground contacting member is at least partially dome shaped.

9. The portable exercise and rehabilitation device of claim 1 wherein in a non-extended configuration a distance between the first end and the second end ranges from 1 feet 4 inches to three feet six inches.

10. The portable exercise or rehabilitation device of claim 1 wherein the locking member automatically locks the telescoping assembly after extension of the telescoping assembly.