Exercise device

Abstract

An exercise device comprises at least one rigid grasping member of substantially triangular configuration, at least one adjustable loop-shaped grasping member, and at least one grasping member with an adjustable handle. A first resilient interconnecting member is coupled between the rigid grasping member and the adjustable loop-shaped grasping member. A second resilient interconnecting member is coupled between the rigid grasping member and the adjustable-handle grasping member. Each resilient interconnecting member is adapted for use in resistive type exercises.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/501,983, filed on Sep. 10, 2003, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, a great amount of emphasis has been placed on the benefits of regular exercise in maintaining physical and mental well being and appearance. A venerable plethora of health clubs offering a multitude of exercising facilities and equipment, and numerous exercising devices for home use have been widely advertised and sold for those who lack the time, determination, or facilities to engage in regular sports activities such as running, tennis, swimming, or the like.

The need has long existed for a highly versatile, compact, portable and inexpensive exercising device for home and personal use. Many home exercise devices currently available are of the assistive-type, wherein repetitive body motions are merely guided or helped. Yet it has been recognized that the benefits of most exercises can be significantly enhanced and performed with greater efficiency by employing resistive devices to place increased loads upon the muscles. Such resistive techniques may be now widely used in modern weight training for athletes and in most supervised exercise programs.

Current studies also indicate that the most beneficial exercise results in many instances can be achieved with a limited number of quick repetitions using the maximum resistive force that the exerciser is capable of handling. Thus, as the exerciser gains strength, the resistance may be increased to maintain efficiency. For these purposes, adjustable weight lifting equipment may be ideal, however, most barbell and dumb bell equipment is bulky, cumbersome and often even dangerous to use. More elaborate weight training machines may be safer, but even bulkier, and in most instances too expensive to be within the means of many individuals, to whom they are available only through health clubs, schools or other recreational facilities.

Furthermore, more compact devices would bring savings in shipping and storage costs, as well as storage space in an exerciser's home or luggage and for retailers. It may also be advantageous to have a versatile exercise device that is relatively simple to configure and use.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are generally directed to an exercise device.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an exercise device comprises at least one rigid grasping member of substantially triangular configuration, at least one adjustable loop-shaped grasping member, first means for resiliently coupling the rigid grasping member the adjustable loop-shaped grasping member, at least one grasping member with an adjustable handle, and second means for resiliently coupling the rigid grasping member to the adjustable-handle grasping member. The first and second resilient coupling means are adapted for use in resistive type exercises.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an exercise device comprises a rigid grasping member of substantially triangular configuration, a first grasping member with an adjustable handle, first means for resiliently coupling the rigid grasping member to the first grasping member, a second grasping member with an adjustable handle, and second means for resiliently coupling the rigid grasping member to the second grasping member. The first and second resilient coupling means are adapted for use in resistive type exercises.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, an exercise device comprises at least one grasping member with an adjustable handle, at least one adjustable loop-shaped grasping member, and means for resiliently coupling the adjustable-handle grasping member to the adjustable loop-shaped grasping member. The resilient coupling means is adapted for use in resistive type exercises.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from a review of the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is generally shown by way of reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exercise device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side perspective view of a grasping member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side perspective view of another grasping member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side perspective view of yet another grasping member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side perspective view of a coupling arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of an exercise device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an exercise device in a disassembled state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an exercise device in a disassembled state according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of an exercise device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side perspective view of an alternative grasping member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is an enlarged side perspective view of another alternative grasping member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the exemplary embodiments may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the exemplary embodiments in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Some embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the related drawings of FIGS. 1-11. Additional embodiments, features and/or advantages of the invention will become apparent from the ensuing description or may be learned by practicing the invention. In the figures, the drawings are not to scale with like numerals referring to like features throughout both the drawings and the description.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exercise device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Exercise device 10 includes grasping members 12, 14 and 16 and resilient interconnecting members 18. Grasping members 12, 14 and 16 are configured to allow a user to grasp the same with their hands, feet, or other body part(s) such that when the device is used for exercise resilient interconnecting members 18 provide resistance to enhance exercise activity. Exercise device 10 is designed to allow a user to exercise different muscle groups and body parts, as desired.

Grasping member 12 is of a generally triangular shape, as generally shown in FIG. 1. Grasping member 12 may be used as a handle by the user in various exercises. Grasping member 12 may be adapted for use as a collar or neckpiece in various exercises.

Grasping member 14 is adapted to encircle a user's foot, i.e. it can be used as a foot holder. Grasping member 14 is adjustable for use by users of various height and/or with different body parts of the user. Grasping member 14 is generally loop-shaped, as generally shown in FIG. 1. Grasping member 14 may be adjusted to fit the needs of the user via an integral hook-and-loop type fastener 26 (FIG. 1), which may be made, for example, from Velcro™ brand tape. Other fastener types may be utilized, as desired. With fastener 26, grasping member 14 may be adjustable such that it may be utilized by users of different height and/or build, for different body parts, and may be adapted to couple to other devices, as desired.

Grasping member 16 is provided with a handle for easy grasp by the user. Grasping member 16 may also be used as a foot holder, if so desired by the user. Other designs and/or configurations may be utilized, as desired, provided such other designs and/or configurations do not depart from the intended purpose of the present invention.

Resilient interconnecting member 18 is provided with a coupling structure 20 at each end configured to couple to a corresponding coupling structure 22 provided on each of the grasping members (12, 14, 16), and/or other structures, as generally shown in FIG. 1. In this manner, one or more resilient interconnecting members may be connected between grasping members and other structures such that the resistance is increased to simulate increased weight and thereby make the entire device configurable for different strengths and needs of a user. Resistance may also be varied by adjusting the length of resilient interconnecting member(s) 18 being used. Resilient interconnecting member 18 is connected between grasping members, but may be connected to other structures such as a wall, bench, or other exercise equipment to allow the user to exercise, as desired.

In one embodiment, coupling structure 22 is a plastic loop or ring of a generally D-shaped or O-shaped configuration, while coupling structure 20 is a clip adapted to engage the loop or ring provided as coupling structure 22. Other configurations for coupling structures 20, 22 are possible, as needed. With this configuration, grasping members and resilient interconnecting members may be easily and quickly attached and detached, as desired by the user.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side perspective view of grasping member 12 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Grasping member 12 includes a rigid hollow base 30, grips 32, strap 34, and coupling structure 22. Base 30 may be made of metal, hard plastic, or other material, as desired. Base 30 is of a generally triangular configuration allowing the user to grasp different portions of grasping member 12, i.e. to be able to do different exercises, as desired. Grips 32 may be made of recycled rubber, foam, or other suitable padding material. Grips 32 make it easier for the user to take hold of grasping member 12, and may be made of soft padding material to make grasping member 12 more comfortable and easy to use. Strap 34 extends through hollow base 30 with its free ends being attached to resilient interconnecting members 18 via coupling structures 20 and 22. Specifically, the free ends of strap 34 may be sewn together over ring-shaped coupling structure 22 which would engage clip-like coupling structure 20, as generally shown in FIG. 2. A person skilled in the art would readily appreciate that other coupling arrangements may be utilized, as needed.

With this configuration, strap 34 may be replaced after it has worn out, ripped, or torn, thus making the device interchangeable and less expensive to maintain and upgrade. This configuration may also equalize the amount and direction of force imparted upon gripping member 12 and resilient interconnecting members 18 by the user. This configuration may also make the device less rigid and enhance exercise activity, and stabilize the device. Strap 34 may be made from a nylon-type or other material, such as the type used for backpacks, climbing gear, and the like. However, it will be appreciated that other materials may be utilized, as desired. Resilient interconnecting members 18 may be made from an elastomeric material such as a bungee-type cord, rubber, plastic, or other material that would provide resistance for the device. However, other materials and configurations may be utilized, as desired.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side perspective view of grasping member 14 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Grasping member 14 is made from a strap-like material and includes an adjustable hook-and-loop fastener 26. Adjustable hook-and-loop fastener 26 may be made, for example, from Velcro™ brand tape. Fastener 26 is attached to one side of the strap like material and looped at one end, as generally shown in FIG. 3. The looped end is coupled to the other end of the strap via a metal or plastic ring (FIG. 3). The ring is attached to a first end of strap-like grasping member 14 which, in turn, is attached to ring-shaped coupling structure 22. Coupling structure 22 is adapted to engage clip-like coupling structure 20 (FIG. 3). Other fastening and/or coupling arrangements may be used, as needed. Coupling structures 20 and 22 may be made of hard plastic, such as materials used in mountain climbing, backpacking gear, and the like, however, other materials may be utilized, as desired. Other coupling arrangements may be used, as needed.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side perspective view of grasping member 16 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Grasping member 16 includes a strap 36 and a hollow handle 38. Strap 36 is coupled to resilient interconnecting member 18 via coupling structures 22, 20, e.g. via a sewn hem, or such that strap 36 is sewn to itself with a portion being connected to coupling structure 22. Strap 36 extends through handle 38 with hollow handle 38 being adapted to move over and around strap 36. Thus, the location of handle 38 on strap 36 is easily adjustable by the user, as needed. This configuration may allow for the amount and direction of force to be stabilized such that the exercise of the user is enhanced and stabilized. Handle 38 may be made of metal or hard plastic with a soft foam covering to provide easy grip capability. It will be appreciated, that other materials and configurations may be utilized, as desired.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side perspective view of a coupling arrangement (20, 22) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, two resilient interconnecting members 18 are coupled to grasping member 12. Coupling structure 22 may be made as a hard plastic ring, however, other materials may be utilized, as desired. Coupling structure 22 is coupled to strap 34 via a hem in strap 34, however other configurations may be utilized, as desired. It will be appreciated that with this modular design, one or more resilient interconnecting members 18 may be coupled to grasping member 12 or to any other grasping member combination to vary the amount of resistance, as desired by the user. With this configuration, increasing the number of resilient interconnecting members would generally increase the amount of resistance available for the exercise. Furthermore, resilient interconnecting members may be configured with varying amounts of resistance to allow exercise device 10 to be more versatile.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of exercise device 10 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this configuration, exercise device 10 includes grasping member 12 being operatively coupled to two grasping members 16 via resilient interconnecting members 18. This configuration generally illustrates the compact design of exercise device 10, which may be useful for packaging, shipping, storage, display etc. For example, this compact design may reduce the amount of shelf space needed by retailers to show or display the device. It will be appreciated that any number of resilient interconnecting members 18 and grasping members 12, 14 and/or 16 may be utilized depending on the particular exercise and/or the preferences of the user.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of exercise device 10 in a disassembled state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this configuration, exercise device 10 includes grasping member 12 and two grasping members 16. It will be appreciated that grasping member 16 may be designed and configured such that one or more grasping members 16 may fit inside grasping member 12, as generally depicted in FIG. 8, to reduce the overall device size in regard to packaging, shipping, storage, display etc. Furthermore, the overall size of grasping member 12 may be adjusted for use as a collar or neckpiece by the user in various exercises. Each grasping member includes integral coupling structure 22, as generally depicted in FIG. 7. This relatively compact configuration may make it easier for a user to take the exercise device during travel, or to keep it stored in his/her vehicle, such that it may be easily set up for use anywhere.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of exercise device 10 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this configuration, exercise device 10 includes grasping member 14 being operatively coupled to grasping member 16 via resilient interconnecting member 18. With this configuration a user may couple grasping member 14 to his/her ankle or foot and utilize grasping member 16 with his/her hand(s) to exercise different muscles or muscle groups, as desired. It will be appreciated that other configurations may be utilized, as desired.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side perspective view of an alternative configuration for grasping member 16 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this configuration, an adjustable handle of grasping member 16 is provided with a cushioning structure 17 having a non-uniform configuration that may enhance the grip and comfort of the user, as well as enhance the safety of the exercise device. Grasping member 16 is also provided with coupling structure 22 which may be of a generally O-shaped configuration. This configuration may enhance the comfort, safety and operation of the exercise device.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged side perspective view of an alternative configuration for grasping member 14 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this configuration, grasping member 14 is provided with a cushioning structure 27 that may enhance the grip and comfort of the user, as well as enhance the safety of the exercise device.

Exercise device 10 is portable, simple to use and relatively inexpensive to produce as compared to other exercise devices. Exercise device 10 is relatively compact, i.e. it will take up a relatively small space when packaged, shipped, stored and displayed, as well as during traveling.

It is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments described hereinabove and generally shown in reference to the attached figures, are illustrative of the general principles of the present invention. Other modifications within the scope of the invention may be employed, as needed. For example, each grasping member may be resiliently coupled to another or to two or more grasping members in a variety of ways, i.e. not just via resilient interconnecting member(s) 18. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the drawings and description are illustrative and not meant to be a limitation thereof.

Moreover, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Thus, it is intended that the invention cover all embodiments and variations thereof as long as such embodiments and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An exercise device, comprising:

at least one rigid grasping member of substantially triangular configuration;

at least one adjustable loop-shaped grasping member;

first means for resiliently coupling said at least one rigid grasping member to said at least one adjustable loop-shaped grasping member;

at least one grasping member with an adjustable handle; and

second means for resiliently coupling said at least one rigid grasping member to said at least one adjustable-handle grasping member, said first and second resilient coupling means being adapted for use in resistive type exercises.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein each of said first and second resilient coupling means includes at least one resilient interconnecting member having at least one coupling clip at each end.

3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein said at least one resilient interconnecting member is made from an elastomeric material.

4. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein said at least one rigid grasping member comprises a rigid hollow base of substantially triangular configuration, a strap extending through said rigid hollow base, and at least one padded grip coupled to said rigid hollow base, said strap having free ends protruding out of the hollow ends of said rigid base.

5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the free ends of said strap are attached to at least one coupling ring.

6. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein said at least one coupling ring is adapted to engage said at least one coupling clip.

7. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein said at least one loop-shaped grasping member comprises an adjustable hook-and-loop fastener.

8. The exercise device of claim 7, wherein said at least one loop-shaped grasping member is made from strap-like material.

9. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein said adjustable hook-and-loop fastener is attached to said strap-like material.

10. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein said hook-and-loop fastener is made from Velcro™ brand tape.

11. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein one end of said strap-attached hook-and-loop fastener is looped to engage a first coupling ring.

12. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein said first coupling ring is attached to a first end of said at least one strap-like grasping member.

13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein said first end of said at least one strap-like grasping member is attached to a second coupling ring, said second coupling ring being adapted to engage said at least one coupling clip.

14. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein said at least one adjustable-handle grasping member comprises a hollow handle, and a strap extending through said hollow handle, said hollow handle adapted to move over and around said strap for adjustment by a user.

15. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein said strap includes first and second ends being attached to at least one coupling ring.

16. The exercise device of claim 15, wherein said at least one coupling ring is adapted to engage said at least one coupling clip.

17. An exercise device, comprising:

a rigid grasping member of substantially triangular configuration;

a first grasping member with an adjustable handle;

first means for resiliently coupling said rigid grasping member to said first grasping member;

a second grasping member with an adjustable handle; and

second means for resiliently coupling said rigid grasping member to said second grasping member, said first and second resilient coupling means being adapted for use in resistive type exercises.

18. The exercise device of claim 17, wherein each of said first and second resilient coupling means includes at least one resilient interconnecting member having at least one coupling clip at each end.

19. The exercise device of claim 18, wherein said at least one resilient interconnecting member is made from an elastomeric material.

20. The exercise device of claim 17, wherein each of said first and second grasping members is adapted to fit within said rigid grasping member for storage.

21. An exercise device, comprising:

at least one grasping member with an adjustable handle;

at least one adjustable loop-shaped grasping member; and

means for resiliently coupling said at least one adjustable-handle grasping member to said at least one adjustable loop-shaped grasping member, said resilient coupling means being adapted for use in resistive type exercises.

22. The exercise device of claim 21, wherein said resilient coupling means includes at least one resilient interconnecting member having at least one coupling clip at each end.

23. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein said at least one resilient interconnecting member is made from an elastomeric material.

24. The exercise device of claim 21, wherein said adjustable handle is provided with a cushioning structure having a non-uniform configuration to enhance the grip and comfort of a user.

25. The exercise device of claim 21, wherein said at least one adjustable loop-shaped grasping member is provided with a cushioning structure to enhance the grip and comfort of a user.