Exercise device

Abstract

An exercise device comprises a belt assembly adapted to be worn around the torso of a user, and at least one extremity harness having an adjustable ankle portion and an adjustable foot portion. The foot portion is removably coupled to the ankle portion. The exercise device also comprises at least one resilient interconnecting member being removably coupled between the belt assembly and the adjustable ankle portion. The resilient interconnecting member is adapted for use in resistive type exercises. The exercise device may further comprise at least one grasping member to allow simultaneous exercising of upper and lower body muscle groups.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/501,984, filed on Sep. 10, 2003, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

Personal health is a paramount factor in people's day-to-day living, and personal fitness and exercise is very important to a person's personal health. The medical profession has long recommended that exercise be part of a person's proper daily living routine for a longer, more productive, and healthier life. The use of exercise equipment for physical fitness comes in many forms, from jump ropes to expensive Nautilus®-type machines.

Personal exercise equipment, exercise devices, or exercise apparatus which include stretchable or resistant-type elastic cords, coils, springs, and hydraulic pistons may be used for exercising in the field of physical fitness; physical training for a given sport, such as football, weight lifting, tennis, or basketball, etc.; aerobic conditioning; and/or body building. The devices range from the simplistic, such as hand tension springs or exercise sticks, to complicated Nautilus®-type and Soloflex®-type devices.

There remains a need for a portable, aerobic exercise device that is simple and effective, easily assembled, and easily fitted on and operated by a user, and which will eliminate typical joint, ligament and muscle stress injuries. In addition, there is a further need for an aerobic exercise device that is anatomically correct and which can be used by men and women of all ages to improve their physical fitness in a reduced time frame while still receiving the benefit of a substantial improvement to the user's cardiovascular system and muscle toning without causing any injury, muscle damage, or pain to the user.

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.

Furthermore, a compact exercise device would be relatively easy and inexpensive to ship and/or store whether at the user's home or during travel. It would 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 belt assembly adapted to be worn around the torso of a user, and at least one extremity harness having an adjustable ankle portion and an adjustable foot portion. The adjustable foot portion is removably coupled to the adjustable ankle portion. The exercise device also comprises at least one resilient interconnecting member being removably coupled between the belt assembly and the adjustable ankle portion. The resilient interconnecting member is adapted for use in resistive type exercises.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an exercise device comprises at least one belt assembly adapted to be worn around the torso of a user, and at least one extremity harness having an adjustable ankle portion and an adjustable foot portion. The adjustable foot portion is removably coupled to the adjustable ankle portion. The exercise device also comprises first means for resiliently coupling the belt assembly to the adjustable ankle portion, at least one grasping member, and second means for resiliently coupling the belt assembly to the 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 substantially elongated strap, first grasping member having a handle adapted to provide gripping capability for a user, second grasping member having a substantially loop-shaped configuration, and third grasping member having a substantially cylindrical is configuration. The exercise device also comprises means for resiliently intercoupling the substantially elongated strap, the first grasping member, the second grasping member and the third grasping member. The resilient intercoupling 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 front perspective view of an exercise device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front perspective view of a first extremity harness of the exercise device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side perspective view of the first extremity harness of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an exercise device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 being used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 4 being used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

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

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a strap member of the exercise device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a grasping member of the exercise device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another grasping member of the exercise device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a coupling arrangement of the exercise device of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the various components of the exercise device of FIG. 7 in a disassembled state.

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. 1-12. 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 front perspective view of an exercise device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Exercise device 10 includes a belt assembly 12, first and second extremity harnesses 14 and resilient interconnecting members 16. First and second extremity harnesses 14 are removably coupled to belt assembly 12 via resilient interconnecting members 16 which provide resistance to enhance exercise activity.

Belt assembly 12 is adapted to be worn around the torso of a user. Belt assembly 12 may be made from strap-like material being attached to a padded underlayment 39, which includes an enlarged back support portion 40. Back support portion 40 may be made, for example, from die cut laminated foam. Other materials and/or configurations may be used, as desired. Belt assembly 12 may be fastened via hook-and-loop fastening strips, which may be made, for example, from Velcro™ brand tape. Other belt fastening means may be used, such as buckle(s), clasp(s) and the like.

Belt assembly 12 is provided with generally ring-shaped coupling structures 20 (FIG. 1) for engaging corresponding coupling structures 18 of resilient interconnecting members 16. Resilient interconnecting member 16 is provided with a coupling structure 18 at each end (FIG. 1), such that the two ends of resilient interconnecting member 16 may be attached to the same or different component(s) of exercise device 10 or to different structure(s), as desired.

Coupling structure 18 has a clip-like configuration in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Each ring-shaped coupling structure 20 may removably engage one or more clip-like coupling structures 18 of resilient interconnecting members 16, as desired by the user. Coupling more than one resilient interconnecting member 16 to belt assembly 12 provides increased resistance during exercise activities, thereby making the exercise device more versatile and easily configurable by the user.

Belt assembly 12 may be manufactured, for example, from webbing material (about 52-inch long by 2-inch wide or 3-inch wide strip), about 35 inches of a 2-inch wide loop Velcro™ strip, die cut laminated foam of about 45 inches length, about 2-inch long by 2-inch wide Velcro™ hook pieces, about 6-inch long by 2-inch wide Velcro™ hook strips, and about 1-inch wide webbing strips adapted to hold plastic web rings. Other materials, dimensions and variations or modifications of the same may be used to manufacture belt assembly 12, provided there is no departure from the intended purpose of the present invention.

First and second extremity harnesses 14 may be utilized with hands, arms, legs and/or other portions of the user's body during exercising. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of first and second extremity harnesses 14 includes a foot portion 26 and an ankle portion 24, as generally depicted in FIGS. 1-3. With this configuration, belt assembly 12 may be worn around the waist of a user with fist and second extremity harnesses 14 being coupled to the feet and ankles, respectively, of a user for exercising various body muscle groups including the legs, calves, thighs, and the like. When used in this manner, exercise device 10 enhances exercise activities, such as when the user is running, or doing leg extensions, and the like.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, ankle portion 24 (FIGS. 1-3) may be made from strap-like material and configured to encircle a user's ankle. Ankle portion 24 may be adjusted to fit the specific needs of a user via an integral hook-and-loop type fastener 25. Hook-and-loop fastener 25 may be made, for example, from Velcro™ brand tape. Hook-and-loop fastener 25 makes it possible for ankle portion 24 to be utilized by users of different height and/or build. Ankle portion 24 is provided with generally ring-shaped coupling structures 22 which engage respective clip-like coupling structures 18 of resilient interconnecting members 16 such that various coupling arrangements may be utilized. Specifically, a resilient interconnecting member 16 may be coupled to ankle portion 24 on either side of a user's leg for use in exercise activities. Ankle portion 24 also includes a padded section 34 (FIGS. 2-3) to allow for comfortable use by the user.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, foot portion 26 (FIGS. 1-3) may be made from strap-like material and configured to encircle a user's foot and be utilized near the ball or arch of the foot. Foot portion 26 may also be adjusted to fit the specific needs of a user via one or more integral hook-and-loop type fasteners 27. Each hook-and-loop fastener 27 may be made, for example, from Velcro™ brand tape. Hook-and-loop fastener 27 makes it possible for foot portion 26 to be utilized by users of different height and/or build. Each end of foot portion 26 is removably coupled to ankle portion 24 via generally ring-shaped coupling structures 28. The length of foot portion 26 may be adjusted on each side via hook-and-loop fasteners 27 that are threaded in ring-shaped coupling structures 28, as generally shown in FIGS. 2-3.

Foot portion 26 and/or ankle portion 24 may be coupled to other body parts or structures, as desired. Other fastener and/or harness types may be utilized, provided there is no departure from the intended purpose of the present invention.

Coupling structures 18, 20, 22 and 28 may be made of hard plastic or metal, such as materials that are used in mountain climbing, backpacking gear, and the like, however other materials and configurations may be used, as desired. Furthermore, coupling structures 18, 20, 22 and 28 are configured for easy attachment/detachment by the user. A person skilled in the art would recognize that various other coupling configurations may be utilized, provided such other coupling configurations reside within the scope of the present invention.

Resilient interconnecting member 16 may be made of rubber, plastic or bungee-type elastomeric material such that it provides resistance during exercise activities, but may be configured from other materials, as desired. Resilient interconnecting member 16 returns generally to its original configuration after being stretched by the user.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an exercise device 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Exercise device 100 is similar in construction to exercise device 10 except for adding two grasping members 300 being coupled to belt assembly 120 via resilient interconnecting members 160. The user may utilize grasping members 300 to exercise muscle groups including the upper body and arms, as desired. Exercise device 100 includes fist and second extremity harnesses 140 being coupled to belt assembly 120 via resilient interconnecting members 160. Belt assembly 120 may be worn around a user's waist with the user being able to exercise upper and lower body muscle groups at the same time. A person skilled in the art would recognize that more than one resilient interconnecting member (160) may be coupled between belt assembly 120 and grasping member 300 or between belt assembly 120 and first/second extremity harness 140 to increase resistivity and enhance exercise activities. Consequently, exercise device 100 may be configured for different levels of resistance exercise, or made modular, as desired by the user.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of exercise device 10 being used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, belt assembly 12 is wrapped around a user's waist with first extremity harness 14 being engaged by the user's right ankle and foot. First extremity harness 14 is coupled to belt assembly 12 via resilient interconnecting member 16, generally shown in a stretched position. In this manner, resilient interconnecting member 16 provides resistance for the user so as to enhance exercise activity such as during running, walking or the like.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of exercise device 100 being used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, belt assembly 120 is wrapped around a user's waist with first extremity harness 140 and grasping member 300 hanging alongside a user's right leg. First extremity harness 140 and grasping member 300 are each coupled to belt assembly 120 via resilient interconnecting members 160, generally shown in an unstretched position. In this manner, the user may go about his/her daily activities with exercise device 100 being ready for use at a moment's notice.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an exercise device 500 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Exercise device 500 includes a strap 502, first, second and third grasping members 504, 506 and 508, respectively, and resilient interconnecting members 510. A carry-on bag 512 is included to store all components of exercise device 500. Carry-on bag 512 is compact enough to be carried aboard and stowed on is an airplane, train, bus or passenger car, as needed.

As generally depicted in FIG. 8, strap 502 includes an elongated somewhat stretchable strip 501 secured at each end to a generally rectangular underlayment 503. Strap 502 is provided with a coupling ring 514 at each end for removably engaging a corresponding clip 516 on resilient interconnecting member 510. Coupling ring 514 is being held by strip 501 and is adapted to engage not just one but several clips 516 so as to allow the coupling of more than one grasping members to strap 502, as generally shown in FIGS. 7, 11.

Grasping member 504 is similar in construction to grasping member 300 of FIG. 4 except for a different handle design adapted to provide better gripping capability for the user, as generally shown in FIGS. 7, 10. Grasping member 504 uses a ring-shaped coupling structure 518 to engage clip 516 on resilient interconnecting member 510, as generally depicted in FIG. 10.

Grasping member 506 is somewhat similar to the generally loop-shaped foot portion 26 of FIG. 1 except for the provision of a padded underlayment 507 and a single ring-shaped coupling structure 509 between the ends of adjustable strap 505 and clip 516 of resilient interconnecting member 510, as generally illustrated in FIG. 7.

Grasping member 508 includes a generally cylindrical padded portion 509 with one end being attached to a coupling ring 520. Coupling ring 520 removably engages clip 516 on resilient interconnecting member 510, as generally depicted in FIG. 9. One or more grasping members (504, 506 or 508) may be coupled to strap 502, as well as, each grasping member (504, 506 or 508) may be coupled to another grasping member, as generally shown in FIG. 7.

Coupling structures 509, 514, 516, 518, and 520 may be made of hard plastic or metal, such as materials that are used in mountain climbing, backpacking gear, and the like, however other materials and configurations may be used, as desired. Furthermore, coupling structures 509, 514, 516, 518, and 520 are configured for easy attachment/detachment by the user. A person skilled in the art would recognize that various other coupling configurations may be utilized, provided such other coupling configurations reside within the scope of the present invention.

Resilient interconnecting member 510 may be made of rubber, plastic or bungee-type elastomeric material such that it provides resistance during exercise activities, but may be configured from other materials, as desired. Resilient interconnecting member 510 returns generally to its original configuration after being stretched by the user.

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the various components of exercise device 500 in a disassembled state. Specifically, grasping members 504, 506 and 508 are included in pairs. Four groups of resilient interconnecting members 510 of variable size, and a single strap 502 are also included.

The exercise device of the present invention is simple to use, relatively inexpensive as compared to other known exercise devices, and compact enough to be used as a portable exercise device during travel or for easy storage in the user's home.

A person skilled in the art would appreciate that exemplary embodiments described hereinabove are merely illustrative of the general principles of the present invention. Other modifications or variations may be employed that are within the scope of the invention. For example, various other resilient interconnection means may be employed in the exercise device of the present invention. 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 belt assembly adapted to be worn around the torso of a user;

at least one extremity harness having an adjustable ankle portion and an adjustable foot portion, said adjustable foot portion being removably coupled to said adjustable ankle portion; and

at least one resilient interconnecting member being removably coupled between said at least one belt assembly and said adjustable ankle portion, said at least one resilient interconnecting member being adapted for use in resistive type exercises.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said at least one belt assembly includes at least one back support portion.

3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said at least one belt assembly is made from strap-like material being attached to a padded underlayment.

4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein said padded underlayment includes an enlarged back support portion.

5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein said enlarged back support portion is made from die cut laminated foam.

6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said at least one belt assembly includes hook-and-loop fastening means.

7. The exercise device of claim 6, wherein said hook-and-loop fastening means includes Velcro™ brand tape.

8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said at least one belt assembly and said at least one resilient interconnecting member are provided with at least one substantially ring-shaped coupling structure and at least one substantially clip-like coupling structure, respectively, said at least one substantially clip-like coupling structure adapted to removably engage said at least one substantially ring-shaped coupling structure.

9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said at least one resilient interconnecting member is made from elastomeric material.

10. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein said at least one substantially ring-shaped coupling structure is being engaged by a plurality of substantially clip-like coupling structures.

11. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said adjustable ankle portion is made from strap-like material.

12. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said ankle portion is adjusted via hook-and-loop fastening means.

13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein said hook-and-loop fastening means includes Velcro™ brand tape.

14. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein said adjustable ankle portion is provided with at least one substantially ring-shaped coupling structure, said at least one substantially clip-like coupling structure of said at least one resilient interconnecting member adapted to removably engage said at least one substantially ring-shaped coupling structure.

15. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said adjustable ankle portion includes at least one padded section.

16. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said adjustable foot portion is made from strap-like material and configured to be utilized near the ball of the foot.

17. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said foot portion is adjusted via hook-and-loop fastening means.

18. The exercise device of claim 17, wherein said hook-and-loop fastening means includes Velcro™ brand tape.

19. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein each end of said adjustable foot portion is removably coupled to said adjustable ankle portion via at least one substantially ring-shaped coupling structure.

20. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein said at least one substantially ring-shaped coupling structure and said at least one substantially clip-like coupling structure are configured for easy attachment and detachment by the user.

21. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein said at least one substantially ring-shaped coupling structure and said at least one substantially clip-like coupling structure are configured for easy attachment and detachment by the user.

22. An exercise device, comprising:

at least one extremity harness having an adjustable ankle portion and an adjustable foot portion, said adjustable foot portion being removably coupled to said adjustable ankle portion; at least one belt assembly adapted to be worn around the torso of a user; first means for resiliently coupling said at least one belt assembly to said adjustable ankle portion; at least one grasping member; and second means for resiliently coupling said at least one belt assembly to said at least one grasping member, said first and second resilient coupling means being adapted for use in resistive type exercises.

23. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein each of said first and second resilient coupling means includes at least one resilient interconnecting member having at least one substantially clip-like coupling structure at each end.

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

25. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein said at least one belt assembly includes at least one back support portion.

26. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein said at least one belt assembly is made from strap-like material being attached to a padded underlayment.

27. The exercise device of claim 26, wherein said padded underlayment includes an enlarged back support portion.

28. The exercise device of claim 27, wherein said enlarged back support portion is made from die cut laminated foam.

29. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein said at least one belt assembly includes hook-and-loop fastening means.

30. The exercise device of claim 29, wherein said hook-and-loop fastening means includes Velcro™ brand tape.

31. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein said at least one grasping member and said at least one extremity harness are used to simultaneously exercise upper and lower body muscle groups.

32. An exercise device, comprising:

at least one substantially elongated strap;

first grasping member having a handle adapted to provide gripping capability for a user;

second grasping member having a substantially loop-shaped configuration;

third grasping member having a substantially cylindrical configuration; and

means for resiliently intercoupling said at least one substantially elongated strap, said first grasping member, said second grasping member and said third grasping member, said resilient intercoupling means being adapted for use in resistive type exercises.

33. The exercise device of claim 32, wherein said resilient intercoupling means includes at least one resilient interconnecting member having at least one coupling clip at each end.

34. The exercise device of claim 33, wherein said at least one resilient interconnecting member is made from an elastomeric material.

35. The exercise device of claim 32, wherein said at least one substantially elongated strap is provided with an underlayment.

36. The exercise device of claim 33, wherein said at least one substantially elongated strap is provided with a coupling ring at each end, said coupling ring being adapted for engagement by said at least one coupling clip.

37. The exercise device of claim 33, wherein each of said first, second and third grasping members is provided with a coupling ring, said coupling ring being adapted for engagement by said at least one coupling clip.

38. The exercise device of claim 33, wherein said at least one substantially elongated strap, said first, second and third grasping members, and said at least one resilient interconnecting member are configured to be stored in a compact carry-on bag.

39. The exercise device of claim 33, wherein said resilient intercoupling means includes at least one group of resilient interconnecting members of variable size.