Diametric resistance exercise device

Abstract

A device for exercising opposing muscle groups is provided. The exercise device includes a frame, a hand member, a foot member, and a leg member positioned between the hand member and the foot member and attached via a frame. The hand member, foot member, and leg members are configured such that a force applied by the user to the hand member is opposed by a counter force acting against the foot member, and vice-versa. In another embodiment, the foot member includes a foot securing means for securing a user's foot, or feet, to the foot member. A press member may also be connected to the frame, opposite the foot member configured to allow the user to perform pressing exercises.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent application No. 60/517,228, entitled “EXERCISE METHOD AND APPARATUS” and filed on Oct. 31, 2003 for Barry E. Brun.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to exercise devices and more particularly relates to exercise devices configured to work muscle groups in direct opposition to each other.

2. Description of the Related Art

Exercise has long been known to be an effective way to facilitate weight reduction. Much of the exercise equipment available to the normal consumer desirous of staying in good physical condition and maintaining good muscle tone consists of well known bar bell sets or the more modern systems of pulleys and weights arranged such that the user receives his exercise by pushing or pulling against either friction or gravity. The bar bell style equipment is usually bulky because of the need to be able to increase the number of weights used for each exercise as the user achieves his goal of good muscle tone or physical conditioning. Modem weight equipment, while usually more compact, is generally quite expensive.

An alternative to the purchase of equipment by the athletically inclined person to join an athletic club. This alternative, however, is available only to those persons living close to such a club and having the money to pay the initial fee of several hundred dollars and maintain the monthly payments.

Persons desirous of maintaining or improving their physical condition and muscle tone and unable to join an athletic club or purchase their own equipment because of money, time, distance, or space requirements, have had to resort to home remedies, such as calisthenics, or remedies that require no equipment, such as walking or running. While calisthenics are very beneficial, they do not allow the exerciser to vary the resistance required to perform the exercise. For example, when performing deep knee bends, the only resistance placed on the back, leg, and stomach muscles when performing the exercise, is the person's own weight. Walking and running may be very effective in increasing heart rate, reducing weight, and toning muscles, however, not everyone is physically capable of walking the required distances, or running, and certainly, not everyone has the time.

One type of device attempts to overcome the aforementioned deficiencies with an exercise pole having a plurality of cross members and a base. A user stands on the base and applies a force on one cross member and resists the force by applying a counter force on the second cross member. This device also suffers from at least one deficiency. Specifically, the user is limited to very few exercises as it requires the user to stand on the base while in use.

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for a diametric resistance exercise device that works on opposing muscle groups. Beneficially, such a device would eliminate the need for expensive and bulky exercise equipment, long workouts, and expensive gym memberships yet provide for a variety of exercises.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available exercise devices. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide for a diametric exercise device that overcomes many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

More particularly, in one embodiment, the exercise device is configured to exercise opposing muscle groups using a frame, a hand member connected to one end of the frame, a foot member connected to an opposite end of the frame, and a leg member positioned between the hand member and the foot member. The hand member, foot member, and leg members are configured such that a force applied by the user to the hand member is opposed by a counter force acting against the foot member, and vice-versa. In another embodiment, the foot member includes a foot securing means for securing a user's foot, or feet, to the foot member. A press member may also be connected to the frame, opposite the foot member configured to allow the user to perform pressing exercises.

In another embodiment, the hand member is configured to provide multiple positions for the user's hands using angled gripping sections that swivel.

In yet another embodiment, the foot securing means is configured to wrap around the user's ankles to assist in additional exercises. The foot securing means may include two ‘C’ shaped members 26, which create a receiving area for holding the user's ankles therein. In a further embodiment, the foot securing means simply wraps around the user's foot to removably secure the user's foot to the foot member.

In still another embodiment, a layer of padding surrounding the leg member is configured to protect the user from injury.

In another embodiment, an extension protrudes from a side of the frame to, and the leg member attaches to the extension, to offset the leg member from a longitudinal axis of the frame.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating one embodiment of a diametric resistance exercise device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating another embodiment of a diametric resistance exercise device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of yet another embodiment of a diametric resistance exercise device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of still another embodiment of a diametric resistance exercise device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a representative example of an exercise that may be performed using a diametric resistance exercise device in accordance one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates another representative example of an exercise that maybe performed using a diametric resistance exercise device in accordance with yet another one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a front perspective and side view of a diametric resistance exercise device (“exercise device”) 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The exercise device 10 comprises a hand member 12, a leg member 14, and a foot member 16, each being connected via a frame 18. The hand member 12 and foot member 16 meet at junction points 20 of the frame 18. Preferably, the junction points 20 allow the hand member 12 and the foot member 16 to swivel.

The hand member 12 includes gripping sections 19 configured to improve a user's grip on the hand member 12. Specifically, the gripping sections 19 are angled to allow the user to strengthen different muscles determined by the preferred grip.

The leg member 14 attaches to an extension 22, which attaches to the frame 18. The leg member 14 may also be configured to swivel through the extension 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the extension 22 positions the leg member 14 offset from a longitudinal axis of the frame 18.

A layer of padding 23 may be attached to the leg member 14 to improve the user's comfort during use.

The foot member 16 includes a foot securing means 24 for securing a user's foot to the foot member 16 to increase the number and types of exercises that the user may perform. The exercise device 10 may be configured with an optional foot member locking mechanism 25, such as a clamp, clasp, bolt, screw, pin, or other device well known in the art. The leg member locking mechanism 25 is configured to lock the foot member 16 in a fixed position to improve comfort of the exercise device 10 when in use.

In the illustrated embodiment, the securing means 24 comprises two ‘C’ shaped members 26, which create a receiving area 28 for holding the user's ankles therein. In operation, the user inserts his feet through the receiving areas 28 until the ‘C’ shaped members 26 wrap around the user's ankles.

In another embodiment, the securing means 24 is a strap of rubber, plastic, textile, or other type of material configured to wrap around the user's foot/feet. One skilled in the art will recognize that there are many types of securing means 24 that maybe utilized to accomplish the desired task of securing the user's foot/feet to the exercise device 10.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate front and side views of a diametric resistance exercise device 10 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated embodiment shows an exercise device 10 similar to the exercise device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, but includes a press member 30 attached to an extended frame 32.

Similar to the arm member 12, the press member 30 may be configured to swivel through the extended frame 32. The press member 30 includes a plurality of gripping sections 34 to allow the user to hold the press member 30 in a preferred manner.

The extended frame 32 may removably attach to the frame 18, or the frame may be manufactured with the extended frame 32 permanently attached.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate particular exercises possible with one embodiment of the present invention. With the user 34 on his back and holding the arm member 12 with his legs resting on the leg member 14 and feet inserted into the foot securing means 24, the user 34 is able to exercise diametric muscle groups. In particular, as the user 34 applies a force in the direction of arrow 36 against the arm member 12, the legs apply a counter force in the direction of arrow 38. Accordingly, the user 32 is able to adjust the amount of force necessary to push the exercise device 10 away from the user 32. The muscle groups affected in this particular embodiment would be the arms and shoulders versus the quad and calf muscles.

Referring specifically to FIG. 6, using the exercise device 10, the user 32 is able to diametrically exercise his shoulders, triceps, and biceps versus his thigh muscles. The amount of force necessary to perform the exercise is completely up to the user 32.

It is understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the presently illustrated invention. The present invention may, however, be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

For example, although the illustrative embodiments show a leg member locking mechanism 25 for locking the leg member 16 in a fixed position, it is envisioned that the locking mechanism 25 may be applied to the press member 30, arm member 12, and the leg member 14 as well.

It is also envisioned that the exercise device 10 may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as PVC, metal, wood, or plastic.

Additionally, although the illustrative embodiments show an exercise device 10 of fixed dimensions, it is envisioned that the frame 18 maybe adjustable to fit users 32 of varying heights, sizes, and shapes. The frame may also be configured to separate to remove the press member 30, the arm member 12, the leg member 14, or the foot member 16 to insert different shaped pieces, or different members to accommodate different sized users 32 or to perform different exercises. For instance, the arm member 12 may be replaced with a flexible member (not shown), or the foot member 16 may be replaced with a different foot member 16 having a different style securing means 24. The frame 18 may also be replaceable, for instance, a flexible type of frame 18 may be used and configured to allow the user 32 to twist the frame 18, or slightly bend the frame 18 to improve the types of exercises that may be used.

Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. An exercise device for exercising opposing muscles comprising:

a frame;

a hand member connected to one end of the frame;

a foot member connected to an opposite end of the frame, the foot member being configured with a foot securing means for securing a user's foot to the foot member;

a leg member positioned between the hand member and the foot member and connected to the frame; and

wherein the hand member, foot member, and leg member are configured such that a force applied by the user to the hand member is opposed by a counter force acting against the foot member, and vice-versa.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the hand member includes angled gripping sections configured to allow the user to grip the hand member in different positions.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the hand member is configured to swivel.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the foot securing means is 0 configured to wrap around the user's ankles.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the foot securing means comprises two ‘C’ shaped members, which create a receiving area for holding the user's ankles therein.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the foot securing means wraps around the user's foot to removably secure the user's foot to the foot member.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the leg member comprises a layer of padding configured to protect the user from injury.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises an extension protruding from a side of the frame, wherein the leg member attaches to the extension, such that the leg member is offset from a longitudinal axis of the frame.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the exercise device is constructed of PVC.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the foot member is configured to swivel.

11. An exercise device comprising:

a frame;

a press member connected to one end of the frame;

a foot member connected to an opposite end of the frame, the foot member being configured with a foot securing means;

a hand member connected to the frame and positioned between the press member and the foot member;

a leg member positioned between the hand member and the foot member and connected to the frame; and

wherein the press member, hand member, foot member, and leg member are configured such that a force applied by a user to the press or hand member is opposed by a counter force acting against the foot member, and vice-versa.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the hand member includes angled gripping sections configured to allow the user to grip the hand member in different positions.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the press member and hand member are configured to swivel.

14. The device according to claim 11, wherein the foot securing means is configured to wrap around the user's ankles.

15. The device according to claim 11, wherein the foot securing means comprises two ‘C’ shaped members 26, which create a receiving area for holding the user's ankles therein.

16. The device according to claim 11, wherein the foot securing means wraps around the user's foot to removably secure the user's foot to the foot member.

17. The device according to claim 11, wherein the leg member comprises a layer of padding configured to protect the user from injury.

18. The device according to claim 11, wherein the frame comprises an extension protruding from a side of the frame, wherein the leg member attaches to the extension, such that the leg member is offset from a longitudinal axis of the frame.

19. The device according to claim 11, wherein the exercise device is constructed of PVC.

20. The device according to claim 11, wherein the foot member is configured to swivel.