METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LATERAL EXERCISE
A lateral exercise device capable of exercising both the upper body and lower body includes a base plate, two track members pivotally connected to opposite sides of the base plate, and a handle attached to an upper surface of the base plate. A foot support may be slidably engaged with each track member for lateral exercise of the lower body and a pulley system with handles may run along the length of each track member for lateral exercise of the upper body.
The present invention generally relates to a lateral exercise method and apparatus and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for lateral exercise that includes two track members pivotally connected to opposite sides of a base plate. The track members each have a foot support that is slidably engaged along a length of the track member and separate pulley systems that run along a length of each track member.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTIONLateral exercise is exercise that relates to extending parts of the body toward the right or left sides of the body away from the median axis of the body. Lateral exercise also includes exercise that involves movement of some or all of the body from side to side. The prior art includes many types of lateral exercise devices.
One popular lateral exercise device includes a planar sliding surface having stops at its opposite ends. The user puts on booties, such as nylon booties, over their feet or shoes. The booties work with the slide surface to achieve smooth sliding across the planar sliding surface. The user then uses his or her body to slide their feet back and forth across the planar sliding surface.
Another popular lateral exercise device is directed to stepping devices for exercising the thighs. These types of devices include oppositely positioned footplates or foot pedals that function as bi-directional steppers. The foot pedals move up and down to sculpt the buttocks, quadriceps muscles, and hamstrings, and side to side to firm the inner and outer thighs.
There are also a multitude of other exercise devices that are designed to resist lateral movements of the body and/or its appendages such as the back and forth or side to side movement of the arms or legs. However, although compact and portable, most lateral exercise devices focus on exercising only the upper body or the lower body. Further, those few simple lateral exercise devices that are capable of exercising both the upper body and the lower body, such as a stretch band having handles at its opposite ends, for example, are incapable of tension adjustment. Accordingly, there is a need for a lateral exercise apparatus that is capable of exercising both the upper body and the lower body that is compact, portable, easy to store, and tension adjustable.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONThe invention is generally directed to a method and apparatus for lateral exercise which includes first and second track members pivotally connected to a base plate which lies planar with a ground surface, and a handle member extending from a top surface of the base plate. The first and second track members each include a foot support that is slidably engaged along a length of the track member and an adjustable blocking member capable of limiting the movement of the foot support along a length of its respective track member. The blocking members may be completely removable from the track members. The method and apparatus also include first and second pulley systems running along a length of each of the track members for exercising a user's arms and upper torso.
The first and second pulley systems may each include one or more wheel members and a band, belt, cord, rope, chain, or the like for engaging the one or more wheel members. In one embodiment, a first wheel is located near the pivotal end of each track member and a second wheel is located near the opposite end of each track member. A band, belt, cord, rope, chain, or the like is connected to one wheel member, positioned around both wheel members, and a handle is attached to the unattached end of the band. Tension may be applied to the first and second pulley systems by a tension knob located near each pivotal end of the track members such that the tension knobs engage the first wheel members thereby making it harder for the wheel members to rotate.
In order to use the lateral exercise apparatus, a user positions the first and second track members so that they are in the same horizontal plane as the base plate. The user then grasps the handle member with his or her hands and places his or her feet on the foot supports. The user then moves his or her body so that the user's feet slide back and forth, in other words inward and outward from the axis of the user's body, along a length of the first and second track members. The blocking members may be positioned and locked into place before a user grasps the handle member so that the movement of the user's feet will be limited along a length of the track members.
In order to exercise the upper body with the lateral exercise device, the user engages the handles of the first and second pulley systems by grabbing the handles of the first and second pulley systems with his or her hands. Next, the user places his or her feet in the foot supports and moves the foot supports outward from the user's body until they are pressed against the blocking members that are locked into place in the track members. The user may then perform a number of different upper body exercises by pulling the handles of the first and second pulley systems toward and/or away from the user's body and then slowly releasing the handles thereby allowing them to retract from the pulled position.
The lateral exercise apparatus may be easily stored by pivoting the first and second track members such that they are perpendicular to the base plate. This compact positioning of the exercise apparatus can then be easily stored in a corner or closet without the need for much space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe present invention is hereafter described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and:
The following description is of exemplary embodiments of the invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the appended claims. For example, in the context of the present invention, the method and apparatus hereof may include only those elements necessary for lateral exercise of the upper body, only those elements necessary for lateral exercise of the lower body, or all of those elements necessary for lateral exercise of the upper body and lateral exercise of the lower body.
In general, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for lateral exercise. Turning now to the figures,
Base plate 12 is preferably comprised of a metal such as steel, steel alloys, stainless steels, aluminum, and aluminum alloys that will maintain its rigidity and stability. Like base plate 12, track members 14 and 16 are also preferably comprised of a metal such as steel, steel alloys, stainless steels, aluminum, and aluminum alloys to ensure durability and stability despite the wear and tear experienced by use of the apparatus over time. Handle member 18 may also be made of a material the same as, or similar to, the material used for base plate 12 and first and second track members 14 and 16.
In order to further make the apparatus 10 portable and compact, handle member 18 may comprise several pieces including a first hollow tubular member 28 secured to a top surface of base plate 12, a second tubular member 30 removably positioned within first hollow tubular member 28, and a third tubular member 32 positioned perpendicular to second tubular member 30 and connected to second tubular member 30 with clamp 34. Second and third tubular members 30 and 32 may be disassembled and stored separately from the apparatus 10 to further facilitate storage of the apparatus 10. First and second handle covers 36 and 38 may also be positioned over opposite ends of third tubular member 32 for more secure and comfortable use of the apparatus 10. Handle covers 36 and 38 are preferably made of a foam or plastic material to enhance gripping. However, handle covers 36 and 38 may comprise any material that can be securely fitted over opposite ends of third tubular member 32 without slipping.
First and second foot supports 20 and 22 may each comprise a sliding member 40, a base support 42 positioned over sliding member 40, and a strap 44 attached to base support 42 for retaining a user's foot during use of the apparatus 10. The sliding members 40 of each foot support 20 and 22 are engaged with first and second track members 14 and 16, respectively such that they are capable of sliding along a length of first and second track members 14 and 16. Sliding members 40 are preferably comprised of the same durable metal as first and second track members 14 and 16. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that base plate 12, first and second track members 14 and 16, handle member 18, and sliding members 40 may be comprised of any type of durable material capable of withstanding wear and tear from repeated use of apparatus 10. These materials include, but are not limited to, plastics, polymers, polymer mixes, and fiberglass. Base supports 42 may also be comprised of any material that is used to make base plate 12, first and second track members 14 and 16, handle member 18, and sliding members 40 including all of those listed above. Straps 44 are comprised of any type of material that is capable of retaining a user's foot on top of base supports 42. These materials are preferably slightly flexible and may include, but are not limited to, webbing, rubber, cloth, plastic, polymers and polymer mixes.
Apparatus 10 may also include first and second pulley systems 46 and 48 running along a length of first and second track members 14 and 16, respectively. First and second pulley systems 46 and 48 may include handles 50 and 52 so that a user can easily engage apparatus 10 for lateral exercise of the upper body. First and second pulley systems 46 and 48 are explained in more detail with reference to
A partial perspective view of the top of the lateral exercise apparatus 10 in the storage position showing the handle members 50 and 52 of the first and second pulley systems 46 and 48 located near the non-pivotal ends of track members 14 and 16 is shown in
As shown in
Turning now to
A second lateral exercise for the upper body using the lateral exercise apparatus 10 is shown in
Another lateral exercise for the upper body using the lateral exercise apparatus 10 is shown in
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set firth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus comprising:
- a base plate;
- first and second track members pivotally connected to opposite sides of the base plate; and
- a handle member connected to a top surface of the base plate.
2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising first and second foot supports slidably engaged with the first and second track members, respectively.
3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2 further comprising first and second adjustable blocking members capable of limiting the movement of the first and second foot supports along a length of the first and second track members, respectively.
4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising first and second pulley systems running along a length of the first and second track members, respectively.
5. The exercise apparatus of claim 4 wherein the pulley systems include at least one wheel member and at least one of a band, belt, cord, rope, and chain that engages said at least one wheel member.
6. The exercise apparatus of claim 4 further comprising first and second handles connected to the first and second pulley systems, respectively.
7. The exercise apparatus of claim 4 further comprising means for applying tension to the first and second pulley systems thereby increasing the amount of force needed to activate the pulley systems.
8. The exercise apparatus of claim 7 wherein the means for comprising tension comprises a separate means for applying tension to the first pulley system and a second means for applying tension to the second pulley system.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second track members are horizontally planar to the base plate when the exercise apparatus is in a position for use.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second track members are perpendicular to the base plate when the exercise apparatus is in a position for storage.
11. A method for performing lateral exercise comprising the steps of:
- providing an exercise device having a base plate, first and second track members pivotally connected to opposite sides of the base plate where the first and second track members each include a foot support that is slidably engaged along a length of each track member, and a handle member connected to a top surface of the base plate;
- positioning the first and second track members so that they are in the same horizontal plane as the base plate;
- grasping the handle member with a user's hands;
- engaging the user's feet with the foot supports; and
- moving the user's body such that the user's feet slide back and forth along a length of the first and second track members.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the step of providing an exercise device includes providing a blocking member for each foot support to limit the movement of the first and second foot supports along a length of the track members, and further including the step of locking the blocking members in place on the track members before the step of engaging the handle member.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of providing an exercise device includes providing first and second pulley systems running along a length of the first and second track systems and first and second handles connected to the first and second pulley systems, respectively.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of moving the user's body comprises the step of moving the user's feet until the foot supports are pressed against the blocking members.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of engaging the handles of the pulley systems with the user's hands and alternating applying and releasing force applied to the pulley systems by moving the user's hands and arms.
16. A lateral exercise apparatus comprising:
- a base plate adjacent to, and in planar alignment with, a ground surface;
- first and second track members pivotally connected to opposite sides of the base plate;
- first and second foot supports slidably engaged with the first and second track members, respectively;
- first and second pulley systems running along a length of the first and second track members, respectively; and
- a handle member connected to a top surface of the base plate.
17. The lateral exercise apparatus of claim 16 further comprising first and second adjustable blocking members capable of limiting the movement of the first and second foot supports along a length of the first and second track members, respectively.
18. The lateral exercise apparatus of claim 16 further comprising handles connected to the first and second pulley systems, respectively.
19. The lateral exercise apparatus of claim 16 further comprising means for applying tension to the first and second pulley systems thereby increasing the amount of force needed to activate the pulley systems.
20. The lateral exercise apparatus of claim 19 wherein the means for comprising tension comprises a separate means for applying tension to the first pulley system and a second means for applying tension to the second pulley system.
21. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first and second track members are horizontally planar to the base plate when the exercise apparatus is in a position for use.
22. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first and second track members are perpendicular to the base plate when the exercise apparatus is in a position for storage.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 23, 2005
Publication Date: May 24, 2007
Inventor: Mihai Ilioi (Glendale, AZ)
Application Number: 11/164,468
International Classification: A63B 21/02 (20060101); A63B 21/04 (20060101);