PORTABLE EXERCISE DEVICE FOR MOUNTING TO A BED FRAME
An exercise device for attachment to a bed frame. A user accessible loop section allows a user to either grab onto or insert his feet into the exercise device. A bed frame mounting device is connected to the bed frame. A length adjustable section is connected between the user accessible loop section and the bed frame mounting device. In a preferred embodiment, the length adjustable section is adjusted so that the user accessible loop section reaches to the top of the mattress. The user sits on the mattress of the bed frame, inserts his feet into the user accessible loop section and performs sit-ups using the mattress as a sit-up mat and comfortable support for his back. In another preferred embodiment, the user attaches a resistance band between the user accessible loop section and the bed frame mounting device. The user can then perform resistance exercises such as arm curls or he can lie on the mattress and perform leg lifts.
With advances in medical research and communication, individuals throughout the world are very aware of the importance of exercise. Indeed, exercise classes are a standard part of public education so that at a young age, the importance of exercise is repeatedly taught to our children.
However, as children advance into adulthood they are left on their own as individuals to be responsible for their own health. Ideally, all adults would exercise every day at a gymnasium and utilize advanced equipment under the highly skilled eye of a personal trainer. Unfortunately, this luxury is only available for a very small percentage of the population. Most people have to squeeze in exercise around other responsibilities and obligations. Often exercise is something to be done after everything else is done. Moreover, to most people it is impractical to drive off to a gym at the end of the day for an exercise session.
Home gyms are expensive, an eye sore, require maintenance and take up too much space. Prior art portable exercise devices are known but tend to be limited in the types of exercises that can be accomplished. Consumers are often discouraged after purchasing a prior art portable exercise device and the prior art portable exercise device usually ends up finding its way into the attic, garage or trash bin.
For example, U.S Pat. No. 4,417,726 issued to Schleis describes an exercise device designed for use on the floor while attached by placing the lower attachment piece between the floor and the leg of the bed. The corner of the bed, including the bed frame must be lifted in order to place the device plastic coated wire underneath the leg of the bed or other piece of furniture. With the force exerted while performing exercises, it is very unlikely that this method of mounting will remain in place under a standard round wheel which is included on the majority of bed frames of this style. It's uncomfortable and un-adjustable and is usable for sit-up exercises only. The device is extremely limited in that no other functionality is included or suggested to allow the user to perform resistance or additional exercises of any type.
U.S Pat. No. 5,160,306 issued to Lui describes an exercise device for performing sit-ups while lying on top of the mattress. The long under-the-mattress wooden plank is bulky and impractical for travel. It also is necessary to use additional inconvenient fastening methods to fasten the plank to the bed when using a thinner more flexible mattress. The Lui device is limited in that it is only configured for sit-up exercises.
U.S Pat. No. 4,378,939 issued to Wild describes an exercise device for performing only sit-up exercises on the floor. There is no capability to perform any additional exercises. This device includes a complicated permanently installed L-Frame mounting device utilizing pressure clamps and wing-nuts.
What is needed is a better portable exercise device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides an exercise device for attachment to a bed frame. A user accessible loop section allows a user to either grab onto or insert his feet into the exercise device. A bed frame mounting device is connected to the bed frame. A length adjustable section is connected between the user accessible loop section and the bed frame mounting device. In a preferred embodiment, the length adjustable section is adjusted so that the user accessible loop section reaches to the top of the mattress. The user sits on the mattress of the bed frame, inserts his feet into the user accessible loop section and performs sit-ups using the mattress as a sit-up mat and comfortable support for his back. In another preferred embodiment, the user attaches a resistance band between the user accessible loop section and the bed frame mounting device. The user can then perform resistance exercises such as arm curls or he can lie on the mattress and perform leg lifts.
Preferably, ankle pad 2 is cylindrical and made of a solid flexible material. In the preferred embodiment shown in
Ankle Strap 5 is shown in
Adjustable lower strap 8 preferably includes upper section 9 looped through D-ring 6 and secured by button 7. Upper section 9 is also looped through buckle 11 and sewn as shown (
Bed frame mounting device 16 is shown in
It should be noted that there are many types of bed frames and that bed frame mounting device 16 can be replaced with other types of bed frame mounting devices as appropriate.
For example,
By attaching resistance band 35 between adjustable lower strap 8 and bed frame mounting device 16 (as shown in
In another preferred embodiment, the user replaces ankle pad 2 with looped ankle pad 30 (
The resistance provided by resistance band 35 can be modified to customize the exercise to the strength and conditioning goals of the user. For example, it should be noted that in
It should be understood that there is a large variety of bed frame types and that the present invention can attach to any bed frame type. For example,
In
One major feature of the present invention is that it is very easy for a user to carry bed frame exercise device 1 with him while he travels. For example, in a preferred embodiment, bed frame exercise device 1 is sold as a kit. The kit preferably includes a storage pouch, ankle strap 2, adjustable lower strap 8, and bed frame mounting devices 16, 20 and 43. Also, preferably the kit will come with multiple resistance bands 35 so that the user can vary the resistance as appropriate. The kit contents are all very small, lightweight and can be easily stored into the storage pouch and packed into a suitcase. The user can then comfortably exercise in a hotel room as easily as he can in his own bedroom.
Although the above-preferred embodiments have been described with specificity, persons skilled in this art will recognize that many changes to the specific embodiments disclosed above could be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above description mentioned three types of bed frames (i.e., the metal bed frame with L-brackets, the wooden slat bed frame and the sofa sleeper bed frame. There are many other types of bed frames available. The present invention can be utilized with any type of bed frame. For example, hook 43 (
Claims
1) An exercise device for attachment to a bed frame supporting a mattress, comprising:
- A) a narrow strip of one or more pliant materials comprising a portion of which is formed into a user accessible loop section adopted to permit a user to grab onto or insert one or two feet into the exercise device,
- B) a length adjustable section connected to said user accessible loop section and adapted to adjust in length the exercise device, and
- C) a bed frame mounting device adapted to connect said length adjustable section to the bed frame.
2) The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said user accessible loop section comprises an ankle pad for receiving both feet of a user.
3) The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said user accessible loop section comprises an ankle pad for receiving one foot of a user.
4) The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said user accessible loop section comprises:
- A) a strap,
- B) a rubber tube, wherein said strap is inserted through said rubber tube,
- C) a neoprene layer, covering said rubber tube.
5) The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said device is adapted to permit the user to sit on said mattress and insert his feet into said user adjustable loop section and to permit the user to perform sit-ups on said mattress while the user's feet are supported by said user accessible loop section.
6) The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said length adjustable section comprises:
- A) a strap, and
- B) a buckle,
- wherein the length of said length adjustable section is adapted to permit adjustment by manipulating said strap and said buckle.
7) The exercise device as in claim 1, for use on a bed with an L-shaped frame element, wherein said bed frame mounting device comprises:
- A) a U-shaped channel for receiving said L-shaped frame element, and
- B) a base section sandwiched between said mattress and said L-shaped frame element.
8) The exercise device as in claim 1, for use on a bed with a wooden bed frame comprising a wooden slat, wherein said bed frame mounting device comprises:
- A) a sliding metal bracket slidingly connected to said bed frame mounting device,
- B) a first rubber pad connected to said sliding metal bracket,
- C) a second rubber pad connected to said bed frame mounting device
- D) a threaded thumb screw for adjusting the position of said sliding metal bracket, wherein said wooden slat is positioned between said first rubber pad and said second rubber pad.
9) The exercise device as in claim 1, further comprising at least one elastic resistance band connected between said user accessible loop section and said bed frame mounting device.
10) The exercise device as in claim 9, wherein said at least one elastic resistance band is a plurality of elastic resistance bands.
11) The exercise device as in claim 9, adapted to permit a user to utilize said exercise device for performing repetitive resistance exercises.
12) The exercise device as in claim 11, adapted to permit a user to stand next to said bed frame and grab said user accessible loop section and perform curls for bicep exercise.
13) The exercise device as in claim 11, adapted to permit a user to lie on said mattress and insert his feet into said user accessible loop section and perform leg lift exercises.
14) An exercise kit adapted to be attached to a bed frame to produce an exercise device, said kit comprised of:
- A) a narrow strip of one or more pliant materials comprising a portion of which is formed into a user accessible loop section,
- B) a length adjustable section connected to said user accessible loop section,
- C) a bed frame mounting device adapted to be connected both to said bed frame and to said length adjustable section, and
- D) a plurality of elastic resistant bands.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 2, 2010
Publication Date: Jul 7, 2011
Inventor: Mike Cicco (Upland, CA)
Application Number: 12/651,466