Exercise Device

Abstract

An exercise device has a two-part telescoping elongate bar with a first rod and second rod. The first rod includes a weighted collar affixed to each end that can hold additional weights. The second rod is received within the first rod and engages via a coupling for axial sliding movement outward from an open end of the first rod for telescoping operation such that the device is extensible. A person holds the device using hand grips attached to one end of the first rod and an opposing end of the second rod.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims benefit of U.S. provisional application no. 61/350,751 filed on Jun. 2, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an exercise device that has particular utility for stretching and improving the condition of a person's back. Particularly, the invention relates to an extensible exercise bar device for stretching.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Various exercise devices are presently known that comprise a bar having hand grips. However, each of these devices have shortcomings with respect to stretching the back.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,257,591 (Evans, Sr.) relates to an exercising device that comprises a bar with variable length having hand grips at each of its opposing ends. However, the device does not have a secure means for adding weight and does not provide an axially sliding member for improving a stretch.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,006,646 (Nanni) relates to an exercise device that includes a hollow tube in which a weight is slidably mounted. Nanni does not provide a stable weighted bar that includes an axially sliding member to improve a stretch.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,146 (Jackson) relates to an exercise device with removable weight on opposite ends of a bar and a sleeve fixed to the center of the bar. The device does not provide a weighted bar with weights a fixed distance apart and a pair of rods that are coupled to telescope and axially slide sufficient distance to provide a useful stretch.

Thus, a need exists for a useful device having stable weights separated by fixed distance and wherein the device axially slides and is extensible to improve back stretches during rotating, bending and twisting exercises.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The extensible exercise bar device provides an elongate first rod and an elongate second rod of smaller diameter than the first rod. The elongate second rod is received within an open end of the first rod. The second rod is held within the first rod by a coupling for axial sliding engagement, whereby the second rod telescopes from the first rod upon outward sliding movement from the first rod. The rods of the exercise bar device may be constructed of polyvinyl chloride and joined together by a PCV coupling. The second rod will have some resistance when extending from the first rod to provide for exercise and improved results during stretching. Additionally, the first rod includes a first collar and a second collar on opposing ends of the first rod that are either integrated therein or removable. These collars add weight to the first rod that further improves exercise results. The weight of these collars may be adjusted by adding additional weight to sleeves on each collar that receive the weights, which may consist of stretchable weight rings placed on the sleeves.

In use, a person grips opposing handles in his or her hands that are provided on one end of the first rod and on the opposing end of the second rod. In one effective stretching exercise, the person holds the exercise device behind their back and rotates his or her body while gripping the opposing handles. As he or she rotates, they extend the second rod from the first rod by sliding movement to provide improvement to the stretching exercise. The person may wear an exercise belt around their waist to rest the bar and cushion the device while protecting the person's back from excess strain during the stretching exercise.

In another embodiment, the person grips the opposing handles and uses the device in front of his or her body. In this position, the user can stretch the chest, arms and shoulder areas of the body. These exercises are especially helpful for relieving stress, improving overall flexibility and adding strength. A bearing member may be included between the handle and the weight collar to assist the user when operating the device in front of the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of an exercise device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the exercise device illustrating additional features of the invention shown in FIG. 1 including a feature providing additional weight and the feature of being extensible.

FIG. 3 is a partial front assembly view of the exercise device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial front plan view illustrating a first handle and collar features of an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are sectional end views of the collar feature of FIG. 4 illustrating a means for removable attachment of the collar feature according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial front plan view illustrating a second collar feature of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional end view illustrating an embodiment of a coupling feature of the invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a method for using the exercise device in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate another method for using the exercise device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial front plan view illustrating an embodiment of the invention having a bearing member between the collar feature and the handle feature to improve operation in front of the user's body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, an embodiment of an exercise device 2 in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The exercise device 2 is a bar-type device comprising a pair of elongate rods coupled together in extensible sliding relationship. The rods include an elongate first rod 4 and an elongate second rod 6. The first rod 4 receives the second rod and, thus, has a larger diameter in which the second rod 6 can slide into and telescopically retract. Accordingly, the second rod 6 has a smaller diameter than the first rod 4. The rods may be constructed of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) to provide a strong and stiff construction that is yet inexpensive and efficient to manufacture. Alternatively, other suitable materials like metals or other plastics and composites could be used for commercial gym applications or specific medical rehabilitation applications of the device.

The second rod 6 is inserted into the first rod 4 through an open end 8 of the first rod for axial sliding movement inward for retraction and outward from the open end for extension for the telescoping operation. The second rod 6 is joined to the first rod 4 through the open end 8 of the first rod by a coupling 10 arranged within the open end as shown in FIG. 7. Particularly when the rods are constructed of PVC, the coupling 10 may comprise a standard PVC coupling with ridge means to retain the rods in sliding engagement. In more robust commercial or medical applications, an engineered bearing may be used to couple the rods in sliding engagement. Regardless, in the invention, the coupling 10 will limit the extent of axial sliding movement of the second rod 6 relative to the first rod 4 and retain the second rod within the open end 8 of the first rod when the second rod is completely extended from the first as shown in FIG. 2. The coupling 10 or bearing also provides some resistance to axial movement of the second rod within the first rod which improves the effect of exercise with the device 2. The resistance may be provided by frictional forces between the coupling and the rods, spring mechanisms between the rods or by pressure such as air pressure or hydraulic pressure. For instance a PVC coupling may be arranged to provide a relatively tight seal and create a degree of air pressure between the rods that imposes a degree of resistance as air is forced out or air is drawn into the first rod during axial sliding movement of the rods with respect to each other.

FIGS. 1-2 show a first collar 12 and a second collar 14 on opposing ends of the first rod 4. As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the collars are mounted on the first rod in fixed positions. The first collar 12 is mounted in a fixed position near one end of the first rod 4 as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The second collar 14 is mounted in a fixed position near the opposite end of the first rod 4 as shown in FIG. 6. The collars are both mounted on the first rod 4 for the present invention whereby the first rod and the collars are stable during use of the invention to prevent risk of injury and the negative effects that would be had if the distance between the collars were variable. It is an aspect of the invention that the collars are fixed distance from each other, and the second rod 6 is extensible from the first rod 4 without changing the distance between the collars. Thereby, the collars provide means for adding weight to the exercise device 2. The collars may be integrated as equally weighted compact weight members onto the ends of the first rod 4. Optionally, the collars may be removable to remove weight from the exercise device 2 and reduce the overall weight. FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a clip means comprising clips 16 for holding the collars onto the ends of the first rod 4. In one embodiment, the clips 16 may include buttons 18 received by holes 20 in the first rod 4 to retain the collars. The clips 16 may be removed by using levers 22 attached to the buttons 18 to manipulate and pull the buttons out of the holes 20 and allow detachment and removal of each collar 12, 14. Other variations of clips will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The first collar 12 and second collar 14 may include a fill material of predetermined weight or be constructed of an intentionally heavy material that will add weight to each end of the first rod. Additionally, the collars may be constructed to provide a receptacle for additional weight. In particular, the collars may include a smooth cylindrical exterior surface as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, providing a sleeve 24 for receiving weights. As shown in FIG. 2., with respect to the first collar 12, the weights may comprise stretchable rings 26 that are placed around the sleeve 24 and held in place by friction or by the addition of a lip on either end of the sleeve. One or more rings 26 may be placed on the sleeves to add the desired amount of weight. For example, a one pound ring could be placed on each end on the opposing sleeves 24 to add a total of two pounds of weight to the exercise device. The representation in FIG. 2 shows three one-pound ring weights on the first collar 12. Generally, the collars will be of equal weight and the sleeves will be arranged with equal amounts of any added weights for balance. Thus, in the example shown, three rings would be added to both the first collar 12 and second collar 14 for six total pounds of additional weight, three pounds on each end of the first rod 4. The addition of weights on the first collar 12 in FIG. 2 and not on the second collar 14 is for illustrative purposes to show the variation available in the amount of weight that can be provided on the collars. The several weights or rings 26 are placed on the second collar 14 in the same manner as the first. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art to vary the design or the collar and the weight added to the collar. However, the ring weights 26 shown provide a simple consumer oriented manner for safely varying the weight of the device.

While both collars 12-14 are arranged on the first rod 4, the hand grips shown in the figures are arranged separately on the first rod 4 and second rod 6. The first hand grip 30 and the second hand grip 32 are extensible from one another such that the second hand grip moves away from the first hand grip during a person's stretching motion. The first hand grip 30 is mounted in a fixed position on an end of the elongate first rod 4 and on one side of the first collar 12, generally the outside end of the first rod opposing the open end 8. The second hand grip 32 is mounted in a fixed position on a second end of the second rod 6, which is situated opposite the first end of the second rod, opposite where the second rod is inserted into the first rod's open end. In the preferred embodiment shown, the hand grips are both axially aligned with the rods that provide an ergonomic design favorable for many of the stretching exercises capable of being performs with the exercise device 2. Also, the hand grips are preferably constructed of comfortable material for gripping the rods. Each grip may be comprised of rubber or plastic members that cover the respective ends of each rod, and each grip may include a contoured surface, surface texture or surface covering that improve the use of the hand grips for a secure and comfortable grip on the exercise device. Alternatives may include providing some angle to the hand grips; however, this may complicate construction and removal of the collars. In this regard, the grips may be removable by sliding or screwing on and off. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the hand grips could screw on using a threaded member 34 on the ends of the rods, which would promote easy removal of the hand grips and the collars. In this manner, the exercise device 2 could even be provided alternative configurations of hand grips for attachment to the rods' ends.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate a person 40 using the invention according to one method in which the exercise device 2 includes the first rod 4 with the second rod 6 arranged for sliding movement and extension with respect to the first rod. The opposing handles 30-32 are gripped by the person's hands, and the device is held behind their back. The person rotates their body as shown by the different positions in the figures, and, as they rotate, the second rod extends from the first rod by sliding movement to provide an improved stretching exercise. The second rod 6 is extended from the first rod 4 by pulling the second hand grip 32 on the second rod away from the first hand grip 30 on the first rod by sliding movement as described. The exercise may be enhanced by providing a belt 36 around the person's waist on which the exercise device bears and rests against the person's back during some portion of the rotation. The belt 36 may improve the comfort of the device during this method of the device and may prevent injury. Further, the exercise may be enhanced by adding weight members to the collars on opposing ends of the first rod 4. As shown, a one pound ring 26 of weight is added to each collar by placing the ring on the collar sleeve 24 and held in place by the friction of the weight ring being stretched around the respective collar.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate alternative methods for using the invention to stretch and exercise. In 9A the exercise device 2 is held above the person's head. The person 40 may use the device to obtain a very good stretch by leaning from side to side while holding the device above their head. As the person leans to a side, the exercise device will extend to improve and increase the stretch. In 9B the exercise device is held in front of the person's chest. In this case the person may use the device to obtain a good stretch by twisting from side to side about the person's waist while holding the device in front. As the person twists to a side, the device will extend to improve and increase the stretch provided by the exercise.

To improve operation of the device in front of the body as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a bearing member 50 may be inserted between the handle on the second rod and the collar sleeve 24. The bearing 50 buffers the hands and enables the user to use the device for stretching and strengthening in the chest, arms and shoulders. In order to provide a cushioned response, the bearing member may be formed of a flexible rubber sphere, such as a ball, that is received about the circumference of the second rod.

The goal of the present device is to build muscles and relieve stress in the back, shoulder, chest and arm areas. Further, regular use of the device will improve a person's flexibility. As a result, the present device increases both the quality of life and longevity of life for those who otherwise might become unhealthy and immobile.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising:

an elongate first rod;

an elongate second rod received within an open end of the first rod with a first end of the second rod being inserted into the open end the first rod and said second rod being engaged for axial sliding movement outward from the open end of the first rod for telescoping operation such that said exercise device is extensible and said first rod having an inner diameter greater than the diameter of said second rod;

a coupling for limiting the extent of said axial sliding movement of said second rod relative to said first rod and that retains the second rod within the open end of the first rod;

a first collar and a second collar, said first collar mounted in a fixed position near one end of the first elongate rod and said second collar mounted in a fixed position near the opposite end of the first elongate rod; and

a first hand grip and a second hand grip extensible from the first hand grip, said first hand grip mounted in fixed position on an end of said first rod and on one side of said first collar, said second hand grip mounted in fixed position on a second end of said second rod being situated opposite the first end of the second rod.

2. The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said coupling comprises a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) coupling mounted within said open end of the first rod that provides resistance to the movement of the second rod within the first rod during the sliding movement of the second rod.

3. The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said coupling comprises a bearing joining said first rod and said second rod that provides for sliding movement of the second rod within the first rod with suitable resistance.

4. The exercise device as in claim 1 in which said first rod and second rod are constructed of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe.

5. The exercise device as in claim 1 in which said hand grips are both axially aligned with the rods and each comprise a rubber or plastic member covering the respective end of each rod and having a surface providing a secure grip for the respective rods.

6. The exercise device as in claim 1 in which said first collar and said second collar each are equally weighted and comprise suitable fill material of a predetermined weight.

7. The exercise device as in claim 6 wherein said equally weighted collars are integrated as a compact weight member on each end of the first rod and are not removable.

8. The exercise device as in claim 1 in which said first collar and said second collar each include a receptacle for holding additional weight.

9. The exercise device as in claim 7 wherein said receptacles each provide a sleeve for receiving one or more stretchable weight rings.

10. The exercise device as in claim 8 wherein each sleeve may receive up to three one-pound weight rings for providing three pounds of additional weight on each end of the first rod.

11. The exercise device as in claim 1 wherein each handle is removable and each collar is removable from the first rod to remove weight from the exercise device.

12. The exercise device as in claim 10 wherein each collar is attached to the first rod by clips, and the clips are manipulated to detach and remove the collars.

13. A method for exercise comprising the steps of:

a. providing an exercise device comprising a first rod and a second rod arranged for sliding movement and extension with respect to the first rod;

b. providing opposing handles with one handle on an end of the first rod and the opposing handle on the second rod;

c. gripping the opposing handles with a person's hands;

d. holding the exercise device behind the person's back;

e. rotating the person's body while gripping the opposing handles; and

f. extending the second rod from the first rod by sliding movement during rotation of the person's body to provide improve stretching exercise.

14. A method for exercise as in claim 13 including the additional step of providing belt around the person's waist on which the exercise device bears against on the person's back during rotation.

15. A method for exercise as in claim 13 in which the step of extending the second rod from the first rod include pulling the hand grip on the second rod away from the hand grip on the first rod by sliding movement of the second rod during rotation of the person's body.

16. A method for exercise as in claim 13 including the additional step of providing a weighted member on each opposing end of the first rod.

17. A method for exercise as in claim 16 including the additional step of providing a collar having a sleeve for each of said weighted members and placing several stretchable rings around each sleeve to add additional weight to each of the opposing ends of the first rod.

18. An exercise device comprising:

an elongate first rod;

an elongate second rod received within an open end of the first rod with a first end of the second rod being inserted into the open end the first rod and said second rod being engaged for axial sliding movement outward from the open end of the first rod for telescoping operation such that said exercise device is extensible and said first rod having an inner diameter greater than the diameter of said second rod;

a coupling mounted within said open end of the first rod that provides resistance to the movement of the second rod within the first rod during the sliding movement of the second rod, and for limiting the extent of said axial sliding movement of said second rod relative to said first rod, and that retains the second rod within the open end of the first;

a first collar and a second collar, said first collar integrated as a weight near one end of the first elongate rod and said second collar integrated as a weight near the opposite end of the first elongate rod, each collar including a sleeve receiving and retaining additional weight rings; and

a first hand grip and a second hand grip, both axially aligned with the rods and each comprising a rubber or plastic member covering the respective end of each rod, the second hand grip extensible from the first hand grip, said first hand grip mounted in fixed position on an end of said first elongate rod section and on one side of said first collar, said second hand grip mounted in fixed position on a second end of said second rod being situated opposite the first end of the second rod.

19. An exercise device as in claim 18 comprising a bearing member attached to said second rod between said second hand grip and said second collar.

20. An exercise device as in claim 19 in which said bearing member comprises a flexible rubber sphere about the second rod.