Exercise Device

Abstract

An exercise device includes a base, a pair of support arms, a pair of linear guides, and a pair of support arms. The base can include a lateral base support and a stabilizing support extending from the lateral base support in a non-parallel direction. The support arms can be rotatably coupled to and extending from the lateral base support. The support arms can have hinge ends and distal ends where the distal ends are non-linearly displaceable in a lateral direction with respect to the stabilizing support. The linear guides can have first ends and second ends, with the first ends rotatably coupled to the lateral base support and the second ends rotatably coupled to the pair of support arms. The linear guides can provide cushioning of displacement of the support arms. The support arms can be arranged at the distal ends of the support arms for supporting human limbs.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/527,040 filed on Aug. 24, 2011.

BACKGROUND

Many people engage in physical fitness activities, including young and old alike, particularly where these people are health conscious or desire to improve a physical health or condition. Some physical fitness activities include exercises to shape, tone, and/or strengthen specific groups of muscles.

Exercise machines are common. Many are used to target specific areas of the body for strength, cardiovascular health, flexibility and endurance. Exercise machines are typically designed, around the concept of providing a user's body with some form of work, usually through resistance and repetition, in order to strengthen the various parts of the body desired.

Exercising devices for strengthening muscles related to the lower extremities are beneficial to individuals desiring exercise. However, many exercise devices are large floor-associated devices which can be expensive and lack portability. Although smaller, portable thigh exercise devices have been developed, such devices often have various limitations. For example, some such exercise devices do not permit the user to strengthen muscles uniformly. Additionally, such exercise devices are limited, in ranges of motion and can only strengthen the muscles along that range of motion or by following a single motion path.

SUMMARY

An exercise device includes a base, a pair of support arms, a pair of linear guides, and a pair of support arms. The base can include a lateral base support and a stabilizing support extending from the lateral base support in a non-parallel direction. The support arms can be rotatably coupled to and extending from the lateral base support. The support arms can have hinge ends and distal ends where the distal ends are non-linearly displaceable in a lateral direction with respect to the stabilizing support. The linear guides can have first ends and second ends, with the first ends thereof being rotatably coupled, to the lateral base support and the second, ends being rotatably coupled to the pair of support arms. The linear guides can provide cushioning of displacement of the support arms. The support arms can be arranged at the distal ends of the support arms for supporting human limbs.

The linear guides can be hydraulic actuators.

The exercise device can include a resistance member, which may be an elastic resistance member, coupled to the pair of support arms to provide elasticated resistance against displacement of the support arms.

The exercise device can farther include a tension adjustment device along with the resistance member for adjusting a tension of the resistance member to adjust an amount of resistance.

The exercise device can include a rigid, arm extending between the pair of linear guides such that the non-linear displacement of the pair of support arms is in a same direction.

The lateral base support can be a first lateral base support and the exercise device can further include a second lateral base support. The second lateral base support can be attached to an opposite end of the stabilizing support as the first lateral base support. Also, the exercise device can include a handle extending upwardly from the second lateral base support. The handle can be hingedly coupled to the second lateral base support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective back end view of an exercise device in accordance with an example of the present technology:

FIG. 2 is a perspective front end view of an exercise device in accordance with an example of the present technology;

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of an exercise device in accordance with an example of the present technology;

FIGS. 4-6 are top views of an exercise device in accordance with examples of the present technology;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tension adjustment module in accordance with an example of the present technology; and

FIG. 8 is a top view of an exercise device using compression resistance in accordance with an example of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to provide a portable, inexpensive exercise device which is easily and readily usable in exercising the lower portions of the user, and which optionally provides resistance, including variable resistance.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the technology is thereby intended. Additional features and advantages of the technology will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the technology.

In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a tube” includes reference to one or more of such members, and reference to “directing” refers to one or more such steps.

As used herein with respect to an identified property or circumstance, “substantially” refers to a degree of deviation that is sufficiently small so as to not measurably detract from the identified property or circumstance. The exact degree of deviation allowable may in some cases depend on the specific context.

As used herein, “adjacent” refers to the proximity of two structures or elements. Particularly, elements that are identified as being “adjacent” may be either abutting or connected. Such elements may also be near or close to each other without necessarily contacting each other. The exact degree of proximity may in some cases depend on the specific context.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary.

Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is expressly recited. The structure, material or acts that support the means-plus function are expressly recited, in the description herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an exercise device 100 is shown in accordance with an example of the present technology. The exercise device includes a base 110, a pair of support arms 120a, 120b, a pair of linear guides 130a, 130b, and a pair of support arms 140a, 140b for supporting human limbs. The base can include a lateral base support 111, 112 and a stabilizing support 114 extending from the lateral base support in a non-parallel direction. In some examples, the lateral base support can be a first lateral base support 111 and the exercise device can further include a second lateral base support 112. The second lateral base support can be attached to an opposite end of the stabilizing support as the first lateral base support.

The support arms can be rotatably coupled to and extending from the lateral base support. The support arms 120a, 120b can have hinge ends 121a, 121b and distal ends 122a, 122b where the distal ends are non-linearly displaceable in a lateral direction with respect to the stabilizing support 114. The linear guides 130a, 130b can have first ends 131a, 131b and second ends 132a, 132b, with the first ends thereof being rotatably coupled to the lateral base support 111 and the second ends being rotatably coupled to the pair of support arms 120a, 120b. The linear guides can provide cushioning of displacement of the support arms and may comprise a hydraulic device, a friction device, or any other suitable device for guiding rotation of the support arms and for cushioning the displacement of the support arms. The support arms can be arranged at the distal ends of the support arms for supporting human limbs.

The base 110 can support the exercise device 100. The base can be any variety of shape or form suitable to support the device. The base shown in the figures is but one example embodiment of a base design that requires a reduced amount of floor space and provides an aesthetically pleasing design. The base can be formed of any type of material suitably sturdy enough to support a user during exercise. Such materials can include, but are not limited to, metal, wood, plastic, or composite materials. In one aspect, the base can be formed of a hollow, tubular steel construction to provide a strong and sturdy base of relatively light weight. The base can include feet or pads 116 on an underside of the base, which can be made from a material such as rubber or plastic, to prevent slippage of the base along a surface and to prevent damage to the surface. Additionally, in embodiments where the base is formed, from a hollow tubular member, it may be desirable to include a cap or end piece, which can be made from a material such as rubber or plastic, on open ends of the tube to cover potentially sharp edges and prevent debris or the like from entering into the tube. A bottom side of the cap can serve a similar function to the feet or pads which can be placed on the underside of the base. In one aspect, the bottom side of the cap is corrugated to better prevent slippage along a surface.

Different portions of the base 110 can be permanently or detachably attached to one another. For example, where the base is comprised of a metal material, the different portions of the base can be welded together for permanent attachment or bolted together for a non-permanent attachment. Other types of permanent and non-permanent couplings will be apparent. Different couplings may be used, based on the base material. For example, wood glue and/or screws or bolts may sufficiently hold two wooden members together but be inadequate for some metals, plastics, or composites; welding may be suitable for metals, but not other materials; and so forth.

The support arms 120a, 120b can be rotatably coupled to the lateral base support 111. For example, a hinge or pivot axis can be coupled to the support arms and the lateral base support to enable the support arms to rotate, or in other words move in an arcuate path, with respect to the pivot axis and/or lateral base support.

The arcuate path may be a path defined by movement of a support arm 120a, 120b as the support arm pivots on the pivot axis. However, in other examples, such as the example illustrated in FIG. 4(a), the arcuate path 201a, 201b can be a physical member of the device. In examples where the arcuate path is a physical member of the device, the arcuate path can be made from a material suitable to support movement of the support arm along the arcuate path. Such material may be a same or similar material to that used to form the base. In one aspect, the arcuate path may be formed as a substantially flat arcuate piece of steel. The arcuate path may be attached to the base by methods such as welds, clamps, bolts, glues, nails, or any other method as would be apparent to one skilled in the art, and as would suitably attach the arcuate path to the base depending on the materials from which they are formed. The arcuate path may be substantially horizontal, or may be inclined along at least a portion of a length of the arcuate path. Inclination of the arcuate path may provide additional resistance for exercises. Inclination of the arcuate path can correspond to an angle of the upwardly extending pivot members.

In one aspect, the arcuate path 201a, 201b can be formed from a flat arcuate piece of metal with an edge folded or bent upwards as a flange at approximately 90°. This configuration provides multiple benefits. One benefit is the flange can further define the arcuate path as a track for the motion of the support arm. Another advantage is that this configuration allows apertures to be formed in the flange which can serve to anchor a resistance member which provides resistance to movement of the support arm along the arcuate path. In example embodiments, the resistance member may be an elastic member providing elasticated resistance, a metal coil spring, or other resistance. Also, said apertures may serve to vary a length of the arcuate path. Apertures may be formed in a flange on both arcuate sides of the arcuate path, and may be formed such that an aperture on one side of the arcuate path corresponds to an aperture on the opposite side of the arcuate path. In this manner, a rod or other suitable device could be inserted through corresponding apertures to prevent the support arms from moving further in that direction along the arcuate path. This effectively limits or varies the length of the arcuate path and may allow for targeting exercise of muscles within a more specific range of motion. It is understood that such a configuration for varying a length of the arcuate path, while shown only on the outward edges of the arcuate path, could be implemented at any point along the arcuate path.

In one embodiment, the arcuate path 201a, 201b includes a stop 202a, 202b to provide an effective endpoint for the arcuate path, or a point past which the support arm cannot move. In one aspect, the stop is formed of folded steel and can include a cap on an open end to protect a user from potentially sharp edges and prevent debris and the like from entering into the hollow stop. The stop can be permanently affixed to the arcuate path to provide a secure stopping point for the support arm. In another aspect, the stop can be provided by a substantially complete compression of the linear guide. The stop can be formed of any suitable material. Other alternatives for the stop include using the base itself as a stop, or utilizing a removable stop which can be positioned at various positions along the arcuate path, such as by utilizing the apertures, to provide a variable path length. In embodiments comprising multiple support arms, it may be desirable to use a removable stop, a pin through the apertures, or other means for holding one of the support arms in place in order to better exercise using only a single support arm. Likewise, the removable stop or other such means may be used to hold one or more support arms in a particular position for storage or transportation.

The exercise device may farther include a block at the ends of the arcuate path 201 distal from the base. The block can serve to block or stop further movement of the support arm along the arcuate path in the direction similar to the above-described stop. In one aspect, the block can be formed of the same material as the arcuate path, such as steel. To reduce weight, the block can be hollow and may be formed as a three-dimensional rectangle or block-like object.

The exercise device includes at least one support arm 140a, 140b for supporting human limbs. The support arm may be configured to support various portions of various limbs such as upper or lower arms or legs, or hands or feet, in order to exercise the various muscles of the different portions of different limbs. It is understood that while the figures show two support arms, embodiments are contemplated where the exercise device includes fewer or greater than two support arms. In one aspect, the support arm may be configured to support a foot or alternatively a tibial or shin region of a user's leg. A user may stand or kneel on the support arm with the knee near an end of the support arm which moves along the arcuate path and the foot near the opposite end of the support arm.

The support arm 140a, 140b may be formed of any material suitably sturdy to support a user. In one aspect, the support arm is formed by providing a wooden base portion, disposing a foam or other cushioning material on the wooden base, and surrounding the wooden base and cushioning material with a cover. The cover may be any suitable material and may include vinyl, cotton, polyester, rubber, or other materials. It may be desirable to use a material which provides a certain amount of grip between the support arm and a user's limb to minimize slippage of the limb on the support arm during use. In one aspect, edges of a long dimension of the support arm may be raised with respect to a center of the support arm so as to provide an indentation, trough, or recess for receiving a user's limb to provide enhanced comfort and reduced slippage.

The support arm 120a, 120b can be configured to move along the arcuate path, as described above. In one aspect, the support arm can pivot on a pivot axis which can be attached to or formed, integrally with a portion of the base. It can be pivoting of the support arm on this pivot axis which defines the arcuate path which is not a physical member of the exercise device as described in one example embodiment above. In embodiments where a sufficiently sturdy pivot axis is provided, the entire support arm can be supported on this pivot axis. Ends of the support arm distal from the pivot axis may thus move freely through the air above a surface upon which the exercise device rests. Either the base or the support arm can have structure attached thereto to stop movement past a certain point in a manner similar to the stop or the block described above. In one aspect, the pivot axis may have a mechanism for varying a degree of resistance against pivoting of the support arm. This mechanism may be a form of a brake which is variably applicable to provide more or less resistance against movement according to a user's selection.

The support arms 120a, 120b can have hinge or pivot ends 121a, 121b with a pivot axis and distal ends 122a, 122b. The hinge ends can be the ends that are attached to the pivot axis near the lateral base support 111. The distal ends can be opposite ends from the hinge ends. The support arms can be arranged at the distal ends of the support arms for supporting human limbs. For example, a use may wish to stand, on the exercise device, or a user may wish to kneel on the exercise device. Alternatively, other positions for the user may also be used.

In one aspect, the pivot axis may comprise a pivot member extending upwardly from the lateral base support 111, or upwardly and outwardly from the lateral base support. Thus, the support arms 120a, 120b can pivot from a position on top of, or above, the lateral base support. In one example, the lateral base support can have a center point between two ends of the lateral base support. (In the examples shown, the stabilizing support extends substantially horizontally and substantially perpendicularly from the center point of the lateral base support). The pivot members can be positioned substantially equidistant from the center point. The pivot member extends upwardly and outwardly from the center point. This can provide an inclined, or angled arcuate path so that rotation of a support arm toward the stabilizing support (or alternatively an imaginary extension of the center point (i.e., a center line)) is inclined and provides gravitational resistance to the displacement. Movement, or rotation of the support arm away from the stabilizing support is declined and provides gravitational assistance to the displacement. In effect, the declined portion can provide a rest for the muscles before displacing the support arm towards the incline where the actuators do not provide substantial resistance. The actuators will be described in additional detail below.

With two support arms 120a. 120b a user can substantially simultaneously move both support arms away from a center line and then substantially simultaneously move both support arms toward the center line. Alternatively, the user can substantially simultaneously move both support arms in a substantially same direction to the left or to the right.

The actuators can be linear guides 130a, 130b with first ends 131a, 131b and second ends 132a, 132b. The first ends of the actuators can be rotatably coupled to the lateral base support and the second ends can be rotatably coupled to the pair of support arms 120a, 120b. In other words, an individual linear guide can extend between the lateral base support and one of the support arms. In the examples shown, the linear guides are positioned farther from the center point than the pivot axes of the support arms. The linear guides can provide cushioning of displacement of the support arms. In effect, the cushioning can be a resistance to displacement. Thus, gravitational resistance to support arm displacement can be provided where the pivot members are angled upwardly to provide an incline in one direction, and mechanical resistance can be provided in the opposite direction by the linear guides. The linear guides may comprise any of a variety of known types of actuators. In one example, however, the linear guides comprise hydraulic actuators.

The exercise device 100 can include a resistance member 150, which may be an elastic resistance member, coupled, to the pair of support arms 120a, 120b to provide elasticated resistance against displacement of the support arms. The resistance member can provide resistance against movement of the support arm(s) along the arcuate path. In one embodiment, an elastic resistance member can be formed of rubber or any other material with suitable elastic properties. In one aspect, the elastic member may comprise a rubber or other elastomeric material sheathed by a continuous weave of braided fibers or filaments. The weave can be flexible, stretchable, and can add strength to the elastic member at a minimal cost. In one aspect, the elastic member can be retained by or anchored to the base, such as to the stabilizing support. The elastic member can also be attachable to connection points on the support arms. In one example, the connection points are on a top of the support arms.

In one aspect, an individual user limb can be exercised by locking one of the support arms in place to rest one limb and be attaching the resistance member between the other of the support arms and the base.

The resistance member 150 can also be directly removably attached between the pair of support arms 120a, 120b, as shown in the figures. Thus, resistance can be provided against movement of the support arms in opposite directions, or against non-linear movement of the support arms in a same direction.

The elastic member 150 may be attachable to the connection points by various means known or apparent to those skilled in the art, such as hook and loop, knot, clamp, clip, snap, or other means. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the elastic member includes an aperture at each end. At the connection points a post 123a, 123b is provided extending upwardly from the support arms 120a, 120b. The aperture is configured to receive the posts. Optionally, the posts can include a cap or other retaining device to ensure that the resistance member does not come off of the posts during exercise. In this manner, the resistance member is configured to be easily and quickly attachable or detachable to connection points on the support arms.

The exercise device can further include a tension adjustment device along with the resistance member for adjusting a tension of the resistance member to adjust an amount of resistance. For example, the tension adjustment device can attach to or otherwise apply variable tension to the resistance member. In a more specific example, the tension adjustment device can be a hook which extends around or through the resistance member. The tension adjustment device can further include a rotatable knob, which when turned, pulls or pushes on the hook to increase or decrease tension on the resistance member. Increasing or decreasing the tension can change the amount of resistance a user will experience when displacing the support arms.

In another example, illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, an exercise device 200 can include a rigid arm 260 extending between the pair of linear guides 230a, 230b such that the non-linear displacement of the pair of support arms 220a, 220b is in a same direction. In this example, the support arms are constrained to move in a same direction. The rigid arm can alternately extend between the support arms. In either example, the rigid arm can be rotatably coupled to the actuators or the support arms to allow the movement of the support arms along the arcuate path.

When the rigid, arm 260 is coupled to the support arms 220a, 220b, the support arms are constrained to move in a linear relationship. In other words, any amount of displacement in one direction by one of the support arms will result in a substantially similar displacement by the other of the support arms. However, by coupling the rigid arm to the linear guides, the distal ends of the support arms can be non-linearly displaceable in a lateral direction with respect to the stabilizing support. In other words, the support arms may move in a same direction but with different displacements. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the non-linear displacement of the support arms. FIG. 4 illustrates an example where the support arms can be substantially parallel with one another (FIG. 4(a)) and the center line but can be displaced non-linearly (FIG. 4(b)). FIG. 4(c) overlays the two positions to illustrate the non-linear displacement. FIG. 5 illustrates an example where the support arms are constrained in a non-parallel configuration (FIG. 5(a)) and can be displaced non-linearly (FIG. 5(b)). FIG. 5(c) overlays the two positions to illustrate the non-linear displacement.

Although FIGS. 4-5 illustrate the rigid arm extending above the support arms and/or linear guides, the rigid arm can also extend beneath or otherwise between the support arms and/or linear guides.

FIGS. 6a-c illustrate example exercise devices 300, 400, 500 where bails extend from or near the pivot axes of the support arms and the rigid arms extend between the bails. Similar reference numbers have been used to identify similar elements represented in previously discussed figures. This configuration, as with previously described configurations, enables non-linear displacement of the support arms in a lateral direction with respect to the stabilizing support. FIG. 6a illustrates an example configuration having bails 370a, 370b without linear guides. FIG. 6b illustrates an example configuration having bails 470a, 470b where linear guides 430a, 430b are coupled to the lateral base support 411. FIG. 6c illustrates an example configuration having bails 570a, 570b where linear guides 530a, 530b are coupled to the stabilizing support 514. Other configurations and arrangements as will be apparent to those of skill in the art are also contemplated and are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, an example device 600 is shown having non-linearly displaceable support arms 620a, 620b. Linear guides 630a, 630b are coupled to a lateral base support 611 and the support arms, near a pivoting end of the support arms. The pivot axes for the support arms extend upwardly and outwardly from the lateral base support. An elasticated resistance member 650 is attached between the two support arms. In this example, the elasticated resistance member is indirectly attached to the support arms by means of a tension adjustment module 680.

The tension adjustment module 680 is attached to the lateral base support 611 and/or the stabilizing support 614, as well as to the support arms 620a, 620b. Specifically, the tension adjustment module can include a frame 681 attached to and extending upwardly from the lateral base support and/or the stabilizing support. A threaded bolt 682 having a knob 683 attached to one end can extend through the frame and can be coupled to the frame to enable rotation of the threaded, bolt within the frame without tightening or loosening of the bolt with respect to the frame. The bolt can also pass through a threaded carriage 684. The threaded carriage can have threads corresponding to the threads on the bolt such that when the bolt is rotated relative to the carriage, the carriage is caused to move along the bolt according to a direction of rotation of the bolt. The carriage can include a protrusion or arm 685 which passes through or extends into a track 686 in the frame to maintain an orientation of the carriage with respect to the frame as the threaded bolt is rotated.

A plurality of adjustment beams 687a, 687b can be rotatably attached to the carriage 684, such as at opposite sides of the carriage, and each of the adjustment beams can extend along a portion of a length of respective support arms 620a, 620b in a direction nearly or substantially parallel with the respective support arms. A pivot arm 688a, 688b can be coupled between each of the support arms and the adjustment beams. The pivot arm can have a pivoting attachment to the support beam and a pivoting attachment to the adjustment beam. Thus, the tension adjustment module 680 in this example can include three pivot axes for each support arm. The resistance member 650 can be supported by or attached to or near joints between the pivot arms and the adjustment beams.

When a user turns the knob 683 in one direction, the carriage 684 can be caused to move closer to the knob, pivoting the adjustment beams 687a, 687b and pivot arms on opposite sides closer together 688a, 688b and reducing tension on the resistance member 650. In other words, the adjustment arms are pulled closer to the knob and the pivot arms pivot further from parallel to the support arms. When the knob is turned, in an opposite direction, the carriage is caused to move further away from the knob and pushes the adjustment arms further outwardly along the support beams. The pivot arms are pivoted towards parallel with the support beams and can increase tension on the resistance member.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an example device 700 is illustrated, which utilizes compression resistance to resist the non-linear movement of the support arms 720a, 720b. A compression resistance mechanism comprises a base rod 791 and plurality of compressible cylinders 792a-c forming a coaxially related stack upon the base rod. At the external end of base rod is a handle 793 that is threadingly engaged with the base rod. In one aspect, the handle can be a removable handle. However, any construction that would abut the stack of cylinders and would be fixedly attached, to base rod may be used for the handle. In examples where the handle is removable, cylinders may be added and replaced, thereby providing varying resistance levels, dependent upon the general compressibility of the cylinders. Materials for the cylinders may typically include rubbers and plastics, though any compressible material and structure, such as metal springs and composite structures, may also be used. Bushings can be positioned between the cylinders and the base rod. The bushings may generally be a non-compressible material. The bushings can provide reduced friction between the cylinders and the base rod as well as provide a compression fail safe for the cylinders. A bushing can be positioned, at either end of each cylinder. As the cylinders are compressed, eventually bushings associated with a cylinder will contact each other, thereby arresting compression of the cylinder.

Abutting the opposite end of the cylinder stack is a thrust block 794. The thrust block may be comprised of a block body with two planar faces and a pivot axle 795 extending into the stabilizing support 714, which is below the thrust block, base rod 791, and compressible cylinders 792a-c. The block body can have a hole bored through its planar faces and the base rod can be slidable through the hole to cause compression of the compressible cylinders. On the base rod, opposite the thrust block from the cylinders, is a rotatable attachment interface 796, for rotatably interfacing with a rotative body 797. Extending vertically from stabilizing support is a vertical axle 798 and the rotative body 796 can rotate around the vertical axle's pivot point. Rod arms 762a. 762b are rotatably attached, to the support arms 720a, 720b and the rotative body 797. For example, the rod arms can have bail joints at either end of the rod.

In use, a user applies force to one footpad at a time, rotating the footpad and the associated support arm pulls the rod arm laterally, thereby twisting the rotative body 797 about the vertical axle 798. Due to the pivot axle 795 of the thrust block 794, twisting of the rotative body draws the base rod 791 through the stack of compressible cylinders 792a-c causing the handle 793 and the thrust block 794 to compress the stack of cylinders, providing resistance. As the user ceases to apply pressure, the compressive energy stored in the cylinder stack is released, returning the machine, and the user, to a baseline position. The user then applies pressure with the opposite foot, repeating the process.

In an example device not illustrated, the mechanism for providing resistance against movement of the support arms along the arcuate path may be a rubber pivot member located at the pivot axis and attached to the support arm and the base, such that when the support arm is rotated on the pivot axis, the rubber pivot member is twisted providing resistance against the twisting movement and urging the support arm back to an original position after such twisting movement.

In another non-illustrated example, the pivot axis can be attached to a back end of the base such that if a user kneels on the support arm a knee end of a tibial or shin portion of the leg changes position and moves along the arcuate path while an ankle end of the tibial or shin portion of the leg merely rotates while staying in substantially the same position. In another aspect, the pivot axis can be attached to a front end of the base such that if a user kneels on the support arm an ankle end of a tibial or shin portion of the leg changes position and moves along the arcuate path while a knee end of the tibial or shin portion of the leg merely rotates while staying in substantially the same position. By changing the pivot axis a degree of resistance provided by the resistance member may be changed, and/or a pivoting end of the support arm can be changed between back and front.

In other embodiments, the end of the support arm distal from the pivot axis is supported by a wheel, roller, caster, or the like. The wheel can be attached to an underside of the support arm and can be configured to roll along the arcuate path as the support arm pivots on the pivot axis. In one aspect, a framework connecting the wheel to the support arm can be configured to prevent the wheel from turning to either side as the wheel rolls. Allowing the wheel to turn to the side may present difficulties to a user if a wheel is turned sideways when a user is attempting to exercise using the device. It is understood that a track may be designed to prevent such difficulties, and such a track may increase the cost or weight of the device. In embodiments where the arcuate path is not a physical member of the exercise device, the wheel may be configured to roll along the surface upon which the exercise device rests. In other embodiments where the arcuate path is a physical member of the exercise device, the wheel may he configured to roll on top of and along the arcuate path which is attached to the base. In one aspect the wheel may have a mechanism for varying the degree of resistance against rolling of the wheel. This mechanism may be a form of a brake which is variably applicable to provide more or less resistance against movement according to a user's selection.

The exercise device can be used by placing the device on the ground or other suitable surface. In one aspect, the user can kneel or stand on the exercise device, or more specifically on the limb supports at the distal ends of the support arms. The user can cause displacement of the support arms by moving the support arms to one side or the other, individually or together.

In one aspect, the base can include wheels, casters, rollers, or any other suitable device to facilitate sliding of the exercise device along the ground. Thus, a user can slide the entire device along the ground or lift one side of the device while the other side slides along the ground if the device is too large, heavy, or bulky for the user to easily move.

As shown in FIG. 2, the exercise device 100 can include a handle 113 extending upwardly from the second lateral base support. The handle can be hingedly coupled to the second lateral base support. The handle can be coupled, to and extend from the base. In one aspect, the handle is removable. The handle can be pivotally attached to the base so as to be repositionable from a first, substantially upright position to a second, substantially horizontal position. The exercise device can further include a pin 115 which can be inserted through a stem 116 of the handle and a portion of the base to securely hold the handle in an upright or folded, compact position. The pin can optionally include a ring to allow a user to more easily grasp and pull the pin out when pivoting the handle. The base can further comprise a saddle for receiving the stem of the handle. In one aspect, the pin can be removed to allow the handle to pivot and can be inserted, through the saddle and an aperture in the stem of the handle to securely hold the handle in the folded position.

The present technology can also include methods for exercising using the described device. By repeatedly displacing the support arms inwardly and outwardly, the user can exercise and strengthen various muscles. For example, the exercise device can be used to strengthen muscles in the feet, legs, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen.

The exercise device and associated, methods of use can provide for a comfortable and enjoyable abdominal exercise with reduced, risk of strain or injury as compared with some other exercises. Additionally, the device can be relatively simple in structure and can be manufactured and sold relatively inexpensively. Furthermore, the device is simple to use and can be compact in form to allow for easy storage and use even in small living spaces.

While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present technology in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the technology. Accordingly, it is not intended that the technology be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. An exercise device, comprising:

a base, further comprising: a lateral base support; and a stabilizing support extending from the lateral base support in a non-parallel direction;

a pair of support arms rotatably coupled to and extending from the lateral base support, the pair of support arms having hinge ends and distal ends, the distal ends thereof being non-linearly displaceable in a lateral direction with respect to the stabilizing support;

a pair of linear guides having first ends and second ends, the first ends thereof being rotatably coupled to the lateral base support and the second ends thereof being rotatably coupled to the pair of support arms, wherein the linear guides are configured to provide cushioning of displacement of the support arms; and

a pair of support arms at the distal ends of the support arms for supporting human limbs.

2. An exercise device as in claim 1, wherein the linear guides comprise hydraulic actuators.

3. An exercise device as in claim 1, further comprising an elastic resistance member coupled to the pair of support arms to provide elasticated resistance against displacement of the support arms.

4. An exercise device as in claim 3, further comprising a tension adjustment device for adjusting a tension of the elastic resistance member to adjust an amount of elasticated resistance.

5. An exercise device as in claim 1, further comprising a rigid arm extending between the pair of linear guides such that the non-linear displacement of the pair of support arms is in a same direction.

6. An exercise device as in claim 1, wherein the lateral base support comprises a first lateral base support, the device further comprising:

a second lateral base support attached to an opposite end of the stabilizing support as the first lateral base support; and

a handle extending upwardly from the second lateral base support, the handle being hingedly coupled to the second lateral base support.