PORTABLE EXERCISE APPARATUS

Abstract

A portable exercise apparatus is for enabling a user to perform one or more exercises. The apparatus has a collapsible base member with a body. The body has at least one attachment point proximal an outer perimeter of the body. The body further having (1) a deployed configuration wherein the body has a generally planar shape, and (2) a collapsed configuration wherein the body has one of (a) a generally rolled shape and (b) a generally folded shape. The apparatus further has one or more elongate members having a proximal first end for being attached to the collapsible base member body at one or more attachment points. The elongate member has a distal second end adapted for being forced by the user when the elongate member is attached to the base member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a portable exercise or rehabilitation apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An exercise or rehabilitation apparatus is configured to provide a user with a variety of muscle and joint exercises. Such an apparatus is especially of use for isotonic arm, shoulder, chest, torso, back, leg, and foot exercises.

A typical exercise apparatus has a stationary body and one or more weighted moveable or elastic members having a proximal end anchored to the body. Further, the typical exercise apparatus for performing the aforementioned exercises may have a variety of attachments for the distal end of the elastic member. Such attachments may be in the form of a hand grip, loop, foot stirrup, or appendage wrap. The typical exercise apparatus stationary body is bulky, rigid, and otherwise not transportable or adaptable to an environment of the user. It may be difficult for the user of such a typical rigid exercise apparatus to perform exercises with the apparatus in an office environment, in a car, or other environment that is not a gym.

The Applicant has invented a novel structure for a portable exercise apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes advantageous features not heretofore taught or contemplated by the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is desirable to provide a portable exercise apparatus for efficient and convenient transportation and storage. Furthermore, it is desirable that a portable exercise apparatus be quickly adaptable to a variety of environments, such as an office chair, commuter train chair, car seat, couch, park bench, or closed-bottom seat, without alteration of such environments. It is preferable that such a portable exercise apparatus will motivate a user to exercise without the need of traveling to a designated workout location, such as a gym. Furthermore, it is preferable that such a portable exercise apparatus will allow a user to exercise during times when it is typically not possible to exercise, such as during transit, or during a work break. It is also preferable that the portable exercise apparatus is lightweight and simple to manufacture. The presently disclosed portable exercise apparatus satisfies one or more of these needs.

In one inventive form, a portable exercise apparatus is provided for enabling a user to perform one or more exercises. The apparatus has a collapsible base member with a body. The body has a lower surface and an upper surface, and the upper surface is adapted for receiving the user of the apparatus. The body has at least one attachment point proximal an outer perimeter of the body. The body has (1) a deployed configuration wherein the body has a generally planar shape, and (2) a collapsed configuration wherein the body has one of (a) a generally rolled shape and (b) a generally folded shape. The apparatus further has at least one elongate member having a proximal first end for being selectively attached to the collapsible seat member body at the at least one attachment point. The elongate member further has a distal second end that is adapted for being forced by the user of the apparatus when said elongate member is attached to said collapsible base member.

In another inventive form, a portable exercise apparatus is provided for enabling a user to perform one or more exercises. The apparatus has a base member having a body. The body has a lower surface and an upper surface adapted for receiving the user of the apparatus. The body has a plurality of attachment points proximal an outer perimeter of the body. The body having at least one reinforcing member extending from one of the plurality of attachment points to another of the plurality of attachment points through a geometric center of one of the upper and lower surfaces. The apparatus further having at least one elongate member having a proximal first end for being attached to the base member at one of the attachment points. The elongate member has a distal second end adapted for being forced by the user of the apparatus when the elongate member is attached to the base member.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a review of the entire specification, including the appended claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the upper surface of a first illustrated embodiment of a portable exercise apparatus in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable exercise apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein the portable exercise apparatus is shown in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lower surface of the portable exercise apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of several modes of use of the portable exercise apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another mode of use of the portable exercise apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another mode of use of the portable exercise apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a partial section view of the base member of the portable exercise apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view, taken generally above a first embodiment of a portable exercise apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 has a base member 12. The base member 12 has a body 14 with an upper surface 16 and a lower surface (illustrated in FIG. 3 only as lower surface 18). The body 14 in the illustrated preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10 is in the form of a disc. However, it will be appreciated that in the broadest concept of the present invention, the body 14 may take the form of polygon, oval, irregularly curved shape and may have one or more voids (not illustrated). The body 14 is preferably formed by sewing or otherwise affixing a lightweight, durable material such as nylon or tear-resistant textile constituting the upper surface 16 and lower surface 18. Preferably, a pliant, compressible material 17 such as foam, rubber, cotton, fabric, or other natural or synthetic material is distributed and retained between the affixed upper surface 16 and lower surface 18.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the body 14 of the base member 12 is pliant or otherwise capable of being configured in a collapsed position as illustrated in FIG. 2. The body 14 may be rolled or folded in order to decrease the footprint of the portable exercise apparatus 10, thus rendering it amenable to storage and transportation. It is preferred that when the body 14 is in the collapsed configuration, it may be easily carried in a handbag, purse, backpack, over the shoulder of the user, or under the arm of the user of the apparatus 10.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the body 14 preferably has a deployed configuration when the apparatus 10 is ready for use. In the deployed configuration, the body 14 is generally planar for resting on a seat or the ground, as will be discussed in detail hereinafter.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the body 14 has a pair of handle members 19 for being gripped by a user of the apparatus 10, during some modes of operation of the apparatus 10. The handle members 19 enable the user of the apparatus 10 to increase the normal force exerted upon the body 14 when the user is seated upon the body 14. The midpoints of the handle members 19 may be thought to define a plane, running generally normal to the upper surface 16 of the apparatus 10, bisecting the body 14 into a first or forward half and a second or rearward half. When a user of the apparatus 10 is seated upon the base member 12, the forward half is proximal the legs of the user, while the rearward half is proximal the posterior of the user. Preferably, the handle members 19 are each a strip of material that is the same material as the upper and lower surfaces 16,18 of the body 14, with the handle members 19 being sewn in between the upper and lower surfaces 16, 18. The handle members 19 may be constructed from any material, depending on the intended application of the apparatus 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the body 14 further has one or more attachment points 20. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the attachment points 20 are D-ring type connectors retained by integral loops extending outwardly from the perimeter of the body 14. The attachment points 20 of the base member 12 serve as anchor points for one or more elongate members 30, the elongate members 30 being generally elastic and which will be discussed in detail hereinafter.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10, the body 14 has six attachment points 20 for use with the elongate members 30 (FIG. 1). Two of the attachment points 20 are located on forward half of the body 14, as defined by the aforementioned plane running through the midpoints of the handle members 19. Two of the attachment points 20 are located on rearward half of the body 14, as defined by the aforementioned plane running through the midpoints of the handle members 19. Preferably, the attachment points 20 located on the forward and rearward halves of the body 14 are each separated by 90 degrees. The preferred embodiment of the body 14 further has two opposing, lateral attachment points 22 positioned between the attachment points 20 on the forward and rearward halves of the body 14. It has been found that the location of the forward, rearward, and lateral attachment points 20, 22 provides a versatile set of anchor positions for the elongate members 30 for a variety exercises performed while the user is seated, standing, or lying.

It will be appreciated that in the broadest concept of the present invention, the body 14 need only have one attachment point 20, and such attachment point 20 may be located anywhere on the body 14. Furthermore, the attachment point 20 need not be in the form of a D-ring type connector, and may be any type of conventional permanent or releasable connection.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the body 14 preferably has one or more reinforcing members 32 extending from one of the attachment points 20 or lateral attachment points 22 to another of the attachment points 20 or lateral attachment points 22, respectively, through a geometric center of either the upper surface 16 or the lower surface 18. The reinforcing members 32 serve to distribute the tensile forces applied by the elongate members 30 to the attachment points 20 or lateral attachment points 22, when the user is forcing the elongate members 30. Furthermore, when the body 14 is of the collapsible type, the role of the reinforcing members 32 is further enhanced because only the surfaces 16, 18 are load bearing. Thus, when the body 14 is of the collapsible type, the reinforcing members serve to reduce the possibility of material failure of the surfaces 16, 18. The reinforcing members 32 are preferably made from a durable woven material, such as nylon straps.

Referring to the illustrated preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the one or more elongate members 30 has a proximal end 34 and a distal end 36. The proximal end 34 attaches to an attachment point 20 or a lateral attachment point 22 to anchor the elongate member 30 to the body 14. The proximal end 34 may be tied directly to or integral with the attachment point 20 or lateral attachment point 22, or the proximal end 34 may have a releasable type connection such as clip or hook. The distal end 36 of the elongate member 30 may be gripped directly or tied to an appendage of the user, or the distal end 36 may have a releasable type connection such as clip or hook operatively attached to a grippable member 38. The grippable member 38 may be in the form of a foot stirrup, loop, handle, appendage wrap, or other suitable attachment for connection to the user's body. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the grippable member 38 has the form of a handle. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the grippable member 38 has the form of a foot wrap. The elongate members 30 are resistive elastic members that are suited for providing repeatable, elastic resistance against the exertions of the user of the apparatus 10. Typical materials utilized for the elongate members 30 are real and synthetic rubbers, or other elastomers that may be tuned to provide a specific linear or non-linear force to resist movement of the user.

Referring to FIG. 3, the lower surface 18 of the body 14 preferably has a one or more loop members 40 extending outwardly from the body lower surface 18. The loop members 40 are for receiving, and thus serving as anchor points for, one or more auxiliary elastic members 41, such as a band or a strap, provided by the user. The attachment of the elastic member 41 through one or more of the loop members 40 increases the versatility of the possible exercises enabled by the apparatus 10, as will be discussed in detail hereinafter. The loop members 40 are preferably made of the same material as the reinforcing members 32.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the lower surface 18 of the body 14 also preferably has a one or more routing members 42 extending outwardly from the body lower surface 18 proximal to one or more attachment points 20 and/or lateral attachment points 22. The routing members 42 are for receiving a portion of the elongate members 30 in order to shorten to adjust the length of the elongate members 30. The shortening of the elongate members 30 by threading through one or more of the routing members 42 adjusts the elongate members 30 to the needs of each unique user of the apparatus 10. The routing members 42 are preferably made of the same material as the reinforcing members 32.

Two modes of use are illustrated in FIG. 4, where the user is seated upon the apparatus 10. The first mode of use shows the user seated upon the upper surface 16 of the body 14 and the proximal end 34 of the elongate member 30 is anchored to a lateral attachment point 22. The user is illustrated holding the grippable member 38, which is attached to the distal end 36 of the elongate member 30. The user is illustrated performing a lateral extension of the user's arm against the resistance of the elongate member 30 in order to strengthen the user's arm, shoulder, and back. It will be appreciated, that other exercises such as chest presses, military presses, forward and rearward arm raises, cross arm raises, etc. may be performed in this mode, wherein the elongate member 30 may be attached to any attachment point 20.

The second mode illustrated in FIG. 4 shows the user seated upon the upper surface 16 of the body 14 and the proximal end 34 of a second elongate member 30 anchored to a forward attachment point 20. The user is illustrated with the user's foot wrapped by another grippable member 38, which is attached to the distal end 36 of the second elongate member 30. The user is illustrated performing a forward leg extension against the resistance of the second elongate member 30 in order to strengthen the user's leg, knee, and torso. It will be appreciated, that other exercises such as lateral leg extensions, rearward leg extensions, and cross leg raises, etc. may be performed in this mode, wherein the second elongate member 30 may be attached to any attachment point 20 or lateral attachment point 22.

Another mode of use is illustrated in FIG. 5, where the user is seated and grasping the apparatus 10. This mode of use shows the user seated and grasping the handle members 19 of the body 14. The proximal ends 34 of two elongate members 30 are anchored symmetrically to two attachment points 20. The distal ends 36 of two elongate members 30 are attached to two grippable members 38, which are wrapped about the user's feet. The user is illustrated performing a lateral pulling exercise of the user's arm against the resistance of the two elongate members 30 in order to strengthen the user's biceps, shoulders, and back. It will be appreciated, that other exercises such as leg extensions, arm raises, etc. may be performed in this mode, wherein the elongate member 30 may be attached to any attachment point 20 or lateral attachment point 22.

Another mode of use is illustrated in FIG. 6, where the user is supine on the apparatus 10. This mode of use shows the user's backside against the apparatus 10 and the user exerting forces against four elongate members 30 (two of the elongate members are not visible from this perspective). The proximal ends 34 of all four elongate members 30 are anchored symmetrically to four attachment points 20. The distal ends 36 of two elongate members 30 are attached to two grippable members 38, which are wrapped about the user's feet. The distal ends 36 of the other two elongate members 30 are attached to two grippable members 38, which are gripped by the user's hands. The user is illustrated performing an abdominal exercise as the user rotates his or her torso away from the body 14 and against the resistance of the four elongate members 30. It will be appreciated, that other exercises such as leg extensions, arm raises, etc. may be performed in this mode, wherein the elongate members 30 may be attached to any attachment point 20 or lateral attachment point 22.

It will be appreciated that a variety of exercises are possible with the apparatus 10 and the exercises illustrated in the figures are to be interpreted as exemplary only.

Claims

1. A portable exercise apparatus for enabling a user to perform one or more exercises, said apparatus comprising:

A. a collapsible base member, said collapsible base member having a body, said body having a lower surface and an upper surface, said body having at least one attachment point proximal an outer perimeter of said body, said body having (1) a deployed configuration wherein said body has a generally planar shape, and (2) a collapsed configuration wherein said body has one of (a) a generally rolled shape and (b) a generally folded shape; and

B. at least one elongate member having a proximal first end for being attached to said collapsible base member body at said at least one attachment point, said elongate member having a distal second end adapted for being forced by said user of said apparatus when said elongate member is attached to said collapsible base member.

2. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 1, said apparatus further comprising:

A. at least one handle member proximal said outer perimeter of said body, said at least one handle member adapted for being gripped by said user.

3. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 1, said apparatus further comprising:

A. at least one reinforcing member extending from a first attachment point on said body to a second attachment point on said body through a geometric center of one of said upper and lower surfaces of said body.

4. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 1, said apparatus further comprising:

A. at least one loop member extending outwardly from said body lower surface, said at least one loop member adapted for receiving at least one elastic member provided by said user.

5. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 1, said apparatus further comprising:

A. a grippable member selectively attached to said distal second end of said elongate member, said grippable member adapted for being one of (1) gripped by a hand of said user and (2) attached to a limb of said user.

6. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein said body of said collapsible base member has the form of a disc.

7. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 6 wherein said collapsible base member has two rear attachment points located symmetrically on a first half of said body, said collapsible base member has two forward attachment points

8. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 7 wherein said collapsible base member has a first lateral attachment point positioned between one of said forward attachment points and one of said rear attachment points, said collapsible base member has a second lateral attachment point positioned between said other of said forward attachment points and said other of said rear attachment points.

9. A portable exercise apparatus for enabling a user to perform one or more exercises, said apparatus comprising:

A. a base member, said base member having a body, said body having a lower surface and an upper surface, said body having a plurality of attachment points proximal an outer perimeter of said body, said body having at least one reinforcing member extending from one of said plurality of attachment points to another of said plurality of attachment points through a geometric center of one of said upper and lower surfaces; and

B. at least one elongate member having a proximal first end for being attached to said base member at said at least one attachment point, said elongate member having a distal second end adapted for being forced by said user of said apparatus.

10. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein said base member is collapsible, and said base member body having (1) a deployed configuration wherein said body has a generally planar shape, and (2) a collapsed configuration wherein said body has one of (a) a generally rolled shape and (b) a generally folded shape.

11. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 9, said apparatus further comprising:

A. at least one handle member proximal said outer perimeter of said base member body, said at least one handle member adapted for being gripped by said user.

12. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 9, said apparatus further comprising:

A. at least one loop member extending outwardly from said body lower surface, said at least one loop member adapted for receiving at least one elastic member provided by said user.

13. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 9, said apparatus further comprising:

A. a grippable member selectively attached to said distal second end of said elongate member, said grippable member adapted for being one of (1) gripped by a hand of said user and (2) attached to a limb of said user.

14. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein said base member body has the form of a disc.

15. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 14 wherein said base member has two rear attachment points located symmetrically on a first half of said body, said seat member has two forward attachment points located symmetrically on another half of said body, and said two rear and two forward attachment points separated generally by 90 degrees.

16. The portable exercise apparatus of claim 15 wherein said base member has a first lateral attachment point positioned between one of said forward attachment points and one of said rear attachment points, and said base member has a second lateral attachment point positioned between said other of said forward attachment points and said other of said rear attachment points.