System and Apparatus for Strengthening and Conditioning Leg Muscles
Exercise equipment, including a system for strengthening and conditioning the muscles of a human leg. In some examples, the system includes an anchoring means, a plurality of tubes with differing strengths. In some further examples, the device includes a plurality of belts.
The present disclosure relates generally to exercise equipment. In particular, exercise equipment utilizing resistance as a means for strengthening and conditioning muscles is described.
Known resistance training equipment s not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which it is employed. For example, existing resistance training equipment only accommodates exercising one muscle group at a time. In addition, conventional resistance training equipment does not contemplate exercises and drills that are specifically designed for a unique sport such as track or baseball. Further, contemporary training and exercise equipment does not work for differing body types nor does it have the ability to continue to be effective as the user's body ranges over time with continued use. Vice versa, contemporary strength training and conditioning equipment also does not accommodate for resuming use after an absence due to, for example, illness or injury. Further, many individuals engage in rigorous and specific training regimens that can make training while travelling difficult if the available facilities do not have the equipment required by the athlete. Thus, there exists a need for resistance training equipment that is portable, versatile, easy to use, cheap to manufacture, and that improves upon and advance the design of known resistance training equipment. Examples of new and useful resistance training equipment relevant to the needs existing in the field is discussed below.
As modern athletics becomes more competitive, athletes continually strive to train their bodies for peak physical condition. Further, certain sports, such as track and field, require extensive conditioning of very specific muscle groups. Sprinters, runners, and other individuals that rely primarily on their leg muscles are constantly looking for new and improved means of strength training and conditioning. In addition to countless hours practicing and perfecting their chosen sport, a considerable amount of time is dedicated to selecting the best exercise regimen to improve performance. At least part of the time spent is deciding which equipment is best suited to the athlete's body, sport, and fitness goals.
In addition to this, as society becomes more health-conscientious, the need for reliable and affordable exercise equipment remains high. Individuals wishing to engage in sports within their community or with friends and family, amateur athletes looking to improve their performance, and individuals who may need to rehabilitate after injury or simply wish to maintain a healthy lifestyle could all benefit from a training system that is affordable, reliable, versatile and easy to use with minimal guidance or expensive training.
SUMMARYThe present disclosure is directed to a system for strengthening and conditioning the muscles of a human leg. In some examples, the system includes an anchoring means, a plurality of tubes with differing strengths. In some further examples, the device includes a plurality of belts.
The disclosed resistance training system and apparatus will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity; each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.
Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various resistance training systems and apparatus are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.
The present invention includes a series of tubes, an anchor plate, and specially designed belts for attaching around a user-selected body part. It is a new and useful way for individuals to train and condition their muscles. It is customizable to the user's body type, skill level, and overall fitness. A person wishing to engage in the unique type of resistance training provided by the present invention will attach the device to a specific body part such as, for example, a leg and engage in a range of motions that are designed to maximize strengthening and conditioning. The invention is simple to use, easy to transport, and cheap to manufacture. It has a wide range of versatility in terms of exercises that can be performed and readily accommodates each user's unique fitness goal and body type.
With reference to
For example, training apparatus 100 is customizable according to the user's fitness level and body type. Further, training apparatus 100 is portable, durable, and can accommodate several different exercise regimens depending on the user's goals. It can be used alone or incorporated into existing equipment in the user's training facility. Finally, training apparatus 100 is capable of accomplishing different levels of workouts to help the user accomplish his or fitness goals, train for a specific sport, and improve his or her overall health.
As can be seen in
Referring, now to
Similarly, second belt 124 includes a second belt center 125, a second belt distal end 126, and a second belt proximal end 127. Second belt 124 also comprises a second belt frame 128 and at least one second belt prong 129. By way of example, the present embodiment depicts the number of second belt prong 129 to be two, however it is an object of the present invention that more or less second belt prong 129 may be employed depending on the user's needs. Finally, second belt 124 further comprises a second belt loop 130, a second belt tip 131, a second belt ring 132, a second belt ring holder 133, a plurality of second belt apertures 134, and a second belt ring holder fastener 135. Second belt ring 132 is positioned substantially within second belt center 125 as shown. It is then held in place by second belt ring holder 133, which in turn is secured by two second belt ring holder fastener 135.
In the present embodiment, first belt 112 and second belt 124 comprise a fastening mechanism similar to a common belt buckle. The reader will appreciate that this is by way of example only and it object of the present invention that alternative embodiments of first belt 112 and second belt 124 may be fastened around a user's body part via other suitable means, such as, for example, hook and loop, snaps, ties, buttons, zippers, pins, and the like.
In the embodiment according to
Turning attention to
Turning attention to
First tube 150 further comprises a first tube resistance means 154. As can be seen, first tube resistance means 154 has two ends, the first of which terminates in first tube proximal resistance means loop 155 and the second of which terminates first tube distal resistance means loop 156 as shown. In a preferred embodiment, first tube proximal attaching means 152 may be coupled to first tube proximal resistance means loop 155 and secured in place first tube proximal resistance means loop securer 157. Similarly, first tube distal attaching means 153 may be coupled to first tube distal resistance means loop 156 and secured in place with first tube distal resistance means loop securer 158. As mentioned above, the present embodiment includes first tube sheath 151 that covers, and keeps first tube proximal resistance means loop 155, distal resistance means loop 156, first tube distal means loop securer 158, and first tube proximal resistance means loop securer 157 in place and protects the overall integrity of the connections between them.
In the present embodiment, first tube proximal resistance means 154 has been looped through first tube proximal resistance means loop 155 as shown. In this manner, first tube proximal attaching means 152 is securely held in place on first tube 150. Similarly, first tube distal attaching means 153 may be coupled to first tube distal resistance means loop 156 and secured in place with first tube distal resistance means loop securer 158. In this manner, first tube distal attaching means 153 is securely held in lace on first tube 150. Thus, the reader will appreciate that first tube proximal attaching means 152 may be coupled to a member of plurality of belts 110 via first or second belt ring (120, 231) while first tube distal attaching means 153 couples to an anchoring means (discussed in further detail in
The reader will also appreciate that first tube resistance means 154 may comprise any elastomeric material suitable for resistance training, such as, for example synthetic and natural fibers, rubber, polymers, or other materials that possess inherent elasticity suitable for the invention's intended purpose. Further, in the present example, first tube proximal attaching means 152 and first tube distal attaching means 153 comprise a swivel eye hook, however it is an object of the present invention that other suitable attaching means may be employed on one or both ends of first tube 150 such as carabiners, hooks, snaps, rings, U-bolts, clasps, and the like.
Referring now to
As can be seen, second tube proximal attaching means 162 is coupled to second tube proximal resistance means 165 via second tube proximal attaching means loop 178 as shown. Similarly, second tube distal attaching means 168 is coupled to second tube distal resistance means 171 via second tube distal attaching means loop 177. Second tube middle resistance means 174 is coupled to second tube distal resistance means 171 by connecting second tube distal loop 169 to second tube mid distal loop 172 and is coupled to second tube proximal resistance means 165 by connecting second tube proximal loop 163 to second tube mid proximal loop 166. In this manner, second tube 160 is longer in length and has a different resistance strength than that of first tube 150.
Is some embodiments (not shown), the user is able to attach a first tube 150 to second tube 160 to change the overall length and resistance of the tube by coupling the proximal end of one tube to the distal end of another. The reader will appreciate that second tube proximal attaching means 162 couples to a member of plurality of belts 110 and second tube distal attaching means 163 couples to an anchoring means (discussed in further detail in
Finally, is some embodiments, second tube 160 comprises at least one second tube sheath 161 that is employed on the proximal and distal ends of second tube 160 as shown. It is an object of the present invention that second tube sheath 161 is optional according to the user preference. Thus, in alternative embodiments (not shown), second tube 160 may have a sheath only on one end or the other, in the middle, or not at all, depending on the user's needs. The reader will appreciate that, just as plurality of tubes 140 comprises a number of first tube 150 and second tube 160, the tubes being of varying length and width from one another, each of the tubes may employ the desired number of second tube sheath 161 in any location accordingly. In this manner, the user is able to attach second tube sheath 161 as a means to protect and/or immobilize the coupling components of second tube 160 described above in paragraphs [0031]-[0033].
The reader will also appreciate that the second tube resistance means may comprise any elastomeric material suitable for resistance training, such as, for example synthetic and natural fibers, rubber, polymers, or other materials that possess inherent elasticity suitable for the invention's intended purpose. Further, in the present example, second tube proximal attaching means 162 comprises a swivel eye hook and second tube distal attaching means 168 comprises a loop. It should be understood that it is an object of the present invention that other suitable attaching means may be employed on one or both ends of second tube 160 such as carabiners, hooks, snaps, rings, U-bolts, clasps, and the like.
Referring now
Anchoring means 190 further comprises indicia 194 and an underside 195. Indicia 194 may include letters or numbers conveying important information about training apparatus 100, such as for example, branding health and safety warning, instructions, and the like. In alternative embodiments (not shown) anchoring means 190 does not include indicia 194. In the present embodiment, underside 195 comprises a non-skid surface such as a polymer or copolymer coating. In alternative embodiments, underside 195 further comprises scoring, pattern, ridges, or other surface modifications capable of preventing anchoring means 190 from moving on a substrate. In this manner, the user is able to engage in a range of motions and exercises without fear of injury.
Referring now to
When the user wishes to use training apparatus 100, he or she will do so in the manner described below. The user select from plurality of belts 110 the desired type and number of belts he or she wishes to employ. The user will then select from plurality of tubes 140 the type and number of tubes he or she wishes to employ. The user wall attach a belt to the appropriate part of the body and repeat with additional belts if desired. He or she will then attach one end of a tube to a belt and the other end of the same tube to the anchoring means 190 and repeat with the remaining tubes and belts if there are any. The user will then engage in a series of motions and exercises designed for resistance training by employing the tubes and belts.
As can be seen in
Further, while
The user then inserted at least one second belt prong 129 through at least one of said plurality of second belt apertures 134 and inserting second belt distal end 126 through second belt loop 130. The slack of second belt distal end 126 is kept in place against second belt center 125 by inserting second belt tip 132 through second belt loop 130 as shown. In this manner, second belt 124 is tightened around the user's body part in a snug but safe and comfortable manner. It should be understood that the placement of second belt 124 is by way of example only. It is an object of the present invention that second belt 124 may be placed on other parts of the user's body, such as the ankle or arm. Further, while the present figure depicts anchoring means 190 behind of the user's right ankle the reader will appreciate that anchoring means 190 may be placed in any horizontal or vertical location incident to, and appropriate for, the needs of the user.
As can be seen in
Referring finally to
The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub combinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and sub combinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and sub combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.
Claims
1. A device, comprising:
- an anchor having a top side with a loop and an underside with a weighted object to weight down the anchor to keep the anchor in substantially the same location during use by a user; a first belt comprising: a belt distal end comprising a first belt aperture and a second belt aperture; a belt center; a belt proximal end comprising a belt prong to connect to the first belt aperture or the second belt aperture to form a band with a defined circumference that is approximately a circumference of a leg of the user; and a belt ring holder comprising: a body; a first belt ring holder fastener to connect a first end of the body to a first portion of the belt center; and a second belt ring holder fastener to connect a second end of the body to a second portion of the belt center, wherein the belt center, the belt ring holder, the first belt ring holder fastener, and the second belt ring holder fastener form an opening; and a ring that is connected to the first belt through the opening a first resistance band comprising: an elongated elastic member: a first fastener at a proximal end, the first fastener configured to attach to the loop of the anchor; and a second fastener at a distal end, the second fastener configured to attach to the ring of the first belt.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the anchor is removably coupled to the first resistance band via the loop.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first belt is removably coupled to the first resistance band via the ring.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the top side of the anchor is substantially dome shaped.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the underside of the anchor is configured to be removably placed on a horizontal substrate.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein:
- the proximal end of the first resistance band is configured to removably couple to the anchor;
- the distal end of the first resistance band is configured to removably couple to the ring; and
- the first belt is removably attached to the leg of the user.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein the distal end of the first resistance band is configured to removably couple to a distal end of a second resistance band.
8. The device of claim 1 further comprising a second resistance band and a second belt, wherein:
- a proximal end of the second resistance band is configured to removably couple to the loop of the anchor;
- a distal end of second resistance band is configured to removably couple to a ring of the second belt; and
- the second belt is removably attached to the leg of the user.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the first resistance band further comprising:
- a first resistance band section comprising: the first fastener on the proximal end of the first resistance band section; and a first distal ring on the distal end of the first resistance band section; and
- a second resistance band section comprising: a second proximal hook affixed to a proximal end of the second resistance band section; and the second fastener affixed to a distal end of the second resistance band section.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein:
- the first distal ring is removably coupled to the second proximal hook; and
- the second fastener is removably coupled to the ring.
11. The device of claim 1, the first resistance band comprises elongated elastic members having differing lengths.
12. A device, comprising:
- an anchoring means having an anchoring means top side and an anchoring means underside, wherein the anchoring means top side further comprises a loop and wherein the anchoring means underside is substantially disc shaped;
- a first resistance means comprising a first elongated elastic member having a first proximal hook and a first distal ring;
- a second resistance means comprising a second elongated elastic member having a second proximal hook and a second distal hook;
- a first belt comprising a first belt ring; and
- the first proximal hook is removably coupled to the anchoring means;
- the second proximal hook is removably coupled to the first distal ring; and
- the second distal hook is removably coupled to the first belt ring.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the anchoring means top side is substantially dome shaped.
14. The device of claim 12 wherein the anchoring means underside is weighted and is configured to be removably placed on a horizontal substrate.
15. The device of claim 12 wherein the first resistance means and the second resistance means comprise different lengths.
16. The device of claim 12 further comprising:
- a second belt having a second belt ring; and
- a third resistance means, wherein: the first resistance means and the third resistance means are removably coupled to the anchoring means, the first resistance means is removably coupled to the first belt ring; and the third resistance means is removably coupled to the first second belt ring.
17. (canceled)
18. The device of claim 16 wherein:
- the first belt is configured to be removably tightened around a first leg of a human; and
- the second belt is tightened around a second leg of the human.
19. A method, comprising:
- attaching a first proximal hook of a first cord to a weighted anchor;
- attaching a second proximal hook of a second cord to a first distal ring of the first cord; and
- attaching a second distal hook of the second cord to a belt, wherein the belt is attached to a first leg of a user.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:
- attaching a first end of a third cord to the weighted anchor;
- attaching a second end of the third cord to a second belt; and
- attaching the second belt to a second leg of the user.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 5, 2016
Publication Date: Apr 5, 2018
Inventor: Claude Williams (Seattle, WA)
Application Number: 15/285,826