FIELD The present disclosure generally relates to the field of exercise equipment, and more particularly to various full-body workout systems and methods of using same.
BACKGROUND It's been long recognized that exercise and physical activity are crucial components of physical fitness and overall health and wellness. A well-rounded fitness program includes strength training to improve bone and joint function, bone density, muscle, tendon and ligament strength, as well as aerobic exercise to improve heart and lung fitness, flexibility, and balance. Resistance and weight training involve the use of resistance to muscular contraction to build strength and anaerobic endurance of skeletal muscles. In addition to the use of one's own body weight, many different types of equipment have been conceived for facilitating aerobic and anaerobic exercises, such as free weights, weight machines, medicine balls, and resistance bands. In particular, there are many workout straps currently on the market that are made with limp webbing and designed to be tied down and locked to one spot like gymnastic-style rings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a home tree full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 2A-2C are various close-up views of an exemplary embodiment of a removable branch bar of a home tree full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 3A-3D are perspective views of various exemplary embodiments of a removable branch bar of a home tree full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 4A-4F are illustrative of various ways that a user may obtain a full-body workout using a home tree full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 5A and 5B are two views of an exemplary embodiment of strap storage device of a home tree full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 6A-6G are various views of an exemplary embodiment of a flex board full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 7A-7D are illustrative of strap attachment points of an exemplary embodiment of a flex board full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 8A-8H are illustrative of various ways that a user may obtain a full-body workout using a flex board full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 9A-9C are various views of an exemplary embodiment of optional leg extensions for the flex board full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 10A-10C are various views of an exemplary embodiment of a removable mat for the flex board full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 11A-13B are various views of exemplary size variations for the flex board full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 14A-14F are various views of an exemplary embodiment of a flex ottoman full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 15A-15D are illustrative of strap attachment points of an exemplary embodiment of an ottoman full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 16A-16I are illustrative of various ways that one or two users may obtain a full-body workout using an ottoman full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 17A and 17B are illustrative of an additional way that a user may use an ottoman full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 18A and 18B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a flex couch full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 19A and 19B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a fold-away base of a flex couch full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 20A-20C are illustrative of an exemplary placement of a couch in front of a flex couch full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 21A-21D are illustrative of exemplary strap attachment points of an exemplary embodiment of a flex couch full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 22A-22F are illustrative of various ways that a user may use a flex couch full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 23A and 23B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a flex bench full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIG. 24 is illustrative of exemplary strap attachment points of an exemplary embodiment of a flex bench full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 25A-25H are illustrative of various ways that a user may use a flex bench full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 26A-26C are illustrative of optional removable upper extensions of a flex bench full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 27A-27C are illustrative of various ways that a user may use a flex board with a flex bench full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIG. 28 is illustrative of how a user may use a home tree with a flex bench full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 29A-29F are illustrative of an exemplary embodiment of a flex strap according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 30A-30L are illustrative of exemplary embodiments of a flex strap with various distinct grip pads in contrast to conventional handles according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 31A-31E are illustrative of an exemplary embodiment of a flex strap with joinable handles according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 32A and 32B are illustrative of how a user may use a flex strap with joinable handles according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 33A-33F are illustrative of exemplary embodiments of a flex strap with removable surface siding according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 34A-34J are illustrative of how a user may use the flex strap according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 35A and 35B are illustrative of how a user may easily move and reposition the flex strap according to the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIG. 36 is illustrative of conventional exercise straps that are typically used while tied down in a fixed location; and
FIGS. 37A and 37B are illustrative of the stiff characteristic of the flex strap according to the teachings of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present disclosure is directed to various full-body workout systems to be used with a novel workout strap that are versatile and easy to use.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a home tree full-body workout system 10 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The home tree 10 resembles a tree with a horizontal branch 12, a vertical trunk 14 and a downwardly extending root 16. These are the main latching points/posts 12-16 for use with a novel flex strap described in more detail below. The strap can be instantly attached and re-positioned along any of these attachment points. The branch bar 12 is designed to be removable, such as using a conventional locking pin mechanism or detent pin mechanism 18 as shown in FIG. 2A. In this manner, a wide variety of removable branch extensions 12″″ with variations in branching configurations such as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D are contemplated. The home tree branch extensions 12 can also be used as conventional chin-up bars in addition to being used with the flex strap. The home tree 10 is secured to a wall or vertical surface via a plurality of wall anchors 20 using conventional bolts and/or screws.
FIGS. 4A-4F are illustrative of various ways that a user may obtain a full-body workout using a home tree full-body workout system 10 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. As shown, the user may use the strap 100 to use any portion of the home tree (e.g., branch, trunk, and root) as a temporary latching point to support the user's own weight to work many parts of the body. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the home tree may also include one or more posts 22 disposed on one or more anchor points 20 from which the strap 100 may hang and be stored for easy access.
The home tree 10 and the branch attachments 12 may be constructed of any strong and sturdy material such as metal, wood, plastic, composites, etc. As described in more detail below, the home tree 10 is also designed to be used in combination with the other home gym components: flex board, flex ottoman, and flex bench.
FIGS. 6A-6E are various views of an exemplary embodiment of a flex board full-body workout system 30 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The flex board 30 is made of a strong durable material with a lightweight metal frame 32 which may have a cross configuration and a highly contoured body 33 that resemble a butterfly. The convex curve shape of the flex board 30 (best shown in FIGS. 6F and 6G) and the textured surface of the board create an enhanced massage effect, kneading into the user's back muscles as the user uses the board to workout. The outer edges 34 of the flex board body 33 may incorporate non-slip rubberized grippy surfaces that allows the user to place the board 30 at an angle against a wall or another object and not shift in position. The flex board 30 includes built-in strap latch points 36 that are extensions of the metal frame 32, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6E. These latching extensions 36 are removably inserted and secured into the ends of the metal frame 32 using a locking or detent pin mechanism to allow for exchanging different size and shape attachment accessories. In addition to the various latching points/posts 36 shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, a strap 100 can also be latched around the back of the board 30 to enhance the variety of moves a user can do with the board, such as shown in FIG. 7D. FIGS. 8A-8H are illustrative of various ways that a user may obtain a full-body workout using the flex board full-body workout system 30 with a flex strap. It may be seen that a user may use the flex board 30 placed vertically or horizontally.
FIGS. 9A-9C are illustrative of another embodiment of the flex board 30 equipped with removable latching points/posts 36′ that include elongated stands 35 that may be used to prop the flex board 30 substantially vertically. When propped up in this way, a user may lean against it, perhaps while working at a standing desk, for example.
As shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, the flex board 30 may also include a nubby or ribbed textured mat 37 that can be removed for cleaning and also be exchanged for different textures (nubby and ribbing) and levels of padding to allow the user to customize the board to their own comfort level. The mat 37 may be fastened to the board 30 using any suitable fastener, such as straps with buckles around the latch extensions 36, Velcro on the surface of the board, and other means. The flex board 30 may be used with the mat to enhance the massage effect, or without the mat 37, which would reveal a hard and stiff surface of the board by default. Further, the flex board 30 may be available in various sizes optimized for users of different height and weight, such as shown in FIGS. 11A-13B.
FIGS. 14A-14F are various views of an exemplary embodiment of a flex ottoman full-body workout system 40 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The flex ottoman 40 is similar to a piece of furniture, the ottoman, that has a strong and sturdy metal frame 42 with a base that includes legs 44 and feet 46 that support a textured padded horizontal top 48. Attached to the metal frame 42 circumferentially about the top 48 and on the legs 44 are a plurality of latch points or posts 50 for the flex strap. These latch points 50 can be removably attached to the metal frame 42 or they may be permanently fastened. FIGS. 15A-15D are illustrative of strap attachment points of an exemplary embodiment of a flex ottoman full-body workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure. FIGS. 16A-16I are illustrative of various ways that one or two users may obtain a full-body workout using a flex ottoman full-body workout system 40 and flex strap 100. As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, preferably the legs 44 of the ottoman 40 are configured as single column support bases 44 that widen into wide feet 46 designed to be stepped on by the user while the user exerts upward force using the strap latched to the flex ottoman.
FIGS. 18A and 18B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a flex couch full-body workout system 60 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The flex couch 60 includes a foldable base 62 (see FIGS. 19A and 19B) and a vertical member 64 that extends above the back of a couch, as shown in FIGS. 20A-20D. As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the base 62 may be hinged with detachable support bars 65 that can be rotated to support the vertical component 64 to maintain its verticality, and removed to raise the base 62 so that it also becomes vertically oriented like the vertical member 64. The flex couch 60 is designed to be placed behind a couch or lunge chair so that a user can get a workout while sitting down. FIGS. 21A-21D are illustrative of exemplary strap attachment points 66 of an exemplary embodiment of a flex couch full-body workout system 60 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The strap attachment points 66 generally extend upward from the vertical component 64 of the flex couch system 60. FIGS. 22A-22F are illustrative of various ways that a user may use a flex couch full-body workout system 60 in combination with a flex strap. As shown in FIGS. 22E and 22F, a flex board 30 can also be used in combination with the strap 100 by leaning the board onto the couch.
FIGS. 23A and 23B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a flex bench full-body 70 workout system according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The flex bench 70 is a stretching bench designed for use with the flex strap. The flex bench 70 includes a plurality of ascending and laterally displaced steps 72-74, a removable upper component 75, and a plurality of latch points 76 for the strap. In addition, the flex bench 70 includes a pair of dip bars 78. FIG. 24 is illustrative of exemplary strap attachment points 76 of a flex bench full-body workout system and FIGS. 25A-25H are illustrative of the many ways that a user may use the flex bench 70 in combination with a flex strap for a full body workout. As shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, the upper component 75 of the bench 70 incorporates a plurality of strap latch points 78 and is removable to be exchanged with components having a variety of configurations. A suitable locking mechanism such as a locking pin or detent pin mechanism may be used to enable easy removal and replacement of the upper component 75. FIG. 26C shows an exemplary upper component extension 79 that provides additional strap attachment points that extend further up and over the bench.
FIGS. 27A-27C are illustrative of various ways that a user may use a flex board 30 with a flex bench 70 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The flex board 30 can be leaned against the flex bench 70 as shown or secured thereto in a suitable manner, and the user may lean against the board and use the strap 100 to work out various parts of the body.
FIG. 28 is illustrative of how a user may use a home tree 10 in combination with a flex bench 70 by placing the flex bench 70 next to the home tree 10. The user may use this configuration with or without the strap 100 to attain a full-body workout.
FIGS. 29A-29F are illustrative of an exemplary embodiment of a full-body workout flex strap 100 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The flex strap 100 includes a strap body 102 with a hand grip 104 at each end. The elongated strap body 102 is preferably constructed of a durable material that can generally maintain its shape and yet be sufficiently flexible to allow the strap to be folded over upon itself. Suitable materials for fabricating the strap body 102 may include nylon, plastic, leather, etc. One surface of the strap body 102 (e.g., top surface) may incorporate a soft and flexible material with a decorative design (e.g., a snake skin pattern), and a second surface of the strap body 102 (e.g., bottom surface) may have a durable non-slip rubberized texture. The non-slip texture enables the strap to be wrapped around latch points located on the home tree 10, flex board 30, flex ottoman 40, flex couch 60, flex bench 70, and other fixed objects and stay engaged without slipping when the user is pulling on the strap. When the user stops pulling on the strap 100, it easily disengages and allows repositioning and adjustment because of its internal structure. The hand grips 104 at the ends of the strap body 102 are generally constructed of a metal or rigid plastic material, preferably with added layers of durable padding to provide a comfortable grip and to protect the user from inadvertent bruising on contact with a swinging strap. Incorporated in and forming part of the hand grips 104 are spring-loaded clips or latching mechanisms 106 that enable the full-body strap 100 to be easily attached and detached from itself or other fastening points. The clip 106 may be removable from the hand grip 104, as shown in FIG. 29F. The latching mechanism 106 also enable the two ends of the strap to be fastened to one another and be used to attach and carry water bottles and other exercise equipment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B.
The hand grip of the strap 100 is specially designed. Unlike other conventional workout straps with handles designed with one grip point (FIG. 30G), the hand grips 104 have several built-in non-slip regions with padding 108′-108″″ (FIGS. 30A-30H) so that the user can hold the strap several different ways, as illustrated in FIGS. 30F, so that the user can grasp the handles 104 in a variety of ways to perform more variety of exercises and enhance the workout. More specifically, the handle has an oval or beveled rectangular shape encompassing approximately 300 degrees. The padded region 108′ is located at the end of the strap body, the padded region 108″ is located at the base or neck of the handle where the strap attaches to the handle, the padded region 108′″ is located in the portion of the handle opposite of the clip, and the padded region 108″″ is located at the tip of the handle. In contrast, conventional exercise resistance bands and straps employ a barrel handle bar that only has one grip position and can be held in only one way, as illustrated in FIGS. 30I-30L.
FIGS. 31A-31E are illustrative of another feature of the flex strap 100—joinable handles 104. The strap handles 104′ and 104″ on the two ends of the strap are designed to merge together to form one handle 104 that can be comfortably held by the user in one hand. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the handles have a flat surface that can be easily be brought together. As shown in FIGS. 32A and 32B, the user can hold the two handles one in each hand or press the two handles together to enter one-hand mode to perform a wider variety of exercises.
FIGS. 33A-33F are illustrative of exemplary embodiments of a flex strap 100 with a removable surface siding 110 that can be customizable with a variety of textures, colors, and patterns. Moreover, one or both sides of the strap 100 can be removed and replaced to be laundered or cleaned.
FIGS. 34A-34J are illustrative of the variety of ways that a user may use the flex strap 100 to work out various parts of the body. In addition to being used with the home tree 10, flex board 30, ottoman 40, flex couch 60, and flex bench 70, the flex strap 100 can also be used with any stationary object, such as a sign post, tree trunk, and large tree branch. It should be noted that although the flex strap 100 is flexible and can be folded back upon itself, the body of the strap is somewhat rigid and can remain horizontal when held by the handle, such as shown in FIG. 37A. Therefore, the flex strap 100 can be easily positioned and moved between latch points such as shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B. This is in stark contrast with conventional workout straps fabricated from nylon webbing, latex, and rubber that lack internal strength and are limp and flaccid (FIG. 37B). The conventional resistance bands or straps are typically tied down to a fixed point (FIG. 36) and cannot be easily repositioned.
The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth below with particularity in the appended claims. However, modifications, variations, and changes to the exemplary embodiments described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the full-body workout systems described herein thus encompass such modifications, variations, and changes and are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.
