APPARATUS FOR AERIAL EXERCISE

Abstract

An apparatus for aerial exercise and enjoyment of a user while suspended from a support structure is provided. The apparatus includes a main support, at least one support hanger, a pair of branches, and at least one user support attachment. The at least one support hanger connects a first and second location of the support structure to an upper portion of the main support. A lower portion of the main support is rotatably connected to the upper portion. The pair of branches extend from the lower portion and are configured to receive the at least one user support attachment. Each user support attachment includes an interior portion containing a padding material. The at least one user support attachment may be a pair of looped leg or arm straps, a shoulder harness, or a seat. Each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps includes a foot platform.

Description

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to exercise equipment. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to an aerial multifunctional exercise and therapeutic swing apparatus.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Aerial exercise devices are well known in the prior art and range from yoga swings to hammocks. All previous aerial exercise devices use silk like hammock straps to suspend, invert, and stretch the user. Some aerial exercise devices incorporate fabric or plastic handles designed for supporting a user's feet or hands when performing specific exercises. Some of these aerial exercise devices are specifically designed for use with custom free-standing support structures, like that of U.S. Pat. No. 7,255,666.

The issue with all previously disclosed aerial exercise devices begins with the silk like hammock straps which are used as the main point of suspension for the human body. This limits the variety of exercises to those performed while sitting or lying. Inversion exercises may only happen by wrapping the hammock around the hips and in most cases, this can get very complicated. While the handles can be used by a user for performing specific exercises that engage a user's arms, the configuration and orientation of the straps does not provide stability to the wrists, elbows, and shoulders of a user. This can often result in joint related injuries to a user.

The same handles that are used to support a user's hands are typically also used to support a user's feet. This can be very uncomfortable for a user when the user's feet are being used to support the user's entire body. These handles, when used for supporting a user's feet, provide minimal stability and can often lead to injury if the handle rotates and causes a user's foot slip off. Because the handles provide only a small area to support the user's foot, they may limit the amount of time a user can support themselves with their feet. This small area for a user's feet and lack of stability may also prevent or deter a user from swinging in full motion.

The silk like hammock straps of these prior aerial exercise devices are typically connected to a support structure at two spaced apart locations and hang vertically from a support structure. This configuration limits swinging motion within a single vertical plane. The spaced apart configuration of the silk like hammock straps forces the user's legs and hips apart when stretches and exercises are performed. The silk like hammock straps provide little, if any, stability to a user's back because the straps do not naturally run behind the user's back. If a user were to attempt to swing in full motion, the user would quickly tilt back behind the straps in a manner that is not stable or consistent with a typical pendulum swing pattern.

The prior aerial exercise devices which use silk like hammock straps that are spaced apart can really only be used to swing safely while in the sitting position. When a user attempts to stand while using prior aerial exercise devices, the user is provided with no stability or support. This makes it nearly impossible, and extremely dangerous, to experience a true aerobic workout while standing and swinging in these prior aerial exercise devices.

The silk like hammock straps of the prior aerial exercise devices may also be configured to suspend from a single attachment point of a support structure. This configuration enables omnidirectional swinging when using the aerial exercise device. This configuration can be especially dangerous when the support structure is a custom free-standing cage-like support structure or a tree.

Additionally, when a custom free-standing support structure is used for suspending the prior aerial exercise devices, the user is limited to movements which may be performed within the confines of the free-standing support structure. The free-standing support structure presents additional hazards when a user attempt to perform a full swing such as hitting the support structure or causing it to topple over.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Accordingly, a need exists for an improved aerial exercise device. The present disclosure provides solutions and advancements to the issues and problems presented by prior aerial exercise devices.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus for aerial exercise of a user while suspended from a support structure. The apparatus is configured to connect to the support structure, via hanger straps, at two points for limiting the swing pattern to a single vertical plane. The hanger straps which are attached to the support structure converge at a main support of the apparatus. The main support structure of the apparatus includes an upper portion and a lower portion which are rotatably connected. This allows the user to swing safely in a single direction while also being able to spin. For more advanced users, the main support may be attached to the support structure at a single point for enabling an omnidirectional swing pattern. In an omnidirectional swing pattern scenario, clearance in all directions surrounding the apparatus is of the utmost importance when using the apparatus safely.

The apparatus also includes daisy chains hanging downwardly from the main support. The daisy chains are configured to receive at least one user support attachment of the apparatus. The daisy chains allow multiple user support attachments to be hung from differing heights. This enables the user to customize the apparatus based on the user's body characteristics or the specific movements the user intends to perform. The daisy chains also allow the user to take advantage of centrifugal forces while the user uses the apparatus.

One such user support attachment disclosed herein is a pair of looped leg straps. The pair of looped leg straps include foot platforms that are balanced and centered. The foot platforms provide sufficient area for the entire foot, while also being able to tilt forward and backward, and shift left to right, thus allowing the user full ankle mobility.

The pair of looped leg straps double as a body harness of sorts. Starting at the user's ankle, each looped leg strap provides the user ankle and foot support by use of pliable fabric loops (or crutches) that fit around each looped leg strap at the user's ankle. For the user's foot the pliable fabric loops provides support and stability when moving the feet and legs in all directions. This type of ankle support allows the user to lean and stretch while in full motion or during stationary exercises and stretches. The same pliable fabric loops may also be utilized just below the knees to provide the user with extra leg support.

Each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps may be bound together at the hip, which provides the user with support from falling forward. Because the pair of loop leg straps emanate from a central location of the main support, the upper part of each looped leg strap travels up behind the user at the user's shoulders to provide support from falling backwards.

The pair of looped leg straps (or body harness) are stuffed with a padding material which allows each looped leg strap to be comfortably and safely wrapped around the user's body and legs to suspend and invert, while engaging in a full aerobic exercise while swinging.

Another user support attachment disclosed herein is a pair of looped arm straps. The pair of looped arm straps are also stuffed with a padding material like the pair of looped leg straps. Each looped arm strap of the pair of looped arm straps is bound together at the forearm and elbow area to provide support and stability to the user's wrists, elbows, and shoulders. This configuration gives the user's arms a solid yet pliable structure to press against during various exercises.

Another user support attachment disclosed herein is a shoulder harness. The shoulder harness is designed as an additional safety measure which may be wore by the user under the user's armpits and around the shoulders. The shoulder harness also provides the user with additional stability and assistance when using the apparatus. The shoulder harness may also be stuffed with a padding material. The combination of shoulder harness and the pair of looped leg straps may allow the user to safely move freely without the pair of looped arm straps.

All the user support attachments disclosed herein allow for the user to stand up straight and remain in place for extended periods of time. They also allow the user to perform exercises horizontally, while sitting, and even while inverted. Because of the added stability and safety provided by the present disclosure, this invention allows the user to suspend and fully swing from amplitudes of up to 50 ft or more.

In addition, the apparatus may also include at least one vine that is also attached to the support structure and spaced apart in front of or behind the hanger straps. The at least one vine is configured to assist the user with self-propelling the apparatus, controlling the spin direction of the apparatus, and controlling the intensity of swinging of the apparatus.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for aerial exercise of a user while suspended from a support structure. The apparatus is comprised of a main support, at least one support hanger, a pair of branches, and at least one user support attachment. The main support has an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is rotatably connected to the upper portion. The at least one support hanger extends from the upper portion of the main support. The at least one support hanger is configured to be connected to the support structure at both a first location and a second location spaced apart from the first location. The pair of branches connect to and extend from the lower portion of the main support. The pair of branches are configured to receive the at least one user support attachment.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, each branch of the pair of branches may include a plurality of attachment loops positioned sequentially along the respective branch.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the pair of branches may be integrally formed and include a midpoint attachment loop configured to be attached to the lower portion of the main support.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the at least one user support attachment includes a pair of looped leg straps. Each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps may be connected to and extend from a respective branch of the pair of branches. Each looped leg strap may be configured to support a respective foot of the user.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps may include a foot platform configured to receive a respective foot of the user.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps may include an interior portion containing a padding material.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps may include at least one binding coupled to the respective looped leg strap. A binding of the at least one binding may be configured to create a first upper loop and a second lower loop.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the second lower loop of each looped leg strap may include a respective foot platform having an upper surface and a passageway. The passageway may be configured to receive a lower portion of the second lower loop. The passageway may extend laterally through the foot platform bisecting a length of the foot platform.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the at least one user support attachment includes a pair of looped arm straps. Each looped arm strap of the pair of looped arm straps may be connected to and extend from a respective branch of the pair of branches. Each looped arm strap may have a handle surrounding a lower portion of the looped arm strap. The handle of each looped arm strap may be configured to support a respective hand of the user.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, each looped arm strap of the pair of looped arm straps includes an interior portion containing a padding material.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, each looped arm strap of the pair of looped arm straps may include at least one binding coupled to the respective looped arm strap. A binding of the at least one binding may be configured to create a first upper loop and a second lower loop.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the at least one user support attachment includes a seat. The seat may comprise a generally rectangular material having opposite ends and a length defined between the opposite ends of the material. The opposite ends of the material may be bunched together and connected to a different respective branch of the pair of branches. The seat may include a plurality of stuffed sections. The stuffed sections of the plurality of stuffed sections are connected to the material midway between the opposite ends of the material. The stuffed sections of the plurality of stuffed sections are aligned and sequentially spaced along a width of the generally rectangular material. The stuffed sections of the plurality of stuffed sections span a minority of the length of the rectangular material. Each stuffed section of the plurality of stuffed sections contains a padding material.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the seat is configurable in either an expanded position or a rolled position. The seat in the expanded position is generally shaped for receiving a back or a rear end of the user. The seat in the rolled position has the plurality of stuffed sections rolled together for supporting the back or the rear end of the user. The plurality of stuffed sections may be held together in the rolled positioned using at least two binding positioned at opposite ends of the plurality of stuffed sections.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the at least one user support attachment may include a shoulder harness comprising a pair of looped shoulder harness straps. Each looped shoulder harness strap of the pair of looped shoulder harness straps may include at least one binding coupled to the respective looped shoulder harness strap and configured to create an upper shoulder harness portion and a lower shoulder harness portion. The lower shoulder harness portion of each looped shoulder harness strap of the pair of looped shoulder harness straps may be configured to receive an arm up to a shoulder of the user. The pair of looped shoulder harness straps are coupled together proximate to the first binding using a main binding.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the lower shoulder harness portion of each looped shoulder harness strap of the pair of looped shoulder harness straps may include an interior portion containing a padding material.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the at least one support hanger may include a pair of support hangers connected to and extending from the upper portion of the main support. Each support hanger of the pair of support hangers may be configured to be connected to the support structure at either the first location or the second location.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the at least one support hanger is connected to the support structure. The apparatus may further comprise at least one vine suspension strap also connected to the support structure. The at least one vine suspension strap may be laterally offset from the at least one support hanger.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for aerial exercise of a user while suspended from a support structure. The apparatus is comprised of a main support and at least one pair of user support loops. The main support is configured to be connected to the support structure. Each user support loop of the at least one pair user support loops has an interior portion at least partially filled with a padded material. Each user support loop of the at least one pair user support loops has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is configured to connect to the main support. The lower portion is configured to support a respective hand, foot, or shoulder of the user.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, each user support loop of the at least one pair of user support loops may include at least one binding. The at least one binding may be coupled to the respective user support loop. The at least one binding may be configured to create an upper loop and a lower loop. The upper portion may be part of the upper loop and the lower portion may be part of the lower loop.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, each user support loop of the at least one pair of user support loops may include a respective foot platform having an upper surface and a passageway. The passageway may be configured to bisect a length of the foot platform. The passageway may further be configured to receive the lower portion of a respective user support loop of the at least one pair of user support loops. The upper surface of each respective foot platform may be configured to support a respective foot of the user.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, each user support loop of the at least one pair of user support loops may include a respective hand grip (or handle) that is configured to be received by the lower portion of the lower loop. The respective hand grip may be configured to support a respective hand of the user.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the lower loop of each user support loop of the at least one pair of user support loops may include a lower interior portion at least partially filled with the padded material. The lower loop of each user support loop of the at least one pair of user support loops may be configured to receive a respective arm up to a respective shoulder of the user for supporting the respective shoulder of the user.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the at least one binding may divide the interior portion into an upper interior portion and a lower interior portion. Both the upper and lower interior portions of each user support loop of the at least one pair of user support loops may be at least partially filled with the padded material.

According to still further aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for aerial exercise of a user while suspended from a support structure. The apparatus is comprised of a main support and a pair of user support loops. The main support is configured to be connected to the support structure. The pair of user support loops extend from the main support. Each user support loop of the pair of user support loops has a foot platform connected to a lower portion of the respective user support loop for supporting a respective foot of a user.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the main support may include a pair of branches extending from the main support. Each branch of the pair of branches may have a plurality of sequential connectors. Each user support loop of the pair of user support loops has an upper portion that is configured to connect to a selected connector of the plurality of sequential connectors of a respective branch of the pair of branches for positioning the respective foot platform a first distance from the main support.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, each respective foot platform may have a main body, an upper surface, and a passageway. The passageway is configured to receive the lower portion of a respective user support loop of the pair of user support loops.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the passageway may extend laterally through the foot platform such that it bisects a length of the foot platform.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, each respective foot platform may include a pair of vertical channels connected to opposite sides of the respective foot platform. The pair of vertical channels may bisect a length of the respective foot platform. Each respective pair of vertical channels may be configured to receive and direct the respective user support loop of the pair of user support loops in a direction perpendicular to the respective foot platform.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the passageway may be connected to a lower surface of the respective foot platform. The passageway may also bisect a length of the respective foot platform. The passageway may span at least a majority of a width of the respective foot platform.

According to another aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure, each respective foot platform may include a pair of vertical holes disposed through the respective foot platform. Each hole of the respective pair of holes may be positioned at opposite ends of the passageway. The lower portion of each respective user support loop of the pair of user support loops may be configured to pass through the pair of holes for directing the respective user support loop in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the respective foot platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus for aerial exercise hanging from a support structure in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates an enlarged front elevational view of a main support body of the apparatus of FIG. 1 attached to the support structure using a first anchor strap in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates an enlarged front elevational view of a main support body of the apparatus of FIG. 1 attached to the support structure using a first anchor strap and a second anchor strap in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a looped leg strap of a pair of looped leg straps of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates a lower perspective view of a foot platform of each looped leg strap of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates a lower perspective view of the foot platform of FIG. 4A having an upper channel in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a lower perspective view of a foot platform of the apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view a respective looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a respective looped leg strap of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with a user's foot engaged with the foot platform in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front elevational view of a looped arm strap of a pair of looped arm straps of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of a handle of the respective looped arm strap of FIG. 8 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the handle of FIG. 8 of the respective looped arm strap taken along line 9B-9B of FIG. 9A in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view a respective looped arm strap of the pair of looped arm straps of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front elevational view of a shoulder harness of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view a shoulder harness loop of the shoulder harness of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic view of a beginner shoulder harness material for attachment to the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates top plan view of a beginner shoulder harness for attachment to the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates a rear elevational view of the beginner shoulder harness of FIG. 15 attached to the apparatus of FIG. 1 and engaged a user in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic view of a seat for attachment to the apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a top plan view of a seat for attachment to the apparatus of FIG. 1 configured in an expanded position in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates a top plan view of the seat of FIG. 17 configured in a rolled position in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 illustrates a front elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 having a user in a standing position engaged with the pair of looped leg straps, the pair of looped arm straps, and the shoulder harness in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 having a user in a stretching position engaged with the pair of looped leg straps, the pair of looped arm straps, and the shoulder harness in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 illustrates a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 having a user in a seated position engaged with the pair of looped leg straps, the beginner shoulder hardness, and the seat in the expanded position in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 illustrates a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 having a user in a horizontal position engaged with the pair of looped leg straps, the beginner shoulder hardness, and the seat in the rolled position in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 illustrates a front elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 having a user in an inverted position engaged with the pair of looped leg straps in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more drawings of which are set forth herein. Each drawing is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure and is not a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.

Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in, or are obvious from, the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

The words “connected”, “attached”, “joined”, “mounted”, “fastened”, and the like should be interpreted to mean any manner of joining two objects including, but not limited to, the use of any fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts, bolts, pin and clevis, thread, glue, and the like allowing for a stationary, translatable, or pivotable relationship; welding of any kind such as traditional MIG welding, TIG welding, friction welding, brazing, soldering, ultrasonic welding, torch welding, inductive welding, and the like; using any resin, glue, epoxy, and the like; being integrally formed as a single part together; any mechanical fit such as a friction fit, interference fit, slidable fit, rotatable fit, pivotable fit, and the like; any combination thereof; and the like.

A “binding” as used herein should be interpreted to mean any means of securely cinching a material or group of materials together. A “binding” as used herein may be a tube-like structure (e.g., rubber tubbing, heat shrink tubing, plastic tubing, or the like) which is configured to receive the material or group of materials and cinch them together. A “binding” as used herein may be a wrap (e.g., material, string, or the like) which is wrapped or wound around the material or group of materials to cinch them together. A “binding” as used herein may also be a cylindrical clip capable of being easily removed and configured to receive the material or group of materials and cinch them together.

A “clip” as used herein should be interpreted to mean any means of securely connected two items including a carabiner, a screw link, a D-ring, or the like. The “clip” should generally provide non-permanent connection; however, the “clip” may provide permanent connection.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, any part of the apparatus of the present disclosure may be made of any appropriate or suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, alloy, polymer, polymer mixture, wood, composite, or any combination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 15, 19-23, an apparatus 100 for aerial exercise of a user 10 while suspended from a support structure 30 is provided. The apparatus 100 may also be referred to herein as a swing apparatus 100. The support structure 30 may be any horizontal or inclined structure (e.g., a ceiling, a support beam, a tree branch, or the like) capable of attachment thereto and having adequate clearance thereunder for the apparatus 100 to hang and swing. The apparatus 100 may have many possible uses such as exercise, fun & enjoyment, stretching, martial arts training, yoga, dance training, gymnastics training, physical therapy, psychological therapy, inversion therapy, motion sickness therapy, tandem swinging, zip lining, bungee swing, amusement ride, and exercise class equipment.

The apparatus 100 comprises a main support body 110, at least one support anchor strap 120, a pair of branches 130, and at least one user support attachment 140. The main support body 110 may also be referred to herein as a main support 110 or a swing center 110. The at least one support anchor strap 120 may also be referred to herein as at least one support hanger 120. The pair of branches 130 may also be referred to herein as a pair of daisy chains 130.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the main support body 110 may include an upper portion 112 and a lower portion 114. The lower portion 114 is rotatably connected to the upper portion 112, for example by using a ball bearing rotational device. The upper portion 112 includes an upper attachment loop 116 extending away from the lower portion 114. The lower portion 114 includes a lower attachment loop 118 extending away from the upper portion 112. The upper and lower attachment loops 116, 118 may be semicircular shaped and capable of securely receiving attachments such as carabiners. The upper and lower attachment loops 116, 118 may be shaped differently in other embodiments, such as triangular or the like.

The at least one anchor strap 120 extends from upper portion 112 of the main support body 110 and is configured to connect the main support body 110 to the support structure 30. As can best be seen in FIG. 1, the at least one anchor strap 120 is configured to be connected to the support structure 30 at both a first location 32 and a second location 34, simultaneously. By connecting the at least one anchor strap 120 to both the first and second locations 32, 34 the apparatus 100 is limited to a swing path along a single vertical plane to provide for a safe and predicable swing experience. Each anchor strap of the at least one anchor strap 120 includes a first end 122 and a second end 124. The first attachment location 32 of the support structure 30 is spaced apart from the second attachment location 34 of the support structure 30 by a hanger gap distance 36. The hanger gap distance 36 may be greater than or equal to the distance between the main support body 110 and the support structure 30. Furthermore, the hanger gap distance 36 may be at least 4 feet.

In other embodiments (not shown), the main body 110 may be connected to the support structure 30 at a single location to enable an omnidirectional swing pattern. Such an embodiment is more advanced in some aspects and thus requires full 360-degree clearance around the apparatus 100 for safety.

As can best be seen in FIG. 2A, the at least one anchor strap includes a first anchor strap 120A that extends through the upper attachment loop 116. The first anchor strap 120A includes a first end 122A and a second end 124A. The first end 122A may be configured to be connected to the support structure 30 at the first attachment location 32 and the second end 124A may be configured to be connected to the support structure at the second attachment location 34. The first and second ends 122A, 124A of the first anchor strap may each include a clip for connecting with the first and second attachment locations 32, 34, respectively. In other embodiments (not shown), rather than extending through the upper attachment loop 116, the first anchor strap 120A may include a mid-point anchor loop that may be connected to the upper attachment loop 116 using a clip.

As can best be seen in FIG. 2B, the at least one anchor strap 120 may include the first anchor strap 120A and a second anchor strap 120B. The first and second anchor straps 120A, 120B may also be referred to herein as a pair of anchor straps or a pair of support hangers. The second anchor strap 120B includes a first end 122B and a second end 124B. The first ends 122A, 122B of each of the first and second anchor straps 120A, 120B may be connected to the upper attachment loop 116 of the upper portion 112 of the main support body 110. The second end 124A of the first anchor strap 120A may be connected to the first attachment location 32. The second end 124B of the second anchor strap 120B may be connected to the second attachment location 34.

The connections between the ends of the straps and the respective attachment locations may be attained by direct connection using clips. For example, each respective clip could attach to one of a plurality of I-bolts 38 extending from each of the first and second attachment locations 32, 34 of the support structure 30 or could attach to the upper attachment loop 116. Alternatively, the connections between the ends of the straps and the respective attachment locations (e.g., the support structure 30 or the upper portion 112 of the main support body 110) may be attained by looping the ends of the straps around or through respective attachment locations and attaching the ends back to its respective strap using clips.

The pair of branches 130 are connected to and extend from the lower attachment loop 118 of the lower portion 114 of the main support body 110. The pair of branches 130 is configured to receive the at least one user support attachment 140. The pair of branches 130 may include a plurality of attachment loops 132 positioned sequentially along each branch of the pair of branches 130. Although the pair of branches 130 are illustrated as metal chains (FIG. 2A), it is contemplated that in other embodiments the pair of branches 130 may be a daisy chain material (FIG. 2B) such as a nylon daisy chain strap, or the like.

As can best be seen in FIG. 2B, the pair of branches 130 may include a first branch 130A and a second branch 130B. Each of the first and second branches 130A, 130B is connected to and extends from the lower attachment loop 118 of the lower portion 114 of the main support body 110. The first and second branches 130A, 130B may be individually connected to the lower attachment loop 118 using clips.

As can best been seen in FIG. 2A, the first and second branches 130A, 130B forming the pair of branches 130 may be integrally formed and connected to the lower attachment loop 118 simultaneously. For example, the integrally formed pair of branches 130 may include a midpoint attachment loop 134 that is configured to be attached to the lower attachment loop 118 of the lower portion 114 of the main support body 110. The midpoint attachment loop 134 may be connected to the lower attachment loop 118 using a clip. This configuration may help ensure that each of the integrally formed pair of branches 130 does not shift up or down when each branch 130A, 130B receives the at least one user support attachment 140.

The at least one user support attachment 140 may include at least one pair of user support loops 142. The at least one pair of user support loops 142 may be a pair of looped leg straps 150, a pair of looped arm straps 200, or a shoulder harness 240.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the pair of looped leg straps 150 may include a first looped leg strap 150A and a second looped leg strap 150B. The first and second looped leg straps 150A, 150B are identical. For simplicity, the first and second looped leg straps 150A, 150B will be referred to as the pair of looped leg straps 150 and common elements will be numbered similarly.

Each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps 150 is connected to and extends from a respective branch of the pair of branches 130. As can best be seen in FIG. 3, each looped leg strap 150A, 150B of the pair of looped leg straps 150 may have an upper portion 152, a lower portion 154, and a looped leg strap length 156 defined between the upper portion 152 and the lower portion 154. The upper portion 152 may include a clip 158 for connecting the upper portion 152 to a respective branch of the pair of branches 130 at a selected attachment loop of the plurality of attachment loops 132. The lower portion 154 is configured to support a respective foot 12 (FIGS. 19-23) of the user 10.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 3-5, the lower portion 154 of each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps 150 may include a foot platform 160. The foot platform 160 is configured to receive and support a respective foot 12 of the user 10. The foot platform 160 includes a main body 162. The main body 162 of the foot platform may also be referred to herein as a base 162. The main body 162 is generally shaped as a rectangular cuboid having a height H, a length L, and a width W. The main body 162 may be made from a selected material such as plastic, rubber, metal, wood, a combination thereof, or the like.

The main body 162 of the foot platform 160 includes an upper surface 164 defined by the length L and the width W of the main body 162. The foot platform 160 may include a padded layer 166 disposed on at least the upper surface 164. The padded layer 166 may be any suitable material that provides traction, support, and comfort (e.g., rubber, foam, or the like). In some embodiments, particularly those meant for outdoor use, the padded layer 166 may merely be applied for added traction. In other embodiments (not shown), the padded layer 166 may include be contoured to the shape of the human foot to provide arch support and heel and toe grooves.

The foot platform 160 further includes a passageway 168 configured to receive the lower portion 154 a respective looped leg strap of the paid of looped leg straps 150. The passageway 168 is configured to bisect the length L of the foot platform 160. As can best be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the passageway 168 may be connected to a lower surface 170 of the foot platform 160. When connected to the lower surface 170 of the foot platform 160, the passageway 168 spans at least a majority of the width W of the foot platform 160.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the foot platform 160 may further include a pair of vertical channels 172 positioned on opposite sides of the foot platform 160. The pair of vertical channels 172 are positioned on the sides of the foot platform 160 bisecting the length L of the main body 162. The pair of vertical channels 172 are disposed in the sides of the foot platform 160 (e.g., are carved into the sides). The pair of vertical channels 172 are configured to receive the lower portion 154 of the respective looped leg strap and to direct the respective looped leg strap in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 164 of the foot platform 160. In other embodiments (not shown), the pair of vertical channels 172 may extend from the sides of the main body 162 of the foot platform 160.

As can best be seen in FIG. 4A, the pair of vertical channels 172 may each include a cover 174 that is configured to be connected to respective sides of the of the foot platform 160 adjacent to a respective vertical channel of the pair of vertical channels 172. Each cover 174 is configured to ensure that the lower portion 154 of the respective looped leg strap does not come out of the respective channel during use of the pair of looped leg straps 150 by the user 10. The cover 174 may also be referred to herein as a cap 174 or a closure 174. The cover 174 may be at least partially detachable from the respective vertical channel. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4B, each foot platform 160 may include an upper channel 176 with a looped binding 178 disposed therein. The upper channel 176 may be positioned below the padded layer 166. The upper binding 178 may span the width W of the main body 162 and loop around the lower portion 154 of the respective looped leg strap disposed in the pair of vertical channels 172.

As can best be seen in 5, the passageway 168 may be defined through the main body 162 of the foot platform 160 in a direction parallel with the width W of the main body 162. The passageway 168 may intersect the pair of vertical channels 172. The padded layer 166 in this embodiment may wrap around the upper surface, 164, the lower surface 170, and the front and rear of the main body 162 of the foot platform 160.

In some embodiments (not shown), when the passageway 168 is attached to the bottom and does not span the entire width W of the foot platform 160, the main body 162 may include a pair of vertical holes (not shown) disposed through the main body 162 between the upper surface 164 and the lower surface 170. The lower portion 154 of a respective looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps 150 may be configured to pass through the pair of vertical holes for directing the respective looped leg strap in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 164 of the foot platform 160.

In other embodiments (not shown), the foot platform 160 may be reversible, having a contoured padding (not shown) attached to the upper surface 164 and a non-slip padding (now shown) attached to the lower surface 170. In this embodiment, the passageway 168 would span through the main body 162 bisecting the length L and the height H of the main body 162. The pair of vertical channels 172 would be disposed in the sides of the main body bisecting the length L, as preciously described. However, in this embodiment, the pair of vertical channels 172 would be positioned above and below the passageway basically spanned between the upper surface 164 and the lower surface 170 of the main body 162 of the foot platform 160. Accordingly, the upper surface 164 could be positioned in an upward direction or the lower surface 170 could be positioned in an upward direction with the pair of vertical channels 172 ensuring that the respective looped leg strap extends in a direction perpendicular to either the upper surface 164 or the lower surface 170 of the foot platform 160.

In still further embodiments (not shown), the passageway 168 of the foot platform 160 may include an integrally formed horizontal portion with two vertical portions (not shown) extending from either end of the horizontal portion. The vertical portions may be configured to direct the respective looped leg strap in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 164 of the foot platform 160, similarly to the pair of vertical channels 172.

In still further embodiments (not shown), the foot platform 160 may include the pair of vertical channels 172 to the exclusion of the passageway 168. The pair of vertical channels 172 would still be connected to the sides of the main body 162 bisecting the length L of the main body 162. The lower portion 154 of the respective looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps 150 supports the lower surface 170 of the main body 162 and the pair of vertical channels 172 receive the lower portion 154 for directing the respective looped leg strap in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 164 of the foot platform 160.

As can best be seen in FIG. 6, each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps 150 may include an interior portion 180. The interior portion 180 of each looped leg strap may also be referred to herein as an interior tube 180. The interior portion 180 may be created based upon the construction of how each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps 150 is formed. The interior portion 180 may begin and end at the upper portion 152 of each looped leg strap.

The interior portion 180 may contain a padding material 182. The padding material 182 may at least partially fill the interior portion 180. As illustrated, the interior portion 180 is stuffed with the padding material 182. The padding material 182 may be a shredded memory foam material (e.g., synthetic latex foam, natural memory foam, or the like). The padding material may also include a shredded gel material that may help dissipate heat from the user 10. The padding material 182 may be selected based on its firmness and density in order to provide sufficient comfort and support to the user 10.

As can best been seen in FIG. 3, each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps 150 may include at least one binding 190 that is coupled to the looped leg strap and configured to create at least a first upper loop 192 and a second lower loop 194. The first upper loop 192 of each looped leg strap may include the upper portion 152 and the clip 158. The second lower loop 194 of each looped leg strap may include the lower portion 154 and the foot platform 160. Ideally, the at least one binding should be positioned in line with a hip of the user 10. This placement provides the user 10 better safety and support while also allowing the user 10 to attain advanced body positioning.

The combination of the at least one binding 190 and the foot platform 160 divide the interior portion 180 of each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps 150 into four interior portions. Each of the four interior portions may contain the padding material 182. As illustrated, each of the four interior portions is filled with the padding material 182.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 3 and 7, each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps 150 may include at least one looped strap 196 positioned around the lower portion 154 of the respective looped leg strap. The at least one looped strap 196 may also be referred to herein as at least one crutch 196. The at least one looped strap 196 may be adjusted to various positioned between the foot platform 160 and the at least one binding 190. As can best be seen in FIG. 7, the at least one looped strap 196 provides additional support to the user 10 by stabilizing the foot 12, the ankle, and the leg up to the hips of the user 10. The at least one looped strap 196 may be fashioned from rubber or some other material that provides comfort and does not slip along the lower portion 154 of the respective looped leg strap. Each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps 150 may also include a plurality of tubes 198 coupled thereto proximate to the foot platform 160 for keeping the at least one looped strap 196 in position when placed near the foot platform 160 where there is minimal padding material 182.

The pair of looped leg straps 150 serve a double purpose besides supporting the feet 12 of the user 10. The pair of looped leg straps 150 may be used as a body harness based on their configuration within the apparatus 100. The upper portion 152 of each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps 150 may support the back 20 of the user 10 because each looped leg strap rises from the user's feet, up the legs, and in direct line with the hips and shoulder blades. This arrangement provides the user 10 with stability from behind so as to not fall back. By slipping the knees inside of the lower portion 154 of each looped leg strap up to the thigh of the user 10, the lower portion 154 provides the user with stability from the front as to not fall forward.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the pair of looped arm straps 200 may include a first looped arm strap 200A and a second looped arm strap 200B. The first and second looped arm straps 200A, 200B are identical. For simplicity, the first and second looped arm straps 200A, 200B will be referred to as the pair of looped arm straps 200 and common elements will be numbered similarly.

Each looped arm strap of the pair of looped arm straps 200 is connected to and extends from a respective branch of the pair of branches 130. Each looped arm strap of the pair of looped arm straps 200 may have an upper portion 202, a lower portion 204, and a looped arm strap length 206 defined between the upper portion 202 and the lower portion 204. The upper portion 202 may include a clip 208 for connecting the upper portion 202 to a respective branch of the pair of branches 130 at a selected attachment loop of the plurality of attachment loops 132. The lower portion 204 is configured to support a respective hand 14 (FIGS. 15, 19-22) of the user 10.

As can best be seen in FIG. 8, the lower portion 204 of each looped arm strap of the pair of looped arm straps 200 may include a handle 210 surrounding the portion 204. The handle 160 is configured to receive and support a respective hand 14 of the user 10. Shown in more detail in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the handle 210 has a generally cylindrical body 212 and a passageway 214. The passageway 214 is configured to receive the lower portion 204 of the respective looped arm strap of the pair of looped arm straps 200. The cylindrical body 212 of the handle 210 may be made from a soft/smooth selected material such as plastic, metal, wood, a combination thereof, or the like. The handle 210 may include padded layer 216 surrounding the cylindrical body 212 for increased user comfort.

As can best be seen in FIG. 10, each looped arm strap of the pair of looped arm straps 200 may include an interior portion 220. The interior portion 220 of each looped arm strap may also be referred to herein as an interior tube 220. The interior portion 220 of each looped arm strap may be formed similarly to the interior portion 180 of each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps. Accordingly, the interior portion 220 of each looped arm strap may be created based upon the construction of how each looped arm strap of the pair of looped arm straps 200 is formed. The interior portion 220 may begin and end at the upper portion 202 of each looped leg strap.

The interior portion 220 of each looped arm strap may contain a padding material 222. The padding material 222 may at least partially fill the interior portion 220. As illustrated, the interior portion 220 is stuffed with the padding material 222. The padding material 222 may be a shredded memory foam material (e.g., synthetic latex foam, natural memory foam, or the like). The padding material 222 may also include a shredded gel material that may help dissipate heat from the user 10. The padding material 222 may be selected based on its firmness and density in order to provide sufficient comfort and support to the user 10.

As can best been seen in FIG. 8, each looped arm strap of the pair of looped arm straps 200 may include at least one binding 230 that is coupled to the looped arm strap and is configured to create at least a first upper loop 232 and a second lower loop 234. The first upper loop 232 of each looped leg strap may include the upper portion 202 and the clip 208. The second lower loop 234 of each looped leg strap may include the lower portion 204 and the handle 210.

The combination of the at least one binding 230 and the handle 210 divide the interior portion 220 of each looped arm strap of the pair of looped arm straps 200 into four interior portions. Each of the four interior portions may contain the padding material 222. As illustrated, each of the four interior portions is filled with the padding material 222.

The pair of looped leg straps 150 and the pair of looped arm straps 200 are each considered to be a pair of user support loops 142. There are two main differences between the pair of looped leg straps 150 and the pair of looped arm straps 200. The first difference is that the looped leg strap length 156 is longer than the looped arm strap length 206. The second difference is that the pair of looped leg straps 150 includes the foot platforms 160 whereas the pair of looped arm straps 200 includes the handles 210.

When the pair of looped leg straps 150 and the pair of looped arm straps 200 are configured for use by the user in a standing position (FIG. 19) the respective upper portions 202 of the pair of looped arm straps 200 are connected to respective branches of the pair of branches 130 at a higher attachment loop of the plurality of attachment loops 132 than the respective upper portions 152 of the pair of looped leg straps 150.

When the pair of looped leg straps 150 and the pair of looped arm straps 200 are configured for use by the user in a stretching position (FIG. 20) the respective upper portions 202 of the pair of looped arm straps 200 are connected to respective branches of the pair of branches 130 at a same attachment loop or a lower attachment loop of the plurality of attachment loops 132 than the respective upper portions 152 of the pair of looped leg straps 150.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the shoulder harness 240 may include a pair of shoulder harness loops 242. Each shoulder harness loop of the pair of shoulder harness loops 242 may extend from a respective branch of the pair of branches 130. The pair of shoulder harness loops 242 are bound together using a main tube 244. The main tube 244 serves to bind the pair of shoulder harness loops 242 together.

Each shoulder harness loop of the pair of shoulder harness loops 242 may include at least one binding 246. The at least one binding includes a first binding 246A that is coupled to a respective shoulder harness loop of the pair of shoulder harness loops 242. The first binding 246A is configured to create at least an upper shoulder harness portion 248 and a lower shoulder harness portion 250. The main tube 244 is coupled proximate to the first binding 246A. As illustrated, the main tube 244 couples the pair of shoulder harness loops 242 together just above the respective first binding 246A of each shoulder harness loop.

The upper shoulder harness portion 248 of each shoulder harness loop of the pair of shoulder harness loops 242 may include a clip 252 extending from an upper end 254. The clip 250 is configured to connect the pair of shoulder harness loops 242 to respective branches of the pair of branches 130 at a selected attachment loop of the plurality of attachment loops 132. Each shoulder harness loop of the pair of shoulder harness loops 242 begins and ends at the upper end 252.

As can best been seen in FIG. 12, each shoulder harness loop of the pair of shoulder harness loops 242 may be formed to include an interior portion 256. The interior portion 256 is only shown of the lower shoulder harness portion 250. The interior portion 256, however, may run throughout each shoulder harness loop similar to the interior portions 180, 220 of the pair of looped leg straps 150 and the pair of looped arm straps 200, respectively.

The lower shoulder harness portion 250 of each shoulder harness loop of the pair of shoulder harness loops 242 may include a second binding 246B and a third binding 246C. The second and third binding 246B, 246C may be positioned directly below the first binding 246A. The second and third binding 246B, 246C may be coupled to respective branches of the lower shoulder harness portion 250 for defining a lower interior portion 258 of each shoulder harness loop of the pair of shoulder harness loops 242. In some embodiments, the lower interior portion 258 may be defined using only the first binding 246A.

The lower interior portion 258 may contain a padding material 260 similar to the padding material 182, 222 of the pair of looped leg straps 150 and the pair of looped arm straps 200, respectively. The lower shoulder harness portion 250 of each shoulder harness loop of the pair of shoulder harness loops 242 may be configured to receive a respective arm 16 (FIGS. 15, 19-22) of the user 10 all the way up to a shoulder 18 (FIGS. 15, 19-22) of the user associated with the respective arm 16. The padding material 260 may help provide comfort to the user 10 while wearing the shoulder harness 240 as well as provide an additional safety measure to the user 10.

Referring to FIGS. 13-15, the at least one user support attachment 140 may further include a beginner shoulder harness 270. The beginner shoulder harness 270 includes a generally rectangular material 272 having a first end 274, a second end 276, and a length 278 defined between the first and second ends 274, 276. The first and second ends 274, 276 are positioned at opposite ends of the rectangular material 272. The rectangular material 272 further includes a width 280 defined perpendicularly to the length 278.

The first end 274 of the rectangular material 272 is bunched together using a first clip 282. The second end 276 of the rectangular material 272 is bunched together using a second clip 284. Each of the first and second clips 282, 284 is coupled to a different respective branch of the pair of branches 130 at a selected attachment loop of the plurality of attachment loops 132.

The beginner shoulder harness 270 may further include a plurality of stuffed sections 286 connected to the rectangular material 272. The plurality of stuffed sections 286 are positioned midway between the first end 274 and the second end 276. The plurality of stuffed sections 286 are sequentially spaced along a portion of the length 278 of the rectangular material 272. The plurality of stuffed sections 286 span the width 280 of the rectangular material 272. The plurality of stuffed sections may be at least partially filled with a padding material (not shown).

As can best be seen in Fig. ???, The beginner shoulder harness 270 supports the user 10 by positioning the plurality of stuffed sections 286 along a back 20 (FIG. 15) of the user 10, under each respective arm 16, and in front of each respective shoulder 18 of the user 10 before each of the first and second ends 274, 276 extends therefrom to connect to its respective branch of the pair of branches 130.

Referring to FIGS. 16-18, the at least one user support attachment 140 may further include a seat 300. The seat 300 is formed similarly to that of the beginner shoulder harness 270. The seat 300 includes a generally rectangular material 302 having a first end 304, a second end 306, and a length 308 defined between the first and second ends 304, 306. The first and second ends 304, 306 are positioned at opposite ends of the rectangular material 302. The rectangular material 302 further includes a width 310 defined perpendicularly to the length 308.

The first end 304 of the rectangular material 302 is bunched together using a first clip 312. The second end 306 of the rectangular material 302 is bunched together using a second clip 314. Each of the first and second clips 312, 314 is coupled to a different respective branch of the pair of branches 130 at a selected attachment loop of the plurality of attachment loops 132.

The seat 300 may further include a plurality of stuffed sections 316 connected to the rectangular material 302. The plurality of stuffed sections 316 may be aligned and sequentially spaced along the width 310 of the rectangular material 302. The plurality of stuffed sections 316 may be positioned midway between the first end 304 and the second end 306. The plurality of stuffed sections 316 span a minority of the length 306 of the rectangular material 302.

As can best be seen in FIG. 17-18, the plurality of stuffed sections 316 are each at least partially filled with a padding material. The seat 300 can be configured in either an expanded position 320 (shown in FIG. 17) or a rolled position 322 (shown in FIG. 18). The seat 300 when configured in the expanded position 320 is generally shaped for receiving the back 20 and a rear end 22 (FIGS. 15 and 22) of the user 10. When in the expanded position 320, the seat 300 is much like a hammock. The seat 300 when configured in the rolled positioned 322 has the plurality of stuffed sections 316 rolled together for supporting either the back 20 or the rear end 22 of the user 10. The plurality of stuffed sections 316 are held together in the rolled position 322 using a first binding 324 and a second binding 326. The first and second bindings 324, 326 may be positioned proximate to opposite ends of the plurality of stuffed sections 316 when the seat 300 is configured in the rolled position 322. The first and second bindings 324, 326 may be positioned proximate to the first and second ends 304, 306 of the rectangular material 302 when the seat 300 is configured in the expanded position 320.

As can best be seen in FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 may further include at least one vine suspension strap 330 connected to the support structure 30. Each vine of the at least one vine suspension strap 330 may be laterally offset in front of or behind the at least one anchor strap 120.

Each vine suspension strap of the at least one vine suspension strap 330 includes an upper end 332 and a lower end 334. The upper end 332 of each vine suspension strap includes a clip 336 for attachment to the support structure 30. The clip 336 may either be attached directly to the support structure 30 (e.g., one of the plurality of I-bolts 38) or may be attached to a strap 338 which is connected to and extends from the support structure 30.

Each vine suspension strap of the at least one vine suspension strap 330 may further include an interior portion and a plurality of binding 342. The interior portion is at least partially filled with a padding material. The plurality of bindings 342 are uniformly spaced along the the at least one vine suspension strap 330 between the upper end 332 and the lower end 334. Between each binding of the plurality of bindings 342, the interior portion is at least partially filled with the padding material to create a plurality of padded grab handles 346.

The apparatus 100 can be used while swinging or while stationary. The apparatus 100 is designed to be operated as an entire body exercise and training solution and it can be self-propelled using the user's own body or by pulling and manipulating the at least one vine 330.

Each of the at least one user support attachment, such as the pair of looped leg straps 150, the pair of looped arm straps 200, the shoulder harness 240, the beginner shoulder harness 270, and the seat 300, and the at least one vine 330 is made from a silk, polyester, or some other non-stretch material.

The apparatus 100 can be built in a standard one size fits all, standard universal sizes (S, M, L, XL), or can be customized to fit each user's specific body measurements such as foot/leg/knee/hip measurements, torso length, arm/shoulder/elbow measurements, and body weight.

The apparatus 100 is designed to contour to the user's body. The apparatus 100 provides comfort and stability to the user 10 by spreading the load of user's weight. By incorporating a padding material into the various user support attachments, this benefits the user 10 by spreading load to the user's body where it contacts the apparatus 100 components. This provides additional support to the user by spreading the user's weight onto the various user support attachments. For example, when the user is standing upright on the apparatus, the padding material 222, 182 in the pair of looped arm straps 200 and the pair of looped leg straps 150, respectively, alone can assist with the amount of weight the user's feet need to support, normally the entire bodyweight. However, when on the apparatus 100 the weight on the user's feet can range from ˜20% to ˜80% because of the amount of padded surface that touches the user's body as well as the inward and centripetal force that occurs when the users is on the swing standing up.

The main support body 110 and the pair of branches 130 of the apparatus 100 are the main points of adjustability when used properly. By setting the height of the pair of looped leg straps 150 and the height of the pair of looped arm straps 200 at various selected attachment loops of the plurality of attachment loops 132, the apparatus 100 can be adjusted for various uses.

Referring to FIGS. 19-23, the apparatus 100 is shown in use. The apparatus 100 contours to the user's body, which allows a user 10 to safely use the apparatus 100 in many different positions such as standing, stretching, seated, horizontally, or inverted, just to name a few. As shown in FIG. 19, the apparatus 100 is shown with a user 10 in a standing position. For example, by connecting the pair of looped arm straps 200 to a selected attachment loop of the plurality of attachment loops 132 higher than the pair of looped leg straps 150, the user 10 may be more upright in the standing position. The standing position can be used for stretching (FIG. 20), strength building, cardio swing training, or the like. In the standing position, the swing can also simulate movements and feelings similar to those of a skater using a half-pipe ramp or the spinning of a dancer or ice skater.

As shown in FIG. 20, the apparatus 100 is shown with a user 10 in a stretching position. For example, by connecting the pair of looped arm straps 200 to a selected attachment loop of the plurality of attachment loops 132 lower than the pair of looped leg straps 150, the user 10 can be better supported for more lower body work like stretching and lower back exercises.

As shown in FIG. 21, the apparatus 100 is shown with a user in a seated position. In the seated position, the seat 300 and either the shoulder harness 240 or the beginner shoulder harness 270 allow the user 10 to sit comfortably and safely while swinging. For use of the apparatus 100 in the seated position, the seat 300 is configured in the expanded position 320. By incorporating either of the shoulder harnesses 240, 270 into the seated position, the position of the user's body is altered such that movements needed for propelling the swing in a swinging motion require full engagement of the user's muscles including the user's core (e.g., front muscles, side muscles, and back muscles) and the user's upper body (e.g., arm muscles, shoulder muscles, and back muscles). The seated position may also incorporate the pair of looped leg straps 150 thus allowing the user 10 to engage leg muscles as well for manipulating the swinging motion of the apparatus 100.

As shown in FIG. 22, the apparatus 100 is shown with a user 10 in a horizontal position. In the horizontal position, the seat 300 and the beginner shoulder harness 270 allow the user 10 to lay comfortably and safely while swinging. For use of the apparatus 100 in the horizontal position, the seat 300 is shown configured in the rolled position 322. As illustrated, the shoulder harness 270 and the seat 300 are bound together using one or more auxiliary bindings 350. The one or more auxiliary bindings 350 are optional and are configured to change the orientation of the shoulder harness 270 and the seat 300 relative to each other. In the seated position, the shoulder harness 270 and the seat 300 are shown not bound together. The one or more auxiliary bindings 350 may be used to bind any combination of the at least one user support attachment 140 together.

As shown in FIG. 23, the apparatus 100 is shown with a user 10 in an inverted position. Many different inverted positions are possible with this apparatus 100. The particular inverted position shown is made possible using only the pair of looped leg straps 150 with the foot platforms 160. The combination of the padding material 182 inside the pair of looped leg straps 150 and the foot platforms 160 may inverted positions using the apparatus 100 very comfortable for the user 10.

The previous detailed description has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of a new and useful invention, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for aerial exercise of a user while suspended from a support structure, the apparatus comprising:

a main support having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being rotatably connected to the upper portion;

at least one support hanger extending from the upper portion of the main support, the at least one support hanger being configured to be connected to the support structure at both a first location and a second location spaced apart from the first location; and

a pair of branches connected to and extending from the lower portion of the main support, the pair of branches being configured to receive at least one user support attachment.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

each branch of the pair of branches includes a plurality of attachment loops positioned sequentially along the respective branch.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the pair of branches is integrally formed and includes a midpoint attachment loop being configured to be attached to the lower portion of the main support.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the at least one user support attachment includes a pair of looped leg straps, each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps connected to and extending from a respective branch of the pair of branches, each looped leg strap configured to support a respective foot of the user.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein:

each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps includes a foot platform configured to receive a respective foot of the user.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein:

each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps includes an interior portion containing a padding material.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein:

each looped leg strap of the pair of looped leg straps includes at least one binding coupled to the respective looped leg strap and configured to create a first upper loop and a second lower loop.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein:

the second lower loop of each looped leg strap includes a respective foot platform having an upper surface and a passageway configured to receive a lower portion of the second lower loop; and

the passageway extends laterally through the foot platform bisecting a length of the foot platform.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the at least one user support attachment includes a pair of looped arm straps, each looped arm strap of the pair of looped arm straps connected to and extending from a respective branch of the pair of branches, each looped arm strap having a handle surrounding a lower portion of the looped arm strap configured to support a respective hand of the user.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein:

each looped arm strap of the pair of looped arm straps includes an interior portion containing a padding material.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein:

each looped arm strap of the pair of looped arm straps includes at least one binding coupled to the respective looped arm strap and configured to create a first upper loop and a second lower loop.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the at least one user support attachment includes a seat comprising a generally rectangular material having opposite ends and a length defined between the opposite ends of the material;

the opposite ends of the material are bunched together and connected to a different respective branch of the pair of branches;

the seat includes a plurality of stuffed sections are connected to the material midway between the opposite ends of the material, the plurality of stuffed section are aligned and sequentially spaced along a width of the generally rectangular material and span a minority of the length of the rectangular material; and

the plurality of stuffed sections each contain a padding material.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein:

the seat is configurable in either an expanded position or a rolled position;

the seat in the expanded position is generally shaped for receiving a back or a rear end of the user; and

the seat in the rolled position has the plurality of stuffed sections rolled together for supporting the back or the rear end of the user, the plurality of stuffed sections are held together in the rolled positioned using at least two bindings positioned at opposite ends of the plurality of stuffed sections.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the at least one user support attachment includes a shoulder harness comprising a pair of looped shoulder harness straps;

each looped shoulder harness strap of the pair of looped shoulder harness straps includes at least one binding coupled to the respective looped shoulder harness strap and configured to create an upper shoulder harness portion and a lower shoulder harness portion;

the lower shoulder harness portion of each looped shoulder harness strap of the pair of looped shoulder harness straps is configured to receive an arm up to a shoulder of the user; and

the pair of looped shoulder harness straps are coupled together proximate to the first binding using a main binding.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein:

the lower shoulder harness portion of each looped shoulder harness strap of the pair of looped shoulder harness straps includes an interior portion containing a padding material.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the at least one support hanger includes a pair of support hangers connected to and extending from the upper portion of the main support, each support hanger of the pair of support hangers being configured to be connected to the support structure at either the first location or the second location.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the at least one support hanger is connected to the support structure; and

the apparatus further comprises at least one vine suspension strap also connected to the support structure, the at least one vine suspension strap being laterally offset from the at least one support hanger.

18. An apparatus for aerial exercise of a user while suspended from a support structure, the apparatus comprising:

a main support configured to be connected to the support structure; and

at least one pair user support loops having an interior portion at least partially filled with a padded material, the at least one pair of user support loops having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion configured to connect to the main support, the lower portion configured to support a respective hand, foot, or shoulder of the user.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein:

each user support loop of the at least one pair of user support loops includes at least one binding coupled to the respective user support loop and configured to create an upper loop and a lower loop, the upper portion being part of the upper loop and the lower portion being part of the lower loop.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein:

each user support loop of the at least one pair of user support loops includes a respective foot platform having an upper surface and a passageway, the passageway bisecting a length of the foot platform;

the passageway is configured to receive the lower portion of a respective user support loop of the at least one pair of user support loops; and

the upper surface of each respective foot platform is configured to support a respective foot of the user.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein:

each user support loop of the at least one pair of user support loops includes a respective hand grip received by the lower portion of the lower loop, the respective hand grip configured to support a respective hand of the user.

22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein:

the lower loop of each user support loop of the at least one pair of user support loops includes a lower interior portion at least partially filled with the padded material;

the lower loop of each user support loop of the at least one pair of user support loops is configured to receive a respective arm up to a respective shoulder of the user; and

the lower portion of the lower loop of each user support loop of the at least one pair of user support loops is configured to support the respective shoulder of the user.

23. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein:

the at least one binding divides the interior portion into an upper interior portion and a lower interior portion, both the upper and lower interior portions of each user support loop of the at least one pair of user support loops is at least partially filled with the padded material.

24. An apparatus for aerial exercise of a user while suspended from a support structure, the apparatus comprising:

a main support configured to be connected to the support structure; and

a pair of user support loops extending from the main support, each user support loop of the pair of user support loops having a foot platform connected to a lower portion of the respective user support loop for supporting a respective foot of a user.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein:

the main support includes a pair of branches extending from the main support, each branch of the pair of branches having a plurality of sequential connectors; and

each user support loop of the pair of user support loops having an upper portion being configured to connect to a selected connector of the plurality of sequential connectors of a respective branch of the pair of branches for positioning the respective foot platform a first distance from the main support.

26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein:

each respective foot platform has a main body, an upper surface, and a passageway configured to receive the lower portion of a respective user support loop of the pair of user support loops.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein:

the passageway extends laterally through the foot platform bisecting a length of the foot platform.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein:

each respective foot platform includes a pair of vertical channels connected to opposite sides of the respective foot platform and bisecting a length of the respective foot platform; and

each respective pair of vertical channels is configured to receive and direct the respective user support loop of the pair of user support loops in a direction perpendicular to the respective foot platform.

29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein:

the passageway is connected to a lower surface of the respective foot platform; and

the passageway spans at least a majority of a width of the respective foot platform.