U.S. patent application number 09/737224 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-21 for portable doorway apparatus for upper and lower body strengthening and conditioning.
Invention is credited to Nesci, Joseph M..
Application Number | 20020022555 09/737224 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26868256 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020022555 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nesci, Joseph M. |
February 21, 2002 |
Portable doorway apparatus for upper and lower body strengthening
and conditioning
Abstract
The present invention is a unique stretching and strengthening
apparatus comprised of several interchangeable parts allowing for
the stretching and strengthening of both the upper and lower torso
with one simple device with a few interchangeable parts. The
invention also utilizes a common door and frame in its preferred
embodiment again allowing for simplicity and generality of use. The
device has an adjustable velcro strap for ease of attachment to
either the ankle, wrist or foot of the user and a configurable
handles to accommodate double or single handed use. The device is
anchored to a common door and frame combination by use of a rod and
cloth strap. The rod being fixedly and removably placed behind the
closed door. A variety of upper and lower torso stretching
exercises can be engaged in simply wrapping the strap around the
users ankle, wrist or foot and guiding/stretching the body portion
with a free hand or hands which is attached to the strap via a
rope. Similarly, strengthening exercises can be engaged in by using
elastic tubing to provide resistance for the appropriate body
portion.
Inventors: |
Nesci, Joseph M.; (Costa
Mesa, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOSEPH M. NESCI
231 SHERWOOD PLACE
COSTA MESA
CA
92627
US
|
Family ID: |
26868256 |
Appl. No.: |
09/737224 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60172593 |
Dec 20, 1999 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/91 ;
482/139 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2208/0204 20130101;
A63B 21/1654 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/4021
20151001; A63B 21/1663 20130101; A63B 21/154 20130101; A63B 21/4035
20151001; A63B 21/4017 20151001; A63B 23/03508 20130101; A63B
21/4019 20151001; A63B 21/00061 20130101; A63B 21/4013 20151001;
A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 2023/006 20130101; A63B 21/0442
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/91 ;
482/139 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/002; A63B
071/00 |
Claims
Accordingly I claim:
1. An interchangeable upper and lower torso stretching and
strengthening apparatus comprising: a strap for coupling to one of
an ankle, foot, leg or wrist of a user; a handle, interchangeable
with said strap for holding with at least one hand; said connecting
member having two ends, one end having an attachment device to
attach to said strap via said strap to one of said ankle, foot, leg
or wrist of a user and the other end having an attachment device to
attach to an anchor, said anchor being temporarily attachable
between a door and frame; an alternative connecting member having
two ends, one end having an attachment device to connect to either
said handle or said strap, the other end connectable to a
double-hand handle; said connecting member pulley attachable to
said anchor.
2. An interchangeable upper and lower torso stretching and
strengthening apparatus comprising: interchangeable means to couple
to one of an ankle, foot, leg, wrist or hands of a user;
interchangeable connecting means having two ends, said
interchangeable connecting means having an attachment means to
allow attachment to said interchangeable coupling means and the
other end having an attaching means to allow for rigid attachment
to an anchoring means, said anchoring means temporarily attachable
between a door and a frame, and; an alternate interchangeable
connecting means having two ends, said alternate interchangeable
connecting means having an attachment means to allow attachment to
said interchangeable coupling means and the other end having an
interchangeable means to couple to one of an ankle, foot, leg,
wrist or hands of a user, said connecting means pulley attachable
to said anchoring means.
3. A method for stretching and/or strengthening the upper and lower
torso comprising: supplying a strap for coupling to one of an
ankle, foot, leg or wrist of a user; supplying a handle,
interchangeable with said strap for holding with at least one hand;
said connecting member having two ends, one end having an
attachment device to attach to said strap via said strap to one of
said ankle, foot, leg or wrist of a user and the other end having
an attachment device to attach to an anchor, said anchor being
temporarily attachable between a door and frame; supplying an
alternative connecting member having two ends, one end having an
attachment device to connect to either said handle or said strap,
the other end connectable to a double-hand handle; said connecting
member pulley attachable to said anchor; choosing one of said
connecting members; attaching said strap or said hand to one of an
ankle, foot, leg, wrist or hand of said user; attaching said anchor
temporarily between a door and frame; engaging in a strengthening
or stretching exercise.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/172,593 filed Dec. 20, 1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to fitness and health and
specifically to a device designed to increase upper and lower body
stretching and strengthening for physical training and other
related sports training practices. More specifically the device
allows the athlete or trainee a means and method to stretch and
strengthen with a simple, portable device attachable to any common
doorframe. Also, it allows an individual to do solo stretching and
strengthening exercises relieving him or her of the necessity and
expense of a trainer or training partner and providing increased
convenience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention provides for a stretching and
strengthening apparatus for upper and lower torso stretching and
strengthening exercises. The invention has a number of
interchangeable parts to allow a user to configure the device
according to his or her particular stretching or strengthening
requirements obviating the need for multiple pieces of equipment
which in turn provides cost and storage (i.e., space) savings. Also
since the device is light weight and easily stowed in a handbag or
similar luggage, it can be easily taken on business and other types
of trips. Its unique design also allows a user to engage in
stretching and strengthening exercises solo obviating the need for
a stretching partner. The device is also manufactured from common
items and materials and is of such simplicity that it does not
require special tooling to manufacture.
[0004] In another aspect the device can be used in conjunction with
a common construction feature found in almost any dwelling or
commercial location: a door and its frame. This creates even
further convenience, turning any entrance with a door into a
virtual gym.
[0005] These and other features of the present invention will be
described in more detail below in the detailed description of the
invention and in conjunction with the following figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a detailed description of the invention broken
into its various subcomponents.
[0008] FIG. 2 shows a detailed description of the assembled
invention in two embodiments: the strengthening configuration of
FIG. 2a with the hand handle and the stretching configuration with
the ankle/wrist wrap and double hand handle shown in FIG. 2b.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows a perspective of the device being used by a
trainee to stretch the leg.
[0010] FIG. 4 shows a perspective of the device being used by a
trainee to stretch the upper torso.
[0011] FIG. 5 shows a perspective of the device being used by a
trainee to stretch the upper torso.
[0012] FIG. 6 shows a perspective of the device being used by a
trainee to stretch the leg.
[0013] FIG. 7 shows a perspective of the device being used by a
trainee to stretch the leg.
[0014] FIG. 8 shows a perspective of the device being used by a
trainee to engage in a leg strengthening exercise.
[0015] FIG. 9 shows a perspective of the device being used by a
trainee to engage in a arm strengthening exercise.
[0016] FIG. 10 shows a close up perspective of the device being
used by a trainee to engage in an arm strengthening exercise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to a few preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious,
however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may
be practiced without some or all of these specific details.
[0018] Referring now to the drawings and specifically to FIG. 1 and
more specifically FIG. 1a, which shows the front view of the strap
portion of the invention, strap 2 is fastened around rod 1 by
inserting rod 1 through a loop formed by folding strap material
over itself and stitching the end of said strap to a previous strap
portion. This forms a loop through which rod 1 can be inserted. The
rod can be fabricated from a variety of materials, such as metal,
wood or plastic of a typical 3/4 inch diameter. The rod should be
approximately 4 inches in length. The rod can contain a machined
depression roughly approximate to its center of the same width as
the strap in order to prevent slipping and strap movement relative
to the center of the rod. The strap can be manufactured from a
variety of material such as nylon webbing.
[0019] The opposite end of the fastening portion is similarly loop
fastened to a 11/2 inch wide metal D-ring 3. It is fastened by
folding the opposite end portion of the strap 2 through the D ring
3 and stitching the strap back upon itself. The diameter of the
D-ring 3 should be of the same dimension as the width of the strap
such that the D-ring does not slide or move relative to the strap.
The loop fastening construction however, still allows the D-ring
some movement relative to the fastening axis (i.e., it is allowed
to swing freely). Referring now to FIG. 1b, shown is the connector
portion for the invention when it is used in a strengthening mode.
The main portion 9 of the connector is composed of elastic tubing
and has a small D-ring 10 at one end and a larger snap lock
connector 11 at the other end. Referring now to FIG. 1c, shown is
the single hand handle portion of the invention composed of a
handle 5, handle strap 13, female strap button 13a, grommet 13b,
wing nut 14 and snap lock connector ring 15.
[0020] FIGS. 1d, 1e and 1f relate to the stretching configuration
of the invention. FIG. 1d shows the double-hand handle, FIG. 1e the
stretching rope and FIG. 1f the foot handle portion. Referring now
to FIG. 1d, the double hand handle, the double hand handle is
comprised of the handle 5, taken from the single hand handle of
FIG. 1c with an extension portion, 5a screwed thereon. It should
also be machined or manufactured from the same material as the
single hand handle portion 5. Both pieces 5 and 5a should be
drilled and threaded at one end to accommodate a threaded fastener
5b and piece 5 should be drilled at the opposite end to accommodate
a male fastener 5c. This manufacturing arrangement allows for the
multipurpose handle set up of the invention to perform upper and
lower body stretches. The drilling and threading should be such
that a 1/4" or 1/2" gap remains when pieces 5 and 5a are threaded
together to accommodate the respective snap lock connectors.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 1e, shown is the strengthening rope, 4
of the present invention. It has various adjustment loops, 4a to
easily accommodate lengthening or shortening the strengthening rope
based on the desired configuration. The rope should be
approximately 6 feet long with adjustment loops at approximately
41/2' and 5'. Loops can be added by simply knotting the
strengthening rope in the desired location. In an alternative
embodiment, rather than provide a single rope knotted in loops at
the aforementioned positions, multiple ropes of similar dimension
could be provided. Finally, the strengthening rope 4 is tied off at
one end to a snap lock connector 12.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1f, shown is the ankle/wrist wrap
portion of the invention. This allows a user to access the
stretching and strengthening portions of the invention with his or
her ankle, allowing a user to target his or her legs for
strengthening and stretching. The ankle/wrist wrap is comprised of
a snap lock connector 6, d-ring 7 and an adjustable velcro strap 8.
The velcro strap can be made of essentially any fabric-like
material such as nylon and should be velcro fastenable and
adjustable at the attaching ends. A user simply threads one end of
the strap 8 through the d-ring 7.
[0023] FIGS. 2a and 2b show completely assembled embodiments of the
invention: the stretching mode with the hand-handle of FIG. 2a, and
the strengthening mode with the ankle/wrist wrap with the double
hand handle of 2b.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is the operation of the
invention in its FIG. 2b embodiment. Rod 1, is placed behind any
door, such as the interior door of a home. The user then closes the
door, which squeezes strap 2 between the door and the door frame.
Rod 1, secures or anchors the entire assembly since, quite
naturally it is too large to pass through the closed door and the
door frame. The assembly can easily be configured to the top, side
and bottom portions of the door, which enables the device to have
various mounting positions. In this fashion, the closing of the
door over the strap will fasten and secure the apparatus and allow
the exerciser or user to perform the upper and lower torso
stretches. After attaching the device the user simply stands with
his or her back against the door for support and balance to stretch
the desired muscles. The user simply wraps the ankle/wrist wrap
around his or her ankle, grasps the double handle portion and
stretches leg muscles as shown. The construction of the invention
allows free movement of the rope 4, through the d-ring 3.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 4 shown is the 2b embodiment fastened
to the base of the door with the ankle/wrist wrap secured around
the users wrist to stretch upper torso muscles. FIG. 5 shows
another variation of an upper torso stretch. Note that the user has
switched to the single hand handle. FIGS. 6 and 7 show others
variation of a lower torso stretch. As mentioned, since the rope is
reeve over the metal d-ring it allows reciprocation movements of
the arms and legs to perform other multiple stretches. The user
controls the movement, speed and angle of the stretches according
to his or her flexibility levels. The user can turn the handle
manually while the rope will wrap either in a clockwise or counter
clockwise direction to control upward and downward movement of the
stretches. Also, the user can simply pull the handle through the
desired range of motion.
[0026] In addition, the apparatus also converts to strengthening
mode 2a by using the elastic tubing 9. The elastic tubing allows
for added resistance to perform and enhance muscle building and
toning. Elastic tubing of various thickness can be used to create
different levels of resistance. Thus, the apparatus is well
configured to be a multi-purpose trainer.
[0027] While this invention has been described in terms of several
preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations and
equivalents which fall within the scope of this invention. It
should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of
implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention.
It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be
interpreting as including all such alterations, permutations, and
equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *