U.S. patent application number 09/727710 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-06 for training device.
Invention is credited to Strachan, Kenneth L..
Application Number | 20020068667 09/727710 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24923701 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020068667 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Strachan, Kenneth L. |
June 6, 2002 |
Training device
Abstract
A training device to strengthen the legs of a user while the
device is worn by the user is disclosed. The device includes a belt
for attachment about the waist of a user and a first foot engaging
assembly coupled to the belt by a first resilient strap. The first
resilient strap has a first end coupled to a front portion of the
belt and a second end coupled to a rear portion of the belt,
wherein the first foot engaging assembly is coupled to the first
resilient strap along a central portion of the first resilient
strap between the first end of the first resilient strap and the
second end of the first resilient strap. The device also includes a
second foot engaging assembly coupled to the belt by a second
resilient strap. The second resilient strap has a first end coupled
to a front portion of the belt and a second end coupled to a rear
portion of the belt, wherein the second foot engaging assembly is
coupled to the second resilient strap along a central portion of
the second resilient strap between the first end of the second
resilient strap and the second end of the second resilient strap.
In use, the belt is secured to the waist of a user while the first
foot engaging assembly and the second foot engaging assembly are
respectively secured to the feet of a user in such a way the first
resilient strap and the second resilient strap strengthen the legs
of a user.
Inventors: |
Strachan, Kenneth L.;
(Bowie, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John L. Welsh
AQUILINO, WELSH & FLAXMAN
Suite 112
2341 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
Arlington
VA
22202
US
|
Family ID: |
24923701 |
Appl. No.: |
09/727710 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/124 ;
482/125; 482/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4015 20151001;
A63B 21/4025 20151001; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 21/0557
20130101; A63B 69/0062 20200801; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B
21/4009 20151001; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 2208/0204
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/124 ;
482/125; 482/126 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/02 |
Claims
1. A training device to strengthen the legs of a user while the
device is worn by the user, comprising: a belt for attachment about
the waist of a user; a front pad and a rear pad connected about the
belt so as to slide thereon; a first foot engaging assembly coupled
to the belt by a first resilient strap, the first resilient strap
having a first end coupled to the front pad and a second end
coupled to a rear pad, wherein the first foot engaging assembly is
coupled to the first resilient strap along a central portion of the
first resilient strap between the first end of the first resilient
strap and the second end of the first resilient strap; a second
foot engaging assembly coupled to the belt by a second resilient
strap, the second resilient strap having a first end coupled to a
front pad and a second end coupled to a rear pad, wherein the
second foot engaging assembly is coupled to the second resilient
strap along a central portion of the second resilient strap between
the first end of the second resilient strap and the second end of
the second resilient strap; and wherein the belt is secured to the
waist of a user while the first foot engaging assembly and the
second foot engaging assembly are respectively secured to the feet
of a user in such a way the first resilient strap and the second
resilient strap strengthen the legs of a user.
2. The training device according to claim 1, further including a
third resilient strap having a first end coupled to a front pad
adjacent the first end of the first resilient strap and a second
end coupled to a rear pad adjacent the second end of the first
resilient strap, the third resilient strap being coupled to the
first foot engaging assembly along a central portion of the third
resilient strap between the first end of the third resilient strap
and the second end of the third resilient strap; and a fourth
resilient strap having a first end coupled to a front pad adjacent
the first end of the second resilient strap and a second end
coupled to a rear pad adjacent the second end of the second
resilient strap, the fourth resilient strap being coupled to the
second foot engaging assembly along a central portion of the fourth
resilient strap between the first end of the fourth resilient strap
and the second end of the fourth resilient strap.
3. The training device according to claim 2, wherein the first
resilient strap, the second resilient strap, the third resilient
strap and the fourth resilient strap are releasably coupled to the
front and rear pads.
4. The training device according to claim 2, wherein the first foot
engaging assembly is releasably coupled to the first resilient
strap and the third resilient strap, and the second foot engaging
assembly is releasably coupled to the second resilient strap and
the fourth resilient strap.
5. The training device according to claim 2, wherein the first foot
engaging assembly is slidably coupled to the first resilient strap
and the third resilient strap, and the second foot engaging
assembly is slidably coupled to the second resilient strap and the
fourth resilient strap.
6. The training device according to claim 1, wherein the first
resilient strap is releasably coupled to the front and rear pads
and the second resilient strap is releasably coupled to the front
and rear.
7. The training device according to claim 6, wherein the first foot
engaging assembly is releasably coupled to the first resilient
strap and the second foot engaging assembly is releasably coupled
to the second resilient strap.
8. The training device according to claim 1, wherein the first foot
engaging assembly is releasably coupled to the first resilient
strap and the second foot engaging assembly is releasably coupled
to the second resilient strap.
9. The training device according to claim 1, wherein the first foot
engaging assembly is slidably coupled to the first resilient strap
and the second foot engaging assembly is slidably coupled to the
second resilient strap.
10. The training device according to claim 1, further including a
fifth resilient strap having a first end coupled to a first side
portion of the belt and a free second end adapted to be gripped by
a user, and a sixth resilient strap having a first end coupled to a
second side portion, opposite the first side portion, and a free
second end adapted to be gripped by a user.
11. The training device according to claim 10, further including a
first handle coupled to the second end of the fifth resilient strap
and a second handle coupled to the second end of the sixth
resilient strap.
12. The training device according to claim 10, further including a
releasable attachment assembly connected to the free second end of
the fifth resilient strap and a releasable attachment assembly
connected to the free second end of the sixth resilient strap.
13. The training device according to claim 12, wherein a jump rope
is attached between the releasable attachment assembly on each of
the fifth and sixth resilient straps.
14. The training device according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second foot engaging assembly are the form of a toe cap.
15. A kit including a training device including: a pair of pads
having a plurality of attachment loops thereon wherein the pads may
be slide over a belt; at least two resilient straps with releasable
coupling means on each end thereof; a pair of foot engaging
assemblies; and at least two straps with adjustable buckles
associated therewith.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a training device. More
particularly, the invention relates to a resilient training device
adapted to strengthen the legs of a user while being worn by the
user.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Training devices for strengthening the legs of an individual
have been around for some time. In fact, some of the prior training
devices may be worn by the user while he or she exercises to
strengthen his or her legs. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,097,376 to
Marshman discloses an exerciser for attachment to the body of a
user. The exerciser includes a harness for attachment to the upper
body of the user. The harness supports a plurality of cables
secured between the harness and the feet of the user.
[0005] Specifically, two cables are worn on the front of the
harness and secured to the front of special shoes having eyes for
attachment of the cables thereto. Two cables are also worn on the
back of the harness and secured to the back of the special shoes
having eyes for attachment of the cables thereto. Unfortunately,
this design is rather cumbersome and does not provide a user with a
wide range of flexibility as he or she uses the exerciser.
[0006] For example, the full upper body harness substantially
confines the movements of the user, while the special shoes
required by the exerciser make it difficult to adapt the exercise
for different uses. In addition, the use of separate straps for the
front and back of the exerciser substantially limits the
versatility of the exerciser, since the fixed lengths of the cables
do not adapt to the different positions a user might assume while
he or she exercises.
[0007] Another training device employing elastic straps is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,642 to Berry et al. This training
device includes a single strap secured between a belt and a pair of
foot engaging loops to create two forward runs and two rearward
runs. The device is primarily designed for training golfers to
properly position their legs while swinging a golf club. As such,
the foot engaging loops are shaped and designed for attachment at
the arch of the user's feet.
[0008] While positioning each loop at the arch of a user's foot may
be advantageous for golfers who remain stationary, the use of a
foot engaging loop secured at each arch of a user's foot would
cause a great deal of discomfort resulting from the application of
pressure on the arch of the user's foot. In addition, the loop is
not designed to remain on the foot of a user moving about while he
or she exercises. Finally, the use of a single strap requires that
the strap pass along the inner surface of the belt. While the
attachment of the belt along the inner surface of the belt may be
acceptable in golf training, where the golfer does not move a great
deal, the belt mounted on the inner surface would apply undesirable
pressure to the body of a user moving about while he or she
exercises with the training device.
[0009] After reviewing the prior art, it is clear that a need
exists for a training device that may be worn by a user to
strengthen his or her legs while the user goes about his or her
normal training routine. The present invention provides such a
training device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide a training device to strengthen the legs of a user while
the device is worn by the user. The device includes a belt for
attachment about the waist of a user and a first foot engaging
assembly coupled to the belt by a first resilient strap. The first
resilient strap has a first end coupled to a front portion of the
belt and a second end coupled to a rear portion of the belt,
wherein the first foot engaging assembly is coupled to the first
resilient strap along a central portion of the first resilient
strap between the first end of the first resilient strap and the
second end of the first resilient strap. The device also includes a
second foot engaging assembly coupled to the belt by a second
resilient strap. The second resilient strap has a first end coupled
to a front portion of the belt and a second end coupled to a rear
portion of the belt, wherein the second foot engaging assembly is
coupled to the second resilient strap along a central portion of
the second resilient strap between the first end of the second
resilient strap and the second end of the second resilient strap.
In use, the belt is secured to the waist of a user while the first
foot engaging assembly and the second foot engaging assembly are
respectively secured to the feet of a user in such a way the first
resilient strap and the second resilient strap strengthen the legs
of a user.
[0011] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
training device including a third resilient strap having a first
end coupled to a front portion of the belt adjacent the first end
of the first resilient strap and a second end coupled to a rear
portion of the belt adjacent the second end of the first resilient
strap. The third resilient strap is coupled to the first foot
engaging assembly along a central portion of the third resilient
strap between the first end of the third resilient strap and the
second end of the third resilient strap. The device also includes a
fourth resilient strap having a first end coupled to a front
portion of the belt adjacent the first end of the second resilient
strap and a second end coupled to a rear portion of the belt
adjacent the second end of the second resilient strap. The fourth
resilient strap is coupled to the second foot engaging assembly
along a central portion of the fourth resilient strap between the
first end of the fourth resilient strap and the second end of the
fourth resilient strap.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
training device wherein the first resilient strap, the second
resilient strap, the third resilient strap and the fourth resilient
strap are releasably coupled to the belt.
[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
training device wherein the first foot engaging assembly is
releasably coupled to the first resilient strap and the third
resilient strap, and the second foot engaging assembly is
releasably coupled to the second resilient strap and the fourth
resilient strap.
[0014] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
training device wherein the first foot engaging assembly is
slidably coupled to the first resilient strap and the third
resilient strap, and the second foot engaging assembly is slidably
coupled to the second resilient strap and the fourth resilient
strap.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
training device wherein the first resilient strap is releasably
coupled to the belt and the second resilient strap is releasably
coupled to the belt.
[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
training device including a fifth resilient strap having a first
end coupled to a first side portion of the belt and a free second
end adapted to be gripped by a user, and a sixth resilient strap
having a first end coupled to a second side portion, opposite the
first side portion, and a free second end adapted to be gripped by
a user.
[0017] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
training device including a first handle coupled to the second end
of the fifth resilient strap and a second handle coupled to the
second end of the sixth resilient strap.
[0018] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth
certain embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an individual wearing the
device.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the training device.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the toe cap.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the strap connection.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a jump rope attachment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] The detailed embodiments of the present invention are
disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which
may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limited, but merely as the
basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the
art how to make and/or use the invention.
[0026] With reference to FIG. 1, a training device 10 to strengthen
the legs of a user is disclosed. The training device 10 is utilized
while the device is worn the user. As such, the device 10 includes
a belt for attachment about the waist of a user. The belt 12 is
similar to weight lifting belts used by an individual to support
his or her back as he or she lifts weights. The belt is, therefore,
provided with a buckle 14 for releasably securing the belt 12 about
the waist of the user. Adjustment of the belt 12 is achieved by the
provision of a Velcro (hook and loop material) connection loop
15.
[0027] Strength training is provided by the provision of four
resilient straps positioned between the belt 12 and toe engaging
caps 16, 18. Specifically, a first toe cap 16 is coupled to the
belt by a first resilient strap 20. The first toe cap 16 includes
first and second loops 22, 24 through which a central portion 26 of
the first resilient strap 20 passes to slidably couple the first
toe cap 16 to the first resilient strap 20.
[0028] Attachment of the first toe cap 16 to the belt 12 is
achieved by releasably coupling the first end 28 of the first
resilient strap 20 to a first front portion 30 of the belt 12 via a
slidably mounted front pad 69 and releasably coupling the second
end 32 of the first resilient strap 20 to a first rear portion 34
of the belt 12 via a slidably mounted rear pad 70. Specifically,
the front pad 69 includes a first attachment loop 36 at the first
front portion 30 to which the first end 28 of the first resilient
strap 20 is releasably coupled by a clip 38 secured at the first
end 28 of the first resilient strap 20. The first attachment loop
36 is coupled to the front pad 69 by a connection strap 40 having
an adjustment buckle 42 thereon. Similarly, the rear pad 70
includes a second attachment loop 44 at the first rear portion 34
to which the second end 32 of the first resilient strap 20 is
releasably coupled by a clip 38 secured at the second end 32 of the
first resilient strap 20. The first attachment loop 36 and the
second attachment loop 44 are positioned such that the first
resilient strap 20 extends along the front and the back of a user's
leg while the device 10 is worn by the user.
[0029] The device is also provided with a second toe cap 18 for
attachment to the other foot of a user. Specifically, the second
toe cap 18 is coupled to the belt by a second resilient strap 46.
The second toe cap 18 includes first and second loops 48, 50
through which a central portion 52 of the second resilient strap 46
passes to slidably couple the second toe cap 18 to the second
resilient strap 46.
[0030] Attachment of the second toe cap 18 to the belt 12 is
achieved in much the same manner as attachment of the first toe cap
16 to the belt 12. Specifically, the belt 12 includes a third
attachment loop 54 at the second front portion 56 to which the
first end 58 of the second resilient strap 46 is releasably coupled
by a clip 38 secured at the first end 58 of the second resilient
strap 46. The third attachment loop 54 is coupled to the belt by a
connection strap 40 having an adjustment buckle 42 thereon.
Similarly, the rear pad 70 includes a fourth attachment loop 60 at
the second rear portion 62 to which the second end 64 of the second
resilient strap 46 is releasably coupled by a clip 38 secured at
the second end 64 of the second resilient strap 46. The third
attachment loop 54 and the fourth attachment loop 60 are positioned
such that the second resilient strap 46 extends along the front and
the back of the user's other leg while the device is worn by the
user.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the toe caps can easily be interchanged
with stirrups 116 and 118. Thus, in keeping within the spirit of
the invention, it is contemplated that various foot engagement
assemblies can be used.
[0032] Increased resistance is provided by third and fourth
resilient straps 66, 68 respectively coupled between the belt 12
and the first toe cap 16 and the second toe cap 18. The third and
fourth resilient straps 66, 68 are attached between the belt 12 and
the toe caps in the same manner as the first and second resilient
straps.
[0033] The use of sliding pads 69 and 70 provide for improved
adjustability so that the device may comfortably conform to may
size and shaped users. In addition, the first and second loops
attaching the straps to the toe caps are coupled to the toe caps by
straps 71 with adjustment buckles 42.
[0034] The first and second toe caps 16, 18 are designed to be
positioned and held over the toe portion of a user's foot such that
force is applied between the ball of the user's foot and the tip of
the user's foot. While the toe caps are simply designed to fit over
the front portion of a user's foot, the toe caps could be provided
with a variety of restraining structures without departing from the
spirit of the present invention.
[0035] In use, the belt is positioned about the waist of a user and
the toe caps are secured to the front portion of the user's feet.
The resilient straps are coupled between the toe caps and the belt
such that the first and third resilient straps wrap about the front
and rear of one of the user's legs, while the second and fourth
straps wrap about the front and rear of the user's other leg. Once
the device is properly attached to the user's body, the user may
exercise while the resilient straps apply resistance to the motion
of his or her legs. The constant resistance exercises the muscles
in the user's legs and ultimately increases the strength of the
user's legs.
[0036] An alternate embodiment of the present invention is
disclosed in FIG. 5. This embodiment is identical to the embodiment
previously described with the exception that it is provided with
fifth and sixth resilient straps 72, 75 which the user may grasp to
exercise his or her upper body. Specifically, the fifth resilient
strap 72 includes a clip 38 at its first end 77 and a threaded
fastener 90 at its other end. The clip 38 is releasably secured to
a fifth attachment loop 78 secured to the belt 12. Similarly, the
sixth resilient strap 75 includes a clip 38 at its first end 73 and
a threaded fastener 90 at its other end. The clip 38 is releasably
secured to a sixth attachment loop 74 secured to the belt 12.
Handles 82, 84 having mating threaded fasteners 91 on the resilient
straps 86, 88 extending therefrom. Threaded fasteners 90 may be
connected to threaded fasteners 91 to secure the handles to the
belt 12.
[0037] In use, an individual may grip the handles of the fifth and
sixth resilient straps as he or she exercises with the device
attached about his or her waist. The additional resistance straps
help a user exercise his or her upper body while exercising his or
her lower body with the resilient straps.
[0038] Still further as shown in FIG. 6, a jump rope 100 is shown
having a series of weighted threaded fasteners 95 on the ends
thereof. These fasteners are similar to threaded fasteners 90 on
the ends of resilient straps 72 and 75 and can be connected
thereto. Once connected a user can jump rope while using the
training device of the present invention.
[0039] As shown the attachment loops may be of various shaped,
however, circular are the preferred embodiment.
[0040] While the preferred embodiments have been shown and
described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit
the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover
all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended
claims.
* * * * *