U.S. patent application number 09/946180 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-06 for exercise device.
Invention is credited to Seles, Monica.
Application Number | 20030045408 09/946180 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25484060 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030045408 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Seles, Monica |
March 6, 2003 |
Exercise device
Abstract
An exercise device has a central elastic portion and a pair of
cuff portions. The central elastic portion has an elastic band of a
predetermined tension. Each of the cuff portions is removably
attached to one end of the central elastic portion, and each of the
cuff portions includes a backing strip having two Velcro portions.
The Velcro attachment allows the cuffportions to be securely and
removably attached to a portion of the user's body, such as the
user's ankles. A variety of central elastic portions may be
provided with bands having different lengths and elasticities, so
that the user may select the band desired for a particular workout,
and easily attach it to the cuff portions. The different bands are
preferably color coded so that they may be easily distinguished and
selected by the user.
Inventors: |
Seles, Monica; (Sarasota,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RANKIN, HILL, PORTER & CLARK, LLP
700 HUNTINGTON BUILDING
925 EUCLID AVENUE, SUITE 700
CLEVELAND
OH
44115-1405
US
|
Family ID: |
25484060 |
Appl. No.: |
09/946180 |
Filed: |
September 5, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/03525 20130101;
A63B 21/00185 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 21/0557
20130101; A63B 21/4025 20151001; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B
23/03508 20130101; A63B 21/0555 20130101; A63B 21/4001 20151001;
A63B 2071/027 20130101; A63B 21/4013 20151001; A63B 21/00061
20130101; A63B 21/00043 20130101; A63B 2208/0219 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/121 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise device comprising: a first central elastic portion
having an elastic band of a predetermined first length and
predetermined first tension; and a pair of cuff portions, each of
the cuff portions being removably attached to one end of the
central elastic portion, each of the cuff portions comprising a
backing strip having two hook-and-loop portions whereby the cuff
portion is securely and removably attached to a portion of a user's
body.
2. An exercise device as defined in claim 1, comprising in addition
a second central elastic portion which may be removably attached to
the cuff portions in place of the first central elastic
portion.
3. An exercise device as defined in claim 2, wherein the second
central elastic portion has a predetermined tension which is
different from the predetermined tension of the first central
elastic portion.
4. An exercise device as defined in claim 2, wherein the first and
second central elastic portions are color coded to permit them to
be easily distinguished from each other.
5. An exercise device as defined in claim 1, comprising in addition
a second central elastic portion which is removably attached to one
of the cuffportions and to the first central elastic portion.
6. An exercise device comprising: a first central elastic portion
having an elastic band of a predetermined first tension; a second
central elastic portion having a second elastic band of a
predetermined second tension; and a pair of cuff portions, each of
the cuff portions being removably attached to one end of one of the
central elastic portions, each of the cuff portions comprising a
backing strip adapted to be wrapped around a portion of a user's
body, the backing strip having two hook-and-loop portions whereby
the cuff portion is securely and removably attached to the portion
of the user's body.
7. An exercise device as defined in claim 6, wherein the first and
second central elastic portions are color coded to permit them to
be easily distinguished from each other.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to an exercise device, and more
particularly to a device for attachment to the user's legs for
performing several exercises.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Various devices have been conceived for providing resistance
in performing different physical exercises. Many of the devices are
extremely complex and expensive. Others are relatively inexpensive
and fairly simple in their construction and concept.
[0005] Among the simple devices are a number of devices comprising
two loops to fit around the user's ankles and an elastic cord
between the two loops. As the loops are moved apart, such as by
performing an exercise moving the legs in a desired direction to
work particular muscle groups, the elastic cord offers resistance
to this movement, enhancing the exercise. Examples of such devices
are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,224,103, issued to Nilson, and U.S.
Pat. No. 4,852,874, issued to Sleichter et al. Other similar
devices are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,580, issued to Paris; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,205,803, issued to Zemitis; U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,682,
issued to Myers; U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,777, issued to Myers; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,573,487, issued to Wallner; U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,300,
issued to Cicali et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,149, issued to
Grimaldi.
[0006] The capability of performing various exercises with various
resistances is relatively limited with these devices. None of these
devices provide the capability of easily modifying the resistance
without complicated adjustment of the device. Furthermore, none of
the devices can be securely attached to the body and easily
removed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the
prior art and provides other advantages not realized heretofore.
The exercise device of the present invention includes an elastic
band which means for attaching the band at each end to portions of
the user's body, such as the user's ankles.
[0008] Unlike prior art exercise devices, the device of the present
invention includes cuffportions which are securely and removably
attached to the user's body. The cuff portions have Velcro
fastening portions which allow the cuff portions to be tightly
wrapped around the user's ankles and securely attached. This secure
attachment makes the cuff portions much more comfortable, since the
cuff portions fit securely on the user's ankles, the cuff portions
are unlikely to move about during exercising, reducing irritation
and making the exercise more effective.
[0009] The elastic band which forms the central portion of the
exercise device of the present device is part of a central elastic
portion which is removably attached to the two cuff portions.
Various central elastic portions may be provided, each having a
band with a different tension and/or a different length, and a
central elastic portion having the desired tension and length may
be selected by the user and attached to the cuff portions to
provide the proper exercise experience for the desired exercise. If
an easier workout is desired, a central elastic portion may be
selected with a band having a relatively low tension, so that the
band provides a low resistance during the exercise. If a more
strenuous workout is desired, a different elastic portion may be
selected with a band having a high tension and greater resistance.
Similarly, the exercise requires a longer elastic portion be used,
an elastic portion with a longer band can be used, or two shorter
elastic portions can be connected together. The central elastic
portion may be easily attached or unattached to the cuffs by
suitable means, such as a carabiner and a ring.
[0010] In order to assist the user in selecting the central elastic
portion having the desired band, the bands are preferably color
coded. A band of one color, for example, may signify a low
resistance, while a band of a different color may signify a band of
a different color.
[0011] These and other advantages are provided by the present
invention of an exercise device comprising a first central elastic
portion having an elastic band of a predetermined first length and
predetermined first tension, and a pair of cuffportions, each of
the cuff portions being removably attached to one end of the
central elastic portion, each of the cuff portions comprising a
backing strip having two hook-and-loop portions whereby the cuff
portion is securely and removably attached to a portion of a user's
body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise device
according to the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the exercise device of
FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the exercise device of FIG.
2.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the exercise device similar
to FIG. 1 showing one possible configuration of the exercise
device.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the exercise device similar
to FIG. 4 showing another possible configuration of the exercise
device of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the exercise device similar
to FIGS. 4 and 5 showing another possible configuration of the
exercise device of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the exercise device similar
to FIGS. 4-6 showing another possible configuration of the exercise
device of the present invention.
[0019] FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrammatical views showing one possible
exercise that can be performed using the exercise device of the
present invention.
[0020] FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrammatical views similar to FIGS. 8
and 9 showing another possible exercise that can be performed using
the exercise device of the present invention.
[0021] FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrammatical views similar to FIGS.
8-10 showing another possible exercise that can be preformed using
the exercise device of the present invention.
[0022] FIGS. 13 and 14 are diagrammatical views similar to FIGS.
8-12 showing another possible exercise that can be preformed using
the exercise device of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] Referring more particularly to the drawings and initially to
FIG. 1, there is shown an exercise device 10 according to the
present invention. The exercise device 10 comprises a center
elastic portion 11 and a pair of cuff portions 12 and 13 attached
at each end of the elastic portion. The elastic portion 11
comprises a band 14 of extruded rubber or other elastomeric
material with a pair of metal hooks 15 and 16, one hook at each end
of the band. The band 14 is of a specified desired length and
tension. The hooks 15 and 16 can be attached to the ends of the
band 14 by tying the end of the band around a portion of the hook
or by any other desired manner. Each of the hooks 15 and 16 is
preferably a suitable carabiner of the type which may be used in
climbing equipment.
[0024] Each of the cuff portions 12 and 13 is identical and both
will be described with reference to the cuff portion 12 which is
also shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The cuff portion 12 comprises a
backing strip 17. The backing strip 17 may be made from, for
example, strong, woven nylon material of the type typically used
for outdoor harnesses and strapping. A metal ring 18 is attached to
one end of the backing strip. The ring 18 may be attached to the
backing strip 17 by folding one end of the backing strip through
the ring and sewing or gluing or otherwise attaching the end to the
strip as shown in FIG. 2. The ring 18 is adapted for attachment to
one of the hooks 15 or 16 of the elastic portion 11. A padding
strip 19 is attached to one side of the backing strip 17. The
padding strip 19, which may be a foam plastic material, is used to
cushion the user's ankle during the performance of the exercises.
The backing strip 17 also has attached to it two attachment
portions 20 and 21 of a hook-and-ring fastening material so that
the cuff portion 12 can be attached to one of the user's ankles.
Such hook-and-ring fastening materials are commonly available under
the trademark Velcro, and other similar fastening materials may be
used. The first attachment portion 20 is attached to one side of
the backing strip 17 near the end where the ring 18 is attached.
The other attachment portion 21 is attached to the other side of
the backing strip 17 at the opposite end. The two attachment
portions 20 and 21 allow the cuff portion 12 to be formed in a loop
as shown in FIG. 1 so that it can be removably and adjustably and
securely attached to the user's ankle in order to perform the
desired exercises.
[0025] One of the features of the exercise device 10 of the present
invention is its ability to be modified by attaching various
elastic portions. This is shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 which depict
various modified exercise devices 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d,
respectively. FIG. 4 shows an exercise device 10a similar to the
exercise device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3, with an elastic portion 11a
having a band 14a of a desired length, thickness and tension. FIG.
5 shows an alternative exercise device 10b having an elastic
portion 11b with a band 14b which is shorter and thicker than the
band 14a. Because of the shorter and thicker band 14b, the exercise
device 10b provides more resistance than the exercise device 10a in
performing exercises. FIG. 6 shows another alternative exercise
device 10c having an elastic portion 11c with a band 14c which is
longer and thinner than the band 14a. Because of the longer and
thinner band 14c, the exercise device 10c provides less resistance
than the exercise device 10a in performing exercises. FIG. 7 shows
yet another alternative exercise device 10d having an elastic
portion formed of two of the elastic portions 11b. The various
elastic portions can thus be attached together as desired to
provide even more flexibility in configuring the exercise device
for performing a desired exercise.
[0026] The exercise device of the present invention may thus be
provided with a pair of cuff portions and an assortment of elastic
portions of various lengths, thicknesses and elasticities, which
may be attached to the cuff portions as desired. Preferably, the
different bands of the various elastic portions are color coded to
assist the user in choosing the desired portion for a particular
exercise. For example, the band 14a may be white, the band 14b may
be red, and the band 14c may be blue. Of course, other colors can
be used.
[0027] To use the exercise device of the present invention, the
user selects an elastic portion have the desired tension and
attaches it to the two cuff portions by hooking the two hooks onto
the rings of each of the cuff portions. The user then attaches the
cuff portions to the user's ankles by wrapping each cuff portion
around each ankle and securing the two attachment portions
together. The cuff portions are thus securely attached to the
user's ankles and are not prone to slipping or otherwise moving
during the exercise. The desired exercise may then be
performed.
[0028] One such exercise is depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. To perform
this exercise, the user kneels on the hands and knees, placing the
hands directly under the shoulders as shown in FIG. 8. One leg L is
extended back with the toes pointed to the floor. Keeping the body
steady, the user slowly brings the extended leg L up level with the
hip H, as shown in FIG. 9. The leg L is then lowered back down to
the floor. The exercise device 10 maintains proper tension between
the ankles as the exercise is being performed.
[0029] Another such exercise is a kickback exercise shown in FIGS.
10 and 11. Th the user kneels on the knees and forearms as shown in
FIG. 10. Although not shown in FIG. 10, the user preferably clasps
the hands together and rests the forehead on the hands, so that the
head is lowered toward the floor. With the back straight, the user
lifts one foot F upwardly until the thigh T is parallel to the
floor and the knee is aligned with the hips. The foot F is lifted
upwardly with the bottom of the foot pointed upwardly, as shown in
FIG. 11. The foot F is then lowered back down to the floor. Again
the exercise device 10 maintains the proper tension between the
ankles as the exercise is performed. However, since the legs are
moved further apart in the kickback exercise, a different elastic
band 14 is needed from the one used in the previous exercise. Using
the exercise device of the present invention, the proper elastic
portion having the desired band is easily selected by the user and
attached to the cuff portions before the exercise is started. When
going from one exercise to another exercise, the user may simply
keep the cuff portions on the ankles and remove and replace the
central elastic portions.
[0030] A third exercise is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. In performing
this exercise, the user again kneels on the floor on both hands and
one knee. The other leg L is raised above the floor. The knee K of
the leg L is flexed to preform the exercise. The knee K is
straightened as shown in FIG. 13, then the knee is bent as shown in
FIG. 14. This movement is preformed repeatedly with the exercise
device 10 providing resistance each time the knee K is
straightened.
[0031] A fourth exercise is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The user lies
on the back with the legs extended in the air as shown in FIG. 14.
Both legs L are moved outwardly as shown in FIG. 15 and back
inwardly. The exercise device 10 is attached to the ankles and
provides resistance to the outward movement of the legs L.
[0032] All of these exercises and others can be preformed using the
single exercise device of the present invention without changing
any portion of the exercise device other than the elastic band. The
availability of different elastic bands allows the same device to
be used for a wide variety of different effective exercises.
[0033] Other variations and modifications of the specific
embodiments herein shown and described will be apparent to those
skilled in the art, all within the intended spirit and scope of the
invention. While the invention has been shown and described with
respect to particular embodiments thereof, these are for the
purpose of illustration rather than limitation. Accordingly, the
patent is not to be limited in scope and effect to the specific
embodiments herein shown and described nor in any other way that is
inconsistent with the extent to which the progress in the art has
been advanced by the invention.
* * * * *