U.S. patent application number 10/859840 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-24 for exercise apparatus.
Invention is credited to Yannitte, Thomas Anthony A.J..
Application Number | 20050043155 10/859840 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33555422 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050043155 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yannitte, Thomas Anthony
A.J. |
February 24, 2005 |
Exercise apparatus
Abstract
In an exercise apparatus having full body anaerobic, flexibility
and stability capabilities, an inner core is positioned within an
aperture of an inflatable apparatus. One or more flexible rods are
provided for insertion within a portion of the inner core. The
flexible rod may include one or more rings to which may be coupled
a handle for tensioning movement of the flexible rod. The
tensioning movement of the flexible rod while supported on the
inflatable apparatus generates a resistive force for the user and
provides anaerobic, flexibility and stability exercise.
Inventors: |
Yannitte, Thomas Anthony A.J.;
(Belle Mead, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Barry J. Marenberg, Esq.
SILLS CUMMIS EPSTEIN & GROSS P.C.
One Riverfront Plaza
Newark
NJ
07102-5400
US
|
Family ID: |
33555422 |
Appl. No.: |
10/859840 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60476560 |
Jun 7, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/131 ;
482/123 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/03533 20130101;
A63B 21/4033 20151001; A63B 21/055 20130101; A63B 23/03541
20130101; A63B 41/00 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 23/12
20130101; A63B 2225/62 20130101; A63B 23/1209 20130101; A63B
2225/09 20130101; A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 2208/0233
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/131 ;
482/123 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/062 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a. an assembly having an
aperture therethrough; b. an inner core structure having at least
one aperture therein, whereby the inner core structure may be
positioned within the aperture of the assembly; c. at least one
flexible rod, whereby the at least one flexible rod may be
positioned at least partly within the at least one aperture of the
inner core structure;
2. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising
a handle, whereby the handle may be coupled to the flexible
rod.
3. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
aperture of the assembly does not provide for movement of a gas
from the interior of the assembly to the exterior of the
assembly.
4. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inner
core structure has a circular cross section.
5. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inner
core structure has an other than circular cross section.
6. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
flexible rod has a circular cross section.
7. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
flexible rod has an other than circular cross section.
8. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising
a ring coupled to the flexible rod.
9. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
assembly is made of an elastic material.
10. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
assembly is made of vinyl.
11. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
assembly is made of a material other than vinyl.
12. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
assembly is in the shape of a sphere.
13. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
assembly is in the shape of an ovoid.
14. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
assembly is in a shape other than a sphere or ovoid.
15. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
assembly is inflatable.
16. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
assembly is pressurized.
17. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
assembly is formed from a non-elastic material.
18. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inner
core structure has a first aperture and a second aperture and
wherein there is a first flexible rod and a second flexible
rod.
19. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a. an assembly having a
first aperture and a second aperture; b. a first tube coupled to
the first aperture and the second aperture; c. a second tube,
whereby the second tube may be positioned within the first tube; d.
at least one flexible rod, whereby the at least one flexible rod
may be coupled to the second tube.
20. A method of exercising using an exercise apparatus including an
assembly having an aperture therethrough, a tube, whereby the tube
may be positioned within the aperture of the assembly, and at least
one flexible rod, whereby the at least one flexible rod may be
positioned at least partly within the tube, comprising the steps
of: a. positioning a user at least one of adjacent to and in
contact with the assembly; b. the user applying at least one of an
abductive or adductive force to the at least one flexible rod.
21. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a. an assembly having an
aperture therethrough; b. a tube having at least one aperture
therein, whereby the tube may be positioned within the aperture of
the assembly; c. at least one flexible rod, whereby the at least
one flexible rod may be positioned at least partly within the at
least one aperture of the tube.
22. The exercise apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the tube
has a circular cross section.
23. The exercise apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the tube
has a non-circular cross section.
24. A package containing an exercise apparatus comprising an
assembly having an aperture therethrough, a tube having at least
one aperture therein, and at least one flexible rod, comprising: a
protective covering; and instructions for assembling the exercise
apparatus.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 60/476,560.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an exercise
apparatus for home, gym, travel, and therapeutic use, and more
precisely to a light weight, mobile and storable exercise apparatus
allowing anaerobic, stability and flexibility exercise in
substantially any plane of motion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Recently, there has been considerable emphasis on marketing
exercise equipment that allows for an integrated approach to
fitness. Such integrated exercise equipment allows a user to
exercise multiple muscle groups using the same piece of equipment,
and may support toning and range-of-motion exercises, rather than
traditional strengthening or muscle building.
[0004] In particular, a type of exercise based upon a combination
of non free weight, resistance technology has become popular. This
type of exercise focuses almost entirely on a user's muscle tone
and range-of-motion, emphasizing circular movements of the body and
limbs during exercise. A variety of specialized exercise equipment
has been developed to support these types of circular, free-form
exercise movements. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,620,704 and 4,725,057, for
example, disclose an exercise apparatus, i.e., Bow-flex, that has
resistive poly-hexamethaline-adipamide rods, cables and pulleys as
a primary component. These rods, cables and pullets provide
resistance for movements in a variety of planes.
[0005] The Bow-flex apparatus of has been developed for home
environments. In home gym settings, the Bow-flex apparatus includes
a heavy bench and upright tower structure having a directional
pulley system that allows the user to exert force against the
resistive rods in the tower in downward planes of motion. The force
exerted by the user against the resistive rods in the tower, by
means of cables and pulleys allows for only direct linear
resistance.
[0006] The need to provide such a large, heavy bench and tower in
order to ensure structure and user stability has designated
unquestionably that the Bow-flex is a non mobile, home only, static
device, which has thus far been used and marketed only as a home
specific non mobile exercise apparatus. While a large, heavy piece
of equipment may be acceptable for stand alone home gym use, which
typically focuses on anaerobic and range of motion use, such
equipment is unacceptable for travel, mobility, flexibility,
stability, or gym use.
[0007] Additionally, people are most inclined to engage in a
particular type of exercise if a version of the necessary exercise
equipment is available for home use. Typically, home use exercise
equipment must be designed so that it is lightweight and storable,
since the home user may not have a dedicated area for fitness, and
may need to move the equipment and store it between exercise
sessions. The size, weight, and cost of the Bow-flex or other known
apparatus precludes the average user from owning one, because it is
not at all portable and because it does not allow for stability or
core work, due in part from it's dependence on a solid metal
structure and the use of a cable pulley system of resistance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is a lightweight, portable, and easily
storable exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus comprises an
assembly that may be formed in any shape and which may, for
example, be inflatable pressurized or coated with a soft or spongy
material. Preferably the assembly is formed in a round, oval or
cylindrical shape so as to provide for the additional benefit of
core stability functionality. The assembly may be formed from
plastic, vinyl, rubber, any other elastic or semi-elastic material
or any combination of materials, including in combination with
leather, or other soft or padded materials. Alternatively, the
assembly may be formed from a harder semi-rigid or rigid material
and may include a soft, cushioned, malleable or forgiving coating.
The assembly may include ribs, nibs or other protrusions located
along portions of its periphery, such as, for example, to provide
additional lateral stability, or massage to the surface of the user
in contact with the assembly. The assembly includes one or more
apertures located in or running through a portion of the assembly.
The apertures may be cylindrical or have an elliptical, triangular,
square, rectangular or any other shaped cross-section.
[0009] The exercise apparatus also includes one or more flexible
rods that may be inserted into the aperture. Each flexible rod has
a cross-section matching that of the aperture and may be held in
place by friction, grooves, pins or some sort of mounting or
interlocking element or elements located along a portion of the
flexible rod and/or located within the aperture, such as, for
example, a screw mount, or a pin and groove assembly.
Alternatively, the assembly may include a solid core structure that
may be incorporated within the aperture or that may be inserted
within the aperture prior to insertion of the one or more flexible
rods.
[0010] The solid core structure may be constructed from a single
rigid or semi-rigid element or multiple rigid or semi-rigid
elements. For example, the solid core structure may be formed from
a rigid plastic material shaped as a cylinder which is then glued
within the aperture for permanent fixation therein or held within
the aperture through friction. The solid core structure may have an
aperture that goes extends its entire length or for only part or
parts of the length of the solid core structure. For example, each
side of the solid core structure may include an aperture that
extends 1/3 of the way through its length leaving a solid middle
portion that extends for 1/3 of the length of the solid core
structure. The solid core structure may be secured in place, by any
means, such as, for example, by securing flanges to one or both
sides of the solid core structure after insertion within the
assembly.
[0011] A pair of flexible rods may then be inserted within the
solid core structure and held in place by any of a variety of
method. For example, the flexible rods may be held in place using
pin and groove elements contained on the flexible rods and/or
within the solid core structure. Alternatively, or additionally,
the flexible rods may be held in place using a tightening device
for securing the flexible rods. For example, the ends of the solid
core structure may extend beyond the surface of the assembly and
may include one or more slits or grooves running a portion of the
length of the solid core structure. There may additionally be
circumferential grooves along the exterior portion of the solid
core structure for positioning a compression ring with
corresponding internal grooves, such that the solid core element
may be secured by turning of the ring which would tighten the solid
core structure around the flexible rod.
[0012] Each of the flexible rods may include rings, hooks,
apertures or other attachment elements for the attachment of one or
more handles or other user interaction elements. Alternatively, a
sleeve having one or more attachment elements may be coupled to the
flexible rod. The sleeve may be coupled to the flexible rod using
one or more pins, bolts, screws, or other securing device, or it
may include grooves on an inside portion to correspond to grooves
on the outside portion of the flexible rods for coupling by
screwing the sleeve onto the flexible rod. The attachment elements
may be located at different positions on the sleeve or flexible rod
so as to provide for various resistance levels depending on where
the user interaction elements are attached or where on the flexible
rod the sleeve is located. For example, the closer in to the
assembly that the sleeve is located or the user interaction
elements are connected to the attachment elements on the sleeve or
flexible rods, the greater the resistance for the user, and the
further away from the assembly, the lower the resistance for the
user. The user may utilize the user interaction elements for
exercising the arms, legs, abdomen, back or most any other part of
the user's body.
[0013] Because the assembly is able to support both the user and
the flexible rods, there is no need for either a bench assembly or
a resistance element/weight element support structure assembly. The
assembly can be adjusted and positioned to support a user in a
prone, supine, sitting, kneeling or other position so as to enable
the user so positioned to access and interact with the user
interaction elements attached to the sleeve or flexible rods. This
user interaction may include pulling the user interaction elements
toward the user, in arcular directions, parallel to the user's body
or any other direction against the resistance provided by the
flexible rods. The resistance generated and provided by the
flexible rods in conjunction with the assembly allows the user to
exercise while maintaining the stability of the flexible rods. The
opposing force to the flexible rods generated by the inner core
structure of the assembly provides stability to the flexible rods.
The force generated by each of the flexible rods or by a first
portion of the flexible rod that bends the inner core structure
about the fulcrum/center point of the assembly is compensated for
and brought into equilibrium by force generated by the other
flexible rod or the other portion of the flexible rod on the same
inner core structure in equal but opposite force and movement.
[0014] The exercise apparatus according to an embodiment of the
present invention includes an assembly formed from an elastic,
rubber-like material having an aperture running through a central
axis. This aperture, which extends from one side of the outer
surface of the assembly to the other along a central axis, has
inserted therein a hardened inner core structure having two sides
with an aperture on each side running toward the midpoint of the
inner core structure along a central tubular axis. The apertures in
the inner core structure each accommodates a flexible rod which may
be inserted within each of the apertures.
[0015] Each of the flexible rods has attachment elements along its
length which act as connection points for resistance load
transmission through an interaction element that may be coupled to
the flexible rod using the attachment elements. Alternatively, a
collar or sleeve having attachment elements or an attachment track
may be coupled to the flexible rods. The coupling of the flexible
rods to the inner core structure acts as a load transmitting
element from the flexible rods to the assembly. The exercise
apparatus is also constructed and arranged to allow the assembly to
act as an ergonomic bench pad or platform for the user.
[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is embodied in an
exercise apparatus having the features described above and also
provides for the full body anaerobic, flexibility, and stability
capabilities of a standard "Swiss Ball" or "Exercise Ball", with
the added benefit of use as, and to the maximum capacity for
multiple exercises, flexibility and stability, not limited to any
particular physical movements.
[0017] The full body anaerobic and stretch exercise ball fitness
therapeutic apparatus can be inflated using a small air pump
compressor, and used at gyms/therapy, at home and during travel.
All muscle groups can be incorporated and exercised. Some of the
many exercises which can be performed anaerobically with
tension/resistance rods attached are chest press, incline/decline
chest press, chest fly, incline/decline chest fly, back pull over
wide/close, back rows wide/close, shoulder press, shoulder raises
anterior/posterior, abdominal/upper/lower/oblique, lower back,
thighs, butt, hips, triceps extension wide/close/reverse, triceps
kick back, biceps curls wide/close/reverse, biceps preacher curl,
leg extension, leg curl, leg press, calf raise, hip
abduction/adduction, squat.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 shows an assembly of the exercise apparatus in an
inflated view according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows the assembly of FIG. 1 in a 3/4 cross-sectional
view along a plane defined by ring A.
[0020] FIGS. 3a and 3b show full and cross sectional views of an
inner core, including along plane B-B, according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 shows an assembled assembly and solid core structure,
including flexible rods, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 shows various flexible rods of the exercise apparatus
of FIG. 4.
[0023] FIG. 6 shows the assembled exercise apparatus of FIG. 4,
with a sleeve positioned on the flexible rod.
[0024] FIG. 7 shows the exercise apparatus with a sleeve positioned
on the flexible rod of FIG. 6, with an interaction element coupled
to the sleeve.
[0025] FIGS. 8a-8d show an interaction element coupled to various
positions on the sleeve of FIG. 7.
[0026] FIG. 9 shows interaction elements according to other
embodiments of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 10 shows an assembled exercise apparatus with a user
situated in a supine position, according to a first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 11 shows a side view of the assembled exercise
apparatus of FIG. 10 with a user situated in a seated position and
with the flexible rods in a flexed position.
[0029] FIGS. 12a-12j show various exercises that may be performed
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention are further described in the detailed description
which follows, with reference to the drawings, and by way of
non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an assembly of the
exercise apparatus in an inflated view. The assembly 2 is
inflatable and is comprised of an elastic material such as vinyl
and is inflatable using valve 4 which may be connected to a pump
for inflating and/or deflating. The valve 4 may be similar to a
standard high quality "Swiss" or "Exercise" ball valve. The valve 4
of the assembly may be adaptable to a standard small, light weight
electric air pump and/or a standard foot pump for inflation. The
assembly 2 also includes an aperture 6 running through a central
axis 8. The assembly 2 may include ribs 10 and/or nibs 12 or other
protrusions located along portions of its periphery.
[0032] The typical structure for the assembly 2 according to the
present invention measures approximately 45 cm, 55 cm, 65 cm, 75
cm, and 85 cm diameters at proper inflation levels but can be over-
or under-inflated at the user's discretion.
[0033] In FIG. 2 there is shown the assembly of FIG. 1 in a 3/4
cross-sectional view along a plane defined by ring A. The assembly
2 may be molded from a first section 20 and an almost identical
second section 22, in this case, each section is in the shape of a
half circle. The first section 20 has a first circular aperture 24
at its center point 26. The second section 22 has an identical
second circular aperture 28 at its center point 30. The first
section 20 also includes valve 4 for inflation of the assembly 2.
The first section 20 may be formed with a first cylindrical tube
portion 32 extending from the first circular aperture 24 for a
distance equal to the length of the radius of the assembly 2. The
second section 22 section may be formed with a second cylindrical
tube portion 34 extending from the second circular aperture 28 for
a distance equal to the length of the radius of the assembly 2. The
first cylindrical tube portion 32 and the second cylindrical tube
portion 34 may be coupled using any known coupling method, such as,
for example, welding, fusing, bonding or gluing.
[0034] Alternatively, the first section 20 may be formed with a
first cylindrical tube portion 32 extending from the first circular
aperture 24 for a distance equal to the length of the diameter of
the assembly 2, and the second section 22 would then be formed
without any cylindrical tube portion, but instead, the first
cylindrical tube portion 32 would be coupled to the second circular
aperture 28 around its periphery by any known coupling method. For
example, the first cylindrical tube portion 32 may be coupled to
the second circular aperture 28 by welding, fusing, bonding or
gluing.
[0035] The first periphery 36 of the first section 20 and the
second periphery 38 of the second section 22 may then be coupled
using one of the methods described above, thereby completing the
assembly. The assembly will then have the structure as shown in
FIG. 1.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 3a, there is shown a full view of an
inner core according to an embodiment of the present invention. An
inner core 40 is formed from a cylindrical piece of polyurethane or
any other solid material, such as, for example, graphite, plastic,
wood or metal.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 3b, a cross-section of the inner core of
FIG. 3a can be seen as viewed across points B-B as shown in FIG.
3a. The inner core 40 includes the first center bore 42 extending
lengthwise approximately 1/3 of its length, and a second center
bore 46 extending lengthwise approximately 1/3 of its length. Each
of the first center bore 42 and the second center bore 46 may
include screw grooves, or some other securing element, for purposes
of securing the flexible rods that are inserted into the bores,
provided that the flexible rods include corresponding screw
grooves, or other securing element.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an assembled
assembly and solid core structure, including flexible rods,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The inner core
40 is positioned within the aperture 6 running through the central
axis 8 of the assembly 2. The inner core 40 may include flanges 50
that are inserted into the first center bore 42 and the second
center bore 46 to secure the inner core 40 within the aperture 6.
One or more flexible rods 54 may be positioned within the first
center bore 42 and/or the second center bore 46 of the inner core
40. The interior circumference 52 of the flanges 50 may be
rubberized to prevent slippage of flexible rods 54 after they are
inserted into the inner core 40. Alternatively, the flanges 50 may
include snap fittings or grooves positioned along their interior
circumference 52 to provide for the securing of the flexible rods
54 using corresponding features on the flexible rods 54. In another
embodiment the flexible rods 54 may be secured firmly on both sides
of the air filled ball by means of the inner core 40, which sits
firmly inside of ball. The flexible rods 54 are held in place by
both friction and angular friction pressure. The greater the
flexion, the more pressure is placed on the inner attachment points
of the rods. As the tension increases, the rods tighten inside the
inner core fitting.
[0039] Alternatively, the inner core 40 may be stored separately
from the assembly 2. The inner core 40 may be positioned within the
aperture 6 of the assembly 2 during inflation. At the point just
prior to optimal inflation, the inner core 40 will fit semi firmly
within the aperture 6. When the inner core 40 is positioned within
the aperture 6 the assembly 2 may then be brought to its optimal
inflation level. As the assembly 2 fills with air, the increasing
pressure from within the assembly 2 will force the walls of the
aperture 6 against the inner core 40, thereby securing it in
place.
[0040] In FIG. 5 there are shown various flexible rods of the
exercise apparatus of FIG. 4. The flexible rods 54 may be provided
in a variety of diameters and lengths, depending on the level of
resistance required. For example, flexible rod 60 has a diameter of
0.75 inch and a length of 3.5 feet, flexible rod 62 has a diameter
of 0.75 inch and a length of 4 feet, flexible rod 64 has a diameter
of 1.25 inch and a length of 3.5 feet, and flexible rod 66 has a
diameter of 1.25 inch and a length of 4 feet. As can be seen in
Table 1, each of flexible rods 60, 62, 64 and 66 has certain flex
and tension characteristics that depend on both their diameter and
length that determine the resistance provided. Thus, a desired
resistance may be achieved by the proper selection of flexible
rods. Moreover, the present invention is adaptable to changing
requirements over time by simply changing the resistance rod that
are used. The flexible rods 60, 62, 64 and 66 may be made from
hexamethaline, i.e., extruded nylon rods, which offer variable
resistance measured in terms of pounds per flexion during full
range of motion. Range of motion is defined as flexing a straight
flexible rod at given length to 90 degrees. At the point of 90
degree flexion, full weighted resistance is measured and
achieved.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown the assembled
exercise apparatus of FIG. 4, with a sleeve positioned on the
flexible rod. The sleeve 70 may be placed over a first end 72 of
the flexible rod 54 and may be coupled thereto using screw 74
inserted into the first end 72 of the flexible rod 54.
Alternatively, some other fastening element or method may be used,
such as, for example, bolts, pins, screws, glue, rubber grommets or
gaskets. The sleeve 70 is formed from a cylindrically shaped
resilient piece of composite material that either has two open ends
or a single open end. For example, the sleeve 70 may be made from
graphite, plastic, metal, wood or a composite material. The sleeve
70 may be coupled to the flexible rod 54 using a compression ring
at either or both ends of the sleeve 70. The sleeve 70 is
approximately 16 inches in length, although it may be any length
that does not substantially interfere with the flexing of the
flexible rod 54. The sleeve 70 includes a number of equally spaced
attachment rings 76 integral to the sleeve 70. The attachment rings
76 may be formed with the sleeve 70 and from the same material as
the sleeve 70. Alternatively, the attachment rings 76 may be formed
from some other material and coupled to the sleeve 70, or the
sleeve may include a track in place of the attachment rings 76. The
location of each of the attachment rings 76 is designed by
calibrating the tension or force generated based on the specific
distance from the attachment ring to the meeting point between the
flexible rod 54 and the opening of the inner core 40, and the
measured weight of resistance of the flexible rod 54 when pulled
upon as the flexible rod 54 is flexed.
[0042] For example, using two flexible rods of different diameters,
and using a sleeve with four attachment rings, eight possible
resistance positions can be achieved. The handle can be used,
unilaterally (with one hand, held in center) or bilaterally (with
two hands, held on outside grip), held in over or under hand
position.
[0043] In FIG. 7 there is shown the exercise apparatus with a
sleeve positioned on the flexible rod of FIG. 6, with an
interaction element coupled to the sleeve. An interaction element
in the form of a handle 80 having a cable 82 coupled thereto may be
attached to a first attachment ring 84 of the sleeve 70 using a
spring biased ring 86. Alternatively, the cable 82 may be coupled
to a track located on the sleeve 70. The handle 80 may be replaced
with another type of interaction element, such as, for example, a
cord, a sling or a leg adapter. The cable 82 may include an anti
coil tube 88, which measures out the cable 82 and also prevents the
cable 82 from being tangled near the point of exercise movement.
Additionally, stoppers 85 may be included, which may be used to
prevent the cable 82 from loosening, both at rest and during
flexion of the flexible rod 54, to prevent coiling of the cable 82,
and to maintain a constant tension upon the anti coil tube 88 and
handle 80. The spring biased ring 86 may be used to adjust the
length of the cable 82 to compensate for the change in distance to
the user when the spring biased ring 86 is moved to different
attachment rings.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 8a and-8b, there are shown an
interaction element coupled to various positions on the sleeve of
FIG. 7. Looking first to FIG. 8a, the handle 80 may be repositioned
on the sleeve 70 by moving cable 82 to a second attachment ring 90.
This may be accomplished by pressing on the lever portion of the
spring bias clip 86 and detaching from the first attachment ring
84, followed by attachment to the second attachment ring 90 by
pressing the lever portion downward against the second attachment
ring 90. As shown in FIG. 8b, the same procedure may be followed to
move the cable 82 to a third attachment ring 92 or to the other
attachment ring 94.
[0045] In FIG. 9 there is shown attachment elements according to
other embodiments of the present invention. The interaction element
may be provided in the form of a three-in-one handle 98. The
three-in-one handle 98 may be used, unilaterally (with one hand,
held in the center) or bilaterally (with two hands, held on the
outside grip, or held in over or under hand positions).
Alternatively or additionally, the interaction element may be
provided in the of a foot attachment strap 99 for use in lower body
exercise movements.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown an assembled
exercise apparatus with a user situated in a supine position,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. A user 100 is
shown in a supine position supported on assembly 102 which is
inflatable, with the user's left arm 104 in an at rest position 106
and the user's left hand 108 gripping a first interaction element
110 in the form of a first handle 112, and the user's right arm 114
in a first flexed position 116 and the user's right hand 118
gripping a second interaction element 120 in the form of a second
handle 122. The first handle 112 is coupled to a first cable 124
which in turn is coupled to a first attachment ring 126 via a first
spring biased clip 128. The first attachment ring 126 is located on
a first sleeve 130 that is coupled to a first flexible rod 132. The
first flexible rod 132 is insertably coupled to a first side 134 of
an inner core 136 of assembly 102. The second handle 122 in turn is
coupled to a second cable 138 which is coupled to a second
attachment ring 140 via a second spring biased clip 142. The second
attachment ring 140 is located on a second sleeve 144 that is
coupled to a second flexible rod 146. The second flexible rod 146
is insertably coupled to a second side 148 of the inner core 136 of
assembly 102.
[0047] When the user's left arm 104 is in the at rest position 106,
the first flexible rod 132 remains unflexed and there is little or
no tension being applied to the user's left arm 104. This is in
contrast to the user's right arm 114 which, when moved to a first
flexed position 116, generates some tension on the second flexible
rod 146 and resistive force to the user's right arm 114. When the
user's left arm 104 is moved to a second flexed position 150, there
is a level of tension generated in the first flexible rod 132 and a
resistive force to the user's left arm greater than the tension
generated in the second flexible rod 146 and the resistive force to
the user's right arm when the second flexible rod 146 is located in
the first flexed position 116. The flexible rods provide a range of
movement and flexibility throughout the full range of motion of
user 100.
[0048] The exercise apparatus according to this embodiment of the
present invention may be used to perform a multitude of resistance,
stability, and flexibility exercises and movements. During
flexibility and stability movements, the invention is used in a
manner similar to the way a standard "Swiss Ball" or Exercise Ball"
is used, with the difference being that the present invention has
an inner core running through its central axis, with flexible rods
extending therefrom. The inner core acts as a pivot/leverage and
containment structure during resistance exercise movements. The
larger the diameter of the flexible rod, the greater the resistance
to the user 100 as the flexible rod is flexed. The closer the cable
is moved toward the end of the flexible rod furthest from the inner
core of the ball, the lower the resistance generated during
flexion. The resistance may be converted to a comparable weight
measure that can be referred to as tension measured in pounds
during flexion.
[0049] When the user 100 utilizes the exercise apparatus in the
supine position as shown in FIG. 10, all of the upper body larger
muscles, including Pectoralis Major and Minor, Latissimus Dorsi and
Rectus abdominis, as well as Obliques, may be targeted.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown a side view of the
assembled exercise apparatus of FIG. 10 with a user situated in a
seated position and with the flexible rods in a flexed position.
User 100 is shown in seated position 160 performing a shoulder
press exercise. This seated position 160 and other similar
secondary positions allow the user 100 to target smaller muscle
groups, while performing upper body exercises, with the exception
of leg exercises, which recruit larger muscle groups during such
exercises. Muscles that are used during upper body exercises in
such secondary positions include, (lower, medial, lateral, back),
Trapezius, Deltoids, Biceps, Triceps, Extensors, Brachiradialis,
Palmaris Longus, Abdominis, Obliques and Flexors. Muscles that are
used during lower body exercises when in such secondary positions
include Gluteus Medius and Maximus, Adductors and Abductors,
Quadriceps, Sartorius, Tibalis, Soleus, Gastrocnemius,
Semitendinosus, Bicep Femoris.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 12a-12j, a variety of exercises may be
performed using the exercise apparatus according to the present
invention. Although only a selection of exercises are shown, many
more and varied exercises may be performed using the exercise
apparatus according to the present invention.
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