U.S. patent application number 10/938159 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-10 for exercise device.
Invention is credited to Hull, Korin James.
Application Number | 20050054497 10/938159 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34228900 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050054497 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hull, Korin James |
March 10, 2005 |
Exercise device
Abstract
An exercise device comprises at least one rigid grasping member
of substantially triangular configuration, at least one adjustable
loop-shaped grasping member, and at least one grasping member with
an adjustable handle. A first resilient interconnecting member is
coupled between the rigid grasping member and the adjustable
loop-shaped grasping member. A second resilient interconnecting
member is coupled between the rigid grasping member and the
adjustable-handle grasping member. Each resilient interconnecting
member is adapted for use in resistive type exercises.
Inventors: |
Hull, Korin James; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CISLO & THOMAS, LLP
233 WILSHIRE BLVD
SUITE 900
SANTA MONICA
CA
90401-1211
US
|
Family ID: |
34228900 |
Appl. No.: |
10/938159 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60501983 |
Sep 10, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/110 ;
482/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0552 20130101;
A63B 21/00065 20130101; A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 21/0442
20130101; A63B 21/4013 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/110 ;
482/131 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/22 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise device, comprising: at least one rigid grasping
member of substantially triangular configuration; at least one
adjustable loop-shaped grasping member; first means for resiliently
coupling said at least one rigid grasping member to said at least
one adjustable loop-shaped grasping member; at least one grasping
member with an adjustable handle; and second means for resiliently
coupling said at least one rigid grasping member to said at least
one adjustable-handle grasping member, said first and second
resilient coupling means being adapted for use in resistive type
exercises.
2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein each of said first and
second resilient coupling means includes at least one resilient
interconnecting member having at least one coupling clip at each
end.
3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein said at least one
resilient interconnecting member is made from an elastomeric
material.
4. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein said at least one rigid
grasping member comprises a rigid hollow base of substantially
triangular configuration, a strap extending through said rigid
hollow base, and at least one padded grip coupled to said rigid
hollow base, said strap having free ends protruding out of the
hollow ends of said rigid base.
5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the free ends of said
strap are attached to at least one coupling ring.
6. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein said at least one
coupling ring is adapted to engage said at least one coupling
clip.
7. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein said at least one
loop-shaped grasping member comprises an adjustable hook-and-loop
fastener.
8. The exercise device of claim 7, wherein said at least one
loop-shaped grasping member is made from strap-like material.
9. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein said adjustable
hook-and-loop fastener is attached to said strap-like material.
10. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein said hook-and-loop
fastener is made from Velcro.TM. brand tape.
11. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein one end of said
strap-attached hook-and-loop fastener is looped to engage a first
coupling ring.
12. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein said first coupling
ring is attached to a first end of said at least one strap-like
grasping member.
13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein said first end of said
at least one strap-like grasping member is attached to a second
coupling ring, said second coupling ring being adapted to engage
said at least one coupling clip.
14. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein said at least one
adjustable-handle grasping member comprises a hollow handle, and a
strap extending through said hollow handle, said hollow handle
adapted to move over and around said strap for adjustment by a
user.
15. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein said strap includes
first and second ends being attached to at least one coupling
ring.
16. The exercise device of claim 15, wherein said at least one
coupling ring is adapted to engage said at least one coupling
clip.
17. An exercise device, comprising: a rigid grasping member of
substantially triangular configuration; a first grasping member
with an adjustable handle; first means for resiliently coupling
said rigid grasping member to said first grasping member; a second
grasping member with an adjustable handle; and second means for
resiliently coupling said rigid grasping member to said second
grasping member, said first and second resilient coupling means
being adapted for use in resistive type exercises.
18. The exercise device of claim 17, wherein each of said first and
second resilient coupling means includes at least one resilient
interconnecting member having at least one coupling clip at each
end.
19. The exercise device of claim 18, wherein said at least one
resilient interconnecting member is made from an elastomeric
material.
20. The exercise device of claim 17, wherein each of said first and
second grasping members is adapted to fit within said rigid
grasping member for storage.
21. An exercise device, comprising: at least one grasping member
with an adjustable handle; at least one adjustable loop-shaped
grasping member; and means for resiliently coupling said at least
one adjustable-handle grasping member to said at least one
adjustable loop-shaped grasping member, said resilient coupling
means being adapted for use in resistive type exercises.
22. The exercise device of claim 21, wherein said resilient
coupling means includes at least one resilient interconnecting
member having at least one coupling clip at each end.
23. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein said at least one
resilient interconnecting member is made from an elastomeric
material.
24. The exercise device of claim 21, wherein said adjustable handle
is provided with a cushioning structure having a non-uniform
configuration to enhance the grip and comfort of a user.
25. The exercise device of claim 21, wherein said at least one
adjustable loop-shaped grasping member is provided with a
cushioning structure to enhance the grip and comfort of a user.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/501,983, filed on Sep. 10, 2003, which is
hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent years, a great amount of emphasis has been placed
on the benefits of regular exercise in maintaining physical and
mental well being and appearance. A venerable plethora of health
clubs offering a multitude of exercising facilities and equipment,
and numerous exercising devices for home use have been widely
advertised and sold for those who lack the time, determination, or
facilities to engage in regular sports activities such as running,
tennis, swimming, or the like.
[0003] The need has long existed for a highly versatile, compact,
portable and inexpensive exercising device for home and personal
use. Many home exercise devices currently available are of the
assistive-type, wherein repetitive body motions are merely guided
or helped. Yet it has been recognized that the benefits of most
exercises can be significantly enhanced and performed with greater
efficiency by employing resistive devices to place increased loads
upon the muscles. Such resistive techniques may be now widely used
in modern weight training for athletes and in most supervised
exercise programs.
[0004] Current studies also indicate that the most beneficial
exercise results in many instances can be achieved with a limited
number of quick repetitions using the maximum resistive force that
the exerciser is capable of handling. Thus, as the exerciser gains
strength, the resistance may be increased to maintain efficiency.
For these purposes, adjustable weight lifting equipment may be
ideal, however, most barbell and dumb bell equipment is bulky,
cumbersome and often even dangerous to use. More elaborate weight
training machines may be safer, but even bulkier, and in most
instances too expensive to be within the means of many individuals,
to whom they are available only through health clubs, schools or
other recreational facilities.
[0005] Furthermore, more compact devices would bring savings in
shipping and storage costs, as well as storage space in an
exerciser's home or luggage and for retailers. It may also be
advantageous to have a versatile exercise device that is relatively
simple to configure and use.
SUMMARY
[0006] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are generally
directed to an exercise device.
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an exercise
device comprises at least one rigid grasping member of
substantially triangular configuration, at least one adjustable
loop-shaped grasping member, first means for resiliently coupling
the rigid grasping member the adjustable loop-shaped grasping
member, at least one grasping member with an adjustable handle, and
second means for resiliently coupling the rigid grasping member to
the adjustable-handle grasping member. The first and second
resilient coupling means are adapted for use in resistive type
exercises.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an
exercise device comprises a rigid grasping member of substantially
triangular configuration, a first grasping member with an
adjustable handle, first means for resiliently coupling the rigid
grasping member to the first grasping member, a second grasping
member with an adjustable handle, and second means for resiliently
coupling the rigid grasping member to the second grasping member.
The first and second resilient coupling means are adapted for use
in resistive type exercises.
[0009] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, an
exercise device comprises at least one grasping member with an
adjustable handle, at least one adjustable loop-shaped grasping
member, and means for resiliently coupling the adjustable-handle
grasping member to the adjustable loop-shaped grasping member. The
resilient coupling means is adapted for use in resistive type
exercises.
[0010] These and other aspects of the invention will become
apparent from a review of the accompanying drawings and the
following detailed description of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention is generally shown by way of reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exercise device
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side perspective view of a grasping
member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side perspective view of another
grasping member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side perspective view of yet another
grasping member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an enlarged side perspective view of a coupling
arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of an exercise device
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an exercise device in a
disassembled state according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an exercise device in
a disassembled state according to another exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of an exercise device
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side perspective view of an
alternative grasping member according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 11 is an enlarged side perspective view of another
alternative grasping member according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary
embodiments and is not intended to represent the only forms in
which the exemplary embodiments may be constructed and/or utilized.
The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps
for constructing and operating the exemplary embodiments in
connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be
understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may
be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to
be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0024] Some embodiments of the invention will be described in
detail with reference to the related drawings of FIGS. 1-11.
Additional embodiments, features and/or advantages of the invention
will become apparent from the ensuing description or may be learned
by practicing the invention. In the figures, the drawings are not
to scale with like numerals referring to like features throughout
both the drawings and the description.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exercise device 10
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Exercise device 10 includes grasping members 12, 14 and 16 and
resilient interconnecting members 18. Grasping members 12, 14 and
16 are configured to allow a user to grasp the same with their
hands, feet, or other body part(s) such that when the device is
used for exercise resilient interconnecting members 18 provide
resistance to enhance exercise activity. Exercise device 10 is
designed to allow a user to exercise different muscle groups and
body parts, as desired.
[0026] Grasping member 12 is of a generally triangular shape, as
generally shown in FIG. 1. Grasping member 12 may be used as a
handle by the user in various exercises. Grasping member 12 may be
adapted for use as a collar or neckpiece in various exercises.
[0027] Grasping member 14 is adapted to encircle a user's foot,
i.e. it can be used as a foot holder. Grasping member 14 is
adjustable for use by users of various height and/or with different
body parts of the user. Grasping member 14 is generally
loop-shaped, as generally shown in FIG. 1. Grasping member 14 may
be adjusted to fit the needs of the user via an integral
hook-and-loop type fastener 26 (FIG. 1), which may be made, for
example, from Velcro.TM. brand tape. Other fastener types may be
utilized, as desired. With fastener 26, grasping member 14 may be
adjustable such that it may be utilized by users of different
height and/or build, for different body parts, and may be adapted
to couple to other devices, as desired.
[0028] Grasping member 16 is provided with a handle for easy grasp
by the user. Grasping member 16 may also be used as a foot holder,
if so desired by the user. Other designs and/or configurations may
be utilized, as desired, provided such other designs and/or
configurations do not depart from the intended purpose of the
present invention.
[0029] Resilient interconnecting member 18 is provided with a
coupling structure 20 at each end configured to couple to a
corresponding coupling structure 22 provided on each of the
grasping members (12, 14, 16), and/or other structures, as
generally shown in FIG. 1. In this manner, one or more resilient
interconnecting members may be connected between grasping members
and other structures such that the resistance is increased to
simulate increased weight and thereby make the entire device
configurable for different strengths and needs of a user.
Resistance may also be varied by adjusting the length of resilient
interconnecting member(s) 18 being used. Resilient interconnecting
member 18 is connected between grasping members, but may be
connected to other structures such as a wall, bench, or other
exercise equipment to allow the user to exercise, as desired.
[0030] In one embodiment, coupling structure 22 is a plastic loop
or ring of a generally D-shaped or O-shaped configuration, while
coupling structure 20 is a clip adapted to engage the loop or ring
provided as coupling structure 22. Other configurations for
coupling structures 20, 22 are possible, as needed. With this
configuration, grasping members and resilient interconnecting
members may be easily and quickly attached and detached, as desired
by the user.
[0031] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side perspective view of grasping
member 12 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. Grasping member 12 includes a rigid hollow base 30,
grips 32, strap 34, and coupling structure 22. Base 30 may be made
of metal, hard plastic, or other material, as desired. Base 30 is
of a generally triangular configuration allowing the user to grasp
different portions of grasping member 12, i.e. to be able to do
different exercises, as desired. Grips 32 may be made of recycled
rubber, foam, or other suitable padding material. Grips 32 make it
easier for the user to take hold of grasping member 12, and may be
made of soft padding material to make grasping member 12 more
comfortable and easy to use. Strap 34 extends through hollow base
30 with its free ends being attached to resilient interconnecting
members 18 via coupling structures 20 and 22. Specifically, the
free ends of strap 34 may be sewn together over ring-shaped
coupling structure 22 which would engage clip-like coupling
structure 20, as generally shown in FIG. 2. A person skilled in the
art would readily appreciate that other coupling arrangements may
be utilized, as needed.
[0032] With this configuration, strap 34 may be replaced after it
has worn out, ripped, or torn, thus making the device
interchangeable and less expensive to maintain and upgrade. This
configuration may also equalize the amount and direction of force
imparted upon gripping member 12 and resilient interconnecting
members 18 by the user. This configuration may also make the device
less rigid and enhance exercise activity, and stabilize the device.
Strap 34 may be made from a nylon-type or other material, such as
the type used for backpacks, climbing gear, and the like. However,
it will be appreciated that other materials may be utilized, as
desired. Resilient interconnecting members 18 may be made from an
elastomeric material such as a bungee-type cord, rubber, plastic,
or other material that would provide resistance for the device.
However, other materials and configurations may be utilized, as
desired.
[0033] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side perspective view of grasping
member 14 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. Grasping member 14 is made from a strap-like material
and includes an adjustable hook-and-loop fastener 26. Adjustable
hook-and-loop fastener 26 may be made, for example, from Velcro.TM.
brand tape. Fastener 26 is attached to one side of the strap like
material and looped at one end, as generally shown in FIG. 3. The
looped end is coupled to the other end of the strap via a metal or
plastic ring (FIG. 3). The ring is attached to a first end of
strap-like grasping member 14 which, in turn, is attached to
ring-shaped coupling structure 22. Coupling structure 22 is adapted
to engage clip-like coupling structure 20 (FIG. 3). Other fastening
and/or coupling arrangements may be used, as needed. Coupling
structures 20 and 22 may be made of hard plastic, such as materials
used in mountain climbing, backpacking gear, and the like, however,
other materials may be utilized, as desired. Other coupling
arrangements may be used, as needed.
[0034] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side perspective view of grasping
member 16 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. Grasping member 16 includes a strap 36 and a hollow
handle 38. Strap 36 is coupled to resilient interconnecting member
18 via coupling structures 22, 20, e.g. via a sewn hem, or such
that strap 36 is sewn to itself with a portion being connected to
coupling structure 22. Strap 36 extends through handle 38 with
hollow handle 38 being adapted to move over and around strap 36.
Thus, the location of handle 38 on strap 36 is easily adjustable by
the user, as needed. This configuration may allow for the amount
and direction of force to be stabilized such that the exercise of
the user is enhanced and stabilized. Handle 38 may be made of metal
or hard plastic with a soft foam covering to provide easy grip
capability. It will be appreciated, that other materials and
configurations may be utilized, as desired.
[0035] FIG. 5 is an enlarged side perspective view of a coupling
arrangement (20, 22) according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. Specifically, two resilient interconnecting
members 18 are coupled to grasping member 12. Coupling structure 22
may be made as a hard plastic ring, however, other materials may be
utilized, as desired. Coupling structure 22 is coupled to strap 34
via a hem in strap 34, however other configurations may be
utilized, as desired. It will be appreciated that with this modular
design, one or more resilient interconnecting members 18 may be
coupled to grasping member 12 or to any other grasping member
combination to vary the amount of resistance, as desired by the
user. With this configuration, increasing the number of resilient
interconnecting members would generally increase the amount of
resistance available for the exercise. Furthermore, resilient
interconnecting members may be configured with varying amounts of
resistance to allow exercise device 10 to be more versatile.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of exercise device 10
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
In this configuration, exercise device 10 includes grasping member
12 being operatively coupled to two grasping members 16 via
resilient interconnecting members 18. This configuration generally
illustrates the compact design of exercise device 10, which may be
useful for packaging, shipping, storage, display etc. For example,
this compact design may reduce the amount of shelf space needed by
retailers to show or display the device. It will be appreciated
that any number of resilient interconnecting members 18 and
grasping members 12, 14 and/or 16 may be utilized depending on the
particular exercise and/or the preferences of the user.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of exercise device 10 in a
disassembled state according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. In this configuration, exercise device 10
includes grasping member 12 and two grasping members 16. It will be
appreciated that grasping member 16 may be designed and configured
such that one or more grasping members 16 may fit inside grasping
member 12, as generally depicted in FIG. 8, to reduce the overall
device size in regard to packaging, shipping, storage, display etc.
Furthermore, the overall size of grasping member 12 may be adjusted
for use as a collar or neckpiece by the user in various exercises.
Each grasping member includes integral coupling structure 22, as
generally depicted in FIG. 7. This relatively compact configuration
may make it easier for a user to take the exercise device during
travel, or to keep it stored in his/her vehicle, such that it may
be easily set up for use anywhere.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of exercise device 10
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
In this configuration, exercise device 10 includes grasping member
14 being operatively coupled to grasping member 16 via resilient
interconnecting member 18. With this configuration a user may
couple grasping member 14 to his/her ankle or foot and utilize
grasping member 16 with his/her hand(s) to exercise different
muscles or muscle groups, as desired. It will be appreciated that
other configurations may be utilized, as desired.
[0039] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side perspective view of an
alternative configuration for grasping member 16 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this
configuration, an adjustable handle of grasping member 16 is
provided with a cushioning structure 17 having a non-uniform
configuration that may enhance the grip and comfort of the user, as
well as enhance the safety of the exercise device. Grasping member
16 is also provided with coupling structure 22 which may be of a
generally O-shaped configuration. This configuration may enhance
the comfort, safety and operation of the exercise device.
[0040] FIG. 11 is an enlarged side perspective view of an
alternative configuration for grasping member 14 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this
configuration, grasping member 14 is provided with a cushioning
structure 27 that may enhance the grip and comfort of the user, as
well as enhance the safety of the exercise device.
[0041] Exercise device 10 is portable, simple to use and relatively
inexpensive to produce as compared to other exercise devices.
Exercise device 10 is relatively compact, i.e. it will take up a
relatively small space when packaged, shipped, stored and
displayed, as well as during traveling.
[0042] It is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments
described hereinabove and generally shown in reference to the
attached figures, are illustrative of the general principles of the
present invention. Other modifications within the scope of the
invention may be employed, as needed. For example, each grasping
member may be resiliently coupled to another or to two or more
grasping members in a variety of ways, i.e. not just via resilient
interconnecting member(s) 18. Thus, by way of example, but not of
limitation, alternative configurations may be utilized in
accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the drawings and
description are illustrative and not meant to be a limitation
thereof.
[0043] Moreover, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest
possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the
terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as
referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive
manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or
steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements,
components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Thus, it is
intended that the invention cover all embodiments and variations
thereof as long as such embodiments and variations come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *