U.S. patent application number 10/613965 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-19 for encased resistance cable portable exercise apparatus.
Invention is credited to Monda, Alan Jay.
Application Number | 20050107226 10/613965 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34573102 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050107226 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Monda, Alan Jay |
May 19, 2005 |
Encased resistance cable portable exercise apparatus
Abstract
An exercising apparatus includes a platform adaptable to permit
standing, sitting, supine and step-up exercises, and a means for
generating a resistance force to enable an individual to employ
isometric exercise of the major muscle groups while supported at
least in part on the platform. An exercise apparatus includes a
platform and one or more guide members running along the bottom of
the platform, from one side to the opposite side of said platform,
one or more resistance cables, each inserted through a different
guide member. Cables can be provided with connectors attached to
cable ends. User interface members can be attached to connectors.
Resistance cables may each have a different resistance
strength.
Inventors: |
Monda, Alan Jay; (Vancouver,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Alan Jay Monda
3210 V Street
Vancouver
WA
98663
US
|
Family ID: |
34573102 |
Appl. No.: |
10/613965 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/121 ;
482/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/04 20130101;
A63B 2208/0228 20130101; A63B 2208/0214 20130101; A63B 2208/0223
20130101; A63B 23/0458 20130101; A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B
2071/027 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 2208/0252 20130101;
A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 2208/0204 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/121 ;
482/126 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/02 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a platform, having a top,
bottom, and sides, wherein the platform is adapted to be
substantially vertically and horizontally positionable, and wherein
the top is a substantially flat support surface; and a sleeved
means for generating a resistance force for exercising muscle
groups of the body of a user.
2. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a platform, having a top,
bottom, and sides, wherein the platform is adapted to be
substantially vertically and horizontally positionable, and wherein
the top is a substantially flat support surface; at least one guide
member, each guide member having a first end and a second end,
attached to the platform and running along the bottom of the
platform, from one side to the opposite side of said platform; and
at least one resistance cable, each resistance cable trained
through a different guide member, and each resistance cable having
a first cable end and a second cable end.
3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a
plurality of first and second connectors, wherein each first
connector and each second connector is attached to a different
first and second cable end, respectively.
4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a
plurality of first and second user interface members, wherein each
first interface member and each second interface member is attached
to a different first and second cable end, respectively.
5. The exercise apparatus of claims 2-4, wherein each resistance
cable has a different resistance strength.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to exercise equipment. More
particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise
apparatus for carrying out a number of exercises to strengthen and
condition the major muscle groups in the body.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cardiovascular and isometric exercise is required to
maintain a healthy physical and mental wellness. In this regard,
many forms of exercise equipment have been designed to achieve good
health. For example, known exercise apparatuses employ weights to
be lifted through a range of motion for exercising specific muscles
of the body. Other known apparatuses utilize friction mechanisms to
generate a resistance proportion to relative movement of certain
components of the exercising device. Another form of exercise
equipment uses springs, rubber bands, surgical tubing or bungee
cables to produce elastic resistance to movement in a particular
direction.
[0003] Multiple-exercise apparatuses conveniently allow individuals
to engage in both aerobic and anaerobic exercise for overall toning
and strengthening of every major muscle group. In particular, the
resistance-platform apparatuses are particularly well suited for
providing both aerobic and anaerobic exercise because these types
of exercise apparatuses provide both an isometric strengthening, as
well as cardiovascular training. For example, an individual is free
to use a heavy resistance to isolate and strengthen a particular
muscle group and/or achieve a cardiovascular workout by using light
resistance at higher repetitions and switching from one muscle
group to the next in a series of different exercises.
[0004] The following represents a list of known related art:
1 Reference: Issued to: Date of Issue: 5,792,034 Kozlovsky Aug. 11,
1998 5,529,562 Glaser Jun. 25, 1996 5,484,368 Chang Jan. 16, 1996
5,261,864 Fitzpatrick Nov. 16, 1993 4,645,204 Berger Feb. 24, 1987
4,376,533 Kolbel Mar. 15, 1983 4,195,835 Hinds et al. Apr. 1, 1980
2,025,010 Rawlings Mar. 24, 1936 1,610,324 Roche et al. Dec. 14,
1926 Des. 348,707 Cordell Jul. 12, 1994
[0005] The teachings of each of the above-listed citations (which
does not itself incorporate essential material by reference) are
herein incorporated by reference. None of the above inventions and
patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to
describe the instant invention as claimed.
SUMMARY AND ADVANTAGES
[0006] The exercise apparatus of the present invention is adaptable
to permit standing, sitting, supine and step-up exercises, and
generates resistance force to enable an individual to employ
isometric exercise of the major muscle groups while supported at
least in part on the platform. The exercise apparatus includes a
platform adapted to be substantially vertically and horizontally
positionable, one or more guide members running along the bottom of
the platform, from one side to the opposite side of said platform,
one or more resistance cables, each inserted through a different
guide member. Connectors can be attached to cable ends. User
interface members can be attached to connectors. Resistance cables
may each have a different resistance strength. Floor-engaging
pedestals can be provided to attach to the bottom of thee platform
to elevate the support surface for step-up exercises.
[0007] The apparatus allows a user to do squat exercises safely,
without a spotter. The apparatus allows the user to control
resistance on cable ends to perform one leg exercises and one arm
exercises. The apparatus allows the flexibility to incorporate add
on features. The apparatus allows the user to perform multiple
cardio exercises. The apparatus may be mounted on a solid structure
for use with cable pulley system or bracketed on bottom for
adaptation to wheelchair use. The apparatus is compact and
lightweight for portability. Apparatus allows user to perform
cardiovascular exercises such as cardio resistance stepping, cardio
resistance rowing, and cardio resistance stationary jogging.
Apparatus allows user to target specific muscle groups such as the
gluts (the rear end), the abdominals, legs, including calves,
thighs, and hams, arms, including forearms, biceps, and triceps,
the pectorals, the shoulders, and the back.
[0008] Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious
from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The advantages of the invention may be realized and
attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Further benefits
and advantages of the embodiments of the invention will become
apparent from consideration of the following detailed description
given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which specify
and show preferred embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more
embodiments of the present invention and, together with the
detailed description, serve to explain the principles and
implementations of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention flipped
over.
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a view of the embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a view of the embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0014] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 shows and embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Before beginning a detailed description of the subject
invention, mention of the following is in order. When appropriate,
like reference materials and characters are used to designate
identical, corresponding, or similar components in differing figure
drawings. The figure drawings associated with this disclosure
typically are not drawn with dimensional accuracy to scale, i.e.,
such drawings have been drafted with a focus on clarity of viewing
and understanding rather than dimensional accuracy.
[0018] In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features
of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It
will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such
actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions
must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals,
such as compliance with application- and business-related
constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one
implementation to another and from one developer to another.
Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort
might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a
routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in
the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, an exercise apparatus 10 is provided.
Exercise apparatus 10 includes a platform 20 and one or more
resistance cables 30 through guide members 40 as a means for
generating a resistance force. Connectors 52 can be attached to
cable ends. User interface members 54, 56 can be attached to
connectors. Resistance cables may each have a different resistance
strength. Floor-engaging pedestals 24 can be provided to attach to
the bottom of the platform to elevate the support surface for
step-up exercises.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, the platform 20 has a top, bottom, and
sides, and is shaped and constructed from plastics injection
molding or other materials recognized by one of ordinary skill for
supporting the human body during exercise. Platform is adapted to
be substantially vertically and horizontally positionable. Platform
is sufficiently lightweight and portable in design to permit easy
handling. Top of platform 20 establishes a support surface 22. The
support surface 22 provides a stable surface for the individual to
engage in exercise from a standing, sitting, kneeling, squatting,
or supine position. Preferably, the platform 20 is slightly curved
on the sides where the cables 30 and guide members 40 come up to
allow a smoother ride for the resistance cable 30 versus a 90
degree which tends to pinch. Those skilled in the art will know
that the platform 20 can come in different sizes and shapes.
[0021] Pedestals 24 form the bottom portion of the platform 20. The
pedestals 24 engage the floor and elevate the support surface 22.
An individual may step on and off the support surface 22 as a
variation or cardiovascular addition to the workout. Additional
spacer blocks (not shown) can be fitted under the pedestals to
further increase the platform height. Spacer blocks can add height
and steps thereby increasing the cardiovascular element of the
workouts.
[0022] In addition, risers 26 positioned atop the support surface
22, increase the height of the platform 20. Essentially, an
individual may use a step from the floor to the support surface 22
and a second step from the support surface 22 to the risers 26.
When the apparatus 10 is positioned vertically for
sitting-exercises, abutting the sides of the feet against the
risers 26 stabilizes the apparatus 10. In an alternative
embodiment, 26 risers can be moved and positioned at either end of
the platform 20, extending the length of the platform 20 to allow a
user performing exercises laying down or sitting down to have a
greater expanse to position the user upon.
[0023] The platform 20 may further include a handle 28 for easy
carrying and wheels for rollably supporting at least a portion of
the platform 20, a hinge to allow the apparatus to be folded up,
and hardware attached to the platform 20 to secure the cables 30
when they are not in use. In an alternative embodiment, platform 20
can be the seat of a chair.
[0024] One or more guide members 40 run along the bottom of the
platform 20, from one side to the opposite side of said platform.
Guide members 40, each having a first end and a second end, can be
made of rubber, steel, plastic, or other material known to those
skilled in the art suitable for allowing a resistance cable 30 to
freely traverse through the length of the guide member 40. Guide
members 40 can be attached to platform by glue, bonding, mounts,
and other suitable methods for attachment known to those skilled in
the art. In an alternative embodiment, platform can be provided
with tubes or cavities running through the body of the platform
from sidewall to opposite sidewall, acting as guide members 40 for
the cables 30.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, one or more resistance cables 30
provide means to generate a resistance force. The resistance cables
30, each having a first cable end and a second cable end, are
substantially inextensible in order to provide an isometric
resistance to the muscle groups when the cables 30 are subjected to
a stretching force. The resistance cables 30 can be bungee cables,
surgical rubber tubing, rubber bands or similar materials
recognized by one of ordinary skill that have substantial tensile
strength with the tendency or ability to return to their original
length upon cessation of the stretching force. The resistance
cables 30 may have different degrees of resistance, allowing an
individual to exercise at both light resistances and heavy
resistances. In addition, a plurality of resistance cables 30 may
be combined or included to have multiple strands associated with
one another to increase the degree of resistance even further.
[0026] The resistance cables 30 are slidably connected to the
platform 20 between the pedestals 24 via guide members 40 attached
to the sides and bottom of the platform 20, so that the free ends
of the cables 30 emerge from beneath the platform 20 at opposite
sides. Each cable 30 is trained through a different guide member
40. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6, and 7, the cable 30 slidably inserts
through the sleeve like guide member 40 such that that if one side
of the cable 30 is pulled harder it pulls cable 30 through the
guide member 40 from the other side. The cables 30 can be easily
interchanged at the platform. This allows user to raise the
resistance level by exchanging a higher resistance cable for a
lesser one.
[0027] Guide members 40 can be configured to have an open slit
along the bottom wall of the guide member 40, farthest from the
platform, to allow a cable 30 to be easily removed and replaced
with a different cable, with different resistance strength.
[0028] The ends of the cables 30 may be provided with connectors 52
by which the cables 30 can be attached to user interface members,
such as handgrips 54, adjustable ankle and wrist cuffs, stirrups, a
bar 56 to receive each end of the free ends of cables 30, and a
squat belt. The interface members enable a range of different
exercises to be performed. The connectors 52 include such means of
fastening known by those skilled in the art including rings and
snap rings.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7, cables 30 can be variably
trained through the guide member 40. For example, one end can be
trained through the guide member 40 so that it is substantially
longer in length than its opposing end. This is useful for working
one side of the body or purposely exercising asymmetrical muscles
for rehabilitation due to injury or trauma, for varying the
resistance in one end of a cable 30, and for providing greater
length on a cable 30 end for fuller range of workout motion.
[0030] FIGS. 5, 6, 7 illustrate various modes of operation of use
of the exercise apparatus 10. Adjustments for carrying out various
exercises can be accomplished by adjusting the training of the
cables 30 in the guide members to change the relative lengths of
the cable 30 ends. Apparatus allows user to perform cardiovascular
exercises such as cardio resistance stepping, cardio resistance
rowing, and cardio resistance stationary jogging. Apparatus allows
user to target specific muscle groups such as the gluts (the rear
end), the abdominals, legs, including calves, thighs, and hams,
arms, including forearms, biceps, and triceps, the pectorals, the
shoulders, and the back.
[0031] Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous
modifications and changes may be made to the preferred embodiment
without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. It will,
of course, be understood that modifications of the invention, in
its various aspects, will be apparent to those skilled in the art,
some being apparent only after study, others being matters of
routine mechanical, chemical and electronic design. No single
feature, function or property of the preferred embodiment is
essential. Other embodiments are possible, their specific designs
depending upon the particular application. As such, the scope of
the invention should not be limited by the particular embodiments
herein described but should be defined only by the appended claims
and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *