U.S. patent application number 10/781473 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-18 for portable, intussusceptible exercise apparatus for stretching and kicking.
Invention is credited to Calcagni, Chris, Radkowski, John.
Application Number | 20050181914 10/781473 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34838749 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050181914 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Radkowski, John ; et
al. |
August 18, 2005 |
Portable, intussusceptible exercise apparatus for stretching and
kicking
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an exercise apparatus for
kicking and stretching. The apparatus includes an elongate support
member having opposed upper and lower free extents with a
longitudinal body interposed therebetween and through which
longitudinal axis passes. The body comprises one or more
intussuceptible portions that are reciprocatingly slidable relative
to one another and further relative to a lower body portion for
height adjustment of said apparatus. The support member also
includes a truss member disposed proximate the lower free extent of
the body and having two or more legs to stabilize the support
member in an upright position along the longitudinal axis. The legs
are joined to a reciprocatingly slidable leg connector for
retraction of the legs toward the longitudinal axis. A cross member
is supported at the upper free extent of the support member and in
normal relation therewith. The cross member is disposed in
generally a cantilever fashion so as to prevent rotation thereof,
and includes a limb support portion protruding from a top surface
thereof. The apparatus desirably includes one or more clamping
members along the body where each intussusceptible portion accepts
an adjacent intussusceptible portion therewithin. Each clamping
member includes means for frictional engagement of an adjacent
intussusceptible portion.
Inventors: |
Radkowski, John; (Bethlehem,
PA) ; Calcagni, Chris; (Emmaus, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kelly A. Merkel
100 Dudley Street, Apt. 2343
Jersey City
NJ
07302
US
|
Family ID: |
34838749 |
Appl. No.: |
10/781473 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/83 ;
482/907 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/09 20130101;
A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 2023/006 20130101; A63B 69/004
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/083 ;
482/907 |
International
Class: |
A63B 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise apparatus for kicking and stretching, comprising: an
elongate support member having opposed upper and lower free extents
with a longitudinal body interposed therebetween and through which
longitudinal axis passes, said body comprising one or more
intussusceptible portions that are reciprocatingly slidable
relative to one another and further relative to a lower body
portion of said body for height adjustment of said apparatus; said
support member including a truss member disposed proximate said
lower extent of said body and having two or more legs to stabilize
said support member in an upright position along said longitudinal
axis; a cross member supported at said upper free extent of said
support member and in normal relation therewith, said cross member
being disposed in generally a cantilever fashion so as to prevent
rotation thereof; said cross member including a limb support
portion protruding from a top surface thereof and having a
curvature to support a user's limb thereon.
2. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further including at
least one clamping member along said body where each said
intussusceptible portion accepts an adjacent intussusceptible
portion therewithin, wherein said clamping member includes means
for frictional engagement of an adjacent intussusceptible
portion.
3. An exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said means
for frictional engagement comprises a rotatable handle including a
stem that frictionally engages a corresponding intussusceptible
portion upon rotation thereof and relieves engagement with said
intussusceptible portion upon opposite rotation thereof.
4. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said legs
are joined to a leg connector that is reciprocatingly slidable with
respect to said lower body portion so as to retract said legs
toward longitudinal axis and thereby collapse said apparatus.
5. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said limb
support portion is integral with said cross member.
6. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said limb
support portion is integral with a cross bar clamp that fastens
said cross member to said support member.
7. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said limb
support portion is slidable along a longitudinal extent of said
cross member so as to provide multiple locations for limb support
and stretching.
8. An exercise device according to claim 1, wherein said cross
member includes one or more releasably lockable telescoping members
that are reciprocatingly slidable relative to one another.
9. An exercise device according to claim 8, further including at
least one clamping member for releasably locking said telescoping
members.
10. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one or more
of said lower body portion, said intussusceptible portions, said
cross member and said telescoping members may includes one or more
of visual and tactile indicia.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to a stretching and
kicking apparatus useful for practitioners of martial arts,
kickboxing, aerobics, dance and other activities that require
enhanced balance, leg strength and kicking capabilities. In
particular, the present invention is directed to a portable and
adjustable training device that easily adjusts for a particular
user's skill level and physical dimensions and also prevents injury
by providing a stretching implement therewith.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is well documented that a sedentary lifestyle is a major
risk factor for diseases that kill Americans and lower their
quality of life. The health risk posed by physical inactivity
almost equals that of cigarette smoking, high blood pressure and
elevated cholesterol. Moderate daily physical activity can reduce
substantially the risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular
disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, such as colon cancer.
Daily physical activity also helps to lower blood pressure and
cholesterol, prevent or retard osteoporosis, reduce obesity and
obesity-related ailments, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
and alleviate symptoms of arthritis (see Physical Activity and
Health, 1996; Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and
Obesity, 2001, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the
Office of the Surgeon General; and Healthy People 2010, 2001, the
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion). It is therefore
no surprise that sales of fitness supplies and equipment has
escalated along with public consciousness of the benefits of
physical training.
[0003] An inherent risk in any exercise regimen, particularly for
exercise novices, is the risk of injury. Injury can lead to a
decreased range of motion or flexibility such that if a muscle or
tendon is torn or overstretched, it may be too painful to complete
the normal motion of that body part. Stretching the muscles enables
the elasticity of the yofilaments to increase until their end-point
is greater than it would have been without stretching. Over time,
the ability to stretch increases, thereby enabling further joint
extension without muscle or tendon tears. Stretching and
flexibility are therefore integral components of injury prevention,
muscle recovery and increased mobility for exercise
enthusiasts.
[0004] When attempting to increase physical activity, many
individuals encounter obstacles that impede training and ultimately
dissuade further development of physical endurance and skill. Among
the most prominent problems are the lack of access to convenient
facilities and the need for a safe environment in which to be
active. Many people reside in confined spaces that do not
accommodate a lot of exercise equipment machines or else reside in
areas where access to fitness facilities is limited or nonexistent.
Also, although some municipalities provide parks and playgrounds
with plentiful exercise space, such areas may not be proximate an
individual residence and may present a safety hazard, particularly
during evening and early morning hours when many people have the
time to exercise outside of work. In addition, many people do not
have the resources to purchase large exercise equipment, or they
may not have the training to use such equipment although they have
the desire to remain active. All of these deficiencies increase the
likelihood that active individuals will overlook the importance of
stretching and proper technique, thereby leading to increased
injury rates and decreases in range of motion.
[0005] Several attempts have been made to provide compact exercise
equipment that overcomes the above-cited problems. For example,
related U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,997,451, 6,270,448 and 6,595,906 together
disclose various embodiments of a leg stretch exercising device. In
a preferred embodiment, the device includes a main support member
having first and second end portions wherein the second end mounts
upon a support surface such as a floor. The main support member
further includes selectively positionable leg support members that
engage corresponding mounting embers. A user can engage one or more
of the leg support members with corresponding mounting members and
stretch each leg on the leg support members as desired. Multiple
handle members may also be provided that are selectively
positionable and provide gripping surfaces for each of the user's
hands, thereby increasing the user's stretching opportunities.
[0006] UK Patent Application No. 2,268,416 discloses an exercise
apparatus having an elongate tubular support upon which a
telescoping tube is rotatably mounted for rotation in a vertical
plane. A support surface includes a socket to which the tubular
support is mounted. The tubular support includes a locking
telescoping member to which the telescoping tube is rotatably
fastened. The telescoping tube is supported in cantilever fashion
on the end of a bolt and is capable of rotating through 360.degree.
in a vertical plane. In use, the user lowers one free end of the
telescoping tube and places a foot thereon. The user raises the
foot by gripping the opposing extent of the telescoping tube and
rotating the telescoping tube with the foot thereon. If the user
exerts excessive downward force on the tube, the elongate support
collapses so as to prevent the user from overextending the leg
muscle.
[0007] Although these devices address the need for proper
stretching, none of them provides multiple functions for stretching
and physical activity. In particular, none of the aforementioned
devices trains kicking techniques so as to develop the leg
strength, balance and accuracy that enhances overall physical
endurance. Improved strength and balance further prevent injury
during daily activities and improved accuracy enhances confidence
and mental concentration. Also, these devices have limited
portability so as to impede their use on a daily basis and thereby
obviate any beneficial effect the devices may provide to the
user.
[0008] It is therefore desirable to provide a stretching and
kicking training apparatus having a compact and readily portable
configuration. Such an apparatus is also desirably adjustable for
adults, teens and children of various skill levels that engage in
multiple physical activities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a
transportable and intussusceptible exercise apparatus for
stretching and kicking.
[0010] It is also an advantage of the present invention to readily
adjust such exercise apparatus according to an individual users
physical dimensions, skill level and range of motion.
[0011] It is another advantage of the present invention to provide
indicia on such an exercise apparatus to provide affirmative
reinforcement of the user's progress.
[0012] In accordance with these and other advantages, the present
invention provides an exercise apparatus for kicking and
stretching. The apparatus includes an elongate support member
having opposed upper and lower free extents with a longitudinal
body interposed therebetween and through which longitudinal axis
passes. The body comprises one or more intussusceptible portions
that are reciprocatingly slidable relative to one another and
further relative to a lower body portion for height adjustment of
the apparatus. The support member also includes a truss member
disposed proximate the lower extent of the body and has two or more
legs to stabilize the support member in an upright position along
the longitudinal axis.
[0013] The upper free extent of the support member supports a cross
member thereon and in normal relation therewith. The cross member,
which is disposed in generally a cantilever fashion so as to
prevent rotation thereof, includes a limb support portion
protruding from a top surface thereof and having a curvature to
support a user's limb thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the cross
member includes one or more releasably lockable telescoping members
that are reciprocatingly slidable relative to one another.
[0014] The exercise apparatus of the present invention may also
include at least one clamping member along the body that includes
means for frictional engagement of adjacent intussusceptible
portions. Such frictional engagement means may comprise a rotatable
handle that frictionally engages a corresponding intussusceptible
portion upon rotation thereof and relieves engagement with the
intussusceptible portion upon opposite rotation thereof.
[0015] Various other advantages and features of the present
invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed
description, and the inventive features will be particularly
evident from the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the portable,
intussuceptible exercise apparatus of the present invention in an
operative configuration.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus of
FIG. 1 in a collapsed state suitable for transport.
[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of section 3 of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a clamping member of the
exercise apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a cross member of the exercise
apparatus of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The portable and intussusceptible exercise apparatus of the
present invention and preferred embodiments thereof are described
with reference to the figures, wherein like reference numerals
identify like elements.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, exercise apparatus 10 comprises
an elongate support member 12 having opposed upper and lower free
extents 12a and 12b, respectively, with a longitudinal body 14
interposed therebetween and through which longitudinal axis 1
passes. Body 14 comprises intussusceptible portions 16 that are
reciprocatingly slidable relative to one another and further
relative to lower body portion 17 for height adjustment of
apparatus 10. The number of intussusceptible portions 16 is not
limited to that shown, and the length of each portion may be
uniform or may vary in accordance with the age, physical
dimensions, skill level and training goals of particular users (for
instance, shorter portions may be required for children and longer
portions may be required for martial arts practitioners).
Intussusceptible portions 16 may be fabricated from metal, plastic
or any other material amenable to successful practice of the
present invention, although a lightweight material is
preferred.
[0023] Support member 12 desirably includes a truss member 18
disposed proximate lower free extent 12b. Truss member includes two
or more legs 20 that stabilize support member 12 in an upright
position along longitudinal axis 1. Legs 20 are joined to leg
connector 22 that is reciprocatingly slidable with respect to lower
body portion 17 so as to retract legs 20 toward longitudinal axis 1
upon collapse of apparatus 10 (as shown in FIG. 3 and described
hereinbelow). Truss member 18 may be any appropriate support device
that enables collapse and transport of exercise apparatus 10. Such
support devices are well known in the art.
[0024] Referring further to FIGS. 1 and 4, one or more clamping
members 30 are provided along portions of body 14 where each
intussusceptible portion 16 accepts an adjacent intussusceptible
portion 16 therewithin. Each clamp member 30 desirably includes
means for frictional engagement of an adjacent intussuceptible
portion, such as rotatable handle 32 shown in FIG. 4. Each handle
32 includes a stem 34 that frictionally engages a corresponding
intussusceptible portion 16 upon rotation of handle 32. Upon
elongation of body 14 via sliding movement of portions 16, the user
rotates each handle 32 to ensure that apparatus 10 remains at the
desired height. Should the user desire to adjust the height during
a training session, the user easily rotates handle 32 in the
opposite direction to relieve engagement with the intussuceptible
portions, raises or lowers such members accordingly and again turns
handle 32 to retain apparatus 10 at the adjusted height.
[0025] Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, support member 12 supports a
cross member 40 at upper free extent 12a in normal relation
therewith. Cross member 40 is disposed in generally a cantilever
fashion so as to prevent rotation thereof. Cross member 40 includes
a limb support portion 42 protruding from a top surface thereof and
having a curvature 42a to support a user's extremity thereon (for
instance, a foot, leg or hand). Limb support portion 42 may be
integral with cross member 40 or may be integrated with a cross bar
clamp 44 that fastens cross bar 40 to support portion 12. In the
alternative, limb support portion 42 may be slidable along a
longitudinal extent x of cross member 40 so as to provide multiple
locations for limb support and stretching. Cross member 40 may
further include one or more telescoping members 45 in releasably
locking formation relative to cross member 40. Telescoping members
45 of cross member 40 are reciprocatingly slidable relative to one
another and may be locked at desired locations via clamp members
similar to clamp members 30 described hereinabove. As a user
improves his or her range of motion, the user can gradually extend
such telescoping members and thereby enhance training by increasing
the span over which the user's kick must clear apparatus 10.
[0026] One or more of lower body portion 14, intussusceptible
portions 16, cross member 40 and its telescoping members may
include visual and/or tactile indicia denoting the height and span
of apparatus 10 as appropriate. Such indicia may include actual
height and length measurements or may include any desired code that
indicates level of performance. The provision of indicia is
particularly beneficial as affirmative reinforcement of the user's
improved skill, balance and endurance, thereby encouraging further
training of proper stretching and kicking techniques.
[0027] In use, a user can transport exercise apparatus 10 between
locations in the collapsed configuration shown in FIG. 2. In this
configuration, members 16 and members 45 are retracted to reduce
the overall height and span of apparatus 10. During set-up of the
apparatus, the user sets apparatus 10 upon a support surface such
as a floor and extends legs 20 of truss member 18 outward away from
longitudinal axis 1 . Extension of legs 20 causes leg connector 22
to reciprocatingly slide along lower body portion 14 toward lower
free extent 12b. One or more support connectors 50 may be provided
that include a locking mechanism to ensure that legs 20 remain
extended during use.
[0028] After placement of apparatus 10 on a support surface, the
user slides intussusceptible portions 16 upward, thereby raising
cross member 40 to the desired height. If the user needs the adjust
the height of apparatus 10 any time during the training session,
the user easily rotates handles 32 to release intussusceptible
portions 16 from engagement therewith. If cross member 40 includes
telescoping members, the user also adjusts such telescoping members
to obtain the desired cross member span. Also, if limb support
portion 42 is slidable, the user can adjust the position of limb
support portion 42 to achieve deeper stretches at various angles.
The user may employ indicia to determine the desired height and
span of apparatus 10 and adjust apparatus 10 in view of the user's
relative performance during prior training sessions.
[0029] Once apparatus 10 has been adjusted for height and span, the
user can elect to begin stretching or kicking exercises. For
stretching, the user places a foot or leg on limb support portion
42 and stretches accordingly. The user may alternatively place a
hand on limb support portion for support during stretching of the
legs and torso. As the user improves the extent of the stretch, the
user can elevate body 14 and/or slide limb support portion 42 along
cross member 40 to attain more challenging stretch positions. For
kicking, the user selects the desired height and span around which
the user wishes the kick to clear. For beginners, body 14 may
remain at a low height to train balance and leg strength and to
also accommodate the user's sense of body position. As the user's
techniques improve, the user can adjust the height of body 14 to
attain higher kicks and coordinate height with range of motion by
also elongating cross member 40. Such training advantageously
enhances muscle memory and increasingly focuses the user's
attention to the power of the kick rather than the propriety of the
technique.
[0030] The present invention therefore promotes the development of
proper stretching and kicking techniques that enhance flexibility
and helps users to avoid injury. The exercise apparatus of the
present invention is an easily transportable and adjustable
training tool that is appropriate for individuals of any age and
activity level. This apparatus is easily transported among
residential, commercial, educational and other installations
without the need for installation and without impinging upon space
constraints. The simple construction of the apparatus not only
makes the device suitable for all types of users, but also reduces
the temporal, material and labor costs associated with
manufacturing. This device is therefore an affordable alternative
to large exercise equipment having fewer beneficial features.
[0031] Various changes to the foregoing described and shown
structures are now evident to those skilled in the art. The matter
set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is
therefore offered by way of illustration only and not as a
limitation. Accordingly, the particularly disclosed scope of the
invention is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *