U.S. patent application number 11/396816 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-31 for portable exerciser.
This patent application is currently assigned to James E. Hatcher. Invention is credited to James A. Hatcher.
Application Number | 20060194679 11/396816 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36932591 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060194679 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hatcher; James A. |
August 31, 2006 |
Portable exerciser
Abstract
A portable exerciser that includes a mat having first and second
primary components that can be collapsed into a smaller
arrangement. At least one of the primary components includes at
least one exercise handle that can be used by an individual for
exercising. An adjustment mechanism is mounted to at least one of
the primary components of the mat to enable the first and second
primary components to be selectively angularly adjusted and
maintained relative to the other primary component.
Inventors: |
Hatcher; James A.;
(Cleveland, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Fay, Sharpe, Fagan;Minnich & McKee, LLP,
7th Floor
1100 Superior Avenue
Cleveland
OH
44114-2579
US
|
Assignee: |
Hatcher; James E.
|
Family ID: |
36932591 |
Appl. No.: |
11/396816 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10786654 |
Feb 25, 2004 |
|
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11396816 |
Apr 3, 2006 |
|
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60458598 |
Mar 28, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/123 ;
482/121; 482/130 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/03575 20130101;
A63B 21/00069 20130101; A63B 21/04 20130101; A63B 21/055 20130101;
A63B 2208/0228 20130101; A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 21/0442
20130101; A63B 2208/0238 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B
21/4037 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/123 ;
482/121; 482/130 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02; A63B 21/04 20060101 A63B021/04 |
Claims
1. A collapsible portable exerciser comprising a mat having first
and second primary components that can be collapsed into a smaller
arrangement, a plurality of stretchable bands that can be used by
an individual for exercising; and an adjustment mechanism mounted
to said first primary component, at least one of said plurality of
stretchable bands detachably connected to said first primary
component, said second primary component, or combinations thereof,
said second primary component including a compressible material
designed to be sat on by a user, said first primary component
including a compressible material designed to be laid against by a
user, said first and second primary components hingedly connected
together, said adjustment mechanism including first and second
generally U-shaped bar supports rotatably mounted to said first
primary component, said second generally U-shaped bar support
having a plurality of spaced apart engagement members designed to
receive a section of said first generally U-shaped bar support
wherein one of said first and second primary components can be
selectively angularly adjusted and maintained relative to the other
primary component.
2. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 1, wherein said
adjustment mechanism orients and maintains one of said first and
second primary components an angle between 0.degree. and
180.degree. relative to the other primary component.
3. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 1, wherein said
second generally U-shaped bar support having a width that is less
than a width of said first generally U-shaped bar support.
4. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 1, wherein said first
and second primary components include a plurality of stretchable
bands, at least two of the stretchable bands having different
resistances to extensibility.
5. A collapsible portable exerciser comprising a mat including
first and second primary components that are connected together and
can be collapsed into a smaller arrangement, at least one exercise
component that can be used by an individual for exercising; and an
adjustment mechanism mounted to at least one of said primary
components, said adjustment mechanism including a design to enable
said first and second primary components to be selectively
angularly adjusted in a plurality of positions and maintained
relative to one another.
6. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 5, wherein at least
one of said exercise components is detachably connected to said
first primary component, said second primary component, or
combinations thereof.
7. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 5, including a
plurality of exercise components, at least one of said exercise
components including a handle and a stretchable band, at least one
of said exercise components detachably connected to said first
primary component, said second primary component, or combinations
thereof.
8. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 5, wherein said first
primary component, said second primary component, or combinations
thereof include a compressible material designed to provide comfort
to a user positioned on said mat.
9. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 5, wherein said first
primary component and said second primary component are hingedly
connected together.
10. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 5, wherein said
adjustment mechanism includes first and second bars, at least one
of said bars connected to said first primary component, said second
primary component, or combinations thereof, said first and second
bars positionable relative to one another to enable said first and
second primary components to be selectively angularly adjusted and
maintained relative to one another.
11. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 10, wherein at least
one of said bars of said adjustment mechanism is generally
U-shaped.
12. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 11, wherein both of
said bars of said adjustment mechanism are generally U-shaped, one
of said U-shaped bars having a width that is less than a width of
the other U-shaped bar.
13. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 10, wherein at least
one of said bars includes a plurality of spaced engagement
arrangements designed to receive a portion of another bar.
14. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 5, wherein said
adjustment mechanism orients and maintains one of said first and
second primary components an angle between 0.degree. and
180.degree. relative to the other primary component.
15. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 5, including a
carrying handle connected to said first primary component, said
second primary component, or combinations thereof.
16. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 5, including a
binding arrangement to maintain said first primary component and
said second primary component in a substantially fully collapsible
position.
17. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 5, wherein at least
one of said primary components of said mat are formed of a
substantially rigid material.
18. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 5, wherein at least
one of said primary components of said mat includes a compressible
material.
19. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 5, further
comprising a heater, a massager, or combinations thereof positioned
in said mat.
20. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 5, further
comprising a magnet positioned in said mat.
21. A collapsible portable exerciser comprising a back mat having a
compressible material secured to a relatively rigid structure, said
back mat including a first stretchable band for exercising mounted
to said relatively rigid structure; a bottom mat hingedly connected
to said back mat, said bottom mat having a compressible material
secured to a relatively rigid structure, said back mat including a
second stretchable band for exercising mounted to said relatively
rigid structure; a first generally U-shaped support rotatably
mounted to said relatively rigid structure of said back mat; and a
second generally U-shaped support rotatably mounted to said
relatively rigid structure of said back mat, wherein said first
support is adjustably engageable with said second support, such
that said back mat, when rotated relative to said bottom mat, may
be fixed at a predetermined angle relative to said bottom mat.
22. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 21, wherein said
second bar support includes a plurality of spaced apart notches for
engaging a section of said first bar support.
23. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 21, wherein said
first and second stretchable bands are detachably connected to said
respective back and bottom mats, each stretchable band including a
handle detachably connected to one end of said stretchable
band.
24. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 21, wherein said
back mat includes a pair of stretchable bands mounted adjacent
opposing side surfaces of said back mat.
25. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 21, wherein said
bottom mat includes a pair of stretchable bands mounted adjacent
opposing side surfaces of said bottom mat.
26. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 21, further
comprising a hinge for connecting the back mat to the bottom
mat.
27. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 21, further
comprising a heater, a massager, or combinations thereof positioned
in said mat.
28. The portable exerciser as defined in claim 21, further
comprising a magnet positioned in said mat.
Description
[0001] The present invention is a continuation-in-part of
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/786,654 filed Feb.
25, 2004, which in turn claims priority on U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/458,598 filed Mar. 28, 2003, both of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The present invention pertains to the art of exercising
equipment and more particularly to a portable unit which can be
used by an individual to perform various exercises.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Physical fitness of individuals has continued to become an
important component of a person's health. Medical studies continue
to show that an individual that exercises regularly can enhance his
or her longevity and/or reduce incidents of heart disease,
respiratory problems, diabetes, and/or other types of diseases.
Individuals that are continuously on the road due to their jobs
(e.g., salesmen, executives, truck drivers, airline pilots and
flight attendants, etc.) are frequently away from home for extended
periods of time, thus have difficulty in maintaining a daily
exercise schedule. As such, it is not uncommon that such
individuals do not regularly exercise, or begin an exercise program
and soon thereafter give the program up due to the difficulty in
maintaining the exercise program.
[0004] In view of the problems associated with maintaining an
exercise program for individuals that frequently travel, there is a
need for an exercise unit that is portable and which can be easily
and conveniently used by an individual away from home to enable the
individual to exercise while such individual is traveling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to a portable exerciser
which addresses the needs of individuals that frequently travel.
More particularly, the portable exerciser is designed to be made in
a convenient form so that a traveler can easily pack such a device
and transport such a device when traveling on the road. The
portable exerciser can not only be used by individuals that
frequently travel, but also for individuals that periodically
travel for business, vacationers, and the like. Although the
portable exerciser of the present invention is directed to a
traveler, it will be appreciated that the portable exerciser can be
used by other individuals (e.g., office workers, work-at-home
workers, stay-at-home moms, etc.).
[0006] In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the
portable exerciser is designed to allow individuals to exercise
their upper and/or lower body areas. As such, the portable
exerciser can be used as the principal exercising device for the
individual, or be used as a-supplement for the individual in
combination with other exercising devices and/or exercise routines
(i.e. push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, stretching exercises, etc.).
[0007] In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, the portable exerciser includes a mat formed of
at least two primary components which are connected together. The
two or more of the primary components can be connected together in
a variety of ways such as, but not limited to, mechanical hinges,
straps, rope, Velcro, flexible materials, etc. In one non-limiting
embodiment of the invention, the mat can be formed of two primary
components; however, this is not required. In another and/or
alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, two or more
of the primary components can be connected together by hinges;
however, this is not required. In still another and/or alternative
non-limiting embodiment of the invention, two or more of the
primary components can be detachably connected together; however,
this is not required. In yet another and/or alternative
non-limiting embodiment of the invention, two or more of the
primary components can be non-detachably connected together;
however, this is not required. In still yet another and/or
alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, two or more
of the primary components can have generally the same shape and/or
size; however, this is not required. In another and/or alternative
non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the components of the
collapsible mat can be sized, oriented and designed to enable an
individual to place his/her back and buttocks on the mat during the
use of the mat; however, this is not required. As such, the
components provide comfort to the individual during the exercise
routines when using the portable exerciser. In one non-limiting
aspect of this embodiment, at least one of the primary components
is generally D-shaped. In still another and/or alternative
non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the primary components
can be at least partially foldable or otherwise collapsible to
enable the portable exerciser to be reduced in size for easy
packing, carrying, and/or transporting; however, this is not
required. In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, components
of the mat are foldable or otherwise collapsible to reduce the
maximum longitudinal length of the mat by at least about 30%. In
another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, components of the
mat are foldable or otherwise collapsible to reduce the maximum
longitudinal length of the mat by at least about 40%. In still
another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, components of the
mat are foldable or otherwise collapsible to reduce the maximum
longitudinal length of the mat by about 45-50%.
[0008] In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of
the present invention, the portable exerciser can include a mat
that has a compressible material to provide comfort to the user;
however, this is not required. Such compressible materials include,
but are not limited to, foam, rubber, gels, air pockets, blown
polymers, and/or the like. The compressible material can include a
protective covering material (e.g., fabric material, vinyl
material, nylon material, leather material, rubber material, Kevlar
material, etc.); however, this is not required. The protective
material can be used to provide durability to the component, and/or
water resistance to the component. In one non-limiting embodiment
of the invention, at least about 30% of the top surface of at least
one primary component of the mat can be covered by a compressible
material; however, this is not required. In another non-limiting
embodiment of the invention, at least about 50% of the top surface
of at least one primary component of the mat can be covered by a
compressible material; however, this is not required. In still
another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, at least about
75% of the top surface of at least one primary component of the mat
can be covered by a compressible material; however, this is not
required. In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the invention,
about 90-100% of the top surface of at least one primary component
of the mat can be covered by a compressible material; however, this
is not required.
[0009] In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, the portable exerciser can include a mat that
has at least one component that includes a relatively rigid
structure; however, this is not required. Such relatively rigid
structure includes wood, metal, plastic, fiber board, hard rubber,
composite materials, etc. The relatively rigid structure provides
integrity to the component and/or provides a structure to provide a
rigid connection (e.g., connect a hinge, etc.). When a compressible
material is used, the compressible material is typically connected
to the relatively rigid material by, but not limited to, adhesives,
rivets, nails, staples, thread, snaps, Velcro, tacks, magnets, etc.
As can be appreciated, the compressible material can be designed to
at encapsulate one or more portions of the relatively rigid
material; however, this is not required.
[0010] In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect
of the present invention, the portable exerciser can have a shape,
size and weight that enables the portable exerciser to be
conveniently carried, and placed and used in a vehicle seat;
however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment, at
least one of the primary components of the mat can have a width of
about 1.5-3.5 feet, a depth of about 1.5-3.5 feet, and a thickness
of about 0.5-4 inches; however, this is not required. In one
non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, at least one of the primary
components of the mat has a width of about 2-3.5 feet, a depth of
about 2-3.5 feet, and a thickness of about 1-3 inches. In another
and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment, the mat in a collapsed
position can have a maximum thickness of less than about 6 inches;
however, this is not required. In one non-limiting aspect of this
embodiment, the mat in a collapsed position has a maximum thickness
of less than about 4 inches. In still another and/or alternative
non-limiting embodiment, the mat in a collapsed position can have a
maximum weight of less than about 50 pounds; however, this is not
required. In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the mat in
a collapsed position has a maximum weight of less than about 40
pounds. In still another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment,
the mat in a collapsed position has a maximum weight of less than
about 30 pounds. In yet another non-limiting aspect of this
embodiment, the mat in a collapsed position has a maximum weight of
less than about 25 pounds. In still yet another non-limiting aspect
of this embodiment, the mat in a collapsed position has a maximum
weight of less than about 20 pounds.
[0011] In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, the portable exerciser includes an adjustment
mechanism or support system on the mat to enable at least two of
the primary components of the mat to positioned in an angular
relationship to one another. The angular relationship of the at
least two components is at least about 0.degree. (collapsed
position) to at least about 180.degree. (components in a flat
position); however, other angular relationships can be used. In one
non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the mat can include two
primary components and the adjustment mechanism or support system
enables the components of the mat to be oriented at least one angle
between 90.degree. and 180.degree.; however, this is not required.
The one or more position settings for the adjustment mechanism or
support system enables the user to orient the two or more primary
components with respect to one another to obtain the desired
position for an exercise and/or the desired comfort level during
the use of the portable exerciser. In one non-limiting aspect of
this embodiment, the mat includes two primary components and the
adjustment mechanism or support system enables the components of
the mat to be oriented a plurality of angles between 90.degree. and
180.degree.. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment
of the invention, the adjustment mechanism or support system can be
secured to only one of the primary components; however, this is not
required. In still another and/or alternative non-limiting
embodiment of the invention, the adjustment mechanism or support
system can include at least two bars; however, this is not
required. In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, at least
one of the bars is adjustably connected to at least one of the
primary components of the mat. Non-limiting examples of adjustable
connection include, but are not limited to, rotatable connections,
slidable connections, detachably and reattachable connections, etc.
In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, at least one of the
bars is rotatably connected to at least one of the primary
components of the mat. In another and/or alternative non-limiting
aspect of this embodiment, at least one of the bars includes
securing arrangements to releasably secure one bar relative to
another bar. Non-limiting examples of such securing arrangements
include, but are not limited to, notches, slots, latches, grooves,
magnets, pin arrangements, friction connections, Velcro
arrangements, etc. In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting
embodiment of the invention, the adjustment mechanism or support
system can include one or more bars that can be collapsed or
reduced in size to facilitate in the storage of the portable
exerciser; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting
aspect of this embodiment, one or more of the bars are tubular type
structure that are formed or two or more pieces and wherein at
least one of the pieces is designed to at least partially
telescopically receive another of the pieces so that the bar can be
increased or reduced in size. As can be appreciated, bars having
shapes other than a generally tubular shape can be used. In another
and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, one or
more of the bars are formed on two or more pieces that are slidably
connected together, hingedly connected together, etc. so that the
bar can be increased or reduced in size. In still yet another
and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the
adjustment mechanism or support system can include one or more
connectors that are designed to releasably and firmly secure the
two or more bars together and/or one or more of the bars to one or
more portions of the mat; however, this is not required. The one or
more connectors can be used to inhibit or prevent the one or more
bars becoming prematurely disengaged from one another and/or from
one or more portions of the mat during an exercise routine. In one
non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the one or more connectors
can include, but are not limited to, snaps, friction connections
(e.g, semi-flexible slots or slot inserts, latches, Velcro bands,
movable pins and/or spring loaded pins, magnets, locks, etc.). In
another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the
invention, the adjustment mechanism or support system can be
designed such that two or more of the bars are rotatably connected
together and that one or more portions of the backside of the mat
includes a plurality of engagement arrangements to enable one or
more of the bars to be releasably secured to the backside of the
mat so as to enable one or more of the primary components of the
mat to be angularly oriented with respect to one another; however,
this is not required. The two or more bars can be permanently
connected together or releasably connected together.
[0012] In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of
the present invention, the portable exerciser includes at least one
exercise component. Such exercise components can include, but are
not limited to, an exercise handle and a stretchable material
(e.g., spring, rubber material, etc.), weights, grip exerciser or
strengthener, etc. One or more of the exercise components can be
permanently connected to one or more of the primary components of
the mat, and/or one or more of the exercise components can be
detachably connected to one or more of the primary components of
the mat. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, at least
one exercise component can include an exercise handle and a
stretchable material; however, this is not required. In another
and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, at
least two of the primary components of the mat can include at least
one exercise component; however, this is not required. In another
and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, at
least two of the primary components of the mat can include at least
one detachable exercise component; however, this is not required.
The exercise component, when detachable, can be detachable by use
of a variety of arrangements such as, but not limited to, removable
pins, hooks, latches, snaps, Velcro, buttons, zippers, etc. In
still another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the
invention, at least one of the primary components of the mat can
include at least two detachable exercise components; however, this
is not required. In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting
embodiment of the invention, at least two of the primary components
of the mat can include at least two detachable exercise components.
In still another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the
invention, at least one of the exercise components can include a
stretchable material; however, this is not required. Such
stretchable material includes, but is not limited to, rubber,
elastic, springs, or the like, which is designed to resist being
stretched by a user during an exercise routine. In one non-limiting
aspect of this embodiment, the tension of the stretchable material
and/or length of the stretchable material can be adjusted; however,
this is not required.
[0013] In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, the portable exerciser can include at least one
handle used to carry the portable exerciser; however, this is not
required. The one or more handles can be permanently connected or
detachably connected to one or more components of the portable
exerciser. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, at
least one handle can be connected to the mat; however, this is not
required.
[0014] In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect
of the present invention, the portable exerciser can include at
least one securing arrangement to maintain the first and second
primary components of the mat in a collapsed manner so as to
facilitate the transport of the portable exerciser; however, this
is not required. The securing arrangement can be used in
combination with a handle if a handle is used, or can be some other
or additional arrangement. In one non-limiting embodiment of the
invention, the securing arrangement can include a Velcro band or
strip, a latch, a snap, a zipper, magnets, etc.; however, this is
not required.
[0015] In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, the portable exerciser can include a mat that
has a warmer, a massager, or combinations thereof; however, this is
not required. The warmer and/or massager can be positioned in one
or more locations on the mat (e.g., located in the first and/or
second primary components, etc.). The warmer and/or massager can be
used to provide comfort to the user during an exercise routine
and/or after an exercise routine. For example, when the portable
exerciser is used in a vehicle, the warmer and/or massager can
provide relief from cramping during extended trips. In another
non-limiting example, after a user has finished an exercise
routine, the warmer and/or massager can be activated to provide
relief to sore and/or strained muscles, etc. In a further
non-limiting example, in cold environments, the heater can be
activated to heat one or more portions of the portable exerciser so
as to provide comfort to the user when the user first positions
him/herself on the portable exerciser. As can be appreciated, there
can be many other or additional uses for the warmer and/or
massager. As can also be appreciated, one or more timers can be
used to regulate and/or limit the time of activation of the
massager and/or heater. As can further be appreciated, one or more
adjustable switches or other type of controllers can be used to
select and/or maintain a certain temperature setting for the heater
and/or massage intensity for the massager. As can also be
appreciated, the heater and/or massager can be powered by a
battery, a power source in a vehicle, a standard wall outlet,
etc.
[0016] In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of
the present invention, the portable exerciser can include a mat
that has one or more magnets; however, this is not required. The
one or more magnets can be positioned in one or more locations on
the mat (e.g., located in the first and/or second primary
components, etc.). The one or more magnets can be used to provide
comfort to the user during an exercise routine and/or after an
exercise routine.
[0017] In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, the portable exerciser can have the one or more
of the primary components of the mat include and/or be available in
various colors, prints and/or designs.
[0018] It is one non-limiting object of the present invention to
provide a portable exerciser.
[0019] It is another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention to provide a collapsible portable exerciser.
[0020] It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting object
of the present invention to provide a portable exerciser that has
an adjustable mat.
[0021] It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of
the present invention to provide a portable exerciser that includes
one or more exercise handles.
[0022] These and other advantages will become apparent to those
skilled in the art upon the reading and following of this
description is taken together with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate
various embodiments that the invention may take in physical form
and in certain parts and arrangements of parts wherein:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable exerciser
according to one aspect of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an adjustable mechanism
of the portable exerciser of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a partial exploded front perspective view of the
portable exerciser of FIG. 1; and,
[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a primary component of
the mat along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showing is for the
purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only
and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-3 disclose
one non-limiting portable exerciser in accordance with the
invention. Referring new to FIG. 1, portable exerciser 10 includes
a collapsible mat 12 formed of two primary components which are
connected together, a first primary component or back mat 14 and a
second primary component or bottom mat 16. These two primary
components can be connected together in a variety of ways such as,
but not limited to, mechanical hinges, straps, Velcro, flexible
materials, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more hinges
18 connects a bottom surface 22 of the first primary component 14
to a bottom surface 24 of the second primary component 16. The
hinge is designed to maintain the two primary components together.
The hinge can be a continuous hinge along the complete length or a
portion of the length of the bottom surfaces of the two primary
components, or can be formed of two or more spaced apart hinges. As
can be appreciated, the two primary components can be permanently
connected together or detachably connected together. The two
primary components are designed to form the collapsible mat 12 and
be oriented to allow an individual to place his or her head, back,
and buttocks on the mat. As such, the two primary components 14, 16
of the mat provide comfort to the individual during the exercise
routines when using the portable exerciser. The collapsibility of
the two components 14, 16 of the mat 12 enables the portable
exerciser 10 to be reduced in size for easy packing, carrying,
and/or transporting. The size and shape of the two primary
components 14, 16 is generally the same; however, this is not
required.
[0029] As best illustrated in FIG. 3, each of the primary
components is generally D-shaped; however, it can be appreciated
that other shapes can be used. The D-shape for primary component 16
has two rounded comers so as to facilitate in the comfort of the
legs of the user when using the portable exerciser, especially when
placed in a seat or elevated position.
[0030] The width and depth of the each of the primary components is
typically about 1-5 feet, and more typically about 1.5-3 feet;
however, other dimensions can be used. The thickness of each of the
primary components is typically about 0.5-4 includes, and more
typically about 0.05-2.5 inches; however, other thicknesses can be
used.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-section of primary
component 14 is shown. Primary component 14 includes a compressible
material 18 and a generally rigid or less flexible material 20. The
compressible material is typically positioned on the top side of
the primary component. The compressible material is used to provide
comfort to the user when positioned on the portable exerciser. The
rigid material is used to provide rigidity and structural integrity
to the primary component. Non-limiting examples of compressible
materials include, but are not limited to, foam, rubber, gels, air
pockets, blown polymers, and/or the like. Non-limiting examples of
rigid materials include, but are not limited to, wood, metal, fiber
materials, plastic, composite materials, etc. The compressible
material is typically connected to the rigid material by, but not
limited to, adhesives, rivets, nails, staples, thread, snaps,
Velcro, tacks, etc. As can be appreciated, a primary component can
be formed of a single material that is both compressible and
provides the necessary rigidity of the primary component. Such
materials can include, but are not limited to, rubber materials,
etc. Primary component 14 can also include a durable top surface
(not shown) that is designed to resist wear by the user during the
use of the portable exerciser. Such materials can include, but are
not limited to, vinyl, leather, nylon, Kevlar blends, rubber, and
the like. As can be appreciated, primary components 14 and 16 can
be formed and/or designed with the same or different materials. As
can also be appreciated, many color schemes for the primary
components of the mat, and/or textures of the components of the
mat, can be used.
[0032] Referring now FIG. 2, the backside 30 of primary component
14 includes various components connected thereto. As can be
appreciated, primary component 16 can also include various
components connected thereto. The one or more components connected
to the primary component 14 and/or primary component 16 can be
permanently connected or detachably connected to the primary
component. The backside of primary component 14 is shown to be a
generally flat surface; however, this is not required.
[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 2, an adjustment mechanism 40 is
connected to primary component 14. As can be appreciated, one or
more components of the adjustment mechanism can be connected to
primary component 16; however, this is not required. The adjustment
mechanism is designed to enable primary components 14, 16 to be
positioned in an angular relationship to one another. As
illustrated in FIG. 2, adjustment mechanism 50 includes a first
generally U-shaped support bar 42 and a second generally U-shaped
bar support 44. As can be appreciated, the one or more support bars
can have other shapes. Each of the support bars can be a solid non
solid. The support bars are illustrated as having a generally
circular cross-sectional shape; however, it can be appreciated that
other shapes can be used (e.g., oval, polygonal, etc.). The support
bars can be formed of a variety of materials such as, but not
limited to, wood, plastic, metal, composite materials, fiber
materials, etc.
[0034] Each of the support bars is illustrated as being rotatably
mounted to the backside 30 of primary structure 14. The mounting of
the one or more support bars in this fashion enables the support
bars to be collapsed to facilitate in the storage of the portable
exerciser and to also enable primary component 14 to be adjustably
positioned relative to primary component 16. Many different
arrangements can be used to rotatably secure the support bars to
primary component 14. As illustrated in FIG. 2, mounting brackets
46 are used to rotatably secure the supports bars to the backside
30 of primary component 14. The mounting brackets are shown to be
secured to the backside 30 of primary component 14 by screws 48;
however, other connectors can be used (e.g., nail, rivet, bolt and
nut, etc.). One or more of the support bars can be formed of two of
more pieces (not shown) so as to enable the one or more support
bars to be collapsed or otherwise reduced in size when the portable
exerciser is positioned in a collapsed position; however, this is
not required.
[0035] Support bar 42 is illustrated as having a greater width than
support bar 44; however, this is not required. The greater width of
support bar 42 is used to provide stability to the primary
component 14 when primary component 14 is angularly positioned
relative to primary component 16. The different shaped and sized
bars also facilitates in the compactness that the support bars can
be positioned relative to one another when the portable exerciser
is to be stored.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 2, support bar 44 is rotatably
mounted close to bottom surface 22 of primary component 14. As can
be appreciated, support bar 44 can be mounted and/or secured to
primary component 14 in other manners and/or be positioned in other
locations on primary component 14. As can also be appreciated, a
support bar could be mounted at or near bottom surface 24 of
primary component 16 (not shown), slidably mounted on primary
component 16 (not shown, or be telescopically received in primary
component 16 (not shown). Support bar 44 is designed to have a
sufficient length to provide stability to primary component 14 when
angularly positioned relative to primary component 16, and to also
have a sufficient length to enable support bars 44 and 42 to
position primary component 14 and primary component 16 in the
desired angular position relative to one another. Typically, the
length of support bar 44 is about 40-150% of depth D of primary
component 14, and more typically about 50-100% of depth D of
primary component 14, and still more typically about 60-85% of
depth D of primary component 14.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 2, support bar 42 is rotatably
mounted near the mid-depth of primary component 14. As can be
appreciated, support bar 42 can be mounted and/or secured to
primary component 14 in other manners and/or be positioned in other
locations on primary component 14. Typically, the length of support
bar is less than support bar 44; however, this is not required.
When the length of support bar 42 is less than support bar 44,
support bar 42 is typically about 40-99% of the length of support
bar 44, and more typically about 60-80% of the length of support
bar 44.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 2, support bar 44 includes a
plurality of spaced apart engagement members 60. The engagement
members can have many forms (e.g., notches, grooves, C-shaped
structures, pins, latches, clips, etc.). As illustrated in FIG. 2,
the engagement members are in the form of three sets of notches
that are designed to receive a top section 50 of support bar 42.
The spaced notches enable top section 50 of support bar 42 to
engage and be maintained on different regions of support bar 44
along the length of support bar 42. As such, primary component 14
of mat 12 can be selectively angularly adjusted and maintained
relative to the primary component 16. As such, support 42 is
adjustably engageable with support bar 44 such that primary
component 14, when rotated or otherwise positioned relative to
primary component 16, may be fixed at a predetermined angle
relative to the primary component 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the
angular relationship of primary components 14, 16 is about
180.degree. when the two components are essentially in a flat
position. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, primary components 14, 16 are
oriented between 90.degree.-180.degree.. In this arrangement,
primary component 16 is positioned essentially flat against a floor
or other generally flat surface (e.g., car seat, surface of bed,
chair seat, etc.) and primary component 14 is positioned in a
non-perpendicular position to the floor or other generally flat
surface. As illustrated in FIG. 2, there can be multiple position
settings for the support bars 42, 44 to enable a user to orient the
primary component 14, 16 angularly with respect to one another to
obtain the desired position for an exercise and/or the desired
comfort level during the use of the portable exerciser. As can be
appreciated, many different mechanisms can be used to orient the
two primary components from 0.degree. to 360.degree. with respect
to one another.
[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, two exercise components 70 are
connected to each primary component 14, 16 of mat 12. As can be
appreciated, different types of exercise components can be
connected to one or more of the primary components. As can also be
appreciated, more or less than two exercise components can be
connected to one or more of the primary components. As illustrated
in FIGS. 1-3, the exercise components are in the form of a handle
72 and stretchable strap 74 arrangement. Each of the exercise
handles 72 are connected to a resilient stretchable strap such as,
but not limited to rubber, elastic, or the like, which is designed
to resist being stretched by a user during an exercise routine.
Each of the two stretchable straps 74 include a clip 76 at one end
and a clevis pin 78 at the other end. Clip 76 is used to secure
handle 72 to the stretchable strip. The clip can be designed to
enable the handle to be disconnected from the stretchable strap;
however, this is not required. Clevis pin 78 includes at least one
hole 80 as illustrated in FIG. 3 that is used to secure the clevis
pin to pin bracket 90 that is secured to the backside of primary
component 14 by screws 92. The clevis pin can be designed to be
disconnected from the stretchable strap; however, this is not
required. The pin bracket is designed to receive a portion of
clevis pin 78 and be releasably locked to the pin bracket by
inserting a clevis pin lock 94 into hole 80 in the clevis pin as
illustrated in FIG. 2. As can be appreciated, many other
arrangements can be used to releasably secure the stretchable strip
or other type of exerciser component to primary component 14 and/or
primary component 16. As can also be appreciated, the stretchable
strip can be secured to other or additional regions on the primary
component (e.g., side, front side, top , etc.). Although FIG. 1
illustrates the exercise handles and their respective stretchable
straps being connected to both of the primary components of the
mat, it can be appreciated that during a particular exercise
routine, one or both handles can be connected to one primary
component of the mat and only one or none of the handles and
stretchable straps can be connected to the other primary component
of the mat. As such, the portable exerciser can have increased
flexibility in how it can be configured for particular exercises.
As can also be appreciated, the one or both of the primary
components can have various connection locations to secure one or
more type of exercise components to one or both primary components
so as to further increase flexibility in how the portable exerciser
can be configured for particular exercises. As can also be
appreciated, one or more of the exerciser components can be
non-detachably connected to one or more of the primary
components.
[0040] Referring again to FIG. 1, when an individual sits him or
herself in the portable exerciser 10, the handles 72 and
stretchable bands 74 that are attached to the portion where the
individual sits can be used by the individual's legs to provide
exercising routines to build up the legs and lower body, whereas
the handles 72 and stretchable bands 74 that are connected to the
mat to which the upper portion of the individual is laying against
can be used to build up the arms and upper body of the individual.
As can be appreciated, the degree of flexibility or the ease of
stretching of the stretchable bands 74 can be adjusted by
substituting one band for other types of bands. In one non-limiting
arrangement, each handle 72 could be designed to be easily detached
from a particular stretchable band and the handle can then be
reattached to a different type of stretchable band having a
different tension or resistance to extensibility. As such, a user
could then select a particular tension for the stretchable band to
obtain the desired degree of difficulty when using the portable
exerciser during a particular exercise.
[0041] Although not shown in FIGS. 1-3, the portable exerciser can
be packaged in a convenient holder so that it can be easily
transported by a user. The holder can be designed to contain
multiple sets of stretchable bands and/or other exercising
accessories. In addition or alternatively, the portable exerciser
could include one or more handles so that it can be easily
transported by a user. In addition or alternatively, the mat of the
portable exerciser can include one or more heating element, one or
more massager components, and/or one or more magnets to enhance one
or more functions of the portable exerciser.
[0042] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among
those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently
attained, and since certain changes may be made in the
constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the
above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The
invention has been described with reference to preferred and
alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding
the detailed discussion of the invention provided herein. This
invention is intended to include all such modifications and
alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present
invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims
are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of
the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of
the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to
fall therebetween.
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