U.S. patent application number 11/180944 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-18 for body vest gym.
Invention is credited to Michael A. Demeniuk.
Application Number | 20070015640 11/180944 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37662311 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070015640 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Demeniuk; Michael A. |
January 18, 2007 |
Body vest gym
Abstract
An exercise system comprising an adjustable vest/harness worn by
a user comprising a plurality of straps which encompass the user's
torso, shoulders and legs. The straps further comprise adjustable
clip snaps which allow the user to easily put on and take off the
harness, as well as adjust the size of the harness to their
personal comfort, and can be adapted for people of any body type,
size, age or handicap. Attached to the straps of the harness are a
plurality of loops positioned at various locations on both the
front and back for releasably attaching interchangeable resistance
bands used in conjunction with various accessories such as handles,
curling bars or floor plates. The bands are easily interchangeable
and adjustable depending on the desired resistance, and allow the
user to exercise all major muscle systems of the body, and
subsequently travel with or store the system in minimal space.
Inventors: |
Demeniuk; Michael A.;
(Shelby Township, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
37662311 |
Appl. No.: |
11/180944 |
Filed: |
July 13, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0407 20130101;
A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/4007 20151001; A63B 21/0557
20130101; A63B 21/00061 20130101; A63B 21/4005 20151001; A63B
21/4017 20151001; A63B 21/00185 20130101; A63B 21/00069 20130101;
A63B 21/4025 20151001; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 21/0552
20130101; A63B 21/16 20130101; A63B 2208/0223 20130101; A63B
21/0555 20130101; A63B 2071/027 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101;
A63B 21/4011 20151001; A63B 21/4009 20151001; A63B 2208/0204
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/124 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. A portable exercise system comprising: An adjustable harness
worn by the user having a front side and a back side, said harness
comprising: a pair of over the shoulder straps connected under the
arms of said user to form loops; a pair of lateral straps extending
down the side of said user attached to said shoulder straps
proximal under the arms of said user, each lateral strap
terminating at a lower end attached to a thigh encircling strap; a
plurality of parallel, horizontal straps encircling the torso of
said user, attached to said lateral straps along side of user; a
pair of crotch supporting straps, attached to said thigh encircling
straps proximal the inside of said user thighs, and one of said
horizontal straps proximal said users hips; a pair of shoulder
strap connecting straps, one positioned in front of user, one
positioned behind user, parallel to said plurality of said
horizontal straps; a plurality of interchangeable elastic bands
detachably attachable at one end to said harness, and detachably
attachable at a second end to a plurality of accessories; and a
plurality of accessories detachably attachable to said bands.
2. The portable exercise system of claim 1 wherein said harness is
manufactured from high strength, low stretch polyester
strapping.
3. The portable exercise system of claim 1 wherein said harness is
manufactured from high strength, low stretch nylon strapping.
4. The portable exercise system of claim 1 wherein the height,
length, and diameter of said harness is adjustable by a plurality
of strap lengthening and shortening buckles positioned on said
harness.
5. The portable exercise system of claim 1 wherein said harness
further comprises a plurality of releasable buckles positioned on
said harness.
6. The portable exercise system of claim 1 wherein said plurality
of horizontal straps is two on said front side of said harness and
two on said back side of said harness.
7. The portable exercise system of claim 1 further comprising
padding attached to the straps positioned between the straps and
said user.
8. The portable exercise system of claim 1 wherein each of said
plurality of interchangeable elastic bands has a predetermined
resistance to stretching.
9. The portable exercise system of claim 8 wherein the
predetermined resistance to stretching may be increased by twisting
said elastic bands.
10. The portable exercise system of claim 1 wherein said plurality
of accessories comprise a straight curling bar, a bent curling bar,
a pair of individual handles, and a floor plate.
11. The portable exercise system of claim 10 wherein each of said
plurality of accessories comprises multiple locations for
detachably attaching said elastic bands.
12. A portable exercise system comprising: An adjustable harness
worn by the user having a front side and a back side, said harness
comprising: a pair of over the shoulder straps connected under the
arms of said user to form loops; a pair of lateral straps extending
down the side of said user attached to said shoulder straps
proximal under the arms of said user, each lateral strap
terminating at a lower end attached to a thigh encircling strap; a
plurality of parallel, horizontal straps encircling the torso of
said user, attached to said lateral straps along side of user; a
pair of crotch supporting straps, attached to said thigh encircling
straps proximal the inside of said user thighs, and one of said
horizontal straps proximal said users hips; a pair of shoulder
strap connecting straps, one positioned in front of user, one
positioned behind user, parallel to said plurality of said
horizontal straps; a plurality of interchangeable elastic bands
having a means of detachably attaching said bands a first end to a
plurality of plastic attachment loops stitched to said harness on
said shoulder straps, said horizontal straps and said thigh
encircling straps on both the front side and the back side of said
harness, and detachably attaching said bands at a second end to a
plurality of accessories; said attaching means comprising a
removeable pin positioned through said first or second end of said
bands, releasably secured in a plastic hook which connects to said
attachment loops; and a plurality of accessories having a plurality
of loops for attaching to said attachment means of said second end
of said bands.
13. The portable exercise system of claim 12 wherein said harness
is manufactured from high strength, low stretch polyester
strapping.
14. The portable exercise system of claim 12 wherein said harness
is manufactured from high strength, low stretch nylon
strapping.
15. The portable exercise system of claim 12 wherein the height,
length, and diameter of said harness is adjustable by a plurality
of strap lengthening and shortening buckles positioned on said
harness.
16. The portable exercise system of claim 12 wherein said harness
further comprises a plurality of releasable buckles positioned on
said harness.
17. The portable exercise system of claim 12 wherein said plurality
of horizontal straps is two on said front side of said harness and
two on said back side of said harness.
18. The portable exercise system of claim 12 further comprising
padding attached to the straps positioned between the straps and
said user.
19. The portable exercise system of claim 12 wherein each of said
interchangeable elastic bands has a predetermined resistance to
stretching.
20. The portable exercise system of claim 12 wherein said first end
and said second end of said bands are interchangeable.
21. The portable exercise system of claim 19 wherein the
predetermined resistance to stretching may be increased by twisting
said elastic bands.
22. The portable exercise system of claim 12 wherein said plurality
of accessories comprise a straight curling bar, a bent curling bar,
a pair of individual handles, and a floor plate.
23. The portable exercise system of claim 22 wherein each of said
plurality of accessories comprises multiple locations for
detachably attaching said elastic bands.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to exercise equipment. More
particularly, this invention relates to portable exercise systems,
utilizing resilient resistance bands for exercising multiple muscle
groups.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It has been well documented, studied, and recorded that
personal health is a crucial factor in a person's day to day regime
and within the category of personal health; exercise has been
determined to be a critical component. Unfortunately, in today's
modern age the average individual is working a longer work
day/week, traveling more frequently whether it be employment
related or recreational, and finding they have much less time for
sports and/or leisure. It is often the case that time dedicated to
the important activity of exercising suffers, or is omitted all
together. Many people, whether they are home or on the road, find
they are too tired to head off to the gym, or don't have initiative
to seek out a work-out facility. Others complain that purchasing a
home gym, work-out system, treadmill, exercise bike, etc. is too
expensive, would occupy too much space in their home, or such
systems are often difficult to store, or too burdensome set up.
[0003] Many prior art exercise systems have been developed which
attempt to provide a solution to the above problems. One of the
most common types is an exercise system utilizing elastic bands or
cords to provide the resistance necessary to build and tone various
muscle groups. These systems allow the user to exercise at home and
provide for light weight portability, eliminating the need for
weights and large home gyms.
[0004] Two such systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,647,827 and
5,813,955 to Gutkowski et al. utilize a belt connected to a harness
that the user wears when exercising. A plurality of elastic bands
connect the users arms and/or legs to the belt for exercising the
muscle groups of the arms and legs during walking/running or
stationary exercises. These devises are limited in design, to only
work the muscle groups of the arms and legs, and does not provide
for increased resistance and quick changeability of the resistance
levels as the user strengthens.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,533 to Goldman utilizes a walking vest
having a plurality of loops attached thereto through which elastic
bands are strung through for stretching with the arms, but is also
limited to the muscle groups of the arms, and changing resistance
bands is time consuming.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 2,097,376 to Marshman teaches of a body
harness for exercising, wherein chords or cables are attached to
hand grips and/or shoes worn by the user, for exercising the legs
and or arms. Unfortunately the bands are not easily
interchangeable, and for the user to exercise their legs, the user
must be wearing the specially designed shoes. Furthermore, the
limited number of exercises that can be performed by this and the
above mentioned prior art still leaves a vacancy in the field for a
portable, easy to store exercise system worn by and adjusted to
each individual user, which provides for simple interchangeability
of resistance bands, support for a wide range of full-body
exercises, and a plurality of compatible accessories, which can be
utilized in strength training, aerobic exercise, and even physical
therapeutics applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a full body exercise device which is light weight, and easy
to put on and take off.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
exercise device which provides for the quick exchange of various
resistance bands.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
exercise vest which allows the user to exercise all major muscle
groups of the body.
[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
exercise vest that is adjustable for all body types.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
exercise vest that is easily packed in a users luggage for use
while traveling.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
exercise system that is compatible with a plurality of exercise
accessories, enhancing the work out of the individual user.
[0013] Finally it is an object of the present invention to provide
an exercise vest system that is simple and economical to
manufacture, and can be utilized for both exercise as well as
physical therapy applications.
[0014] These and other objectives will be more clearly understood
from the detailed description and figures contained herein relating
to an exercise system comprising an adjustable vest/harness worn by
the user, comprising a plurality of straps which encompass the
users torso, shoulders and legs. The straps further comprise
adjustable clip snaps which allow the user to easily put on and
take off the harness, as well as adjust the size of the harness to
their personal comfort. Attached to the straps are a plurality of
hook loops positioned at various locations on both the front and
back for releasably attaching interchangeable resistance bands
which are used in conjunction with various accessories such as
handles, curling bars or floor plates.
[0015] The bands are easily interchangeable whether to replace a
worn band, or a desire to increase or decrease the resistance, and
releasbly clip onto the hook loops in various locations on the
harness that allow the user to exercise all major muscle systems of
the body, and are quickly releasable and can be stored with the
harness and accessories in minimal space when the work out is
finished.
[0016] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of the body harness
comprising the present invention as worn by an individual;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the body harness
comprising the present invention as worn by an individual;
[0020] FIG. 3A is a partial perspective view of the resistance band
and hook interface;
[0021] FIG. 3B is an isolated side view of the hook element of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 3C is an isolated frontal view of the hook element of
the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of the various
resistance bands of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 5A is an isolated frontal view of the handle element of
the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the handle element of FIG.
5A;
[0026] FIG. 5C is side view of the handle element of FIGS. 5A and
5B;
[0027] FIG. 6A is a partial perspective view of the attachment
interface between the resistance band/clip assembly and on of the
hook loops of the harness of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 6B is an isolated side view of one of the hook loops of
the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 6C is a partial perspective close up of the front side
of the harness straps at the attachment point of the hook
loops;
[0030] FIG. 6D is a partial perspective close up view of the back
side of the harness straps at the attachment point of the hook
loops;
[0031] FIG. 7A is a side view of an ergonomic curling bar accessory
utilized in conjunction with the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 7B is a side view of a straight curling bar comprising
another accessory utilized in conjunction with the present
invention; and
[0033] FIG. 7C is a perspective aerial view of a floor plate
comprising another accessory utilized in conjunction with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0035] With reference to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout, there is
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exercise harness 10 comprising the
preferred embodiment of the present invention. The harness 10 is
constructed of a plurality of straps manufactured from a
lightweight polymer such as nylon or polyester, but may be made
from any number of high strength materials known in the art. It can
be manufactured in a variety of sizes, but each is fully adjustable
to customize the fit to the individual user's size. The harness
comprises two horizontal and generally parallel straps 12 and 14,
which wrap around the mid-section of the individual proximal the
rib cage and the top of the hips respectively. Each horizontal
strap has a releasable clip snap closures 40 positioned
approximately centered in front of the user which allows the strap
to be attached or released, and further provides an adjustment
means for adjusting the length of the straps to contour to the
individual's body dimensions. Additionally, size adjusters 44 are
positioned approximately centered on the back of the horizontal
straps 12, 14 further allowing the user to tailor the vest/harness
to their individual dimensions.
[0036] Extending downward from the upper horizontal strap 12, to
the lower horizontal strap 14 are lateral side straps 20 and 22.
These straps attach to the upper and lower horizontal straps 12 and
14 and are positioned on the sides of the harness 10 proximal the
users arms. Length adjusters 44 are also located on these lateral
side straps 20, 22 for height adjustment purposes, and both lateral
straps 20, 22 extend downward along the side of the user beyond the
lower horizontal strap 22 approximately halfway down the thigh of
the user, attaching to horizontal leg straps 24 and 26
respectively. The leg straps wrap around the users legs
approximately mid-thigh, and further comprise releasable,
adjustable length clip snap closures 40 on the front side for ease
of putting on and taking off the harness.
[0037] Attaching to the leg straps 24, 26 proximal the inner thighs
of the user, are corresponding groin support straps 28, 30
respectively. These groin support straps cross over the front of
the upper legs on the front side of the user, attaching to the
lower horizontal strap 14 proximal the hip bones. On the back side
of the harness, the groin support straps 28, 30 wrap around and
support the users' right and left buttock respectively, attaching
to the lateral side straps 20 and 22 just below the lower
horizontal strap 14. Groin support straps 28, 30 also comprise
adjustable length clip snap closures 40 in the front, and length
adjusters 44 on in the rear as described above.
[0038] Referring now to the upper portion of the harness 10,
shoulder straps 16 and 18 are attached to the upper horizontal
strap 12 under the arms of the user, proximal the attachment of
lateral side straps 20, 22 respectively. The shoulder straps 16, 18
wrap up and over the users shoulders front to back forming a loop
connected under the user's arms through which the user inserts
their left and right arms respectively. Front and rear horizontal
upper-body straps 32, 34 connect the left and right shoulder straps
16, 18 proximal the upper chest in the front and the shoulder
blades in the rear. The rear upper-body strap 34 as well as the
rear side of the shoulder straps 16, 18 comprise further length
adjusters 44, and the front horizontal upper-body strap 32
comprises an additional adjustable length clip snap closures 40.
The harness will further embody padding, attached to the back side
of the straps at various high-pressure areas such as the shoulders,
crotch and legs. This will increase the comfort of the harness
during use, and allow the user to extend the duration of their
workout.
[0039] Positioned at various predetermined locations on the straps
of the harness 10 are hook loops 50, disclosed later in further,
stitched into the straps in both vertical and horizontal
orientations. These hook loops, manufactured from a high strength
polymer such as plastic or nylon, provide the releasable attachment
points of the resistance bands utilized by the user during
exercise, and in the preferred embodiment consist of eighteen on
the front side of the user, and eight on the rear side. These
include three on each of the leg straps 24, 26; six on the lower
horizontal strap 14; six on the upper horizontal strap 12; and four
on each of the respective shoulder straps 16 and 18. Let it be
known that additional or fewer hook attachment points (hook loops
50) may be utilized while still remaining within the scope of the
present invention.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, as well as FIG. 4 for
reference to the individual resistance bands 70, the attachment
hooks 60 are shown in detail. The hooks may be manufactured of any
suitable light-weight; high strength material such as aluminum, but
in a preferred embodiment is manufactured from a polymer such as
nylon or polyester resin. Each resistance band attaches to two
hooks 60; one hook at each end, wherein each hook 60 comprises a
base 64 having an elongated aperture 61 therein through which the
end 71 of the resistance band 70 is passed through. The hook 60
further comprises parallel side walls 65 and 66, with parallel,
angled notches 68 cut partially through, which support and receive
the resistance band pins 72 at concentric groves 73 located
proximal the ends of the resistance band pins 72 preventing lateral
slide-out of the pin. Each pin 72 is positioned through a
cross-passage 75 located in the ends 71 of the resistance band 70
once the end has been fed through aperture 61 of the hook 60, with
the end 71 of the resistance band 70 positioned between the side
walls 65 and 66.
[0041] A U-shaped clasp portion 62 extends from the base member
having a hook=-loop receiving channel 67 positioned parallel to the
pin 72. On the end of partially deflectable clasp portion 62 a
plurality of detents 63 extend inward toward the channel 67, for
preventing accidental release of the hook 60 from the various hook
loops once it is secured to the loop 50 of the harness 10.
[0042] To interchange the resistance bands 70, whether to replace a
worn band, or the user desires a different resistance amount, the
user simply releases the hook 60 from the harness 10, partially
extends the resistance band 70 further through the aperture 61 of
the hook 60, thereby releasing the pin 72 from the notches 68. The
pin can then be slid laterally out of the cross-passage 75 of the
resistance band 70, at which time the end 71 of the resistance band
can be withdrawn from the aperture 61 of the hook 60. The
replacement band 70 is installed in the simple reversal of the
above outlined steps, and can be performed in mere seconds by the
user.
[0043] Each resistance band 70 is manufactured to have a
predetermined level of resistance, created by the bands elastic
properties, thickness and width. They are designed to allow the
user to twist the bands,
[0044] increasing the resistance of any given band without having
to change it out for a higher resistance band.
[0045] Illustrated in FIGS. 5A through 5C, the handle accessory 80
is shown. Manufactured from high strength plastic, the handle
comprises a cylindrical grip 84 which is grasped by the user. A
U-shape, resistance band attachment loop 82 is attached at distal
ends 81 to the grip 84 so as to provide a grasping locale for
either the right or left hand of the user there between. Centered
on the attachment loop is a hook loop 86, which releasably receives
the hook 60 attached to the distal end of a resistance band
assembly, while the opposite end is attached to one of the various
locations on the users harness.
[0046] The handle accessory 80 can be used to perform a plurality
of exercises utilizing the extensor and reflexor muscles of the
arms, shoulders, chest, back, and abdomen.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 6A through 6D, the details of the
attachment of the hook loop 50 to the various straps (here shown as
18) is illustrated. The hook loops, much like the rest of the
preferred embodiment, are manufactured from high strength plastic
such as nylon or polyester. Each loop 50 comprises a cylindrical
flattened U-shape hook receiving portion 52, which is positioned
centered on generally planar base plate 54. The base plate is
generally square in shape, and comprises tapered outer edges 55, 57
through which the hook loop is stitched to the strap 18. At the
desired position for each hook loop 50, an elongated aperture 19 is
positioned through the strap 18. Orientated either perpendicular or
parallel to the strap as shown in FIG. 6A, the aperture 19 is large
enough to receive the hook receiving portion 52 there through from
the back side of the strap.
[0048] A cloth cover pad 21 is then positioned over the base plate
54 on the back side of the strap 18 and the pad 21 and plate 54 are
stitched to the strap 18. The pad provides additional securement of
the hook loop 50 to the strap 18, while further preventing chafing
of the user from the edges of the base element 54 during use of the
harness. As mentioned, the quantity and positioning of the hook
loops 50 on the harness 10 can vary and are still intended to be
within the scope of the present invention, but are shown in the
desired locations of the preferred embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, additional accessories for the
exercise system disclosed herein are shown. Particularly, FIG. 7A
illustrates an ergonomic curling bar 90, comprising a plurality of
hook attachment points 94 positioned at various locations on the
distal ends of the bar. Symmetrical curved portions 91 and 93 allow
the user to grasp the bar 90 and position their hands in
alternative orientations to those allowed with a straight bar as
shown in FIG. 7B, allowing different muscles to be exercised. In
both FIGS. 7A and 7B, the hook attachment points 94; for connecting
the distal hooks 60 of the resistance band assemblies to variable
positions along the bars, providing different levels of resistance
to the user. As shown in FIG. 7C, a floor plate 100 is shown.
Generally of planar rectangular shape, it has a pair of non-skid
step pads 102, 104 on which the user stands when it is desired to
exercise the muscles of the legs for example during a squat-type
exercise. Positioned at the rear of the step pads; a pair of
raised, crescent-shaped heel locators 106, 108 are located to
assist in preventing the users feet from moving during use. Located
adjacent the heel locators, a plurality of hook attachment points
110 are attached to the base floor plate 100 for attaching the
distal hooks of the resistance bands, while the opposite ends are
attached to the desired position on the harness. For allowing the
end of the final side to come to the end that technological
discrepancies
[0050] Any number of aerobic, anerobic or physical therapy
exercises may be performed utilizing the harness system, for
exercising, building, and toning the various muscular systems of
the body including, but not limited to the trapezium, deltoids,
pectoralis, tricepts, bicepts, latissimus dorsi, abdominus, gluteus
maximus, sartorius, bicept femoris, rectus femoris, and
gastrocnemius.
[0051] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in
nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of
the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention.
Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *