U.S. patent application number 11/454177 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-18 for body vest gym.
Invention is credited to Michael A. Demeniuk.
Application Number | 20070015642 11/454177 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46325603 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070015642 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Demeniuk; Michael A. |
January 18, 2007 |
Body vest gym
Abstract
An exercise system comprising an adjustable vest/harness
comprising a plurality of straps which encompass a user's torso,
shoulders, arms, neck, 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, floor plates, gloves, or head harness.
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: |
46325603 |
Appl. No.: |
11/454177 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11355371 |
Feb 16, 2006 |
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11454177 |
Jun 15, 2006 |
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11180944 |
Jul 13, 2005 |
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11355371 |
Feb 16, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0555 20130101;
A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 21/4025 20151001; A63B 21/4005
20151001; A63B 21/4017 20151001; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B
2071/027 20130101; A63B 21/4007 20151001; A63B 21/00185 20130101;
A63B 21/4009 20151001; A63B 21/00069 20130101; A63B 21/0407
20130101; A63B 21/16 20130101; A63B 21/4003 20151001; A63B
2208/0223 20130101; A63B 21/4019 20151001; A63B 21/4035 20151001;
A63B 21/00061 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 69/0059
20130101; A63B 21/4021 20151001; A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B
2208/0204 20130101; A63B 21/4013 20151001 |
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 a 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 user's hips; a pair of
shoulder-strap connecting straps, one positioned in front of user
and 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 comprises 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 a 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 user's hips; a pair of shoulder
strap connecting straps, one positioned in front of user and 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 at 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
removable 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 comprises 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.
24. The portable exercise system of claim 12, wherein said
plurality of exercise accessories comprises at least one ankle
harness, said ankle harness comprising a plurality of adjustable
straps which embrace the ankle of the user, said ankle harness
capable of being worn by user simultaneous to and within a
shoe.
25. The portable exercise system of claim 24, wherein said ankle
harness comprises multiple locations for detachably attaching said
elastic bands.
26. The portable exercise system of claim 24, wherein said harness
is manufactured from high-strength, low-stretch polyester
strapping.
27. The portable exercise system of claim 12, wherein said
plurality of exercise accessories comprises at least one glove,
said glove comprising at least one adjustable strap which enables
said glove to snugly embrace the hand of the user.
28. The portable exercise system of claim 27, wherein said glove
comprises multiple locations for detachably attaching said elastic
bands.
29. The portable exercise system of claim 27, wherein said glove is
manufactured from at least one of the following materials: leather,
cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, or spandex.
30. The portable exercise system of claim 12, wherein said
plurality of exercise accessories comprises a head harness, said
head harness comprising a plurality of adjustable straps which
embrace the head of the user, said head harness capable of being
worn by user simultaneous to and with a helmet.
31. The portable exercise system of claim 30, wherein said head
harness comprises multiple locations for detachably attaching said
elastic bands.
32. The portable exercise system of claim 30, wherein said harness
is manufactured from high-strength, low-stretch polyester
strapping.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/355,371 filed on Feb. 16, 2006, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/180,944
filed on Jul. 13, 2005. The disclosures of the above applications
are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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
[0003] It has been researched and well documented 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 at home or on the road,
find they are too tired to head off to the gym or do not have the
initiative to seek out a workout facility. Others complain that
purchasing a home gym, workout system, treadmill, exercise bike,
etc. is either too expensive, would occupy too much space in their
home, or that such a system would be difficult to store or too
burdensome to set up.
[0004] 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 lightweight portability, eliminating the need for
weights and large home gyms.
[0005] 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
connects the user's arms and/or legs to the belt for exercising the
muscle groups of the arms and legs during walking/running or
stationary exercises. These devices are limited in design to only
work the muscle groups of the arms and legs and do not provide for
increased resistance and quick changeability of the resistance
levels as the user strengthens.
[0006] 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 for stretching with the arms, but is also limited
to the muscle groups of the arms, and changing resistance bands is
time consuming.
[0007] 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 they must
be wearing the specially designed shoes. 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 which can be worn by and adjusted to
each individual user and which provides for simple
interchangeability of resistance bands, support for a wide range of
full-body exercises, and a plurality of compatible accessories and
which can be utilized in strength training and aerobic exercise, as
well as physical therapeutic applications.
[0008] Lastly, with the recent advancements in aerospace technology
allowing users to remain in zero or near zero gravitational
environments for extended periods, a means for preventing muscle
atrophication, commonly encountered in this scenario, is provided
by the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a full body exercise device which is lightweight and easy
to put on and take off.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
exercise device which provides for the quick exchange of various
resistance bands.
[0011] 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.
[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
exercise vest that is adjustable for all body types.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
exercise vest that is easily packed in a user's luggage for use
while traveling.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
exercise system that is compatible with a plurality of exercise
accessories, enhancing the workout of the individual user.
[0015] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a
means for preventing muscle atrophication, commonly encountered in
aerospace traveling, as well as during extended periods of limited
physical exertion.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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, which comprises a plurality of straps that encompass the
user's torso, shoulders, hands, legs, and head. 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.
[0018] The bands are easily interchangeable for replacing a worn
band or for increasing or decreasing the resistance, and they
releasably clip onto the hook loops in various locations on the
harness to allow the user to exercise all major muscle systems of
the body and can be quickly released and stored with the harness
and accessories in minimal space when the workout is finished.
[0019] 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
[0020] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of the body harness
comprising the present invention as worn by an individual;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the body harness
comprising the present invention as worn by an individual;
[0023] FIG. 3A is a partial perspective view of the resistance band
and hook interface;
[0024] FIG. 3B is an isolated side view of the hook element of the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 3C is an isolated frontal view of the hook element of
the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of the various
resistance bands of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 5A is an isolated frontal view of the handle element of
the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the handle element of FIG.
5A;
[0029] FIG. 5C is a side view of the handle element of FIGS. 5A and
5B;
[0030] FIG. 6A is a partial perspective view of the attachment
interface between the resistance band/clip assembly and one of the
hook loops of the harness of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 6B is an isolated side view of one of the hook loops of
the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 6C is a partial perspective close-up of the front side
of the harness straps at the attachment point of the hook
loops;
[0033] 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;
[0034] FIG. 7A is a side view of an ergonomic curling bar accessory
utilized in conjunction with the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 7B is a side view of a straight curling bar comprising
another accessory utilized in conjunction with the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 7C is a perspective aerial view of a floor plate
comprising another accessory utilized in conjunction with the
present invention;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of an ankle harness on the
ankle of a user, comprising a further accessory utilized in
conjunction with the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 9 is a perspective isolated view of the ankle harness
of FIG. 8, comprising a further accessory utilized in conjunction
with the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the glove comprising a
further accessory utilized in conjunction with the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 11 is an anterior view of a head harness comprising a
further accessory utilized in conjunction with the present
invention; and
[0041] FIG. 12 is a posterior view of the head harness of FIG. 11,
comprising a further accessory utilized in conjunction with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] 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.
[0043] With reference to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout, there is
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 an exercise harness 10 comprising the
preferred embodiment of the present invention. 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 custom fit the individual user. Harness 10 comprises two
horizontal and generally-parallel straps 12, 14 which wrap around
the mid-section of an individual proximal the rib cage and the top
of the hips, respectively. Each horizontal strap has a releasable
clip snap closure 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 horizontal straps 12, 14, further allowing
the user to tailor the vest/harness to their individual
dimensions.
[0044] Extending downward from upper horizontal strap 12 to lower
horizontal strap 14 are lateral side straps 20, 22. These straps
attach to the upper and lower horizontal straps 12, 14 and are
positioned on the sides of harness 10 proximal the user's arms.
Length adjusters 44 are also located on 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 and approximately halfway down the thigh of the
user, attaching to horizontal leg straps 24, 26, respectively. The
leg straps wrap around the user's 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.
[0045] Attaching to 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 lower
horizontal strap 14 proximal the hip bones. On the back side of the
harness, groin support straps 28, 30 wrap around and support the
user's right and left buttock, respectively, attaching to lateral
side straps 20, 22 just below the lower horizontal strap 14. Groin
support straps 28, 30 also comprise adjustable length clip snap
closures 40 in front and length adjusters 44 in the rear, as
described above.
[0046] Referring now to the upper portion of harness 10, shoulder
straps 16, 18 are attached to upper horizontal strap 12 under the
arms of the user, proximal the attachment of lateral side straps
20, 22, respectively. Shoulder straps 16, 18 wrap up and over the
user's 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 shoulder
straps 16, 18 comprise further length adjusters 44, and front
horizontal upper-body strap 32 comprises an additional
adjustable-length clip snap closure 40. Harness 10 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.
[0047] Positioned at various predetermined locations on the straps
of harness 10 are hook loops 50, disclosed later in further detail,
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 leg straps 24, 26, six on lower
horizontal strap 14, six on upper horizontal strap 12, and four on
each respective shoulder strap 16, 18. Let it be known that
additional or fewer hook loops 50 may be utilized while still
remaining within the scope of the present invention.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, as well as FIG. 4 for
reference to individual resistance bands 70, attachment hooks 60
are shown in detail. The hooks may be manufactured of any suitable
lightweight, 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 70 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
resistance band 70 is passed through. Hook 60 further comprises
parallel side walls 65, 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
resistance band pins 72 preventing lateral slide-out of the pin.
Each pin 72 is positioned through a cross-passage 75 located in
ends 71 of resistance band 70 once the end has been fed through
aperture 61 of hook 60, with end 71 of resistance band 70
positioned between side walls 65, 66.
[0049] A U-shaped clasp portion 62 extends from the base member
having a hook-loop receiving channel 67 positioned parallel to pin
72. On the end of partially-deflectable clasp portion 62, a
plurality of detents 63 extend inward toward channel 67 for
preventing accidental release of hook 60 from the various hook
loops once it is secured to loop 50 of harness 10.
[0050] To interchange resistance bands 70, whether to replace a
worn band or if the user desires a different resistance amount, the
user simply releases hook 60 from harness 10 and partially extends
resistance band 70 further through aperture 61 of hook 60, thereby
releasing pin 72 from notches 68. The pin can then be slid
laterally out of cross-passage 75 of resistance band 70, at which
time end 71 of resistance band 70 can be withdrawn from aperture 61
of hook 60. Replacement band 70 is installed in the simple reversal
of the above outlined steps and can be performed in mere seconds by
the user.
[0051] 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, increasing the resistance of any given
band without having to change it out for a higher resistance
band.
[0052] Illustrated in FIGS. 5A through 5C, a 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-shaped, resistance band attachment loop 82 is attached at distal
ends 81 to 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 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
user's harness.
[0053] 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.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 6A through 6D, the details of the
attachment of hook loop 50 to the various straps (shown here as 18)
are 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-shaped hook-receiving portion 52, which is positioned
centered on generally planar base plate 54. Base plate 54 is
generally square in shape and comprises tapered outer edges 55, 57
through which the hook loop is stitched to strap 18. At the desired
position for each hook loop 50, an elongated aperture 19 is
positioned through strap 18. Orientated either perpendicular or
parallel to strap 18 as shown in FIG. 6A, aperture 19 is large
enough to receive hook-receiving portion 52 there through from the
back side of the strap.
[0055] A cloth cover pad 21 is then positioned over base plate 54
on the back side of strap 18 and pad 21 and plate 54 are stitched
to strap 18. The pad provides additional securement of hook loop 50
to strap 18, while further preventing chafing of the user from the
edges of base element 54 during use of the harness. As mentioned,
the quantity and positioning of hook loops 50 on 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.
[0056] 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 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 distal hooks
60 of resistance band assemblies to variable positions along the
bars) provide different levels of resistance to the user. As shown
in FIG. 7C, a floor plate 100 is shown. Generally of
planar-rectangular shape, floor plate 100 has a pair of non-skid
step pads 102, 104 on which the user stands when they desire 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 user's feet from moving during use.
Located adjacent the heel locators, a plurality of hook attachment
points 110 are attached to base floor plate 100 for attaching
distal hooks 60 of resistance bands 70, while the opposite ends are
attached to the desired position on the harness.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, additional accessories for the
exercise system disclosed herein are shown comprising one or more
(generally a pair) ankle harnesses 120 to be utilized in
conjunction with the exercise apparatus of the present invention.
Each ankle harness 120 is of similar manufacture as to harness 10
comprising a plurality of straps which surround the ankle with a
plurality of means to attach to resistance bands 70.
[0058] Specifically, ankle harnesses 120 comprise a foot strap 124
having a fastening means 134 which surrounds the user's foot about
midway between the toe and the heel. The fastening means is
preferably hook-and-loop type fasteners, but any number of
releasable securing means may be implemented. Heel strap 128
extends from foot strap 124 along the bottom of the foot, cradling
the heel and traveling a short distance up the back of the leg, and
attaching to an upper ankle strap 122 encircling the lower leg.
Upper ankle strap 122 is also releasably secured around the user's
leg by similar means 32 as foot strap 124, allowing for quick
securement and removal of ankle harness 120 from the user.
[0059] When secured to a user's ankle, an upper foot
interconnecting strap 126 is located on top of the user's foot and
is attached at one end to the top of foot strap 124 and at a second
end to the front of the ankle strap 122. Furthermore, a pair of
inner and outer lateral straps 125, 127 attach from the heel strap
128 at a lower end, just below the user's ankle, and travel up the
lateral sides of the user's ankles, attaching at an upper end to
upper ankle strap 122.
[0060] Attached to the upper edge of ankle strap 122, a plurality
of loops 50, similar in design and function to the loops of the
rest of the apparatus, is attached to ankle strap 122 and project
upwards, parallel to the user's leg, for attaching the distal hooks
of the resistance bands.
[0061] Ankle harness 120 accessory is designed to allow the user to
wear it before, during, and after their exercise session within
their shoe, without causing discomfort.
[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 10, an additional glove accessory 140
may be utilized in conjunction with the present invention. Glove
140, designed to be worn on the hand, is manufactured from any
number of durable materials alone or in combination including but
not limited to leather, cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, or
spandex. Glove 140 may be manufactured in a variety of sizes or a
one-size-fits-all. Regardless, a plurality of size adjustment
straps 142, 144 may be utilized to further custom fit of glove 140
to the user's hands.
[0063] Positioned around the wrist portion of glove 140 are a
plurality of hook attachment loops 145, which are attached to glove
140 with similar means as stated above. Loops 145 hook onto the
clips of resistance bands 70 and allow the wearer to exercise the
wrists, forearms, and upper arms through the elastic resistance of
bands 70.
[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, a head harness 150 is
shown for utilization in conjunction with exercise harness 10 of
the present invention, allowing the user to exercise the muscles of
the neck, preventing atrophy. The head harness is designed to fit
around the head of the user and may be manufactured in any number
of the previously-mentioned materials which comprise main exercise
harness 10. Specifically, harness 150 comprises a circumferential,
horizontal strap 156 which cradles the user's forehead and is
attached on the sides above the user's ears to respective
cross-straps 152, 154 which join at the top of the user's head.
Rear horizontal straps 162, 164 continue around the back of the
user's head from above the ears and meet proximately centered on
the back of the user's head.
[0065] A frontal strap 158 connects the juncture of two
cross-straps 152, 154 at the apex of head harness 150 to the center
of the horizontal strap 156, proximate the center of the user's
forehead. A rear strap 160 is positioned down the back of the
user's head and further connects the juncture at the apex of head
harness 150 to rear horizontal straps 162, 164. An upper neck
support strap 166 is located just below, and generally parallel to,
rear horizontal straps 162, 164, and attaches below the ears to
adjustable chin strap 153 in the front of the user. It is further
intended to be within the scope of this invention that any number
of adjustable buckles, clips, or other fastening means may be
incorporated in any of the above straps to further enhance the fit
of the harness 150 to the user's head.
[0066] A plurality of hook attachment loops 155, attached at
various positions on the straps comprising harness 150, allow for
the connection of resistance bands 70, to various locations on main
body harness 10, or other accessories outlined above. Loops 155
allow the user to utilize the resistive force of bands 70 to
exercise the muscles of the neck and upper shoulders. This can be
particularly useful for persons involved in the aerospace field,
where gravitational forces are diminished and muscles normally
utilized to maintain the head in the upright orientation may not
feel the normal exertion necessary to prevent atrophication.
[0067] Any number of aerobic, anaerobic, 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,
pectorals, triceps, biceps, latissimus dorsal, abdominus, gluteus
maximus, sartorius, bicep femoris, rectus femoris, and
gastrocnemius.
[0068] 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.
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