U.S. patent application number 11/164468 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-24 for method and apparatus for lateral exercise.
Invention is credited to Mihai Ilioi.
Application Number | 20070117693 11/164468 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38054278 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070117693 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ilioi; Mihai |
May 24, 2007 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LATERAL EXERCISE
Abstract
A lateral exercise device capable of exercising both the upper
body and lower body includes a base plate, two track members
pivotally connected to opposite sides of the base plate, and a
handle attached to an upper surface of the base plate. A foot
support may be slidably engaged with each track member for lateral
exercise of the lower body and a pulley system with handles may run
along the length of each track member for lateral exercise of the
upper body.
Inventors: |
Ilioi; Mihai; (Glendale,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SNELL & WILMER L.L.P. (Main)
400 EAST VAN BUREN
ONE ARIZONA CENTER
PHOENIX
AZ
85004-2202
US
|
Family ID: |
38054278 |
Appl. No.: |
11/164468 |
Filed: |
November 23, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/121 ;
482/126; 482/129; 482/132 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/0488 20130101;
A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 22/0012 20130101; A63B 21/4015
20151001; A63B 23/03575 20130101; A63B 22/203 20130101; A63B 23/12
20130101; A63B 2208/0204 20130101; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B
21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 23/03541 20130101;
A63B 21/4045 20151001; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 23/1209
20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/121 ;
482/126; 482/132; 482/129 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02; A63B 21/04 20060101 A63B021/04 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a base plate; first and second
track members pivotally connected to opposite sides of the base
plate; and a handle member connected to a top surface of the base
plate.
2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising first and
second foot supports slidably engaged with the first and second
track members, respectively.
3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2 further comprising first and
second adjustable blocking members capable of limiting the movement
of the first and second foot supports along a length of the first
and second track members, respectively.
4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising first and
second pulley systems running along a length of the first and
second track members, respectively.
5. The exercise apparatus of claim 4 wherein the pulley systems
include at least one wheel member and at least one of a band, belt,
cord, rope, and chain that engages said at least one wheel
member.
6. The exercise apparatus of claim 4 further comprising first and
second handles connected to the first and second pulley systems,
respectively.
7. The exercise apparatus of claim 4 further comprising means for
applying tension to the first and second pulley systems thereby
increasing the amount of force needed to activate the pulley
systems.
8. The exercise apparatus of claim 7 wherein the means for
comprising tension comprises a separate means for applying tension
to the first pulley system and a second means for applying tension
to the second pulley system.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second track
members are horizontally planar to the base plate when the exercise
apparatus is in a position for use.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second track
members are perpendicular to the base plate when the exercise
apparatus is in a position for storage.
11. A method for performing lateral exercise comprising the steps
of: providing an exercise device having a base plate, first and
second track members pivotally connected to opposite sides of the
base plate where the first and second track members each include a
foot support that is slidably engaged along a length of each track
member, and a handle member connected to a top surface of the base
plate; positioning the first and second track members so that they
are in the same horizontal plane as the base plate; grasping the
handle member with a user's hands; engaging the user's feet with
the foot supports; and moving the user's body such that the user's
feet slide back and forth along a length of the first and second
track members.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the step of providing an
exercise device includes providing a blocking member for each foot
support to limit the movement of the first and second foot supports
along a length of the track members, and further including the step
of locking the blocking members in place on the track members
before the step of engaging the handle member.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of providing an
exercise device includes providing first and second pulley systems
running along a length of the first and second track systems and
first and second handles connected to the first and second pulley
systems, respectively.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of moving the user's
body comprises the step of moving the user's feet until the foot
supports are pressed against the blocking members.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of engaging
the handles of the pulley systems with the user's hands and
alternating applying and releasing force applied to the pulley
systems by moving the user's hands and arms.
16. A lateral exercise apparatus comprising: a base plate adjacent
to, and in planar alignment with, a ground surface; first and
second track members pivotally connected to opposite sides of the
base plate; first and second foot supports slidably engaged with
the first and second track members, respectively; first and second
pulley systems running along a length of the first and second track
members, respectively; and a handle member connected to a top
surface of the base plate.
17. The lateral exercise apparatus of claim 16 further comprising
first and second adjustable blocking members capable of limiting
the movement of the first and second foot supports along a length
of the first and second track members, respectively.
18. The lateral exercise apparatus of claim 16 further comprising
handles connected to the first and second pulley systems,
respectively.
19. The lateral exercise apparatus of claim 16 further comprising
means for applying tension to the first and second pulley systems
thereby increasing the amount of force needed to activate the
pulley systems.
20. The lateral exercise apparatus of claim 19 wherein the means
for comprising tension comprises a separate means for applying
tension to the first pulley system and a second means for applying
tension to the second pulley system.
21. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first and second track
members are horizontally planar to the base plate when the exercise
apparatus is in a position for use.
22. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first and second track
members are perpendicular to the base plate when the exercise
apparatus is in a position for storage.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a lateral
exercise method and apparatus and, more particularly, to a method
and apparatus for lateral exercise that includes two track members
pivotally connected to opposite sides of a base plate. The track
members each have a foot support that is slidably engaged along a
length of the track member and separate pulley systems that run
along a length of each track member.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Lateral exercise is exercise that relates to extending parts
of the body toward the right or left sides of the body away from
the median axis of the body. Lateral exercise also includes
exercise that involves movement of some or all of the body from
side to side. The prior art includes many types of lateral exercise
devices.
[0003] One popular lateral exercise device includes a planar
sliding surface having stops at its opposite ends. The user puts on
booties, such as nylon booties, over their feet or shoes. The
booties work with the slide surface to achieve smooth sliding
across the planar sliding surface. The user then uses his or her
body to slide their feet back and forth across the planar sliding
surface.
[0004] Another popular lateral exercise device is directed to
stepping devices for exercising the thighs. These types of devices
include oppositely positioned footplates or foot pedals that
function as bi-directional steppers. The foot pedals move up and
down to sculpt the buttocks, quadriceps muscles, and hamstrings,
and side to side to firm the inner and outer thighs.
[0005] There are also a multitude of other exercise devices that
are designed to resist lateral movements of the body and/or its
appendages such as the back and forth or side to side movement of
the arms or legs. However, although compact and portable, most
lateral exercise devices focus on exercising only the upper body or
the lower body. Further, those few simple lateral exercise devices
that are capable of exercising both the upper body and the lower
body, such as a stretch band having handles at its opposite ends,
for example, are incapable of tension adjustment. Accordingly,
there is a need for a lateral exercise apparatus that is capable of
exercising both the upper body and the lower body that is compact,
portable, easy to store, and tension adjustable.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] The invention is generally directed to a method and
apparatus for lateral exercise which includes first and second
track members pivotally connected to a base plate which lies planar
with a ground surface, and a handle member extending from a top
surface of the base plate. The first and second track members each
include a foot support that is slidably engaged along a length of
the track member and an adjustable blocking member capable of
limiting the movement of the foot support along a length of its
respective track member. The blocking members may be completely
removable from the track members. The method and apparatus also
include first and second pulley systems running along a length of
each of the track members for exercising a user's arms and upper
torso.
[0007] The first and second pulley systems may each include one or
more wheel members and a band, belt, cord, rope, chain, or the like
for engaging the one or more wheel members. In one embodiment, a
first wheel is located near the pivotal end of each track member
and a second wheel is located near the opposite end of each track
member. A band, belt, cord, rope, chain, or the like is connected
to one wheel member, positioned around both wheel members, and a
handle is attached to the unattached end of the band. Tension may
be applied to the first and second pulley systems by a tension knob
located near each pivotal end of the track members such that the
tension knobs engage the first wheel members thereby making it
harder for the wheel members to rotate.
[0008] In order to use the lateral exercise apparatus, a user
positions the first and second track members so that they are in
the same horizontal plane as the base plate. The user then grasps
the handle member with his or her hands and places his or her feet
on the foot supports. The user then moves his or her body so that
the user's feet slide back and forth, in other words inward and
outward from the axis of the user's body, along a length of the
first and second track members. The blocking members may be
positioned and locked into place before a user grasps the handle
member so that the movement of the user's feet will be limited
along a length of the track members.
[0009] In order to exercise the upper body with the lateral
exercise device, the user engages the handles of the first and
second pulley systems by grabbing the handles of the first and
second pulley systems with his or her hands. Next, the user places
his or her feet in the foot supports and moves the foot supports
outward from the user's body until they are pressed against the
blocking members that are locked into place in the track members.
The user may then perform a number of different upper body
exercises by pulling the handles of the first and second pulley
systems toward and/or away from the user's body and then slowly
releasing the handles thereby allowing them to retract from the
pulled position.
[0010] The lateral exercise apparatus may be easily stored by
pivoting the first and second track members such that they are
perpendicular to the base plate. This compact positioning of the
exercise apparatus can then be easily stored in a corner or closet
without the need for much space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present invention is hereafter described in conjunction
with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote
like elements, and:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the lateral exercise
apparatus shown in the stored position;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lateral exercise
apparatus shown with one track member in the stored position and
the opposite track member moved from a stored position, shown in
phantom, to a position for use;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the top of the
lateral exercise apparatus in the storage position showing the
handle members of the first and second pulley systems located near
the non-pivotal ends of the track members;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a partial top perspective view showing the pivotal
ends of the track members attached to the base plate and a foot
support attached to one of the track members;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a user in a "start"
position for carrying out lateral exercise of the lower body using
the lateral exercise apparatus;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a user in the
"extended" position for carrying out lateral exercise of the lower
body using the lateral exercise apparatus;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a user performing a
first upper body exercise with the lateral exercise apparatus;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a user performing a
second upper body exercise with the lateral exercise apparatus;
and
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a user performing a
third upper body exercise with the lateral exercise apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description is of exemplary embodiments of the
invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope,
applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather,
the following description is intended to provide a convenient
illustration for implementing various embodiments of the invention.
As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the
function and arrangement of the elements described in these
embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention set
forth in the appended claims. For example, in the context of the
present invention, the method and apparatus hereof may include only
those elements necessary for lateral exercise of the upper body,
only those elements necessary for lateral exercise of the lower
body, or all of those elements necessary for lateral exercise of
the upper body and lateral exercise of the lower body.
[0022] In general, the present invention provides a method and
apparatus for lateral exercise. Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1
illustrates a front perspective view of the lateral exercise
apparatus 10 shown in the stored position. Apparatus 10 includes a
base plate 12, first and second track members 14 and 16 pivotally
connected to base plate 12, and a handle member 18 connected to a
top surface of base plate 12. Apparatus 10 may also include first
and second foot supports 20 and 22 slidably engaged with first and
second track members 14 and 16, respectively. In addition,
apparatus 10 may include first and second adjustable blocking
members 24 and 26, such as locking pin members, that are capable of
being locked into place on first and second track members 14 and
16, respectively, to limit the movement of the first and second
foot supports 20 and 22 along the length of the first and second
track members 14 and 16.
[0023] Base plate 12 is preferably comprised of a metal such as
steel, steel alloys, stainless steels, aluminum, and aluminum
alloys that will maintain its rigidity and stability. Like base
plate 12, track members 14 and 16 are also preferably comprised of
a metal such as steel, steel alloys, stainless steels, aluminum,
and aluminum alloys to ensure durability and stability despite the
wear and tear experienced by use of the apparatus over time. Handle
member 18 may also be made of a material the same as, or similar
to, the material used for base plate 12 and first and second track
members 14 and 16.
[0024] In order to further make the apparatus 10 portable and
compact, handle member 18 may comprise several pieces including a
first hollow tubular member 28 secured to a top surface of base
plate 12, a second tubular member 30 removably positioned within
first hollow tubular member 28, and a third tubular member 32
positioned perpendicular to second tubular member 30 and connected
to second tubular member 30 with clamp 34. Second and third tubular
members 30 and 32 may be disassembled and stored separately from
the apparatus 10 to further facilitate storage of the apparatus 10.
First and second handle covers 36 and 38 may also be positioned
over opposite ends of third tubular member 32 for more secure and
comfortable use of the apparatus 10. Handle covers 36 and 38 are
preferably made of a foam or plastic material to enhance gripping.
However, handle covers 36 and 38 may comprise any material that can
be securely fitted over opposite ends of third tubular member 32
without slipping.
[0025] First and second foot supports 20 and 22 may each comprise a
sliding member 40, a base support 42 positioned over sliding member
40, and a strap 44 attached to base support 42 for retaining a
user's foot during use of the apparatus 10. The sliding members 40
of each foot support 20 and 22 are engaged with first and second
track members 14 and 16, respectively such that they are capable of
sliding along a length of first and second track members 14 and 16.
Sliding members 40 are preferably comprised of the same durable
metal as first and second track members 14 and 16. However, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that base plate 12, first
and second track members 14 and 16, handle member 18, and sliding
members 40 may be comprised of any type of durable material capable
of withstanding wear and tear from repeated use of apparatus 10.
These materials include, but are not limited to, plastics,
polymers, polymer mixes, and fiberglass. Base supports 42 may also
be comprised of any material that is used to make base plate 12,
first and second track members 14 and 16, handle member 18, and
sliding members 40 including all of those listed above. Straps 44
are comprised of any type of material that is capable of retaining
a user's foot on top of base supports 42. These materials are
preferably slightly flexible and may include, but are not limited
to, webbing, rubber, cloth, plastic, polymers and polymer
mixes.
[0026] Apparatus 10 may also include first and second pulley
systems 46 and 48 running along a length of first and second track
members 14 and 16, respectively. First and second pulley systems 46
and 48 may include handles 50 and 52 so that a user can easily
engage apparatus 10 for lateral exercise of the upper body. First
and second pulley systems 46 and 48 are explained in more detail
with reference to FIGS. 2-4. It will be understood by those skilled
in the art that apparatus 10 may only include first and second
pulley systems 46 and 48 running along a length of first and second
track members 14 and 16 without first and second foot supports 20
and 22. This configuration of apparatus 10 would comprise an
embodiment that is directed primarily to lateral exercise of the
upper body. The configuration of apparatus 10 with only slidably
engaged foot supports 20 and 22, and without first and second
pulley systems 46 and 48, would comprise and embodiment that is
directed primarily to lateral exercise of the lower body. Including
both first and second pulley systems 46 and 48 along a length of
first and second track members 14 and 16 and slidably engaging
first and second foot supports 20 and 22 with first and second
track members 14 and 16 would result in an embodiment of apparatus
10 that supports lateral exercise of both the upper body and the
lower body.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lateral exercise
apparatus 10 shown with first track member 14 in the stored
position and the second track member 16 moved from a stored
position, shown in phantom, to a position for use. First and second
track members 14 and 16 pivot from a vertical position to a
horizontal position as shown by arrow 60. First and second pulley
systems 46 and 48 are each comprised of a first wheel and second
wheel 62 and 64 (See FIGS. 3 and 4) that may be covered by first
and second housing members 66 and 68.
[0028] A partial perspective view of the top of the lateral
exercise apparatus 10 in the storage position showing the handle
members 50 and 52 of the first and second pulley systems 46 and 48
located near the non-pivotal ends of track members 14 and 16 is
shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows a partial top perspective view of the
pivotal ends of track members 14 and 16 attached to base plate 12,
and second foot support 22 attached to second track member 16.
Second pulley system 48 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and includes
first wheel 62, second wheel 64, and a band, belt, cord, chain, or
rope member 66 that has one end engaged with second wheel 64, wound
around first wheel 62 and then back around second wheel 64 through
opening 68 contained at an end of second track member 16. Rope
member 66 may be further threaded through one or more load bearing
spring wheels 70 which function to adjust the tension of rope
member 66 and ensure that it does not rub across a portion of the
apparatus and become worn. Rope member 66 may be enclosed within an
elongated housing 72, such as a tubular shaped housing member, for
example along the length of each track member 14 and 16. A tension
knob 74 may also engage first wheel 62 to further adjust the
tension of rope member 66.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, first and second track member 14 and 16
may be connected to base plate 12 with hinge members 78 that may be
bolted to another support member 80 that is permanently secured to
base plate 12. Arrow 82 shows the direction of movement for second
foot support 22 along the length of second track member 16.
[0030] FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views showing a user using the
lateral exercise apparatus 10 to perform lateral exercise of the
lower body. The user 90 first secures adjustable blocking members
24 and 26 in place at a position along the length of first and
second track members 14 and 16, respectively. User 90 then engages
first and second foot supports 20 and 22 by placing his feet on
base supports 42 underneath straps 44. User 90 then grasps handle
member 18 with both hands and lowers his body so that first and
second foot supports 20 and 22 slide away from handle 18 along the
length of first and second track members 14 and 16 and his feet
that are retained in first and second foot supports 20 and 22 move
outward and away from a central axis of his body. User 90 then uses
his feet and leg muscles to slide first and second foot supports 20
and 22 back toward handle member 18. This back and forth exercise
is then repeated.
[0031] Turning now to FIGS. 7-9, three different lateral exercises
are shown for the upper body. In FIG. 7, user 90 first secures
adjustable blocking members 24 and 26 in place at a position along
the length of first and second track members 14 and 16,
respectively. User 90 then grasps handles 50 and 52 and pulls them
upward and inward toward the user's chest. User 90 may engage first
and second foot supports 20 and 22 either before or after first
grasping handles 50 and 52. However, the exercise is intended to be
carried out with user 90 having his feet positioned in first and
second foot supports 20 and 22. To perform this exercise, user 90
alternates the pulling and release of handles 50 and 52 toward the
user's chest as shown by arrows 94. The tension of rope members 66
may be increased or decreased as previously described with
reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0032] A second lateral exercise for the upper body using the
lateral exercise apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 8. User 90 first
secures adjustable blocking members 24 and 26 in place at a
position along the length of first and second track members 14 and
16, respectively. Next, user 90 grasps handles 50 and 52 and pulls
them toward his body. User 90 may do this either before or after
engaging first and second foot supports 20 and 22 with his feet.
However, the exercise is intended to be carried out with the user's
feet placed in the foot supports. To perform the exercise, user 90
pulls handles 50 and 52 toward him and above his head and then
allows rope member 66 to retract by slowly releasing the force
applied to handles 50 and 52 as shown by arrows 98. This exercise
is then repeated.
[0033] Another lateral exercise for the upper body using the
lateral exercise apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 9. As with the
exercises shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, user 90 first secures adjustable
blocking members 24 and 26 in place at a position along the length
of first and second track members 14 and 16, respectively. User 90
then grasps handle members 50 and 52 and engages his feet with
first and second foot supports 20 and 22 either before or after
grasping handle members 50 and 52. If he engages his feet
beforehand, he then grasps handles 50 and 52 after his feet have
been placed within foot supports 20 and 22. To perform this
exercise, user 90 simultaneously pulls one handle 50 toward his
waist (as shown by arrow 100) while pulling the other handle 52
upward and across his upper torso at shoulder level. User 90 turns
his waste while pulling handle 52 up to his shoulder level and then
across his upper torso as shown by arrow 102. User 90 then
alternates these pulling movements with the opposite handles and
continues to alternately repeat the movements shown by arrows 100
and 102 with handles 50 and 52.
[0034] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
set firth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *