U.S. patent application number 11/577193 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-24 for total body exercise device.
Invention is credited to Victor R. Ayoub.
Application Number | 20080096737 11/577193 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36148682 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080096737 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ayoub; Victor R. |
April 24, 2008 |
Total Body Exercise Device
Abstract
An exercise device having a bar adapted for being grasped
intermediate opposed ends thereof, where a portion intermediate the
opposed ends defines a longitudinal axis. An elastic member
attached to the opposed ends exerts a force thereto during an
exercise use of the bar, which force causes the bar to flex by an
amount in the range of 2 degrees to 16 degrees. In accordance with
another embodiment of the invention, during non-use of the bar, the
longitudinal axis of the end segments subtends the longitudinal
axes of the intermediate portion by an acute angle of about 2
degrees to 8 degrees.
Inventors: |
Ayoub; Victor R.; (Fort Lee,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAWRENCE EDELMAN, ESQ
3 BUFFALO RUN
EAST BRUNSWICK
NJ
08816
US
|
Family ID: |
36148682 |
Appl. No.: |
11/577193 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
October 12, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US05/36922 |
371 Date: |
April 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60617832 |
Oct 12, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/107 ;
482/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/1645 20130101;
A63B 2208/0204 20130101; A63B 2208/0257 20130101; A63B 2208/0223
20130101; A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 21/00065 20130101; A63B
21/0724 20130101; A63B 2071/027 20130101; A63B 21/0442
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/107 ;
482/121 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06; A63B 21/02 20060101 A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. An exercise bar comprising five symmetrically disposed and
substantially equal length segments; a center segment; angled
intermediate segments positioned at opposed ends of the center
segment, which angled intermediate segments have a longitudinal
axis that deviate from the longitudinal axis of the center segment
by an acute angle within a range of about 26 to 46 degrees; end
segments positioned at opposed ends of the angled intermediate
segments, which end segments have a longitudinal axis that are
approximately parallel with the longitudinal axis of the center
segment; an elastic member adapted to be secured to the one or both
of the end segments; at least two weight members, at least one of
each weight member being adapted to be selective positioned at a
respective one of the end segments; and a retaining member for
selectively retaining the weight member on the end segments.
2. The exercise bar of claim 1, where the retaining member
comprises a spring clip forming a circular clamp, and adapted to be
selectively secured about a distal end of the end segments, so as
to retain a weight member on the end segment of said bar.
3. The exercise bar of claim 1, where the end segments have a
longitudinal axis that subtends the longitudinal axis of the center
segment at an acute angle within a range of about 0 degrees to plus
or minus 8 degrees.
4. The exercise bar of claim 3, where the end segments have a
longitudinal axis that subtends the longitudinal axis of the center
segment at an acute angle within a range of about minus 2 degrees
to minus 4 degrees.
5. The exercise bar of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the
angled segments deviates from the longitudinal axis of the center
segment by an acute angle in a range of about 32 degrees to 40
degrees.
6. The exercise bar of claim 5, wherein a longitudinal axis of the
angled segments deviate from the longitudinal axis of the center
segment by an acute angle of about 36 degrees.
7. The exercise bar of claim 1, wherein each the five segments are
between 5 and 12 inches long.
8. The exercise bar of claim 7, wherein each the five segments is
about 8 inches long.
9. The exercise bar of claim 1, further including flexible length
coupling rings connected to the end segments for securing the
elastic members to the end segments.
10. The exercise bar of claim 9, wherein the coupling rings are
formed of a resilient material and have a thickness so as to flex
in response to force exerted thereon by the elastic members.
11. The exercise bar of claim 1, wherein the segments are formed of
a given material adapted to flex as a result of force applied to
the end segments during normal use of the exercise bar by a user,
said flex being in the range of about 2 degrees to about 16
degrees.
12. The exercise bar of claim 11, wherein the segments comprise a
flexible hollow aluminum tube member, having about a one-inch outer
diameter and a wall thickness of about 0.125 inches.
13. The exercise bar of claim 11, wherein the segments comprise a
flexible hollow steel tube member, having about a one-inch outer
diameter and a wall thickness of about 0.065 inches.
14. The exercise bar of claim 11, wherein the given material
comprises a plastic or other semi-flexible material.
15. An exercise bar comprising five symmetrically disposed and
substantially equal length segments; a center segment; angled
intermediate segments positioned at opposed ends of the center
segment, which angled intermediate segments have a longitudinal
axis that deviate from the longitudinal axis of the center segment
by an acute angle within a range of about 26 to 46 degrees; end
segments positioned at opposed ends of the angled intermediate
segments, which end segments have a longitudinal axis that
intersects the longitudinal axis of the center segment at an acute
angle between the range of 0 and about 8 degrees; and an elastic
member adapted to be secured to the end segments so as to provide a
force thereto during use of the exercise bar, said force causing
the end segments of said bar to flex during normal use of the
exercise bar by a user, said flex being in the range of about 2
degrees to about 16 degrees.
16. The exercise bar of claim 15, where the end segments have a
longitudinal axis that intersect the longitudinal axis of the
center segment at an acute angle within a range of about 2 degrees
to 4 degrees, said acute angle being opposite in direction to the
angular direction of the flex of said end segments when in use.
17. The exercise bar of claim 15, wherein each the five segments
are between 5 and 12 inches long.
18. The exercise bar of claim 17, wherein each the five segments is
about 8 inches long.
19. The exercise bar of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the
angled segments deviates from the longitudinal axis of the center
segment by an acute angle in a range of about 26 degrees to 36
degrees.
20. The exercise bar of claim 1, further including at least two
weight members, at least one of each weight member being adapted to
be selective positioned at a respective one of the end segments;
and a retaining member for selectively retaining the weight member
on the end segments.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC 120 of prior
U.S. Provisional Patent Application U.S. Ser. No. 60/617,832, filed
Oct. 12, 2004. The entire disclosure of this patent application is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to exercise devices,
and more particularly to a portable and versatile total body
exercise device that is useful for an extremely wide range of
workouts, for example, for power pump, cardio, aerobic, marshal
arts, youth, senior, rehabilitation, etc.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Devices to aid in the exercise of various muscle groups have
been manufactured for many years. Portable exercise devices have
become more popular over the years because they are generally less
expensive to purchase and can be readily transported by their owner
so that a regular program of physical fitness can be more easily be
maintained. One type of portable exercise device comprises a bar
with an elastic cord which simulates weight lifting, such as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 1,019,861. More recent attempts
employing a bar and/or an elastic cord member, either separately or
together, to facilitate various exercises are described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,059,265; 4,618,142; 4,733,862; 5,480,369; 5,549,532;
and 5,746,687.
[0006] Among the drawbacks with existing portable bar type exercise
devices is that generally they are not shaped so as to allow a
maximum range of motion when used adjacent various body parts, such
as around or near the neck, head and/or shoulders, as well as up
close to the chest, especially for woman. Furthermore, the
stiffness of such bars can, over time, contribute to injury of the
joints of the wrist, elbow and shoulders. Accordingly, improvements
in such devices are still desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the exercise
device includes an ergonomically shaped support bar adapted to be
supported by a part of the body of a user, such as one or both of
the hands or feet, or the neck and clavicle or even the chest of
the user, during an exercise workout. The support bar can be used
in conjunction with one or more elastic members attached near
opposed ends of the support bar, alone, or in conjunction with one
or more weight members, which can also be attached near the opposed
ends of the support bar. When the user performs repetitive
movements with the bar, a workout is provided due to the dynamic
resistance to the movement generated by the elastic members and a
static resistance to the movement generated by the weight
members.
[0008] The support bar is particularly unique as compared with
prior bars in at least several respects, most notable being its
shape, its ability to flex, its use of attachable dynamic and
static resistive members, as well as the use of members near the
ends of the bar for attaching the dynamic resistive members. The
unique support bar allows the user to perform existing exercise
movements in a safer manner, and with a greater range of motion.
New exercise movements are also disclosed. With the new versatile
total body exercise device of the invention, it is now possible for
a user to quickly and efficiently perform a vast array of
isometric, isotonic and isokinetic exercise movements.
[0009] In summary, the exercise device of the invention includes
one or more of the following features, alone or in combination with
other ones of these features: [0010] A support bar being formed of
five substantially equal length segments, [0011] The support bar
being formed of a material and having dimensions and a shape which
aid its flexibility, [0012] The support bar having a shape which
conforms to the human body, [0013] The support bar being adaptable
for having one or more elastic members attached thereto near
opposed ends thereof for providing a dynamic resistance feature to
the bar, [0014] Attachment of the elastic members being made with
flexible length couplings, [0015] The support bar being adaptable
for having one or more static weights attached near opposed ends
thereof for providing a static resistance feature to the bar, and
[0016] Spring clips which provide a dual use, a) for retaining the
static weights on the opposed ends of the support bar and b) for
use independently of the support bar as a hand/grip exercise
device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and
details of the invention, and, together with the general
description given above and the detailed description given below,
serve to explain the features of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise bar in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a detail view of one aspect of a portion
of the exercise bar of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a detail view of another aspect of a
portion of the exercise bar of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a detail view of a spring clip adapted
for use with the exercise bar of FIG. 1 in accordance with a
further aspect of the invention;
[0022] FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate two different ways the elastic
member of FIG. 3 can be used in accordance with further embodiments
of the invention of the exercise bar of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIGS. 6-14 illustrate various exercise routines using the
exercise bar constructed in accordance with the principles of the
invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the exercise
device is a unit comprised of at least one shaped support bar, such
as shown in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment of the support bar
10, it has a configured shape that is more anatomically comfortable
and conforming to the users body than prior art support bars. More
specifically, the support bar 10 has a contour that more closely
matches the shape of a typical user (i.e., the neck and clavicle or
the chest of the user), thereby allowing a greater range of
movement of the support bar with relation to the body of the user
during the performance of exercise routines. This results in a
"glove-like fit" to the users body enhances a workout of what is
known as the "core" muscle group, as well as enabling the
performance of various exercise movements in a safer and more
efficient manner as compared to the use of a support bar that is
not as anatomically conforming.
[0025] As such, in one embodiment of the invention, such as shown
by the Figures, support bar 10 comprises five symmetrically
disposed equal or nearly equal (that is, within + or -20% of equal)
length segments. A center segment 12 has at its opposed ends angled
intermediate segments 14 which have a longitudinal axis that
deviates from the longitudinal axis of the center section 12 by an
acute angle within a range of about 26 to 46 degrees, and in a
preferred embodiment by an acute angle in a narrower range of about
32 to 40 degrees, or more specifically of about 36 degrees.
[0026] The angled intermediate segments 14 have at their opposed
ends, end segments 16. In a preferred embodiment of the invention
as shown in the Figures, support bar 10 is encased with a soft foam
material which serves as a cushion for the user, while the end
segments 16 are bare of foam, as shown, so that additional weights
can be added to ends 16 of the bar 10, as will be described
later.
[0027] The longitudinal axis of end segments 16 may be
approximately parallel with the longitudinal axis of the center
segment 12, but in accordance with another aspect of the invention,
the end segments 16 have a longitudinal axis that subtends the
longitudinal axis of the center segment 12 at an acute angle within
a range of about 0 to minus 8 degrees, and in a preferred
embodiment at an acute angle of about minus 2 to minus 4 degrees.
FIG. 2 shows an exaggerated view of the acute angle of about minus
2 to minus 4 degrees between the axis's of segments 12 and segments
16, and in dashed lines illustrates one embodiment of a range of
flex motion of end segment 16 of about 2 to 16 degrees during use
of the exercise device, such flex being in accordance with a
further aspect of the invention.
[0028] It is to be noted that although in the illustrated
embodiment the range of flex is shown to be in the minus direction,
in an alternative embodiment, the orientation of the bar 10 could
be inverted, so that even though one could still say the range of
flex is minus, it would actually be in an opposite direction with
respect to the shape of bar 10 from what is shown in FIG. 2. Such
an "opposite" flexible angle could also be advantageous, depending
on the specific use of bar 10.
[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, each of the segments 12,
14, and 16 are between 5 and 12 inches long, and in the illustrated
embodiment the segments are each about 8 inches long. As noted
above, this combination of lengths and angles forms a shape that
more closely matches the shape of a typical user, thereby allowing
a greater range of movement of the support bar during performance
of the exercise movements, as well as performance of the exercise
movements in a safer manner. For example, the offset center segment
12 will align with the chest of a female user, thereby allowing a
greater range of motion during, for example, a bicep curl.
Additionally, in the event that the bar is lifted overhead to
support the bar on the back of the neck of the user, the offset
segment 12 allows the user to rotate the bar when it is as low as
near the shoulders of the user, so as to cause the segment 12 to
become positioned behind the head of the user (see FIG. 6). This
reduces the required height that the user must raise the bar to get
it over his/her head, and allows the users hands to be positioned
even with or slightly forward of the body, instead of parallel with
the plane of the back of the users body. This positioning helps
reduce the possibility of impingement injury.
[0030] This arrangement also provides a particularly well-balanced
piece of exercise equipment, where the support bar 10 can be
grasped at its center segment 12 with one hand just as well as it
can with two hands. A padding material can also be provided around
the circumference of bar 10 so as to provide some cushioning for
the users, such padding material being shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b
[0031] As noted above, the end segments 16 allow for the attachment
of one or both of dynamic and static resistances. In one
embodiment, elastic band/cord members 17, shown in FIG. 3, provide
the dynamic resistance, one such elastic member being
conventionally formed using a material the same as or similar to
surgical tubing. The members 17 typically have a range of stretch
in their length from about one-half the length of support bar 10 to
two or three times the length of support bar 10.
[0032] Standard free weights 21 having a hole can be slid onto the
opposed ends 22 of bar 10, for provide the static resistance to the
exercise routines performed using bar 10.
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a further aspect of the invention where,
for example, a hole 18 is formed in segments 18 so as to leave an
area 22 (of about 2 inches in length) at the outer ends of the
support bar 10, and an area 24 that is adjacent angled segments 14
that is sufficient to be grasped by the hand of the user. Hole 18
can serve as a convenient way to attach the elastic members
thereto, using, for example an "O" ring 20 that is coupled near the
ends of bar 10. In one embodiment, ring 20 may be similar in
construction and operation to the type of ring conventionally used
to hold a plurality of keys, and comprise, for example, two
closely-spaced turns of spring steel, the turns having a diameter
of 1 to 4 inches, and preferably, about 2 to 3 inches. By
separating the end of one turn from its adjacent turn, the open end
can be threaded into hole 18 and rotated until ring 20 is centered
and freely rotates in the hole 18. Once so installed, clips 19 at
the opposed ends of elastic member 17 shown in FIG. 3 can be easily
attached to the opposed ends of bar 10 using the rings 20. Other
suitable alternative choices can be made for the material to be
used to form rings 20.
[0034] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
invention, the rings 20 are formed of a resilient material and have
a thickness so as to flex, and thereby temporarily change their
length, in response to the increased force exerted thereon by the
elastic members 17. Such a temporary change in length is
particularly advantageous in that it allows for a "smooth" or more
gradual increase in the resistance to which the user is subjected
to by the use of the elastic members. Such elastic members
typically provide a rapid increase in forces that are applied to
the user as the limits of the range of motion are approached. This
gradual but temporary elongation of the rings 20 helps lessen the
forces provided to the user at these extremes of the range of
motion, thereby making the exercise apparatus more joint and
connective tissue friendly, as well as more forgiving in the case
of improper performance of a specific exercise.
[0035] Rings 20 allow a wide range of commercially available
members 17 to be affixed thereto. However, although rings 20 are
shown, other ways for attaching the opposed ends of members 17 to
bar 10 are possible, such as by attaching clips 19 directly to the
holes 18.
[0036] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
invention, in order to provide benefits which are similar to the
benefits provided by the elongation/flexibility of the rings 20,
but possibly with an even greater range of "stretch or elongation"
support bar 10 is formed so as to also provide some "give" or flex"
in response to the increases in force applied to its opposed ends
22 by elastic members 17. Such flex qualities of bar 10 are
achieved by, for example, a combination of one or more of the
configured shape and the choice of materials and thickness for the
bar 10.
[0037] In one embodiment bar 10 is formed of hollow aluminum tubing
having a one-inch outer diameter, and a thickness of about 0.125
inches. If thinner, it may bend past its elasticity can permit, and
result in a permanent deformation of its shape. If bar 10 is formed
from a hollow steel tube member, the wall thickness should be
approximately 0.065 inches. In an alternative embodiment, bar 10
could be formed using a plastic or other semi-flexible material.
The amount of flex may vary depending on where the user grasps the
bar 10, with a maximum flex at the end of segments 16 occurring
when the user grasps the bar at the center segment 12.
[0038] It is noted that the acute angle the longitudinal axis of
segment 16 makes with the longitudinal axis of segment 12 (i.e.,
within a range of about 0 to plus or minus 8 degrees when the bar
is un-flexed), is also intended to increase the flexibility and/or
amount of flex, of bar 10 during its normal use as an exercise
device.
[0039] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
invention, standard free weights 21 can be easily coupled to
support bar 10, so as to augment the resistance provided by the
elastic members 17, by slipping the weights 21 over the ends 22 of
the bar. The bar 10 can have a one-inch outer diameter, and weights
21 have a hole in the center thereof designed to accommodate a
one-inch bar. The rings 20 will keep the weights 21 from impinging
on the area 24 reserved for the grip of a user, and standard
"spring-coil" clamps 26 shown in FIG. 4, well known to those in the
field of exercise equipment, can be used to secure the outer ends
of segments 16, thereby locking weights 21 on segments 16. For
added safety, the outermost portion of ends 22 could be provided
with an addition hole therethrough, in which a linchpin 27 could be
selectively inserted therein, to even further secure the static
weights 21 on the bar 10.
[0040] Although only one elastic member 17 and weight 21 are shown
in the above Figures, multiple dynamic flexible members 17 and
static weights 21 can be used, as well as various combinations
thereof. For example, two or more members 17 can be attached in
parallel between the opposed ends of bar 10. Additionally, one end
of a single member 17 could be attached to the ring 20 at one end
of bar 12, and the other end of member 17 can be looped through the
ring 20 at the other end of bar 12, and then brought back to the
first ring 20 where it is attached using the clip 19, such as shown
by FIG. 5b, while FIG. 5a shows the use of a single elastic member
17 that is not doubled back on itself. Note that a plurality of
various types of elastic members 17 are conventionally available so
as to provide a given resistance at a given amount of stretch, such
as 10 lbs, 20 lbs, 30 lbs, or even 60 lbs or more at 100% stretch.
One or more of such members can be provided for use with each
support bar 10.
[0041] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a user performing squat movements with
the invention. Note how the shape of the bar 10 conforms to the
neck and clavicle region of the user, and allows the hands to
remain in a safe and correct position. Note also that the user can
control/adjust to a great extent the amount of resistance provided
by the elastic member, by, e.g., where/how he steps on the elastic
member
[0042] FIG. 9 shows how instead of the feet of the user holding the
elastic member in place, the elastic member can be secured/anchored
to an object, such as by looping it around a pole, or some other
fixed object. Note also in FIG. 9 how the shape of the support bar
conforms to the chest of the user.
[0043] FIGS. 10 to FIG. 13 are self-explanatory, and show various
other one and two hand movements that are particularly effective
when using the inventive exercise device, as compared with the
prior art devices. For example, in the movements shown in these
figures, the flex characteristics of the bar 10 are significant,
and offer real comfort and safety to the user, especially at the
extremes of the ranges of motion shown.
[0044] FIG. 14 illustrates the use of a different body part for
grasping bar 10, specifically the feet.
[0045] While this invention has been particularly shown and
described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. In fact, many such changes are
already noted in this description, but it should be realized that
the above-noted changes were not exhaustive, and merely exemplary.
Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain
using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the
specific embodiments of the invention described herein. For
example, a support bar having 5 segments, where the center segment
has a length of about 8 inches, the angles segments have a length
of about 7 inches, and end segments have a length of about 12
inches, is still considered to constructed in accordance with the
principles of the invention. All such changes and modifications are
considered to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *