U.S. patent application number 12/069360 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-12 for exercise apparatus and method of using same.
Invention is credited to Larry Vigilia.
Application Number | 20080139369 12/069360 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46330109 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080139369 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vigilia; Larry |
June 12, 2008 |
Exercise apparatus and method of using same
Abstract
A lightweight, portable exercise device that includes a
body-encircling strap that can be adjustably fitted about various
portions of the user's body. Removably connected to the
body-encircling strap are a plurality of exercise, or resistance
modules of differing resistance. The resistance modules are
slidably connected to the body encircling strap so that they can be
positioned at various locations along the length of the strap. The
resistance specially designed so that various exercises can be
performed using only the resistance modules after they have been
separated from a body encircling strap.
Inventors: |
Vigilia; Larry; (Glendale,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES E. BRUNTON, ESQ.
P. O. BOX 29000
GLENDALE
CA
91209
US
|
Family ID: |
46330109 |
Appl. No.: |
12/069360 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11594457 |
Nov 7, 2006 |
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12069360 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4009 20151001;
A63B 21/4011 20151001; A63B 21/169 20151001; A63B 21/0552 20130101;
A63B 2071/027 20130101; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 2208/0257
20130101; A63B 2208/0233 20130101; A63B 2208/0252 20130101; A63B
21/00061 20130101; A63B 2208/0204 20130101; A63B 2208/0266
20130101; A63B 21/4025 20151001; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B
21/0555 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/124 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. An exercise device for use by a trainee to exercise the body
muscles of the arms, legs, thighs, shoulders and back, said device
comprising: (a) an adjustable body-encircling strap for encircling
a portion of the trainee's body, said strap having first and second
end portions and an intermediate portion; (b) a first resistance
module removably connected to said adjustable body encircling
strap, said first resistance module comprising: (i) a connector
sleeve slidably movable relative to said body-encircling strap
along the length thereof; (ii) a foot receiving strap connected to
and extending from said connector sleeve; (iii) a first elongated
elastomeric cord of a first tensile strength connected to said
connector sleeve; (iv) a gripping member connected to said first
elongated elastomeric cord of a first tensile strength; (v) a
second elongated elastomeric cord of a first tensile strength
connected to said connector sleeve; and (vi) a gripping member
connected to said second elongated elastomeric cord of a first
tensile strength.
2. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 further including a
second resistance module removably connected to said adjustable
body encircling strap, said second resistance module comprising:
(a) a connector sleeve slidably movable relative to said
body-encircling strap along the length thereof; (b) a foot
receiving strap connected to and extending from said connector
sleeve; (c) a first elongated elastomeric cord of a second tensile
strength connected to said connector sleeve; (d) a first gripping
member connected to said first elongated elastomeric cord of a
second tensile strength; (e) a second elongated elastomeric cord of
a second tensile strength connected to said connector sleeve; and
(f) a second gripping member connected to said second elongated
elastomeric cord of a second tensile strength.
3. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 further comprising a
third resistance module removably connected to said adjustable body
encircling strap, said third resistance module comprising: (a) a
connector sleeve slidably movable relative to said body-encircling
strap along the length thereof; (b) a foot receiving strap
connected to and extending from said connector sleeve; (c) a first
elongated elastomeric cord of a third tensile strength connected to
said connector sleeve; (d) a first gripping member connected to
said first elongated elastomeric cord of a third tensile strength;
(e) a second elongated elastomeric cord of a third tensile strength
connected to said connector sleeve; and (f) a second gripping
member connected to said second elongated elastomeric cord of a
third tensile strength.
4. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 further including a
foot engaging strap connected to and extending from said first
gripping member and a third foot engaging strap connected to and
extending from said second gripping member.
5. The exercise device as defined in claim 4 in which each of said
foot engaging straps includes adjustment means for adjusting the
size of said foot engaging straps.
6. An exercise device for use by a trainee to exercise the body
muscles of the arms, legs, thighs, shoulders and back, said device
comprising: (a) an adjustable body-encircling strap for encircling
a portion of the trainee's body, said strap having first and second
end portions and an intermediate portion; (b) a first resistance
module removably connected to said adjustable body encircling
strap, said first resistance module comprising a connector sleeve
slidably movable relative to said body-encircling strap along the
length thereof, first and second elongated elastomeric cords of a
first tensile strength connected to said connector sleeve and a
gripping member for gripping by the trainee connected to each of
said first and second elongated elastomeric cords; and (c) a second
resistance module removably connected to said adjustable body
encircling strap, said second resistance module comprising a
connector sleeve slidably movable relative to said body-encircling
strap along the length thereof, third and fourth elongated
elastomeric cords of a second tensile strength connected to said
connector sleeve and a gripping member for gripping by the trainee
connected to said third and fourth elongated elastomeric cords.
7. The exercise device as defined in claim 6 further including a
third resistance module removably connected to said adjustable body
encircling strap, said third resistance module comprising a
connector sleeve slidably movable relative to said body-encircling
strap along the length thereof, fifth and sixth elongated
elastomeric cords of a third tensile strength connected to said
connector sleeve and a gripping member for gripping by the trainee
connected to each of said fifth and sixth elongated elastomeric
cords.
8. The exercise device as defined in claim 7 in which each of said
first, second and third exercise modules further includes a foot
receiving strap connected to and extending from said connector
sleeve.
9. The exercise device as defined in claim 8 in which each of said
first, second and third exercise modules further includes a foot
receiving strap connected to and extending from each of said
gripping members thereof.
10. The exercise device as defined in claim 9 in which each of said
foot engaging straps connected to and extending from said gripping
members includes adjustment means for adjusting the size of said
foot engaging straps.
11. A method for performing different exercises by a trainee having
hands and feet using an exercise device comprising an adjustable
body-encircling strap for encircling a portion of the trainee's
body and a first exercise module removably connected to the
body-encircling strap, the first exercise module comprising a
connector sleeve slidably movable relative to the body-encircling
strap along the length thereof, a foot receiving strap connected to
and extending from the connector sleeve, first and second elongated
elastomeric cords having a first tensile strength connected to the
connector sleeve and gripping members for gripping by the trainee
connected to the first and second elongated elastomeric cords, said
method comprising the steps of: (a) performing a first set of
exercises by gripping the first and second gripping members and
urging the first and second gripping members to move in a direction
away from the body-encircling strap in a manner to stretch the
first and second elongated elastomeric cords; and (b) performing a
second set of exercises by removing the first exercise module from
the body encircling strap, inserted one foot into foot engaging
strap connected to and extending from the connector sleeve,
gripping the gripping members with the hands and causing the
gripping members to move in a direction away from the foot engaging
strap in a manner to stretch the first and second elastomeric
cords.
12. The method as defined in claim 11 in which the exercise device
further includes a second exercise module removably connected to
the body-encircling strap, the second exercise module comprising a
connector sleeve slidably movable relative to the body-encircling
strap along the length thereof, a foot engaging strap connected to
and extending from the connector sleeve, third and fourth elongated
elastomeric cords having a second tensile strength connected to the
connector sleeve, the method comprising the further step of
performing a third set of exercises by removing the second exercise
module from the body encircling strap, inserted one foot into foot
engaging strap connected to and extending from the connector
sleeve, gripping the gripping members with the hands and causing
the gripping members to move in a direction away from the foot
engaging strap in a manner to stretch the third and fourth
elastomeric cords.
13. The method as defined in claim 12 in which the exercise device
further includes a third exercise module removably connected to the
body-encircling strap, the other exercise module comprising a
connector sleeve slidably movable relative to the body-encircling
strap along the length thereof, a foot engaging strap connected to
and extending from the connector sleeve, fifth and sixth elongated
elastomeric cords having a third tensile strength connected to the
connector sleeve, the method comprising the further step of
performing a fourth set of exercises by removing the third exercise
module from the body encircling strap, inserted one foot into foot
engaging strap connected to and extending from the connector
sleeve, gripping the gripping members with the hands and causing
the gripping members to move in a direction away from the foot
engaging strap in a manner to stretch the fifth and sixth
elastomeric cords.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This is a Continuation In Part Application of co-pending
U.S. application Ser. No. 11/594,457 filed Nov. 7, 2006.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to generally to exercise
devices. More particularly, the invention concerns a novel exercise
device that includes an adjustable body-encircling strap to which
elastomeric cords are attached. Each elastomeric cord has a
gripping handle connected to the free end thereof for gripping by
the trainee to enable the trainee to exercise body muscles of the
arms, legs, shoulders and back while sitting, standing, or lying by
controllably stretching the cords against the resistance offered
thereby.
DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0003] A wide variety of different types of exercise devices have
been suggested in the past. Many such devices comprise heavy and
bulky weight lifting machines which typically include various cable
arrangements for lifting weights. Other such prior art devices
comprise various types of large machines which include elastic
cords and straps that replace the weights found in conventional
weight lifting machines. Additionally, several types of
inexpensive, easily portable elastic exercising devices are on the
market. Exemplary of such devices is a device offered for sale on
the internet under the name and style RIPCORDS and an exercise
device offered for sale by Lifestyle Sports of Dunkirk, N.Y. under
the name and style Flex Band.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
exercise device that includes a body-encircling strap that can be
adjustably fitted about various portions of the user's body.
Adjustably and removably afixed to the body-encircling strap is a
resistance module that comprises a connector sleeve to which a pair
of elastomeric cords are connected. The elastomeric cords of the
resistance module can be extended by the user in a manner to enable
the user to exercise body muscles of the arms, legs, shoulders and
back while walking, sitting, standing, or lying.
[0005] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise
device of the aforementioned character that includes a plurality of
resistance modules of differing resistance that can be selectively
interconnected with the body and circling strap of the device.
[0006] Another object of the invention is to provide a device of
the character described in the preceding paragraph in which each of
the exercising modules is provided with a foot engaging strap for
engagement by the foot of the trainee. Another object of the
invention is to provide a device of the character described in
which each elastomeric cord of each resistance module has a
gripping member connected thereto for gripping by the hands and
feet of the trainee to enable the cords to be controllably
stretched against the resistance offered thereby by extension of
the trainee's arms and legs.
[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise
device as described in the preceding paragraphs in which the
exercise module is slidably movable relative to the body encircling
strap so as to enable the exercise module to be positioned at
various locations about the trainee's waste.
[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise
device of the character described which is lightweight, readily
portable and is easy and convenient to use so as to permit the user
to tone or firm up various body muscles while at the office, at a
hotel, at the beach, at the park, while traveling and during
leisure time, such as while walking or watching television.
[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise
device of the class described that includes a body-encircling
support strap that is easily adjusted so that it can be snugly fit
about various portions the user's body in a manner to prevent
slippage during the performance of a particular exercise.
[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise
device as described in the preceding paragraphs in which the
elastomeric cords of each of the resistance modules can be of
various lengths, diameters and tensile strengths so as to provide
various degrees of resistance.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise
device as described in the previous paragraph in which the
elastomeric cords of each of the resistance modules are color-coded
to indicate their degree of resistance.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise
device of the type described that is useful for post operation
rehabilitation of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise
device that is useful to prevent swelling of the feet, legs,
ankles, wrist and back due to prolonged sitting during travel.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive
exercising device of simple construction that is suitable for use
by people of various ages and physical capabilities.
[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive
exercising device that can be used to reduce swelling in the upper
and lower extremities.
[0016] The forgoing as well as other objects of the invention are
realized and attained by the novel exercise apparatus more fully
described in the paragraphs that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a generally perspective view of one form of the
exercise apparatus of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a generally illustrative view showing the exercise
apparatus of the invention positioned about the waist of the
trainee.
[0019] FIG. 2A is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 2,
but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members
of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on one
pair the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.
[0020] FIG. 2B is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 2A,
but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members
of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on both
pair the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a generally illustrative view, similar to FIG. 2
showing the exercise apparatus of the invention positioned about
the waist of the trainee with the connector member that connects
the elastomeric cords to the body-encircling strap positioned at
trainee's back rather than at the trainee's front as shown in FIG.
2.
[0022] FIG. 3A is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3,
but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members
of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on one
pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.
[0023] FIG. 3B is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3A,
but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members
of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on both
pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.
[0024] FIG. 3C is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3A,
but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members
of the apparatus and exerting a sideward, stretching force on one
pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.
[0025] FIG. 3D is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3A,
but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members
of the apparatus and exerting an upward and outward, stretching
force on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.
[0026] FIG. 3E is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3A,
but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members
of the apparatus and exerting forward, boxing-like stretching
forces on one pair the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.
[0027] FIG. 3F is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3E,
but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members
of the apparatus and exerting forward, boxing-like stretching
forces on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.
[0028] FIG. 3G is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3E,
but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members
of the apparatus and exerting forward, cross-over stretching forces
on one pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.
[0029] FIG. 3H is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3G,
but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members
of the apparatus and exerting forward, cross-over stretching forces
on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a generally perspective view of an alternate form
of exercise device of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 4A is a generally perspective, fragmentary view of the
area designated in FIG. 4 as 4A-4A.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a generally perspective view of one form of the
exercise, or resistance module of the alternate form of exercise
device illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0033] FIG. 5A is a generally perspective view of another form of
the exercise module of the alternate form of exercise device
illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0034] FIG. 5B is a generally perspective view of still another
form of the exercise module of the alternate form of exercise
device illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a generally illustrative view showing the
alternate form of exercise apparatus of the invention illustrated
in FIG. 4 positioned about the waist of the trainee.
[0036] FIG. 6A is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 6,
but showing the trainee gripping the gripping members of the
apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on one of the
exercise modules of the apparatus.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a generally illustrative view showing one foot of
the trainee in position within the foot-receiving strap of one of
the resistance modules of the apparatus and showing the trainee
gripping the gripping members of this latest form of the apparatus
and exerting an upward, stretching force on the elastomeric cords
of the exercise module.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, one
form of the exercise device of the invention for use by a trainee
to exercise the body muscles of the arms, legs, shoulders and back
is there shown in generally designated by the numeral 14. In this
form of the invention the device comprises an adjustable
body-encircling strap 16 for encircling a portion of the trainee's
body in a manner illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings.
Strap 16, which can be constructed from various materials,
including a canvas-like material, has first and second end portions
16a and 16b respectively and an intermediate portion 16c. To
releasably interconnect the first and second end portions of the
strap conventional strap connecting means are provided. In the
present form of the invention this strap connecting means comprises
a first means, or yieldably deformable male connector 18a,
connected to first end 16a of the body-encircling strap, and a
second complementary means, or female connector 18b connected to
second end 16b of the body-encircling strap, for engagement with
the first means to form a body-encircling closed loop.
[0039] Connected to body-encircling strap 16 by means of cord
connecting means are first and second resistance imparting
assemblies 22 and 24. First resistance imparting assembly 22 here
comprises a first elongated elastomeric cord 26 having first and
second end portions 26a and 26b and intermediate portions 26c and
26d. First resistance imparting assembly 22 also comprises a first
gripping member 28 that is connected to the first elongated
elastomeric cord 26 proximate intermediate portion 26c first and a
second gripping member 30 that is connected to the first elongated
elastomeric cord 26 proximate intermediate portion 26d. Second
resistance imparting assembly 24 here comprises a second elongated
elastomeric cord 32 having first and second end portions 32a and
32b and intermediate portions 32c and 32d. Second resistance
imparting assembly 24 also comprises a third gripping member 34
that is connected to the first elongated elastomeric cord 32
proximate intermediate portion 32c first and a fourth gripping
member 36 that is connected to the second elongated elastomeric
cord 32 proximate intermediate portion 32d.
[0040] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the cord
connecting means, which functions to interconnect the end portions
of the first and second elongated elastomeric cords with the
body-encircling strap, comprises a generally tubular-shaped,
plastic member 20 that circumscribes the body-encircling strap 16
at a location proximate the intermediate portion of the strap.
[0041] With the novel construction described in the preceding
paragraph, the trainee can simultaneously grip the first and third
gripping members 28 and 34 respectively and the second and fourth
gripping members 30 and 36 respectively. In this way the trainee
can exercise against the resistance of both elastomeric cords 26
and 32. Alternatively, if the trainee desires to perform the
exercises against a lesser resistance, the trainee can
simultaneously grip only the first and second gripping members 28
and 30 thereby exercising against the resistance of only the
elongated elastomeric cord 26.
[0042] In this regard, it is to be understood that the first and
second elongated elastomeric cords 26 and 32 can be of the same
tensile strength or can be of different tensile strengths. If the
cords are of the same tensile strength, it is apparent that when
the trainee grips only one set of gripping members the exercises
will be performed against a first resistance. However, when the
trainee grips both sets of gripping members the exercises will be
performed against a second resistance that is approximately twice
the first resistance. As previously mentioned, the cords 26 and 32
can be color-coded to indicate their degree of resistance. For
example, in FIG. 2A cord 26 is colored red, while cord 32 is
colored green.
[0043] Elastomeric cords of the type used in connection with the
apparatus of the present invention are readily commercially
available in varying tensile strengths ranging from about 2000
pounds per square inch (PSI) to about 4000 square pounds per square
inch.
[0044] Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 2A and 2B one of the several
exercises that can be performed by the trainee using the apparatus
of the invention is there illustrated. It is apparent that when the
trainee grips the gripping members and moves the gripping members
upwardly and sidewardly relative to the body as illustrated in FIG.
2A, elastomeric cord 26 will uniformly resist such movement.
Repetition of the movement between the position shown in FIGS. 2
and 2A will effectively firm and tone the respective muscle sets
used. By selecting appropriate lengths and diameters of elastomeric
cord, the apparatus can be tailored for use by a variety of
trainees of all ages and physical capabilities.
[0045] In the performance of the exercise illustrated in FIGS. 2,
2A and 2B of the drawings, the body-encircling belt 16 is shown
encircled about the trainee's waist with the central portion of the
belt located generally over the trainee's stomach. As will be
discussed more fully in the paragraphs which follow, with the belt
16 in this position, a number of exercises can be performed by the
trainee grasping the gripping members in the manner shown in FIG.
2. It is to be noted that in FIG. 2 the trainee is shown grasping
only gripping members 28 and 30. If the trainee desires to exercise
against greater resistance, the trainee can grasp both sets of
gripping members in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2B, thereby
enabling the performance of the exercises against the resistance of
both of elastomeric cords 26 and 32. In performing the exercise
illustrated in FIG. 2A and 2B the trainee can exercise various body
muscles including the deltoid and trapezius muscles.
[0046] In FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D of the drawings some of the
various exercises that can be performed with the central portion of
the support belt located at the trainee's back are there
illustrated. By way of example, the trainee can lift the arms
directly upwardly exercising against the resistance of only one
cord (FIG. 3A), directly upwardly exercising against the resistance
of two cords (FIG. 3B), outwardly against the resistance of only
one cord (FIG. 3C), and upwardly and slightly outwardly exercising
against the resistance of two cords (FIG. 3D). In the performance
of these exercises, the trainee can exercise the trapezium, tricep
and extensor muscles of the forearm (FIGS. 3A and 3B), the deltoid
and extensor muscles of the forearm (FIG. 3C) and the trapezius,
tricep and extensor muscles of the forearm (FIG. 3D).
[0047] As illustrated in FIGS. 3E and 3F, with the central portion
of the support belt located at the trainee's back, the trainee can
perform simulated boxing-type exercises to effectively exercise the
pectoralis, deltoid and extensor muscles of the forearm.
[0048] With the exercise apparatus in position shown in FIGS. 3G
and 3H of the drawings the trainee can perform arm cross-over type
movements against the resistance of either one (FIG. 3G) or two
(FIG. 3H) cords to exercise the pectoralis, deltoid and extensor
muscles of the forearm.
[0049] Turning now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, an alternate form of
exercise apparatus of the invention is there shown and generally
designated by the 44. This apparatus is similar in some respects to
the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings. However, as
will be discussed in greater detail in the paragraphs that follow,
a primary difference between this latest embodiment of the
invention and the earlier described embodiment resides in the fact
that this alternate form of exercise apparatus uniquely includes a
plurality of exercise, or resistance modules of differing
resistance that can be selectively interconnected with the body and
encircling strap of the device.
[0050] As before, exercise device 44 is uniquely designed for use
by a trainee to exercise the body muscles of the arms, legs,
thighs, shoulders and back and here comprises an adjustable
body-encircling strap 46 for encircling a portion of the trainee's
body. As indicated in FIG. 4, strap 46 has first and second end
portions 48 and 50 respectively and an intermediate portion 52. A
conventional type of strap connecting means is carried by the
body-encircling strap 46 for releasably interconnecting together
the first and second end portions 48 and 50. This strap connecting
means here comprises a first connector means, or yieldably
deformable male connector 54 that is connected to first end 48 of
the body-encircling strap, and a second cooperating connector
means, or female connector 56 that is removably connected to second
end 50 of the body-encircling strap, for engagement with the first
means to form a body-encircling closed loop. As indicated in FIG.
4A of the drawings, the second end 50 of the strap is slidably
receivable within a slot like opening 56a provided in the female
connector. The second end 50 of the strap is also provided with a
multiplicity of hook-like interconnecting elements 50a that are
adapted to releasably engage a multiplicity of loop like
interconnecting elements 50b that are carried by strap 46 and a
spaced apart location from second end 52. Such interconnecting
elements are readily commercially available under the name and
style "VELCRO". With this construction, and for a reason presently
to be described, the male connector 56 can be readily removed from
the strap 46.
[0051] A unique feature of this latest form of exercising apparatus
of the invention comprises a first exercise, or resistance module
60 that is removably connected to the adjustable body encircling
strap 46 (see also FIG. 5). As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, this
novel resistance module here comprises a connector sleeve 62 that,
as indicated by the arrow 63 of FIG. 4, is slidably movable
relative to the body-encircling strap 46 along the length thereof.
This novel feature of the invention allows any of the resistance
modules to be positioned at various locations around the trainee's
waist, including the central location illustrated in FIG. 4 and
also proximate the sides and back of the trainee. For a purpose
presently to be described, a first loop-like foot receiving strap
64 is connected to and extends from connector sleeve 62.
[0052] Also forming a part of resistance module 60 is a first
elongated elastomeric cord 66 that is connected to the connector
sleeve in the manner shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings.
Connected to elastomeric cord 66 intermediate to its ends is a
first gripping member 68 for gripping by the hands and feet of the
trainee. A second elongated elastomeric cord 69 is also connected
to the connector sleeve and a second gripping member 70 for
gripping by the hands and feet of the trainee is connected to the
second elastomeric cord 69 intermediate the ends thereof. Foot
engaging straps 71 and 73, that include adjustment means for
adjusting the size of said foot engaging straps, are connected to
gripping members 68 and 70 respectively.
Turning next to FIG. 5A of the drawings, a second resistance module
74 of the apparatus of the invention is there shown. This second
resistance module is similar in construction and operation to first
resistance module 44 and is adapted to be removably connected to
the adjustable body encircling strap 46 following removal of the
first resistance module 60 from the body encircling strap. In this
regard, removal of the first resistance module 60 from the body
encircling strap is accomplished by first disconnecting the
multiplicity of hook like elements 50a from the multiplicity of
loop like elements 50b in the manner illustrated in FIG. 4A. This
done, the female connector 56 is slipped from the end 50 of the
body encircling strap, the first resistance module 60 is slipped
from the body encircling strap, the second resistance module is
positioned over the body encircling strap 46 at any desired
location along the length of the body encircling strap and the
female connector 56 is reconnected to the strap.
[0053] As indicated in FIG. 5A, second resistance module 74
comprises a connector sleeve 76 that is slidably movable relative
to the body-encircling strap and a foot receiving strap 78, that
includes adjustment means for adjusting the size of the foot
engaging strap, and is connected to and extends from the connector
sleeve. Second resistance module 74 also includes third and fourth
elongated elastomeric cords 80 and 82 that are suitably connected
to connector sleeve 76. Uniquely, the third and fourth elastomeric
cords 80 and 82 are of a larger diameter and are of a second
tensile strength greater than the tensile strength of the first and
second elastomeric cords of the first resistance module and,
therefore, offer greater resistance to the accomplishment of the
various exercises the nature of which will be discussed in the
paragraphs that follow.
[0054] As before, first and second gripping members 84 and 86 are
connected to the elastomeric cords 80 and 82 in the manner
indicated in FIG. 5A. Also, as was the case with the first
resistance module, foot engaging straps 90 and 92 that include
adjustment means for adjusting the size of said foot engaging
straps are connected to gripping members 84 and 86
respectively.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 5B of the drawings, a third resistance
module 94 of the apparatus of the invention is there shown. This
third resistance module is also similar in construction and
operation to first resistance module 44 and is adapted to be
removably connected to the adjustable body encircling strap 46
following removal of the first resistance module 60 from the body
encircling strap in the manner previously described. After the
first resistance module 60 is removed from the body encircling
strap, the third resistance module is positioned over the body
encircling strap 46 at any desired location along the length of the
strap.
As indicated in FIG. 5B, third resistance module 94 comprises a
connector sleeve 96 that is slidably movable relative to the
body-encircling strap and a foot receiving strap 98, that includes
adjustment means for adjusting the size of the foot engaging strap,
and is connected to and extends from the connector sleeve. Third
resistance module 94 also includes fifth and sixth elongated
elastomeric cords 100 and 102 that are suitably connected to
connector sleeve 96. Uniquely, the fifth and sixth elastomeric
cords 100 and 102 are of a larger diameter and are of a third
tensile strength greater than the tensile strength of the third and
fourth elastomeric cords of the second resistance module and,
therefore, offer greater resistance to the accomplishment of the
various exercises the nature of which will be discussed in the
paragraphs that follow.
[0056] As before, first and second gripping members 104 and 106 are
connected to the elastomeric cords 100 and 102 in the manner
indicated in FIG. 5A. Also, as was the case with the first
resistance module, foot engaging straps 108 and 110, that include
adjustment means for adjusting the size of said foot engaging
straps are connected to gripping members 104 and 106
respectively.
[0057] The methods of use of the alternate form of exercise
apparatus of the invention shown in FIG. 4 will now be considered.
With the exercise apparatus in position shown in FIG. 6 of the
drawings wherein the support strap encircles the trainee's waist
and wherein the connector sleeve 62 is positioned at the front of
the trainee, several types of exercises can be performed. For
example, with the trainee standing, the trainee can pull upwardly
against the resistance of the elastomeric cords in the manner
illustrated in FIG. 6A of the drawings to exercise the bicep and
flexor muscles of the forearm. With the connector sleeve 62
positioned at the back of the trainee, the several types of
exercises illustrated in FIGS. 3A through 3H of the drawings can be
performed to exercise the various muscles previously described in
connection with the discussion of FIGS. 3A through 3H.
[0058] In FIG. 7 of the drawings, the exercise module has been
removed from the body encircling strap 46 so that a variety of leg
exercises can be performed using only the exercise module 60. More
particularly, these leg exercises are performed with the trainee
seated by placing a selected one of the trainee's feet into the
foot engaging strap 64 of the apparatus. With the foot thusly in
position, the trainee grips the gripping members 68 and 70 with the
hands in the manner shown in FIG. 7 and repeatedly straightens and
relaxes the leg to selectively exercise the leg muscles.
[0059] With the trainee in a reclined position and lying on his or
her back, various other types of exercises can be performed using
only the exercise module 60 of the apparatus of the invention. In
performing these exercises, a selected one of the feet of the
trainee is placed into the foot engaging strap 64 of the module.
With the foot thusly in position, the trainee grips the gripping
members 68 and 70 with the hands in the manner illustrated and
repeatedly straightens and relaxes the arms and legs to selectively
exercise the muscles thereof.
[0060] Similarly, a number of different exercises can be performed
by the trainee using only the exercise module by placing his or her
feet into the foot engaging straps 71 and 73, gripping the foot
engaging strap 64 with the hands and repeatedly straightening and
relaxing the arms and legs against the resistance of the
elastomeric cords 66 and 68.
[0061] Having now described the invention in detail in accordance
with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this
art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in
the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet
specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications
may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention, as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *