U.S. patent application number 11/793940 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-19 for isometric exercise device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Enanel Limited. Invention is credited to Neil Summers.
Application Number | 20080146418 11/793940 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34090381 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080146418 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Summers; Neil |
June 19, 2008 |
Isometric Exercise Device
Abstract
The present invention provides for a hand-held isometric
exercise device comprising a handle portion and a deformable
portion, the deformable portion being arranged to be deformed
responsive to a user-exerted force when the device is gripped by
the handle and urged against a surface, the device further
including means for determining and indicating a level of force
applied by the user to deform the deformable portion.
Inventors: |
Summers; Neil; (Dorking,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER, EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
Enanel Limited
Surrey
GB
|
Family ID: |
34090381 |
Appl. No.: |
11/793940 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
December 20, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2005/004927 |
371 Date: |
November 19, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0023 20130101;
A63B 21/0085 20130101; A63B 21/008 20130101; A63B 43/02 20130101;
A63B 21/028 20130101; A63B 21/04 20130101; A63B 2220/56
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/91 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/002 20060101
A63B021/002 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 20, 2004 |
GB |
0427870.1 |
Claims
1. A hand-held isometric exercise device comprising a handle
portion and a deformable portion, the deformable portion being
arranged to be deformed responsive to a user-exerted force when the
device is gripped by the handle and urged against a surface,
wherein the handle portion is elongate and arranged to be gripped
in a clenched manner by the hand of the user and exhibiting
sufficient rigidity that it can be urged by the user onto the
deformable portion to at least partly assist in the deformation
thereof the device further including means for determining and
indicating a level of force applied by the user to deform the
deformable portion.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle portion is
formed integral with the deformable portion.
3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the handle and
deformable portions are formed as a unitary member.
4. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle is arranged
such that the knuckle portion of a user's clenched fist engages
with a surface of the deformable portion so as to assist with the
deformation thereof when urged against the said surface.
5. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the handle portion is
spaced from the deformable portion so as to define an opening by
means of which the user can grip the handle portion.
6. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deformable portion
is arranged to be deformed so as to allow for the user's hand to be
placed between the handle and the said deformable portion.
7. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deformable portion
is formed of a resilient material.
8. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deformable portion
comprises at least one cavity.
9. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the said at least one
cavity is at least part-filled with a fluid.
10. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
the outer surface of the deformable portion is adapted to assist
with a stable engagement with the surface against which the device
is to be urged.
11. A device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the deformable portion
includes a substantially flat portion located at a region of the
deformable portion substantially opposite that at which the said
handle portion is located.
12. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deformable portion
has a generally elongate form and is substantially cylindrical in
shape.
13. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said means for
determining the level of force applied to deform the deformable
portion comprises pressure-sensing means arranged to determine an
increase in pressure arising within the deformable portion during
use of the device.
14. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for
indicating the level of force applied by the user comprises a
visual display means.
15. A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the visual display
means comprises an alphanumeric display.
16. A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the display means is
arranged to store the maximum reading produced.
17. A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the visual display
means is arranged to produce a visually discernable output when a
threshold level of force is exceeded.
18. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means for indicating
the level of force applied is located on the outer surface of the
deformable portion.
19. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for
indicating the level of force applied can advantageously comprise
means for providing an audible output.
20. A device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the means for
providing the audible output is arranged to provide the output when
a threshold level of force is exceeded.
21. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deformable portion
is provided with an engagement formation for releasably securing
the device to a member allowing for the handle portion to be placed
in tension by pulling the handle portion away from the said member
and so as to deform the said deformable portion.
22. A device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the said engagement
formation comprises a male and/or a female engagement
formation.
23. A device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the said engagement
formation comprises a press-fit formation.
24. A device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the said engagement
formation comprises a twist-fit formation.
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an isometric exercise
device and, in particular, to a hand-held isometric exercise
device.
[0002] The benefits of physical exercise have long been recognised
both with regard to an improved level of physical fitness and
muscle strength and also through associated advantages such as
improved skeletal strength.
[0003] In line with such realisations, the amount and variety of
physical exercise undertaken by individuals has increased. For
example, for strength training, this has lead to an increase in gym
membership and an increase in individuals performing weighted
workouts either with free weights or through the use of multi-gym
equipment.
[0004] However, for those seeking to increase muscle strength, it
has been recognised that such use of free weights and multi-gym
equipment may not be the most appropriate means for achieving
optimal muscle stimulus. Also the manner in which such apparatus is
used may itself be preventing the majority of individuals from
achieving the results desired from their strength training.
[0005] The nature of most individual's weight-related training
comprises a twice/thrice weekly gym visit where a level of weight
considered comfortable with will be chosen and a predetermined
number of repetitions and sets of exercises will be performed. For
example, it is common to perform three sets of ten repetitions with
a weight which, to the individual, feels suitably heavy. On the
next visit to the gym, a fairly similar workout regime will be
undertaken.
[0006] However, it is generally recognised that, for muscle growth,
there has to be a progressive overload of the muscles being
exercised at each weight training session. It is recognised that a
sufficiently powerful stimulus is required by the brain to produce
an adaptive response in the musculature, and such stimulus
generally results from making the muscles work harder than they are
accustomed to at each and every training session.
[0007] The natural course of recovery, repair and growth required
by the body of the average individual regularly attending a gym
does not arise because the subsequent training session generally
occurs too soon after the previous one and before the body has had
a chance to complete its adaptive response. It is considered that
muscles need in the region of 2-6 weeks, depending of course upon
each individual, to fully recover, repair and grow. Thus, if a
heavy weighted workout is performed and, within that minimum
period, i.e. one week later, the body is stressed again before it
is ready and has fully recovered from the previous session, the
muscle groups worked are not capable of lifting weights which are
greater than those used in the first session and so the
above-mentioned progressive overload cannot be achieved. Such
general over-training, albeit possibly accidental, is pursued by
the vast majority of individuals following strength training
regimes, and generally leads to plateaus and stagnation in strength
increase and muscle growth, rather than the growth and increase in
muscle mass that is sought from following such regimes.
[0008] It can therefore be appreciated that the average individual
regularly attending a gym is likely to be missing out on potential
increases in strength and muscle growth by not pursuing such
progressive overload and its resulting adaptive response. By
generally repeating the same exercise at each gym visit with more
or less the same weight as previously used, the body will not
receive sufficient stimulus to produce an adaptive response. What
is generally required however is a constantly increasing
progressive overload which optimally taxes the muscle each and
every workout. The vast majority of individuals performing the
above-mentioned sets and repetitions of exercises tend to be
working well under their optimal levels of strength. Since the
muscles employed can therefore generally easily perform the
required repetitions, they are not then forced to adapt and so the
adaptive response mentioned above is not experienced and no, or
very limited, muscle growth is then experienced. Thus, the general
increase in body strength and muscle size sought by those pursuing
a strength-training regime is not readily achieved.
[0009] The present invention relates to an isometric exercise
device wherein a force is applied by the tensing or extension of
one or more muscles against a generally immovable object for a
period of a few seconds in order that the individual can exert a
maximum possible force against that object.
[0010] It should of course be appreciated that isometric exercises
are distinguished from isokinetic exercises where muscle force is
applied to a movable object so as to move the same through its
permitted motion such as with an exercise machine, and also from
isotonic exercises, such as that generally employed in weight
training, where a constant weight is lifted through a particular
range of motion.
[0011] Isometric training was first introduced in the 1960's and it
is appreciated that such isometric exercise can create massive
stimulus to a muscle.
[0012] However, while such massive stimulus can be readily applied
to a muscle, it is nevertheless important to employ such isometric
exercise within a proper exercise regime allowing for the
above-mentioned progressive overload and adaptive response in the
musculature.
[0013] Various forms of isometric exercise apparatus are known and
which generally serve to mimic known multi-gym apparatus. However
these are relatively expensive, bulky and unnecessarily complex and
are not readily adapted for use within a domestic environment.
[0014] Isometric exercise devices are known from U.S. Pat. No.
4,023,808 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,874 and which both utilise
elastic stretch band arrangements as resistance elements. However,
such apparatus can prove to be unnecessarily bulky, prone to
breakage and malfunction and the range of exercises that can be
performed, and the manner in which the devices can be utilised so
as to achieve the above-mentioned adaptive response, is
disadvantageously limited.
[0015] The present invention therefore seeks to provide for an
isometric exercise device having advantages over known such
devices.
[0016] According to the present invention there is provided a
hand-held isometric exercise device comprising a handle portion and
a deformable portion, the deformable portion being arranged to be
deformed responsive to a user-exerted force when the device is
gripped by the handle and urged against a surface, the device
further including means for determining and indicating a level of
force applied by the user to deform the deformable portion.
[0017] The device of the present invention, being hand-held and
comprising a deformable portion which is to be urged against a,
generally stationary surface, advantageously provides for a
particularly compact and simple device which can be gripped by the
user and used in relation to any appropriate surface, whether
horizontal, vertical or otherwise, to allow for a wide variety of
exercises to be performed.
[0018] Yet further, through the determination and indication of the
level of force applied by the user to the device, when deforming
the deformable portion against the said surface, it readily becomes
possible to identify the correct exercise regime that a particular
individual should pursue, so as to allow for the appropriate rest,
recovery and repair period prior to using the device again.
[0019] The present invention therefore advantageously allows for
the pursuit of an increase in strength and muscle growth, in a
simple manner and within a wide variety of environments, such as,
for example, a standard domestic environment. The apparatus is
compact and readily stored and used and can easily be enhanced with
appropriate surface decoration in order to improve the aesthetic
qualities thereof.
[0020] Preferably, the handle portion is formed integral with the
deformable portion and, further, the handle and deformable portions
can be formed as a unitary member.
[0021] Further, the handle portion itself can, to some extent, be
deformable. Also, and particularly if the handle exhibits some
rigidity, the handle can be arranged to be urged by the user onto
the deformable portion to at least partly assist in the deformation
thereof.
[0022] Further, the handle can advantageously be generally elongate
and arranged to be gripped in a clenched manner by the hand of the
user.
[0023] The handle can then advantageously allow for the knuckle
portion of a user's clenched fist to engage with a surface of the
deformable portion so as to assist with the deformation thereof
when urged against the said surface.
[0024] Preferably, the handle portion is spaced from the deformable
portion so as to define an opening by means of which the user can
fully grip the handle.
[0025] In another embodiment, the deformable portion can be
deformed so as to allow for the user's hand to be placed between
the handle and the said deformable portion.
[0026] Advantageously, the deformable portion is formed of a
resilient material.
[0027] Further, the deformable portion advantageously comprises at
least one cavity and the said at least one cavity is advantageously
at least part-filled with a fluid such as a liquid and/or with air
or an appropriate gas.
[0028] Advantageously, at least a portion of the outer surface of
the deformable portion is adapted to assist with stable engagement
of the device with the surface against which the device is
urged.
[0029] In this manner, the surface of the deformable portion can
advantageously include a substantially flat portion located at a
region of the deformable portion opposite that at which the said
handle portion is located.
[0030] Preferably, the deformable portion can have a generally
elongate form and be substantially cylindrical in shape.
[0031] The said means for determining the level of force applied to
deform the deformable portion can advantageously comprise pressure
sensing means arranged to determine an increase in pressure arising
within the deformable portion during use of the device.
[0032] Advantageously, the said means for determining the level of
force comprises means for determining an increase in pressure of a
fluid within the deformable portion.
[0033] The means for indicating the level of force applied by the
user advantageously comprises a visual display means and which can
advantageously comprise an alphanumeric display.
[0034] Such display means can comprise an electronic display means,
powered, for example, by way of a battery or by one or more solar
power cells, and can, for example, comprise an LCD display.
Advantageously, the display is arranged to store the maximum
reading produced so that at the end of each isometric exercise
session, the maximum level of force applied can be readily
determined by the user.
[0035] The means for indicating the level of force applied is
advantageously located on the outer surface of the deformable
portion although it could, as required, be located on an outer
surface of the handle portion.
[0036] Yet further, the means for indicating the level of force
applied can advantageously comprise means for providing an audible
output, and, in particular, means for providing an audible output
when a threshold level of force is exceeded.
[0037] It will therefore be appreciated that a wide variety of
forms of isometric exercise device can be provided within the
concept of the present invention but which will share the primary
advantages of a simple, hand-held device allowing for a ready
determination of the maximum force applied during each isometric
workout session, which indication can then be employed so as to
ensure that the user can readily identify the appropriate
rest/recovery/repair period before returning to use of the
apparatus.
[0038] Thus, through use of the apparatus, the user can readily
determine and control the appropriate frequency of use of the
apparatus and thereby pursue an optimum personal exercise regime
with regard to muscle growth.
[0039] The invention is described further hereinafter, by way of
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a side view of an isometric exercise device
embodying the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the device of FIG. 1;
[0042] FIG. 3 is an end view of the device of FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 4 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1 when in
use;
[0044] FIG. 5 is a side view of an isometric exercise device
according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and
[0045] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the device of FIG. 5.
[0046] Turning first to FIG. 1 there is illustrated one embodiment
of an isometric exercise device 10 according to the present
invention. Although only a single device is illustrated, it will be
appreciated that they are generally arranged to be provided, and
used, in pairs.
[0047] The hand held isometric exercise device 10 comprises a
handle 12 and a deformable main body portion 14 which are formed
together such that the device 10 is of a unitary nature.
[0048] Mounted on the side of the main body portion 14 is an LCD
alphanumeric display 16 which is operatively connected to a
pressure sensor device (not shown) operatively located within a
cavity (not shown) in the main body portion 14.
[0049] The handle 12 and main body portion 14 are formed from the
same resilient material. In some embodiments, the hollow cavity can
also extend to within the handle 12.
[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, and as discussed further
below, the cavity within the main body portion 14 is at least part
filled with air and the aforementioned pressure sensor device is
located and employed to determine the air pressure within the
cavity.
[0051] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the device 10 of FIG. 1, and
FIG. 3 comprises an end view of the same device 10, from which it
can be appreciated that the main deformable body portion 14 of the
device is generally elongate and generally cylindrical in nature
and that the handle 12 is likewise generally elongate and
cylindrical in nature and shares the same longitudinal axis as the
main body portion 14.
[0052] Turning now to FIG. 4, there is provided a side view of the
isometric exercise device 10 similar to that in FIG. 1, but shown
when in use as part of an isometric exercise regime and gripped by
a hand 18 of a user and forced in the direction of arrow A against
a stationary surface S.
[0053] As will be appreciated, the handle 12 of the device 10 is
arranged such that it can be readily gripped within the clenched
fist of a user such that the device is arranged to be gripped in a
manner similar to common exercise equipment such as a dumb-bell.
Once so gripped, the user then exerts a downward force on the
device in the direction of arrow A and urges the device against the
stationary surface S through application of the maximum possible
force that the user can exert. Such force serves to deform the
deformable main body portion 14 which in turn serves to produce an
increase in pressure within the cavity of the main body portion 14.
This increase is determined by the pressure sensor (not shown) and,
in turn, drives an appropriate output from the alphanumeric display
16 which provides a readily visible indication of the maximum force
exerted by the user through determination of the maximum pressure
arising within the main body portion 14.
[0054] The exact manner in which the pressure increase within the
main body portion 14 occurs depends upon the particular
construction and configuration of the device.
[0055] For example, should the handle 14 be formed from the exact
same material as the main body portion, and generally comprise an
extension thereof and, possibly, with an extension of the cavity
portion therein, then the primary force exerted by the user will be
by way of their knuckles as they bear against the upper portion of
the deformable main body portion 14 as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0056] However, as an alternative or in addition, some degree of
rigidity can be afforded the handle 12 such that movement of the
handle 12 onto the lateral regions of the main body portion 14
likewise serves, at least in part, to deform the body portion and
so lead to an increase in pressure within the cavity thereof.
[0057] It should also be appreciated that the manner of use
indicated in FIG. 4 is provided merely for illustrative purposes
since, in practice, it is unlikely that the device would be used in
a manner such that the user exerts a downward force against a
stationery surface.
[0058] More likely, the device would be used such that the user
provides a upward force for example upwards against the underside
of a doorframe, or the underside of a table/desk, so as to mimic
the exertion of force when using dumb-bells or a barbell.
[0059] It will of course be appreciated that, a wide variety of
forms of the handheld device of the present invention can be
provided without departing from the inventive concept and this is
illustrated further with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0060] Here, it will be seen that the isometric device 20 includes
a strap handle 22 attached as appropriate to a generally ovoid
hollow body portion 24 having a alphanumeric display member 26
mounted on the side thereof and which is arranged, through
operative connection to a pressure sensor (not shown) within the
body portion 24, to provide an indication responsive to an increase
in pressure within the body portion.
[0061] FIG. 6 provides a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 so
as to further illustrate the configuration of the strap handle 22
which, in this embodiment, comprises a strap member.
[0062] Unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the handle and body
portion 24 of the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6 do not readily
combine to define an opening through which the handheld device can
be readily gripped for use such as that of the first embodiment as
illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0063] However, through deformation of the upper part of the main
hollow body portion 24, a user can attain an appropriate grip of
the strap handle 22 in a manner similar to that illustrated with
regard to the first embodiment in FIG. 4 such that the isometric
apparatus device 20 is then ready for use.
[0064] Although not visible in the accompanying drawings, the
device of the present invention can be arranged to be used with the
handle in tension. As such, the deformable portion 14, 24 is
provided with an engagement formation allowing for the device to be
anchored as required. In particular, a pair of such devices can be
provided, one for use in each hand in compression mode such as
illustrated in FIG. 4, and also when releasably secured by way of
cooperating engagement formations so that the deformable portions
14, 24 can then be deformed by placing both of the handle portions
12, 22 in tension by pulling on the same.
[0065] Thus, it will be appreciated that by means of such
engagement formations a yet further range and variety of isometric
exercises can be provided by apparatus embodying the present
invention.
[0066] Through use of the apparatus embodying the present invention
during each isometric workout session, the user can readily
determine the maximum force that was applied by the particular
muscle and/or muscle group, being worked.
[0067] Such determination of the maximum force applied can
advantageously be enhanced insofar as the pressure
sensor/alphanumeric display device can be arranged to store, and
continue to display, the maximum value reached.
[0068] Thus, even though the alphanumeric display 16/26 might not
be visible during a particular form of exercise, it nevertheless
records the maximum force exerted by the user such that when the
isometric workout session is finished, the user can then readily
read the maximum force applied.
[0069] As will be appreciated, the pressure indicator can,
alternatively, or in addition, comprise audible output means which
can advantageously be arranged to provide an audible output when a
predetermined, or previously attained, level of force has been
exceeded.
[0070] Also, the visual output means can be arranged to produce a
visually discernable output when a predetermined, or previously
attained, level of force has been exceeded.
[0071] The said predetermined level of force can be pre-selected as
required.
[0072] In this manner, the user can advantageously use the device
in a situation in which there is no need to view a display of the
device since he/she need merely listen for the appropriate audible
output.
[0073] When the user next returns to the apparatus for a repeated
isometric workout session, and should the previous maximum force
value obtained not be exceeded, this readily serves to indicate
that the user has returned to the equipment too soon and the
muscles and/or muscle group previously worked has/have not had
sufficient time for recovery and repair.
[0074] However, should the previously recorded maximum force value
be exceeded at the next isometric workout session, the user can
readily appreciate that the muscles/muscle groups previously worked
have been given sufficient time to recover and repair and, through
noting the period of time that was allowed to lapse between the two
exercise sessions, the user can then readily determine his/her
optimum rest/recovery/repair cycle.
[0075] Subsequent isometric workout session can then be repeated in
accordance with that cycle so as to achieve optimum increase in
strength and optimum muscle growth.
[0076] The user can thereby readily monitor his/her ongoing
exercise regime so as to continue to exercise, and achieve an
increase in strength and muscle growth, in the most efficient
manner.
[0077] It should of course be appreciated that the invention is not
restricted to the details of the foregoing examples.
[0078] For example, the handheld device can be provided in any
shape and/or configuration thought appropriate having regard to the
manner in which the device is to be gripped and is to engage with a
surface against which the isometric workout is to be conducted, and
so as to achieve the appropriate range of possible pressure
increases within the device.
* * * * *