U.S. patent application number 12/425908 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-22 for exercise rod and exercise methods.
Invention is credited to David Ballif.
Application Number | 20090264267 12/425908 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41201601 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090264267 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ballif; David |
October 22, 2009 |
Exercise Rod and Exercise Methods
Abstract
An exercise rod device comprises an elongate, flexible body
portion and a pair of grip sections positioned on opposite ends of
the rod. At least one of the grip sections is configured to allow a
user to grasp an end of the rod when performing exercises. At least
one of the grip sections includes indicia associated therewith, the
indicia dividing the grip section into at least two distinct force
zones, the force zones providing differing force responses when
engaged by a user when flexing the rod.
Inventors: |
Ballif; David; (Alpine,
UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THORPE NORTH & WESTERN, LLP.
P.O. Box 1219
SANDY
UT
84091-1219
US
|
Family ID: |
41201601 |
Appl. No.: |
12/425908 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61045743 |
Apr 17, 2008 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/139 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2209/10 20130101;
A63B 21/00058 20130101; A63B 21/026 20130101; A63B 21/4035
20151001; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B
23/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/139 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise rod device, including: an elongate, flexible body
portion; a pair of grip sections positioned on opposite ends of the
rod, at least one of the grip sections being configured to allow a
user to grasp an end of the rod when performing exercises; and an
other of the grip sections having frictional engagement structure
associated therewith, the frictional engagement structure being
operable to frictionally engage an auxiliary support structure to
maintain contact between the grip section and the auxiliary support
structure when the rod is used to exercise the human body.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the frictional engagement
structure comprises a substantially planar engagement surface.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the frictional engagement surface
includes a surface having a higher coefficient of friction than
does the auxiliary engagement structure.
4. The device of claim 4, wherein the grip sections are formed from
a substantially pliable material, and wherein the frictional
engagement surface is formed as an integral portion of the grip
section.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein only one of the grip sections
includes the frictional engagement structure associated
therewith.
6. An exercise rod device, comprising: an elongate, flexible body
portion; and a pair of grip sections positioned on opposite ends of
the rod, at least one of the grip sections being configured to
allow a user to grasp an end of the rod when performing exercises;
at least one of the grip sections including indicia associated
therewith, the indicia dividing the grip section into at least two
distinct force zones, the force zones providing differing force
responses when engaged by a user when flexing the rod.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein at least three distinct force
zones are defined in the grip section by the indicia.
8. The device of claim 6, wherein each of the pair of grip sections
includes indicia dividing each grip section into distinct force
zones.
9. The device of claim 6, wherein the indicia includes a numerical
reference, with adjacent force zones having incremented numerical
references.
10. The device of claim 6, wherein each of the grip sections
include an inner stiffening material covered by an outer sheath
material.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the inner stiffening material
includes a substantially constant outer diameter, and wherein an
outer diameter of the outer sheath material increases from an inner
portion of the grip section to an end portion of the grip
section.
12. A method of exercise, comprising: obtaining an exercise rod
device, the exercise rod device including an elongate, flexible
body portion; grasping with each hand one of a pair of grip
sections of the exercise rod device, the grip sections being
positioned on opposite ends of the rod; adjusting a position of at
least one hand on at least one of the grip sections according to
indicia associated with the at least one grip section to vary a
force response provided by the rod as the rod is flexed.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one of the grip
sections includes at least three distinct force zones defined in
the grip section by the indicia.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the pair of grip
sections of the rod includes indicia dividing each grip section
into distinct force zones.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the indicia includes a
numerical reference, with adjacent force zones having incremented
numerical references.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the grip sections of
the rod includes an inner stiffening material covered by an outer
sheath material.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the inner stiffening material
includes a substantially constant outer diameter, and wherein an
outer diameter of the outer sheath material increases from an inner
portion of the grip section to an end portion of the grip section.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] Priority is claimed of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/045,743, filed Apr. 17, 2008, which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to systems for use
in exercising and/or rehabilitating the human body.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Variable resistance exercise devices have been popular for a
number of years. Such devices generally provide variable,
non-linear resistance in response to force applied by a user in
order to exercise various areas of the user's body. Among other
applications, variable resistance devices have been utilized in
so-called "nautilus" machines, which are typically relatively
permanent, stationary devices. While such stationary devices have
proved effective and popular, they are not easily portable and so
may not be easily adaptable into the daily routines of many
people.
[0004] Portable variable resistance devices have been developed and
adopted for use by a number of people. Examples of these types of
devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,159 and U.S. Pat. No.
5,004,226, each of which were issued to Gordon Brown, Jr., and each
of which is incorporated herein by reference. These types of
devices are essentially elongate, flexible rods that are grasped at
each end by a user and bent or flexed during a workout. While such
portable devices have enjoyed success, there are a number of
problems with known portable devices such as these. For example,
such devices are often prone to failure earlier in the product life
than is desirable. Also, such devices can be non-intuitive to use.
In addition, while a variety of exercises can be performed by
simply grasping such devices with one hand at each end, it has been
found that some users desire a more varied workout experience than
those that have been available to date.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with one embodiment, the present invention
provides an exercise rod device, including an elongate, flexible
body portion. A pair of grip sections can be positioned on opposite
ends of the rod. At least one of the grip sections can be
configured to allow a user to grasp an end of the rod when
performing exercises. An other of the grip sections can have
frictional engagement structure associated therewith, the
frictional engagement structure being operable to frictionally
engage an auxiliary support structure to maintain contact between
the grip section and the auxiliary support structure when the rod
is used to exercise the human body.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an
exercise rod device is provided, including an elongate, flexible
body portion; and a pair of grip sections positioned on opposite
ends of the rod. At least one of the grip sections can be
configured to allow a user to grasp an end of the rod when
performing exercises. At least one of the grip sections can include
indicia associated therewith, the indicia dividing the grip section
into at least two distinct force zones, the force zones providing
differing force responses when engaged by a user when flexing the
rod.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method
of exercise is provided, including: obtaining an exercise rod
device, the exercise rod device including an elongate, flexible
body portion; grasping with each hand one of a pair of grip
sections of the exercise rod device, the grip sections being
positioned on opposite ends of the rod; and adjusting a position of
at least one hand on at least one of the grip sections according to
indicia associated with the at least one grip section to vary a
force response provided by the rod as the rod is flexed.
[0008] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, various
features of the invention so that the detailed description thereof
that follows may be better understood, and so that the present
contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Other features
of the present invention will become clearer from the following
detailed description of the invention, taken with any accompanying
exemplary claims, or may be learned by the practice of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front view of an exercise rod in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front view of another exercise rod in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 3A is an end view of a grip section of an exercise rod
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 3B is an end view of an grip section in accordance with
another embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a partially sectioned view of a grip section of an
exercise rod in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is schematic representation of an exercise rod shown
engaged with an auxiliary structure (a wall), and flexed into a
tensioned condition;
[0015] FIG. 6 is plan view of a grip section of an exercise rod in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and
[0016] FIGS. 6A through 6F are a series of sectional views of the
grip section of FIG. 6, taken along various sections shown in FIG.
6 (with FIG. 6A corresponding to section A-A, FIG. 6B corresponding
to section B-B, etc.).
[0017] It will be understood that the attached figures are merely
for illustrative purposes in furthering an understanding of the
invention. The figures may not be drawn or shown to scale, thus
dimensions, particle sizes, and other aspects may, and generally
are, exaggerated to make illustrations thereof clearer. Therefore,
departure can be made from the specific dimensions and aspects
shown in the figures in order to produce the systems of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it
is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the
particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed
herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be
recognized by those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts. It
should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used
for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is
not intended to be limiting.
[0019] It is noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a" and "the" include plural
referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for
example, reference to a "grip section" can include one or more of
such sections.
[0020] As used herein, relative terms may be used to refer to
various components of exercise equipment, such as "upper," "lower,"
"upwardly," "downwardly," etc. It is to be understood that these
terms in no way limit the present invention but are used to aid in
describing the components of the exercise equipment, and
surrounding structures generally, in the most straightforward
manner.
[0021] As used herein, an "auxiliary structure" that is distinct
from the rod can be one of a variety of structures typically found
in an environment where exercises are performed. Examples of such
auxiliary structures include, without limitation, walls, floors,
doors and door jambs, tables and chairs, stationary exercise
equipment and the like. In addition, a structure that is distinct
from the rod can include a portion of a user's body that is not
used to grip the exercise rod. Thus, in one aspect of the
invention, the structure that is distinct from the rod can include
a user's leg, ankle, forearm, wrist, etc. In this aspect of the
invention, one end of the rod can be secured against the leg,
ankle, etc., while the other end of the rod can be grasped or
gripped by the user's hand.
[0022] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to the
complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action,
characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. As an
arbitrary example, when an object or group of objects is/are
referred to as being "substantially" liquid-tight, it is to be
understood that the object or objects are either completely
liquid-tight or are nearly completely liquid tight. The exact
allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in
some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally
speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same
overall result as if absolute and total completion were
obtained.
[0023] The use of "substantially" is equally applicable when used
in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete
lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure,
item, or result. As another arbitrary example, an opening that is
"substantially free of" material would either completely lack
material, or so nearly completely lack material that the effect
would be the same as if it completely lacked material. In other
words, an opening that is "substantially free of" material may
still actually contain some such material as long as there is no
measurable effect as a result thereof.
[0024] As used herein, the term "about" is used to provide
flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given
value may be "a little above" or "a little below" the endpoint.
[0025] Distances, angles, forces, weights, amounts, and other
numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range
format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used
merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted
flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly
recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the
individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that
range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly
recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of "about 1 inch to
about 6 inches" should be interpreted to include not only the
explicitly recited values of about 1 inch to about 6 inches, but
also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated
range. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one
numerical value and should apply regardless of the breadth of the
range or the characteristics being described.
[0026] As shown generally in the attached figures, the present
invention provides an exercise rod and associated methods for use
in exercising and/or rehabilitating the human body. In the example
shown in FIG. 1, the rod 10 can include an elongate, flexible body
portion 12 that can be formed from a variety of materials known to
those having ordinary skill in the art. As shown by the
cross-section of FIG. 1, in one aspect the body portion can include
a central core, or inner stiffening material, 16 surrounded by a
sheathing material 14. Many suitable configurations for the body
portion are known, including those described in the Brown patents
referenced above, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/001,477,
filed Dec. 10, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
[0027] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the rod can include a pair
of grip sections 18a, 18b positioned on opposite ends of the rod.
One or both of the grip sections can be configured to allow a user
to grasp an end of the rod when performing exercises. In one aspect
of the invention, one or both of the grip sections can also include
a frictional engagement structure; the frictional engagement
structure can be operable to frictionally engage an auxiliary
support structure to maintain contact between the grip section and
the auxiliary support structure when the rod is used to exercise
the human body. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A, grip 18c
can include frictional engagement structure that comprises a
generally planar flattened section 30 that can be well suited to
engage a generally planar auxiliary structure, including, without
limitation, a wall or floor surface.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary use of the exercise rod and
the frictional engagement structure. In this example, the rod is
engaged with a wall 26 (e.g., the flat, planar portion 30 of the
grip 18c lies flat against the wall), such that the grip 18c does
not move relative to the wall. A user can then move the other grip
portion 18b to exercise the user's body along directional indicator
31 to perform a variety of exercises. The wall 26 can be a wall of
a room, a wall of swimming pool (whereby the rod can be submerged
under water while used for exercising), and the like.
[0029] To enhance the ability of the frictional engagement
structure 30 to maintain contact with the wall, floor, etc. the
surface of the frictional engagement structure can be contoured to
best engage the structure. In the example shown, a generally flat
profile may work best when the exercise rod is to be used next to a
standard wall or floor, such as against a wall in a gym or
rehabilitation center, a wall of a swimming pool or spa, etc. In
other applications, it may be advantageous to include a more
inwardly arcuate curvature, for example, if the exercise rod is to
be used near a support pole or other rounded structure.
[0030] The frictional engagement surface can also include features
to increase the interface between the exercise rod and the
auxiliary engagement structure. For example, materials that have a
relatively high coefficient of friction can be used, such as many
polymers that are very pliable and tacky to the touch. Features
such as "suction cups" can be added to increase the engagement
strength.
[0031] Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention, the exercise rod can include a pair of
grip sections 18a, 18b, each of which (or only one of which) can
include indicia 24 associated therewith. The indicia can divide the
grip section into at least two distinct force zones (shown by
example in FIG. 2 as an outer zone, a middle zone "+" and an inner
zone "++"). The force zones serve to provide differing force
responses when engaged by a user flexing the rod.
[0032] The indicia can include, without limitation, lines or other
delineators that divide the grip section, differing color
treatments applied to the grip section, words, symbols, differing
textural features on the grip section, etc. In example grip section
18d shown in FIG. 6, the indicia 24 includes numerical references
(e.g., "1," "2," "3"), with adjacent zones including incremented
numerical references. In this example, the force response of the
rod generally increases as a user moves his or hand from the zone
indicated with a "1," to the zone indicated with a "2," to the zone
indicated with a "3."
[0033] It will be appreciated that, generally speaking, the force
response provided by the rod will differ depending upon the
distance between grip sections. If the rod were formed with a very
long length, a lesser force would be required to flex the rod, as
compared to a rod with a much shorter length. The present invention
utilizes this concept to provide to a patient or user the ability
to predictably and repeatedly vary his or her experience using the
rod depending upon where he or she grasps the grip sections.
[0034] As an example, if a user grasps the rod shown in FIG. 1 on
each grip section at the location marked "+," he or she will
experience a more stiff response than if he or she grasped the grip
section at the location with no marking. By utilizing two such
zones on each end, three different force response options are
provided (corresponding to outer zone on both ends; outer zone on
one end; and inner zone on another end, and inner zone on both
ends).
[0035] In one aspect of the invention, shown generally in FIGS.
6-6F, the inner stiffening material (or central core) 16 can
include a substantially constant outer diameter (as shown in the
progression from FIG. 6A through FIG. 6F), while the outer diameter
of the outer sheath material 14 can increase from an inner portion
of the grip section to an end portion of the grip section (as also
shown in the progression from FIG. 6A through FIG. 6F).
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates one exemplary manner in which a handle
strap 17 can be secured to the body portion 12. The strap can
extend through an opening in a washer 19, and can include an
enlarged section 21 (e.g., a knot tied in the strap) which can aid
in preventing or restricting the strap from being pulled through
the washer. The grip section 18b material can be bonded, welded, or
otherwise attached to (or integrally formed with) the outer sheath
material 14.
[0037] In one aspect of the invention, a method of exercise is
provided, including: positioning a patient such that the patient's
shoulder in oriented in the scapular plane; positioning a flexible
exercise rod in a bent configuration and securing an end of the rod
to the patient's arm; and allowing the flexible rod to at least
partially return to a relaxed state, the rod thereby assisting the
patient to move the arm in a natural range of motion.
[0038] In accordance with another aspect of the invention,
positioning the rod in a bent configuration can include
frictionally engaging an auxiliary structure with one end of the
rod. The auxiliary engagement structure can include a substantially
planar surface, such as a wall or a floor.
[0039] This series of exercise methods can be beneficial for a
number of patients following various medical procedures. For
example, a patient following arthroplasty, rotator cuff and labral
repair is often unable to elevate his or her shoulder against
gravity. Conventional methods used for rehabilitation after such
procedures involve compensation using the upper trapezius. However,
these can result in an abnormal movement pattern. The present
invention utilizes a flexible rod to assist in the elevation of the
shoulder against gravity by using the inherent stiffness and recoil
in the rod to assist the humerus during arm elevation. The amount
of assist can be regulated by the size and/or strength of the rod
used (as well as the concepts outlined above relating to the
differing stress zones defined by the indicia). Patients can be
positioned such that the shoulder is in the scapular plane and the
rod is bent downward and secured to the injured extremity using the
strap at the end of the rod. The arm can then be elevated using the
assistance of the rod to allow for a more normal non-compensating
range of motion.
[0040] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method
of exercise is provided, including: obtaining an exercise rod
device, the exercise rod device including an elongate, flexible
body portion; grasping with each hand one of a pair of grip
sections of the exercise rod device, the grip sections being
positioned on opposite ends of the rod; and adjusting a position of
at least one hand on at least one of the grip sections according to
indicia associated with the at least one grip section to vary a
force response provided by the rod as the rod is flexed.
[0041] In addition to the method of exercise or rehabilitation
outlined immediately above, it is to be understood that the
structure outlined above can be used in a variety of exercise or
rehabilitation procedures.
[0042] It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements
are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the
present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative
arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and
any appended or following claims are intended to cover such
modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention
has been described above with particularity and detail in
connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical
and preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications,
including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials,
shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may
be made without departing from the principles and concepts set
forth herein.
* * * * *