U.S. patent application number 12/243156 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-14 for exercise device and system, and methods of using same.
Invention is credited to John C. Holleman.
Application Number | 20100009822 12/243156 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42074175 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100009822 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holleman; John C. |
January 14, 2010 |
Exercise Device and System, and Methods of Using Same
Abstract
A method of performing exercise movements utilizesan elongated
flexible member having a relaxed position in which the elongated
flexible member has a generally arcuate shape. In the method, one
end of the elongated flexible member is supported in a
substantially fixed position. An opposite end of the elongated
flexible member is manipulated such that the opposite end is
brought toward the one end substantially in a first plane. With
this manipulation, the elongated flexible member is displaced from
the relaxed position to a flexed position. The opposite end of the
elongated flexible member is rotated in a second plane, different
from the first plane, while maintaining the elongated flexible
member in the flexed position. In a related method, both ends of
the elongated flexible member can be manipulated to the flexed
position.
Inventors: |
Holleman; John C.; (Vidalia,
LA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON & VANDERHYE, PC
901 NORTH GLEBE ROAD, 11TH FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22203
US
|
Family ID: |
42074175 |
Appl. No.: |
12/243156 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10321179 |
Dec 17, 2002 |
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12243156 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/1209 20130101;
A63B 23/12 20130101; A63B 21/026 20130101; A63B 23/0355 20130101;
A63B 21/045 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001;
A63B 23/0488 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/126 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. A method of performing exercise movements utilizing an elongated
flexible member having a relaxed position in which the elongated
flexible member has a generally arcuate shape, the method
comprising: (a) supporting one end of the elongated flexible member
in a substantially fixed position; (b) manipulating an opposite end
of the elongated flexible member such that the opposite end is
brought toward the one end substantially in a first plane, the
elongated flexible member being displaced from the relaxed position
to a flexed position; and (c) moving the opposite end of the
elongated flexible member in a rotating motion across a second
plane, different from the first plane, while maintaining the
elongated flexible member in the flexed position.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein step (a) is practiced by
supporting the one end with one part of a user's body.
3. A method according to claim 2, wherein step (b) is practiced by
manipulating the opposite end with a different part of the user's
body.
4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the one part of the
user's body is one of the user's hands, and wherein the different
part of the user's body is the other of the user's hands.
5. A method according to claim 3, wherein the one part of the
user's body is one of the user's legs, and wherein the different
part of the user's body is the other of the user's legs.
6. A method according to claim 3, wherein the one part of the
user's body is one of the user's chest, thigh, hamstring, calf, and
foot, and wherein the different part of the user's body is one of
the user's hand, arm, thigh, hamstring, calf, and foot.
7. A method according to claim 1, wherein step (a) is practiced by
supporting the one end with one of a floor, wall and ceiling.
8. A method according to claim 1, further comprising (d)
manipulating the opposite end of the elongated flexible member such
that the opposite end is displaced away from the one end
substantially in the first plane, and repeating steps (b) and (d)
while performing step (c).
9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the elongated flexible
member is provided with handles attached at the distal ends, the
handles being rotatable relative to the elongated flexible member,
and wherein while performing step (c), the method comprises
rotating the handle attached to the opposite end of the elongated
flexible member relative to the elongated flexible member.
10. A method of performing exercise movements utilizing an
elongated flexible member having a relaxed position in which the
elongated flexible member has a generally arcuate shape, the method
comprising: (a) supporting opposite ends of the elongated flexible
member at or near distal ends thereof with the elongated flexible
member in the relaxed position; (b) manipulating the elongated
flexible member such that at least one of the opposite ends is
brought toward the other substantially in a first plane, thereby
displacing the elongated flexible member from the relaxed position
to a flexed position, wherein the generally arcuate shape of the
elongated flexible member in the relaxed position facilitates
initiating the manipulating step; and (c) while performing step
(b), supporting the opposite ends of the elongated flexible member
and moving the opposite ends individually or jointly in a rotating
motion across a second plane, different from the first plane.
11. A method according to claim 10, wherein step (a) is practiced
by supporting one of the opposite ends in a substantially fixed
position.
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein step (a) is further
practiced by supporting the one of the opposite ends with one part
of a user's body.
13. A method according to claim 12, wherein step (b) is practiced
by manipulating the other of the opposite ends with a different
part of the user's body.
14. A method according to claim 11, wherein step (a) is further
practiced by supporting the one of the opposite ends with one of a
floor, wall and ceiling.
15. A method according to claim 10, wherein step (a) is practiced
by engaging the opposite ends of the elongated flexible member
between the respective distal ends of the elongated flexible member
and a center of the elongated flexible member, and wherein step (b)
is practiced by driving the distal ends of the elongated flexible
member toward each other.
16. A method according to claim 15, further comprising positioning
the elongated flexible member around a user's neck and shoulder
area, wherein step (a) is further practiced by engaging the
opposite ends of the elongated flexible member with a user's arms,
and wherein step (b) is practiced by driving the user's arms
towards each other in front of the user's torso.
17. A method according to claim 15, further comprising positioning
the elongated flexible member between a user's legs, wherein step
(a) is further practiced by engaging the opposite ends of the
elongated flexible member with the user's legs, and wherein step
(b) is practiced by driving the user's legs towards each other.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/321,179, filed Dec. 17, 2002,
pending, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in this application.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] (NOT APPLICABLE)
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to exercise devices generally,
and more particularly to those utilizing elongated flexible members
that, with the application of the exercise force by the user, may
be forced into a flexed position from an original, unflexed
position. Relaxing the force permits the exercise device to regain
its original position, and the exercise can then be repeated as
desired.
Related Art
[0004] "Exercising," or subjecting the human body to resistance
forces in excess of those encountered in every day life, has long
been used by humans to tone and build muscle groups. Depending upon
the muscle group of interest, a number of different exercise
devices and methods have been used. For example, exercises such as
running or jogging address leg muscles primarily (while also
yielding aerobic benefits). Swimming utilizes many muscles in the
body. Other exercises utilize the resistance of one's own body
weight, such as push-ups and pull-ups.
[0005] Certain muscles are difficult to exercise without some form
of resistance training equipment. By way of example only, biceps
exercises are difficult to carry out without some form of
equipment. Exercise weights, for example barbells and dumbbells,
have long been used for these and other muscles. Weight machines
permit the same exercises, in somewhat more controlled, and some
would argue safer, fashion.
[0006] However, resistance training utilizing "weights," that is
utilizing gravity forces on heavy objects, has some disadvantages.
Obviously, the inconvenience of manipulating and storing very heavy
weights is a primary one. In response to such disadvantages, or as
an adjunct to conventional weights, various devices have been
developed to provide resistance training not by heavy weights, but
by resilient members such as springs and elastically deformable
rods, and the like. Some of such devices take the form of a hand
held elongated member, whether of a metal spring (which may be a
coil spring or flat spring, or some other variety) or some other
type or shape of elastically deformable material, that can be
grasped by the user with both hands and then flexed to provide the
exercise. Alternate uses of certain such devices have been to
exercise other muscle groups, for example the legs.
[0007] In general, such exercise devices have the advantages of
relatively light weight, low cost, and are handy to store until
desired for use. A specific example of exercise devices of this
type is a single straight flexible rod with handles on either end,
perhaps with the handles being adjustable as to angle of attachment
to the rod; or two rods connected by a coil spring with handle
grips on each end of the rods. The device is grasped by both handle
grips and the user attempts to flex the rod by breaking down the
coil spring and forcing the device into a U-shape, which, upon
release of the bending force, reverts back to the original straight
position. When released from the flexed position, the coil spring
snaps the ends of the rod back into the straight position with
considerable force. This device can generally be used to exercise
only the user's arms, and only in front and overhead of the body,
because of its length and the nature of its components.
[0008] A drawback to known prior art handheld apparatus is that the
elongated member, in its unflexed position, is substantially
straight. From the unflexed or straight position, the device must
be "broken over" past a starting point, to commence flexure. The
geometry presented by such apparatus increases the difficulty of
use, as depending upon the flexure rating (that is, the force
required to flex the device) the user must have considerable
strength to commence flexure. Said another way, it is more
difficult to start the flexure movement, than to continue it once
started. An analysis of the forces required to commence flexure of
a straight device shows that the initial forces (that is, to
"break" the device from its initial straight position, to a curved
position) must be largely, if not exclusively, a rotary or twisting
motion roughly along the axis of the user's arms, instead of
more-or-less lateral movement in which the user's entire arm and
chest muscles can be applied. In addition, due to size and/or shape
of prior art straight configured apparatus, oftentimes they are
amenable to use only to exercise arms, and then only in front of or
above the user's body.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is an exercise device comprising a
flexible and resilient elongated member having a generally arcuate
shape, with hand grip portions on at least a portion of the length
of the elongated member, and methods of use of the exercise device.
The invention further comprises a set of more than such one
exercise device, each having a different flexure rating. The hand
grips may cover substantially the entire length of the elongated
member, in order to provide a multitude of gripping locations and
consequently leverage points, in turn providing a multitude of
different resistance levels available to the user. The basic
exercise movement is with the user holding the exercise device by
the hand grips where the hands are spread apart, then bringing the
hands together by applying forces to the elongated member to flex
it from its initial relaxed position, to a flexed position, the
forces applied by desired body parts. Flexing may be accomplished
by using opposing forces exerted by hands, knees, arms and legs to
overcome the resistance exhibited by the device, which will vary
depending on its composition and dimensions.
[0010] The device may be comprised of various materials having
properties that allow it to return to its original shape after
being multiple flexures, without appreciable loss of resiliency,
resistance, flexibility and elasticity. Dimensions, including
length, and flexure rating, may be optimized to the particular body
of the user.
[0011] The arcuate shape reduces and/or eliminates the initial
twisting or rotational movement needed to commence movement of a
straight-configured device, yielding a device in which relatively
uniform force is required to maintain or increase the extent of
flexure. The arcuate shape of the device (as compared to a straight
device) also facilitates exercises with the device positioned
behind the user's neck, back or legs, and eases carrying out the
flexing action without appreciable contact with any part of the
user's body other than his or her hands.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a view of the exercise device;
[0013] FIG. 1a is a cross section view of the exercise device;
[0014] FIG. 2 is another view of the exercise device, showing an
alternative handle design;
[0015] FIG. 2a shows an embodiment having a full-length hand grip
surface;
[0016] FIGS. 3 and 4 show another embodiment of the exercise device
having a modified shape; and
[0017] FIGS. 5-10 show various methods of use of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] While those having ordinary skill in the field of exercise
equipment design and use will recognize that many different
embodiments of the present invention are possible, without
deviating from its scope, with reference to the drawings some of
the presently preferred embodiments will now be described. The term
"flexure rating" is used at times hereafter, and means the amount
of force needed to flex the elongated member.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a view of one embodiment of the apparatus in a
first or unflexed position. The apparatus 10 comprises an elongated
flexible member 20 preferably having hand grips 30 to be grasped by
the user. In one embodiment, the hand grips 30 are rotatable on the
elongated flexible member 20. While the scope of the invention
encompasses flexible members of varying generally arcuate shapes,
it has been found that for most users an angle A of, for example, 5
to 30 degrees yields satisfactory results; however, it is
understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to that
range of angularity, and depending upon a given user's preference,
greater or smaller angles may be used. FIG. 2 is an alternative
hand grip design, comprising a ball shape on the outer end of
handle 30. FIG. 2a is yet another embodiment in which hand grip 30
covers substantially the entirety of the length of the exercise
device (the flexible member 20 indicated by dotted lines). It is
understood that elongated flexible member may not have defined hand
grips, but merely locations thereon for gripping.
[0020] It can be seen that the embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 2
comprise a generally smooth arcuate shape of elongated flexible
member 20. FIGS. 3 and 4 show other embodiments of the invention,
with the handle designs of FIGS. 1 and 2, but in which the overall
shape of elongated flexible member 20 comprises two generally
straight sections, with a curved middle section. It is understood
that both shapes are encompassed by the present invention.
Different materials and/or methods of manufacture may lend
themselves to forming one or the other of the two general
shapes.
[0021] The invention further comprises a set of more than one
exercise devices, each comprising an elongated flexible member, and
each having a different flexure rating. The user can then avail him
or herself of relatively light or heavy workout regimes. Flexure
rating values of between 2 and 25 lb. have been found satisfactory
for many users. The length of the elongated flexible member is
typically between 4 and 5 feet, but can be made in any length to
suit the user.
[0022] The preferred embodiment of the exercise device is formed
from an elongated flexible member 10 having a substantially round
cross section shape (as can be seen in FIG. 1a), made from an
elastically deformable (that is, that will return to its relaxed,
arcuate shape after being forced into a flexed position) material.
A number of different materials are suitable. Currently preferred
materials are various plastics such as nylon polymers, urethane, or
other resilient materials well known in the art. The elongated
flexible member may be formed by extrusion or other means well
known in the art, from which process the members typically emerge
substantially straight in configuration. The arcuate shape may be
formed by different methods. One method is to simply bend the
elongated flexible members to the final flexed position, after
which the members tend to retain some of the flex shape, thereby
forming the arcuate shape. Yet another method is to heat the
central portion of the member, then bend the central portion into
the arcuate shape, after which the members are allowed to cool.
This method may yield the embodiment of the elongated member having
two substantially straight sections joined by the central arcuate
section. Yet another method is to mold the arcuate shape into the
elongated member during fabrication.
[0023] Since many of the plastics suitable for the elongated member
will yield a relatively hard and slick surface, preferably an outer
covering 20a of a softer material, for example a layer of rubber or
rubber-like substance, is added, as seen in FIG. 1a. Outer covering
20a yields an improved gripping surface (should the device not be
gripped by hand grips 30) and helps reduce injury, should the
device unexpectedly spring back and strike the user. The hand grip
sections are preferably formed from a softer foam material, such as
an open or closed cell foam, providing an easily gripped section
which will yield to the user's grip, and prevent slipping of the
hand.
[0024] As later described in connection with the methods of use of
the exercise device, the invention may further comprise leg pads 40
on flexible member 20.
[0025] Methods of Use of the Exercise Device
[0026] The present invention further comprises methods of use of
the exercise device. The exercise device can be used in different
ways to develop musculature and toning throughout the body, as well
as for specific muscle groups. FIGS. 5 through 10 illustrate some
of the presently preferred methods of use.
[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a method of use of the exercise device to
exercise various arm and shoulder muscles. With the exercise device
positioned behind the user's back, one hand grip is held in a lower
position (the user's right hand in FIG. 5), while the other hand
reaches upward to grasp the other hand grip. The exercise is
carried out by bringing the two hands toward one another.
[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a method of primarily biceps exercise.
One hand grip is held stationary against the user's chest with one
hand (the user's left hand in FIG. 6), while the other arm is used
to flex the apparatus and bring the hand grips together, tending to
exercise especially the biceps of the moving arm.
[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates a method of use particularly adapted to
chest muscle development. From the position shown, the user's hands
are repeatedly brought together then separated, yielding the
exercise. The arms can be extended to greater or lesser degrees to
exercise different muscle groups.
[0030] The exercise illustrated in FIG. 8 is another one
particularly adapted to chest muscle development. The apparatus is
held behind the user's body, then the user's hands brought together
in front of the body.
[0031] The apparatus is additionally adapted to exercise certain
leg and hip muscles. FIG. 9 shows an exercise in which the user is
seated, the apparatus is flexed sufficiently far to be held between
the user's legs when spread apart; then, the user's legs are
brought together against the resistance of the apparatus. Leg pads
40, seen in FIG. 9, may be added to assist in holding the apparatus
in place between the legs.
[0032] Yet another chest, arm and upper body exercise is shown in
FIG. 10. Here, apparatus 10 is grasped and the user's arms brought
upwardly until the forearms are substantially vertical. Keeping the
forearms substantially vertical, the forearms are brought together
in what is at times described as a "butterfly" motion.
[0033] More advanced exercise movements provide for multi-plane
movements with flexed or engaged muscles. Such multi-plane
movements provide for greater range of motion and an enhanced
exercise effect. With the elongated flexible member in a relaxed
position, one end of the elongated flexible member can be supported
in a substantially fixed position. The opposite end of the
elongated flexible member is then manipulated such that the
opposite end is brought toward the one end substantially in a first
plane. In this move, the elongated flexible member is displaced
from its relaxed position to a flexed position. While supporting
the one end of the elongated flexible member, the opposite end is
rotatable in a second plane, different from the first plane. This
basic move can be performed with various combinations of a user's
body to exercise different muscles.
[0034] For example, supporting an end of the elongated flexible
member in a substantially fixed position may be accomplished with a
user's hand or arm, while the opposite end is manipulated with the
user's other hand or arm. In this context, not only is the arm
manipulating the opposite end of the elongated flexible member
benefiting from flexing the elongated flexible member while
rotating the supporting muscle, the user's muscles supporting the
opposite hand are also placed in tension in supporting the
substantially fixed end of the elongated flexible member. A similar
move can be performed with the user's legs or with combinations of
other user body parts. For example, the substantially fixed end of
the elongated flexible member may be supported with the user's
hands, arms, chest, thigh, hamstring, calf, foot and the like. The
manipulating end is most preferably positioned with a movable body
part such as a user's hand, arm, thigh, hamstring, calf, foot,
etc.
[0035] As an alternative to supporting the one end of the flexible
member in the substantially fixed position with a user's body part,
the one end may be secured against a fixed surface such as a floor,
wall, ceiling or the like. In this manner, although the user would
not benefit from the user's muscles providing the substantially
fixed support, the support against a fixed surface is naturally
more stable and can enable the user to perform moves under greater
resistance.
[0036] The basic moves including flexing the elongated flexible
member in the first plane and rotating at least one end of the
elongated flexible member in a second plane, different from the
first plane, may be repeated slowly for a certain number of
repetitions for a specified duration. Alternatively, the move may
be performed more quickly to provide more of an aerobic
exercise.
[0037] For all of the illustrated exercises, which comprise methods
of use of apparatus 10, the number of repetitions may be varied to
suit the particular user. It is understood that other exercises
could be developed utilizing apparatus 10.
[0038] While the preceding description contains many details, it is
understood that they are offered by way of example only and not
limitation. Many variations could be made in the exercise device,
and methods of its use, without departing from the scope of the
invention. As to the exercise device, the diameter and length as
well as the properties of the material of which it is composed
determine the amount of force required to accomplish flexing and
the consequent effect on the participant. The device can be
structured to allow many repetitions before the user is fatigued,
therefore inducing shaping as compared to bulking-up of muscle
groups; or it can be structured so as to have a higher flexure
rating to promote bulking and the increase in body mass and
musculature.
[0039] The exercise device is preferably cushioned to provide for
comfortable usage, versatility, reduction of any potential injury
and pleasing aesthetics. Complementary parts can be added to the
apparatus to allow additional exercise activity, such as leg
presses or squats. It can be fabricated in various lengths to suit
the physical stature of the potential exerciser.
[0040] At lower flexure rating values the device can be extremely
helpful for rehabilitating joint injuries to the shoulder, elbow
and other joints. It can be used by athletes to develop and enhance
specific skills such as throwing a baseball, football or javelin.
Use prior to participation in sporting events permits athletes to
be able to reduce the risk of injury by providing a simple and
convenient mechanism for warming up the germane muscle areas.
[0041] While the invention has been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is
intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *