U.S. patent application number 12/228692 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-18 for exercise apparatus, method of using, and kit therefor.
Invention is credited to Jamie Miller.
Application Number | 20100041527 12/228692 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41681667 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100041527 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Jamie |
February 18, 2010 |
Exercise apparatus, method of using, and kit therefor
Abstract
An exercise apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include a
belt to be worn proximate a waist of a user. The apparatus may
include a right lower leg attachment device to be worn on a right
lower leg of the user. The apparatus may include a left lower leg
attachment device to be worn on a left lower leg of the user. The
apparatus may include a right elastic connector coupled between the
belt and the right lower leg attachment device. The apparatus may
include a left elastic connector that is coupled between the belt
and the left lower leg attachment device. Other apparatus, methods,
and kits are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Miller; Jamie; (Arvada,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP
1279 OAKMEAD PARKWAY
SUNNYVALE
CA
94085-4040
US
|
Family ID: |
41681667 |
Appl. No.: |
12/228692 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/124 ;
206/223 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4015 20151001;
A63B 21/4007 20151001; A63B 21/00061 20130101; A63B 21/0552
20130101; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 21/4001 20151001; A63B
21/0557 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/124 ;
206/223 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a belt to be worn proximate a
waist of a user; a right lower leg attachment device to be worn on
a right lower leg of the user; a left lower leg attachment device
to be worn on a left lower leg of the user; a right elastic
connector that is coupled between the belt and the right lower leg
attachment device; and a left elastic connector that is coupled
between the belt and the left lower leg attachment device.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the right and left
elastic connectors comprise at least one of an elastic cord, a
bungee cord, an elastic cable, an elastic band, and an elastic
ring.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the right lower leg attachment
device comprises a right ankle attachment device to be worn
proximate a right ankle of the user, and wherein the left lower leg
attachment device comprises a left ankle attachment device to be
worn proximate a left ankle of the user.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the right and left
lower leg attachment devices comprises at least one of an ankle
strap, a foot strap, a foot stirrup, a band, a ring, a sock, a
shoe, a boot, and athletic footwear.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the right and left elastic
connectors are positioned so that they would be along backs of
respective right and left legs of the user.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the right and left elastic
connectors are designed to provide a resistance to encourage right
and left legs of the user to bend to achieve angles on insides of
knees that range from 120 to 160.degree..
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for reducing
resistance provided by the right elastic connector, said means
including a structure on the belt.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the right and left
elastic connectors are detachably coupled with the belt, and
wherein each of the right and left elastic connectors are
detachably coupled with the right and left lower leg attachment
devices.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second right
elastic connector that is coupled between the belt and the right
lower leg attachment device; and a second left elastic connector
that is coupled between the belt and the left lower leg attachment
device, wherein the right elastic connector and the second right
elastic connector are positioned to run along different positions
of a right leg of the user, and wherein the left elastic connector
and the second left elastic connector are positioned to run along
different positions of a left leg of the user.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an elastic
connector that is coupled between the right lower leg and the left
lower leg.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a right forearm
attachment device to be worn proximate a right forearm of the user;
a left forearm attachment device to be worn proximate a left
forearm of the user; a right elastic forearm connector that is
coupled between the belt and the right forearm attachment device;
and a left elastic forearm connector that is coupled between the
belt and the left forearm attachment device.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the right and left
forearm attachment devices comprises at least one of a wrist strap,
a hand strap, a hand stirrup, a band, a ring, and a glove.
13. A kit comprising: a belt to be worn proximate a waist of a
user; a right elastic connector to be coupled between the belt and
a right lower leg of the user; a left elastic connector to be
coupled between the belt and a left lower leg of the user;
instructions on how to use the kit; and a package enclosing the
belt, the right and left elastic connectors, and the
instructions.
14. The kit of claim 13, further comprising a pair of additional
elastic connectors to be coupled between the belt and the
respective right and left lower legs of the user, wherein the pair
of additional elastic connectors have different lengths than the
right and left elastic connectors.
15. The kit of claim 13, further comprising a pair of additional
elastic connectors to be coupled between the belt and the
respective right and left lower legs of the user, wherein the
additional elastic connectors have different resistance to
stretching than the right and left elastic connectors.
16. The kit of claim 13, further comprising a right ankle
attachment device to be worn proximate a right ankle of the user
and a left ankle attachment device to be worn proximate a left
ankle of the user, and wherein each of the right and left elastic
connectors comprise at least one of an elastic cord, a bungee cord,
an elastic cable, an elastic band, and an elastic ring.
17. A method of a user putting on an exercise apparatus comprising:
fastening a belt around a waist; attaching a right lower leg
attachment device to a portion of a right lower leg; attaching a
left lower leg attachment device to a portion of a left lower leg;
coupling a right elastic connector between the belt and the right
lower leg attachment device; and coupling a left elastic connector
between the belt and the left lower leg attachment device.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the user playing
hockey while wearing the exercise apparatus.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said playing hockey comprises
the user bending knees due in part to resistance provided by the
exercise apparatus and the user strengthening muscles used for
striding due in part to resistance provided by the exercise
apparatus.
20. An exercise apparatus comprising: a suit; a plurality of
attachment devices fixedly coupled with the suit at a plurality of
predefined locations; and a plurality of elastic connectors, each
of the elastic connectors coupled between a pair of the attachment
devices.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the suit comprises a
one-piece garment.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the suit has pants.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the suit further comprises
an upper body portion coupled with the pants.
24. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the plurality of attachment
devices comprise a first attachment device fixedly coupled with the
suit at a predefined location proximate a waist position of the
suit, and a second attachment device fixedly coupled with the suit
at a predefined location proximate a right ankle position of the
suit.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising a guiding member
operable to guide an elastic connector fixedly coupled with the
suit at a predefined location proximate a right knee position of
the suit.
26. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the plurality of attachment
devices comprise a first attachment device fixedly coupled with the
suit at a predefined location proximate a waist position of the
suit, and a second attachment device fixedly coupled with the suit
at a predefined location proximate a right wrist position of the
suit.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising a guiding member
operable to guide an elastic connector fixedly coupled with the
suit at a predefined location proximate a right elbow position of
the suit.
28. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the attachment devices
comprise attachment devices selected from rings embedded in the
suit, rings coupled with the suit, hooks coupled with the suit,
caribeners coupled with the suit, holes in the suit, and
combinations thereof.
29. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the suite comprises
reinforced regions where the plurality of attachment devices are
fixedly coupled with the suit.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] Embodiments of the invention relate to either an exercise
apparatus, a method of using the apparatus, or a kit for the
exercise apparatus. In particular, one or more embodiments relate
to an exercise apparatus including elastic connectors.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Exercise may help to improve health, conditioning, and
strength. In addition, exercise may help to improve performance in
sports.
[0005] Commonly, exercise equipment may be used during the
exercise. The exercise equipment may help to enhance or focus the
exercise in order to obtain enhanced health benefits, conditioning,
or performance.
[0006] Various different types of exercise equipment are known in
the arts. One example of known exercise equipment is ankle and
wrist weights that may help to strengthen legs and arms,
respectively. Another example of known exercise equipment is
running parachutes that may provide resistance or drag to a runner
in order to help strengthen leg muscles. Yet another example of
known exercise equipment is angled slide boards, which are used,
for example, in hockey, in order to help strengthen leg
muscles.
[0007] However, there are drawbacks or limitations to each of these
types of exercise equipment. There are advantages to new, different
types of exercise equipment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The invention may best be understood by referring to the
following description and accompanying drawings that are used to
illustrate embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an exercise
apparatus.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a user wearing an embodiment of an
exercise apparatus.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of an exercise apparatus
having detachable and re-attachable elastic connectors.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a first embodiment of a set of extra or
replacement elastic connectors.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of a set of extra or
replacement elastic connectors.
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a user wearing an embodiment of an
exercise apparatus having guiding members proximate the knees.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a user wearing an embodiment of an
exercise apparatus having a leg-to-leg elastic connector.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a user wearing an embodiment of an
exercise apparatus having components to strengthen the arms as well
as the legs.
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of suit exercise
apparatus.
[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of an exercise kit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the
invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown
in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of this
description.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an exercise apparatus
100. The exercise apparatus may represent a garment or article to
be worn on a body of a user to help the user exercise, such as for
strength training, sports training, or aerobic exercise.
[0021] The exercise apparatus includes a belt 102. The belt is to
be worn proximate a waist of a user.
[0022] The exercise apparatus also includes a right lower leg
attachment device 106R. The right lower leg attachment device is to
be worn on a right lower leg of the user.
[0023] The exercise apparatus also includes a left lower leg
attachment device 106L. The left lower leg attachment device is to
be worn on a left lower leg of the user.
[0024] The exercise apparatus also includes a right elastic
connector 108R. The right elastic connector is coupled between the
belt and the right lower leg attachment device.
[0025] The exercise apparatus also includes a left elastic
connector 108L. The left elastic connector is coupled between the
belt and the left lower leg attachment device.
[0026] Now let's briefly discuss the belt, the attachment devices,
and the elastic connectors. First the belt will be discussed, then
the attachment devices will be discussed, and then the elastic
connectors will be discussed.
[0027] As previously mentioned, the belt 102 may be worn proximate
the waist of the user. As used herein, proximate the waste means at
the waste, or between three inches above the waste (toward the
head) and three inches below the waist (toward the feet), or a
combination thereof.
[0028] The belt may include a band of material to fit around the
waist of the user, and a fastener 104 to fasten the band around the
waist. Examples of suitable materials commonly used for the belt
include, but are not limited to, fabric (e.g., cotton, nylon,
etc.), leather, rubber, plastic, and various combinations thereof.
Examples of suitable fasteners include, but are not limited to,
buckles, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO.RTM.),
stringed laces, and combinations thereof.
[0029] In one or more embodiments, the belt may optionally be
similar in size, shape, construction, and material, to any of
various weight lifting belts known in the arts. In some cases, a
weight lifting belt may be used or minimally adapted and then used
for the belt of the exercise apparatus. Examples of a few suitable
weight lifting belts include, but are not limited to: (1) Progryp
6'' Contour Form-Fit Belt which is available from Phyzex
Technologies Inc., of Brampton, Ontario, Canada; (2) Harbinger 5''
Firmfit Belt which is available from Harbinger/Grizzly Fitness USA,
of Napa, Calif.; and (3) Schiek 6'' Power Leather Contour Belt
which is available from Schiek Sports, Inc. of Oshkosh, Wis.
[0030] In one or more other embodiments, the belt may optionally be
similar in size, shape, construction, and material, to any of
various rock climbing harness belts or utility belts. Although, it
is not required that the belt have special features used for rock
climbing or special utility features included for the utility belt
(e.g., it does not need to hold tools, etc.).
[0031] Now let's discuss the right and left lower leg attachment
devices 106R, 106L. The right and left lower leg attachment devices
are devices that are operable to attach, and in the illustration
are attached to, the respective right and left elastic cables 108R,
108L. The right and left lower leg attachment devices are to be
worn on the respective right and left lower legs of the user.
[0032] In some embodiments, the right lower leg attachment device
may be a right ankle attachment device to be worn proximate a right
ankle of the user, and the left lower leg attachment device may be
a left ankle attachment device to be worn proximate a left ankle of
the user. As used herein, proximate an ankle means at the ankle, at
the foot coupled with the ankle, or on the leg coupled with the
ankle within a distance of eight inches up the leg measured from
the ankle, or a combination thereof
[0033] Various attachment devices are suitable. Commonly, the
attachment device may wrap or fit around at least a portion of the
ankle, foot, or lower leg. In various embodiments, each of the
right and left lower leg attachment devices may include at least
one of a strap (e.g., an ankle strap and/or a foot strap), a band
(e.g., an ankle band and/or a foot band), a foot stirrup, a ring,
and footwear (e.g., a durable sock, a shoe, a boot, etc), or other
means for attaching proximate an ankle. The illustrated attachment
devices are ankle bands. Another example attachment device may
include a foot stirrup that may fit around the arch of a foot, an
ankle band connected with the foot stirrup that wraps around the
ankle, and a ring connected with the ankle band that is operable to
attach the elastic connector. Yet another example attachment device
may include footwear (e.g., a durable sock) having a ring, hook, or
other connector that is operable to attach the elastic connector.
These are just a few illustrative examples.
[0034] Now let's discuss the right and left elastic connectors
108R, 108L. The right elastic connector is operable to be coupled
between the belt and the right lower leg attachment device. The
left elastic connector is operable to be coupled between the belt
and the left lower leg attachment device. In the illustration, the
connectors are shown as being already coupled between the belt and
the lower leg attachment devices, but they may also have the
capability of being uncoupled. Various ways of coupling the elastic
connectors between the belt and the attachment devices are
suitable, such as, for example, through sewing, with hooks and
rings, by tying knots, or other interlocking metal connectors,
etc.
[0035] The elastic connector has elasticity. Elasticity generally
refers to a property of being cable of being stretched or expanded
when an external force is applied, such as by the user wearing the
exercise apparatus, and then being capable of returning to the
original length or shape when the external force is removed. Arrows
are used in the illustration to show the direction of stretching.
When the elastic connectors are stretched, they apply an opposing
force or resistance. Examples of elastic materials suitable for the
connector include, but are not limited to, elastomers (e.g.,
various natural or synthetic rubbers), stretchable fabrics (e.g.,
the material used in bungee cords, spandex, etc.), and other
elastic materials.
[0036] Each of the elastic connectors may be an elastic member or
element. Examples of suitable connectors, members, or elements
include, but are not limited to, elastic cords and elastic cables.
By way of example, the elastic connectors may be bungee cords. The
bungee cords may each have S-hooks, J-hooks, locking hooks, rings,
locking rings, carabiner's, or other connectors on each end
thereof. Bungee cords are commercially available from numerous
sources, such as large chain hardware stores and The Original
Bungee Company of Harbor City, Calif. Molded rubber straps with
S-hooks in various sizes are also available from The Original
Bungee Company. Alternatively, the elastic connectors don't have to
be single cords or cables, but may instead by rings or bands. By
way of example, rubber bands or rubber rings analogous to the
rubber ring Weightstraps used in Soloflex equipment could be
used.
[0037] Initially, a user may put on the exercise apparatus 100. A
method of putting on the exercise apparatus may include a user
putting the belt 102 around a waist, and then securing the belt
around the waist, such as with a buckle, or other fastener 104. The
method may also include the user attaching the right lower leg
attachment device 106R to a portion of a right lower leg and
attaching the left lower leg attachment device 106L to a portion of
a left lower leg. These later operations may be performed in any
desired order and either of these operations may be performed
either before or after putting on the belt.
[0038] In some embodiments, the right and left elastic connectors
108R, 108L may already be coupled between the belt and the
respective right and left lower leg attachment devices. In such
embodiments, there would be no need for the method to include
operations to couple these components. Alternatively, if the right
and left elastic connectors are not yet coupled between the belt
and the respective right and left lower leg attachment devices,
then the method may include coupling or connecting each of the
right and left elastic connectors between the belt and the
respective right and left lower leg attachment devices. Such
coupling operations may be performed at various stages in the
method, such as, for example, before beginning to put the exercise
apparatus on, between putting on the belt and one or more of the
attachment devices, or after putting on the belt and the attachment
devices. The method may optionally include adjusting the apparatus
(e.g., the length or position of the elastic connectors).
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a user 201 wearing an embodiment of an
exercise apparatus 200. As shown, a belt 202 is worn around the
users waist. A right lower leg attachment device 206R is worn on a
right lower leg of the user. A left lower leg attachment device
206L is worn on a left lower leg of the user. A right elastic
connector 208R is coupled between the belt and the right lower leg
attachment device. A left elastic connector 208L is coupled between
the belt and the left lower leg attachment device.
[0040] As shown, in one or more embodiments, the right and left
elastic connectors may be positioned along backs of respective
right and left legs of the user. When the legs are fully extended,
the elastic connectors may be partially stretched or extended. The
partially stretched or extended elastic connectors may apply an
opposing force or resistance that may help to exercise or
strengthen the user by opposing or resisting muscular contraction.
This may help to exercise and strengthen the muscles of the
legs.
[0041] An embodiment of a method of using the exercise apparatus
may include stretching and relaxing the elastic connectors, one or
more times, in connection with sports, other exercise, or other
movement. For example, the user may extend one or more of the legs
to stretch one or more corresponding elastic connectors, and then
may bend the leg(s) to un-stretch or relax the elastic
connector(s). Advantageously, use of the exercise apparatus may
help to improve the fitness and/or leg strength of the user.
[0042] In one or more embodiments, the exercise apparatus may be
worn while playing sports or performing another similar specialized
activities in order to enhance performance during those activities.
By way of example, a hockey player may wear the exercise apparatus
while playing hockey. The hockey player may kick out with a leg in
conjunction with striding, which may stretch the corresponding
elastic connector thereby helping over time to strengthen the leg
and in particular the muscles used for the striding motion.
Advantageously, use of the exercise apparatus during actual playing
of a sport or other activity may help to particularly condition
and/or strengthen muscles used for that sport or activity.
[0043] In one or more embodiments, in which the exercise apparatus
is worn while playing a sport or performing another similar
specialized activity, the elastic connectors may be positioned so
that they are relatively optimized, at least effective, or at least
based on a particular motion used in the sport or activity. For
example, in hockey, the elastic connectors may be positioned (e.g.,
around midway between the back of the leg and the outer side of the
leg) so that they are relatively optimized, at least effective, or
at least based on a striding motion performed during hockey.
Similar key motions are found in other sports. Advantageously, such
positioning of the elastic connectors may further help to
particularly condition and/or strengthen muscles used for a
particular sport or activity.
[0044] Another potential advantage in sports is that the elastic
connectors may help to encourage the legs to bend. Advantageously,
in some sports, such as hockey, basketball, tennis, and others,
encouraging the legs to bend may help to promote a stance that
tends to provide faster or more explosive bursts or reaction times.
This may help to avoid the need to bend the legs at the last minute
before reacting, which may tend to delay reaction time. The desired
amount of bend of the knees may depend in part upon the sport or
intended exercise. In one or more embodiments, the elastic
connectors may be designed or be operable to provide a resistance
to encourage legs to bend to achieve angles on the insides of the
knees that range from about 120 to 160 degrees, although this is
not required. In one or more embodiments, the elastic connectors
may provide little or minimal resistance (e.g., be substantially
unstretched) when the legs are bent to the desired angle, and may
provide increasing resistance as the legs are straightened away
from the desired angle.
[0045] In one or more embodiments, a mechanism or means may be
included to allow the user to effectively "lengthen" or otherwise
reduce the resistance provided by the elastic connectors
temporarily during a period when the user wants to stand up. For
example, the belt may have lower and upper rings or other points of
attachment of the elastic cables. When the user desires to stand up
straight, he/she may decouple the elastic cable from the upper
point of attachment and couple the elastic cable to the lower point
of attachment thereby reducing the amount of stretch and the
corresponding amount of resistance. When the user desires to
provide additional resistance to encourage bending of the legs, the
user may recouple the elastic connectors with the upper points of
connection. Other approaches such as looping and unlooping the
connectors around a structure, tightening levers, and other
mechanisms are also contemplated. The means may include a structure
on the belt.
[0046] Other potential advantages include that the exercise
apparatus is wearable, portable, relatively light-weight, and
relatively inexpensive compared to some other exercise
equipment.
[0047] The illustration shows a single elastic connector for each
leg. In alternate embodiments, in addition to the two illustrated
elastic connectors, the exercise apparatus may also optionally
include at least one additional (e.g., a second) right elastic
connector (not shown) coupled between the belt and the right lower
leg of the user, and at least one additional (e.g., a second) left
elastic connector (not shown) coupled between the belt and the left
lower leg of the user. The elastic connectors for a given leg may
run on different sides of the leg. Advantageously, such different
elastic connectors on different sides of the leg may help to
emphasize the exercise of different leg muscles.
[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of an exercise apparatus
300 having detachable and re-attachable elastic connectors 308R,
308L.
[0049] The exercise apparatus includes a belt 302. The belt is to
be worn proximate a waist of a user. The belt has a buckle 304 as a
fastener. This particular buckle or fastener is not required. The
belt has a right ring 314R coupled therewith and a left ring 314L
coupled therewith. By way of example, the rings may pass through a
fabric loop sewn to the belt.
[0050] The exercise apparatus also includes a right lower leg
attachment device 306R. The right lower leg attachment device is
operable to be worn on a right lower leg of the user. The exercise
apparatus also includes a left lower leg attachment device 306L.
The left lower leg attachment device is operable to be worn on a
left lower leg of the user.
[0051] The right lower leg attachment device includes an ankle band
320R, a foot stirrup or band 322R, and a ring 316R all coupled
together, as shown. By way of example, the foot stirrup may be sewn
or otherwise fastened to the ankle band and the ring may pass
through a fabric loop sewn or otherwise fastened to the ankle band.
Other methods of connection are also suitable. Similarly, the left
lower leg attachment device includes an ankle band 320L, a foot
stirrup or band 322L, and a ring 316L all coupled together, as
shown.
[0052] The exercise apparatus also includes the right elastic
connector 308R and the left elastic connector 308L. The right
elastic connector is operable to be, and in the illustration is,
coupled between the belt and the right lower leg attachment device.
The left elastic connector is operable to be, and in the
illustration is, coupled between the belt and the left lower leg
attachment device.
[0053] The right elastic connector 308R and the left elastic
connector 308L are each detachably and re-attachably coupled
between the belt and the attachment devices. The illustrated right
elastic connector includes an upper J-hook 318U hooked through the
right ring 314R (or other attachment device) of the belt and a
lower J-hook 318L hooked through the ring 316R (or other attachment
device) of the right lower leg attachment device. Similarly, the
illustrated left elastic connector includes an upper J-hook 319U
hooked through the left ring 314L (or other attachment device) of
the belt and a lower J-hook 319L hooked through the ring 316L (or
other attachment device) of the left lower leg attachment device.
Other couplings are also contemplated. For example, in alternate
embodiments, the elastic connectors may have S-hooks, other shaped
hooks, locking hooks, locking rings, carabiner's, or other
connectors on each end thereof. As another option, the belt may
have hooks, locking hooks, caribiner's, locking rings, or the like,
and the elastic connectors may have rings that may be hooked or
fastened thereby. Elastic cables with various such connectors are
commercially available from various sources including large chain
hardware stores and online from the aforementioned The Original
Bungee Store. Alternatively, the elastic connectors may be
permanently or substantially permanently coupled with the
respective lower leg attachment devices.
[0054] The elastic connectors may be detached and reattached, or
coupled and decoupled. This may offer various potential advantages.
In one aspect, this may allow a broken or defective elastic
connector to be replaced. In another aspect, this may allow the
elastic connectors to be replaced with elastic connectors of
different lengths. Advantageously, this may allow the exercise
apparatus to be used by users of different heights or leg lengths.
In yet another aspect, this may allow the elastic connectors to be
replaced with elastic connectors of different elasticities or
resistances. Advantageously, this may allow the exercise apparatus
to be used by users having different strengths, or different
exercise goals, or to allow the exercise apparatus to adjust to
accommodate increasing or otherwise changing strength of the user.
Other reasons for exchanging elastic connectors are also
possible.
[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates a first embodiment of a set 424 of extra
or replacement elastic connectors 408A, 408B. The set includes a
shorter elastic connector 408A and a longer elastic connector 408B.
The longer elastic connector 408B has a longer length than the
shorter elastic connector 408A. No particular lengths or
differences between lengths are required, although as used herein
longer means intentionally longer (not just due to manufacturing
variation, etc.) including at least an inch longer.
[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of a set 524 of extra
or replacement elastic connectors 508A, 508B. The set includes a
less resistive elastic connector 508A and a more resistive elastic
connector 508B. In the illustration, extra thickness is used to
represent extra resistance, although this is not required. The less
resistive elastic connector 508B offers less resistance to
stretching than the more resistive elastic connector 508A. No
particular resistance or difference in resistances is required,
although as used herein less resistance as used herein means
intentionally less resistance including more than due to average
manufacturing variation including more than 8% less.
[0057] The illustrated elastic connectors have J-hooks, although
this is not required. In alternate embodiments, the elastic
connectors may instead have S-hooks, other shaped hooks, locking
hooks, rings, locking rings, caribener's, or other connectors.
[0058] Each of the illustrated sets includes two elastic
connectors, although more elastic connectors may optionally be
included in either or both sets. In one or more embodiments, a
duplicate of each of the elastic connectors may be included to
provide a pair for a pair of legs.
[0059] In one or more embodiments, such a set of elastic connectors
may be included in an exercise kit. Exercise kits will be discussed
further below.
[0060] Referring again to FIG. 2, the right and left elastic
connectors 208R, 208L may be positioned along backs of respective
right and left legs of the user. As shown, when the knees are bent,
the right and left elastic connectors may be separated from the
knees by a distance. In some implementations, such separation may
offer drawbacks, such as greater risk of catching the elastic
connectors on something.
[0061] FIG. 6 illustrates a user 601 wearing an embodiment of an
exercise apparatus 600 having guiding members 628R, 628L proximate
the knees. The guiding members may help to guide or restrain
elastic connectors.
[0062] As before, the exercise apparatus includes a belt 602, a
right lower leg attachment device 606R, a left lower leg attachment
device 606L, a right elastic connector 608R, and a left elastic
connector 608L. These may be similar to, or the same as, those
previously described.
[0063] In addition, the exercise apparatus has the guiding members
628R, 628L proximate the knees. Proximate means within four inches
of the knees. The guiding members include a right knee guiding
member 628R and a left knee guiding member 628L.
[0064] By way of example, the guiding members may each include a
knee band, knee guard, or like attachment device to attach around
the knee. A ring, lockable ring, caribener, a wheel with a groove
between two flanges around its circumference (as in a pulley), or
like guiding device may be coupled with the attachment device. For
example, a ring may be sewn to a band via a fabric loop. The
elastic connectors may run through the rings or other guiding
devices.
[0065] The guiding devices may help to restrain or guide the
elastic connectors. In particular, the guiding members may help to
hold the elastic connectors close to the knees, when the knees are
bent. Advantageously, such guiding members may help to prevent the
elastic connectors from catching on something.
[0066] FIG. 7 illustrates a user 701 wearing an embodiment of an
exercise apparatus 700 having a leg-to-leg elastic connector 730.
The leg-to-leg elastic connector is coupled between the legs of the
user.
[0067] As before, the exercise apparatus includes a belt 702, a
right lower leg attachment device 706R, a left lower leg attachment
device 706L, a right elastic connector 708R, and a left elastic
connector 708L. These may be similar to, or the same as, those
previously described.
[0068] In addition, the exercise apparatus has the leg-to-leg
elastic connector 730. As shown, the leg-to-leg elastic connector
may be coupled with the right lower leg attachment device 706R and
coupled with the left lower leg attachment device 706L. For
example, the leg-to-leg elastic connector may be sewn to the right
and left lower leg attachment devices. As another example, each of
the right and left lower leg attachment devices may have a hook,
lockable hook, ring, lockable ring, caribener, or other attachment
device to couple the leg-to-leg elastic connector.
[0069] Advantageously, the leg-to-leg elastic connector may help to
strengthen other leg muscles, such as the leg muscles primarily
responsible for pulling legs apart and/or together.
[0070] In one or more embodiments, it may be desired to strengthen
the arms in addition to the legs. FIG. 8 illustrates a user 801
wearing an embodiment of an exercise apparatus 800 having
components to strengthen the arms as well as the legs.
[0071] As before, the exercise apparatus includes a belt 802, a
right lower leg attachment device 806R, a left lower leg attachment
device 806L, a right elastic connector 808R, and a left elastic
connector 808L. These may be similar to, or the same as, those
previously described.
[0072] In addition, the exercise apparatus has a right forearm
attachment device 832R to be worn on a right forearm of the user,
and a left forearm attachment device 832L to be worn on a left
forearm of the user. The exercise apparatus also has a right
elastic forearm connector 834R that is coupled between the belt and
the right forearm attachment device, and a left elastic forearm
connector 834L that is coupled between the belt and the left
forearm attachment device.
[0073] The right and left forearm attachment devices may be
attached proximate the right and left wrists, respectively. As used
herein, proximate a wrist means at the wrist, at the hand connected
with the wrist, or on the forearm connected to the wrist within six
inches of the wrist, or a combination thereof.
[0074] The right and left forearm attachment devices may be the
same as, similar to, or analogous to, the lower leg attachment
devices. For example, each of the right and left forearm attachment
devices may include at least one of a strap (e.g., a wrist or hand
strap), a band (e.g., a wrist or hand band), a hand stirrup, a
ring, and handwear (e.g., a glove). The illustrated right and left
forearm attachment devices are wrist bands.
[0075] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of suit exercise apparatus
940.
[0076] The suit exercise apparatus includes a suit 942. The suit
may be a one-piece garment or article of clothing. The suit may
optionally be form fitting and in some cases optionally relatively
tight-fitting or skin-tight, although this is not required. As
shown, in some cases, the suit may be a full body suit having both
an upper body portion and a lower body portion, although this is
not required. The upper body portion may cover the torso. As shown,
in some cases, the suit may have both arm portions (e.g., sleeves)
and leg portions (e.g., pants), although this is not required.
Alternatively, rather than arm portions, the suit may have shoulder
straps. In some cases, the suit may resemble a bodysuit or unitard.
In alternate embodiments, either but not both of an upper body
portion and a lower body portion may optionally be included. For
example, a lower body suit (e.g., pants) may be used potentially
with suspenders or shoulder straps. The suit may be made of
spandex, neoprene, rubber, cloth, fabric, or other suitable
materials. In some cases, the suit may include an elastic material,
although this is not required.
[0077] A plurality of rings, flush/embedded rings, hooks, locking
rings, locking hooks, caribener's, or other attachment devices
operable to attach elastic connectors are fixedly coupled with the
suit at a plurality of predefined locations. In the particular
illustration, a first plurality of attachment devices 944R are
fixedly coupled proximate the right ankle, a second plurality of
attachment devices 944L are fixedly coupled proximate the left
ankle, a third plurality of attachment devices 946 are fixedly
coupled proximate the waist. A fourth plurality of attachment
devices 948R are fixedly coupled proximate the right wrist, a fifth
plurality of attachment devices 948L are fixedly coupled proximate
the left wrist. The aforementioned meanings of proximate apply.
Dashing is used to show attachment devices on the backside of the
suit. In alternate embodiments, fewer or more attachment devices
and/or different arrangements of attachment devices may optionally
be used. For example, attachment devices at some locations may
optionally be omitted (e.g., only those near the waist and either
the ankles or the wrists may optionally be included) and/or more or
less attachment devices may be used at a given location.
[0078] As shown, a plurality of rings, locking rings, caribener's,
or other guiding members operable to guide or restrain elastic
connectors may optionally be fixedly coupled with the suit at
predefined locations. As shown, a sixth plurality of guiding
members 950R may optionally be fixedly coupled proximate the right
knee, and a seventh plurality of guiding members 950L may
optionally be fixedly coupled proximate the left knee. An eighth
plurality of guiding members 952R may optionally be fixedly coupled
proximate the right elbow, and a ninth plurality of guiding members
952L may optionally be fixedly coupled proximate the left elbow.
Dashing is used to show guiding members on the backside of the
suit. Having them at both the knees and the elbows is not
required.
[0079] By way of example, embedded/flush rings may be sewn into or
to the suit, held by a clamping action, held by interdigitized
metal teeth, or the like. Rings, hooks, locking rings, locking
hooks, caribener's, or other attachment devices may be coupled with
the suit by sewing them to the suit, or coupled to the suit with a
fabric loop sewn to the suit, to name just a few examples. As
another option, the attachment devices may simply be holes in the
suite, provided that the material of the suit is strong enough, or
holes in the suit reinforced by sewing, or the like.
[0080] Reinforced regions shown between dashed lines may optionally
be included. The reinforced regions may optionally include a strong
material. By way of example, a strengthening patch may be sewn,
glued, or otherwise adhered to these regions. This is not required
provided that the fabric of the suit is sufficiently strong to
support the resistance of the elastic connectors coupled between
the attachment positions.
[0081] Elastic connectors may be coupled between the attachment
devices or positions. By way of example, elastic connectors may be
coupled between an attachment position proximate the waist and an
attachment position proximate an ankle and may optionally pass
through a guiding device proximate a knee. To further illustrate
certain concepts, a possible position of an elastic connector 908L
is shown dashed lines. This is just one illustrative example.
[0082] In one or more embodiments, the suit may have predefined
pockets, fabric tubes, rings, or like guiding devices to guide or
restrain the elastic connectors. By way of example, tubular pockets
may be sewn on the outside of the suit. As another example,
additional guiding devices similar to the guiding devices 950R,
950L may be included in other locations.
[0083] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of an exercise kit 1060.
The exercise kit includes a manufacturers sealed package 1062, such
as a box or other package.
[0084] Various components of the kit are sealed inside the package.
The components include components of an assembled, partly
assembled, or unassembled exercise apparatus 1000. These include a
belt 1002, right and left elastic connectors 1008R, 1008L, and
right and left lower leg attachment devices 1006R, 1006L. These
components may be similar to or the same as those disclosed
elsewhere herein. Dashed lines are used in the illustration to
indicate that these components may be uncoupled or some or all of
these components may already be coupled together in the
package.
[0085] The kit may also optionally include instructions 1064. By
way of example, the instruction may include instructions about how
to assemble and/or use the kit and/or the exercise apparatus. The
instructions may be paper instructions, or instructions on a
compact disc or other machine-readable medium.
[0086] The components may optionally include one or more extra
elastic connector(s) 1066. In one or more embodiments, the kit may
include a set of extra or replacement elastic connectors, such as
the sets shown in FIG. 4 and/or FIG. 5. In one aspect, the one or
more extra elastic connector(s) may include multiple elastic
connectors having different lengths than the right and left elastic
connectors 1008R, 1008L. In another aspect, the one or more extra
elastic connector(s) may include multiple elastic connectors having
different resistances to stretching than the right and left elastic
connectors 1008R, 1008L.
[0087] Other components 1068 may optionally be included in the kit.
For example, one or more wrist attachment devices and one or more
corresponding elastic connectors to exercise one or more arms may
optionally be included. As another example, one or more additional
elastic connectors to work in conjunction with the right and left
elastic connectors to exercise one or more legs may optionally be
included. As yet another example, an additional elastic connector
to couple between the lower legs of the user may optionally be
included.
[0088] An alternate kit is contemplated in which the exercise
apparatus 1000 is replaced with an suit exercise apparatus, such
as, for example, the suit shown and described in conjunction with
FIG. 9. Such a kit may include a number of elastic connectors of
different lengths and/or resistances.
[0089] In the description above, for the purposes of explanation,
numerous specific details have been set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. The
particular embodiments described are not provided to limit the
invention but to illustrate it. Embodiments may be practiced
without some of these specific details. Modifications may be made
to the embodiments disclosed herein, such as, for example, to the
sizes, shapes, configurations, forms, functions, materials, and
manner of operation, and assembly and use, of the components of the
embodiments. All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in
the drawings and described in the specification are encompassed
within embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is
not to be determined by the specific examples provided above but
only by the claims below. In other instances, well-known
structures, devices, and operations have been shown in block
diagram form or without detail in order to avoid obscuring the
understanding of the description.
[0090] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements
illustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to
scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are
exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where
considered appropriate, reference numerals or terminal portions of
reference numerals have been repeated among the figures to indicate
corresponding or analogous elements, which may optionally have
similar characteristics.
[0091] Methods have been described. The methods have been described
in a basic form, but operations may optionally be added to the
methods. In some cases certain operations may be removed from the
methods or replaced by one or more other operations. The operations
of the methods may also often optionally be performed in different
order.
[0092] It should also be appreciated that reference throughout this
specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", or "one or more
embodiments", for example, means that a particular feature may be
included in the practice of the invention. Similarly, it should be
appreciated that in the description various features are sometimes
grouped together in a single embodiment, Figure, or description
thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding
in the understanding of various inventive aspects. This method of
disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an
intention that the invention requires more features than are
expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims
reflect, inventive aspects may lie in less than all features of a
single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the
Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this
Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a
separate embodiment of the invention.
* * * * *