U.S. patent application number 12/785382 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-09 for exercise apparatus.
Invention is credited to Timothy Jeremy Kunkel, Paul Montgomery Riggs.
Application Number | 20110136633 12/785382 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44082589 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110136633 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Riggs; Paul Montgomery ; et
al. |
June 9, 2011 |
EXERCISE APPARATUS
Abstract
The invention is directed to an exercise apparatus comprising a
resilient hoop, an inner perimeter surface of the hoop forming a
circular opening while in a resting position. Coupled to the hoop
at a first portion are a first grip and a second grip, each
configured to accept one hand of a user, wherein the hoop is
deformable to be elliptic when the first and second grips are
supported inward from the first portion toward the center of the
circular opening, while a second portion of the hoop rests against
a user's body.
Inventors: |
Riggs; Paul Montgomery;
(Cupertino, CA) ; Kunkel; Timothy Jeremy; (Mill
Valley, CA) |
Family ID: |
44082589 |
Appl. No.: |
12/785382 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61180393 |
May 21, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2208/0233 20130101;
A63B 23/02 20130101; A63B 21/02 20130101; A63B 23/0211 20130101;
A63B 21/028 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/121 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a resilient and deflectable
member having a resting end an inner perimeter surface forming an
opening; and a grip coupled to the resilient and deflectable member
on another end and configured allow a user to deflect the resilient
and deflectable member while holding the grip and resting the
resting end about the user's thighs.
2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portion is
substantially opposite the second portion.
3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first grip is
adjacent to the second grip.
4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first grip is
adjacent to the second grip, where the user can hold the grip on
the outside of the loop.
5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resilient and
deflectable member is a closed shape and the grip is located within
the shape for a user to hold inside the closed shape when in
use.
6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resilient and
deflectable member is a closed shape and the grip is located
outside the shape for a user to hold the grips outside the closed
shape when in use.
7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resilient and
deflectable member is a closed loop shape and the grip is located
within the loop shape for a user to hold inside the closed shape
when in use, and to allow a user to deflect the resilient and
deflectable member for exercise.
8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second
grip are formed together.
9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second
grips extend into the embodiment of the novel exercise device.
10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first
and second grips includes a swivel mechanism configured to allow
the grips to swivel about the first portion of the novel exercise
device.
11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first
and second grips includes a resistance structure configured to
increase resistance when the first and second grips are supported
inward from the first end toward the center of the embodiment of
the novel exercise device.
12. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a
covering over the novel exercise device
13. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first
and second grips includes a cushioning and/or protective
component.
14. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first
and second grips includes a cushioning and/or protective component,
including a foam rubber grip that protects unit, is easy to mold is
waterproof and inexpensive.
15. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a
cushion disposed about the second portion.
16. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a
stability component extending outward from the embodiment of the
novel exercise device and configured to rest between two legs of a
user.
17. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a
support member disposed about the second portion, the support
member extending away from the novel exercise device.
18. The exercise apparatus of claim 12, wherein the support member
includes a vertical segment coupled at a first end, to the second
portion of the novel exercise device , and a horizontal segment
coupled to the vertical segment at a second end of the vertical
segment.
19. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a
cushion disposed about the first portion.
20. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a resilient novel exercise
device , an inner perimeter surface of the device forming a opening
while in a resting position; and a grip configured to accept both
hands of a user, the grip being coupled to the device at a first
portion of the device , wherein the device is deformable when the
grip is supported inward from the first portion toward the center
of the opening, while a second portion of the device rests against
the user's body.
21. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a resilient and deflectable
member configured in a closed loop and having a resting end an
inner perimeter surface forming an opening; and a grip coupled to
the resilient and deflectable member within in the closed loop and
on another end and configured allow a user to deflect the resilient
and deflectable member while holding the grip and resting the
resting end about the user's thighs.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Various exercise machines targeting the abdominal muscles
have been developed over the years. These machines range from
full-body exercise equipment with abdominal target features to
spot-exercise devices. Many abdominal machines tend to be
relatively large or bulky, and not conducive for traveling or
compact storage.
[0002] For example, a device known as the "Ab Coaster" (see
https://www.abcoastersale.com/) is an apparatus on which a user may
be positioned by the arms and knees, and then pull the upper body
in an upward motion. This machine is relatively large and heavy,
for stability when supporting a user. It is meant to be placed on
the floor in a room, and may not be easily mobile. It is also not
easily storable in small spaces, such as under a bed or in a
closet.
[0003] Another abdominal exercise machine is the "Ab Roller" (see
http://www.abroller.com/). This apparatus is more compact and built
in a simpler manner than is the Ab Coaster. A user can lie on his
back on the floor, with the Ab Roller behind his head. The
apparatus has a cushion on which the user may rest his head, and
bars extending out from either side of the head cushion on which
the user may rest his elbows and around which his hands may grip.
In conjunction with pulling the apparatus forward with his hands,
the user may lift his upper body in an upward, forward direction.
This apparatus is easily movable, for example, from one room in a
house to another, but is nonetheless too bulky to be practical for
travel. In addition, it may not be easily storable in certain
spaces, such as a small bedroom or an individual office room.
[0004] From a manufacturing perspective, the exercise machines
described above require parts and labor that translate accordingly
to what may be considered a relatively high cost for the consumer.
In addition, the use of multiple parts in the construction of the
apparatus lends to a higher tendency for the parts to deteriorate
by, for example, breakage or rust.
[0005] Hence, it is desirable to have a solution, without the
above-described disadvantages, such as an abdominal exercise
apparatus that is compact, lightweight, and simple to manufacture.
As will be seen, the invention provides such a solution in an
elegant manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of
an exercise apparatus with adjustable resistance.
[0007] FIGS. 2A, B and C illustrate a schematic diagram of use of
the apparatus of FIG. 1 by a user.
[0008] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another embodiment of a
deflective exercise device.
[0009] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment of a
deflective exercise device.
[0010] The other Figures are schematic diagrams of different
configurations of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The invention is directed to an exercise device or apparatus
having a resilient and deflectable member having a resting end an
inner perimeter surface forming an opening, and a hand grip coupled
to the resilient and deflectable member on another end and
configured allow a user to deflect the resilient and deflectable
member while holding the grip and resting the resting end about the
user's thighs. In normal operation, a user in a sitting position
can hold the grip on one end of the device, and rest the other end
on the upper thighs. The user can then lean forward and "crunch"
down the abdomen muscles in a manner that deflects the device and
gives resistance to the user's motion, simulating a sit-up exercise
or what is known as a "crunch" exercise.
[0012] Other methods of accomplishing this motion is for a user to
rest on the user's knees on a surface, and pull down on a cable or
rope pulley system, or "crunch", in a manner that provides a
counter force against the resistance in an upward direction that is
created by the cable or rope pulley system. This simulates a type
of sit-up exercise, and allows a user to adjust position to focus
on different muscles. Of course, this method requires elaborate and
expensive exercise equipment that is typically not easily
transportable. The invention, therefore, provides a device and
method for enabling a user to perform crunch exercises, or simulate
a type of sit-up exercise, in a comfortable, safe and very useful
manner.
[0013] In one example, an exercise apparatus is provided that
includes a resilient hoop-like member for the resilient member that
includes an inner perimeter surface of the hoop forming a circular
opening while in a resting position. In the example, coupled to the
hoop at a first portion of the hoop are a first and second hand
grip configured to accept one or two hands of a user, wherein the
hoop is deformable to be elliptic when the first and second grips
are supported inward from the first portion toward the center of
the circular opening, while a second portion of the hoop rests
against a user's body.
[0014] Those skilled in the exercise device art will understand
that different shapes are possible that will be obvious in light of
this disclosure. Hoop shaped devices may be formed in open or
closed embodiments that may include, but are not limited to, hoops,
polygons, straight segments, curved segments, or any logical
combination thereof. They also may be formed in various shapes that
enable useful crunch-like or sit-up like movements. For example,
the handle portion of the device may be shaped in a comfortable
ergonomic shape that helps a user grip and hold the device, while
the rest of the device is substantially circular in shape to
provide resistance.
[0015] In such embodiments, the resilient member may lie in a flat
plane in a resting position, and may be able to deform in a
substantially planar manner that provides even resistance, or
uneven resistance if preferred, while a user is performing the
crunch or sit-up type exercises. The user can sit in a chair or
upright on the floor, position the device by gripping the hand
grips and resting an opposite end on the legs or hip area, then
lean and crunch forward in a manner that deflects the device to
give resistance to the user. The resistance allows the user to flex
the lower an upper abdomen muscles to resist the force of the
resilient member.
[0016] In either shape, the invention provides a means of
performing a crunch or sit-up like motion with a non-planar shape.
In such an embodiment, the resilient member may or may not be
formed in a closed figure such as a circle, polygon, or the like.
It may be formed as a singular member that deflects in a manner to
provide resistance to a user. Such a shape could deflect outward or
inward with respect to the user, or away or toward the user, in a
manner that gives a user the freedom to move in a desired motion or
direction that provides the resistance from the device to allow for
a desired exercise.
[0017] In yet another embodiment of the invention, coupled to the
hoop at a first portion of the hoop is a grip configured to accept
both hands of a user, wherein the hoop is deformable to be elliptic
when the grip is supported inward from the first portion toward the
center of the circular opening, while a second portion of the hoop
rests against the user's body.
[0018] The invention provides for a compact, lightweight apparatus
for exercising a person's abdominal muscles. As disclosed herein, a
novel exercise device may be used by an individual, for example, in
a sitting position. The user may place the device against his own
body, and support the grip(s) downward while keeping his chest
against the device , so as to exercise the abdominal muscles. The
examples of embodiments below illustrate a hoop-like device that is
configured according to the invention. However, the invention is
not limited to this design or configuration, and those skilled in
the art will understand that different shapes and configurations
are possible given this disclosure. The invention, is only limed by
the appended claims, their equivalents, and future claims supported
by this disclosure and their equivalents.
[0019] An embodiment 100 of the exercise apparatus is shown in FIG.
1. Exercise apparatus 100 includes a resilient member, such as for
example in this illustration, a hoop 102 formed of a resilient
material. The hoop in this illustration and others in this
specification is intended only as illustrative of one example of an
embodiment of the invention, and the invention is not limited to a
hoop or any other particular shape or configuration. Those skilled
in the art will understand that the invention is directed to a
device having a resilient member, and that many different
configurations are possible, including those illustrated in the
appended drawings and their equivalent. Also, the invention is only
limited by the claims, their equivalents, future claims and also
their equivalents, and are not limed by embodiments or examples
illustrated or described herein.
[0020] Still referring to FIG. 1, the inner perimeter 104 surface
of hoop 102 may form a circular opening while in a resting
position, as shown in FIG. 1. A first grip 112 and a second grip
114 may be coupled to hoop 102 at a first portion 106 of the hoop.
Grips 112/114 are each configured to accept one hand of a user.
Hoop 102 may be deformable to be elliptic when grips 112/114 are
supported inward from the first portion 106 toward the center of
the circular opening, in direction 116, while a second portion 108
of the hoop rests against a user's body.
[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, a user 101 may, for example, use
exercise apparatus 100 while in a seated position on a chair 103.
User 101 may grasp grips 112/114 in a resting position as shown in
FIG. 2A, and hold apparatus 100 with first portion 106 against his
chest at contact position 107. Second portion 108 of apparatus 100
may rest against the user's body, for example, at the area of
adjacency 105 between the waist and the hips. Preferably for the
exercise movement shown in FIGS. 2A-B, area 105 may be centered
horizontally at the user's waist center, and may be positioned
vertically at, slightly above, or slightly below the waist. Such a
motion is known as a "crunch" movement, which simulates a type of
sit-up exercise for exercising the front abdomen muscles. While
grasping apparatus 100 against his chest, user 101 may contract his
abdominal muscles to bring grips 112/114 downward in direction 116,
while maintaining first portion 106 at the same chest contact
position 107, so that hoop 102 is deformed into an elliptical shape
as shown in FIG. 2B. User 101 may contract his torso downward
and/or forward so as to perform this movement.
[0022] FIG. 2C illustrates another exercise movement that may be
performed with the apparatus 100. For example, the hoop apparatus
100 may be placed at an angle relative to the center of the user's
torso, such as in the position shown in FIG. 2C. Portion 108 of
hoop 102 may rest, for example, along the top of a single thigh. In
the illustration of FIG. 2C, apparatus 100 is placed at the area of
adjacency between the user's left thigh and waist. The user may
hold grips 112/114 while slightly turned toward his left, and
perform the same downward and/or forward motion as described above
with reference to FIGS. 2A-B. This may exercise, for example the
left-side oblique abdominal muscles. This exercise may be performed
with apparatus 100 held at various positions with user turned to
the left or right at various angles. The exercise motion performed
within these various positions allows the user to exercise the
oblique abdominals, by requiring the contraction of various
off-center abdominal muscles.
[0023] A first grip 112 and a second grip 114 may be coupled to
hoop 102 at a first portion 106 of the hoop. Grips 112/114 are each
configured to accept one hand of a user. Hoop 102 may be deformable
to be elliptic when grips 112/114 are supported inward from the
first portion 106 toward the center of the circular opening, in
direction 116, while a second portion 108 of the hoop rests against
a user's body.
[0024] Novel exercise devices, including but not limited to, Hoop
102 of exercise apparatus 100, may be formed with one or more of
various materials that are resilient, and thus able to return to
its original resting shape subsequent to being temporarily deformed
by, for example, a user's manual force. These materials may
include, but are not limited to, fiberglass, resilient plastics,
resins, rubbers, metal cables or springs, solid metal rings,
stainless steel, alloys, composites, and other materials. Novel
exercise devices, including but not limited to, Exercise apparatus
100, may optionally include a covering, over hoop 102 for example,
to protect the unit and/or provide for user comfort.
[0025] As shown in the embodiment 100 of FIG. 1, the first portion
106, at which grips 112/114 are disposed, may be substantially
opposite second portion 108, which may rest against the user's
body, as described above in reference to FIGS. 2A-C. However, each
of grips 112/114 may be disposed away from the center of portion
106. First grip 112 may be adjacent to second grip 114, or they may
be situated with space between each other. In addition, the grips
112/114 may be formed independently of each other, or formed
together as one structural piece of material, such as that shown in
FIG. 1. Grips 112/114 may extend in toward the circular opening, as
shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the grips may extend outward and
away from the circular opening, as illustrated in several of the
figures included herein.
[0026] Further, the grips may optionally include swivel mechanisms
configured to allow the grips to swivel about the first portion of
the hoop.
[0027] In an alternative embodiment of the exercise apparatus,
wherein each of the first and second grips includes a resistance
structure configured to increase resistance when the first and
second grips are supported inward from the first end toward the
center of the circular opening.
[0028] Each of the first and second grips may include a frictional
grip surface or material, a cushioning material and/or protective
component that enhances the user experience of the device,
increases the device's usefulness, and protects and prolongs the
useful life of the device.
[0029] A cushion may be disposed about the second or resting
portion for comfort.
[0030] A stability component may extend outward from the center of
the cushion and be configured to rest between two legs of a user.
However, a device configured according to the invention may be
configured to enable a user to rest the device on one leg, between
two legs, on top of the thighs, about the hip area, about the groin
area of a man or women, or otherwise disposed so as to enable a
user to perform exercises by exerting force against the resilient
member to exercise certain muscles. A support member may be
disposed about the second portion, and the support member may
extend away from the hoop.
[0031] The support member may include a vertical segment coupled at
a first end, to the second portion of the hoop, and a horizontal
segment may be coupled to the vertical segment at a second end of
the vertical segment.
[0032] A cushion may be disposed about the first portion for
comfort.
[0033] The exercise apparatuses disclosed herein may be formed
using known processes, including plastic extrusion, assembly of
component parts, and other methods. The invention is not limited to
any particular method, and those skilled in the art will understand
that such devices can be made using different available methods of
manufacture.
[0034] Materials, dimensions, and other factors may vary according
to a particular design or application, and the embodiments
disclosed herein are not limited to any particular material or
design. In most cases, products will be desired that are
inexpensive to manufacture, lightweight, possibly substantially
flat for easy storage, possibly no moving parts, and made of
materials that are comfortable to a user and that is not
susceptible to corrosion or decay, and that does not easily wear in
normal use.
[0035] FIG. 3A shows yet another embodiment if a deflective
exercise device 300 that deflects from a single member. The device
includes handles 302, 304 connected to a base 306 via a deflectable
member 308. In use, referring to FIG. 3B, the member 308 may be
deflected when used in a crunch position, such as that illustrated
in FIGS. 2A or 2B, where resistance is provided to the user when
the member is deflected down. FIG. 4B shows another embodiment
where the deflective member 406 bends in a predetermined location,
possibly the center as shown. The device includes handles 402, 404
connected to a base 408 via a deflectable member 406. FIG. 4B shows
yet another embodiment with two deflective members 410, 412, which
may be designed to deflect in various directions, or they may to
deflect in random directions depending on use. Other designs are
illustrated in the remaining figures, and the different design
variations may include features and functions of the various
designs illustrated without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention.
[0036] Thus, provided are various embodiments of exercise devices
generally designed for use in a deflective or compressive manner to
provide a user with resistance to aid in muscle fitness. In one
embodiment, an exercise apparatus includes a resilient and
deflectable member having a resting end an inner perimeter surface
forming an opening, and a grip coupled to the resilient and
deflectable member on another end and configured allow a user to
deflect the resilient and deflectable member while holding the grip
and resting the resting end about the user's thighs.
[0037] The first portion may be located substantially opposite the
second portion. The first grip may be adjacent to the second grip.
The first grip may be adjacent to the second grip, where the user
can hold the grip on the outside of the loop. The resilient and
deflectable member may be a closed shape and the grip may be
located within the shape for a user to hold inside the closed shape
when in use.
[0038] The resilient and deflectable member may be a closed shape
and the grip may be located outside the shape for a user to hold
the grips outside the closed shape when in use.
[0039] The resilient and deflectable member may be a closed loop
shape and the grip may be located within the loop shape for a user
to hold inside the closed shape when in use, and to allow a user to
deflect the resilient and deflectable member for exercise.
[0040] The first and second grip may be formed together. The first
and second grips may extend into the embodiment of the novel
exercise device.
[0041] Each of the first and second grips may include a swivel
mechanism configured to allow the grips to swivel about the first
portion of the novel exercise device.
[0042] Each of the first and second grips may include a resistance
structure configured to increase resistance when the first and
second grips are supported inward from the first end toward the
center of the embodiment of the novel exercise device.
[0043] The exercise apparatus may include a covering over the novel
exercise device
[0044] Each of the first and second grips may include a cushioning
and/or protective component.
[0045] Each of the first and second grips may include a cushioning
and/or protective component, including a foam rubber grip that
protects unit, and may be easy to mold, waterproof and
inexpensive.
[0046] The apparatus may include a cushion disposed about the
second portion.
[0047] The apparatus may include a stability component extending
outward from the embodiment of the novel exercise device and
configured to rest between two legs of a user.
[0048] The apparatus may include a support member disposed about
the second portion, the support member extending away from the
novel exercise device.
[0049] The support member may include a vertical segment coupled at
a first end, to the second portion of the novel exercise device,
and a horizontal segment coupled to the vertical segment at a
second end of the vertical segment.
[0050] The apparatus may include a cushion disposed about the first
portion.
[0051] Another embodiment may include an exercise apparatus having
a resilient novel exercise device, an inner perimeter surface of
the device forming a opening while in a resting position; and a
grip configured to accept both hands of a user, the grip being
coupled to the device at a first portion of the device, wherein the
device is deformable when the grip is supported inward from the
first portion toward the center of the opening, while a second
portion of the device rests against the user's body.
[0052] Another embodiment may include a device having a resilient
and deflectable member having a resting end and an inner perimeter
surface forming an opening; and a hand grip coupled to the
resilient and deflectable member on an opposite end and configured
allow a user to deflect the resilient and deflectable member while
holding the hand grip and resting the resting end about the user's
hips or thighs.
[0053] Another embodiment may include an exercise device having a
resilient and deflectable member having a resting end; and a hand
grip coupled to the resilient and deflectable member on an opposite
end and configured allow a user to deflect the resilient and
deflectable member while holding the grip and resting the resting
end about the user's hips or thighs.
[0054] Another embodiment may include a resilient and deflectable
member configured in a closed loop and having a resting end an
inner perimeter surface forming an opening; and a grip coupled to
the resilient and deflectable member within in the closed loop and
on another end and configured allow a user to deflect the resilient
and deflectable member while holding the grip and resting the
resting end about the user's thighs.
[0055] Thus, the invention provides a novel device configured to
enable a user to perform exercises for a user's abdomen and other
areas of the body. The invention is directed to a resilient and
deflectable member having a resting end, and also a grip coupled to
the resilient and deflectable member on another end. The device is
configured allow a user to deflect the resilient and deflectable
member while holding the grip and resting the resting end about the
leg or pelvic area. One embodiment has been illustrated a resilient
and deflectable member configured in a closed loop and having a
resting end an a resilient and deflectable member configured in a
closed loop and having a resting end an inner perimeter surface
forming an opening; and the device includes a grip coupled to the
resilient and deflectable member within in the closed loop and on
another end and configured allow a user to deflect the resilient
and deflectable member while holding the grip and resting the
resting end about the user's thighs or hip area. In one embodiment
illustrated, the device is in a hoop shape with an inner perimeter
surface forming an opening. It also has a grip coupled to the
resilient and deflectable member within in the closed loop and on
another end. The device is configured allow a user to deflect the
resilient and deflectable member while holding the grip and resting
the resting end of the loop device about the user's thighs
[0056] This has been illustrated in several embodiments that
illustrate examples of applications of the invention in practical
use situations. Although some of the above embodiments are
described and illustrated in the context of waste collection, the
scope of the invention extends to other applications where such
functions are useful. Furthermore, while the foregoing description
has been put forth with reference to particular embodiments of the
invention, it will be appreciated that these are only illustrative
of the invention and that changes may be made to those embodiments
without departing from the principles of the invention as defined
by the appended claims.
[0057] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been
described and illustrated, the invention is not to be limited to
the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and
illustrated. The scope of the invention is to be defined by the
claims appended hereto and their equivalents, and also future
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *
References