U.S. patent application number 12/650044 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-30 for adjustable elastic resistance bands.
This patent application is currently assigned to PRODUCT PARTNERS, LLC. Invention is credited to Lauren Murphy.
Application Number | 20110160023 12/650044 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44188232 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110160023 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Murphy; Lauren |
June 30, 2011 |
Adjustable Elastic Resistance Bands
Abstract
Adjustable exercise assemblies which provide a mechanism for
varying the resistance of the elastic band for strength training.
The adjustable exercise assemblies generally comprise an elongated
elastic member comprising first and second ends, a handle
comprising an upper flange, a lower flange, and a hand-held grip
portion disposed therebetween, and an anchoring member configured
for receiving a user's foot. The hand-held grip portion comprises a
chamber configured to receive the first end of the elongated
elastic member. The upper flange may comprise any one or a
combination of a plurality of apertures or looped members
configured to fixedly retain the elongated elastic member when the
first end of the elongated elastic member is woven through the
plurality of apertures and/or looped members. The anchoring member
comprises a retaining member configured to retain the second end of
the elongated elastic member and a stirrup member coupled to the
retaining member.
Inventors: |
Murphy; Lauren; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Assignee: |
PRODUCT PARTNERS, LLC
Santa Monica
CA
|
Family ID: |
44188232 |
Appl. No.: |
12/650044 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/122 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4017 20151001;
A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 21/00069 20130101; A63B 21/4035
20151001; A63B 21/00185 20130101; A63B 21/4015 20151001; A63B
21/0552 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/122 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. An adjustable exercise assembly comprising: an elongated elastic
member comprising first and second end portions; a rigid hand-held
grip and a plurality of apertures disposed directly on the rigid
hand-held grip, the apertures being arranged to fixedly retain the
elongated elastic member when the first end portion of the
elongated elastic member is woven through the plurality of
apertures; and an anchoring member comprising an attachment means
configured to retain the second end portion of the elongated
elastic member.
2. The adjustable exercise assembly of claim 1, wherein the
elongated elastic member is a tubular cord made of elastomeric
material.
3. The adjustable exercise assembly of claim 1, wherein the
attachment means comprises a tapered inner cavity.
4. The adjustable exercise assembly of claim 3, wherein the second
end portion comprises a stop having a shape corresponding to and is
retained within the tapered inner cavity.
5. The adjustable exercise assembly of claim 4, wherein the
anchoring member further comprises a stirrup.
6. The adjustable exercise assembly of claim 1, wherein the rigid
hand-held grip further comprises a chamber configured to receive
the first end portion of the elongated elastic member.
7. The adjustable exercise assembly of claim 6, wherein the rigid
hand-held grip further comprises a flange and wherein the plurality
of apertures is disposed in the flange.
8. The adjustable exercise assembly of claim 7, wherein the
hand-held grip further comprises an ergonomic gripping portion.
9. The adjustable exercise assembly of claim 7, wherein the
plurality of apertures are configured in a triangular pattern.
10. The adjustable exercise assembly of claim 8, wherein the
chamber is disposed internal of the gripping portion.
11. An adjustable exercise assembly comprising: an elongated
elastic member comprising first and second ends; a handle
comprising an upper flange, a lower flange, and a hand-held grip
portion disposed therebetween, the hand-held grip portion
comprising a chamber configured to receive the first end of the
elongated elastic member and the upper flange comprising a
plurality of apertures configured to fixedly retain the elongated
elastic member when the first end of the elongated elastic member
is woven through the plurality of apertures; an anchoring member
configured for receiving a user's foot, the anchoring member
comprising a retaining member configured to retain the second end
of the elongated elastic member and a stirrup member coupled to the
retaining member.
12. An adjustable exercise assembly comprising: an elongated
elastic member comprising first and second end portions; a handle
comprising a plurality of looped members pivotally coupled to the
handle, the plurality of looped members being configured to
adjustably and fixedly retain the elongated elastic member when the
first end portion is woven through the plurality of looped members;
an anchoring member configured to retain the second end portion of
the elongated elastic member.
13. The adjustable exercise assembly of claim 12 comprising two or
more looped members pivotally coupled to the handle at a coupling
point.
14. The adjustable exercise assembly of claim 13, wherein the
handle further comprises an upper and lower portions, an internal
chamber therebetween.
15. The adjustable exercise assembly of claim 14, further
comprising a flange adjacent the upper portion and coupling the
plurality of looped members.
16. The adjustable exercise assembly of claim 15, wherein the
hand-held grip further comprises an ergonomic gripping portion.
17. The adjustable exercise assembly of claim 13, wherein the
anchoring member further comprises a stirrup member configured for
receiving a user's foot
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to exercise equipment and,
more particularly, to adjustable elastic exercise bands.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Resistance strength training has gained in popularity over
the last decade as an integral part of a complete exercise regimen.
The benefits of resistance training has been well documented as
including numerous benefits, including increasing strength and bone
mineral density, as well as reducing body fat.
[0003] Typically, resistance training requires the use of various
exercise equipment designed to cause the muscle to contract against
an external resistance. Such exercise equipment include, for
example, free weights, weight machines and nautilus equipment. The
goal of resistance training is to gradually and progressively
overload the musculoskeletal system so it gets stronger.
[0004] One disadvantage associated with traditional resistance
training is that it requires a variety of different weights and/or
equipment. As a person increases his or her strength level, greater
weight increments are required to continue challenging the muscle.
Moreover, different muscle groups typically require different
weights. Thus, one seeking to engage in a regular resistance
training program will need to either join a gym or spend
significant amounts of money purchasing home gym equipment. Another
disadvantage is that such equipment is typically stationary and not
readily portable for use while traveling.
[0005] Elastic exercise bands can substitute for free weights or
machines to help build muscle strength and tone. The advantages of
elastic exercise bands are that they are generally inexpensive,
compact in size and therefore portable and may be used anywhere
(e.g., home, office, etc.). Many commercially available elastic
exercise bands come in fixed resistance levels, which are typically
color-coded to indicate the level of resistance provided.
Generally, the thicker the elastic band, the greater the resistance
provided by the elastic band. Because a range of resistance levels
is required for effective strength training, one will typically
need several exercise bands of varying resistance. Keeping track of
the different exercise bands, however, can be cumbersome.
[0006] It would be desirable, however, to have a simplified
strength training system that is capable of providing a range of
resistance without requiring additional components or parts to
provide that range.
SUMMARY
[0007] The adjustable exercise assembly disclosed herein provides a
self-contained and fully portable resistance training system. A
tension-adjustment mechanism is provided to adjust the resistance
to a desired level appropriate for a user's ability or particular
exercise. The tension-adjustment mechanism is not only reliable and
easy-to-use, it obviates the need to have multiple elastic bands to
provide the desired range of resistance. Moreover, the elastic band
is retained by a retaining mechanism that ensures that it will
remain securely in place without slipping or breaking at the
retention point.
[0008] In one embodiment, an adjustable exercise assembly comprises
an elongated elastic member comprising first and second ends, a
rigid hand-held grip and an anchoring member. The rigid hand-held
grip further comprises a plurality of apertures disposed directly
on the rigid hand-held grip. The apertures are arranged to fixedly
retain the elongated elastic member when the first end of the
elongated elastic member is woven through the plurality of
apertures. The anchoring member comprises an attachment means
configured to retain the second end of the elongated elastic
member.
[0009] In another embodiment, an adjustable exercise assembly
comprises an elongated elastic member comprising first and second
ends, a hand-held grip and an anchoring member. The hand-held grip
further comprises a chamber and a flange having a plurality of
apertures disposed in the flange. The chamber is configured to
receive the first end of the elongated elastic member and the
plurality of apertures is configured to fixedly retain the
elongated elastic member when the elongated elastic member is woven
through the plurality of apertures. The anchoring member configured
to retain the second end of the elongated elastic member.
[0010] In a further embodiment, an adjustable exercise assembly
comprises an elongated elastic member comprising first and second
ends, a handle, and an anchoring member. The handle comprises an
upper flange, a lower flange, and a hand-held grip portion disposed
therebetween. The hand-held grip portion further comprises a
chamber configured to receive the first end of the elongated
elastic member. The upper flange comprises a plurality of apertures
configured to fixedly retain the elongated elastic member when the
first end of the elongated elastic member is woven through the
plurality of apertures. The anchoring member is configured for
receiving a user's foot and comprises a retaining member configured
to retain the second end of the elongated elastic member and a
stirrup member coupled to the retaining member.
[0011] In yet a further embodiment, an adjustable exercise assembly
comprises an elongated elastic member having first and second end
portions, a handle comprising a plurality of looped members
pivotally coupled to the handle and an anchoring member configured
to retain the second end portion of the elongated elastic member.
The plurality of looped members are configured to adjustably and
fixedly retain the elongated elastic member when the first end
portion is woven through the plurality of looped members.
[0012] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
adjustable exercise assembly.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the hand-held grip portion of the
adjustable exercise assembly of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the hand-held grip
portion of the adjustable exercise assembly of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
hand-held grip portion of the adjustable exercise assembly without
the elastic member.
[0017] FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of the hand-held grip
portion of the adjustable exercise assembly of FIG. 4A.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
anchoring member.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the hand-held grip portion
in another embodiment of the adjustable exercise assembly.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a side view of the hand-held grip portion of
another embodiment of the adjustable exercise assembly.
[0021] FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of the hand-held grip
portion of FIG. 7 with the elastic member.
[0022] FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of the hand-held grip
portion of FIG. 7 without the elastic member.
[0023] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several
views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0024] A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of
the attendant advantages may be obtained, as the same becomes
better understood by reference to the following detailed
description of the exemplary embodiments.
[0025] The adjustable exercise assemblies disclosed herein provide
a means by which the resistance may be adjusted to a desired level
without the need for multiple elastic bands of varying gauges or
widths. Rather, the adjustable exercise assembly takes advantage of
a retention mechanism to adjust the length of the elastic band in
order to provide varying resistance. The longer the length of the
elastic band between the hand-held grip and the anchoring member,
the less resistance. Conversely, the shorter the length of the
elastic band between the hand-held grip and the anchoring member,
the greater the resistance.
[0026] The adjustable exercise assembly may be provided in a
variety of configurations and resistance levels, depending on the
manner of its intended use. FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the
adjustable exercise assembly 100 which may be used to target a
variety of muscle groups, including the arms, legs and abdomen. The
adjustable exercise assembly 100 comprises a hand-held grip 110, an
anchoring member 140, and an elastic band 130 having a first end
portion 132 coupled to the hand-held grip 110 and a second end
portion 134 coupled to the anchoring member. The elastic band 130
may be made of any elastic material or elastomeric material. While
the elastic band described herein 130 are in a tubular or cord
shape, it is understood that any shape or configuration for the
elastic band 130 may be used.
[0027] FIGS. 2 and 3 depict a preferred embodiment of the hand-held
grip 110 in further detail. The hand-held grip is preferably a
rigid structure that comprises a gripping portion 112 which is held
in a user's hand during use. The gripping portion 112 may further
comprise a non-slip padding to provide further comfort or may be
ergonomically shaped, such as with ridges, to comfortably
accommodate the user's fingers and prevent slipping of the user's
hand during use. Upper and lower flanges 114, 116 may flank the top
and bottom of the gripping portion 112 to provide further security
against slipping and the protect the user's hand from the elastic
band 130.
[0028] A chamber 120 is provided internally of the gripping portion
112. The chamber has an opening at the top 120a and bottom 120b of
the hand-held grip 110. A first end portion 132 of the elastic band
130 may be passed through the bottom 120b of the chamber and out
through the top 120a of the chamber. The upper flange 114 adjacent
the top 120a of the chamber comprises a plurality of retaining
apertures 122 a, b, c, which are arranged and configured to
securely retain the elastic band 130 at a desired position or
length relative to the anchoring member 140 so as to provide the
desired resistance level.
[0029] As further shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, the upper flange 114
comprises three apertures 122 a, b, c arranged in a triangular
configuration adjacent the top 120a of the hand-held grip 110.
While any number of apertures may be suitable, it is preferable to
have two or more apertures to provide a more secure retention. In
the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, the third aperture is
provided not only to provide a more secure retention, but also to
allow the end portion 132 of the elastic band 130 to be tucked
closer to the hand-held grip portion 112. As shown in FIGS. 4A and
4B the top 120a and bottom 120b openings of the chamber 120 defined
therebetween are located adjacent the upper 114 and lower 116
flanges of the hand-held grip 112, respectively.
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates the anchoring member 140 in greater
detail. The anchoring member 140 is configured to retain the second
end portion 134 of elastic band 130 and to accommodate a user's
foot. The anchoring member 140 comprises an attachment means 142
comprising a passageway 144 through which the second end portion
134 of the elastic member is movably threaded. A stirrup 146 is
coupled to the anchoring member 142 via an attachment 148 which may
be fixed or adjustable. The stirrup 146 is preferably made of an
elastic material that securely accommodates a range of a user's
foot size.
[0031] Once the second end portion 134 is threaded through the
passageway 144, a stop 138 is coupled to the second end portion 134
to prevent it slipping out of the passageway 144. In a preferred
embodiment, the stop 138 is fixedly attached to the second end
portion 134 and has a size that is larger than the largest diameter
of the passageway 144. The interior surface of the passageway 144
may be conically or tapered and the stop 138 may have a
corresponding shape such that the stop 138 is able to nest within
the passageway 144 and be hidden from view.
[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the adjustable
exercise assembly in which the hand-held grip portion 600 comprises
a plurality of apertures 600 a, b, c on a lower flange 616. As with
the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the hand-held grip 600
includes a gripping portion 612, an upper flange 614 and a lower
flange 616. Unlike the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-4, however,
the hand-held grip portion 600 does not include a chamber, as the
end portion 630a of the elastic band 630 is threaded and secured
directly through the plurality of apertures 622 a, b, c disposed on
the lower flange 616.
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates a further embodiment of the adjustable
exercise assembly in which the hand-held grip portion 700 comprises
a plurality of looped members 722a, b disposed on an upper flange
714. The plurality of looped members 722a, b are movably and
pivotally coupled to the upper flange 714 adjacent the opening 720a
of the internal chamber via a pair of couplers 724. The hand-held
grip potion 700 may optionally include a lower flange 716 and an
ergonomically-designed grip sleeve 712.
[0034] As more clearly seen in FIG. 8A, one end of the elastic band
730 may be threaded into the lower chamber opening 720b, through
the internal chamber disposed within the grip portion and out the
upper chamber opening 720a. The elastic band 730 may then be
threaded through both loop members 722 a, b, and the subsequently
looped over the top loop member 722a and re-threaded underneath the
bottom loop member 722b to retain the elastic band 730 in a
substantially fixed manner. The remaining end portion of the
elastic band 730 may be rethreaded through the upper chamber
opening 720a so that it does not get in the way during
exercise.
[0035] FIG. 8B depicts the hand-held grip portion 700 without the
elastic band 730 to more clearly show the relationship between the
upper chamber opening 720, the looped members 722a, b, the couplers
724 and the upper flange 714. While the embodiment depicted herein
show only a pair of looped members 722 a, b, it is understood that
additional looped members may be provided. Moreover, while the
embodiment depicted in FIGS. 7-8A,B show the looped members 722a, b
coupled together by the same coupler 724, it is further understood
that the looped members 722a, b may be coupled to the flange via
separate or different couplers.
[0036] With respect to the embodiments disclosed herein, it is
understood that the arrangement or configuration of the apertures
and the looped members and the manner in which the end portions of
the elastic band is woven therethrough may also be optimized to
provide a more secure retention. For example, a plurality of
apertures or looped members may be arranged such that the end
portions of the elastic band may be woven through and over or under
the woven portions. In another aspect of the preferred embodiments,
the hand-held grip portion may include both a plurality of
apertures and looped members through which the elastic band may be
woven through.
[0037] Having thus described embodiments of the dermatological
device, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that
certain advantages of the adjustable exercise assembly have been
achieved. It should also be appreciated that various modifications,
adaptations, and alternative embodiments thereof may be made within
the scope and spirit of the present invention.
* * * * *