U.S. patent application number 13/215974 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-01 for resistance training tool.
This patent application is currently assigned to CoreAthletics LLC. Invention is credited to Todd Kopp.
Application Number | 20120053026 13/215974 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42132139 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120053026 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kopp; Todd |
March 1, 2012 |
Resistance Training Tool
Abstract
Tools and methods for resistance training are disclosed. An
elastic resistance member provides resistance to muscular
contractions. Sleeves that wrap around a thigh, arm, ankle, or
wrist anchor one end of a resistance band to a body part. A handle
attachment may be attached to an end of a resistance band for
resistance training exercises using the arms. A harness wrapping
around the torso may be used for resistance training exercises
using the upper body. A method of resistance training is disclosed
which comprises attaching one end of a resistance member to a
material fixed to the torso area of a person, attaching the other
end of the resistance member to a material fixed to an upper arm of
the person, and moving the arm so as to extend the resistance
member. Other methods comprise attaching one end of a resistance
member to a material fixed to an ankle or wrist of a person,
attaching the other end of the resistance member to a material
fixed to a part of the person's body, and moving the ankle or wrist
so as to extend the resistance member.
Inventors: |
Kopp; Todd; (Newburyport,
MA) |
Assignee: |
CoreAthletics LLC
Amesbury
MA
|
Family ID: |
42132139 |
Appl. No.: |
13/215974 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12607783 |
Oct 28, 2009 |
8002681 |
|
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13215974 |
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61109876 |
Oct 30, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4013 20151001;
A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 21/4035
20151001; A63B 21/4021 20151001; A63B 21/4017 20151001; A63B
21/4009 20151001; A63B 23/0355 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101;
A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 21/0442 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/124 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. A resistance training apparatus comprising: a first anchor sized
and configured for attachment to a limb of a person's body, the
limb being an arm, and the first anchor being attachable to an
upper arm; and first and second elastic resistance members each
having one end attachable to the first anchor and extendable on
opposite sides of the first anchor and the limb, and another end of
the elastic resistance members being attachable to a material
fixable to the torso area of a person.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The above-captioned application is a Continuation of
application Ser. No. 12/607,783 filed on Oct. 28, 2009, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/109,876,
filed on Oct. 30, 2008. The entire teachings of the above
applications are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] People use a variety of approaches to attain and maintain
physical fitness. Physical fitness may include strength,
flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, speed, balance,
coordination, stamina, or other attributes (e.g., ability to
perform specific tasks such as jumping or throwing a football).
Many aspects of physical fitness can be realized by performing
exercises that do not require special equipment, e.g., jogging, or
push-ups. However, various exercise tools have been developed to
enable individuals to achieve their physical fitness goals
efficiently and consistently. Physical training equipment is
available in a variety of forms. From simple weight sets and
exercise balls to sophisticated exercise machines typically only
found in fitness centers, training tools share a common purpose: to
augment the training capabilities of the human body alone.
Undeniably, individuals must themselves exert sheer effort in order
to achieve their fitness goals, but the tools they use may make the
training process more efficient.
[0003] Conventional free weights, such as barbells and dumbbells,
are renowned for their simplicity and versatility. One can perform
many different free weight exercises to target various parts of the
body by using gravity to counter muscular contractions. Some
devices (e.g., bench racks and Smith machines) use weights in
constrained manners (e.g., by constraining a range of motion).
Other devices use a combination of weight stacks, rods, pulleys,
and other mechanical means to provide gravity-based resistance for
specific exercises. Yet other devices (e.g., rowing machines) use
other means of resistance, such as hydraulic (shocks-based),
water-based, air-based, or magnetic resistance.
[0004] These devices have several disadvantages. Free weights and
machines are cumbersome. A set of fixed dumbbells, spanning a range
of weights that might reasonably be needed to target various parts
of the body, takes up a considerable amount of space. Adjustable
barbells or dumbbells, which allow the addition or removal of
weight plates, solve this problem but require time to make the
adjustments. Training machines are typically large and target only
a limited range of body parts.
[0005] Individuals typically find it unaffordable to buy enough
machines to target the entire body. Even machines that have been
designed to provide a full-body workout while occupying a minimal
footprint, e.g., certain machines by Bowflex(R), suffer from
another drawback shared by all of the foregoing devices: lack of
portability. Additionally, many of the foregoing devices are not
suitable for all people (e.g., children) to use.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention addresses the foregoing disadvantages
of conventional training tools. Embodiments of the invention use
elastic resistance members to provide resistance to stretching in
different ways in order to provide a full body workout.
[0007] An embodiment of the invention is a resistance training tool
comprising at least one elastic resistance member, the resistance
member comprising an elastic segment and a swivel clip, attached to
each end of the elastic segment, that rotates independently of the
elastic segment about an axis defined by the length of the elastic
segment.
[0008] Another embodiment of the tool includes a thigh/arm sleeve
comprising a main portion sized so as to accommodate a thigh of a
person, hook-and-loop securing means for securing one end of the
main portion to the other end; a tab portion projecting beyond an
end of the main portion for attachment, and at least three rings
secured to the thigh/arm sleeve, the rings enabling clipping of a
resistance member to the thigh/arm sleeve.
[0009] Another embodiment of the tool includes a handle attachment
comprising a webbing member, a handle portion attached at one end
of the webbing member, and at least one ring secured to webbing
member.
[0010] Another embodiment of the tool includes a harness comprising
at least one webbing member, means for attaching the a webbing
member around the torso of a person and at least one ring secured
to a webbing member. Another embodiment of the tool includes a
wrist/ankle sleeve comprising a member sized so as to fit around an
ankle of a person, securing means for securing one end of the
member to the other end, and at least one ring secured to the
member.
[0011] An embodiment of the invention is a method of resistance
training comprising attaching one end of an elastic resistance
member to a material fixed to the torso area of a person, attaching
the other end of the elastic resistance member to a material fixed
to an upper arm of the person, and moving the arm so as to extend
the elastic resistance member.
[0012] Another embodiment of the method comprises attaching one end
of an elastic resistance member to a material fixed to an ankle of
a person, attaching the other end of the elastic resistance member
to a material fixed to a part of the person's body, and moving the
ankle so as to extend the elastic resistance member.
[0013] Another embodiment of the method comprises attaching one end
of an elastic resistance member to a material fixed to a wrist of a
person, attaching the other end of the elastic resistance member to
a material fixed to a part of the person's body, and moving the
wrist so as to extend the elastic resistance member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing will be apparent from the following more
particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0015] The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead
being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 1 shows elastic resistance members in an embodiment of
the invention.
[0017] FIG. 2A shows a front side of a thigh/arm sleeve in an
embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 2B shows a back side of a thigh/arm sleeve in an
embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a handle attachment in an embodiment of the
invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows an adjustable harness in an embodiment of the
invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 shows a wrist/ankle sleeve in an embodiment of the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 shows a way to use thigh/arm sleeves, wrist/ankle
sleeves, handle attachments, and elastic resistance members in an
embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 shows a way to use thigh/arm sleeves, handle
attachments, and elastic resistance members in an embodiment of the
invention.
[0024] FIG. 8 shows a way to use an adjustable harness, thigh/arm
sleeves, and elastic resistance members in an embodiment of the
invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 shows a way to use an adjustable harness, wrist/ankle
sleeves, and elastic resistance members in an embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] A description of example embodiments of the invention
follows.
[0027] Embodiments of the invention tool generally include elastic
resistance members that resist stretching, thus countering muscular
contractions. By anchoring one end of a resistance member and
extending the other end via muscular exertion, resistance training
may be used in a variety of configurations to target different
parts of the body. Invention embodiments include various mechanisms
for anchoring one end of a resistance member as described above,
including using sleeves or a harness. An embodiment uses a handle
that may be gripped for some exercises.
[0028] FIGS. 1-5 show details of embodiments of the invention.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, an elastic resistance member (1)
provides resistance in an embodiment of the invention. The
resistance member includes tubing (1-1) formed from an elastic
material, such as rubber, into an elastic segment. The elastic
segment may be extended by a stretching force in a range that
accommodates a variety of stretching exercise, e.g., about two to
seven feet, without breaking In any case, the segment returns to
the unstretched state upon removal of the stretching force.
[0030] Each end of the elastic segment is attached to a swivel clip
(1-2) that rotates (swivels), independently of the segment, about
an axis defined by the length of the elastic segment. The swivel
clip may be any conventional mechanical apparatus that includes a
hook portion at the end and a means for opening and closing a loop
including the hook. The loop may be opened to allow a loop-like
object (such as a ring) to pass through. The loop may then be
closed so that the hook, specifically the curved portion of the
hook, is linked with the object passing through it in interlocking
fashion, in which case the resistance member is said to be clipped
to the object.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an anchor sleeve (2), which
may be made from a synthetic rubber such as polychloroprene (2-1),
e.g., Neoprene.TM. (originally known as duprene), is used in an
embodiment of the invention. Similar elastic materials may be used
in other embodiments. The sleeve may include rubber backing and may
be sized to accommodate the thigh of an average person, e.g., an
adult. The sleeve may also be used around a person's upper arm;
therefore, the term "thigh/arm sleeve" may be used to describe this
type of sleeve. A piece of loop material (2-2) is sewn (or
otherwise secured) to the polychloroprene side of the sleeve at one
end of the sleeve. A piece of nylon webbing (2-3) (or similar
material) is sewn to the polychloroprene side of the sleeve at the
other end. At least three rings (2-4) (preferably D-rings) are sewn
to the nylon webbing. The outer two rings face along a common axis,
with a curved portion of each ring facing along this axis. If three
rings are present, the ring in the center is referred to as the
"center ring;" otherwise, reference is made to a "central ring".
The center ring faces along an axis perpendicular (normal) to the
axis of the outer rings. A piece of hook material (2-5) is sewn to
the rubber side of the sleeve (FIG. 2B). A piece of hook or loop
material (called a tab) (2-7) projects about an inch beyond the end
of the sleeve and provides extra adhesion. The tab helps to keep
the sleeve from riding up or down a person's thigh (or arm) in the
course of training due to insufficient adhesion. Pieces of nylon
webbing (2-6) are sewn to the polychloroprene side of the sleeve
between the loop (2-2) and rings (2-3) and between the rings (2-2)
and tab (2-7). Another piece of nylon webbing (2-8) is sewn in the
middle of this nylon webbing (2-6) to serve as loops thru which the
elastic member (1) (FIG. 1) is passed to keep the elastic member
from riding up or down the sleeve (2) in the course of training
[0032] Referring to FIG. 3, an adjustable handle attachment (3) is
used in an embodiment of the invention. The handle attachment
comprises nylon (or similar material) webbing (3-1) inserted
through a tube (3-2) which may be plastic and which may be
foam-covered. An end of the nylon webbing is sewn (or otherwise
secured) to itself at a point approximately 6'' from the tube to
form a handle portion. Several rings (3-3) (preferably D-rings) are
sewn to the nylon webbing. Preferably, four rings are present, at
approximately 6'' intervals from the handle portion, but other
numbers of rings may be used as well.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 4, an adjustable harness (4) is used in an
embodiment of the invention. The adjustable harness includes two
pieces of fabric-covered foam (4-11, 4-12) that cushion the body.
Other materials may be used to cushion the body in alternative
embodiments. Nylon webbing (4-22) is sewn (or otherwise secured) in
the middle of fabric-covered foam piece (4-12). Another piece of
nylon webbing (4-21) is sewn in the middle of the other piece of
foam (4-11); an adjustable plastic clip (4-3) is sewn to each end
of webbing (4-21). A ring (4-4) (preferably a D-ring) is sewn to
the center of each webbing. Each end of the webbing (4-22) is
passed through one of the clips (4-3) on the webbing (4-21). In
lieu of clips, other means for attaching the ends of the webbings
may be used in other embodiments.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 5, a second embodiment of an anchor sleeve
is used to wrap around a person's wrist or ankle; this sleeve may
be referred to as a "wrist/ankle sleeve" (5). In an embodiment of
the invention, the wrist/ankle sleeve is made from a fabric-covered
foam material (5-1), sized to accommodate an ankle of a person, to
which a piece of nylon webbing (5-2) is sewn. Materials different
than fabric-covered foam may be used in alternative embodiments. A
piece of loop material (5-3) is sewn to the front of webbing (5-2),
and a piece of hook material (5-4) is sewn to the back of the
webbing. To this webbing, a smaller piece of nylon webbing is sewn
at the center (5-5). A ring (5-6) (preferably a D-ring) is sewn
between webbing (5-2) and webbing (5-5).
[0035] Some embodiments include an anchor sleeve made from foam or
elastic materials, but other materials and other geometries that
allow points of anchoring (affixing) elastic members are
contemplated.
[0036] FIGS. 6-9 show examples of using embodiments of the tool to
perform resistance training In embodiments of the invention, at
least one elastic resistance member (1) is used alone or in
conjunction with one of the other components described above and in
FIGS. 2-5. Numerous combinations of components may be used in
various ways to target different areas of the body for resistance
training The following discussion describes several examples of
using the components for resistance training but is not
exhaustive.
[0037] In an embodiment of the invention, for lower body and core
(e.g., abdominal and oblique) muscle group work, a thigh/arm sleeve
(2) is wrapped around each thigh, approximately mid thigh,
centering the portion of each sleeve with the rings on the
outermost (outside-facing relative to the user) part of the thigh.
The thigh/arm sleeves (2) are secured tightly by overlapping the
hook and loop material. A resistance member (1) is clipped to the
forward ring on one leg, passed thru the loops on each sleeve and
then stretched in front of the legs to clip the other end to the
forward ring on the second leg. A second resistance member (1) is
clipped to the back ring on the first leg, passed thru the loops on
each sleeve, then passed behind the legs to clip the opposite end
of the resistance member to the back ring on the second leg. In
alternative embodiments, depending on the goal of the workout, a
single resistance member (1), in front of or behind the legs, may
be used instead of two resistance members.
[0038] As the person walks, runs, jumps, or performs any other form
of motion moving either or both legs, the resistance member (1)
(more precisely, the elastic segment of the resistance member) is
stretched, countering muscular contractions associated with moving
the leg(s), resulting in resistive training In other words, the
person exerts a force which is resisted by the tendency of the
elastic material to return to its unstretched state. Positioning
the resistance member (1) above the knees prevents strain on the
knees which might result in injury. The swivel clips mitigate
chafing against the skin by allowing the hook portion to turn in
response to changing geometric configurations.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 6, in another embodiment of the invention,
a resistance member (1) is attached to the handle (3) attachment by
clipping one end of the resistance member (1) to a ring on the
handle (3) attachment. The choice of ring determines the length to
which the resistance member (1) will be stretched (and thus the
level of resistance that will be encountered). The opposite end of
the resistance member is then clipped to a ring on the wrist/ankle
sleeve (5) (which is wrapped around an ankle), as shown in FIG. 6.
A person may grip the handle (3) portion and move the handle (3)
attachment so as to extend (stretch) the resistance member (1) in
accordance with resistance training As shown in FIG. 6, handle (3)
attachments and wrist/ankle sleeves may be used in conjunction with
thigh/arm sleeves (2).
[0040] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, thigh/arm sleeves (2)
(instead of wrist/ankle sleeves (5) as described above) may serve
to anchor resistance members.
[0041] In another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 8, for
upper-body work, an adjustable harness (4) is placed over the head
with one of the pieces of fabric-covered foam positioned on the
center of the chest and the other piece centered on the back. Each
end of the webbing that does not have clips webbing is pulled
through one of the clips until the harness is snug against the
body. By clipping one end of a resistance member (1) to one of the
rings of the harness and the other end to a thigh/arm sleeve (2)
wrapped around an upper arm, a person may train with resistance
during arm movements (e.g., throwing a football or boxing). A
wrist/ankle sleeve (5) (instead of a thigh/arm sleeve) may be used
in conjunction with the harness (4) in another embodiment, as shown
in FIG. 9. A wrist/ankle sleeve (5) is wrapped around a wrist and
secured by the hook and loop materials, centering the ring on the
outer side of the wrist. To provide for resistance training,
resistance members (1) are clipped at one end to the ring on the
wrist/ankle sleeve (5) and at the other end to a ring of the
harness.
[0042] As previously mentioned, embodiments of the present
invention may use various configurations of components described
above. In various embodiments, any of a thigh/arm sleeve (2),
wrist/ankle sleeve (5), harness (4), or handle attachment (3) may
be used in conjunction with another of these components and a
resistance member (1). Any of these components may be used in
conjunction with a resistance member (1) and a fixed object (e.g.,
a hook on a wall) in other embodiments. The "fixed object" may even
be a hook clipped to another person, promoting two-person exercises
where at least one person moves against resistance. Multiple
resistance members (1) may be linked together, either directly or
via a ring to which each resistance member (1) is clipped, to
provide greater overall length and thus even more options.
[0043] Resistance may be varied by adjusting the effective length
or thickness of resistance members (1). In this context, effective
length means the length of elastic material directly subjected to a
stretching force, effective thickness means the dimension of the
wall of tubing material directly subjected to a stretching force.
As described above, the effective length may be increased by
chaining multiple resistance members together. Effective length may
be decreased by selecting appropriate rings to which to clip
resistance members or by constraining sections of a resistance
member, thus preventing them from being directly stretched. For
example, the elastic material may be passed through the center ring
of a thigh/arm sleeve (2) to shorten the effective length of the
resistance member and thus increase resistance. Thus, the center
ring accommodates smaller-sized individuals (e.g., children);
previously, separate (shorter) resistance members (1) with greater
resistance were needed for such individuals. Of course, varying
lengths of resistance members (1) may be used for varying amounts
of resistance in embodiments of the present invention as well. In
some embodiments of the invention, different colors are used to
indicate different lengths or thickness of the tubing (and thus
different resistance levels) of resistance members (1).
[0044] While this invention has been particularly shown and
described with references to example embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.
* * * * *