U.S. patent application number 13/567548 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-14 for portable personal exercise system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rachelle Bornstein. Invention is credited to Rachelle Bornstein.
Application Number | 20130040791 13/567548 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47677894 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130040791 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bornstein; Rachelle |
February 14, 2013 |
Portable Personal Exercise System
Abstract
The present invention is generally related to exercise systems
and, more particularly, to such portable systems that strengthen
the core and periphery of an individual independent of any external
attachments.
Inventors: |
Bornstein; Rachelle; (New
York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bornstein; Rachelle |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47677894 |
Appl. No.: |
13/567548 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61574826 |
Aug 9, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0442 20130101;
A63B 21/0023 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/4015
20151001; A63B 23/03575 20130101; A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B
2209/10 20130101; A63B 21/00043 20130101; A63B 2071/0655
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/124 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. A portable personal exercise device comprising a cylindrical
pipe and a closed elastic loop extending through the pipe, wherein
the pipe is slideable along at least a portion of the closed
loop.
2. The portable personal exercise device of claim 1, further
comprising an attachment component for securably attaching the
device to a user's foot or ankle.
3. The portable personal exercise device of claim 1, wherein the
cylindrical pipe is plastic.
4. The portable personal exercise device of claim 1, further
comprising a cover on the cylindrical pipe.
5. The portable personal exercise device of claim 1, wherein the
cylindrical pipe has a length of about half of a user's height.
6. The portable personal exercise device of claim 1, wherein the
cylindrical pipe has a length of about 30 to 40 inches.
7. The portable personal exercise device of claim 1, wherein the
cylindrical pipe has a length of about 36 inches.
8. The portable personal exercise device of claim 1, wherein the
cylindrical pipe comprises two or more releasably joined
sections.
9. The portable personal exercise device of claim 1, wherein the
cylindrical pipe has a diameter of about 0.5 inches.
10. The portable personal exercise device of claim 1, wherein the
closed elastic loop comprises a latex resistance cord.
11. The portable personal exercise device of claim 1, wherein the
closed elastic loop has an adjustable length.
12. The portable personal exercise device of claim 1, wherein the
closed elastic loop has a length of about 9 to 12 feet.
13. The portable personal exercise device of claim 2, wherein the
attachment component comprises a Velcro strip with two
closures.
14. The portable personal exercise device of claim 2, wherein the
attachment component further comprises one or more flexible straps
distributing resistance from the closed elastic loop along the
user's foot.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to,
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/574,826, filed Aug. 9, 2011,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Existing systems and methods for resistance-based exercise
use the floor, wall, barre, and/or large attachment(s), and/or
allow the user only a limited range of motion.
[0003] The present invention overcomes those drawbacks and provides
a versatile portable exercise system that allows a greater range of
motion, helps users to move more safely and efficiently, and
enables the user to understand their body's mechanics in ways that
other somatic practices and physical therapy methods do not.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect, the invention provides a portable personal
exercise system comprising a portable personal exercise device
including a cylindrical pipe or stick and a closed elastic loop. In
some embodiments, the closed loop is a latex resistance cord, which
can slide freely through the cylindrical pipe. The resistance cord
may be adapted and/or enabled to be attached to a users foot or
ankle via an attachment component. The portable personal exercise
system advantageously allows the user to train in an upright
posture with free transfer of weight from limb to limb.
[0005] In some embodiments, the cylindrical pipe is plastic, such
as PVC. In some embodiments, the cylindrical pipe includes a cover.
In some embodiments, the cylindrical pipe comprises two or more
releasably joined sections.
[0006] In some embodiments, the cylindrical pipe has a length of
about half the user's height, for example, about 30 to 40 inches,
or about 36 inches. In some embodiments, the cylindrical pipe has a
diameter of about 0.5 inches.
[0007] In some embodiments, the closed elastic loop has an
adjustable length, for example, about 9 to 12 feet.
[0008] In some embodiments, the attachment component comprises a
Velcro strip with two closures. In some embodiments, the attachment
component further comprises one or more flexible straps
distributing resistance from the closed elastic loop along the
user's foot.
[0009] Additional features and advantages of the present invention
are described further below. This summary section is meant merely
to illustrate certain features of the invention, and is not meant
to limit the scope of the invention in any way. The failure to
discuss a specific feature or embodiment of the invention, or the
inclusion of one or more features in this summary section, should
not be construed to limit the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments of the application, will
be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the device of the
present application, there are shown in the drawings preferred
embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the application
is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities
shown. In the drawings:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a portable exercise system according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a close up sectional view of the portable
exercise system of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary attachment mechanism for securely
attaching a resistance cord of the portable exercise system to the
user's foot or ankle
[0014] FIG. 4 shows the attachment mechanism of FIG. 3 fastened to
the resistance cord, according to some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 5 shows the attachment mechanism, according to some
embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 6 shows the portable exercise system in an exemplary
use by an individual, according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The present invention is generally related to exercise
systems and, more particularly, to portable exercise systems that
strengthen the core and periphery of an individual independent of
any external attachments.
[0018] In some embodiments, the portable personal exercise system
of the present invention is a simple device with few parts, which
can be relatively inexpensive to manufacture. It is configured such
that it can be of beneficial use to a wide variety of individuals
of different ages, sizes, movement abilities, and/or movement
backgrounds. For example, the portable exercise system of the
present invention may be especially advantageous for use, for
example, by dancers and/or martial artists as it allows for
multi-planar and multi joint movement possibilities. The portable
exercise system may also be particularly advantageous for use, for
example, by a rehabilitation community as it provides a structure
and level of resistance appropriate to the individual.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the portable
personal exercise system of the present invention is a device 100
comprising a cylindrical stick or pipe 110 and a continuous loop of
resistance cord 120 threaded through the cylinder. In some
embodiments, the closed loop 120 may be formed by securing two ends
of a length of resistance cord together (e.g., with a knot, clamp,
bond, etc.). As shown in FIG. 2, the loop of resistance cord 120
can slide freely through the cylinder 110.
[0020] Cylinder 110 is preferably constructed of a lightweight
material that provides rigidity to the device, but has some
flexibility (e.g., a plastic). In some embodiments, for example,
cylinder 110 comprises PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe. Cylinder 110
preferably has a length and/or diameter selected for comfort of
use. In some embodiments, the length of cylinder 110 is based on
the user's size (e.g., roughly about half the user's height). In
various embodiments, cylinder 110 may range from about 30 to 40
inches in length. In some embodiments, cylinder 110 is about 36
inches in length. The diameter of cylinder 110 may also vary. The
diameter of cylinder 110 is selected such that the cylinder can be
comfortably gripped in a user's hand, and such that the loop 120
can move freely through it. In some embodiments, cylinder 110 has a
1/2 inch diameter. In some embodiments, cylinder 110 may be covered
with a material that makes it softer, more comfortable, and/or more
easy to grip. Various types of covers/grips may be used. In some
embodiments, cylinder 110 may comprise two or more sections. The
sections may be attached (e.g., screwed together) end to end for
use, and folded or detached from one another (e.g., unscrewed, or
collapsed like tent poles) for travel and/or storage. Various types
of attachments for the sections, and/or numbers of sections, may be
used.
[0021] Closed loop 120 may be constructed of any type of elastic
material that provides resistance during movement, including, but
not limited to, latex and natural rubber. In some embodiments, the
closed loop of resistance cord 120 comprises Thera-Band.RTM.
exercise tubing. The resistance cord may vary in length, for
example, according to the user's size/strength and/or the intensity
of resistance desired. In some embodiments, the length of the
resistance cord is about twice the height of the user. In some
embodiments, the length of the resistance cord is about 9 to 12
feet. The level or intensity of resistance may be appropriately
adjusted to an individual's strength by adjusting the length of the
cord and/or the type of cord. Different resistance levels may be
obtained, for example, by using different thicknesses of
tubing.
[0022] In some embodiments, the closed loop 120 may be adapted
and/or enabled to be attached to a user's foot or ankle via a
secure attachment 200. The secure attachment 200 provides a
comfortable and easy way to secure the resistance cord to the foot
or ankle FIG. 3 shows one exemplary secure attachment 200. In
alternative embodiments, secure attachment 200 may also include one
or more additional straps for the foot, for example to wrap around
the foot (toe, arch, and/or heel, etc.), like a partial/open
shoe/slipper, to help disperse the resistance forces to the whole
foot. The slipper straps are preferably made of a flexible material
(elastic, leather, etc.) to allow full articulation of the foot. In
some embodiments, attachment 200 comprises a Velcro strap having a
center strip 210 and two end strips 220 and 230 for forming
closures, as shown in FIG. 5. One of the end strips may be used to
secure the loop 120, as shown in FIG. 4. The other end strip may be
used to attach to the ball of either foot, as shown in FIG. 3, or
to the ankle When attachment 200 is a Velcro strap, the center
strip may comprise Velcro loops and the two end strips Velcro
hooks, or vice versa. Other methods of securely attaching the
closed loop 120 to the user's foot or ankle may be used.
[0023] The portable exercise system can be held by the user at any
position, in one or two hands. The resistance cord can slide freely
through the cylinder, which allows the user to impose fluid
resistance changes as they move and/or adjust their hold positions
on the cylinder and/or the resistance cord. The combination of a
free cord and a secure foot attachment allows the portable exercise
system to be used in a fluid training session that challenges
isometric, concentric, and eccentric strengthening and exercises
full controlled range of motion. The loop of elastic tubing
provides low-impact yet firm compression, activating postural trunk
muscles. Seeing the plane formed can inform the user's placement
and awareness of their body's alignment.
[0024] The portable personal exercise system of the present
invention can be used in upright postures, allowing the user to
move freely from foot to foot. The force produced as a result is
self imposed and can be manipulated to challenge the user's core
and peripheral strengthening, proprioception, and/or endurance. The
secure attachment to the foot or ankle allows the user to execute
exercises with greater degrees of freedom of movement, fluid weight
shifts, and control of resistance applied through the foot in
weight bearing gestures. The portable exercise system may also be
utilized for floor or sitting exercises.
[0025] The portable personal device may be implemented as a
training and strengthening device for injury prevention or
rehabilitation purposes. The device can be applied to various
demographics, from the dance population to a pedestrian population,
for its accessibility, versatility, and portability. Additionally,
the portable personal device may be applied, for example, to a
rehabilitative population specifically for its proprioceptive
feedback and easily manipulated degree of resistance and direction
of resistance.
[0026] The portable personal device is a strength training system
that challenges the core, extremities, balance, and endurance of an
individual. In some embodiments, the portable personal device may
be enabled and/or adapted to allow an individual to attach the
strap to the ball of his or her foot. In an exemplary exercise, as
shown in FIG. 6, the cylindrical stick portion of the device is
held by the user's hands on each end and the device is lifted. The
user may then shift to a single leg stance, raising the strapped
foot and creating a triangular plane with the device (as shown in
FIG. 6), or standing on the strapped foot and raising the free foot
into the loop, forming a four-sided plane. The device can be moved
in single- or multi-planar patterns as the user balances on one
leg.
[0027] In some embodiments, the cylindrical stick may be used as a
guide to postural reintegration, challenging multiple muscular
systems. The visual biofeedback aids in spatial awareness. The
stick in a sense becomes a portable or movable gym. The user's body
moves through an architecture it creates with endless variations in
the force vectors as circular resistance revolves between feet,
hands, and stick. The stick provides postural reference and an
architectural orientation.
[0028] The portable exercise system can be held in various
positions for no resistance or increasing levels of resistance.
With more resistance, the proprioceptive input increases as
compression acting through potentially hyper-mobile or even
unstable joints stimulates the nerve endings.
[0029] The cylindrical stick can serve as a feedback tool that
increases the ground reaction force with a functionality specific
vector particular to the dancer's/mover's vocabulary.
[0030] In some embodiments, through the portable exercise system's
attachment to the feet and hands, the cylindrical stick or pipe
emphasizes the relationship between movements of the extremities
and proximal stabilization. Biomechanics based on motor control
principles are applied for the execution of injury prevention
techniques.
[0031] In some embodiments, the portable personal exercise system
may be employed for injury prevention exercises with a focus on
shoulder/torso/pelvic relationships, disassociating rotation of the
girdles, and/or a focus on training in upright postures.
[0032] As an example, a fifty five (55) minute movement session
using the portable personal exercise system could be divided into
two sections. The first section, forty (40) minutes, could be
geared toward physical therapists, physicians, movement scientists,
dance and Pilates teachers participating in a movement laboratory,
resistance as tolerated. The second fifteen (15) minutes could be
geared toward the ongoing participation of the higher level movers
with the observations of the others.
[0033] Dancers, martial artists, and any movers that transfer
weight from limb to limb, can strengthen in their own vocabulary.
The more sedentary or repetitive mover population can benefit from
strengthening and increasing awareness of the antigravity muscles.
The benefit of the visual and tactile feedback of the cylindrical
stick, with or without resistance, is applicable to any user.
[0034] In some embodiments, programs using the portable exercise
system may be geared towards physical therapists working with
dancers, Alexander teachers, Feldenkrais practitioners, movement
specialists, physicians caring for dancers, and/or the teaching and
research community.
[0035] In various embodiments, the personal portable exercise
system facilitates exercises in training an individual's strength,
awareness, and alignment control. In some embodiments, the
exercises use dance vocabulary and motor control concepts. Through
its attachments to the hands and the feet, the cylindrical stick or
pipe of the portable exercise system can amplify the lines created
by a dancer or other user as he/she moves through a series of
exercises requiring disassociation of the glenohumeral joints, the
shoulder girdle, and the torso while maintaining lumbo-pelvic
neutral.
[0036] An exemplary exercise using the present invention, according
to some embodiments, may begin with the cylindrical stick or pipe
being aligned to certain boney landmarks for visual and tactile
feedback. The hand-held contact closes the kinetic chain, giving
weight bearing information to the glenohumeral and shoulder joints.
Participants in this exercise routine can begin in a stance to
enhance attention to spinal and postural alignment. A reference
loop is created from the floor to the top of the head. The
cylindrical stick or pipe, according to some embodiments, may be
adopted as an extension of the self as a user may find
himself/herself on a grid, relative to the sagittal, coronal, and
transverse planes. Movement is introduced which accumulates from
single joint straight planar to multi joint multi-planar
disassociation exercises. Resistance bands are determined by an
individual's body length, strength, and applied speed. The band
increases the ground reaction force using a multitude of force
vectors as the user moves through the choreography and/or dance
session.
[0037] In some embodiments, the portable exercise system of the
present invention may operate as an injury protection system that
allows the user to feel more dramatically where their weaknesses
are as they work to maintain the integrity of their alignment. The
cylindrical stick or pipe may be adapted and/or enabled to function
as a portable barre or portable system, at times like an
environment to move and move through. In some embodiments, the
portable exercise system challenges the user's postural antigravity
strength and increases cognitive and proprioceptive awareness.
Unlike existing systems or programs such as Pilates or Gyrotonic
systems, the portable exercise system of the present invention
allows users to be independent of fixed equipment and emphasizes
strengthening while the user is standing up (or on their feet). The
portable exercise system is also adaptive to many dance techniques,
martial art forms, and sport styles. The cognitive awareness and
strength that is developed (as a user focuses on boney alignment
relative to the cylindrical stick or pipe and resistance cord)
carries over when the user moves autonomously.
[0038] While there have been shown and described fundamental novel
features of the invention as applied to the preferred and exemplary
embodiments thereof, it will be understood that omissions and
substitutions and changes in the form and details of the disclosed
invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing
from the spirit of the invention. Moreover, as is readily apparent,
numerous modifications and changes may readily occur to those
skilled in the art. Hence, it is not desired to limit the invention
to the exact construction and operation shown and described and,
accordingly, all suitable modification equivalents may be resorted
to falling within the scope of the invention as claimed. It is the
intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope
of the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *