U.S. patent application number 13/476655 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-23 for multi-use range of motion roller.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jon Benne, John Fort. Invention is credited to Jon Benne, John Fort.
Application Number | 20130130872 13/476655 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48427488 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130130872 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Benne; Jon ; et al. |
May 23, 2013 |
Multi-Use Range of Motion Roller
Abstract
A multi-use range of motion roller that combines the traditional
benefits of a foam roller with the added benefits of strength and
resistance training.
Inventors: |
Benne; Jon; (St. Louis,
MO) ; Fort; John; (St. Louis, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Benne; Jon
Fort; John |
St. Louis
St. Louis |
MO
MO |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48427488 |
Appl. No.: |
13/476655 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61488388 |
May 20, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0442 20130101;
A63B 21/16 20130101; A63B 23/03541 20130101; A63B 2208/0214
20130101; A63B 2208/0252 20130101; A63B 2208/0257 20130101; A63B
23/03575 20130101; A63B 2023/006 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001;
A63B 21/4023 20151001; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 2208/0233
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/121 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/16 20060101
A63B021/16 |
Claims
1. A multi-use exercise device comprising: an elongated generally
cylindrical foam roller having two terminating ends and a length
therebetween; at least one quick release point attached to a
surface area of the generally cylindrical foam roller; and at least
one resistance mechanism attached to each of the at least one quick
release points.
2. The multi-use exercise device of claim 1, wherein the elongated
generally cylindrical foam roller is comprised of polyethylene
foam.
3. The multi-use exercise device of claim 1, wherein the quick
release port is comprised of a fastener means, the fastener means
chosen from the group consisting of: hook and loop fastener, clips,
buckles, buttons, clasps, clamps, clips, toggles, straps, pins and
pegs.
4. The multi-use exercise device of claim 1, where at least two of
the at least one quick release points are located equidistant from
each other on the elongated generally cylindrical foam roller.
5. The multi-use exercise device of claim 1, wherein the at least
one resistance mechanism is permanently attached to each of the at
least one quick release points.
6. The multi-use exercise device of claim 1, wherein the at least
one resistance mechanism is temporarily attached to each of the at
least one quick release points.
7. The multi-use exercise device of claim 1, wherein the at least
one resistance mechanism is chosen from the group consisting of:
resistance bands, resistance cords, and resistance tubing.
8. The multi-use exercise device of claim 1 further comprising a
securing mechanism attached to the surface area of the elongated
generally cylindrical foam roller, wherein the securing mechanism
functions to secure a user to the elongated generally cylindrical
foam roller.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/488,388, filed May 20, 2011, the
entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This disclosure is related to the field of exercise
equipment. Specifically, this disclosure is related to resistance
and stability exercise equipment that can be utilized for
resistance training, stretching, self-massage, body support and
stability exercises.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] The foam roller, a generally cylindrical rod of compressed
foam, has become a ubiquitous piece of equipment in the fitness
industry and has been incorporated into many athletes' (across a
wide variety of disciplines) daily training routines. The foam
roller has gained its current notoriety in the fitness industry due
to its ability to offer many of the same benefits to an athlete as
a sports massage, without a large price tag. The combination of a
user's body weight and the cylindrical foam roller provides
myofascial release, breaks-up trigger points and soothes tight
fascia, all while increasing blood flow and circulation to the
treated soft tissues. Simplified, the sustained pressure provided
by the user's body weight resting on the foam roller creates
gentle, sustained pressure on the soft tissues while applying
traction to the fascia. This technique results in the softening,
lengthening and release of the fascia and the break-down of any
scar tissue or adhesions located in the superficial fascia
underneath the skin. By increasing flexibility and decreasing
muscle tension in this manner, the foam roller can assist in the
prevention of injury, enhance performance and expedite injury
recovery.
[0006] In sum, the traditional foam roller can be used as a
self-massage tool (by rolling a targeted muscle group or area on
the foam roller to release muscle tension and trigger spots), a
body part prop (by lying in a rest position on top of the foam
roller, allowing the roller to help length and strengthen the
spine), a stretch support and as a stability exercise apparatus (by
performing push-ups or the plank position on the foam roller
instead of the floor).
[0007] Despite the multiple beneficial properties of the foam
roller, it is not a multi-purpose fitness apparatus; i.e., it is
simply used as a muscle release, support and stretching mechanism.
It is not utilized as a strength or resistance training fitness
apparatus. Thus, the foam roller alone in its traditional format
cannot be used to obtain a total fitness experience (i.e.,
stretching, muscle release and strength training). Accordingly, it
would be desirable to develop a foam roller design that retains its
original benefits (stretching and muscle release) while adding the
ability to perform resistance training on the apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Because of these and other problems in the art, described
herein, among other things, is a multi-use range of motion roller
that combines the traditional benefits of a foam roller with the
added benefits of strength and resistance training.
[0009] In one embodiment, the multi-use exercise device comprises
an elongated generally cylindrical foam roller having two
terminating ends and a length therebetween; at least one quick
release point attached to a surface area of the generally
cylindrical foam roller; and at least one resistance mechanism
attached to each of the at least one quick release points.
[0010] In one embodiment of the multi-use exercise device, the
elongated generally cylindrical foam roller is comprised of
polyethylene foam. In another embodiment of the multi-use exercise
device, the quick release port is comprised of a fastener means,
the fastener means chosen from the group consisting of: hook and
loop fastener, clips, buckles, buttons, clasps, clamps, clips,
toggles, straps, pins and pegs. In yet another embodiment of the
multi-use exercise device, at least two of the at least one quick
release points are located equidistant from each other on the
elongated generally cylindrical foam roller. In one embodiment, the
at least one resistance mechanism is permanently attached to each
of the at least one quick release points. In another embodiment,
the at least one resistance mechanism is temporarily attached to
each of the at least one quick release points. It is contemplated
that at least one resistance mechanism may be chosen from the group
consisting of: resistance bands, resistance cords, and resistance
tubing.
[0011] In another alternative embodiment it is contemplated that
the multi-use exercise may further comprise a securing mechanism
attached to the surface area of the elongated generally cylindrical
foam roller, wherein the securing mechanism functions to secure a
user to the elongated generally cylindrical foam roller.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the
multi-use range of motion roller with eight (8) quick release
port(s).
[0013] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the
multi-use range of motion roller with four quick release ports
wherein a belt mechanism is attached to two of the equidistant
opposing quick release ports.
[0014] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the
multi-use range of motion roller in a standing upright
position.
[0015] FIGS. 4a-b provide a listing of possible exercises that can
be performed on the multi-use range of motion roller.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0016] FIG. 1 provides a prospective view of a diagram of an
embodiment of the multi-use range of motion roller (101). As seen
in FIG. 1, the multi-use range of motion roller (101) is comprised
of a foam roller (102). Generally, any foam roller (102) known to
those of skill in the art is contemplated as the foam roller (102)
of the multi-use range of motion roller (101) described herein. For
example, the foam roller (102) may be any diameter or length known
to those of skill in the art for foam rolling (e.g., a 12 inch
long.times.6 inch diameter foam roller). Further, the foam roller
(102) may be comprised of any high density foam such as
polyethylene foam (or other suitable resilient, compressible
material composition for rolling exercise apparatuses) known to be
utilized in foam or other exercise rollers (102). While the foam
roller (102) depicted in the FIGs. is generally cylindrical, this
orientation is not determinative as any elongated foam roller known
to those of ordinary skill in the art which could function as a
foam roller exercise device is contemplated in this
application.
[0017] In addition to the foam roller (102), the multi-use range of
motion roller (101) is comprised of at least one quick release port
(103). The quick release port(s) (103) of the multi-use range of
motion roller (101) are generally any attachment or fastener means
for mechanically joining or affixing two or more objects together
as known to those of skill in the art. For example, contemplated
attachment means include, but are not limited to, Velcro.RTM., hook
and loop fasteners, clips, buckles, buttons, clasps, clamps, clips,
toggles, straps, pins and pegs. Furthermore, contemplated quick
release port(s) (103) can either provide a permanent or a temporary
connection.
[0018] Generally it is contemplated that the quick release port(s)
(103) of the multi-use range of motion roller (101) can be located
anywhere on the surface area of the foam roller (102). In one
embodiment in which there are two (2) or another even number of
quick release port(s) (103), the quick release port(s) (103) will
be located equidistant from each other along the diameter of the
length of the cylindrical foam roller. FIGS. 1-3 show embodiments
of multi-use range of motion rollers (101) with this equidistant
orientation of quick release port(s) (103). In one embodiment of
the multi-use range of motion roller (101) with equidistantly
oriented quick release ports (103), as seen in FIG. 2, the quick
release ports (103) will comprise a channel or alternate passage
through the diameter of the foam roller (102). Another orientation
of the quick release ports(s) (103) is at the terminal ends of the
foam roller (102). FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the multi-use
range of motion roller (101) with this orientation of quick release
port(s) (103). In one embodiment of the multi-use range of motion
roller (101) in which there are eight (8) quick release port(s)
(103), as depicted in FIG. 1, three (3) of the pairs of quick
release port(s) (103) will be located equidistant from each other
along the length of the foam roller (102) and one (1) pair of the
quick release port(s) (103) will be located opposite each other on
the terminal ends of the foam roller (102). This orientation allows
for a greater range and angle of motions that are available to a
user when performing resistance exercises on the multi-use range of
motion roller (101).
[0019] The quick release port(s) (103) of the multi-use range of
motion roller (101) allow for the temporary or permanent (depending
upon the embodiment) connection of a resistance mechanism (104) to
the foam roller (102). For example, in an embodiment where the
quick release port(s) (103) are a clipping mechanism, the
resistance mechanism (104) will be clipped or attached to the quick
release port(s) (103) so that it is fastened to the foam roller
(102). In another embodiment where the quick release ports (103)
comprise a channel through the diameter of the foam roller (102),
the resistance mechanism (104), such as a resistance band, is
threaded through this channel. Contemplated resistance mechanisms
(104) also include resistance or exercise bands or tubing such as,
but not limited to, Thera-bands.RTM., resistance cords and other
resistance bands or tubing known to those of ordinary skill in the
art. Contemplated resistance mechanisms (104) also include both
bands with handles and bands without handles. Other contemplated
resistance mechanisms (104) include any exercise resistance
apparatus known to those of ordinary skill in the art which could
be attached to the quick release ports (103) of the foam roller
(102). Further, in some embodiments more than one resistance
mechanism (104) will be attached to each quick release port (103).
An example of an embodiment of a multi-use range of motion roller
(101) with this orientation is provided in FIG. 1. As seen in FIG.
1, the provided multi-use range of motion roller (101) has an
opposing pair of quick release port(s) (103) at its terminating
ends. Attached at each of these two particular quick release
port(s) (103) are two resistance mechanisms (104). This particular
orientation of resistance mechanisms (104) allows for a user to
easily perform exercises (such as tricep extensions) with both arms
simultaneously.
[0020] The inclusion of these resistance mechanisms (104) on the
foam roller (102) allows a user to utilize the multi-use range of
motion roller (101) to perform resistance training while taking
advantage of the spine and stabilization effects of the foam roller
(102), thus simultaneously and increasing strength and flexibility.
Thus, the multi-use range of motion roller (101) combines the
benefits of strength training with the supine stabilization of the
traditional foam roller (102) all in a single unitary exercise
apparatus.
[0021] Generally, the quick release port(s) (103) and the attached
resistance mechanism(s) (104) are located at places along the foam
roller (102) which allow for the user to perform resistance
exercises while lying on the foam roller (102), kneeling on the
foam roller (102), standing on the foam roller (102), standing
against the wall with a foam roller (102) or taking any other
orientation known to those of ordinary skill in the art for
exercising with a foam roller (102).
[0022] In one embodiment of the multi-use range of motion roller
(101), a belt, strap or other securing mechanism (105) to secure a
user to the foam roller (102) will be attached to at least one of
the quick release port (103) locations. In this embodiment, the
belt functions to provide stability to the user on the foam roller
(102) while exercising with the resistance mechanisms (104)
attached to the remaining quick release port(s) (103). FIG. 3.
Provides a depiction of a multi-use range of motion roller (101)
with a securing mechanism (105).
[0023] A manner in which the disclosed multi-use range of motion
roller (101) could be utilized by a user is as follows. First, the
user would lay the multi-use range of motion roller (101) on the
ground. Next, the user would lay on top of the foam roller (102) of
the multi-use range of motion roller (101) in the supine position
with the foam roller (102) generally located along the user's
spine. Then the user would grasp two of the resistance mechanisms
(104) attached to the foam roller (102) in the general location of
the user's shoulders. The user would leave one arm extended
laterally grasping one of the resistance mechanisms (104) and
extend the other arm over the user's head, bringing it up and over
the user's head while also raising the opposite foot until a point
at which the hand and foot meet. Then the user would lower the foot
and arm back to the starting position and change to the opposite
hand and foot, repeating the sequence until the desired number of
repetitions was obtained.
[0024] In sum, the multi-use range of motion roller (101) disclosed
herein unlocks the hidden potential of the traditional foam roller
(102) as a resistance therapy exercise apparatus in addition to a
stretch and massaging apparatus. A partial listing of strength
training exercises, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill
in the art, that can be performed on the disclosed multi-use range
of motion roller (101) are found in FIGS. 4a-b. These exercises
include, but are not limited to, shoulder therapy (performed in a
supine, kneeling and seated position), core development (performed
in a supine, prone and seated position) and back and hip therapy
(performed in a supine and prone position), among a multitude of
other resistance and stretching exercises that target the core,
head, abs, hips, shoulders, triceps, biceps, pectorals, back,
quads, and hamstrings with the overall goal being to improve
structural balance, increase injury prevention and improve core
strength.
[0025] While the invention has been disclosed in conjunction with a
description of certain embodiments, including those that are
currently believed to be the preferred embodiments, the detailed
description is intended to be illustrative and should not be
understood to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As would
be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, embodiments
other than those described in detail herein are encompassed by the
present invention. Modifications and variations of the described
embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention.
* * * * *