U.S. patent application number 13/483052 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-05 for combination exercise apparatus and suitcase.
The applicant listed for this patent is Brent Hutchings, James McClure. Invention is credited to Brent Hutchings, James McClure.
Application Number | 20130319808 13/483052 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49668891 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130319808 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McClure; James ; et
al. |
December 5, 2013 |
Combination Exercise Apparatus and Suitcase
Abstract
A combination exercise apparatus and article of luggage.
Inventors: |
McClure; James; (Bellingham,
WA) ; Hutchings; Brent; (Ramona, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
McClure; James
Hutchings; Brent |
Bellingham
Ramona |
WA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49668891 |
Appl. No.: |
13/483052 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 5/14 20130101; A63B
23/03525 20130101; A63B 23/03541 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101;
A45C 9/00 20130101; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 21/00065 20130101;
A63B 2071/027 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/1 |
International
Class: |
A45C 9/00 20060101
A45C009/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus and article of luggage wherein the article
of luggage has a front wall and a back wall and a base and a
plurality of at least one side wall removedly connected between the
opposing front and back walls and wherein each wall has an interior
and exterior face and further comprising: a. a plurality of at
least one pulley handles removably attached to the exterior of the
at least one side walls; b. a plurality of at least one first
attachment point and at least one second attachment point inset in
the exterior surface of the back wall; and c. a plurality of at
least one resistive element with at least a first end and a second
end wherein the first end is removedly attached by the first end to
the at least one first attachment point and the second end to the
at least one second attachment point on the outside surface of the
back wall whereby the plurality of the at least one pulley handles
may be removed from the exterior face of the article of luggage and
removably attached to second end of the at least one resistive
elements.
2. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein
the at least one resistive element is a resistive band.
3. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein
the at least one resistive element is a resistive wheel.
4. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein
the exterior face of at least one wall further comprises at least
one wheel rotatably affixed to the exterior face.
5. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein
the at least one pulley handle is two pulley handles.
6. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein
the at least one pulley handle is one of a plurality of inset
handles.
7. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein
the at least one attachment point is located on the exterior of the
back wall.
8. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein
the at least one attachment point is located on the base.
9. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1 wherein
the article of luggage is a soft-sided case.
10. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 1
wherein the article of luggage is a hard-sided case.
11. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 10
wherein the hard case is a step platform.
12. A method for using an exercise apparatus and article of luggage
wherein the article of luggage has a front wall and a back wall and
a bottom wall and a plurality of at least one side wall removedly
connected between the opposing front and back walls and wherein
each wall has an interior and exterior face and further comprising
the steps of: a. providing a plurality of at least one pulley
handles removably attached to the exterior of the at least one side
walls; b. providing a plurality of at least one first attachment
point and at least one second attachment point inset in the
exterior surface of the back wall; and c. providing a plurality of
at least one resistive element with at least a first end and a
second end wherein the first end is removedly attached by the first
end to the at least one first attachment point and the second end
to the at least one second attachment point on the outside surface
of the back wall whereby the plurality of the at least one pulley
handles may be removed from the exterior face of the article of
luggage and removably attached to second end of the at least one
resistive elements.
13. The method for using the exercise apparatus and article of
luggage according to claim 12 wherein the step of providing at
least one resistive element further includes providing a resistive
band.
14. The method for using the exercise apparatus and article of
luggage according to claim 12 wherein the step of providing the at
least one resistive element further includes providing a resistive
wheel.
15. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 12
wherein the step of providing the exterior face of at least one
wall further includes providing at least one wheel rotatably
affixed to the exterior face.
16. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 12
wherein the step of providing the at least one pulley handle
further includes providing two pulley handles.
17. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 12
wherein the step of providing the at least one pulley handle
further includes providing one of a plurality of inset handles.
18. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 12
wherein the step of providing the at least one attachment point
further includes providing the at least one attachment point
located on the exterior of the back wall.
19. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 12
wherein the step of providing the article of luggage further
includes providing a soft-sided case.
20. The exercise apparatus and article of luggage of claim 12
wherein the step of providing the article of luggage further
includes providing a hard-sided case.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
portable exercise equipment. It may be difficult for a
health-conscious and frequent traveler to get regular and effective
exercise. The present invention enables a larger segment of the
traveling population to exercise without the need to find a spa or
gymnasium or to carry a separate set of luggage, specifically for
their exercise equipment. The present invention can hold all of a
traveler's belongings, offer them on-the-go exercise equipment and
be stored as any normal suitcase could on in a car, bus, train or
airplane.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In recent years, the number of health-conscious individuals
has grown tremendously. In addition, the number of these
health-conscious individuals who travel frequently, has also
increased. Each person has their own motivation and desire as to
when and where to exercise, and the type and number of exercises in
which they wish to engage. Spas and gyms provide large numbers of
individuals with a wide range of exercise devices; however, these
require both membership and either staying within a certain
locality or belonging to a national or international chain.
[0003] Furthermore, some people wish to exercise at within their
office or hotel room through personal preference or constraints
such as time or location. Therefore, a need exists for a means by
which an individual can get a good workout, even while traveling,
without the need of an expensive international spa or gym
membership or expensive hotels with attached spas and gyms.
[0004] Furthermore, while there is currently a large variety of
exercise equipment available, most users do not have the access to
it. This equipment, which ranges from simple mats, steps and free
weights, to large and complex multi-function machinery that may be
computer controlled, such as treadmills, rowing and stepping
machines. Most individuals are limited in the number and type of
exercise devices they may own, generally as a result of the cost of
such equipment and the space necessary to store and use the
equipment. Even spas and gyms must be conscientious of the space
required by each piece of equipment or the number of devices which
they may provide to its users because they may become
space-limiting. Thus, it is a desire to provide an exercise
apparatus which may be conveniently stored and which is affordable
to a traveler.
[0005] Individuals may commonly employ an exercise regimen where
they work out at home or the spa or gym one or more times per week.
These individuals generally find it desirable to maintain their
regimen when traveling, such as when on a business trip or
vacation. Further, as noted above, some individuals do not wish to
work out in a spa or gym on all occasions, or ever, but prefer to
work out at work. For these reasons, it is desirable to provide
exercise equipment which is portable and easy to store and does not
require separate means to transport it.
[0006] In addition to the foregoing, it is important to note that
most individuals wish to engage in multiple exercises. For example,
large numbers of individuals enjoy "step" exercises. These
exercises involve stepping on and off a raised platform. These
exercises are known for their cardiovascular benefits and work-out
of the legs. In addition, the same individuals may wish to engage
in strength and flexibility training involving other portions of
the body, such as the arms, chest, shoulders and abdominals. For
example, crunches, bicep curls, static holds, rowing and similar
exercises are all well known for exercising various specific
portions of the body.
[0007] Present exercise equipment is deficient in addressing the
above-stated problems and preferences. For example, large
multi-station weight machines provide a user with the opportunity
to perform a large number of exercises. On the other hand, these
machines are not transportable, and are generally large and
expensive. Alternatively simple "steps" are available (including
those which may be raised and lowered). These devices are easy to
transport and relatively inexpensive, but afford the user very few
exercises and requires the traveler to pack and carry not only a
case for personal items but also pack and carry the step for
aerobic exercise.
[0008] As a result of the above-stated problems and desires, there
is a need for a piece of luggage, with an exercise device
integrated with it, which is both compact and portable. In
addition, it is desirable for the device to permit a wide range of
exercises. Furthermore, it is desirable to have complete
luggage-like storage capacity, in addition to the exercise
functionality.
[0009] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are
for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0010] The present invention comprises an article of luggage with
an associated exercise apparatus, one or more methods of using the
apparatus, one or more methods of exercising with the apparatus,
and one or more methods of carrying, handling or using the article
of luggage.
[0011] In one or more embodiments, the suitcase comprises a
combination exercise apparatus and case comprising a front wall
opposed back wall supported by a bottom wall and at least one side
wall defining an interior space accessible by detaching the front
wall from the side wall or walls from a closed to an open position
with respect to the bottom wall or, in another embodiment, the side
wall. The front wall may be closed with, without limitation: a
zipper, a hook and pile connector, snaps, a drawstring or other
closure methods well known in the art. The suitcase has at least
one handle associated with the back or side wall for use by a user
in moving the suitcase.
[0012] The suitcase may be of any standard or non-standard luggage
size or configuration. The suitcase may be a standard prismatic
rectangle sized to fit in an overhead compartment of a bus, train
or airplane. The suitcase may be a large cargo bag configuration;
for example, a Samsonite.RTM. Oyster 29'' Cartwheel. The suitcase
may be a t-handle backpack. The suitcase may be hard case or soft
case. These examples are given to be used for illustrative purposes
only and are not to be considered limiting the scope of the
disclosure.
[0013] There may be at least one pulley handle removedly attached
within an inset in the at least one side wall of the suitcase. The
pulley handle may be held in with, without limitation: detente
bearings, clips, magnets, a hook and pile attachment, straps, snaps
or other attachment methods well known in the art. The inset may be
polyformed, a pocket or other enclosure without limitation. The
inset may be covered or may be left open.
[0014] In one or more embodiments, there is at least one resistive
element for selective attachment to the pulley handle for use in an
exercise by a user, at least one attachment point on the exterior
of the back wall to which the at least one resistive element may be
attached. The restive elements and the attachment points on the
back wall may be covered or may be left uncovered.
[0015] In one or more embodiments, there may be at least one bar
handle removedly attached within an inset in the at least one side
wall of the suitcase. The bar handle may be one or more pieces and
may require assembly. The bar handle may be configured to be,
without limitation, a straight bar, a V-chin handle, a triceps
rope, a triceps V-bar, grips, straps, a rotating bar or a lat bar
or some combination of one or more of the handles previously
mentioned.
[0016] The bar handle may be held in with, without limitation:
detente bearings, clips, magnets, a hook and pile attachment,
straps, snaps or other attachment methods well known in the art.
The inset may be polyformed, a pocket or other enclosure without
limitation. The inset may be covered or may be left open.
[0017] The bars, handles, grips, straps or other elements attached
to the case may serve multiple functions: (1) As elements of the
case to facilitate transporting or handling of the case. (2) As
functional exercise elements. Additionally, by incorporating the
same handles used for exercise functions into the functionality of
the luggage the overall weight of the luggage is kept to a
minimum.
[0018] An example of a dual purpose function of the case elements
would be case wheels that have resistance adjustability. In this
example a case-user could increase the wheels resistance by making
an adjustment, when the case user now pulls the case through an
airport the additional rolling resistance would increase the
aerobic workout of the case user.
[0019] In one or more embodiments, the resistive elements may
comprise elastic elements having, without limitation: a hook, snap,
tie or other connective means at one end for coupling to the
attachment point.
[0020] In one or more embodiments, the resistive element may be
integrated into a resistance roller wheel mounted on the exterior
of the back wall and a static connection may be made between the
pulley handle and the either the resistance roller wheel or the at
least one attachment point.
[0021] One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a method
of using the exercise apparatus. These methods include methods of
transporting and arranging the apparatus for use.
[0022] One or more embodiments of the invention comprise methods of
exercising using the apparatus. These methods include using the
apparatus as an exercise suitcase/step and using the pulley handles
or bar handle and resistive element(s) coupled to the suitcase in a
variety of exercises.
[0023] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as
illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
[0024] Further, since numerous modifications and changes will
readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to
limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown
and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and
equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the
invention.
[0025] Other objectives, features and advantages of the invention
will become apparent from the following description and drawings
wherein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the front of the preferred
embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the front of the preferred
embodiment of the invention further showing the extended position
of the pulling handle.
[0028] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rear of the
preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rear of the preferred
embodiment of the invention further showing a detail of an
attachment point of the resistive element.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the base of the preferred
embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rear of the preferred
embodiment of the invention and a method of use.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the base of the preferred
embodiment of the invention and a method of use.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the rear of the preferred
embodiment of the invention and a method of use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the exercise apparatus and
article of luggage 100 consists of a base 102, a back face 202 (see
FIG. 2) and a front face 106. In one embodiment of the invention,
the side wall 104 may be further segmented into two side panels
104, 105 interposed between the bottom face 102 and a top portion
108. The top portion 108 further includes a handle 110. The handle
110 may be configured in a pull bar format or in any other useful
shape or form. A cavity 112 in the top portion 108 may be
hollow-formed to fit the handle 110 inside. An extendable and
retractable pulling handle 114 (shown in its retracted position)
may be recessed in a portion of the back face 202. The side wall
104 may include a hollow-formed cavity 118 to fit a pulley handle
116. The pulley handle 116 is removedly attached to the side wall
104 by a mechanical connection 120.
[0035] FIG. 1B further shows the extendable and retractable pulling
handle 114 in its extended position.
[0036] Extender bars 128 allow the handle to be raised to a
comfortable height to more easily pull the exercise apparatus and
article of luggage 100. An upper external pocket 122 may be
attached to the front face of the exercise apparatus and article of
luggage 100. A lower external pocket 124 may be attached to the
front face of the exercise apparatus and article of luggage 100. At
least one wheel 126 may be attached to the side wall 104 or the
base 102 of the exercise apparatus and article of luggage 100.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 2 which shows a rear perspective view
of the exercise apparatus and article of luggage 100. Handle 110 is
shown in an exploded view removed from the hollow-formed cavity 112
of the top portion 108 of the side wall 104. Handle 114 is shown in
its retracted position. Pulley handle 116 is shown in an exploded
view removed from its hollow-formed cavity 118 and disconnected
from its mechanical connection 120. In one embodiment, the
mechanical connection 120 is a retractable pin which is inserted
through a ring 204 affixed to the pulley handle 116. The back face
202 has at least one hollow-formed cavity to contain a resistive
element 206 an upper attachment point 200 and a lower attachment
point 224. The resistive element shown in this embodiment is a
resistive band 206. The resistive band 206 has an elastic portion
208, an upper connector 210 and a lower connector 212. Either the
upper connector 210 or the lower connector 212, or both, may be
disconnected from the exercise apparatus and article of luggage
100.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3, a magnified inset of the at least
one upper attachment points 200 for the resistive band 206 is
shown. The upper connector 210 is pictured connected to an
attachment point 212. The attachment point 212 is embedded in the
wall 214 of the hollow-formed cavity 216 that houses the resistive
band. A soft pliable material 218 may line the hollow-formed cavity
216 in order to "press-fit" the elastic portion 208 of the
resistive band 206 into the hollow-formed cavity 216. A harder
plastic material 220 may be used to outline the hollow-formed
cavity 216 and protect the soft, pliable material 218. The
connector 210 may include a spring-tensioned locking portion 222 to
attach it securely to the attachment point 212.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 4, the base 102 of the exercise
apparatus and article of luggage 100 is shown. The base 102 may
include at least one additional attachment points 300. A magnified
inset of the attachment point 300 shows a D-ring attachment 302
consisting of a curved portion 304 and a straight portion 306. A
hollow-formed cavity 308 sized to fit the curved portion 304 of the
D-ring attachment 302 is provided in the base 102. A soft pliable
material 310 may line the hollow-formed cavity 308 in order to
"press-fit" the curved portion 304 of the D-ring attachment 302. A
harder plastic material 312 may be used to outline the
hollow-formed cavity 308 and protect the soft, pliable material
310.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 5, the exercise apparatus and article
of luggage is used in one configuration by a user 500. The user
500, in a sitting position, braces his or her feet on the back face
202 of the exercise apparatus and article of luggage and grasps the
handle 110. The handle 110 is connected to at least one resistive
element 206 and is attached to at least one of the lower attachment
points 224 on the back face 202. The user 500 may pull on the
handle 110, extend his or her legs from a flexed to an extended
position, bend at the abdomen or a combination any two or all three
of the above to gain benefit from the physical exercise.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 6, the user 500 stands on mat 600
which is hingedly attached to the base 102 and grasps at least one
pulley handle 116 which has been removed from its hollow-formed
cavity 118 in side wall 104. The at least one pulley handle 116 is
connected to at least one resistive element 206 which in turn is
connected to at least one attachment point 300 on the base 102. The
user 500 may remain standing and pull on the pulley handles,
alternately squat and rise or perform a combination of both to gain
benefit from the physical exercise.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 7, the user 500 is shown pulling the
exercise apparatus and article of luggage 100 by the extendable and
retractable pulling handle 114 which has been extended along the
length of the extender bars 128 to a comfortable height. The
exercise apparatus and article of luggage 100 is shown rolling on
the at least one wheel 128.
* * * * *