U.S. patent application number 13/957238 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-06 for exercise device.
This patent application is currently assigned to John F. Hetzel. The applicant listed for this patent is John F. Hetzel. Invention is credited to John F. Hetzel.
Application Number | 20140038793 13/957238 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50026043 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140038793 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hetzel; John F. |
February 6, 2014 |
Exercise Device
Abstract
The present invention sets out a bow shaped portable exercise
device having a plurality of interchangeable flexible resistance
elements. The device can be utilized to engage several different
muscle groups and tissue types, during varying slow stretching and
fast force application movements.
Inventors: |
Hetzel; John F.; (Fairview
Hts., IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hetzel; John F. |
Fairview Hts. |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hetzel; John F.
Fairview Hts.
IL
|
Family ID: |
50026043 |
Appl. No.: |
13/957238 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61741987 |
Aug 1, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/122 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/0355 20130101;
A63B 23/1209 20130101; A63B 23/03533 20130101; A63B 23/03575
20130101; A63B 2023/0411 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B
21/0004 20130101; A63B 23/12 20130101; A63B 21/0421 20130101; A63B
2210/50 20130101; A63B 21/00061 20130101; A63B 21/00065 20130101;
A63B 21/045 20130101; A63B 21/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/122 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/045 20060101
A63B021/045 |
Claims
1. An exercise device, comprising: a flexible curved bow element,
at least one padded gripping element disposed near a center section
of said bow element, at least one elastic member connectable to and
extending between two endpoints of said bow member, and elastic
member receiving elements disposed at each end of said bow element,
wherein said elastic member and said bow element act together to
flex and thereby provide varying resistance to force and movement
inputs of a user.
2. An exercise device according to claim 1, wherein said elastic
member receiving elements are outward opening C-shaped elements,
said elastic member having ring elements at each end, said ring
elements connectable with said C-shaped elements to removably
connect said elastic member to said bow member.
3. An exercise device according to claim 3, further comprising a
plurality of elastic members of varying elastic properties, which
may be selectively attached to said bow member to provide various
elastic movement and resistance characteristics.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to the field of exercise equipment.
More specifically, the invention relates to the field of portable
lightweight resistance exercise equipment.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In the past, exercise devices have been proposed which
utilize spring like elements which provide resistance against
movement by a user. However, these prior art devices suffered from
a number of deficiencies.
[0005] Most noticeably, prior art devices exhibited an extremely
limited application to the movements of a user, thereby severely
limiting the muscle groups and other tissue which were affected by
the exercise movements.
[0006] Also, prior art devices which provided a larger selection of
exercise movements at the same time exhibited bulky, non-portable
structures.
[0007] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an
exercise device which facilitates a wide range of exercise
movements.
[0008] It is a further object to provide an exercise device which
facilitates myofascial movements, and plyometric movements.
[0009] It is a further object of the invention to provide an
exercise device which allows varying levels of force
resistance.
[0010] It is a further object of the invention to provide an
exercise device which is lightweight and easily portable.
[0011] These and other objects of the invention are satisfied by
the present invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The invention consists of a flexible bow with
interchangeable elastic resistance bands that can individually be
added or removed from the bow, allowing the exerciser to adjust for
varying degrees of resistance while the exerciser performs a
variety of strength, stretching and fitness exercises.
Additionally, attachable grip pads are included to provide comfort
and secure grip during use.
[0013] The invention will allow the exerciser to adjust for varying
degrees of resistance, allowing the exerciser to perform a variety
of strength, stretching and fitness resistance exercises in any
location, anywhere, anytime. Because of the unique nature and
simplicity of the bow design, and the ability to easily attach the
elastic resistance bands to the bow, this allows the exerciser to
interchange and attach any one of the various elastic resistance
bands to the bow, thus allowing the exerciser to achieve multiple
resistance levels, thus making the product invention ideal for
various strength, stretching and fitness resistance exercises not
previously found in a compact and portable exercise workout
system.
[0014] The product invention will be manufactured to be sold to
through wholesale, distributor, home shopping channel, direct
response, ecommerce and retail brick and mortar distribution
channels. [0015] Resistance Training [0016] Includes multiple
resistance bands with various resistance levels for multiple
exercise options [0017] Easy to use versatile bow design and
interchangeable resistance bands [0018] Simply and quickly change
resistance bands with easy on &easy off assembly [0019]
Adjustable slip-resistant grips provide secure positioning &
comfort for hands or feet [0020] For beginner, intermediate,
advance use [0021] Lightweight, portable & compact [0022]
Training options include: strength, stability, stretching,
resistance, balance, coordination, myofascial, plyometric and
triathlete
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the assembled exercise
apparatus
[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the exercise apparatus elastic
member, bow member and grip member(s)
[0025] FIG. 3 is a front view of the assembled exercise
apparatus
[0026] FIG. 4 is a side view of the assembled exercise
apparatus
[0027] FIG. 5 is a front view of the bow member
[0028] FIG. 6 is a side view of the bow member
[0029] FIG. 7 is a front view of the elastic member
[0030] FIG. 8 is a side view of the elastic member
[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the assembled exercise
apparatus and interchangeable individual elastic members with
various resistance levels
[0032] FIG. 10 is a front view of muscle groups
[0033] FIG. 11 is a back view of muscle groups
[0034] FIG. 12 is a side view of another embodiment of the
invention
[0035] FIG. 13 is a front view of another embodiment of the
invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 1, shown therein is a perspective
view of the assembled exercise apparatus that shows the interface
with the user's body consisting of the bow member, the elastic
member and the grip member(s). The drawing illustrates the shape of
the preferred embodiment.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 2, shown therein is an exploded view
of the exercise apparatus members. The bow member 1 may be formed
from various materials, and in particular may be molded from
various composite materials. The elastic member 2 may be formed
from various materials and in particular may be molded or extruded
from various natural or synthetic materials. The grip member(s) 4
may be formed from various natural or synthetic materials.
[0038] The bow member 1 includes receiving ends on both ends of the
bow member 1 to receive, attach and secure the elastic member 2 to
the bow member 1. The elastic member 2 includes an attachment
member 3 at each end, to secure each end of the elastic member to
each receiving end of the bow member 1, allowing the elastic member
2 to be easily attached or removed to the bow member 1. The grip
member(s) 4 can be easily added or removed from the bow member 1.
The grip member(s) 4 provide comfort and secure handling when
attached to the bow member 1.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 9 shown therein is a perspective view
of the assembled exercise apparatus and multiple interchangeable,
individual, elastic members with various resistance levels, each
elastic member can be easily attached or removed from the bow
member.
[0040] Following is a chart which describes various muscle groups
and how they are exercised. The present invention is arranged and
constructed to allow controlled contraction and expansion of the
muscle groups described in the chart below, and set out in FIGS. 10
and 11.
TABLE-US-00001 Major Muscle Functional Exercise to Group Location
Role Strengthen Sample Stretch Notes Abdominal Stomach Sitting up,
Crunches, You typically don't The rectus postural leg raises,
stretch your abs. abdominus is the alignment twisting For most
people, muscle that is crunches the abs are not visible. The strong
enough, so transversus you need to work abdominus on strengthening
muscle, which them rather than stabilizes your stretching them back
is underneath. Biceps Front of Lifting, Bicep Curls Sit on floor.
Place Anytime you move upper arm pulling hands behind you your hand
toward with fingers your shoulder, you pointing away from are using
your your body. Walk biceps. your hips away from your hands.
Deltoids Top of Overhead Push ups, "Scratch your Back" - The
deltoids are shoulder lifting bench Put both hands composed of
three press, side over your head. parts, anterior, & rear arm
Bend one elbow posterior & raises and place hand on medial.
Anytime back. With other you "flap" your hand, push elbow arms,
your to stretch triceps, deltoids are deltoids, lats working.
Erector Spinae Low back Postural back "Cat Stretch" - The erector
spinae alignment extensions Kneel on all fours, is sometimes round
back like a called the "low cat. Sit on chair with back" muscle,
feet shoulder although it runs up distance apart. your entire back.
Bend over and place shoulders between your knees Gastrocnemius Back
of Push off for Standing Lunges with a The gastrocnemius &
Soleus lower leg walking, calf raises, straight back leg for give
your legs a standing on seated calf gastrocnemius. rounded shape.
tiptoes raises Lunges with bent The soleus is knees for soleus.
underneath the gastrocnemius. Gluteus Buttocks Climbing Squat, leg
Sit on chair, cross Made up of stairs, press other leg over thigh
several muscles. walking, of bent leg, lean The largest muscle
standing up forwards. in the body is the gluteus maximus.
Hamstrings Thigh - back Walking Squats, While standing, The
hamstrings lunges, leg place heel of leg to are made up of
extensions, be stretched on a three muscles. leg curls chair. Keep
your leg Don't squat below as straight as 90 degrees, possible,
your hips otherwise you square and your could damage back flat.
Bend at your knees. the waist toward your leg. Latissimus Back -
Lats Postural Lats - pull "Scratch your Back" - Developed lats
Dorsi & are the large alignment, ups, chin Put both hands give
your back a Rhomboids triangular pulling ups, lat pull over your
head. "V" shape, making muscle in open a downs Bend one elbow your
waist appear the door Rhomboids - and place hand on smaller.
midback. chinups & back. With other Rhomboids bent arm hand,
are between rows To stretch the shoulder rhomboids, "hug blades
yourself" Cross your hands in front of you, place both hands on
your shoulder blades. Obliques Side of body Rotation Twisting Lie
on your back Strong internal and side crunches, with your arms and
external flexion of rotary torso extended out ("T" oblique muscles
body shape) Bend both ward off back knees. Rotate your pain. hips
and put your bent legs on the floor on your side. Pectoralis Front
of Push up push-up, While standing, The pectoralis upper chest from
lying pull-up, hold both arms out muscles pull the position, bench
press at shoulder height, shoulder and arm push open palms forward.
Pull forward. a door arms back. Quadriceps Thigh - front Climbing
Squats, While lying on side, The quads are stairs, lunges, leg
grasp ankle, push made up of four walking, presses hips forward
muscles. standing up Trapezius Large Moves upright Upper trap
stretch. Your upper muscle in head rows, Sit in a chair, put
trapezius connects upper and sideways, shoulder your left hand your
head to your mid-back. shrugs behind you. Tilt shoulders. When your
head so your you feel "knots in right ear moves your neck", it's
toward your right your trapezius. shoulder. Repeat on the other
side. Triceps Back of Pushing Push ups, "Scratch your Back" -
Anytime you upper arm tricep Put both hands extend your lower
extensions, over your head. arm, you are using dips Bend one elbow
your triceps. and place hand on back. With other hand, push elbow
to stretch triceps, deltoids, lats
PARTS LIST
[0041] 1. Bow member
[0042] 2. Elastic member
[0043] 3. Attachment member
[0044] 4. Grip member
[0045] 5. Bow elastic member receiver
[0046] 6. Low resistance replacement elastic member
[0047] 7. Medium low resistance replacement elastic member
[0048] 8. Medium high resistance replacement elastic member
[0049] 9. High resistance replacement elastic member
[0050] In practice, the present device presents a multitude of
variations in the operation of the device.
[0051] Positioning a fixed object between the elastic member 2 and
the bow member 1, such as a vertical post, horizontal post or other
attachment point, allows a user to exert force and movement through
the grip member, upon the bow member 1, which force and movement is
increasingly resisted by the stretching elastic member 2. The user
may either pull the bow member 1 away from the fixed object, or
push the bow member away from the fixed object, using virtually any
and all of the body muscle groups, through the legs, arms, neck,
and back, depending on which body part is in contact with either
the inside surface or outside surface of the grip member 4.
[0052] Further, the application of force may be slow and
stretching, to gradually involve muscle groups and related tissue,
or may be extremely rapid, to develop the fast-acting muscle
activity important to certain activities.
[0053] Other positions and utilizations of the device are possible
according to the targeted muscle group. Virtually every muscle
group shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 can be exercised and in particular
contracted and expanded utilizing the present invention.
[0054] A user may be positioned entirely inside of the device,
holding it at chest level, with the bow against the back and the
elastic member at the front, to push out against the elastic member
in a bench press movement.
[0055] The bow member may be places on the ground with feet upon
it, hands gripping the elastic rope, pulling up in an upward row
movement, or in a front raise movement.
[0056] Lying on the ground, the bow may be placed under the legs,
moving the leg up against the elastic member in a straight leg
extension movement.
[0057] Sitting on a chair, the bow may be secured behind the rear
legs, the lower leg moving out against the elastic member in a leg
extension movement.
[0058] With the bow secured above the head, the elastic member may
be pulled or pushed upon in a pull down or pushdown motion.
[0059] With the bow device secured between the legs, the elastic
member may be stretched in a side lateral movement.
[0060] Sitting with the bow underneath the legs, the elastic member
maybe stretched in an overhead press motion.
[0061] Standing with the bow element under the feet, the elastic
member may be stretched in a curl, reverse curl, or front raise
movement.
[0062] With the bow secured under a bench, the elastic member may
be stretched in a pullover movement.
[0063] Many movements may be carried out by gripping or pushing
against either the bow element or the elastic member, depending on
the position and comfort of the user.
[0064] A device is presented which replaces the downward only force
of gravity against weighted exercise devices with the resistive
force of elastic members. The unique shape and structure of the
device frees the user from connection to a fixed device, and from
the limited range of movement of gravity-driven weights.
[0065] Virtually all muscle groups may be contracted against the
force of the elastic bands, as the device may be positioned at and
around the user limited only by the user's own individual
physiology. The flexibility in positioning the achieved only
through the disclosed closed loop structure and lightweight
ergonomic materials and shape.
[0066] Both the bow member 1 and various strength elastic members 2
contribute to the resistive force of the device which opposes the
applied force of the user.
[0067] The device is extremely lightweight, and can be easily
disassembled and transported, by removing the elastic member 2 from
the bow member 1.
[0068] The bow member may be constructed of several different
materials, including metals and metal alloys, plastics, wood,
carbon composites and carbon fiber.
* * * * *