U.S. patent application number 15/876850 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-26 for apparatus and methods for exercising a limb of a user.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gregory Barel. Invention is credited to Gregory Barel.
Application Number | 20180207477 15/876850 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57324228 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180207477 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barel; Gregory |
July 26, 2018 |
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR EXERCISING A LIMB OF A USER
Abstract
At least one elastic link may be simultaneously coupled to two
different portions of a limb of a user in order to provide
resistance to the limb when the limb attempts to change the
distance between the two different portions of the limb.
Inventors: |
Barel; Gregory; (Brooklyn,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Barel; Gregory |
Brooklyn |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57324228 |
Appl. No.: |
15/876850 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14715274 |
May 18, 2015 |
9873017 |
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15876850 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/04 20130101;
A63B 21/0407 20130101; A63B 21/4025 20151001; A63B 23/10 20130101;
A63B 21/4011 20151001; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/0557
20130101; A63B 23/08 20130101; A63B 21/4015 20151001; A63B 2210/50
20130101; A63B 21/4034 20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/08 20060101
A63B023/08; A63B 21/055 20060101 A63B021/055; A63B 23/10 20060101
A63B023/10; A63B 21/00 20060101 A63B021/00 |
Claims
1.-24. (canceled)
25. Apparatus for use on a user's leg, wherein the user's leg
comprises a cnemis, a foot, and an ankle joint that couples the
cnemis to the foot, the apparatus comprising: an anchor component
operative to be coupled to the cnemis at a first cnemis location
along a length of the cnemis; and a band that comprises an elastic
band body that extends at least between a first band portion and a
second band portion, wherein: the first band portion is operative
to be coupled to the anchor component; and when the anchor
component is coupled to the cnemis at the first cnemis location and
the first band portion is coupled to the anchor component and the
second band portion is looped about at least a portion of the foot
at a first foot location, an elastic portion of the elastic band
body is operative to provide resistance to the user when the user
attempts to increase a distance between the first cnemis location
and the first foot location.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the band is a closed
loop.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein: the anchor component
comprises a closed ring; and the first band portion is coupled to
the anchor component by passing through the closed ring.
28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein: the anchor component
comprises a hook with a free end; and the first band portion is
removably coupled to the anchor component by looping about the
hook.
29. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein: the apparatus further
comprises an other band that comprises an other elastic band body
that extends at least between an other first band portion and an
other second band portion; the other first band portion is
operative to be coupled to the anchor component; and when the
anchor component is coupled to the cnemis at the first cnemis
location and the first band portion is coupled to the anchor
component and the second band portion is looped about at least a
portion of the foot at the first foot location and the other first
band portion is coupled to the anchor component and the other
second band portion is not looped about at least a portion of the
foot, the elastic portion of the elastic band body is operative to
provide a first resistance to the user when the user attempts to
increase a distance between the first cnemis location and the first
foot location; when the anchor component is coupled to the cnemis
at the first cnemis location and the first band portion is coupled
to the anchor component and the second band portion is looped about
at least a portion of the foot at the first foot location and the
other first band portion is coupled to the anchor component and the
other second band portion is looped about at least a portion of the
foot, the elastic portion of the elastic band body is operative to
provide a second resistance to the user when the user attempts to
increase a distance between the first cnemis location and the first
foot location; and the first resistance is less than the second
resistance.
30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein: the anchor component
comprises a first closed ring; the anchor component comprises a
second closed ring; the first band portion is coupled to the anchor
component by passing through the first closed ring; and the other
first band portion is coupled to the anchor component by passing
through the second closed ring.
31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein: the anchor component
comprises a closed ring; the first band portion is coupled to the
anchor component by passing through the closed ring; and the other
first band portion is coupled to the anchor component by passing
through the closed ring.
32. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein: the anchor component
comprises a first hook with a first free end; the anchor component
comprises a second hook with a second free end; the first band
portion is removably coupled to the anchor component by looping
about the first hook; and the other first band portion is removably
coupled to the anchor component by looping about the second
hook.
33. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein: the anchor component
comprises a hook with a free end; the first band portion is
removably coupled to the anchor component by looping about the
hook; and the other first band portion is removably coupled to the
anchor component by looping about the hook.
34. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising: a base component
comprising a base body extending between a first base end and a
second base end, the base body operative to be positioned against
the foot; and an extender component comprising an extender body
extending between a first extender portion that is coupled to the
anchor component and a second extender portion that is coupled to
the base component, wherein, when the anchor component is coupled
to the cnemis at the first cnemis location and the base body is
positioned against the foot and the first band portion is coupled
to the anchor component and the second band portion is looped about
at least a portion of the base body at the first foot location, the
elastic portion of the elastic band body is operative to provide
resistance to the user when the user attempts to increase the
distance between the first cnemis location and the first foot
location.
35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the second band portion is
operative to be removably coupled to the base component by looping
under a portion of the base body such that the base body is
positioned between the second band portion and the foot.
36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the extender body prevents
the anchor component from moving away from the first cnemis
location when the anchor component is coupled to the cnemis at the
first cnemis location and the base body is positioned against the
foot.
37. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the second extender portion
is rotatably coupled to the base component so that the base body is
operative to rotate with respect to the extender body about an axis
of rotation.
38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the base body is operative
to rotate with respect to the extender body about the axis of
rotation to a first orientation so that at least a portion of the
base body contacts a portion of the anchor component.
39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein at least one of the anchor
component and the band is operative to hold the base body at the
first orientation when the base body is not positioned against the
foot.
40. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein: the second extender portion
is coupled to the base component proximate the first base end; and
the second band portion is operative to be coupled to the base
component proximate the second base end.
41. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein: the first extender portion
is coupled to a first side of the anchor component; the apparatus
further comprises an other extender component comprising an other
extender body extending between an other first extender portion
that is coupled to a second side of the anchor component and an
other second extender portion that is coupled to the base
component; and when the anchor component is coupled to the cnemis
at the first cnemis location, the first side of the anchor
component is adjacent a first side of the cnemis and the second
side of the anchor component is adjacent a second side of the
cnemis that is opposite the first side of the cnemis.
42. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the portion of the base body
comprises a channel along a bottom surface of the base component
for retaining at least a portion of the second band portion when
the second band portion is looped about the at least a portion of
the base body.
43. Apparatus for use on a user's leg, wherein the user's leg
comprises a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a joint
that couples the first leg portion to the second leg portion, the
apparatus comprising: an first leg portion component operative to
be coupled to the first leg portion; and a link comprising a link
body that extends at least between a first link body portion and a
second link body portion, wherein: the first link body portion is
operative to be coupled to the first leg portion component; and
when the first leg portion component is coupled to the first leg
portion and the first link body portion is coupled to the first leg
portion component and the second link body portion extends about at
least a portion of the second leg portion, at least a portion of
the link body is operative to provide resistance when the user
attempts to increase a distance between the first leg portion and
the second leg portion.
44. A method for exercising a user's leg that comprises a first leg
portion, a second leg portion, and a joint leg portion between the
first leg portion and the second leg portion using an apparatus
that comprises an anchor component and a band that comprises a band
body extending between a first band portion that is coupled to the
anchor component and a second band portion, wherein the method
comprises: coupling the anchor component to the first leg portion;
coupling the second band portion to the second leg portion by
looping the second band portion about a portion of the second leg
portion; and after both of the couplings, providing a resistance
with the band body to the user's leg when the user's leg increases
a distance between the first leg portion and the second leg
portion.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for
exercising a limb of a user and, more particularly, to apparatus
and methods for exercising a limb of a user with an elastic link
extending between two portions of the limb.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Exercise is an important activity in many peoples' lives.
However, conventional exercise equipment is bulky and oftentimes
not portable, thereby making it difficult to use throughout the
course of a user's day.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] This document describes apparatus and methods for exercising
a limb of a user.
[0004] For example, apparatus for use on a user's leg with respect
to a stationary surface, wherein the user's leg includes a cnemis,
a foot, and an ankle joint that couples the cnemis to the foot, the
apparatus may include an anchor component operative to be coupled
to the cnemis at a first cnemis location along the length of the
cnemis, a base component comprising a base body extending between a
first base end and a second base end, the base body operative to be
positioned between the foot and the stationary surface, an extender
component comprising an extender body extending between a first
extender portion that is coupled to the anchor component and a
second extender portion that is coupled to the base component, and
a link component comprising a link body extending between a first
link portion that is operative to be coupled to the anchor
component and a second link portion that is operative to be coupled
to the base component. When the anchor component is coupled to the
cnemis at the first cnemis location and the base body is positioned
between the foot and the stationary surface and the first link
portion is coupled to the anchor component and the second link
portion is coupled to the base component, an elastic portion of the
base body is operative to provide resistance when the foot attempts
to push the second base end towards the stationary surface.
[0005] As another example, a method for exercising a user's limb
using exercise apparatus that includes an anchor component and a
plurality of bands, wherein each band of the plurality of bands
includes a band body that extends between a first band portion that
is coupled to the anchor component and a second band portion,
wherein the user's limb includes a first limb portion, a second
limb portion, and a joint limb portion between the first limb
portion and the second limb portion, and wherein the method may
include coupling the anchor component to the first limb portion at
a first limb position along the first limb portion, coupling the
second band portion of each band of a subset of bands of the
plurality of bands to a portion of the second limb portion, and,
after both of the couplings, providing a resistance with the band
body of each band of the subset of bands to the user's limb when
the user's limb increases the distance between the first limb
position and the portion of the second limb portion using the joint
limb portion.
[0006] As yet another example, apparatus may be provided for use on
a user's limb that includes a first limb portion, a second limb
portion, and a joint limb portion between the first limb portion
and the second limb portion. The apparatus may include an anchor
component operative to be coupled to the first limb portion at a
first limb position along the first limb portion, and a link
component including a link body extending between a first link
portion and a second link portion. At least a portion of the first
link portion is operative to be coupled to the anchor component, at
least a portion of the second link portion is operative to be
coupled to the second limb portion at a second limb position along
the second limb portion, the link body includes an elastic portion
extending between the at least a portion of the first link portion
and the at least a portion of the second link portion, and, when
the anchor component is coupled to the first limb portion at the
first limb position and the at least a portion of the first link
portion is coupled to the anchor component and the at least a
portion of the second link portion is coupled to the second limb
portion at the second limb position, the elastic portion is
operative to provide resistance to the user's limb when the user's
limb increases the distance between the first limb position and the
second limb position using the joint limb portion.
[0007] This Summary is provided merely to summarize some example
embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects
of the subject matter described in this document. Accordingly, it
will be appreciated that the features described in this Summary are
merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or
spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other
features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described
herein will become apparent from the following Detailed
Description, Figures, and Claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The discussion below makes reference to the following
drawings, in which like reference characters may refer to like
parts throughout, and in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a limb of a user
wearing an exercise apparatus, according to some embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a right, top, front perspective view of an
exercise apparatus, in a first stage of use, according to some
embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a left, top, front perspective view of the
exercise apparatus of FIG. 2, in the first stage of use of FIG. 2,
according to some embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a top view of the exercise apparatus of FIGS. 2
and 3, in the first stage of use of FIGS. 2 and 3, according to
some embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a top, back perspective view of the exercise
apparatus of FIGS. 2-4, in the first stage of use of FIGS. 2-4,
according to some embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a top, front perspective view of the exercise
apparatus of FIGS. 2-5, in the first stage of use of FIGS. 2-5,
according to some embodiments;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the exercise apparatus of FIGS.
2-6, in the first stage of use of FIGS. 2-6, according to some
embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of the exercise
apparatus of FIGS. 2-7, but with additional features, and being
worn by a user in a second stage of use, according to some
embodiments;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a right side elevational view, similar to FIG. 8,
of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 8, but being worn by the user in
a third stage of use, according to some embodiments;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a right side elevational view, similar to FIGS. 8
and 9, of the exercise apparatus of FIGS. 8 and 9, but in a fourth
stage of use, according to some embodiments;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a right side elevational view, similar to FIGS.
8-10, of the exercise apparatus of FIGS. 8-10, but in an
alternative fourth stage of use, according to some embodiments;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of another exercise
apparatus, in a second stage of use, similar to the stage of use of
FIG. 8, according to some embodiments;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a right side elevational view, similar to FIGS.
8-11, of yet another exercise apparatus, in a second stage of use,
similar to the stage of use of FIGS. 8 and 12, according to some
embodiments;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a front elevational view, similar to FIG. 12, of
the exercise apparatus of FIG. 13, in the second stage of use of
FIG. 13, according to some embodiments;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a right side elevational view, similar to FIGS.
8-11 and 13, of yet another exercise apparatus, in a second stage
of use, similar to the stage of use of FIGS. 8 and 12-14, according
to some embodiments;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a front elevational view, similar to FIGS. 12 and
14, of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 15, in the second stage of
use of FIG. 15, according to some embodiments;
[0025] FIG. 17 is a top view, similar to FIG. 4, of the exercise
apparatus of FIGS. 15 and 16, in the second stage of use of FIGS.
15 and 16, according to some embodiments; and
[0026] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for
exercising a user's limb using exercise apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0027] Exercise apparatus may be provided that is easy to use
wherever a user may be and that is small enough to carry wherever a
user may travel between uses. Such exercise apparatus may include
one or more elastic links, each of which may be selectively coupled
to both a first portion of a user's limb (e.g., a cnemis or shin of
a leg) and a second portion of a user's limb (e.g., a foot of the
leg) in order to provide resistance to the limb when the limb
attempts to change the distance between the first and second
portions of the limb (e.g., using an ankle joint, while the user
may be sitting or standing). Different subsets of the elastic links
may be coupled between the two limb portions to provide different
magnitudes of resistance. When not in use, the apparatus may be
reconfigured to reduce the size of the space that it occupies.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a limb 160 of a user
wearing an exercise apparatus 100, according to some embodiments in
a stage of use (e.g., a stage of use where the user may be
exercising any suitable portion or portions (e.g., any muscle or
muscles) of limb 160 through the use of worn exercise apparatus
100). As shown in FIG. 1, limb 160 may include a first limb portion
170 having a first limb body 172 that may extend between a distal
end 171 and a joint end 179, a second limb portion 190 having a
second limb body 192 that may extend between a distal end 191 and a
joint end 199, and a joint limb portion 180 that may be positioned
between first limb portion 170 and second limb portion 190 (e.g.,
between joint ends 179 and 199) and/or that may couple first limb
portion 170 to second limb portion 190. Limb 160 may be any
suitable limb of a user, such as an arm (e.g., a left arm or a
right arm) or a leg (e.g., a left leg or a right leg) of a human
user. When limb 160 is an arm of a user, joint limb portion 180 may
be the wrist joint of the arm, while first limb portion 170 may be
the forearm of the arm, and while second limb portion 190 may be
the hand of the arm. Alternatively, when limb 160 is an arm of a
user, joint limb portion 180 may be the elbow joint of the arm,
while first limb portion 170 may be the upper aim of the arm, and
while second limb portion 190 may be the forearm of the arm.
Alternatively, when limb 160 is an arm of a user, joint limb
portion 180 may include both the wrist joint and the elbow joint of
the arm, while first limb portion 170 may be the upper arm of the
arm, and while second limb portion 190 may be the hand of the arm.
When limb 160 is a leg of a user, joint limb portion 180 may be the
ankle joint of the leg, while first limb portion 170 may be the
cnemis of the leg, and while second limb portion 190 may be the
foot of the leg. Alternatively, when limb 160 is a leg of a user,
joint limb portion 180 may be the knee joint of the leg, while
first limb portion 170 may be the thigh of the leg, and while
second limb portion 190 may be the cnemis of the leg.
Alternatively, when limb 160 is a leg of a user, joint limb portion
180 may include both the ankle joint and the knee joint of the leg,
while first limb portion 170 may be the thigh of the leg, and while
second limb portion 190 may be the foot of the leg.
[0029] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, exercise apparatus 100 may
include a link component 130 operative to be coupled to an anchor
component 110 and/or a base component 150. Anchor component 110 may
be operative to be coupled to first limb portion 170 at any
suitable anchor position or first limb position 173 along the
length of first limb portion 170 (e.g., at any suitable position
between ends 171 and 179). Additionally or alternatively, base
component 150 may be operative to be coupled to second limb portion
190 at any suitable base position or second limb position 193 along
the length of second limb portion 190 (e.g., at any suitable
position between ends 191 and 199). Anchor component 110 may
include any suitable element or elements that may be operative to
retain anchor component 110 at first limb position 173 along first
limb portion 170 throughout the exercise use of apparatus 100 by
limb 160 of the user, and/or base component 150 may include any
suitable element or elements that may be operative to retain base
component 150 at second limb position 193 along second limb portion
190 throughout the exercise use of apparatus 100 by limb 160, where
such suitable element or elements of anchor component 110 and/or of
base component 150 may include, but are not limited to, one or more
straps that may be secured about or otherwise to limb portion
170/190 using any suitable approach (e.g., a buckle, drawstring,
phone lanyard, knot, snap fastener, hook and loop fastener (e.g.,
Velcro.TM.), etc.), an elastic loop, at least a portion of an
article of clothing (e.g., footwear (e.g., shoe, sandal, etc.),
hand wear (e.g., glove, watch, etc.), etc.), and the like, which
may provide a comfortably tight fit at least partially about or
against limb portion 170/190. Link component 130 may include a link
body 132 extending between a first link portion 131 and a second
link portion 139. In some embodiments, first link portion 131 may
be directly coupled to first limb portion 170 at first limb
position 173 along first limb portion 170 (e.g., when apparatus 100
does not include an anchor component 110). Alternatively, first
link portion 131 may be coupled to first limb portion 170 at first
limb position 173 via anchor component 110 when anchor component
110 is coupled to first limb portion 170 at first limb position
173, where, for example, first link portion 131 may be coupled to
anchor component 110 via any suitable link anchor retention
mechanism(s) 121. Additionally or alternatively, in some
embodiments, second link portion 139 may be directly coupled to
second limb portion 190 at second limb position 193 along second
limb portion 190 (e.g., when apparatus 100 does not include a base
component 150). Alternatively, second link portion 139 may be
coupled to second limb portion 190 at second limb position 193 via
base component 150 when base component 150 is coupled to second
limb portion 190 at second limb position 193, where, for example,
second link portion 139 may be coupled to base component 150 via
any suitable link base retention mechanism(s) 141.
[0030] Link component 130 may include at least one elastic band. In
some embodiments, as described below in more detail with respect to
one or more of FIGS. 2-17, the elastic band may be a closed loop,
whereby first link portion 131 may be a first portion of the closed
loop that may be operative to loop around first limb portion 170
for coupling to first limb portion 170 at position 173 or whereby
first link portion 131 may be coupled to anchor component 110 via
any suitable mechanism 121 (e.g., a first portion of the closed
loop may pass through a closed ring or an at least partially closed
ring mechanism 121 of anchor component 110), and/or whereby second
link portion 139 may be a second portion of the closed loop that
may be operative to loop around second limb portion 190 for
coupling to second limb portion 190 at position 193 or whereby
second link portion 139 may be coupled to base component 150 via
any suitable mechanism 141 (e.g., a second portion of the closed
loop may pass through a closed ring or an at least partially closed
ring mechanism 141 or by looping about a portion of a hook of base
component 150). In other embodiments, as described below in more
detail with respect to one or more of FIGS. 2-17, the elastic band
may not be a closed loop but may be an elastic band that extends
between a first band end at first link portion 131 and a second
band end at second link portion 139 that is distinct from the first
band end, whereby first link portion 131 may be fixedly or
removably coupled to anchor component 110 via any suitable
mechanism 121 (e.g., a first end of the elastic band may be held
with respect to a passageway mechanism 121 that is smaller than the
first end), and/or whereby second link portion 139 may be fixedly
or removably coupled to base component 150 via any suitable
mechanism 141 (e.g., a second end of the elastic band may be held
with respect to a passageway mechanism 141 that is smaller than the
first end). Moreover, as described below in more detail with
respect to one or more of FIGS. 2-17, link component 130 may
include any suitable number of such bands, each of which may be of
any suitable type, whereby varying the number of bands linking
first limb portion 170 and second limb portion 190 may vary the
magnitude of resistance that link component 130 may be operative to
provide to an exercising limb 160 wearing apparatus 100.
[0031] At least a portion 134 of link body 132 or the entirety of
link body 132 may be elastic (e.g., stretchy, elasticized,
stretchable, springy, flexible, pliant, pliable, supple, yielding,
resilient, etc.) or configured as any suitable material to provide
any suitable elasticity (e.g., cord, tape, fabric (e.g., with
rubber), etc.), such that link body 132 may be operative to have a
tendency to return to an original shape after being deformed (e.g.,
contracted, dilated, distorted, expanded, stretched, etc.) and/or
provide a resistance while being deformed. Therefore, a length L of
link body 132 between first link portion 131 and second link
portion 139 may be operative to vary between an original or relaxed
length when no external forces are applied to link body 132 and a
deformed or stressed length when any suitable external forces are
applied to link body 132, where such a deformed or stressed length
may be greater than or less than such an original or relaxed length
(e.g., greater than if link body 132 is an elastic band whose ends
131 and 139 are stretched apart from one another beyond their
original or relaxed distance (e.g., with tensile or pulling
force(s)), or less than if link body 132 is an elastic spring whose
ends 131 and 139 are forced closer together than their original or
relaxed distance (e.g., with compressive or pushing force(s))). In
some embodiments, when the user wearing apparatus 100 exercises
(e.g., using joint limb portion 180) with a particular exercise
motion such that an angle .alpha. formed between first limb body
172 and second limb body 192 may be increased in the direction of
arrows F and such that second limb position 193 of second limb
portion 190 may be pushed away from first limb position 173 of
first limb portion 170 and such that link base retention
mechanism(s) 141 may be pushed away from link anchor retention
mechanism(s) 121 (e.g., in the direction of arrows N) to deform
link body 132 (e.g., a rubber band), length L of link body 132 may
likewise increase to a deformed or stressed length that may be
greater than its original or relaxed length, whereby such
deformation of link body 132 may be operative to provide a
resistance to such exercising limb 160 of the user. Conversely, in
such embodiments, when the user wearing apparatus 100 exercises
(e.g., using joint limb portion 180) with an opposite exercise
motion such that angle .alpha. formed between first limb body 172
and second limb body 192 may be decreased in the direction of
arrows O and such that second limb position 193 of second limb
portion 190 may be pulled towards first limb position 173 of first
limb portion 170 and such that link base retention mechanism(s) 141
may be pulled towards link anchor retention mechanism(s) 121 (e.g.,
in the direction of arrows E) to undeform link body 132, length L
of link body 132 may likewise decrease to its original or relaxed
length that may be less than its deformed or stressed length,
whereby such return of link body 132 may be operative not to
provide any resistance to such an exercising limb 160 of the user.
Alternatively or additionally, in other embodiments, when the user
wearing apparatus 100 exercises (e.g., using joint limb portion
180) with a particular exercise motion such that an angle .alpha.
formed between first limb body 172 and second limb body 192 may be
decreased in the direction of arrows O and such that second limb
position 193 of second limb portion 190 may be pushed towards first
limb position 173 of first limb portion 170 (e.g., in the direction
of arrows E) to deform link body 132 (e.g., a compression spring),
length L of link body 132 may likewise decrease to a deformed or
stressed length that may be less than its original or relaxed
length, whereby such deformation of link body 132 may be operative
to provide a resistance to such exercising limb 160 of the user.
Conversely, in such embodiments, when the user wearing apparatus
100 exercises (e.g., using joint limb portion 180) with an opposite
exercise motion such that angle .alpha. formed between first limb
body 172 and second limb body 192 may be increased in the direction
of arrows F and such that second limb position 193 of second limb
portion 190 may be pulled away from first limb position 173 of
first limb portion 170 (e.g., in the direction of arrows N) to
undeform link body 132, length L of link body 132 may likewise
increase to its original or relaxed length that may be greater than
its deformed or stressed length, whereby such return of link body
132 may be operative not to provide any resistance to such an
exercising limb 160 of the user. Therefore, coupling of each one of
first link portion 131 and second link portion 139 to respective
positions 173 and 193 of limb portions 170 and 190, either directly
or via respective components 110 and 150, the elasticity of link
body 132 may repetitively alternate the provisioning of resistance
to limb 160 during repetitive exercise of limb 160 that
repetitively increases and decreases the size of angle .alpha..
[0032] FIGS. 2-11 show an exercise apparatus 200, which may be at
least partially similar to apparatus 100, in various stages of use
with respect to a user (e.g., a limb 260 of a user of FIGS. 8 and
9). FIG. 2 is a right, top, front perspective view of exercise
apparatus 200, in a first stage of use (e.g., a stage of use just
prior to apparatus 200 being worn by user limb 260 for exercising),
FIG. 3 is a left, top, front perspective view of exercise apparatus
200, in the first stage of use of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a top view of
exercise apparatus 200, in the first stage of use of FIGS. 2 and 3,
FIG. 5 is a top, back perspective view of exercise apparatus 200,
in the first stage of use of FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 6 is a top, front
perspective view of exercise apparatus 200, in the first stage of
use of FIGS. 2-5, FIG. 7 is a bottom view of exercise apparatus
200, in the first stage of use of FIGS. 2-6, FIG. 8 is a right side
elevational view of exercise apparatus 200, but with additional
features (e.g., components 221C, 232C, and 241C, as described
below), in a second stage of use (e.g., one stage of use where user
limb 260 may be wearing exercise apparatus 200 for exercising any
suitable portion or portions (e.g., any muscle or muscles) of limb
260 through the use of worn exercise apparatus 200), FIG. 9 is a
right side elevational view, similar to FIG. 8, of exercise
apparatus 200, in a third stage of use (e.g., another stage of use
where user limb 260 may be wearing exercise apparatus 200 for
exercising any suitable portion or portions (e.g., any muscle or
muscles) of limb 260 through the use of worn exercise apparatus
200), FIG. 10 is a right side elevational view, similar to FIGS. 8
and 9, of exercise apparatus 200, in a fourth stage of use (e.g., a
stage of use for compact storage of apparatus 200 after apparatus
200 is done being worn by user limb 260 for exercising), and FIG.
11 is a right side elevational view, similar to FIGS. 8-10, of
exercise apparatus 200, in an alternative fourth stage of use
(e.g., an alternative stage of use for compact storage of apparatus
200 after apparatus 200 is done being worn by user limb 260 for
exercising).
[0033] FIGS. 2-7 show exercise apparatus 200 in a first stage of
use (e.g., a stage of use just prior to apparatus 200 being worn by
user limb 260 of FIGS. 8 and 9 for exercising). As shown, apparatus
200 may include an anchor component 210, a base component 250, and
a link component 230. Anchor component 210 may be at least
partially similar to anchor component 110 of apparatus 100 and may
include an anchor body 211 that may be operative to extend along at
least a portion of user limb 260 when anchor component 210 is
coupled thereto (e.g., along at least a portion of first limb
portion 270, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9). Additionally or
alternatively, anchor component 210 may also include at least one
limb attachment component, such as upper limb attachment component
212T and a lower limb attachment feature 212B, that may be
operative to couple anchor component 210 (e.g., anchor body 211) to
user limb 260. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, upper limb
attachment component 212T may be any suitable mechanism, such as a
strap, that may be operative to couple anchor component 210 (e.g.,
anchor body 211) to user limb 260 (e.g., at location 273 of first
limb portion 270), while lower limb attachment component 212B may
also be the same type or any other suitable type of mechanism that
may be operative to couple anchor component 210 to user limb 260
(e.g., such that components 212T and 212B may interact with
different areas of limb portion 270 for a more robust coupling). As
shown in FIG. 4, anchor body 211 may include a front anchor body
portion 211f, to which portions of each limb attachment component
may be coupled, and a back anchor body portion 211b, which may
provide padding for comfort to user limb 260 when anchor component
210 is coupled thereto for being worn by the user.
[0034] Base component 250 may be at least partially similar to base
component 150 of apparatus 100 and may include a base body 255 with
top and bottom base surfaces 256T and 256B as well as left and
right base side surfaces 254L and 254R, each of which may generally
extend between a back base end 252B and a front base end 252F for
forming the structure of base body 255. As shown in FIGS. 7-9 and
11, a groove or channel 251 may be provided in base body 255
through bottom base surface 256B (e.g., across a portion of bottom
base surface 256B extending between a portion of left base side
surface 254L and right base side surface 254R). Base body 255 may
be of any suitable structure for enabling a user to exercise with
apparatus 200, as described below in more detail. However, in the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2-11, base body 255 may include a
structure similar to at least a portion or the entirety of a sole
of footwear (e.g., the base of a flip-flop) upon which a user may
comfortably position lower limb portion 290 of limb 260 (e.g., a
foot of a leg).
[0035] In some embodiments, as shown, apparatus 200 may include at
least one support component, such as a left support component 218L
and a right support component 218R, which may extend between base
component 250 and anchor component 210 for preventing anchor
component 210 from moving with respect to first limb position 273
when anchor component 210 is coupled to first limb portion 270. For
example, as shown, left support component 218L may include a
support body 215L that may extend between a top support body end
213L and a bottom support body end 217L, where top support body end
213L may be coupled to any suitable portion of anchor component 210
(e.g., to front anchor body portion 211f) via a top support
coupling mechanism 214L, and where bottom support body end 217L may
be coupled to any suitable portion of base component 250 (e.g., to
left base side surface 254L) via a bottom support coupling
mechanism 216L. Although the length of support body 215L between
top support body end 213L and bottom support body end 217L may be
adjustable (e.g., by a user) to any suitable length to dictate the
distance between base component 250 and anchor component 210 when
apparatus 200 is worn by the user, such a length may be fixed
during user exercise with apparatus 200 such that support body 215L
may prevent anchor component 210 from sliding up or down along
first limb portion 270 (e.g., away from first limb position 273).
Alternatively or additionally, as shown, right support component
218R may include a support body 215R that may extend between a top
support body end 213R and a bottom support body end 217R, where top
support body end 213R may be coupled to any suitable portion of
anchor component 210 (e.g., to front anchor body portion 2110 via a
top support coupling mechanism 214R, and where bottom support body
end 217R may be coupled to any suitable portion of base component
250 (e.g., to right base side surface 254R) via a bottom support
coupling mechanism 216R. Although the length of support body 215R
between top support body end 213R and bottom support body end 217R
may be adjustable (e.g., by a user) to any suitable length to
dictate the distance between base component 250 and anchor
component 210 when apparatus 200 is worn by the user, such a length
may be fixed during user exercise with apparatus 200 such that
support body 215R may prevent anchor component 210 from sliding up
or down along first limb portion 270 (e.g., away from first limb
position 273). As shown, apparatus 200 may include two support
components, such as left support component 218L and right support
component 218R, that may be positioned on opposite sides of limb
260 when apparatus 200 is worn by the user, thereby providing
suitable support on opposite sides of anchor component 210.
Alternatively, any other suitable number of support components may
be provided, such as a single support component that may extend
between base component 250 (e.g., at back base end 252B) and anchor
component 210 (e.g., at a limb attachment component).
[0036] Each one of support coupling mechanisms 214L, 214R, 216L,
and 216R may be any suitable coupling mechanism, such as a coupling
mechanism that fixes the orientation of a support body with respect
to anchor component 210 and/or base component 250, or a coupling
mechanism that enables rotation of the support body with respect to
anchor component 210 and/or base component 250. For example, each
one of support coupling mechanisms 214L and 214R may enable anchor
component 210 to rotate about such support coupling mechanisms for
enabling more comfortable use of apparatus 200 by a user during
exercise (e.g., mechanism 214L may rotatably couple anchor
component 210 to left support component 218L and mechanism 214R may
rotatably couple anchor component 210 to right support component
218R). Additionally or alternatively, for example, as shown in FIG.
10, each one of support coupling mechanisms 216L and 216R may
enable base component 250 to rotate about such support coupling
mechanisms in the direction of arrow R1 from the first stage of use
of FIGS. 2-7 to the fourth stage of use of FIG. 10 (e.g., mechanism
216L may rotatably couple base component 250 to left support
component 218L and mechanism 216R may rotatably couple base
component 250 to right support component 218R), whereby base
component 250 may be proximate, adjacent, or even contacting anchor
component 210 (e.g., front base end 252F may be operative to
contact portion 211E of support body 211 of anchor component 210),
whereby such a fourth stage may enable the overall space occupied
by apparatus 200 to be reduced (e.g., for easy storage when not
being worn by the user). In some embodiments, a limb attachment
component (e.g., limb attachment component 212T and/or limb
attachment component 212B may be operative to retain base component
250 at such an orientation of FIG. 10 (e.g., similarly to how such
attachment components may be operative to retain a cross-section of
a user's limb). Additionally or alternatively, as another example,
as shown in FIG. 11, each one of support coupling mechanisms 216L
and 216R may enable base component 250 to rotate about such support
coupling mechanisms in the direction of arrow R2 from the first
stage of use of FIGS. 2-7 to the fourth stage of use of FIG. 11,
whereby base component 250 may be proximate, adjacent, or even
contacting anchor component 210 (e.g., top base surface 256T may be
operative to contact portion 211F of support body 211 of anchor
component 210), whereby such a fourth stage may enable the overall
space occupied by apparatus 200 to be reduced (e.g., for easy
storage when not being worn by the user). In some embodiments, a
limb attachment component (e.g., a link body, such as link body
232R, 232L, and/or 232C, as described below in more detail, may be
operative to retain base component 250 at such an orientation of
FIG. 11.
[0037] Link component 230 of apparatus 200 may be at least
partially similar to link component 130 of apparatus 100 and may
include at least one link body (e.g., left link body 232L, right
link body 232R, and/or center link body 232C) extending between a
first link portion (e.g., first left link portion 231L, first right
link portion 231R, and/or first center link portion 231C,
respectively) and a second link portion (e.g., second left link
portion 239L, second right link portion 239R, and/or second center
link portion 239C, respectively). At least a portion of each link
body may include an elastic portion, for example, similar to
elastic portion 134 of apparatus 100. As shown, one, some, or each
first link portion (e.g., first left link portion 231L, first right
link portion 231R, and/or first center link portion 231C) may be
coupled to first limb portion 270 of user limb 260 at or about
first limb position 273 via anchor component 210 when anchor
component 210 is coupled to first limb portion 270 at or about
first limb position 273, where, for example, a first link portion
may be coupled to anchor component 210 via any suitable link anchor
retention mechanism(s) of anchor component 210 (e.g., left link
anchor retention mechanism 221L, right link anchor retention
mechanism 221R, and/or center link anchor retention mechanism
221C). For example, as shown in FIGS. 2-11, each link body 232 of
link component 230 may be a closed loop (e.g., an at least
partially elastic or deformable loop, such as a rubber band or
other suitable material(s)), and each link anchor retention
mechanism of anchor component 210 (e.g., link anchor retention
mechanisms 221L/221R/221C) may be a closed ring (e.g., a metal or
plastic or otherwise structurally rigid ring) through which a
respective first link portion of a respective link body may be
passed (e.g., by a manufacturer) for securing (e.g., unremovably or
fixedly coupling) each link body of link component 230 to anchor
component 210. In other embodiments, as described below with
respect to FIGS. 12-17, one or more link bodies may not be a closed
loop and/or one or more anchor retention mechanisms may not be a
closed ring such that a link body may or may not be removably
coupled to an anchor component. Additionally or alternatively, in
some embodiments, one, some, or each second link portion (e.g.,
second left link portion 239L, second right link portion 239R,
and/or second center link portion 239C, respectively) may be
coupled to second limb portion 290 at or about second limb position
293 via base component 250 when base component 250 is coupled to
second limb portion 290 at or about second limb position 293,
where, for example, a second link portion may be coupled to base
component 250 via any suitable link base retention mechanism(s) of
base component 250 (e.g., left link base retention mechanism 241L,
right link base retention mechanism 241R, and/or center link base
retention mechanism 241C). For example, as shown in FIGS. 2-11,
each link body 232 of link component 230 may be a closed loop, and
each link base retention mechanism of base component 250 (e.g.,
link base retention mechanisms 241L/241R/241C) may be a hook with a
free end (e.g., a metal or plastic or otherwise structurally rigid
feature with an open end) about which a respective second link
portion of a respective link body may be looped (e.g., by a user)
for coupling (e.g., removably or temporarily coupling) each link
body of link component 230 to base component 250. Alternatively, in
some embodiments (e.g., as described in more detail below with
respect to apparatus 300 of FIG. 12), second link portion 239C of
link body 232C may be looped about base body 255 and coupled to
bottom base surface 256B (e.g., within groove 251). In other
embodiments, as described below with respect to FIGS. 12-17, one or
more link bodies may not be a closed loop and/or one or more base
retention mechanisms may not be a hook such that a link body may or
may not be removably coupled to a base component. Although FIGS.
2-7 may show multiple (e.g., three) distinct closed loops provided
by each of left link body 232L and right link body 232R, such that
none, one, some, or all of the distinct loops may be removably
coupled to base component 250 for varying the resistance that may
be provided by apparatus 200 to user limb 260 during exercise,
FIGS. 8-11 may only show one such loop provided by each of left
link body 232L and right link body 232R for the sake of
clarity.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, user limb 260 may be similar to
user limb 160 and may include a first limb portion 270 having a
first limb body 272 that may extend between a distal end 271 and a
joint end 279, a second limb portion 290 having a second limb body
292 that may extend between a distal end 291 and a joint end 299,
and a joint limb portion 280 that may be positioned between first
limb portion 270 and second limb portion 290 (e.g., between joint
ends 279 and 299) and/or that may couple first limb portion 270 to
second limb portion 290. Limb 260 may be any suitable limb of a
user, such as a leg of a user, as shown, whereby joint limb portion
280 may be the ankle joint of the leg, while first limb portion 270
may be the cnemis of the leg, and while second limb portion 290 may
be the foot of the leg. At some point, a user may couple anchor
component 210 to first limb portion 270 at first limb position 273
(e.g., by using one or both of limb attachment components 212T and
212B and/or one or both support components 218L and 218R) and,
before or during or after such anchor-limb coupling, the user may
position second limb portion 290 against base component 250 (e.g.,
by engaging at least a portion of top base surface 256T with at
least a portion of the bottom of the user's foot or limb portion
290). As shown in FIG. 8, for example, such anchor-limb coupling
and such base-limb coupling may together result in user's limb 260
properly wearing apparatus 200 for use in exercising. Prior to,
during, or after such anchor-limb coupling and such base-limb
coupling, one or more link bodies of link component 230 may be
coupled to both anchor component 210 at or about position 273 and
base component 250 at or about position 293. For example, as shown
in FIGS. 8 and 9, first right link portion 231R of right link body
232R may be coupled to anchor component 210 via right link anchor
retention mechanism 221R and second right link portion 239R of
right link body 232R may be coupled to base component 250 via right
link base retention mechanism 241R, and first center link portion
2310 of center link body 232C may be coupled to anchor component
210 via center link anchor retention mechanism 221C and second
center link portion 239C of center link body 232C may be coupled to
base component 250 via center link base retention mechanism 241C.
Although not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, first left link portion 231L
of left link body 232L may be coupled to anchor component 210 via
left link anchor retention mechanism 221L and second left link
portion 239L of left link body 232L may be coupled to base
component 250 via left link base retention mechanism 241L when more
resistance is desired for the exercise, otherwise at least one link
portion of left link body 232L may not be coupled to anchor
component 210 and/or base component 250 when less resistance is
desired for the exercise.
[0039] The elasticity (e.g., elastic modulus) of each link body of
link component 230 may be operative to provide at least some
resistance to user limb 260 when that link body is coupled to both
anchor component 210 and base component 250 and when user limb 260
is at the second stage of use of apparatus 200 of FIG. 8 (e.g., at
a stage when anchor component 210 is coupled to limb portion 270,
when base component 250 is coupled to (e.g., interfacing with) limb
portion 290, and when limb 260 is exerting a suitable force on
apparatus 200 to maintain or increase the distance between two
portions of that link body extending between anchor component 210
and base component 250). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, limb 260
may be wearing apparatus 200 and may be exercising by exerting a
force on apparatus 200 (e.g., using joint limb portion 280) for at
least maintaining or increasing the distance between first center
link portion 231C of center link body 232C and second center link
portion 239C of center link body 232C (e.g., the distance between
center link anchor retention mechanism 221C and center link base
retention mechanism 241C) such that the elasticity of center link
body 232C may be operative to provide a resistance to limb 260
(e.g., as described above with respect to arrows F and N of FIG.
1). Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, limb 260 may
be wearing apparatus 200 and may be exercising by exerting a force
on apparatus 200 (e.g., using joint limb portion 280) for at least
maintaining or increasing the distance between first right link
portion 231R of right link body 232R and second right link portion
239R of right link body 232R (e.g., the distance between right link
anchor retention mechanism 221R and right link base retention
mechanism 241R) such that the elasticity of right link body 232R
may be operative to provide a resistance to limb 260 (e.g., as
described above with respect to arrows F and N of FIG. 1). Each
body portion of link component 230 may have a different elasticity
or the same elasticity for providing the different or same
resistance to an exercising limb. In some embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 8, such a second stage of use of apparatus 200 may be enabled
when user limb 260 holds at least a portion or all of bottom base
surface 256B against a stable or stationary surface S (e.g., the
ground), which may enable apparatus 200 to be used while the user
is standing or sitting with its foot on the ground.
[0040] A third stage of use of apparatus 200 may be shown in FIG.
9, whereby, after the second stage of use of FIG. 8, user limb 260
may continue to exercise by reducing a force exerted on apparatus
200 (e.g., using joint limb portion 280). For example, such a
reduction in user limb force may decrease the distance between
first center link portion 231C of center link body 232C and second
center link portion 239C of center link body 232C (e.g., the
distance between center link anchor retention mechanism 221C and
center link base retention mechanism 241C), whereby the elasticity
of center link body 232C may be operative to at least partially
decrease that distance due to the reduction in user limb force
(e.g., as described above with respect to arrows E and O of FIG.
1), whereby link body 232C may at least partially undeform from its
deformed or stressed length CL2 of the second stage of FIG. 8 to a
less deformed or less stressed (e.g., shorter) length CL3 of the
third stage of FIG. 9, which may or may not be the original or
relaxed length of link body 232C. Additionally or alternatively,
such a reduction in user limb force may decrease the distance
between first right link portion 231R of right link body 232R and
second right link portion 239R of right link body 232R (e.g., the
distance between right link anchor retention mechanism 221R and
right link base retention mechanism 241R), whereby the elasticity
of right link body 232R may be operative to at least partially
decrease that distance due to the reduction in user limb force
(e.g., as described above with respect to arrows E and O of FIG.
1), whereby link body 232R may at least partially undeform from its
deformed or stressed length of the second stage of FIG. 8 to a less
deformed or less stressed (e.g., shorter) length of the third stage
of FIG. 9, which may or may not be the original or relaxed length
of link body 232R.
[0041] After reaching such a third stage of use (e.g., of FIG. 9),
limb 260 may continue to exercise by exerting a suitable force on
apparatus 200 to return to the second stage of use (e.g., of FIG.
8), whereby each repetition of moving apparatus 200 between its
second and third stages of use may further strengthen one or more
portions (e.g., muscles) of limb 260. In some embodiments, as shown
in FIG. 9, such a third stage of use of apparatus 200 may be
enabled when user limb 260 holds a portion of bottom base surface
256B (e.g., proximate end 299) and/or a portion of second limb
portion 290 itself (e.g., end 299) against a stable or stationary
surface S (e.g., the ground), which may enable apparatus 200 to be
moved between its second and third stages of use while the user is
standing or sitting with at least a portion of its foot (e.g., a
heel of the foot at end 299) always on the ground (e.g., directly
or via base component 250). In such embodiments, a distance D
created between surface S and base component 250 and/or second limb
portion 290 (e.g., at or near position 293, such as a ball of a
user's foot) at the third stage of use may be any suitable
distance, which may vary based on the resistance provided by link
component 230 and/or based on the amount of exercise desired by the
user. In other embodiments, surface S may be an imaginary surface
in space or may not be considered at all, whereby second limb
portion 290 may be held and moved within open space when apparatus
200 is moved between its second and third stages during exercise of
limb 260. It is to be understood that, in some embodiments, each
one of support coupling mechanisms 216L and 216R may enable base
component 250 to rotate about such support coupling mechanisms in
the direction of arrow R3 from the second stage of use of FIG. 8 to
the third stage of use of FIG. 9 and/or in the direction of arrow
R4 from the third stage of use of FIG. 9 to the second stage of use
of FIG. 8. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of
base component 250 may be flexible for enabling at least a portion
of such movement of base component 250 (e.g., at least proximate
mechanism(s) 241R and/or 241C) such that apparatus 200 may be moved
between its second and third stages. Although a transition between
the third stage of use of FIG. 9 and the second stage of use of
FIG. 8 has been described to include user limb 260 exerting a force
on apparatus 200 for maintaining or increasing the distance between
a link anchor retention mechanism and a link base retention
mechanism associated with a particular link body of link component
230 (e.g., against a resistance of that link body) and although a
transition between the second stage of use of FIG. 8 and the third
stage of use of FIG. 9 has been described to include user limb 260
reducing the magnitude of such a force exerted on apparatus 200 for
decreasing the distance between the link anchor retention mechanism
and the link base retention mechanism associated with that
particular link body of link component 230 (e.g., leveraging a
resistance of that link body), where such a particular link body
may include an elastic portion that provides resistance when its
length is stretched (e.g., increased from CL3 to CL2) from its
original or relaxed length to a deformed or stressed length (e.g.,
a rubber band), it is to be understood that in other embodiments, a
transition between the second stage of use of FIG. 8 and the third
stage of use of FIG. 9 may include a user limb 260 exerting a force
on apparatus 200 for maintaining or decreasing the distance between
a link anchor retention mechanism and a link base retention
mechanism associated with a particular link body of link component
230 (e.g., against a resistance of that link body) and a transition
between the third stage of use of FIG. 9 and the second stage of
use of FIG. 8 may include user limb 260 reducing the magnitude of
such a force exerted on apparatus 200 for increasing the distance
between the link anchor retention mechanism and the link base
retention mechanism associated with that particular link body of
link component 230 (e.g., leveraging a resistance of that link
body), where such a particular link body may include an elastic
portion that provides resistance when its length is compressed
(e.g., decreased from CL2 to CL3) from its original or relaxed
length to a deformed or stressed length (e.g., a compression
spring).
[0042] FIG. 12 shows a front elevational view of another exercise
apparatus 300 worn by user limb 260, in a second stage of use,
similar to the stage of use of FIG. 8. Apparatus 300 of FIG. 12 may
be similar to apparatus 200 of FIGS. 2-11 but may not include any
support components but may include a link body looped underneath a
portion of a base body. Apparatus 300 of FIG. 12 may include
similar components to apparatus 200 of FIGS. 2-11, with components
of apparatus 300 of FIG. 12 being labeled with "3xx" reference
labels that may correspond to the "2xx" reference labels of the
labeled components of apparatus 200 of FIGS. 2-11, where
differences therebetween may be described below.
[0043] As shown, apparatus 300 may include an anchor component 310,
a base component 350, and a link component 330. Anchor component
310 may include an anchor body 311 that may be operative to extend
along at least a portion of user limb 260 when anchor component 310
is coupled thereto (e.g., along at least a portion of first limb
portion 270). Additionally or alternatively, anchor component 310
may also include at least one limb attachment component, such as
upper limb attachment component 312T and a lower limb attachment
feature 312B, that may be operative to couple anchor component 310
(e.g., anchor body 311) to user limb 260 (e.g., at location 273 of
first limb portion 270).
[0044] Base component 350 may include a base body 355 with top and
bottom base surfaces 356T and 256B as well as left and right base
side surfaces 354L and 354R, each of which may generally extend
between a back base end and a front base end 352F for forming the
structure of base body 355. A groove or channel 351 may be provided
in base body 355 through bottom base surface 356B (e.g., across a
portion of bottom base surface 356B extending between a portion of
left base side surface 354L and right base side surface 354R). Base
body 355 may be of any suitable structure for enabling a user to
exercise with apparatus 300, as described below in more detail.
However, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, base body 355
may include a structure similar to at least a portion or the
entirety of a sole of footwear (e.g., the base of a flip-flop) upon
which a user may comfortably position lower limb portion 290 of
limb 260 (e.g., a foot of a leg). Although not shown in FIG. 12,
apparatus 300 may or may not include at least one support
component, which may extend between base component 350 and anchor
component 310 for preventing anchor component 310 from moving with
respect to first limb position 273 when anchor component 310 is
coupled to first limb portion 270 (e.g., similar to left support
component 218L and right support component 218R of apparatus
200).
[0045] Link component 330 of apparatus 300 may include at least one
link body (e.g., right-left link body 332RL and/or center link body
332C) extending between a first link portion (e.g., first
right-left link portion 331R and/or first center link portion 331C,
respectively) and a second link portion (e.g., second right-left
link portion 331L and/or second center link portion 339C,
respectively). At least a portion of each link body may include an
elastic portion, for example, similar to elastic portion 134 of
apparatus 100. As shown, one, some, or each link portion (e.g.,
first right-left link portion 331R, first right-left link portion
331L, and/or first center link portion 331C) may be coupled to
first limb portion 270 of user limb 260 at or about first limb
position 273 via anchor component 310 when anchor component 310 is
coupled to first limb portion 270 at or about first limb position
273, where, for example, a link portion may be coupled to anchor
component 310 via any suitable link anchor retention mechanism(s)
of anchor component 310 (e.g., left link anchor retention mechanism
321L, right link anchor retention mechanism 321R, and/or center
link anchor retention mechanism 321C). For example, as shown in
FIG. 12, link body 332C may be a closed loop (e.g., an at least
partially elastic or deformable loop, such as a rubber band or
other suitable material(s)), and associated link anchor retention
mechanism 321C may be a closed ring (e.g., a metal or plastic or
otherwise structurally rigid ring) through which first center link
portion 331C of link body 332C may be passed (e.g., by a
manufacturer) for securing (e.g., unremovably or fixedly coupling)
link body 332C of link component 330 to anchor component 310. As
another example, as shown in FIG. 12, link body 332RL may not be a
closed loop but may instead be a segment (e.g., an at least
partially elastic or deformable segment, such as a non-looped
rubber band or other suitable material(s)) extending between free
end link portions 331R and 331L, and associated link anchor
retention mechanisms 321R and 321L may be closed rings with a
hollow having a cross-sectional area less than that of respective
ends 331R/331L and through which link body 332RL may be passed
(e.g., by a manufacturer) for securing (e.g., unremovably or
fixedly coupling) link body 332RL of link component 330 to anchor
component 310. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments,
another portion of one, some, or each link body (e.g., second
right-left link portion 339RL and/or second center link portion
339C, respectively) may be coupled to second limb portion 290 at or
about second limb position 293 via base component 350 when base
component 350 is coupled to second limb portion 290 at or about
second limb position 293, where, for example, a second link portion
may be coupled to base component 350 via any suitable link base
retention mechanism(s) of base component 350. For example, as shown
in FIG. 12, center link body 332C of link component 330 may be a
closed loop, and a link base retention mechanism 341C of base
component 350 may be a hook with a free end (e.g., a metal or
plastic or otherwise structurally rigid feature with an open end)
about which a respective second center link portion 339C of link
body 332C may be looped (e.g., by a user) for coupling (e.g.,
removably or temporarily coupling) link body 332C of link component
330 to base component 350. As another example, as shown in FIG. 12,
right-left link body 332RL of link component 330 may be a segment,
and a link base retention mechanism may be provided by channel 351
about which second right-left link portion 339RL of link body 332RL
(e.g., between ends 331R and 331L) may be looped (e.g., by a user)
for coupling (e.g., removably or temporarily coupling) link body
332RL of link component 330 to base component 350. Such apparatus
300 of FIG. 12 may otherwise be used similarly to apparatus 200 of
FIGS. 2-11.
[0046] FIG. 13 shows a right side elevational view, similar to
FIGS. 8-11, of yet another exercise apparatus 400, in a second
stage of use, similar to the stage of use of FIGS. 8 and 12, while
FIG. 14 shows a front elevational view, similar to FIG. 12, of
exercise apparatus 400, in the second stage of use of FIG. 13.
Apparatus 400 of FIGS. 13 and 14 may be similar to apparatus 200 of
FIGS. 2-11 but may include two distinct base bodies, a single limb
attachment component, at least one link body removably coupled to
an anchor body but fixedly coupled to a base body, and a link body
removably coupled to a user limb. Apparatus 400 of FIGS. 13 and 14
may include similar components to apparatus 200 of FIGS. 2-11, with
components of apparatus 400 of FIGS. 13 and 14 being labeled with
"4xx" reference labels that may correspond to the "2xx" reference
labels of the labeled components of apparatus 200 of FIGS. 2-11,
where differences therebetween may be described below.
[0047] As shown, apparatus 400 may include an anchor component 410,
a back base component 450B and a front base component 450F, and a
link component 430. Anchor component 410 may include an anchor body
411 that may be operative to extend along at least a portion of
user limb 260 when anchor component 410 is coupled thereto (e.g.,
at location 273 along at least a portion of first limb portion
270). Additionally or alternatively, anchor component 410 may also
a limb attachment component 412 that may be operative to couple
anchor component 410 (e.g., anchor body 411) to user limb 260
(e.g., at location 273 of first limb portion 270). Limb attachment
component 412 may be any suitable mechanism, such as a strap, and
may provide the geometry for most if not all of anchor body
411.
[0048] A front base component 450F may include a front base body
455F with top and bottom front base surfaces 456FT and 456FB as
well as left and right front base side surfaces 454FL and 454FR,
each of which may generally extend between a back front base end
452FB and a front front base end 452FF for forming the structure of
front base body 455F. As shown, front base body 455F may be
operative to surround, support, or otherwise contact at least a
portion second limb portion 290 (e.g., at limb end 291, such as
about a toe region from underneath the foot and about a front of
the foot and/or over a portion of the top of the foot). A back base
component 450B may include a back base body 455B with top and
bottom back base surfaces 456BT and 456BB as well as a left back
base side surface 454BL and right back base side surface 454BR,
each of which may generally extend between a back back base end
452BB and a front back base end 452BF for forming the structure of
back base body 455B. As shown, back base body 455B may be operative
to surround, support, or otherwise contact at least a portion
second limb portion 290 (e.g., at limb end 299, such as about a
heel region from underneath the foot and/or about a back of the
foot).
[0049] Apparatus 400 may include at least one support component,
such as a left support component 418L and a right support component
418R, which may extend between back base component 450B and anchor
component 410 for preventing anchor component 410 from moving with
respect to first limb position 273 when anchor component 410 is
coupled to first limb portion 270. For example, as shown, left
support component 418L may include a support body 415L that may
extend between a top support body end 413L and a bottom support
body end 417L, where top support body end 413L may be coupled to
any suitable portion of anchor component 410 via a top support
coupling mechanism 414L, and where bottom support body end 417L may
be coupled to any suitable portion of base component 450B (e.g., to
surface 454BL) via a bottom support coupling mechanism 416L.
Alternatively or additionally, as shown, right support component
418R may include a support body 415R that may extend between a top
support body end 413R and a bottom support body end 417R, where top
support body end 413R may be coupled to any suitable portion of
anchor component 410 via a top support coupling mechanism 414R, and
where bottom support body end 417R may be coupled to any suitable
portion of base component 450B (e.g., to surface 454BR) via a
bottom support coupling mechanism 416R. As shown, apparatus 400 may
include two support components, such as left support component 418L
and right support component 418R, that may be positioned on
opposite sides of limb 260 when apparatus 400 is worn by the user,
thereby providing suitable support on opposite sides of anchor
component 410. Alternatively, any other suitable number of support
components may be provided, such as a single support component that
may extend between base component 450B (e.g., at back base end
452BB) and anchor component 410 (e.g., at limb attachment component
412), or no support components may be provided by apparatus
400.
[0050] Link component 430 of apparatus 400 may include at least one
link body (e.g., first center link body 432C and/or second center
link body 432C) extending between a first link portion (e.g., first
first center link portion 4310 and/or first second center link
portion 431C', respectively) and a second link portion (e.g.,
second first center link portion 439C and/or second second center
link portion 439C', respectively). At least a portion of each link
body may include an elastic portion, for example, similar to
elastic portion 134 of apparatus 100. As shown, one, some, or each
first link portion (e.g., first first center link portion 431C
and/or first second center link portion 431C') may be coupled to
first limb portion 270 of user limb 260 at or about first limb
position 273 via anchor component 410 when anchor component 410 is
coupled to first limb portion 270 at or about first limb position
273, where, for example, a link portion may be coupled to anchor
component 410 via any suitable link anchor retention mechanism(s)
of anchor component 410 (e.g., first center link anchor retention
mechanism 421C and/or second center link anchor retention mechanism
421C). For example, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, link body 432C'
may be a closed loop (e.g., an at least partially elastic or
deformable loop, such as a rubber band or other suitable
material(s)), and associated link anchor retention mechanism 421C
may be a closed ring (e.g., a metal or plastic or otherwise
structurally rigid ring) through which first center link portion
431C of link body 432C may be passed (e.g., by a manufacturer) for
securing (e.g., unremovably or fixedly coupling) link body 432C of
link component 430 to anchor component 410. As another example, as
shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, link body 432C may not be a closed loop
but may instead be a segment (e.g., an at least partially elastic
or deformable segment, such as a non-looped rubber band or other
suitable material(s)) extending between free end link portions 431C
and 439C, and an associated link anchor retention mechanism 421C
may be an open ring (e.g., C-shaped) with a hollow having a
cross-sectional area less than that of respective end 431C, whereby
an opening in the ring may enable receipt of a portion of link body
432C after which tension of body 432C and the larger
cross-sectional area of end 431C may thereby enable link body 432C
to be removably coupled to link anchor retention mechanism 421C
(e.g., by a user). Additionally or alternatively, in some
embodiments, another portion of one, some, or each link body (e.g.,
second first center link portion 439C and/or second second center
link portion 439C', respectively) may be coupled to second limb
portion 290 at or about second limb position 293 via front base
component 450F when front base component 450F is coupled to second
limb portion 290 at or about second limb position 293, where, for
example, a second link portion may be coupled to base component
450F via any suitable link base retention mechanism(s) of base
component 450F. For example, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, center
link body 432C of link component 430 may not be a closed loop but
may instead be a segment (e.g., an at least partially elastic or
deformable segment, such as a non-looped rubber band or other
suitable material(s)) extending between free end link portions 431C
and 439C, and associated link base retention mechanism 441C may
include a feature with a hollow having a cross-sectional area less
than that of respective end 439C and through which link body 432C
may be passed (e.g., by a manufacturer) for securing (e.g.,
unremovably or fixedly coupling) link body 432C of link component
430 to base component 450F. As another example, as shown in FIGS.
13 and 14, link body 432C' of link component 430 may be a closed
loop (e.g., an at least partially elastic or deformable loop, such
as a rubber band or other suitable material(s)), and a link
retention mechanism may be provided directly by a portion of second
limb portion 290 (e.g., at or near position 293, such as the bottom
of a user's foot near the ball of the foot, similarly to channel
351 of base component 350 of apparatus 300) about which portion
439C of link body 432C' may be looped (e.g., by a user) for
coupling (e.g., removably or temporarily coupling) link body 432C
of link component 430 to user limb 460 when apparatus 400 is worn
by limb 460. Such apparatus 400 of FIGS. 13 and 14 may otherwise be
used similarly to apparatus 200 of FIGS. 2-11.
[0051] FIG. 15 is a right side elevational view, similar to FIGS.
8-11 and 13, of yet another exercise apparatus 500, in a second
stage of use, similar to the stage of use of FIGS. 8 and 12-14,
while FIG. 16 is a front elevational view, similar to FIGS. 12 and
14, of exercise apparatus 500, in the second stage of use of FIG.
15, while FIG. 17 is a top view, similar to FIG. 4, of exercise
apparatus 500, in the second stage of use of FIGS. 15 and 16.
Apparatus 500 of FIGS. 15-17 may be similar to apparatus 200 of
FIGS. 2-11 but may include at least one link body fixedly coupled
to each of an anchor component and a base component. Apparatus 500
of FIGS. 15-17 may include similar components to apparatus 200 of
FIGS. 2-11, with components of apparatus 500 of FIGS. 15-17 being
labeled with "5xx" reference labels that may correspond to the
"2xx" reference labels of the labeled components of apparatus 200
of FIGS. 2-11, where differences therebetween may be described
below.
[0052] As shown, apparatus 500 may include an anchor component 510,
a base component 550, and a link component 530. Anchor component
510 may include an anchor body 511 that may be operative to extend
along at least a portion of user limb 260 when anchor component 510
is coupled thereto (e.g., at location 273 along at least a portion
of first limb portion 270). Additionally or alternatively, anchor
component 510 may also a limb attachment component 512 that may be
operative to couple anchor component 510 (e.g., anchor body 511) to
user limb 260 (e.g., at location 273 of first limb portion 270).
Limb attachment component 512 may be any suitable mechanism, such
as a strap, and may provide the geometry for most if not all of
anchor body 511. A back anchor body portion 511b may provide
padding for comfort to user limb 260 when anchor component 510 is
coupled thereto for being worn by the user.
[0053] A base component 550 may include a base body 555 with top
and bottom base surfaces 556T and 556B as well as left and right
base side surfaces 554L and 554R, each of which may generally
extend between a back base end 552B and a front base end 552F for
forming the structure of base body 555. As shown, base body 555 may
be operative to surround, support, or otherwise contact at least a
portion second limb portion 290 (e.g., at limb end 291, such as
about a toe or ball region of a foot (e.g., at or near position
293) from underneath the foot and about a side or sides of the foot
and/or over a portion of the top of the foot). Apparatus 500 may or
may not include at least one support component (not shown) for
heling to preventing anchor component 510 from moving with respect
to first limb position 273 when anchor component 510 is coupled to
first limb portion 270.
[0054] Link component 530 of apparatus 500 may include at least one
link body (e.g., left link body 532L and/or right link body 532R)
extending between a first link portion (e.g., first left link
portion 531L and/or first right link portion 531R, respectively)
and a second link portion (e.g., second left link portion 539L
and/or second right link portion 539R, respectively). At least a
portion of each link body may include an elastic portion, for
example, similar to elastic portion 134 of apparatus 100. As shown,
one, some, or each first link portion (e.g., first left link
portion 531L and/or first right link portion 531R) may be coupled
to first limb portion 270 of user limb 260 at or about first limb
position 273 via anchor component 510 when anchor component 510 is
coupled to first limb portion 270 at or about first limb position
273, where, for example, a link portion may be coupled to anchor
component 510 via any suitable link anchor retention mechanism(s)
of anchor component 510 (e.g., left anchor retention mechanism 521L
and/or right anchor retention mechanism 521R). For example, as
shown in FIGS. 15-17, link body 532L may be a closed loop (e.g., an
at least partially elastic or deformable loop, such as a rubber
band or other suitable material(s)), and associated link anchor
retention mechanism 521L may be a closed ring (e.g., a metal or
plastic or otherwise structurally rigid ring) through which first
left link portion 531L of link body 532L may be passed (e.g., by a
manufacturer) for securing (e.g., unremovably or fixedly coupling)
link body 532L of link component 530 to anchor component 510.
Additionally or alternatively, as another example, as also shown in
FIGS. 15-17, link body 532R may be a closed loop (e.g., an at least
partially elastic or deformable loop, such as a rubber band or
other suitable material(s)), and associated link anchor retention
mechanism 521R may be a closed ring (e.g., a metal or plastic or
otherwise structurally rigid ring) through which first right link
portion 531R of link body 532R may be passed (e.g., by a
manufacturer) for securing (e.g., unremovably or fixedly coupling)
link body 532R of link component 530 to anchor component 510.
Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, another portion
of one, some, or each link body (e.g., second left link portion
539L and/or second right link portion 539R, respectively) may be
coupled to second limb portion 290 at or about second limb position
293 via base component 550 when base component 550 is coupled to
second limb portion 290 at or about second limb position 293,
where, for example, a second link portion may be coupled to base
component 550 via any suitable link base retention mechanism(s) of
base component 550. For example, as shown in FIGS. 15-17, left link
body 532L of link component 530 may be a closed loop (e.g., an at
least partially elastic or deformable loop, such as a rubber band
or other suitable material(s)), and an associated link base
retention mechanism 541L may be a closed ring (e.g., a metal or
plastic or otherwise structurally rigid ring) through which second
left link portion 539L of link body 532L may be passed (e.g., by a
manufacturer) for securing (e.g., unremovably or fixedly coupling)
link body 532L of link component 530 to base component 550.
Additionally or alternatively, as another example, as also shown in
FIGS. 15-17, right link body 532R of link component 530 may be a
closed loop (e.g., an at least partially elastic or deformable
loop, such as a rubber band or other suitable material(s)), and an
associated link base retention mechanism 541R may be a closed ring
(e.g., a metal or plastic or otherwise structurally rigid ring)
through which second right link portion 539R of link body 532R may
be passed (e.g., by a manufacturer) for securing (e.g., unremovably
or fixedly coupling) link body 532R of link component 530 to base
component 550. Alternatively, although not shown in FIGS. 15-17,
rather than two link bodies 532L and 532R and a base component 550,
link component 530 may include a single base body that may be
coupled to anchor component 510 and that may be removably coupled
to second limb portion 290 (e.g., similarly to base body 432C of
apparatus 400), such that no base component may be needed at all.
Such apparatus 500 of FIGS. 15-17 may otherwise be used similarly
to apparatus 200 of FIGS. 2-11.
[0055] It is to be understood that different features of different
embodiments of apparatus 100, apparatus 200, apparatus 300,
apparatus 400, and apparatus 500 may be combined to form any
suitable exercise apparatus for use by any suitable user limb 160.
For example, any suitable number of link bodies may be fixedly or
removably coupled to an anchor component and/or a base component
using any suitable coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, at
least one portion of each link body may be coupled to at least one
of an anchor component and a base component at all times such that
that link body may not be easily misplaced. Any suitable number of
link bodies of any suitable elastic modulus or different elastic
moduli may be provided for enabling various subsets to be coupled
to both first and second limb portions of the user for varying the
resistance provided by the exercise apparatus during use. Only a
portion of a link body may be elastic while another portion may be
non-elastic. Alternatively, the entirety of a link body may be
elastic.
[0056] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an illustrative process 600 for
exercising a user's limb using exercise apparatus. At step 602,
process 600 may include coupling an anchor component of an exercise
apparatus to a first limb portion of a user's limb at a first limb
position along the first limb portion, where the exercise apparatus
includes a plurality of bands, where each band of the plurality of
bands includes a band body that extends between a first band
portion that is coupled to the anchor component and a second band
portion. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8-10, anchor component 210
of exercise apparatus 200 may be coupled to first limb portion 270
of user's limb 260 at first limb position 273 along first limb
portion 270, where apparatus 200 may include link component 230
with multiple link bands (e.g., link bands 232R, 232L, and 232C,
each of which may extend between a first band portion coupled to
anchor component 210 (e.g., at portions 231R, 231L, and 231C
coupled to respective mechanisms 221R, 221L, and 221C) and a second
band portion (e.g., portions 239R, 239L, and 239C)). At step 604,
process 600 may include coupling the second band portion of each
band of a subset of bands of the plurality of bands to a portion of
a second limb portion of a user's limb. For example, as described
above with respect to FIGS. 8-10, any subset of second portions
231R, 231L, and 231C of link bodies 232R, 232L, and 232C may be
coupled to second limb portion 290 of user's limb 260 (e.g., at
position 293, directly or via a base component). Next, at step 606,
after steps 602 and 604, process 600 may include providing a
resistance with the band body of each band of the subset of bands
to the user's limb when the user's limb increases the distance
between the first limb position and the portion of the second limb
portion using a joint limb portion of the user's limb that is
between the first limb portion and the second limb portion. For
example, as described above with respect to FIGS. 8-10, each link
body that may be extending between first limb position 273 (e.g.,
via anchor component 210) and second limb position 293 (e.g., via
base component 250) may provide a resistance to limb 260 when limb
260 increases the distance between first limb position 273 and
second limb position 293 using joint limb portion 280. In some
embodiments, after step 606, process 600 may then include coupling
the second band portion of each band of another subset of bands of
the plurality of bands to the portion of the second limb portion,
and, after the coupling of the second band portion of each band of
the other subset, providing another resistance with the band body
of each band of the other subset of bands to the user's limb when
the user's limb increases the distance between the first limb
position and the portion of the second limb portion using the joint
limb portion, wherein the other subset is different than the subset
and the other resistance is different than the resistance.
[0057] It is understood that the steps shown in process 600 of FIG.
18 are merely illustrative and that existing steps may be modified
or omitted, additional steps may be added, and the order of certain
steps may be altered.
[0058] While there have been described apparatus and methods for
exercising a limb of a user, it is to be understood that many
changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the subject matter described herein in any way.
Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by
a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later
devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within
the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or
later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be
within the scope of the defined elements.
[0059] Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments,
which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of
limitation.
* * * * *