Exercise apparatus

Abstract

Methods and systems for forming a photodiode in a substrate, forming a source/drain region in the substrate and extending over at least a portion of the photodiode, and growing a thermal oxide layer over the photodiode by performing a rapid thermal anneal (RTA) process utilizing an oxidizing environment.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to exercise equipment, and more particularly, to hand held exercise equipment.

2. Description of Related Art

In recent years personal fitness has become a priority for people of all ages. There are a number of commercially available diet and nutrition programs, memberships to athletic clubs, gyms, and other fitness facilities have steadily increased, and the market for personal exercise equipment is strong and continues to increase.

However, two significant challenges faced by the manufacturers of personal exercise equipment are first, the practicality of the equipment, and second, the effectiveness of the equipment. From a practicality standpoint the equipment should be easy to use in a work or home environment and should not take up an excessive amount of space. From an effectiveness standpoint, the equipment should provide a significant fitness benefit to the user when compared to the effort expended to use the equipment, which includes the setup of the equipment for each use and the effort or energy required to use the equipment.

Conventional exercise equipment traditionally fails to provide both a practical and an effective solution. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a personal exercise apparatus or device that is both practical and effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention may generally provide a hand held personal exercise apparatus. The personal exercise apparatus generally includes an elongated frame member having at least two handles formed thereon that are configured to allow the user to hold and operate the apparatus. At least one terminating end of the frame member includes a rotatably mounted weight attachment device. The weight attachment device is generally configured to rotate around an axis, which may be an elongated central axis of the frame member. The personal exercise apparatus may further include a weight member releasably connected to the attachment device and configured to rotate around the axis of rotation for the attachment device.

Embodiments of the invention may further provide an exercise apparatus. The apparatus may include an elongated rod member, a plurality of cylindrically shaped handle members, each of the handle members having a circular cross sectional bore formed through a longitudinal axis thereof, and each of the plurality of cylindrically shaped handle members being positioned with the rod member traversing through the bore, at least one end portion fixedly attached to a terminating end of the rod member, a weight attachment member extending from the end portion, and a weight attached to the weight attachment member.

Embodiments of the invention may further provide an exercise apparatus. The apparatus may include an elongated frame member, at least two handle members adjacently positioned along the elongated frame member and rigidly attached thereto, an end cap rotatably mounted to a terminating end of the elongated frame member, a weight attachment member positioned on the end cap, and a weight member configured to be attached to the weight attachment member.

Embodiments of the invention may further provide an exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus may include an elongated frame member manufactured from metal, reinforced fiberglass or plastic, or carbon fiber, at least two cylindrically shaped handle members adjacently positioned along the elongated frame member, the at least two handle members having a longitudinal bore formed there through that is configured to receive the elongated frame member therein, an end cap rotatably mounted to each terminating end of the elongated frame member, each end cap having an attachment member extending therefrom, and a soft weight member having a loop formed into a first end thereof, the loop being configured to removably attach to the attachment member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying Figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion, and as such, the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular size, scale, or ratio of elements illustrated.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side sectional view of a main body portion of an exemplary exercise apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary exercise apparatus of the invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary weight for an exercise apparatus of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.

Additionally, in the following, reference is made to various exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any of the specifically described embodiments. Rather, the invention may include any combination of the features and elements described in the various embodiments described herein or in the priority application. Furthermore, various embodiments the invention provide numerous advantages over the prior art. However, although embodiments of the invention may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and/or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the invention. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to “the invention” shall not be construed as a generalization of any exemplary inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s).

FIG. 1 illustrates a side sectional view of a main body portion of an exemplary exercise apparatus of the invention. The exercise apparatus 100 may generally include an elongated frame member 102. The frame member 102 may generally be cylindrical in shape, or alternatively, the frame member may of any other shape or cross section. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the frame member 102 may be an elongated rod having a generally circular cross-section having a diameter of between about 0.25 inches and about 0.5 inches. A plurality of handles 104 may be attached to the frame member 102, and a rotatable terminating end (end cap) member 106 may be positioned on each terminating end 107 of the frame member 102. The rotatable terminating end member 106 may further include an attachment member 108. The attachment member may be a snap, a clip, a tie back, a Velcro assembly, or any other mechanical or magnetic device configured to secure a weight to the rotatable terminating end member 106.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the frame member 102 may be an elongated rod member. The rod may be formed from metal, an alloy, wood, plastic, or other composite material, such as fiberglass or a reinforced carbon fiber-type material. The material used for the frame member 102 will generally be rigid enough to not break under the stresses associated with operating the apparatus 100 (as further described herein), however, the material may be flexible and allow for bending during operation without departing from the scope of the invention. However, the inventors note that the material from which the frame member 102 is manufactured is not critical to the novelty of the invention, and as such, the inventors contemplate that the frame member 102 may be manufactured from a plurality of materials known in the exercise equipment art.

In embodiments of the invention where the frame member 102 is circular in cross section, the handles 104 may also be rotatably mounted on the frame member 102, i.e., the rod member 102 may extend through an interior portion of each of the handles 104 and the handles 104 may be configured to allow the rod member 102 to rotate within the handles 104. The handles may be cylindrically shaped and have the bore formed through the longitudinal axis thereof, where the bore is slightly larger in diameter (less than 5%) than the diameter of the frame member 102. In this embodiment, the interior of the handle members 104 may generally include a circular bore formed there through, where the bore is sized to slidably or rotatably receive the rod member 102 there through. This configuration allows a plurality of elongated handles 104 each having a circular bore formed axially there through to be slidably mounted on the frame member 102. In this configuration, with the handles 104 may also include a plurality of spacers 206 (as shown in FIG. 2) positioned between each of the handles 104. The spacers 206, which may be sleeves configured to receive the frame (rod) member 102 there through, may be configured to allow adjacent handles 104 to rotate independently of each other with out frictional contact there between.

Generally, the handle members 104 may be mounted on the frame member 102 between the end members 106. However, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a handle member 104 may be mounted on the frame member 102 at a position that is outward of an end member 106. For example, referring to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1, the frame member 102 may be configured to extend through one of the end members 106, so that another handle member 104 may be mounted on the extending portion of the frame member 102 outside the end member 106. In this embodiment of the invention, an additional end member 106 may be used to secure the handle member 104 on to the frame member 102, i.e., to prevent the handle member 104 from sliding off of the frame of member 102. Thus, various embodiments of the invention provide for the end members 106 to be positioned at various locations along the frame member 102 with handles 104 optionally positioned there between or adjacently.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the frame member 102 may be non-circular in cross section. For example, the frame member 102 may be oval, rectangular, square, trapezoidal, or any other shape. In this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the handle members 104 will generally not be rotatably mounted on the frame member 102 itself, as a non circular frame member 102 makes it difficult to provide smooth slidable or rotatable engagement between the frame member 102 and the handles 104. However, if a non-circular frame member 102 is used and rotatable engagement between the handles 104 and the frame member 102 is desired, then friction reducing devices, such as bearings or other devices configured to provide rotatable movement between two mechanical devices, may be used between the handle members 104 and the frame number 102.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the handle members 104 may be fixedly mounted to the frame member 102. In this embodiment the handle members 104 do not rotate with respect to the frame member 102. Further, in this embodiment of the invention, the frame number 102 and the handle members 104 may be formed from a unitary piece of material. However, as will be further discussed herein, one function of the apparatus of the invention is to provide rotatable movement to a weight attached to the exercise apparatus of the invention. Thus, in an embodiment of the invention where the handle members 104 are rigidly attached to the frame member 102, the terminating in 106 of the exercise apparatus 100 will generally be rotatable he mounted to the frame 102 or handle 104 members.

The terminating end member 106 generally functions to secure a weight 200 to the exercise apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 2. The weight 200, which is also shown in perspective in FIG. 3, generally includes an attachment member 302, a body 304, and a terminating end 306. The attachment member 302 of the weight 200 is generally configured to securely attached the weight 200 to the attachment member 108 of the exercise apparatus 100. Generally, the attachment member 108 of the exercise apparatus 100 is mounted on the terminating in 106, which is rotatably mounted to the frame member 102 of the exercise apparatus 100. Thus, the configuration of the rotatably mounted terminating end 106 allows for the weight 200 to rotate about the longitudinal axis 202 of the exercise apparatus 100.

In operation, the user will hold the exercise apparatus 100 at one or more locations, which will generally be the handles 104 In one exemplary embodiment, the user may hold the exercise apparatus 100 in front of their body in a manner so that the longitudinal axis of the frame member 102 is substantially vertical. The user may place a first hand on a lower handle 104 and a second hand on an upper handle 104. The user may then hold the lower and stationary while moving the upper hand in a circular motion in a horizontal plane, as illustrated by arrow 204 in FIG. 2.

The movement of the exercise apparatus 100 in the circular motion causes the weight 200 to rotate around the longitudinal axis 202 of the frame member 102. The movement of the weight 200 creates a centrifugal force that the user must overcome to maintain the exercise apparatus 100 in the proper orientation. The centrifugal force (generally referred to as the centrifugal effect in science) essentially pushes away from the point of rotation of the rotating mass, which is the longitudinal axis 202 of the exercise apparatus 100 in the present exemplary embodiment. Thus, the movement of the weight 200 requires the user to exert a force with both hands to try and maintain the exercise apparatus in a substantially vertical manner, while also continuing to move the exercise apparatus 100 in a slight circular motion with the upper (or lower) hand to facilitate the continued movement or rotation of the weight 200 about the longitudinal axis 202.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the exercise apparatus 100 may be used in conjunction with an elastic or other type of stretchable band(s) 112 that is configured to provide resistance to stretching. The stretchable band 112 may be attached to the rotatable end members 106 via the attachment device 108 (optional). The user may then attach the band 112 to a fixed point and then hold the exercise apparatus 100 by one or more handles 104. The user may then move the exercise apparatus 100 in a direction that causes the bands 112 to stretch, which causes resistance to the user as a result of the bands 112 stretching. Similarly, the user may move the exercise apparatus in a direction that decreases the stretching of the bands 112 while simultaneously resisting the movement. The resistance provided by the band 112 provides exercise to the user. This configuration may be used, for example, by the user to do bicep curls. In this configuration the band 112 may be held under the user's feet as the user stands upright with the exercise apparatus 100 in front of the user's body. The user may hold the exercise apparatus with one or both hands and execute a curl motion. The motion of the curl will extend the stretchable band 112 and create resistance to the curl exercise.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the handles 104 of the exercise apparatus 100 may be manufactured from metal, plastic, rubber, or other material that may be commonly used in the exercise art. Each of the handles 104 may also be configured to contain a plurality of raised portions 110 on an exterior surface thereof. These raised portions 110 may be bumps, lines, shapes, waves, or any other protrusion. The raised portions 110 are generally configured to operate to provide grip to the user of the exercise apparatus. However, the raised portions 110 may also be configured to facilitate massage actions. For example, the user may repeatedly roll the handle 104 across a sore muscle area and the raised portions may be used to massage the sore area. The raised portions 110 may generally extend between at lest about ⅛ inch above the handle 104 and about ⅜ inch above the handle 104. Each handle 104 may generally include a plurality of the raised portions 110 positioned across a substantial portion of the exterior surface of the handle 104.

In an exemplary embodiment, the weight member 200 may be a soft or hard type weight. Hard weights are generally manufactured from solid materials such as metals and have a hard exterior surface. Alternatively, soft weights generally include a container which is soft in nature that is configured to contain a weighted material inside. The container may be a fabric, a plastic, a rubber material, or any other material that may be used to contain a soft white material. The soft weight material may be sand, gel, liquid, or other dense material configured to provide weight. An advantage that soft weights have over hard weights is that the soft weights cause less damage. For example, if a soft weight is dropped on a floor, the war will generally be undamaged, whereas if a corresponding hard weights were dropped on the floor, it is likely with the floor will either be shipped or damaged from the hard outer surface of the weight. Thus, soft weights provide advantages to the exercise apparatus 100, as the weight is rotating around the frame number 102 proximate the user. As such, if the user loses control of the apparatus 100, it is desirable to have a soft weight on the apparatus 100 so that the user is less likely to be harmed by the weight.

In various embodiments of the invention, weight 200 may be selected to create a desired level of exercise. For example, if a lighter workout or level of exercise is desired, then a lighter weight may be used on the apparatus. Similarly, if a more stringent workout or level of exercise is desired, then a heavier weight may be used on the apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, various weights may be used by a single user. For example, weights of 1, 1.5, 2, 1.5, 3, 3.5, or 5 pounds may effectively be used with the apparatus to provide various levels of exercise.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: an elongated rod member;a plurality of cylindrically shaped handle members, each of the handle members having a circular cross sectional bore formed through a longitudinal axis thereof, and each of the plurality of cylindrically shaped handle members being positioned with the rod member traversing through the bore;at least one end portion fixedly attached to a terminating end of the rod member;a weight attachment member extending from the end portion; anda weight attached to the weight attachment member.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rod member is manufactured from metal, reinforced fiberglass, or carbon fiber.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weight comprises a soft weight having a loop at one end, and wherein the weight attachment member comprises a clip configured to engage the loop to secure the weight thereto.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the handle members comprises a plurality of raised portions formed on an exterior surface.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the bore is sized to be less than 5% larger than an outer diameter of the rod member.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, comprising three a plurality of cylindrically shaped handle members.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, comprising two end portions positioned at opposite terminating ends of the rod member and having the three cylindrically shaped handle member positioned there between.

8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rod member has a diameter of between about 0.25 inches and about 0.5 inches.

9. The exercise apparatus of claim 7, further comprising an elastic band member connected at terminating ends of the band member to each of the two end portions.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein the band member comprises a rubber band having a loop on each terminating end, the loop being configured to attach to the weight attachment members.

11. An exercise apparatus, comprising: an elongated frame member;at least two handle members adjacently positioned along the elongated frame member and rigidly attached thereto;an end cap rotatably mounted to a terminating end of the elongated frame member;a weight attachment member positioned on the end cap; anda weight member configured to be attached to the weight attachment member.

12. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least two handle members comprise cylindrically shaped members having the elongated frame member extending through a bore formed along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrically shaped members.

13. The exercise apparatus of claim 12, wherein an exterior surface of the cylindrically shaped members comprises a plurality of raised portions.

14. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, further comprising an end cap rotatably mounted on each of two terminating ends of the elongated frame member, each end cap having a weight attachment clip extending therefrom.

15. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the weight member comprises a body portion and a loop shaped member that is configured to secure to a hook shaped attachment clip member on the end cap.

16. The exercise apparatus of claim 14, further comprising an elastic band member connected at a first terminating end of the band to a first weight attachment clip and at a second terminating end to a second weight attachment clip, the first and second weight attachment clips being positioned at opposing ends of the frame member.

17. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the elongated frame member comprises metal, reinforced plastic or fiberglass, or carbon fiber.

18. An exercise apparatus, comprising: an elongated frame member manufactured from metal, reinforced fiberglass or plastic, or carbon fiber;at least two cylindrically shaped handle members adjacently positioned along the elongated frame member, the at least two handle members having a longitudinal bore formed there through that is configured to receive the elongated frame member therein;an end cap rotatably mounted to each terminating end of the elongated frame member, each end cap having an attachment member extending therefrom; anda soft weight member having a loop formed into a first end thereof, the loop being configured to removably attach to the attachment member.

19. The exercise apparatus of claim 18, wherein the handle members comprise raised massage portions on an outer surface of the handle members.

20. The exercise apparatus of claim 19, further comprising an elastic band member connected at a first terminating end to one of the end cap attachment members and at a second terminating end to a second one of the end cap attachment members.