Patent Application
20250205541
The present disclosure relates generally to exercise apparatuses, and more particularly to a compact, efficient, and injury-preventive exercise device that enables comprehensive upper body muscle engagement while reducing the risk of overuse injuries.
Various exercise devices have been proposed for improving the effect of an exercise. Some exercise devices distribute weight during exercise. A weight lifting aid for barbell lifting or arm curls. The weight lifting aid includes a rigid member that has a concave surface for fitting on the shoulders of the weightlifter during barbell lifting or across the stomach during arm curls. The rigid member distributes weight away from the nape of the neck during barbell lifting. This weight lifting aid is not designed for push-ups or bench presses.
Some exercise devices restrict the movement of the arms or legs during exercise. Strength training is an essential component of physical fitness, helping individuals build muscle mass, enhance endurance, and improve overall health. Among various strength-training exercises, the bench press is one of the most effective and widely practiced movements for developing upper body strength. However, despite its benefits, traditional bench-press training often leads to injuries and imbalanced muscle development due to the inability to engage smaller stabilizing muscle groups effectively.
According to a prior art, a weight lifting harness worn on a shoulder to keep the biceps, triceps and forearm muscles in predetermined positions during a weight lifting exercise. The harness includes a U-shaped yoke that fits across the chest during a weight lifting exercise. Ends of the yoke include pads that are positioned against the biceps during the weight lifting exercise. These devices are directed to restricting movement during exercise and are not directed to assisting push-ups or bench presses.
Many individuals performing the bench press experience shoulder strain, joint overuse injuries, and muscular imbalances. This occurs because conventional weightlifting methods primarily target large muscle groups, such as the pectoralis major, deltoids, and triceps, while neglecting smaller stabilizing muscles that play a crucial role in movement stability and injury prevention. Additionally, repetitive high-load training can cause excessive joint stress, increasing the likelihood of long-term damage. Several exercise devices have been developed to aid in upper body strength training. However, existing devices fails to provide comprehensive Upper Body Engagement. Further, free weights and machines do not effectively activate the smaller muscle groups required for balanced strength development. Conventional bench pressing requires multiple high-load repetitions, leading to stress on the shoulders, elbows, and wrists over time. Most strength-training equipment is bulky, expensive, and gym-dependent, making it impractical for home workouts or travel. Many existing training methods require long sessions with multiple exercises to target all relevant muscle groups, making strength training less time-efficient.
Therefore, there is a need for an exercise device for strengthening upper body muscles that provides comprehensive upper body engagement, injury prevention, and isotonic and isometric training.
The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is intended to neither identify key nor critical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments.
The present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, relates to an exercise device for strengthening upper body muscles. The exercise device is configured to allow a user to engage all upper body muscle groups simultaneously during a bench press movement. The exercise device is compact and lightweight, thereby enabling use in various places that include at home, in the gym, at work, or while traveling. The exercise device comprises a resistance band, a fastening member, and a strapping member.
An embodiment of the first aspect wherein, an elastic strap is configured as a closed loop. The elastic strap is encased within an elastomeric material, thereby forming the resistance band. The resistance band is tightly pinched at a middle portion to create a pair of loops. The resistance band comprises a length of at least 20 inches, a width various between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches, and a thickness various between 3 mm and 6.4 mm. The resistance band is configured to provide isotonic and isometric resistance during exercise movements.
An embodiment of the first aspect wherein, the fastening member is configured to secure the pinched middle portion of the resistance band. The pinched middle portion is secured using the fastening member through either a double layer configuration or a triple layer configuration. The fastening member is a two-sided heavy-duty hook-and-loop tape that is at least 2 inches wide.
An embodiment of the first aspect wherein, the strapping member is adapted for enclosing the fastening member to create friction points and increase resistance on each loop. The strapping member is made of a heavy-duty elastic material. The strapping member has a width of at least 3 inches.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.
Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.
In one embodiment herein, the resistance band 102 comprises an elastomeric material 102A, and an clastic strap 102B. The elastic strap 102B is configured as a closed loop. The clastic strap 102B is encased within the elastomeric material 102A to enhance durability, flexibility, and user comfort, thereby forming the resistance band 102. The elastomeric material 102A is specifically spandex, which provides excellent stretchability while maintaining its structural integrity over repeated use. The elastomeric material 102A is configured to protect the resistance band 102 from wear and tear, reduces the risk of snapping or deformation, and offers a smooth, comfortable surface for the user. Additionally, the elastomeric material 102A may improve grip and reduce friction during exercises, ensuring a secure and controlled workout experience. The resistance band 102 is configured to be tightly pinched at a middle portion 104 to create a pair of loops 103.
In one embodiment, the resistance band 102 comprises a length of at least 20 inches, a width various between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches, and a thickness various between 3 mm and 6.4 mm. The resistance band 102 is configured to provide isotonic and isometric resistance during exercise movements.
In on embodiment, the resistance band 102 is available in multiple resistance levels, which vary based on differences in width and thickness. A wider and thicker band generally provides higher resistance, while a narrower and thinner band offers lower resistance, allowing the user to choose a band that matches their strength and training needs.
The pinched middle portion 104 of the resistance band 102 is designed to generate a variable resistance effect as the user stretches the resistance band 102. The resistance band 102 is pulled, the resistance increases progressively, requiring greater effort the further the resistance band 102 is stretched. This feature aids in performing controlled strength training exercises, rehabilitation movements, and flexibility routines. The variable resistance effect also allows for smooth transitions between different intensity levels, making the resistance band 102 suitable for the user of varying fitness levels.
In one embodiment herein, the fastening member 106 is configured to secure the pinched middle portion 104 of the resistance band 102. The pinched middle portion 104 is secured using the fastening member 106 through either a double layer configuration or a triple layer configuration. The fastening member 106 is a two-sided heavy-duty hook-and-loop tape that is at least 2 inches wide.
In another embodiment, the fastening member 106 comprises, but is not limited to, snap fasteners, magnetic fasteners, zippers, adhesive strips, button and loop closures, lace-up fastening, buckle straps, tension clips or clamps, and elastic bands.
In some embodiments, the fastening member 106 comprises snap fasteners that are made of metal or plastic, which securely lock together to fasten the pinched middle portion 104 of the resistance band 102. In some embodiments, the fastening member 106 comprises magnetic fasteners. The magnetic fasteners are embedded in the resistance band 102 at the pinched middle portion 104 for a secure and easy-to-open closure.
In one embodiment herein, the strapping member 108 is adapted for enclosing the fastening member 106 to create friction points and increase resistance on each loop 103. The strapping member 108 is made of a heavy-duty elastic material. The strapping member 108 has a width of at least 3 inches.
In one embodiment, the fastening member 106, in combination with the strapping member 108, provides progressive resistance adjustment by allowing the user to modify the tension and length of the resistance band 102. The fastening member 106 secures the pinched middle portion 104 of the band, while the strapping member 108 adjusts the effective length of the resistance band 102. By tightening or loosening the strapping member 108, the user can increase or decrease resistance levels, making the exercise device 100 adaptable for different strength levels and exercise types.
In one embodiment, the exercise device 100 enables strengthening of smaller tie-in muscle groups that are not effectively targeted by traditional weight training. The design of the exercise device 100 reduces overuse injuries by minimizing repetitive strain on joints during resistance training.
In one embodiment, the exercise device 100 is a compact, efficient, and injury-preventive exercise device that enables comprehensive upper body muscle engagement while reducing the risk of overuse injuries. The exercise device 100 is configured to provide both dynamic (isotonic) and static (isometric) resistance training that enhances muscle stability, reduces joint stress, and offers convenience for the user in any setting.
In one embodiment, the exercise device 100 simultaneously activates all upper body muscle groups, including smaller stabilizing muscles that are often neglected in traditional bench press training. The exercise device 100 reduces the risk of shoulder, elbow, and wrist injuries by strengthening tie-in muscle groups and minimizing overuse strain on joints. The exercise device 100 is small, lightweight, and easy to transport, making it ideal for home use, gym workouts, office settings, and travel.
In one embodiment, the exercise device 100 allows the user to achieve full upper body muscle engagement in a shorter time compared to conventional training methods. The exercise device 100 is available in different resistance strengths based on width and thickness, enabling progressive training for beginners to advanced users. The exercise device 100 provides effective resistance training without requiring barbells or dumbbells, reducing equipment costs and storage space. The exercise device 100 is designed for users of all fitness levels, requiring minimal instruction or setup to begin training effectively. The exercise device 100 engages stabilizing muscles, improving balance, posture, and overall movement efficiency in other strength-training exercises.
In one embodiment, unlike traditional weightlifting, which requires multiple repetitions with heavy loads, the exercise device 100 minimizes repetitive strain while still building strength. The exercise device 100 is used for multiple exercises beyond bench press training, including shoulder stabilization, chest expansion, and resistance-based rehabilitation exercises. The exercise device 100 provides a more affordable alternative to expensive gym equipment, allowing users to train effectively without investing in multiple machines or weights.
In the foregoing description various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The various embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.
