The present invention generally relates to exercise devices, and in particular to an exercise device having an inelastic strap that is easily configurable for anchoring to a structure.
Resistance exercise devices allow a user to exercise by providing a resistance to the movement of a user's arms, legs, or torso. Thus, for example, such devices allow a user to exercise by working one muscle against another, or by working against the weight of the user, by providing a resistance to the movement of a user's arms, legs, or torso. Resistance exercise devices typically include either elastic bands or inelastic straps.
Resistance exercise devices having elastic bands typically restrict the motion of a user's arms and/or legs, or the motion between the user and a support structure. Elastic exercise devices typically have limited usefulness that result from their resistance characteristics, which depend on the length and elasticity of the elastic band. Due to differences in height, weight, or strength between different users, it may not be possible to use a device for a variety of exercises or for different users to use the device for the same exercise. Elastic resistance exercise devices typically provide resistance that is inconsistent and which increases with increasing displacement, and tend to snap back when released.
Resistance exercise devices having inelastic straps are typically attachable to a structure, such as, for example, a door. While devices having inelastic straps do not have many of the problems of those having elastic bands, they are generally usable for a limited number of exercises.
There is a need to provide a resistance exercise device that is capable of being used for a complete workout for any user, including adjustments that allow a wide range of stances and exercises, and that provides resistance to the user's motion in a form that is useful for exercising.
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art by providing an exercise device that is easily configurable and mountable to a variety of structures. For example, certain embodiments described herein include a number of rings for connecting different exercise device components.
In certain embodiments, an exercise device for mounting between a door and a door jamb of a closed door is provided. The exercise device includes an anchor and a pair of adjustable length portions. The anchor has a first portion, an enlarged portion, and an elongate portion extending between the first portion and the enlarged portion. Each of the pair of adjustable length portions extends from a corresponding grip to the first portion. When the anchor is mounted to the closed door the elongated portion extends from a first side of the closed door to a second side of the closed door, the enlarged portion is not passable through the closed door, and the elongate portion extends away from the door by a distance.
In certain other embodiments, an adjustable, inelastic exercise device for mounting to a structure is provided. The device includes a first, second, and third elongated member. The first elongated member has a first length between a first grip and a first attachment position, and a first mechanism to adjust the first length. The second elongated member has a second length between a second grip and a second attachment position, and a second mechanism to adjust the second length. The third elongated member has a first end coupled to the first attachment position and the second attachment position, and a third length between the first end and a second end attachable to a door jamb. The third length is greater than 1 inch.
These features together with the various ancillary provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, are attained by the exercise device of the present invention, embodiments thereof being shown with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein:
Reference symbols are used in the Figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure indicating like components, aspects or features shown therein.
For purposes of contrasting various embodiments with the prior art, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described where appropriate herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such aspects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Modifications and variations can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the sprit and scope of the invention including, but not limited to: the use of inelastic members, which are described herein as straps, that are round or have some other cross-sectional shape, and/or which are formed from two or more members joined together, as by stitching or with an adhesive; or the use of different mechanisms for adjusting the length of inelastic member that are known in the field including, but not limited to, buckles, hooks, or winding the inelastic member about a rigid element. Moreover, any one or more features of any embodiment may be combined with any one or more other features of any other embodiment, without departing from the scope of the invention.
Disclosed herein is an inelastic exercise device that is supported by, or that can be easily attached to, a supporting structure, and that allows a user to perform a large number of exercises by easily adjusting the length of the device and thereafter balancing the device as the user's weight is transferred to the device. Several of the features will now be illustrated with reference to
Exercise device 100 includes an anchor 110 and a pair of elongated members 122, indicated as a first elongated member 122a and a second elongated member 122b, on either side of the anchor, as shown schematically in
As used herein, the noun “grip” encompasses any device that is interlockable with part of the human body, that is it can be connected in such a way that a person can transfer a force to the grip, preferably a force equal to some or all of the person's weight, and the verb “grip,” when used herein, refers to the action of interlocking the device and a body part. When used in an exercise device, a grip is attached to other elements that permit the force to be transferred to another object, including but not limited to a stationary support, a device that can store or release energy, such as an elastic cord or a spring, or another body part. Grips include devices that can be surrounded by a body part, for example flexible loop or a hook, or that a body part can surround, for example an elongated member that can fit within the grasp of the hand. In this context, a member that can be gripped, or is grippable, is one that can surround a body part or can be surrounded by a body part, and has a size and configuration that permits the transfer of forces from the user to the grip. A “hand grip” is grip that is sized for grasping by the hand, a “foot grip” is grip that is sized for grasping a foot, and a “finger grip” is grip that is sized for grasping by one or more fingers.
Anchor 110 provides a support for elongated member 120 that permits some amount of movement. Specifically, the interaction of anchor 110 and elongated member 120 allows the elongated member to be positioned along on the anchor, and may also provide resistance to the movement of the elongated member along the anchor. Preferably the resistance is sufficient so that, under some circumstances, the support prevents movement of elongated member 120 along anchor 110, even where there is some mis-match of forces on the ends of the elongated member. In this way exercise device 100 may be used for a variety of exercises, by changing the length of elongated member 120, for example, and also provide an exercise device that can provide support for the user while exercising.
One type of support is referred to herein, without limitation, as a “frictional support.” Anchors that provide frictional support include, but are not limited to, an element or portion of an element that can support elongated member 120 during exercising, and over which the elongated member can slide. Resistance to the movement of elongated member 120 over anchor 110 may be determined, in part, by the frictional resistance of the elongated member sliding over the anchor. In several embodiments of methods of using exercise device 100, elongated member 120 slides along anchor 110 while a user positions herself. During exercising, a slight mis-match in the pulling forces on the grips is matched by static friction of the frictional support, and the grips do not move while exercising. That is, the static friction between elongated member 120 and anchor 110 generated by the frictional support is sufficient to permit exercises in which elongated member 120 does not slide through anchor 110 while exercising. Means that provide frictional support include elements or portions of elements that form part of or which are attached to an anchor and which can support an elongated member (that may, for example, include grips) and which can allow the elongated member to slide along the supporting anchor and provide frictional resistance to the motion of the elongated member during exercising.
Anchor 110 is used to provide a fixed anchor point for exercise device 100 and to support a user's weight as it is applied to elongated members 122 as indicated by an arrow F in
In one embodiment, the length L is adjustable over a length that allows for a wide range of exercises. Thus, for example and without limitation, length L can be varied in length from approximately 3 feet to 6 feet. In another embodiment, elongated member 122 has a width of approximately 1.5″.
When supported by a structure, such as door D (as shown, for example, in
In an alternative embodiment (not shown), elongated members 122 do not include lengthening mechanisms 135. In this embodiment, elongated members 122 are thus substantially inelastic and have a fixed length L between the pair of grips 123.
With reference to
Several embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. These embodiments are meant to be illustrative and not limiting to the scope of the claims.
Anchor 410 includes an inelastic, flexible elongated member 413 having an enlarged first end 411 that is wider than the strap, and a second end at attachment 415. Anchor 410 supports each of a pair of elongated members 422, indicated as elongated members 422a and 422b at attachment 415. Each elongated members 422 has a respective end 421, shown as end 421a and 421b, each forming a loop 425, shown as loop 425a and 425b, to support one of a pair of grips 423, shown as grip 423a and 423b. Each elongated member 422 also includes a pair of lengthening devices 435, shown without limitation, as buckle 435a and 435b. In addition, each elongated member 422 includes a member 429, shown as members 429a and 429b, that is sewn to strap 414 at attachment 415.
Elongated member 413 has an enlarged first end 411 that is wider than the elongated member, and a second end 417 that is attached to arms 422a and 422b. As shown in
Elongated members 422 are shown in greater detail in
The details of one of the pair of ends 421, including strap 429 to grip 423, and including buckle 435 are shown in
Buckle 435 has a frame 709, a first strap bar 705, a second strap bar 707, and a user movable cam 711. First strap bar 705 supports a loop of strap 427 that is preferably secured by stitches 703. Alternatively, strap 427 can be secured to bar 705 through a second member, such as another looped strap or a plastic or metal piece that loops about bar 705 and provides a location to attach strap 427. Strap 427 has an opposite end that is bound with stitches 701 to form loop 425 to secure grip 423, as described subsequently. Second strap bar 707 and cam 711 supports strap 429. It is to be understood that the use of stitches as described herein to fasten strap portions can also be accomplished through the use of other methods of fastening, such as glue or by melting strap portions together.
Cam 711 is spring loaded such that it normally restrains a strap 429, and that under the action of a user, such as by pushing or pulling the cam, the cam is moved to allow the strap to move. The distance between cam 711 and bar 707 is adjusted by the user and a spring within buckle 435 by pushing on cam 711, allowing strap 429 to slide between cam 711 and bar 707. Thus, each the length L can be adjusted by the user actuating cam 711 of buckle 435.
Grip 423 is shown in greater detail in the sectional view of
One of the pair of free ends 431 is shown in greater detail in
Each elongated member 1022 includes a buckle 1035, shown as buckle 1035a and 1035b. As shown in detail with respect to buckle 1035a, buckle 1035 includes a first ring 1031 and a second ring 1033 having a center bar 1032 and a tab 1036. Strap 427 is attached to both ring 1031 and 1033, and strap 429 passes through ring 1031, around bar 1032, and back through ring 1031. Buckle 1035a illustrates the buckle restraining straps 429 and 427. When tab 1032 is pulled to separate rings 1031 and 1033, as shown for buckle 1035b, the length of elongated member 1022 may be changed. Each strap 429 also includes a reinforced hole 1003, indicated as hole 1003a and 1003b.
Anchor 1010 includes inelastic, flexible elongated member 413, enlarged first end 411, a loop 1005, and a ring 1001. In one embodiment, ring 1001 is a gated ring, such as a carabineer, or a snap ring. Ring 1001 passes through holes 1003a and 1003b, thus supporting elongated members 1022a and 1022b, respectively. Holes 1003a and 1003b and ring 1001 form attachment 415.
While exercise device 100, and more specifically exercise device 400, has been described with respect to a particular embodiment, there are many alternative embodiments. Thus, for example, the elongated members could be round instead of the straps illustrated in the figures. In addition, the grips illustrated on devices 100, 400 and 1000 may be replaced with foot grips, finger grips, combination grips, or accessory grips, as described, for example in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/557,050, filed Dec. 6, 2006, incorporated herein by reference.
The inventive exercise device allows for a wide range of exercises. Examples of the many exercises that are possible are presented in TABLE 1 for the inventive device placed over the top of a door.
Specifically illustrated in
Although the invention(s) presented herein have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention(s) extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention(s) and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the invention(s) herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/973,111 filed Sep. 17, 2007, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made part of this specification.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60973111 | Sep 2007 | US |