Patent Application
20180126208
The present invention generally relates to exercise devices, and more particularly relates to systems and methods for resistive exercise of arms, legs and body in successive extension movements.
A variety of exercise devices are available. Conventional exercise devices tend to emphasize workout of particular body portions, for example, arms, legs, back and so forth. A more rounded and overall workout through stretch against resistance is desirable. Conventional resistive exercise devices have been unwieldy in use and storage, operable strictly for specific body size, complicated in adjustments and mechanisms, and otherwise less than favorable. These and other problems lead to lack of use in exercise and failure of equipment.
It would therefore be desirable, and a significant improvement in the art and technology, to provide resistive exercise systems and methods that overcome these deficiencies and provide rounded exercise against resistance.
An embodiment of the invention is a device for exercising. The device includes a first resistive member, a second resistive member, a first adjustment pad connected to the first resistive member, a second adjustment pad connected to the second resistive member, and a back resistive member connected to the first adjustment pad and the second adjustment pad.
Another embodiment of the invention is a method of manufacture of an exercise device. The method includes providing a first resistive member, providing a second resistive member, forming a first adjustment pad adjustably connected to the first resistive member, forming a second adjustment pad adjustably connected to the second resistive member, and providing a back resistive member connected to the first adjustment pad and the second adjustment pad.
Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of exercising. The method includes resting a back resistive member across the back around the neck, resting a first adjustment pad connected to the back resistive member, on the right breast near the shoulder, resting a second adjustment pad connected to the back resistive member, on the left breast near the shoulder, connecting a right ankle cuff to the right ankle, the right ankle cuff connected to a second resistive member connected to the second adjustment pad, and connecting a left ankle cuff to the left ankle, the left ankle cuff connected to a first resistive member connected to the first adjustment pad.
Another embodiment of the invention is a method of exercising. The method includes grasping a first adjustment pad in the left hand, the first adjustment pad connected to a back resistive member and a second resistive member, grasping a second adjustment pad in the right hand, the second adjustment pad connected to the back resistive member and a first resistive member, connecting a right ankle cuff to the right ankle, the right ankle cuff connected to the second resistive member, connecting a left ankle cuff to the left ankle, the left ankle cuff connected to the first resistive member, and placing the first adjustment pad and the second adjustment pad on a surface when in prone position.
Yet another embodiment of the invention is an exercise device. The exercise device includes a first adjustable resistance leg, a second adjustable resistance leg, a first cuff connected to the first adjustable resistance leg, a second cuff connected to the second adjustable resistance leg, a first retention device connected to the first adjustable resistance leg, a second retention device connected to the second adjustable resistance leg, and a mediate resistive member connected to the first retention device and the second retention device.
The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:
Referring to
In operation, the device 100 may be employed with the back resistive member 110 resting behind the neck along the back of the user. The first and second pads 106, 108 may be located on respective sides of the breast of the user. The first resistive member 102 may be connected via the first cuff 112 to a left ankle of the user. The second resistive member 104 may be connected via the second cuff 114 to a right ankle of the user.
The user may then proceed to exercise each leg against resistance by movement of the leg in extended position an arcing movement. For example, the left leg of the user may be passed in various extensions in an arc along the left side of the body. The right leg of the user may also be passed in various extensions in an arc along the right side of the body.
In the embodiments, length and, therefore, extent of resistance of the first and second resistive members 102, 104, may be adjusted via the first and second pads 106, 108, respectively. This adjustment may be made by varying the length of each of the first and second resistive members 102, 104, in relation to the first and second pads 106, 108. The first and second pads 106, 108 each include a respective adjustment device for varying lengths of extension of the first and second resistive members 102, 104.
Further in use, the device 100 may be employed on the floor with the first cuff 112 connected to the left ankle of the user, the second cuff connected to the right ankle of the user, and the first and second pads, respectively, grasped in the right and left hands, respectively. The user may position belly down towards the floor or on the floor, as applicable. Arms may be extended and rotated in respective arcs against resistance of the back resistive member 110 and the first and second resistive members 102, 104, respectively. Legs may also be extended and rotated through arcing positions against resistance of the first and second resistive members 102, 104, respectively.
Referring to
The bottom 204 may also be generally spherical and incorporated with or connected to a sliding ring 214. The bottom 204 is outwardly generally planar for resting against a user's breast or gliding over a surface, such as the floor. The sliding ring 214 may provide comfort when the pad 200 is engaged to the breast of a user, such as when employed in a standing configuration with a back resistive member around the neck. The sliding ring 214 may also provide smooth glide of the pad 200 over a generally planar surface, such as the floor when employed in a belly down configuration with the pad 200 held in the hand.
A first shield 216 may connect to the top 202 around the mediate cylinder 208. A second shield 218 may connect to the bottom 204 around the mediate cylinder 208. The first shield 216 and the second shield 218 may, in operation, facilitate sliding engagement of the back resistive member around the mediate cylinder 208.
The bottom 204 may connect to a cover plate 220. The cover plate 220 may removably connect to the bottom 204, such as by screws or other attachment device, to allow access to disassemble the bottom 204 and top 202 from connected engagement. For non-exclusive example, screws or other connection device may connect the top 202, the first shield 216, the second shield 218, and the bottom 204 in fixed connection. In such fixed connection, the first part of the mediate cylinder 208 and the matching second part of the mediate cylinder 208 are engaged forming the mediate cylinder 208, and the notch 210 is formed by matching engagement of the peripheral notch 210 of the top 202 with its match of the peripheral notch 210 of the bottom 204. The button 212 is retained in the peripheral notch 210, and may crimp a resistive member and allow selective disengagement for adjustment of the resistive member retained within the notch 210.
Referring to
The bottom 204 of the pad 300 includes on another (inward) side of the pad 400 a part of the mediate cylinder 208 and the peripheral notch 210. The peripheral notch 210 of the side of the pad 400 accepts the button 212 for operative engagement therein. A resistive member 402, such as a back resistive member, slidably engages the part of the mediate cylinder 208.
Referring to
The top 202 of the pad 500 includes on another (inward) side of the pad 600 another part of the mediate cylinder 208 and the peripheral notch 210. The part of the peripheral notch 210 of the side of the pad 600 also accepts the button 212 for operative engagement therein. The resistive member 402, such as a resistive back member, slidably engages the part of the mediate cylinder 208.
Referring to
Referring to
The mediate resistive member 810 connects to each of the first retention device 806 and the second retention device 808 in pivotal and/or sliding engagement therewith. For non-exclusive example, the mediate resistive member 810 is a resistive loop, such as a loop of rubber tubing, elastic strapping, or other force-resistive material, or other force resistive member or device. A pad 816 may retain the mediate resistive member 810, providing an organized and comfortable rest pad. The mediate resistive member 810 may be of fixed extension or otherwise may be adjustable in length or extent as applicable in the embodiment.
The first resistance leg 802 and the second resistance leg 804 are each a force resistive member that is adjustable in length and resistance in respect of the first and second retention devices 806, 808, respectively. Each of the first resistance leg 802 and second resistance leg 804 is, for example, a loop or length of rubber tubing, elastic strapping or other force-resistive material, or other force resistive member or device. The loop or length of the first and second resistance legs 802, 804, may each include a ferrule or guide 818, 820 that loopingly connects a respective end of the legs 802, 804, respectively. The ferrule or guide 818, 820 may slidingly connect the respective end of the legs 802, 804, respectively, to extent of the legs, 802, 804, respectively, connected to the first and second cuffs 812, 814, respectively.
The first and second cuffs 812, 814 are each, for non-exclusive example, braided material, for example, nylon, cotton, or other material or materials, sufficient for wrapping an ankle of a user. The first and second cuffs 812, 814 may each attach by hook and loop (e.g., Velcro™), clasp, button, snap, hook or other closure, forming a loop or cuff for attachment to a respective ankle of the user. The first and second cuffs 812, 814, respectively, connect to a respective end of the first and second resistance legs 802, 804, respectively, opposite the ferrule or guide 818, 820, respectively.
Each of the first and second retention devices 806, 808, respectively, connect to the first and second resistance legs 802, 804, respectively, and opposing extents of the mediate resistive member 810. The first and second retention devices 806, 808 each include a respective adjustable grip, such as, for non-exclusive example, a notch and button, for securely and adjustably retaining the first and second resistance legs 802, 804, respectively. The first retention device 806 retains the first resistance leg 802 in fixed length of the cuff 812 in relation to the first retention device 806. The second retention device 808 retains the second resistance leg 804 in fixed length of the cuff 814 in relation to the second retention device 808. Because each of the legs 802, 804 is a force resistive member, the fixed lengths may each be varied through respective force asserted against resistance of the legs 802, 804, respectively, with respect to the retention devices 806, 808, respectively, and force asserted against resistance of the mediate resistive member 810 with respect to the retention devices 806, 808.
In operation, the mediate resistive member 810 is placed along the user's back and around the neck. The first and second retention devices 806, 808 are rested on the breast of the user near the shoulders. The first and second resistance legs 802, 806 extend on the front of the user and along the legs. The first and second cuffs 812, 814 are connected to respective left and right ankles of the user.
The user, in a standing position, moves one and then the other leg in respective arcuate movements, extending the leg against resistance of the first and second resistance legs 802, 806, respectively, and the mediate resistive member 810. Movements of the leg are sweeped from right to left side, and may be in increments of radial extension. The user makes the movements with one leg, while the other leg is extending and standing. The user then makes the movements with the other leg, while the first leg is extending and standing. Timing of incremental or continuous movements of the legs is subject to discretion and desired results for the user.
Further in operation, the first and second resistance devices 806, 808 are placed on the ground, with each hand of the user holding one of the first and second retention devices 806, 808, respectively. The user poses in a face down, prone position, with the first and second resistance legs 802, 804, respectively, extending along the ground and in connection to the left and right ankles, respectively of the user. The user extends the legs in arcuate movements or in forward and aft movements against resistance of the legs 802, 806.
The user, in prone position, may also exercise the arms against resistance of the mediate resistive member 810 and the legs 802, 804, by extending the arms outwardly from the body with the first and second retention devices 806, 808 held cupped in respective hands. The arms are extended in arcuate or sweeping movements along the ground, such as a floor, and may be in increments of radial extension. The user makes movements with one arm and hand cupping one of the first and second retention devices 806, 808, while the other arm and hand retains balance and cups the other of the first and second retention device 808, 806. The user then makes the movements with the other arm and hand cupping the retention device 808, 806, while the first arm and hand retains balance and cups the other of the retention device 806, 808. Timing of incremental or continuous movements of the arms and hands is subject to discretion and desired results for the user.
Referring to
The first and second retention devices 806, 808 rest on either side of the user's breast near the shoulders. The first cuff 812 connects to the left ankle of the user, and the second cuff 814 connects to the right ankle of the user. In use, the user stands on one leg, such as the right leg, and extends the other leg, such as the left leg, in intermittent or continuous (as desired) arcuate movements, for example, in the direction indicated by arrow A. On completing exercise with the left leg in arcuate movement of the direction A, the user stands on the other leg, such as the left leg, and extends the other leg, such as the right leg, in similar intermittent or continuous (as desired) arcuate movements.
Referring to
Various floor exercises are possible in the embodiments. As a non-exclusive example, the user may exercise legs against resistance of the first and second resistance legs 804, 806 in the direction of arrow A. The user may also, in non-exclusive example, move the feet to stretch against resistance in intermittent or continuous arcuate movements in the direction of arrow B. The user may rest one or both knees on one or more floor pad 1002 if one leg is exercised against resistance at a time. The user may also, in non-exclusive example, move the hands and arms to stretch against resistance in intermittent or continuous arcuate movements in the direction of arrow C. The user may rest both knees on floor pads 1002 or the like to maintain balance when stretching arms against resistance.
In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems and device(s), connection(s) and element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprises, “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
